Drug supply device

Abstract

To reduce an occupied space in a cross direction of a medicine feeding device.SOLUTION: A dispensing table unit 100 has a placement part 130 and a dispensing table 120. A selected case 300a selected from multiple cases 300 can be placed on the placement part 130. The dispensing table 120 is positioned below the placement part 130. A conveyance unit 400 is provided movably along each rear side of a case rack 200 and the dispensing table unit 100. The conveyance unit 400 conveys the selected case 300a between the case rack 200 and the placement part 130. The selected case 300a placed on the placement part 130 is positioned on the rear side in comparison with each of the multiple cases 300 stored in the case rack 200.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0007] In one embodiment of the present invention, a part of the dispensing table is located below the placing portion. In one aspect of the present invention, when the transport unit moves in the left-right direction inside the dispensing table unit, the transport unit overlaps with the placement section when viewed from the top-bottom direction.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present invention, the dispensing table is located rearward of the front end of the case rack when viewed from the left-right direction.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present invention, the mounting section is capable of being pulled out in the front-to-rear direction, and when pulled out and positioned at the most forward position, the front end of the mounting section is located behind the front end of the dispensing table.

[0010] In one aspect of the present invention, the dispensing table unit has a storage space formed at least one of a position below the dispensing table and a position above the placing portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, the space occupied by the medicine supply device in the front-rear direction can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1]1 is a perspective view of a medicine supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above on the front side; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of the medicine supply device of FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a side view of the medicine supply device of FIG. 1 as seen from the right side. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the medicine supply device of FIG. [Figure 5] 1 is a perspective view of a medicine supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above on the rear side. [Figure 6] 1 is a perspective view of the medicine supply device according to the embodiment of the present invention, seen from above on the rear side, showing a state in which a transport unit has moved above a placement unit. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a case according to an embodiment of the present invention, seen from above. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a case body according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a case body according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from below. [Figure 10] 1 is a perspective view of the medicine supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention, seen from above on the front side, with a mounting portion pulled out. FIG. [Figure 11] 1 is a perspective view of the periphery of a mounting portion of a dispensing table unit according to one embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above on the front side. [Figure 12] 1 is a perspective view of the periphery of a mounting portion of a dispensing table unit according to one embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above on the rear side. [Figure 13] 1 is a perspective view of a wall portion of a mounting portion according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from below on the rear side. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a side view of the dispensing table unit according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which a mounting portion is being pulled out. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a side view of the dispensing table unit according to the embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which a placing section is pulled out. [Figure 16] 10 is a perspective view of the conveying unit according to the embodiment of the present invention, seen from the front, with the claws retracted. FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the conveying unit according to the embodiment of the present invention, seen from the side, with the claws retracted. [Figure 18] 1 is a perspective view of a conveying unit according to an embodiment of the present invention, seen from the front, with the claws of the conveying unit in an advanced position. [Figure 19] 10 is a perspective view of the conveying unit according to the embodiment of the present invention, seen from the side, with the claws in an advanced position. FIG. [Figure 20] 10 is a perspective view showing a state in which the transport unit is positioned behind a selected case stored in the case rack. FIG. [Figure 21] 21 is a partial cross-sectional view of the state of FIG. 20 as seen from the side. [Figure 22] 10 is a partial cross-sectional view, seen from the side, of a transport unit located behind a selected case stored in a case rack, in which a claw portion has rotated to rise. FIG. [Figure 23] 10 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state in which the claw portion engaged with the inner surface of the engagement portion of the selection case is retracted. FIG. [Figure 24] 10 is a perspective view of the transport unit seen from the front in a state in which the claws engaged with the inner surfaces of the engagement portions of the selection case have finished retracting. FIG. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the transport unit of FIG. 24 as viewed in the direction of the arrow XXV. [Figure 26] FIG. 10 is a front view showing the pair of support arms positioned at the retracted position. [Figure 27] 27 is a side view of the pair of support arms in FIG. 26 when viewed from the direction of arrow XXVII, when the pair of support arms are positioned at the retracted position. [Figure 28] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a horizontal movement mechanism and a vertical movement mechanism. [Figure 29] FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view seen from the rear side of the transport unit positioned near the boundary between the case rack and the dispensing table unit. [Figure 30] 30 is a partial side view of the state of FIG. 29 as seen from the direction of arrow XXX. [Figure 31] 31 is a partial side view of the horizontal movement mechanism of FIG. 28 as seen from the direction of arrow XXXI. [Figure 32] FIG. 10 is a side view of the transport unit positioned above the mounting section. [Figure 33] FIG. 33 is an enlarged side view of a portion XXXIII of FIG. 32. [Figure 34] 10 is a partial perspective view of the transport unit positioned behind a case placed on the uppermost shelf of the case rack, as viewed from above. FIG. [Figure 35] 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control circuit included in the medicine supply device according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 36] FIG. 10 is a rear view of a medicine supply device according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] A medicine supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description of the embodiment, the same or corresponding parts in the drawings will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their description will not be repeated. In the specification, the left and right directions are described as directions when the medicine supply device is viewed from the front side. The front of the medicine supply device may be referred to as the front side, and the back of the medicine supply device may be referred to as the rear side.

[0014] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a medicine supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention, seen from above the front side. Fig. 2 is a front view of the medicine supply device of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a side view of the medicine supply device of Fig. 1, seen from the right side. Fig. 4 is a rear view of the medicine supply device of Fig. 1. Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the medicine supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention, seen from above the rear side. Figs. 3 and 5 show a state in which the right side plate of the dispensing table unit has been removed.

[0015] 1 to 5, a medicine supply device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a dispensing table unit 100, a case rack 200, and a transport unit 400. In this embodiment, two case racks 200 are arranged side by side on the left side of the dispensing table unit 100 when viewed from the front, but the arrangement of the dispensing table unit 100 and the case rack 200 is not limited to this. A plurality of case racks 200 may be arranged to sandwich the dispensing table unit 100 on either the left or right, or one case rack 200 may be arranged on either the left or right side of the dispensing table unit 100. In this way, the dispensing table unit 100 is arranged adjacent to the case rack 200 in the left-right direction.

[0016] The case rack 200 stores a plurality of cases 300 in which medicines are stored. The case rack 200 includes a housing 210, a shelf portion 220, a drawer table 230, and an opening / closing door 240.

[0017] The plurality of shelf board sections 220 are arranged at intervals from one another in the vertical direction on the front side inside the housing 210. On each of the plurality of shelf board sections 220, a plurality of cases 300 are placed side by side in the horizontal direction.

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

[0019] Drawer table 230 is configured to be able to be pulled out in front of housing 210. Drawer table 230 is arranged between an upper region and a lower region of housing 210. Drawer table 230 is configured to be able to place trays, cases 300 (not shown), and the like that can contain medicines. Drawer table 230 does not necessarily have to be arranged.

[0020] The opening / closing door 240 is disposed in front of the housing 210 and is configured to be able to open and close the front side of the housing 210. In this embodiment, a pair of opening / closing doors 240 is provided in each of the upper and lower regions of the housing 210. The opening / closing doors 240 are configured to be able to open and close in the left-right direction while folding back. In Figures 1 and 2, the opening / closing door 240 on the right side when viewed from the front is not shown. The opening / closing door 240 is configured to be able to switch between a locked state and an unlocked state.

[0021] The case rack 200 is configured so that, when the opening / closing door 240 is unlocked and open, multiple cases 300 can be taken in and out from the front of the case rack 200. Conversely, when the opening / closing door 240 is closed and locked, multiple cases 300 cannot be taken in and out from the front of the case rack 200.

[0022] The dispensing stand unit 100 has a mounting section 130 and a dispensing stand 120. The dispensing stand unit 100 further includes a housing 110, a lower storage space 140, an upper storage space 150, a display section 160, a touch panel 170, a code reader 180, a printer 190, and an indicator light 161. The maximum depth dimension of the dispensing stand unit 100 in the front-to-rear direction is, for example, 700 mm.

[0023] In the housing 110, the portion above the placing portion 130 has a front surface positioned further back than the portion below the dispensing stand 120. In this embodiment, openings 111 are formed on the front surface of the housing 110 above the dispensing stand 120. Five openings 111 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction. The number of openings 111 is not limited to five, and may be one or more.

[0024] A selected case 300a selected from the plurality of cases 300 can be placed on the placement section 130. In this embodiment, the placement section 130 includes a base section 131 on which the selected case 300a is placed, and a wall section 132 attached to the front end of the base section 131. The wall section 132 is configured to be able to open and close the opening 111. Note that the placement section 130 does not necessarily have to include the wall section 132, and in this case, a shutter that opens and closes the opening 111 may be provided in the housing 110.

[0025] The mounting portion 130 is configured to be removable in the front-to-rear direction relative to the housing 110 through the opening 111. Note that the mounting portion 130 does not necessarily have to be removable, and in this case, an opening is formed in a portion of the housing 110 located above the mounting portion 130, allowing the drug to be put in and taken out of the selection case 300a.

[0026] The dispensing stand 120 is configured so that a tray or the like capable of containing medicines can be placed on it. The dispensing stand 120 is located below the placing section 130. A part of the dispensing stand 120 is located below the placing section 130. Specifically, the rear part of the dispensing stand 120 is located directly below the placing section 130. The dispensing stand 120 and the placing section 130 are provided with a gap between them in the vertical direction. A storage space 112 is formed between the dispensing stand 120 and the placing section 130. A tray or the like that contains medicines taken out of the selection case 300a can be inserted into the storage space 112 from the front.

[0027] 3, the dispensing table 120 is located behind the front end of the case rack 200 when viewed from the left-right direction. In this embodiment, the front end of the case rack 200 is the front end of the handle of the opening and closing door 240.

[0028] The front end of the mounting section 130 is located behind the front end of the case rack 200. As shown in Figure 5, the selected case 300a mounted on the mounting section 130 is located behind each of the multiple cases 300 stored in the case rack 200.

[0029] The lower storage space 140 can store other cases having a shape or size different from that of the case 300, or medicines, etc. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the lower storage space 140 is formed in the housing 110 at a position below the dispensing table 120. In this embodiment, a plurality of drawers are arranged in the lower storage space 140, but this is not limited thereto and shelves may also be arranged therein. The lower storage space 140 does not necessarily have to be formed.

[0030] The upper storage space 150 can store other cases having a different shape or size from the case 300, or medicines, etc. The upper storage space 150 is formed in the housing 110 at a position above the dispensing table 120. In this embodiment, a shelf is arranged in the upper storage space 150, but this is not limited thereto, and multiple drawers may be arranged therein. The upper storage space 150 does not necessarily have to be formed.

[0031] The display unit 160 is formed on the front surface of the housing 110, above the opening 111. The display unit 160 lights up when the selection case 300a is placed on the placement unit 130, thereby indicating that the selection case 300a is placed on the placement unit 130.

[0032] The touch panel 170 is provided on the front surface of the housing 110, between the display unit 160 and the upper storage space 150 in the vertical direction, and at approximately the center of the housing 110 in the horizontal direction.

[0033] The touch panel 170 can display patient prescription information and the like, and can also accept a selection operation to select an arbitrary case 300 from a plurality of cases 300. The touch panel 170 is electrically connected to a control unit (not shown).

[0034] The code reader 180 is provided on the front surface of the housing 110, to the right of the touch panel 170. The code reader 180 reads a code such as a barcode attached to a box containing a medicine. The code reader 180 is electrically connected to the control unit.

[0035] When refilling the selection case 300a with medicine, the medicine to be refilled can be recognized by the control unit by reading the code with the code reader 180. If the control unit recognizes a medicine different from the medicine to be refilled, it displays an alarm on the touch panel 170. This makes it possible to prevent the wrong medicine from being refilled.

[0036] Printer 190 is provided on the front surface of housing 110, to the left of touch panel 170. Printer 190 is capable of printing the patient's name, prescription information, etc. Printer 190 is electrically connected to the control unit.

[0037] The indicator light 161 is provided on the ceiling of the housing 110. The indicator light 161 indicates whether or not there is an abnormality in the medicine supply device 1. Specifically, the indicator light 161 displays blue when the medicine supply device 1 is normal, and displays red when there is an abnormality in the medicine supply device 1. The indicator light 161 is electrically connected to the control unit.

[0038] 6 is a perspective view of the medicine supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention, seen from above the rear side, showing the state in which the transport unit has moved above the mounting section. As shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, the transport unit 400 is provided movably behind the case rack 200 and the dispensing table unit 100. The transport unit 400 transports the selected case 300a between the case rack 200 and the mounting section 130.

[0039] The transport unit 400 is configured to be movable in the left-right and up-down directions by being connected to a horizontal movement mechanism 500 and a vertical movement mechanism 600. Each of the transport unit 400, the horizontal movement mechanism 500, and the vertical movement mechanism 600 is electrically connected to a control unit.

[0040] The transport unit 400 is configured to be movable only when the opening / closing door 240 is closed and locked. Specifically, the control unit drives each of the transport unit 400, the horizontal movement mechanism 500, and the vertical movement mechanism 600 only when it recognizes that the opening / closing door 240 is locked.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 5, when the transport unit 400 moves within the case rack 200, the transport unit 400 is positioned behind the case 300 placed on the shelf portion 220.

[0042] 6, the transport unit 400 moves left and right above the mounting section 130 inside the dispensing table unit 100. When the transport unit 400 moves left and right inside the dispensing table unit 100, the transport unit 400 overlaps with the mounting section 130 when viewed from the top and bottom. That is, the transport unit 400 is configured to pass through a position that overlaps with the selection case 300a placed on the mounting section 130 when viewed from the top and bottom, and is not configured to pass behind the selection case 300a without overlapping with the selection case 300a placed on the mounting section 130.

[0043] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an identification code 340 is attached to the front of each of the multiple cases 300. The identification code 340 is a code for identifying the medicine stored in the case 300. When multiple medicines are stored in the case 300, multiple identification codes 340 may be attached to the case 300. The identification code 340 may be, for example, a barcode or a QR code (registered trademark). The identification code 340 may be attached to the side of the case 300 instead of the front of the case 300. The identification code 340 does not necessarily have to be attached to the case 300.

[0044] 4, an identification code 350 is attached to the rear surface of each of the multiple cases 300. The identification code 350 is a code for identifying each individual case 300. The identification code 350 is, for example, a barcode, a QR code (registered trademark), or a Chameleon code (registered trademark).

[0045] Here, the case 300 according to this embodiment will be described. Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a case according to one embodiment of the present invention, seen from above. Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a case main body according to one embodiment of the present invention, seen from above. Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a case main body according to one embodiment of the present invention, seen from below.

[0046] 7 to 9, the case 300 includes a case main body 310, a fractional part accommodating section 320, and a partition plate 330. Each of the fractional part accommodating section 320 and the partition plate 330 is formed so as to be able to be placed inside the case main body 310.

[0047] Fraction storage section 320 is a small case that stores fractional amounts of medicines packaged in a PTP (Press Through Package) packaging sheet, for example. When multiple types of medicines are stored in case 300, partition plate 330 divides the inside of case body 310 into multiple areas so that each type of medicine can be stored separately.

[0048] Case body 310 has a bottom 310b, and a front wall 310f, a rear wall 310r, and a pair of side walls 310s that stand upright from the periphery of bottom 310b. Case body 310 further has a transparent support part 311 that faces front wall 310f with slit 317 therebetween. Case body 310 is formed by integral molding of resin.

[0049] Transparent support part 311 is a part that supports a card with the name of a drug inserted into slit 317 from above so that the card can be seen from the front side of case 300. Specifically, the lower end of transparent support part 311 is bent backward, and the card is supported at this bent part.

[0050] Steps 312 extending in the front-rear direction are formed on a pair of side walls 310s of the case body 310. The outer width of the case body 310 in the left-right direction is wider at the upper part than at the lower part of the step 312. The inner width of the case body 310 in the left-right direction is also wider at the upper part than at the lower part of the step 312.

[0051] A pair of protrusions 313 extending in the left-right direction is formed on the upper surface of the rear wall 310r of the case main body 310. The pair of protrusions 313 are formed on both ends of the upper surface of the rear wall 310r of the case main body 310 in the left-right direction.

[0052] 9, a pair of recesses 314 are formed at the rear end of the bottom 310b of the case body 310. The pair of recesses 314 are formed at both left-right ends of the bottom 310b of the case body 310. Each of the pair of recesses 314 is open to the rear. That is, the inner wall surface of each of the pair of recesses 314 is composed of a pair of side wall surfaces 314s facing each other in the left-right direction and a front wall surface 314f connecting the pair of side wall surfaces 314s.

[0053] 7 and 8, a plurality of grooves 315 into which both left and right ends of the partition plate 330 are inserted are formed in the inner surfaces of the pair of side wall portions 310s of the case body 310 above the step portion 312. Each of the plurality of grooves 315 extends in the up-down direction.

[0054] On the inner surface of a pair of side wall portions 310s of the case main body 310, groove portions 316 are formed in the upper part of the step portion 312 to engage with protrusions 321 formed on each of a pair of side surfaces of the fractional part accommodating portion 320 and position the fractional part accommodating portion 320 in the front-to-rear direction.

[0055] 9, an engagement portion 318 that engages with a claw portion of the transport unit 400 (described later) is formed on the rear side of the upper end portion of the rear wall portion 310r of the case main body 310. The engagement portion 318 faces the upper end portion of the rear wall portion 310r with a gap in the front-to-rear direction. The engagement portion 318 is connected to a flange that extends rearward from the upper end portion of the rear wall portion 310r.

[0056] Here, the configuration of the placement unit 130 according to this embodiment and the configuration of the periphery of the placement unit 130 in the dispensing table unit 100 will be described.

[0057] Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a medicine supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention, seen from above on the front side, with the mounting section pulled out. Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the periphery of the mounting section of a dispensing table unit according to one embodiment of the present invention, seen from above on the front side. Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the periphery of the mounting section of a dispensing table unit according to one embodiment of the present invention, seen from above on the rear side. Fig. 13 is a perspective view of a wall portion of the mounting section according to one embodiment of the present invention, seen from below on the rear side. Fig. 14 is a side view of a dispensing table unit according to one embodiment of the present invention, seen from the side, with the mounting section being pulled out. Fig. 15 is a side view of a dispensing table unit according to one embodiment of the present invention, seen from the side, with the mounting section pulled out.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 10, the front end of the placement portion 130 in the pulled-out and most forward position is located behind the front end of the dispensing table 120.

[0059] 10 and 15, when the mounting portion 130 is pulled out and positioned at the frontmost position, the mounting portion 130 is inclined so that the front end of the mounting portion 130 is positioned lower than the rear end of the mounting portion 130. The front end of the mounting portion 130 is the wall surface portion 132, and the rear end of the mounting portion 130 is the rear end of the base portion 131.

[0060] As shown in FIGS. 11, 12, 14, and 15, the base portion 131 has a flat plate shape. An opening 131h is formed in the base portion 131. A pair of rollers 131r are provided at the bottom of the base portion 131 with a gap between them in the left-right direction. Each of the pair of rollers 131r is provided rotatably around a rotation axis extending in the left-right direction. As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, a dog 131a and an attached portion 131p are provided at the bottom of the base portion 131. The dog 131a and the attached portion 131p are each made of a single bent metal plate.

[0061] 11 to 15, a handle 132a is formed on the lower part of the wall surface part 132. The placement part 130 can be pulled out by hooking the handle 132a and pulling it.

[0062] An opening 132b is formed in the upper part of the wall surface portion 132. A transparent plate 133 that closes the opening 132b is attached to the rear surface of the wall surface portion 132. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 12, a pair of protrusions 132c is provided on the rear surface of the wall surface portion 132. The transparent plate 133 is attached to the wall surface portion 132 by inserting the pair of protrusions 132c into a pair of through holes formed in the transparent plate 133 and fitting retaining rings 134 onto each of the pair of protrusions 132c.

[0063] This makes it possible to view the card with the name of the medicine attached to the selection case 300a from the front side of the wall portion 132 through the transparent plate 133 and the transparent support portion 311.

[0064] 12 to 15, a protrusion 132d that engages with the upper surface of the front end of the selection case 300a is formed on the upper part of the rear surface of the wall surface portion 132. Specifically, a pair of protrusions 132d are formed spaced apart in the left-right direction on the upper part of the rear surface of the wall surface portion 132. The lower surface of each of the pair of protrusions 132d is flat.

[0065] 12, 14, and 15, a proximity sensor 10, a position detection sensor 11, an electromagnet 12, a guide rail 113, a roller 114, and a contact portion 115 are provided around the mounting portion 130 of the dispensing table unit 100. Each of the proximity sensor 10, the position detection sensor 11, and the electromagnet 12 is electrically connected to the control portion.

[0066] The proximity sensor 10 detects that the selection case 300a has been placed on the placement portion 130. The proximity sensor 10 is disposed below the opening 131h of the base portion 131 when the placement portion 130 is not pulled out, and detects the presence or absence of the selection case 300a on the base portion 131 through the opening 131h.

[0067] The position detection sensor 11 detects that the mounting portion 130 is located at the origin position in the front-to-rear direction when the mounting portion 130 is not pulled out. Specifically, the position detection sensor 11 detects that the mounting portion 130 is located at the origin position by detecting a dog 131a provided on the lower part of the base portion 131. In this embodiment, the position detection sensor 11 is a microphotosensor, but is not limited to this and may be, for example, a limit switch.

[0068] The electromagnet 12 can be locked to prevent the placement portion 130 from moving. Specifically, when a current is supplied to the electromagnet 12, the electromagnet 12 attracts the attraction portion 131p provided on the lower part of the base portion 131, thereby locking the placement portion 130 so that it cannot move from the origin position. When the supply of current to the electromagnet 12 is stopped, the lock on the placement portion 130 is released.

[0069] The guide rails 113 define the movement trajectory of rollers 131r provided at the bottom of the base portion 131. Specifically, a pair of guide rails 113 are arranged below the placement portion 130, spaced apart in the left-right direction, so as to extend in the front-rear direction. Each of the pair of guide rails 113 has a through groove extending in the front-rear direction. A portion of the front side of the through groove is inclined so as to be positioned upward as it approaches the front. The rollers 131r move while rolling inside the through groove. This causes the placement portion 130 to move in the front-rear direction.

[0070] 14 and 15, roller 114 is in rolling contact with base portion 131 while placing portion 130 is being pulled out, and serves as a fulcrum when placing portion 130 rotates and tilts. Specifically, roller 114 is rotatably supported at a position behind the lower portion of opening 111.

[0071] As the roller 131r advances and rises along the inclined portion of the through groove of the guide rail 113, the base portion 131 rotates around the portion supported by the roller 114 as the rotation center, thereby tilting.

[0072] 15, the abutment portion 115 abuts from above against the rear portion of the selection case 300a placed on the placement portion 130 when it is pulled out and positioned at the frontmost position. Specifically, the abutment portion 115 is provided on the housing 110 and is provided at a position behind the upper portion of the opening 111 so as to be able to engage with each of the pair of protrusions 313. In this embodiment, the abutment portion 115 is made of sheet metal, but is not limited to this and may be made of rubber or the like.

[0073] When the mounting portion 130 is tilted, the upper surface of the front end of the selection case 300a placed on the mounting portion 130 is pressed down by the protrusion 132d, and the rear portion of the selection case 300a is pressed down by the protrusion 313, so that the selection case 300a cannot be easily removed from the mounting portion 130.

[0074] Here, the configuration of the transport unit 400 will be described. Fig. 16 is a perspective view of a transport unit according to an embodiment of the present invention, seen from the front, with the claws retracted. Fig. 17 is a perspective view of a transport unit according to an embodiment of the present invention, seen from the side, with the claws retracted. Fig. 18 is a perspective view of a transport unit according to an embodiment of the present invention, seen from the front, with the claws advanced. Fig. 19 is a perspective view of a transport unit according to an embodiment of the present invention, seen from the side, with the claws advanced.

[0075] 16 to 19, the transport unit 400 includes a housing 410, a motor 420, a pair of rotary shafts 430, a pair of support arms 440, a claw portion 450, a push plate 460, and a code reader 470. The claw portion 450, the push plate 460, and the code reader 470 are configured to be movable together in the front-to-rear direction inside the housing 410. Specifically, the claw portion 450, the push plate 460, and the code reader 470 are configured to be movable in the front-to-rear direction by a feed screw mechanism.

[0076] The housing 410 is open at the lower front and bottom so that it can accommodate and support the selection case 300a. The housing 410 is connected to a connection attachment 630 of the vertical movement mechanism 600 so that the transport unit 400 can be driven by the horizontal movement mechanism 500 and the vertical movement mechanism 600.

[0077] The motor 420 is fixed to the housing 410. The motor 420 drives a pair of rotation shafts 430. The pair of rotation shafts 430 are rotatably attached to opposing inner surfaces of the lower part of the housing 410. Each of the pair of rotation shafts 430 extends in the front-rear direction.

[0078] The pair of support arms 440 are attached one to each of the pair of rotation shafts 430. Each of the pair of support arms 440 rotates together with the rotation shaft 430 around the rotation shaft 430 to which it is attached. Each of the pair of support arms 440 is configured to be able to support the selection case 300a by supporting the step portion 312 of the selection case 300a from below.

[0079] The claw portion 450 is configured to be able to engage with the inner surface of the engagement portion 318 of the selection case 300a. The claw portion 450 is supported so as to be able to rotate in the up and down direction.

[0080] The push plate 460 is configured so as to be able to come into contact with the outer surface of the engagement portion 318 of the selection case 300a. The push plate 460 is located above the claw portion 450.

[0081] The code reader 470 is configured to be able to read the identification code 350 attached to the selection case 300a. The code reader 470 is located behind the push plate 460.

[0082] Fig. 20 is a perspective view showing a state in which the transport unit is positioned behind a selected case stored in a case rack, and Fig. 21 is a partial cross-sectional view of the state in Fig. 20 as seen from the side.

[0083] Here, the configuration of the shelf portion 220 of the case rack 200 will be described. As shown in Figures 20 and 21, the shelf portion 220 of the case rack 200 is provided with stoppers 223. The stoppers 223 regulate the position of each of the multiple cases 300 in the front-to-rear direction when each of the multiple cases 300 is inserted into the case rack 200 from the front. Moreover, the stoppers 223 allow each of the multiple cases 300 to move in the front-to-rear direction when each of the multiple cases 300 is inserted into or removed from the case rack 200 from the rear.

[0084] Specifically, the shelf board portion 220 is provided with a plurality of guide walls 221 that define the position of the case 300 in the left-right direction when the case 300 is inserted from the front into the case rack 200. The case 300 is inserted between the guide walls 221.

[0085] A pair of openings 222 are formed at a distance in the left-right direction on the rear side of the shelf board portion 220. Two stoppers 223 are arranged to protrude from each of the pair of openings 222. Each of the two stoppers 223 can be changed between a state in which it protrudes from the opening 222 and a state in which it does not protrude from the opening 222, and is biased by a spring in the direction in which it protrudes from the opening 222.

[0086] When the case 300 is inserted into the case rack 200 from the front, the front wall surface 314f of the recess 314 formed in the bottom 310b of the case body 310 comes into contact with the stopper 223, thereby positioning the case 300 in the front-to-rear direction.

[0087] When case 300 is inserted into or removed from case rack 200 from the rear, stopper 223 is pressed from above by bottom 310b of case 300, so that stopper 223 does not protrude from opening 222. When stopper 223 does not protrude from opening 222, movement of case 300 in the front-to-rear direction is permitted.

[0088] Here, we will explain the operation of the transport unit 400 when it receives and supports the selected case 300a from the case rack 200. The transport unit 400 moves behind the case rack 200 with the claws 450 retracted, and stops at a position behind the selected case 300a. As shown in Figures 20 and 21, as the claws 450 move forward, the claws 450 are positioned below the engagement portions 318 of the selected case 300a.

[0089] 22 is a partial cross-sectional side view of a transport unit located behind a selection case stored in a case rack, showing a state in which the claw portion 450 has rotated to rise. As shown in FIG. 22, when the claw portion 450 rotates to rise, the claw portion 450 engages with the inner surface of the engagement portion 318 of the selection case 300a.

[0090] When the conveying unit 400 is slightly raised with the claw portion 450 engaged with the inner surface of the engagement portion 318 of the selection case 300a, the rear side of the selection case 300a is lifted, as shown in Fig. 22, and the engagement between the recessed portion 314 of the selection case 300a and the stopper 223 is released. Note that the configuration may be such that when the claw portion 450 rotates to rise, the rear side of the selection case 300a is lifted, and the engagement between the recessed portion 314 of the selection case 300a and the stopper 223 is released. Alternatively, the configuration may be such that the stopper 223 retracts from the recessed portion 314 of the selection case 300a.

[0091] Figure 23 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state in which the claws engaged with the inner surfaces of the engagement portions of the selection case are retracted. As shown in Figure 23, when the feed screw mechanism 480 is driven, the claws 450 engaged with the inner surfaces of the engagement portions 318 of the selection case 300a are retracted, causing the selection case 300a to slide along the shelf portion 220 and be pulled out rearward. At this time, the stopper 223 is pressed from above by the bottom portion 310b of the selection case 300a and is not protruding from the opening 222.

[0092] In this way, when the transport unit 400 pulls out the selection case 300a stored in the case rack 200 to the rear of the case rack 200, it lifts the rear side of the selection case 300a so that the selection case 300a can pass over the stopper 223.

[0093] Fig. 24 is a perspective view of the transport unit as seen from the front, with the claws engaged with the inner surfaces of the engagement parts of the selection case having finished retracting. Fig. 25 is a perspective view of the transport unit as seen from the direction of arrow XXV.

[0094] When the transport unit 400 pulls out the selected case 300a stored in the case rack 200 to the rear of the case rack 200, the transport unit 400 positions each of the pair of support arms 440 at the support position.

[0095] 24 and 25, when the claws 450 engaged with the inner surfaces of the engagement portions 318 of the selection case 300a have finished retracting, the pair of support arms 440 are each positioned at the support position and support the step portions 312 of the selection case 300a from below. This allows the selection case 300a to be housed and supported by the transport unit 400. The transport unit 400, which has housed and supported the selection case 300a, moves to a position above the placement unit 130 and then descends until the selection case 300a it is supporting is located directly above the base portion 131 of the placement unit 130.

[0096] Fig. 26 is a front view showing the pair of support arms in the retracted position, as viewed from the front. Fig. 27 is a side view showing the pair of support arms in the retracted position as viewed from the direction of arrow XXVII.

[0097] When the selection case 300a is positioned directly above the base 131 of the mounting unit 130, the pair of rotation shafts 430 are driven by the motor 420, as shown in FIGS. 26 and 27. This causes each of the pair of support arms 440 to rotate together with the rotation shaft 430 about the rotation shaft 430 to which it is attached, and moves to a retracted position below the pair of rotation shafts 430. This causes the selection case 300a to be mounted on the mounting unit 130.

[0098] Here, the configurations of the horizontal movement mechanism 500 that moves the transport unit 400 in the horizontal direction and the vertical movement mechanism 600 that moves the transport unit 400 in the vertical direction will be described.

[0099] Fig. 28 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the horizontal movement mechanism and the vertical movement mechanism. Fig. 29 is a partial perspective view from the rear side showing a state in which the transport unit is positioned near the boundary between the case rack and the dispensing table unit. Fig. 30 is a partial side view of the state in Fig. 29 as seen from the direction of arrow XXX. Fig. 31 is a partial side view of the horizontal movement mechanism in Fig. 28 as seen from the direction of arrow XXXI.

[0100] As shown in Figures 28 to 31, the horizontal movement mechanism 500 includes a movable base 590, a motor 510, a lower pinion 520, an upper pinion 521, a lower rack 530, an upper rack 531, a lower rail 540, an upper rail 541, a pair of lower rollers 550, a pair of upper rollers 551, a movable horizontal dog 560, a fixed horizontal dog 570, and a connecting shaft 580.

[0101] Movable base 590 is configured to be movable in the left-right direction. Specifically, movable base 590 is connected to a pair of lower rollers 550 and a pair of upper rollers 551. The pair of lower rollers 550 are arranged so as to be in rolling contact with lower rail 540 extending in the left-right direction. The pair of upper rollers 551 are arranged so as to be in rolling contact with upper rail 541 extending in the left-right direction.

[0102] Motor 510 is fixed to the bottom of movable base 590. The output of motor 510 is transmitted to lower pinion 520. Lower pinion 520 is engaged with lower rack 530 extending in the left-right direction. The output of motor 510 causes lower pinion 520 to rotate while meshing with lower rack 530, thereby moving movable base 590 in the left-right direction.

[0103] The lower pinion 520 is connected to the upper pinion 521 via a connecting shaft 580 extending in the vertical direction. The upper pinion 521 is engaged with an upper rack 531 extending in the left-right direction. The upper pinion 521 rotates together with the lower pinion 520 while meshing with the upper rack 531, thereby enabling the movable base 590 to move horizontally while remaining upright without tilting. In this embodiment, the horizontal movement mechanism 500 is configured as a rack and pinion mechanism, but is not limited to this and may be configured as a winding transmission mechanism such as a belt or chain.

[0104] The case rack 200 is provided with a first horizontal position detection sensor 50 for detecting that the movable base 590 is located at the origin position in the left-right direction, and a second horizontal position detection sensor 51 for detecting that the movable base 590 is located at the initial position in the left-right direction. The dispensing table unit 100 is provided with a third horizontal position detection sensor 52 for detecting that the movable base 590 is located at the terminal position in the left-right direction. A fourth horizontal position detection sensor 53 for detecting that the movable base 590 is located inside the dispensing table unit 100 is provided on the underside of the movable base 590.

[0105] Each of the first horizontal position detection sensor 50, the second horizontal position detection sensor 51, the third horizontal position detection sensor 52, and the fourth horizontal position detection sensor 53 is a microphotosensor, but is not limited to this and may be, for example, a limit switch, etc. Each of the first horizontal position detection sensor 50, the second horizontal position detection sensor 51, the third horizontal position detection sensor 52, and the fourth horizontal position detection sensor 53 is electrically connected to the control unit.

[0106] The first horizontal position detection sensor 50 detects a movable horizontal dog 560 fixed to the lower surface of the movable base 590, thereby detecting that the movable base 590 is positioned at the origin position in the left-right direction.

[0107] The second horizontal position detection sensor 51 detects the movable horizontal dog 560 to detect that the movable base 590 is at its initial position in the left-right direction. The initial position is a few centimeters to the right of the origin position of the movable base 590, and the movable base 590 moves toward the origin position in the left-right direction at high speed until it reaches the initial position in the left-right direction, and then decelerates after passing the initial position, thereby shortening the time it takes to reach the origin position. The second horizontal position detection sensor 51 is not necessarily provided.

[0108] The third horizontal position detection sensor 52 detects that the movable base 590 is positioned at the end position in the left-right direction by detecting the movable horizontal dog 560. The third horizontal position detection sensor 52 does not necessarily have to be provided.

[0109] The fourth horizontal position detection sensor 53 detects that the movable base 590 is located inside the dispensing stand unit 100 by detecting a fixed horizontal dog 570 arranged over the entire length of the dispensing stand unit 100 in the left-right direction.

[0110] The vertical movement mechanism 600 includes a motor 610, a belt 620, a connecting attachment 630, a linear guide 640, and a movable vertical dog 631. Each of the motor 610, the belt 620, the connecting attachment 630, and the linear guide 640 is mounted on the movable base 590.

[0111] Specifically, the motor 610 is fixed to the lower part of the movable base 590. The output of the motor 610 is transmitted to the belt 620, driving the belt 620 to rotate. The belt 620 is wound around a pair of pulleys spaced apart in the vertical direction. The connection attachment 630 is fixed to the belt 620. The connection attachment 630 is engaged with a linear guide 640 that extends in the vertical direction. As the belt 620 is driven to rotate, the connection attachment 630 moves in the vertical direction along the linear guide 640. The movable vertical dog 631 is formed by bending a portion of the connection attachment 630. The movable vertical dog 631 moves in the vertical direction together with the connection attachment 630.

[0112] As described above, the connection attachment 630 is connected to the housing 410 of the transport unit 400. In this way, the transport unit 400 is configured to be movable in the up and down direction by the vertical movement mechanism 600. In addition, the transport unit 400 is configured to be movable in the left and right direction in accordance with the movement of the movable base 590 by the horizontal movement mechanism 500.

[0113] Fig. 32 is a side view showing the transport unit positioned above the placement section, Fig. 33 is an enlarged side view of part XXXIII in Fig. 32, Fig. 34 is a partial perspective view showing the transport unit positioned behind a case placed on the uppermost shelf of the case rack, seen from above.

[0114] 32 and 33, when the transport unit 400 is positioned above the mounting section 130, the transport unit 400 can move left and right only in a passable area having a length L shown in FIG. 33. Specifically, below the passable area, the transport unit 400 cannot move left and right because the selection case 300a on the mounting section 130 interferes with the transport unit 400. Above the passable area, the housing 110 of the dispensing table unit 100 interferes with the transport unit 400, so the transport unit 400 cannot move left and right.

[0115] As shown in Figures 32 to 34, a first vertical position detection sensor 60, a second vertical position detection sensor 61, a third vertical position detection sensor 62, a fourth vertical position detection sensor 63, and a fifth vertical position detection sensor 64 are arranged on the movable base 590.

[0116] Each of the first vertical position detection sensor 60, the second vertical position detection sensor 61, the third vertical position detection sensor 62, the fourth vertical position detection sensor 63, and the fifth vertical position detection sensor 64 is a microphotosensor, but is not limited to this and may be, for example, a limit switch, etc. Each of the first vertical position detection sensor 60, the second vertical position detection sensor 61, the third vertical position detection sensor 62, the fourth vertical position detection sensor 63, and the fifth vertical position detection sensor 64 is electrically connected to the control unit.

[0117] The first vertical position detection sensor 60 detects the movable vertical dog 631, thereby detecting that the transport unit 400 is positioned at the origin position in the up-down direction.

[0118] The second vertical position detection sensor 61 detects the movable vertical dog 631, thereby detecting that the transport unit 400 is positioned below the upper limit within the passable area.

[0119] The third vertical position detection sensor 62 detects the movable vertical dog 631, thereby detecting that the transport unit 400 is positioned above the lower limit of the passable area.

[0120] The transport unit 400 is configured to be movable in the left-right direction only when each of the second vertical position detection sensor 61 and the third vertical position detection sensor 62 detects the movable vertical dog 631. In other words, the transport unit 400 is configured to be movable in the left-right direction only when it is detected that it is located within the passable area.

[0121] The fourth vertical position detection sensor 63 detects the movable vertical dog 631, thereby detecting that the transport unit 400 has reached the upper limit of a position where it does not interfere with the ceiling 219 of the case rack 200 shown in Fig. 34. When the fourth vertical position detection sensor 63 detects the movable vertical dog 631, the transport unit 400 is configured so that it cannot move left or right to pass over the ceiling 219 of the case rack 200.

[0122] The fifth vertical position detection sensor 64 detects the movable vertical dog 631, thereby detecting that the transport unit 400 is positioned at the end position in the vertical direction.

[0123] Here, an operation for taking out or refilling medicines in the medicine supply device 1 according to this embodiment will be described. The medicine supply device 1 according to this embodiment can switch between a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode, medicines can be taken out or refilled in front of the dispensing table unit 100. In the second mode, medicines can be taken out or refilled in front of the case rack 200.

[0124] First, an operation for taking out or replenishing medicines in front of the dispensing table unit 100 in the medicine supply device 1 according to this embodiment will be described. Fig. 35 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control circuit included in the medicine supply device according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 35, the medicine supply device 1 includes a control unit 90.

[0125] When the first mode is selected on the touch panel 170, the case containing the medicine to be removed or the case to be replenished with medicine is selected as the selected case from among the multiple cases stored in the case rack 200 based on the information stored in the control unit 90.

[0126] The control unit 90 operates the horizontal movement mechanism 500 and the vertical movement mechanism 600 to position the transport unit 400 behind the selected case 300a stored in the case rack 200, as shown in FIG.

[0127] The control unit 90 causes the transport unit 400 to accommodate and support the selection case 300a, and then operates the horizontal movement mechanism 500 and the vertical movement mechanism 600 to position the transport unit 400 above the placement section 130, as shown in Figure 6.

[0128] The transport unit 400, which is positioned above the placement section 130, descends until the selection case 300a that it supports is positioned directly above the base section 131 of the placement section 130. Thereafter, the pair of support arms 440 rotate to release support for the selection case 300a, and a portion of the bottom section 130b of the selection case 300a is placed on the base section 131. In this state, the push plate 460 advances while pressing the outer surface of the engagement section 318 of the selection case 300a, causing the front end of the selection case 300a to come into contact with the wall section 132 of the placement section 130, and the selection case 300a is placed on the base section 131.

[0129] When the proximity sensor 10 detects that the selection case 300a has been placed on the base portion 131, the display portion 160 corresponding to the placement portion 130 lights up, the electromagnet 12 is unlocked, and the placement portion 130 can be pulled out.

[0130] As shown in FIG. 15, when the placement section 130 is pulled out and tilted, the medicines contained in the selection case 300a are taken out or the selection case 300a is replenished with medicines.

[0131] When the position detection sensor 11 detects that the placement unit 130 has been returned to the dispensing table unit 100 after the removal or refilling of the medicines has been completed, the placement unit 130 is locked by the electromagnet 12. Thereafter, the selected case 300a placed on the placement unit 130 is transported by the transport unit 400 and returned to its original position on the case rack 200 stored in the control unit 90.

[0132] Next, an operation for taking out or replenishing medicines in front of the case rack 200 in the medicine supply device 1 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0133] When the second mode is selected on the touch panel 170, the door 240 is unlocked and the transport unit 400 is immobilized. In this state, any one of the cases 300 stored in the case rack 200 can be removed from the front of the case rack 200 to remove or replenish medicines.

[0134] After the removal or refilling of the medicines, the case 300 is placed into the case rack 200 from the front of the case rack 200. When the case 300 is placed in or removed in this way, the case 300 is not necessarily returned to its original position in the case rack 200. Therefore, before operating in the first mode, it is necessary to have the control unit 90 grasp the arrangement of each of the multiple cases 300 in the case rack 200.

[0135] Therefore, in the medicine supply device 1 according to this embodiment, the transport unit 400 moves behind the case rack 200, and the code reader 470 reads the identification codes 350 of each of the cases 300, thereby determining the storage positions of the cases 300 in the case rack 200. At this time, the code reader 470 is positioned forward enough so as not to interfere with the cases 300.

[0136] The storage positions of the plurality of cases 300 thus identified are stored in the control unit 90, and based on this stored information, the selected case 300a is transported during the first mode operation.

[0137] The method for determining the storage positions of the plurality of cases 300 is not limited to the above, and a method using a so-called Chameleon Code (registered trademark) may also be used. Figure 36 is a rear view of a medicine supply device according to a modified example.

[0138] As shown in FIG. 36 , in the medicine supply device according to the modified example, an identification code 350a is attached to the rear surface of each of the multiple cases 300. The identification code 350a is a Chameleon Code (registered trademark). An imaging unit 290 capable of capturing an image of the identification code 350a of each of the multiple cases 300 is provided at the rear of the case rack 200. If one imaging unit 290 is not capable of capturing an image of all of the cases 300 stored in the case rack 200, multiple imaging units 290 may be provided. The storage positions of the multiple cases 300 in the case rack 200 are determined based on the images captured by the imaging unit 290. The control unit 90 can simultaneously determine the storage positions of the multiple cases 300 in the case rack 200 by analyzing the images captured by the imaging unit 290.

[0139] In the medicine supply device according to the modified example, the storage positions of the plurality of cases 300 can be grasped without scanning the transport unit 400, and therefore the time required to switch between the second mode and the first mode can be reduced.

[0140] In the medicine supply device according to this embodiment, the selection case 300a placed on the placement unit 130 is located rearward compared to each of the multiple cases 300 stored in the case rack 200. This reduces the space occupied by the medicine supply device in the front-to-rear direction.

[0141] In the medicine supply device according to this embodiment, a part of the dispensing table 120 is located below the placing unit 130. This can reduce the space occupied by the medicine supply device in the front-rear direction.

[0142] In the medicine supply device according to this embodiment, the transport unit 400 overlaps with the placing section 130 when viewed from the top and bottom when moving left and right inside the dispensing table unit 100. This reduces the space occupied by the medicine supply device in the front-to-back direction.

[0143] In the medicine supply device according to this embodiment, the dispensing table 120 is located behind the front end of the case rack 200 when viewed from the left and right. This reduces the space occupied by the medicine supply device in the front-to-rear direction.

[0144] In the medicine supply device according to this embodiment, the mounting portion 130 can be pulled out in the front-rear direction relative to the housing 110. This allows medicines to be easily taken in and out of the selection case 300a mounted on the mounting portion 130.

[0145] In the medicine supply device according to this embodiment, when the mounting unit 130 is pulled out and positioned at the most forward position, the front end of the mounting unit 130 is located behind the front end of the dispensing table 120. This reduces the space occupied by the medicine supply device in the front-to-rear direction.

[0146] In the dispensing table unit 100 of the medicine supply device according to this embodiment, a storage space is formed at least either below the dispensing table 120 or above the mounting unit 130. This allows various medicines to be easily stored while standing in front of the dispensing table 120.

[0147] In the medicine supply device according to this embodiment, the case rack 200 is configured so that a plurality of cases 300 can be inserted and removed from the front of the case rack 200. This allows the medicine supply device to select between a first mode in which the cases 300 containing medicines are automatically inserted and removed from the rear of the device, and a second mode in which the cases 300 can be manually inserted and removed from the front of the device.

[0148] In the medicine supply device according to this embodiment, case rack 200 is provided with stoppers 223 that regulate the position of each of multiple cases 300 in the front-to-rear direction when each of multiple cases 300 is placed from the front into case rack 200. This allows cases 300 to be placed in a specified position even when they are manually placed into case rack 200, and therefore allows cases 300 to be automatically transported using transport unit 400.

[0149] In the medicine supply device according to this embodiment, when the transport unit 400 pulls out the selection case 300a stored in the case rack 200 toward the rear of the case rack 200, the transport unit 400 lifts up the rear side of the selection case 300a so that the selection case 300a can pass over the stopper 223. This allows the transport unit 400 to pull out and transport the selection case 300a toward the rear without interfering with the stopper 223.

[0150] In the medicine supply device according to this embodiment, the case rack 200 has an opening / closing door 240 at the front. The case rack 200 is configured so that when the opening / closing door 240 is unlocked and open, multiple cases 300 can be inserted and removed from the front of the case rack 200, and the transport unit 400 is configured so that it can move only when the opening / closing door 240 is closed and locked. This prevents the positions of the multiple cases 300 from being changed during the second mode, preventing the transport unit 400 from transporting the wrong selected case 300a.

[0151] In the medicine supply device according to this embodiment, the transport unit 400 moves behind the case rack 200, and the code reader 470 scans the identification codes 350 of each of the cases 300, thereby determining the storage positions of the cases 300 in the case rack 200. This allows the storage positions of the cases 300 that have been taken in and out in the second mode to be determined, and the device can switch to the first mode.

[0152] In the medicine supply device according to this embodiment, the mounting portion 130 is inclined so that, when pulled out and positioned at the frontmost position, the front end of the mounting portion 130 is positioned lower than the rear end of the mounting portion 130. This improves the visibility of the medicine when removing the medicine from the selection case 300a placed on the mounting portion 130, making it easier to remove the medicine.

[0153] The housing 110 of the dispensing table unit 100 of the medicine supply device according to this embodiment is formed with an abutment portion 115 that abuts from above against the rear portion of the selection case 300a placed on the mounting portion 130 when the selection case 300a is pulled out and positioned at the frontmost position. This prevents the selection case 300a placed on the mounting portion 130 from falling off the mounting portion 130.

[0154] In the medicine supply device according to this embodiment, the mounting section 130 includes a base section 131 on which the selection case 300a is mounted, and a wall section 132 attached to the front end of the base section 131. A protrusion 132d that engages with the upper surface of the front end of the selection case 300a is formed on the upper part of the rear surface of the wall section 132. This makes it possible to prevent the selection case 300a mounted on the mounting section 130 from falling off the mounting section 130.

[0155] In the medicine supply device according to the present embodiment, rollers 114 are provided in dispensing table unit 100. While mounting unit 130 is being pulled out, rollers 114 are in rolling contact with base portion 131 and serve as fulcrums when mounting unit 130 rotates and tilts. This allows pulled-out mounting unit 130 to rotate and tilt.

[0156] 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]

[0157] 1 medicine supply device, 10 proximity sensor, 11 position detection sensor, 12 electromagnet, 50 first horizontal position detection sensor, 51 second horizontal position detection sensor, 52 third horizontal position detection sensor, 53 fourth horizontal position detection sensor, 60 first vertical position detection sensor, 61 second vertical position detection sensor, 62 third vertical position detection sensor, 63 fourth vertical position detection sensor, 64 fifth vertical position detection sensor, 90 control unit, 100 dispensing table unit, 110, 210, 410 housing, 111, 131h, 132b, 222 opening, 112 storage space, 113 guide rail, 114, 131r roller, 115 abutment portion, 120 dispensing table, 130 placement portion, 130b, 310b bottom portion, 131 base portion, 131a dog, 131p adsorbed portion, 132 Wall surface portion, 132c, 321 protrusions, 132d, 313 protrusions, 133 transparent plate, 134 retaining ring, 140 lower storage space, 150 upper storage space, 160 display unit, 161 indicator light, 170 touch panel, 180, 470 code reader, 190 printer, 200 case rack, 219 ceiling portion, 220 shelf portion, 221 guide wall, 223 stopper, 230 drawer stand, 240 opening and closing door, 290 imaging unit, 300 case, 300a selection case, 310 case body, 310f front wall portion, 310r rear wall portion, 310s side wall portion, 311 transparent support portion, 312 step portion, 314 recessed portion, 314f front wall surface, 314s side wall surface, 315, 316 Groove portion, 317 slit, 318 engagement portion, 320 fraction storage portion, 330 partition plate, 340, 350, 350a identification code, 400 transport unit, 420, 510, 610 motor, 430 rotating shaft, 440 support arm, 450 claw portion, 460 push plate, 480 screw mechanism, 500 horizontal movement mechanism, 520 lower pinion, 521 upper pinion, 530 lower rack, 531 upper rack, 540 lower rail, 541 upper rail, 550 lower roller, 551 upper roller, 560 movable horizontal dog, 570 fixed horizontal dog, 580 connecting shaft, 590 movable base, 600 vertical movement mechanism, 620 belt, 630 connection attachment, 631 Movable vertical dog, 640 linear guide.

Claims

1. a case rack for storing a plurality of cases in which medicines are contained; a dispensing table unit having a placing section on which a selected case selected from the plurality of cases can be placed, and a dispensing table located below the placing section; a transport unit that transports the selected cases between the case rack and the placement unit, Medicines are put into and taken out of the selection case placed on the placement section, A medicine supply device in which a part of the dispensing table is located below the placing section, and a rear part of the dispensing table is located directly below the placing section.

2. The medicine supply device according to claim 1 , wherein an accommodation space is formed between the dispensing table and the placement portion.

3. The medicine supply device according to claim 2 , wherein a tray containing medicines can be inserted into the containing space from the front.

4. The placement section is retractable in the front-rear direction, The drug supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the front end of the storage section when pulled out and positioned at the most forward position is located behind the front end of the dispensing table.

Images