Drug supply device

Abstract

To provide a medicament supply device capable of taking out and putting, a plurality of kinds of medicaments in a short time.SOLUTION: A medicament supply device comprises: a first storage part; a mount part 130; a transport unit 400; and a second storage part. The first storage part stores a first medicament. The mount part 130 can mount thereon the first medicament, and is provided for taking out and putting the first medicament. The transport unit 400 transports the first medicament between the first storage part and the mount part 130. The second storage part is provided around the mount part 130, and stores a second medicament in a manner in which the second medicament can be manually taken out and put thereinto.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] As a prior art document that discloses the configuration of an automatic drug supply system, there is Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-215575 (Patent Document 1). The automatic drug supply system described in Patent Document 1 includes a box storage unit, a box sorting unit, a box conveying means, and a drug extraction means. The box storage unit arranges a plurality of boxes containing drugs vertically and horizontally. The box conveying means extracts a box selected from the boxes arranged in the box storage unit and conveys it to the box sorting unit. The drug extraction means distributes the drugs contained in the box that has been moved so as to be taken out from the box outlet, places them on a tray, and replenishes the drugs.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Drug supply devices are required to be able to take in and out multiple types of drugs in a short time. The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a drug supply device capable of taking in and out multiple types of drugs in a short time.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The drug supply device according to the present invention comprises a first storage section, a mounting section, a transport unit, and a second storage section. The first storage section stores the first drug. The mounting section is capable of holding the first drug and is provided for loading and unloading the first drug. The transport unit transports the first drug between the first storage section and the mounting section. The second storage section is provided around the mounting section and stores the second drug in a way that allows it to be loaded and unloaded manually.

[0006] In one embodiment of the present invention, a dispensing table is provided around the mounting section. In one embodiment of the present invention, the second storage section is provided above, below, and to the side of the mounting section.

[0007] In one embodiment of the present invention, the second drug is prescribed more frequently than the first drug. In one embodiment of the present invention, the transport unit transports the first drug based on prescription data.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first drug is contained in a case. A transport unit transports the first drug contained in the case. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, multiple types of drugs can be added and removed in a short amount of time. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a drug supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above on the front side. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a front view of the drug supply device. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a side view of the drug supply device as seen from the right side. [Figure 4] Figure 1 is a rear view of the drug supply device. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view of a drug supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above on the rear side. [Figure 6]A perspective view of a drug supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention, as seen from above the rear side with the transport unit moved above the placement portion. [Figure 7] A perspective view of a case according to an embodiment of the present invention, as seen from above. [Figure 8] A perspective view of a case body according to an embodiment of the present invention, as seen from above. [Figure 9] A perspective view of a case body according to an embodiment of the present invention, as seen from below. [Figure 10] A perspective view of a drug supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention, as seen from above the front side with the placement portion pulled out. [Figure 11] A perspective view of the periphery of a placement portion in a dispensing table unit according to an embodiment of the present invention, as seen from above the front side. [Figure 12] A perspective view of the periphery of a placement portion in a dispensing table unit according to an embodiment of the present invention, as seen from above the rear side. [Figure 13] A perspective view of a wall surface portion of a placement portion according to an embodiment of the present invention, as seen from below the rear side. [Figure 14] A side view of a dispensing table unit according to an embodiment of the present invention, as seen from the side with the placement portion being pulled out. <00OO081>A side view of a dispensing table unit according to an embodiment of the present invention, as seen from the side with the placement portion pulled out. [Figure 16] A perspective view of a claw portion of a transport unit according to an embodiment of the present invention, as seen from the front with the claw portion retracted. [Figure 17] A perspective view of a claw portion of a transport unit according to an embodiment of the present invention, as seen from the side with the claw portion retracted. [Figure 18] A perspective view of a claw portion of a transport unit according to an embodiment of the present invention, as seen from the front with the claw portion advanced. [Figure 19] A perspective view of a claw portion of a transport unit according to an embodiment of the present invention, as seen from the side with the claw portion advanced. [Figure 20]It is a perspective view showing a state where a conveyance unit is located behind a selected case stored in a case rack. [Figure 21] It is a partial cross-sectional view seen from the side of the state of FIG. 20. [Figure 22] It is a partial cross-sectional view seen from the side of a state where a claw portion rotates so as to rise in a conveyance unit located behind a selected case stored in a case rack. [Figure 23] It is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state where a claw portion engaged with the inner surface of an engagement portion of a selected case has retreated. [Figure 24] It is a perspective view seen from the front of a conveyance unit in a state where a claw portion engaged with the inner surface of an engagement portion of a selected case has finished retreating. [Figure 25] It is a perspective view of the conveyance unit of FIG. 24 seen from the direction of arrow XXV. [Figure 26] It is a front view seen from the front of a state where a pair of support arms are located at a retracted position. [Figure 27] It is a side view of a state where a pair of support arms of FIG. 26 are located at a retracted position seen from the direction of arrow XXVII. [Figure 28] It is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control circuit included in the drug supply device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 29] It is a flowchart showing an operation when a conveyance unit conveys a selected case placed on a mounting portion to a case rack in the drug supply device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 30] In an example of the drug supply device according to the present embodiment, it is a view showing a state where a conveyance unit has conveyed a selected case containing one drug to be supplied included in first prescription data to a mounting portion. [Figure 31] In an example of the drug supply device according to the present embodiment, it is a view showing a state where a conveyance unit has conveyed another selected case containing another drug to be supplied included in first prescription data to another mounting portion. [Figure 32]This figure shows an example of a drug supply device according to this embodiment, in which the transport unit sequentially transports the selected cases containing the drugs to be supplied, as included in the second prescription data, to the designated placement unit. [Figure 33] This figure shows an example of a drug supply device according to this embodiment, where the transport unit has transported a selection case containing one drug to be supplied, which is included in the first prescription data, from a mounting unit to a case rack. [Figure 34] This figure shows an example of a drug supply device according to this embodiment, where the transport unit has transported another selection case containing other drugs to be supplied, which are included in the first prescription data, from another mounting unit to the case rack. [Figure 35] This figure shows a modified example of the drug supply device according to this embodiment, in which the transport unit has transported a selection case containing one drug to be supplied, which is included in the first prescription data, to a placement unit. [Figure 36] This figure shows a modified example of the drug supply device according to this embodiment, in which the transport unit has transported another selection case containing other drugs to be supplied, which are included in the first prescription data, to another mounting unit. [Figure 37] This figure shows a modified example of the drug supply device according to this embodiment, in which the transport unit sequentially transports the selected cases containing the drugs to be supplied, as included in the second prescription data, to the designated placement unit. [Figure 38] This figure shows a modified example of the drug supply device according to this embodiment, in which the transport unit transports a selection case containing one drug to be supplied, which is included in the first prescription data, from a mounting unit to a case rack. [Figure 39] This figure shows a modified example of the drug supply device according to this embodiment, in which the transport unit transports another selection case containing other drugs to be supplied, which are included in the first prescription data, from another mounting section to the case rack. [Figure 40] This figure shows an example of the display on the touch panel of the drug supply device according to this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Hereinafter, a drug supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description of the embodiment, the same or corresponding parts in the drawings will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated. In this specification, the left and right directions are described as the directions when the drug supply device is viewed from the front. In addition, the front of the drug supply device may be referred to as the front, and the back of the drug supply device as the rear.

[0012] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a drug supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above on the front side. Figure 2 is a front view of the drug supply device of Figure 1. Figure 3 is a side view of the drug supply device of Figure 1, viewed from the right side. Figure 4 is a rear view of the drug supply device of Figure 1. Figure 5 is a perspective view of a drug supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above on the rear side. In Figures 3 and 5, the right side panel of the dispensing counter unit is shown removed.

[0013] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, a drug supply device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a dispensing counter unit 100, a case rack 200, and a transport unit 400. In this embodiment, when viewed from the front, two case racks 200 are arranged side by side to the left of the dispensing counter unit 100. However, the arrangement of the dispensing counter unit 100 and the case racks 200 is not limited to this. Multiple case racks 200 may be arranged so as to sandwich the dispensing counter unit 100 on both sides, or one case rack 200 may be arranged on either the left or right side of the dispensing counter unit 100. Thus, the dispensing counter unit 100 is arranged adjacent to the case racks 200 in the left-right direction.

[0014] The case rack 200 houses multiple cases 300 in which pharmaceuticals are contained. The case rack 200 is the first storage section and stores the first pharmaceutical. The first storage section may also house medicine boxes containing the first pharmaceutical. The first pharmaceutical includes various pharmaceuticals. The case rack 200 is configured so that multiple cases 300 can be manually inserted and removed from the front of the case rack 200.

[0015] The case rack 200 includes a housing 210, a shelf section 220, a workbench 230, an opening / closing door 240, and an opening / closing detection unit 250. The multiple shelf sections 220 are arranged on the front side inside the housing 210, spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction. Multiple cases 300 are placed on each of the multiple shelf sections 220, side by side in the horizontal direction. The multiple cases 300 are arranged along a virtual plane perpendicular to the front-to-back direction within the case rack 200.

[0016] In this embodiment, the front of the housing 210 is divided vertically into an upper region located above the dispensing counter 120 (described later) and a lower region located below the dispensing counter 120. However, the front of the housing 210 does not necessarily have to be divided into an upper region and a lower region.

[0017] The workbench 230 is used in front of the case rack 200 when loading and unloading medications into multiple cases 300. The workbench 230 is configured to accommodate trays (not shown) and cases 300 capable of holding medications. The workbench 230 is not necessarily required to be present.

[0018] As shown in Figure 3, the workbench 230 is configured to be switchable between a first state in which it protrudes forward from the front of the case rack 200 and a second state in which it is located behind the front of the case rack 200. As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the case rack 200 has a storage space S230 for housing the workbench 230. In the second state, the workbench 230 is stored in the storage space S230.

[0019] In this embodiment, the workbench 230 is retractable into the storage space S230 and retractable from the storage space S230. The workbench 230 is configured to be retractable forward from the housing 210. The workbench 230 includes a push-open mechanism 231 that biases the workbench 230 to move forward when its front surface is pressed. The configuration of the workbench 230 is not limited to the above; for example, it may be configured to move in and out in the front-rear direction by rotating around a pivot axis.

[0020] The workbench 230 is positioned between the upper and lower regions of the enclosure 210. As shown in Figure 2, the case rack 200 is divided into several sections: PLU, PRU, PLD, and PRD. Section PLU is the upper left region of the case rack 200. Section PRU is the upper right region of the case rack 200. Section PLD is the lower left region of the case rack 200. Section PRD is the lower right region of the case rack 200.

[0021] Multiple opening / closing doors 240 are positioned at the front of the housing 210 and are configured to open and close the front of the housing 210. The multiple opening / closing doors 240 can individually open and close multiple compartments PLU, PRU, PLD, and PRD. Specifically, one 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 open and close in the left and right directions 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.

[0022] The opening / closing door 240 is configured to be switchable between a locked state and an unlocked state. When the opening / closing door 240 is unlocked and open, the case rack 200 is configured to allow multiple cases 300 to be inserted into and removed from the front of the case rack 200. Conversely, when the opening / closing door 240 is closed and locked, it is not possible to insert or remove multiple cases 300 from the front of the case rack 200.

[0023] For example, as shown in Figure 2, in compartments PRU and PRD that are open by one of the open doors 240, multiple cases 300 can be manually inserted and removed. In compartments PLU and PLD that are closed by one of the closed doors 240, multiple cases 300 cannot be manually inserted and removed.

[0024] Multiple open / close detection units 250 detect the open / closed state of multiple open / closed doors 240 in a one-to-one correspondence. The open / close detection units 250 are electrically connected to a control unit, which will be described later.

[0025] The dispensing counter unit 100 has a mounting section 130 and a dispensing counter 120. The dispensing counter unit 100 further includes a housing 110, a lower storage space 140, an upper storage space 150, a display unit 160, a touch panel 170, a code reader 180, a printer 190, and an indicator light 161. The maximum depth dimension of the dispensing counter unit 100 in the front-to-back direction is, for example, 700 mm.

[0026] In the housing 110, the portion above the mounting section 130 is positioned further back than the portion below the dispensing table 120. In this embodiment, an opening 111 is formed on the front of the housing 110 above the dispensing table 120. Five openings 111 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction. Note that the number of openings 111 is not limited to five; one or more are acceptable.

[0027] The mounting section 130 is capable of holding the first drug and is provided for inserting and removing the first drug. In this embodiment, the first drug is housed in a case 300. A selection case 300a, chosen from a plurality of cases 300, can be placed on the mounting section 130. The mounting section 130 is provided for inserting and removing the first drug from the selection case 300a.

[0028] In 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. The wall section 132 is configured to open and close the opening 111. The mounting section 130 does not necessarily have to include the wall section 132; in this case, the housing 110 may be provided with a shutter to open and close the opening 111.

[0029] The mounting section 130 is configured to be retractable in the front-to-back direction relative to the housing 110 through the opening 111. However, the mounting section 130 does not necessarily have to be configured to be retractable; in this case, an opening is formed in the housing 110 above the mounting section 130 to allow the drug to be inserted into and removed from the selection case 300a. In this embodiment, five mounting sections 130 are arranged side by side in the left-to-right direction, but the number of mounting sections 130 is not limited to five; at least one is sufficient.

[0030] The dispensing table 120 is configured to accommodate trays or other items capable of holding medications. The dispensing table 120 is located around the mounting section 130, and in this embodiment, it is located below the mounting section 130. A portion of the dispensing table 120 is located below the mounting section 130. Specifically, the rear portion of the dispensing table 120 is located directly below the mounting section 130. The dispensing table 120 and the mounting section 130 are spaced apart in the vertical direction. A storage space 112 is formed between the dispensing table 120 and the mounting section 130. Trays or other items for holding medications removed from the selection case 300a can be inserted into the storage space 112 from the front.

[0031] As shown in Figure 3, the dispensing counter 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 / closing door 240.

[0032] 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 placed on the mounting section 130 is located behind each of the multiple cases 300 stored in the case rack 200.

[0033] The lower storage space 140 can store other cases that differ in shape or size from case 300, or pharmaceuticals, etc. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the lower storage space 140 is formed in the housing 110 at a position below the dispensing counter 120 and the mounting section 130. In this embodiment, the lower storage space 140 has multiple drawers, but is not limited to this, and shelves may also be provided. The lower storage space 140 is not necessarily required. The lower storage space 140 is a second storage section, and stores a second pharmaceutical of a different type from the first pharmaceutical in a way that allows for manual insertion and removal. The second storage section may also store a medicine box that contains the second pharmaceutical. The second pharmaceutical includes various pharmaceuticals. For example, the second pharmaceutical is a pharmaceutical that is prescribed more frequently than the first pharmaceutical.

[0034] The upper storage space 150 can store other cases that differ in shape or size from case 300, or pharmaceuticals, etc. The upper storage space 150 is formed in the housing 110 at a position above the dispensing table 120 and the mounting section 130. In this embodiment, shelves are arranged in the upper storage space 150, but it is not limited to this, and multiple drawers may be arranged. The upper storage space 150 is not necessarily formed. The upper storage space 150 is a second storage section, and stores a second pharmaceutical in a way that allows it to be manually inserted and removed.

[0035] Furthermore, a second storage area may be provided, which is a side storage space (not shown) located to the side of the mounting section 130. The side storage space can store other cases that differ in shape or size from case 300, or pharmaceuticals, etc. The side storage space stores the second pharmaceuticals so that they can be manually inserted and removed. The side storage space is located, for example, to the right of the dispensing counter unit 100 shown in Figure 2, and is provided to the right of the five mounting sections 130. In this way, the second storage area is provided around the mounting section 130. The second storage area is provided above, below, and to the side of the mounting section 130, at least one of these locations.

[0036] The display unit 160 is formed on the front of the housing 110, above the opening 111. The display unit 160 lights up when a selection case 300a is placed on the mounting unit 130, thereby indicating that a selection case 300a is placed on the mounting unit 130. Multiple display units 160 are provided, with one-to-one correspondence to multiple mounting units 130.

[0037] The touch panel 170 is an image display unit that displays images. The touch panel 170 is located on the front of the housing 110, between the display unit 160 and the upper storage space 150 in the vertical direction, and approximately in the center of the housing 110 in the horizontal direction.

[0038] The touch panel 170 can display patient prescription information and accept selection operations to choose any case 300 from multiple cases 300. The touch panel 170 is electrically connected to the control unit.

[0039] The code reader 180 is located on the front of the housing 110, to the right of the touch panel 170. The code reader 180 reads codes such as barcodes attached to boxes containing medication. The code reader 180 is electrically connected to the control unit.

[0040] When refilling the selection case 300a with medication, the code reader 180 reads the code, allowing the control unit to recognize the medication to be refilled. If the control unit recognizes a medication different from the one to be refilled, it displays an alarm on the touch panel 170. This helps to prevent the incorrect medication from being refilled.

[0041] The printer 190 is located on the front of the housing 110, to the left of the touch panel 170. The printer 190 can print patient names and prescription information, etc. The printer 190 is electrically connected to the control unit.

[0042] The indicator light 161 is located on the ceiling of the housing 110. The indicator light 161 indicates whether or not there is a malfunction in the drug supply device 1. Specifically, it displays green when the drug supply device 1 is functioning normally and orange when the drug supply device 1 is malfunctioning. The indicator light 161 is electrically connected to the control unit.

[0043] Figure 6 is a perspective view from above on the rear side of a drug supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the transport unit in a state where it has moved above the mounting section. As shown in Figures 3 to 6, the transport unit 400 is movably provided on the rear side of each of the case rack 200 and the dispensing counter unit 100. The transport unit 400 transports the selected case 300a between the case rack 200 and the mounting section 130. That is, the transport unit 400 transports the first drug between the first storage section and the mounting section 130. The transport unit 400 transports the first drug based on prescription data, which will be described later. In this embodiment, the transport unit 400 transports the first drug contained in the case 300. The transport unit 400 can sequentially place multiple selected cases 300a selected from multiple cases 300 onto multiple mounting sections 130 one by one from the case rack 200.

[0044] The transport unit 400 is configured to be movable in the left-right and up-down directions by being connected to the horizontal movement mechanism 500 and the vertical movement mechanism 600. Each of the transport unit 400, the horizontal movement mechanism 500, and the vertical movement mechanism 600 is electrically connected to the control unit.

[0045] 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 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.

[0046] As shown in Figure 5, the transport unit 400 is positioned behind the cases 300 placed on the shelf 220 when it moves within the case rack 200.

[0047] As shown in Figure 6, the transport unit 400 moves horizontally above the mounting section 130 inside the dispensing counter unit 100. When the transport unit 400 moves horizontally inside the dispensing counter unit 100, it overlaps with the mounting section 130 when viewed from above. In other words, the transport unit 400 is configured to pass over the selection case 300a placed on the mounting section 130 when viewed from above, and is not configured to pass behind the selection case 300a without overlapping with it.

[0048] As shown in Figures 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 drugs stored in the case 300. If multiple drugs 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. The identification code 340 does not necessarily have to be attached to the case 300.

[0049] As shown in Figure 4, an identification code 350, which is an information-carrying section, 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 may be, for example, a barcode, QR code (registered trademark), or Chameleon Code (registered trademark). In this way, each of the multiple cases 300 is provided with an information-carrying section that carries identification information. The case identification information carried by the identification code 350 is pre-associated with drug identification information for identifying the drug contained in the case 300. Note that the identification information carried by the identification code 350 may also be drug identification information of the drug contained in the case 300 to which the identification code 350 is attached.

[0050] Here, we will describe case 300 according to this embodiment. Figure 7 is a perspective view of a case according to one embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above. Figure 8 is a perspective view of the case body according to one embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above. Figure 9 is a perspective view of the case body according to one embodiment of the present invention, viewed from below.

[0051] As shown in Figures 7 to 9, the case 300 includes a case body 310, a fractional portion storage section 320, and a partition plate 330. Each of the fractional portion storage section 320 and the partition plate 330 is formed to be configurable inside the case body 310.

[0052] The fractional portion storage section 320 is a small case for storing fractional amounts of medication packaged in a PTP (Press Through Package) packaging sheet, for example. The partition plate 330 divides the inside of the case body 310 into multiple areas so that when multiple types of medication are stored in the case 300, each type of medication can be stored separately.

[0053] The case body 310 has a bottom portion 310b, and a front wall portion 310f, a rear wall portion 310r, and a pair of side wall portions 310s that are erected from the periphery of the bottom portion 310b. The case body 310 further has a transparent support portion 311 that faces the front wall portion 310f with a slit 317 in between. The case body 310 is formed by integral molding of resin.

[0054] The transparent support portion 311 is the part that supports the card containing the drug name, which is inserted into the slit 317 from above, so that it can be seen from the front side of the case 300. Specifically, the lower end of the transparent support portion 311 is bent backward, and the card is supported at this bent portion.

[0055] A pair of side wall portions 310s of the case body 310 have stepped portions 312 that extend in the front-rear direction. The outer width of the case body 310 in the left-right direction is wider in the upper part than in the lower part of the stepped portion 312. The inner width of the case body 310 in the left-right direction is also wider in the upper part than in the lower part of the stepped portion 312.

[0056] A pair of protrusions 313 extending in the left-right direction are formed on the upper surface of the rear wall portion 310r of the case body 310. The pair of protrusions 313 are formed at both ends in the left-right direction on the upper surface of the rear wall portion 310r of the case body 310.

[0057] As shown in Figure 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 ends in the left-right direction 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 that face each other in the left-right direction, and a front wall surface 314f that connects the pair of side wall surfaces 314s.

[0058] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, on the inner surfaces of the pair of side wall portions 310s of the case body 310, a plurality of grooves 315 are formed in the upper portion of the stepped portion 312, into which the left and right ends of the partition plate 330 are inserted. Each of the plurality of grooves 315 extends in the vertical direction.

[0059] On the inner surfaces of the pair of side wall portions 310s of the case body 310, groove portions 316 are formed in the upper portion of the stepped portion 312, which engage with projections 321 formed on each of the pair of side surfaces of the fractional portion storage portion 320 to position the fractional portion storage portion 320 in the front-rear direction.

[0060] As shown in Figure 9, an engaging portion 318 is formed on the rear side of the upper end of the rear wall portion 310r of the case body 310, which engages with the claw portion of the transport unit 400 described later. The engaging portion 318 is positioned opposite the upper end of the rear wall portion 310r at a distance in the front-rear direction. The engaging portion 318 is connected to a flange that extends rearward from the upper end of the rear wall portion 310r.

[0061] Here, the configuration of the mounting section 130 according to this embodiment, and the configuration of the area surrounding the mounting section 130 in the dispensing counter unit 100 will be described.

[0062] Figure 10 is a perspective view from above on the front side of a drug supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the mounting section in the extended position. Figure 11 is a perspective view from above on the front side of the area around the mounting section in a dispensing counter unit according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 12 is a perspective view from above on the rear side of the area around the mounting section in a dispensing counter unit according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 13 is a perspective view from below on the rear side of the wall portion of the mounting section according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 14 is a side view from the side of a dispensing counter unit according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the mounting section in the extended position. Figure 15 is a side view from the side of a dispensing counter unit according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the mounting section in the extended position.

[0063] As shown in Figure 10, the front end of the mounting section 130, when extended and positioned as far forward as possible, is located behind the front end of the dispensing table 120.

[0064] As shown in Figures 10 and 15, when the mounting portion 130 is extended and positioned furthest forward, the front end of the mounting portion 130 is inclined to be lower than the rear end of the mounting portion 130. The front end of the mounting portion 130 is the wall portion 132, and the rear end of the mounting portion 130 is the rear end of the base portion 131.

[0065] As shown in Figures 11, 12, 14, and 15, the base portion 131 has a flat plate shape. An opening 131h is formed in the base portion 131. A pair of rollers 131r are provided at the lower part of the base portion 131, spaced apart in the left-right direction. Each of the pair of rollers 131r is rotatably mounted around a rotation axis extending in the left-right direction. As shown in Figures 14 and 15, a dog 131a and a suction portion 131p are provided at the lower part of the base portion 131. Each of the dog 131a and the suction portion 131p is made from a single bent sheet metal.

[0066] As shown in Figures 11 to 15, a handle 132a is formed at the bottom of the wall portion 132. By placing your hand on the handle 132a and pulling, the mounting portion 130 can be pulled out.

[0067] An opening 132b is formed in the upper part of the wall portion 132. A transparent plate 133 is attached to the rear surface of the wall portion 132 to close the opening 132b. Specifically, as shown in Figure 12, a pair of protrusions 132c are provided on the rear surface of the wall portion 132. The transparent plate 133 is attached to the wall portion 132 by inserting the pair of protrusions 132c through a pair of through holes formed in the transparent plate 133 and then fitting a retaining ring 134 to each of the pair of protrusions 132c.

[0068] This allows the card with the drug name, attached to the selection case 300a, to be visible from the front side of the wall section 132 through the transparent plate 133 and the transparent support section 311.

[0069] As shown in Figures 12 to 15, a projection 132d is formed on the upper part of the rear surface of the wall portion 132, which engages with the upper surface of the front end of the selection case 300a. Specifically, a pair of projections 132d are formed on the upper part of the rear surface of the wall portion 132, spaced apart in the left-right direction. The lower surface of each of the pair of projections 132d is a flat surface.

[0070] As shown in Figures 12, 14, and 15, the area around the mounting section 130 of the dispensing counter unit 100 is provided with a proximity sensor 10, a position detection sensor 11, an electromagnet 12, a guide rail 113, a roller 114, and a contact section 115. Each of the proximity sensor 10, the position detection sensor 11, and the electromagnet 12 is electrically connected to the control unit.

[0071] The proximity sensor 10 detects that the selection case 300a has been placed on the mounting section 130. The proximity sensor 10 is positioned below the opening 131h of the base section 131 when the mounting section 130 is not extended, and detects the presence or absence of the selection case 300a on the base section 131 through the opening 131h.

[0072] The position detection sensor 11 detects that the mounting portion 130 is located at the origin position in the front-rear direction when the mounting portion 130 is not extended. Specifically, the position detection sensor 11 detects that the mounting portion 130 is located at the origin position by detecting the dog 131a provided at 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 a limit switch or the like.

[0073] The electromagnet 12 can be locked to prevent the mounting section 130 from moving. Specifically, when current is supplied to the electromagnet 12, it attracts the attracted portion 131p located at the bottom of the base section 131, thereby locking the mounting section 130 so that it cannot move from its origin position. When the supply of current to the electromagnet 12 is stopped, the lock on the mounting section 130 is released. With this configuration, each of the five mounting sections 130 can be individually switched between a state where drugs can be inserted into and removed from the selected case 300a on which it is mounted, and a state where it cannot.

[0074] The guide rails 113 define the movement trajectory of the roller 131r, which is provided at the lower part of the base section 131. Specifically, a pair of guide rails 113 are arranged below the mounting section 130, spaced apart in the left-right direction, and extending in the front-rear direction. Each of the pair of guide rails 113 has a through groove that extends in the front-rear direction. A portion of the front side of the through groove is inclined so as it moves towards the front. The roller 131r moves by rolling inside the through groove. This causes the mounting section 130 to move in the front-rear direction.

[0075] As shown in Figures 14 and 15, the roller 114 acts as a pivot point as the mounting portion 130 rotates and tilts while rolling in contact with the base portion 131 as the mounting portion 130 is pulled out. Specifically, the roller 114 is rotatably supported at a position behind the lower portion of the opening 111.

[0076] As the roller 131r moves forward and upward through the inclined portion of the guide rail 113, the base portion 131 tilts by rotating around the portion supported by the roller 114 as the pivot point.

[0077] As shown in Figure 15, the contact portion 115 contacts the rear portion of the selection case 300a, which is placed on the mounting portion 130 when it is extended and in its foremost position, from above. Specifically, the contact portion 115 is provided on the housing 110 and is positioned 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 contact portion 115 is made of sheet metal, but is not limited to this, and may be made of rubber or the like.

[0078] When the mounting section 130 is tilted, the upper surface of the front end of the selection case 300a is held down by the protrusion 132d, and the rear part of the selection case 300a is held down by the protrusion 313, thereby preventing it from being easily removed from the mounting section 130.

[0079] The configuration of the transport unit 400 will now be described. Figure 16 is a front perspective view of the transport unit according to one embodiment of the present invention with the claw portion retracted. Figure 17 is a side perspective view of the transport unit according to one embodiment of the present invention with the claw portion retracted. Figure 18 is a front perspective view of the transport unit according to one embodiment of the present invention with the claw portion advanced. Figure 19 is a side perspective view of the transport unit according to one embodiment of the present invention with the claw portion advanced.

[0080] As shown in Figures 16 to 19, the transport unit 400 includes a housing 410, a motor 420, a pair of pivot shafts 430, a pair of support arms 440, a claw portion 450, a push plate 460, and a code reader 470 which is a position-grabbing portion. The claw portion 450, the push plate 460, and the code reader 470 are configured to move together in the front-rear direction inside the housing 410. Specifically, the claw portion 450, the push plate 460, and the code reader 470 are configured to move in the front-rear direction by a feed screw mechanism.

[0081] The housing 410 is open at the front lower and bottom so as to accommodate and support the selection case 300a. The housing 410 is connected to a connection attachment 630 of the vertical movement mechanism 600 so that the transport unit 400 can be driven by the horizontal movement mechanism 500 and the vertical movement mechanism 600.

[0082] The motor 420 is fixed to the housing 410. The motor 420 drives a pair of pivot shafts 430. Each of the pair of pivot shafts 430 is rotatably mounted one on each of opposing inner surfaces of the lower part of the housing 410. Each of the pair of pivot shafts 430 extends in the front-rear direction.

[0083] A pair of support arms 440 are attached one to each of the pair of pivot shafts 430. Each of the pair of support arms 440 rotates together with the pivot shaft 430 on which it is attached. Each of the pair of support arms 440 is configured to support the selection case 300a by supporting the stepped portion 312 of the selection case 300a from below.

[0084] The claw portion 450 is configured to engage with the inner surface of the engaging portion 318 of the selection case 300a. The claw portion 450 is supported so as to be rotatable in the vertical direction.

[0085] The push plate 460 is configured to contact the outer surface of the engaging portion 318 of the selection case 300a. The push plate 460 is located above the claw portion 450.

[0086] The code reader 470 is configured to read the identification code 350 attached to the selection case 300a. The code reader 470 is located behind the push plate 460.

[0087] Figure 20 is a perspective view showing the transport unit positioned behind the selected cases stored in the case rack. Figure 21 is a partial cross-sectional view of the same state as in Figure 20, seen from the side.

[0088] Here, the configuration of the shelf section 220 of the case rack 200 will be described. As shown in Figures 20 and 21, the shelf section 220 of the case rack 200 is provided with a stopper 223. The stopper 223 restricts the front-to-back position of each of the multiple cases 300 when each of the multiple cases 300 is inserted into the case rack 200 from the front. Moreover, the stopper 223 allows each of the multiple cases 300 to move in the front-to-back direction when each of the multiple cases 300 is inserted into or removed from the case rack 200 from the rear.

[0089] Specifically, the shelf section 220 is provided with multiple guide walls 221 that define the left-right position of the case 300 when it is inserted into the case rack 200 from the front. The case 300 is inserted between the guide walls 221.

[0090] A pair of openings 222 are formed on the rear side of the shelf 220, spaced apart in the left-right direction. Two stoppers 223 are positioned so as to protrude from each of the pair of openings 222. Each of the two stoppers 223 can be changed between a state where it protrudes from the opening 222 and a state where it does not protrude from the opening 222, and is biased by a spring in the direction of protruding from the opening 222.

[0091] When the case 300 is placed 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-rear direction.

[0092] When the case 300 is inserted into or removed from the case rack 200 from the rear, the stopper 223 is pressed from above against the bottom 310b of the case 300, so that it does not protrude from the opening 222. With the stopper 223 not protruding from the opening 222, the case 300 is allowed to move in the front-to-back direction.

[0093] Here, the operation of the transport unit 400 when it picks up and supports the selected case 300a from the case rack 200 will be described. With the claw portion 450 retracted, the transport unit 400 moves along the rear side of the case rack 200 and stops at a position behind the selected case 300a. As shown in Figures 20 and 21, as the claw portion 450 moves forward, the claw portion 450 is positioned below the engaging portion 318 of the selected case 300a.

[0094] Figure 22 is a partial cross-sectional view from the side of a transport unit located behind a selection case stored in a case rack, showing the state in which the claw portion has been rotated to an upward position. As shown in Figure 22, when the claw portion 450 rotates to an upward position, the claw portion 450 engages with the inner surface of the engaging portion 318 of the selection case 300a.

[0095] As the transport unit 400 rises slightly while the claw portion 450 is engaged with the inner surface of the engaging portion 318 of the selection case 300a, the rear side of the selection case 300a is lifted, as shown in Figure 22, and the engagement between the recess 314 of the selection case 300a and the stopper 223 is released. Alternatively, the claw portion 450 may be configured to rotate upward, thereby lifting the rear side of the selection case 300a and releasing the engagement between the recess 314 of the selection case 300a and the stopper 223. Furthermore, the stopper 223 may be configured to retract from the recess 314 of the selection case 300a.

[0096] Figure 23 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the state in which the claw portion engaged with the inner surface of the engagement portion of the selection case is retracted. As shown in Figure 23, when the lead screw mechanism 480 is driven, the claw portion 450, which is engaged with the inner surface of the engagement portion 318 of the selection case 300a, retracts, causing the selection case 300a to slide backward on the shelf portion 220. At this time, the stopper 223 is pressed from above by the bottom portion 310b of the selection case 300a and is not protruding from the opening 222.

[0097] In this manner, 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 of the selection case 300a so that the selection case 300a can pass over the stopper 223.

[0098] Figure 24 is a perspective view of the transport unit from the front, showing the state in which the claw portion that has engaged with the inner surface of the engagement portion of the selected case has finished retracting. Figure 25 is a perspective view of the transport unit of Figure 24 from the direction of arrow XXV.

[0099] When the transport unit 400 pulls out the selected case 300a, which is stored in the case rack 200, to the rear of the case rack 200, it positions each of the pair of support arms 440 in a support position.

[0100] As shown in Figures 24 and 25, in the transport unit 400, when the claw portion 450 that has engaged with the inner surface of the engaging portion 318 of the selection case 300a has finished retracting, each of the pair of support arms 440 is in a support position, supporting the stepped portion 312 of the selection case 300a from below. This allows the transport unit 400 to house and support the selection case 300a. The transport unit 400, having housed and supported the selection case 300a, moves to a position above the mounting portion 130 and descends until the supported selection case 300a is positioned directly above the base portion 131 of the mounting portion 130.

[0101] Figure 26 is a front view of the pair of support arms in the retracted position, as seen from the front. Figure 27 is a side view of the pair of support arms in the retracted position, as seen from the direction of arrow XXVII.

[0102] When the selection case 300a is positioned directly above the base portion 131 of the mounting portion 130, the motor 420 drives a pair of pivot shafts 430, as shown in Figures 26 and 27. As a result, each of the pair of support arms 440 rotates with the pivot shaft 430 on which it is attached, moving to a retracted position below the pair of pivot shafts 430. This places the selection case 300a on the mounting portion 130.

[0103] Here, the operation for taking out or replenishing drugs in the drug supply device 1 according to this embodiment will be described. The drug supply device 1 according to this embodiment can be selectively switched between a first mode and a second mode.

[0104] In the first mode, the transport unit 400 can transport the selection case 300a. That is, in the first mode, medication can be taken out or replenished in front of the dispensing counter unit 100. Only in the first mode can medication be added to and removed from the selection case 300a placed on the mounting section 130.

[0105] In the second mode, the transport unit 400 is stopped, and multiple cases 300 can be manually taken in and out of the case rack 200. That is, in the second mode, the medication can be taken out or replenished in front of the case rack 200. Only in the second mode can medication be taken in and out of the multiple cases 300 stored in the case rack 200.

[0106] First, an example of an operation for taking out or replenishing medication in front of the dispensing counter unit 100 in the medication supply device 1 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 28 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control circuit provided in the medication supply device according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 28, the medication supply device 1 includes a control unit 90. The control unit 90 includes an inventory quantity tracking unit 91 and a recording unit 92, which will be described later.

[0107] When the first mode is selected on the touch panel 170, the control unit 90 selects from among multiple cases stored in the case rack 200, based on the information it stores, a case containing the medication to be retrieved or a case to be replenished with medication.

[0108] The control unit 90 operates the horizontal movement mechanism 500 and the vertical movement mechanism 600 to position the transport unit 400 behind the selection case 300a stored in the case rack 200, as shown in Figure 20.

[0109] After the transport unit 400 houses and supports the selection case 300a, the control unit 90 operates the horizontal movement mechanism 500 and the vertical movement mechanism 600 to position the transport unit 400 above the mounting section 130, as shown in Figure 6.

[0110] The transport unit 400, positioned above the mounting section 130, descends until the supported selection case 300a is positioned directly above the base section 131 of the mounting section 130. Subsequently, the pair of support arms 440 rotate to release the support of the selection case 300a, and a portion of the bottom 130b of the selection case 300a is placed on the base section 131. In this state, the push plate 460 moves forward while pushing the outer surface of the engaging 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 mounting section 130, and the selection case 300a is placed on the base section 131.

[0111] When the proximity sensor 10 detects that the selection case 300a has been placed on the base portion 131, the display unit 160 corresponding to the placement portion 130 lights up, the lock on the electromagnet 12 is released, and the placement portion 130 can be pulled out.

[0112] As shown in Figure 15, with the mounting section 130 pulled out and tilted, the drug contained in the selection case 300a is removed, or the drug is replenished in the selection case 300a.

[0113] When the position detection sensor 11 detects that the removal or replenishment of medication is complete and the mounting unit 130 has been returned to the dispensing counter unit 100, the mounting unit 130 is locked by the electromagnet 12. Subsequently, the selection case 300a placed on the mounting unit 130 is transported by the transport unit 400 and returned to its original position in the case rack 200 stored in the control unit 90.

[0114] Next, an example of an operation for removing or replenishing medication in front of the case rack 200 in the drug supply device 1 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0115] When the second mode is selected on the touch panel 170, the opening / closing door 240 is unlocked, and the transport unit 400 becomes immobile. In this state, any case 300 from among the multiple cases 300 stored in the case rack 200 can be pulled out from the front of the case rack 200 to take out or replenish the medication.

[0116] Case 300, after the drug has been removed or replenished, is placed back into the case rack 200 from the front. When cases 300 are removed and put back in in this manner, they are not always returned to their original positions in the case rack 200. Therefore, before operating in the first mode, it is necessary to inform the control unit 90 of the placement of each of the multiple cases 300 within the case rack 200.

[0117] Therefore, in the drug supply device 1 according to this embodiment, when the code reader 470 is switched from the second mode to the first mode, it is driven to determine the storage positions of the multiple cases 300 in the case rack 200. Specifically, the transport unit 400 moves behind the case rack 200 along the arrangement of the multiple cases 300 in the case rack 200, and the code reader 470 reads the identification code 350 of each of the multiple cases 300, thereby determining the storage positions of the multiple cases 300 in the case rack 200. At this time, the code reader 470 is positioned forward to the extent that it does not interfere with the cases 300.

[0118] Furthermore, the code reader 470 may determine the storage positions of multiple cases 300 in the case rack 200 by moving along the arrangement of multiple cases 300 only in the compartments where an open / closed door 240 has been detected as open by multiple open / closed detection units 250, and where the storage positions of multiple cases 300 in that compartment are not yet known. In this case, the code reader 470 will not determine the storage positions of multiple cases 300 in compartments that are closed by an open / closed door 240. Also, the code reader 470 will not determine the storage positions of multiple cases 300 in compartments where an open / closed door 240 has been detected as open, and where the storage positions of multiple cases 300 have already been determined after the detection of the open state, and where the open state has not been detected again.

[0119] The storage positions of the multiple cases 300 that have been identified are stored in the control unit 90, and based on this stored information, the selected case 300a is transported during first mode operation. If, after the storage positions of the multiple cases 300 in the case rack 200 have been identified, it is determined that the retrieved cases 300 have not been returned to their original positions in the case rack 200, the control unit 90 may display a message on the touch panel 170 instructing the user to return the retrieved cases 300 to their original positions in the case rack 200. Alternatively, the control unit 90 may instruct the transport unit 400 to return the retrieved cases 300 to their original positions in the case rack 200.

[0120] When inserting or removing a case 300 from the front of the case rack 200, the case 300 is normally returned to its original position in the case rack 200. Based on this, when switching from the second mode to the first mode, if the transport unit 400 is instructed to transport the selected case 300a, the code reader 470 may not be driven, and the transport of the selected case 300a by the transport unit 400 may be given priority. In this case, even if the transport unit 400 moves to the storage position of the selected case 300a, the selected case 300a may not be present at that storage position, or another case 300 may be present at that storage position. In that case, a message to that effect will be displayed on the touch panel 170, and the code reader 470 may be driven to understand the storage positions of multiple cases 300 in the case rack 200.

[0121] When inserting or removing a case 300 from the front of the case rack 200, the maintenance of the case 300's position by returning it to its original position within the case rack 200 is sometimes not thoroughly maintained, and sometimes it is thoroughly maintained. If the maintenance of the case 300's position is not thoroughly maintained, it is necessary to inform the control unit 90 of the position of each of the multiple cases 300 within the case rack 200 each time before operating in the first mode. If the maintenance of the case 300's position is thoroughly maintained, it is not necessary to inform the control unit 90 of the position of each of the multiple cases 300 within the case rack 200 each time before operating in the first mode. In this way, taking into account the position maintenance status of the case 300, it may be possible to set whether or not the code reader 470 is driven when switching from the second mode to the first mode.

[0122] Next, an example of the operation when the transport unit 400 transports a selection case 300a placed on a mounting section 130 to the case rack 200 in the drug supply device 1 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 29 is a flowchart showing the operation when the transport unit transports a selection case placed on a mounting section to the case rack in the drug supply device according to this embodiment.

[0123] As shown in Figure 29, when the transport unit 400 transports a selection case 300a placed on a placement section 130 to the case rack 200, the control unit 90 first determines whether a completion operation indicating the completion of loading and unloading of the drug into the selection case 300a has been performed (step S1).

[0124] In this embodiment, the completion operation is the operation of returning one of the extended mounting parts 130 to its original position, and can be detected by the position detection sensor 11. The completion operation may also be input by tapping the area corresponding to one of the mounting parts 130 on the display of the touch panel 170. Alternatively, buttons may be provided near each of the multiple mounting parts 130, and the completion operation may be input by pressing the button near one of the mounting parts 130.

[0125] Once the completion operation is performed, the transport unit 400 is set to a transport execution state in which it temporarily holds one selected case 300a in one of the mounting sections 130, and then transports it from the mounting section 130 to the case rack 200.

[0126] In this embodiment, while the transport unit 400 is set to transport execution state, it has one selected case 300a wait at one mounting section 130 for a certain period of time, and then transports it from the mounting section 130 to the case rack 200.

[0127] Specifically, when the completion operation is performed, the control unit 90 sets the transport unit 400 to the transport execution state. Next, the control unit 90 determines whether a certain amount of time has elapsed since the completion operation was performed (step S2). If a certain amount of time has elapsed since the completion operation was performed, the control unit 90 instructs the transport unit 400 to transport one selected case 300a to the case rack 200 (step S3).

[0128] If a certain amount of time has not elapsed since the completion operation was performed, the control unit 90 determines whether an initiation operation indicating the start of dispensing medication to or from the other selection case 300a has been performed (step S4). This initiation operation is an operation in which the other mounting section 130 on which the other selection case 300a is placed is pulled out, and can be detected by the position detection sensor 11.

[0129] If a start operation is performed for another selection case 300a, the control unit 90 causes the transport unit 400 to transport one selection case 300a to the case rack 200 (step S3). In this case, when a completion operation is performed indicating the completion of loading and unloading of a drug into one of the multiple selection cases 300a, the transport unit 400 temporarily holds the one selection case 300a in one of the multiple mounting units 130 until a start operation is performed indicating the start of loading and unloading of a drug into another selection case 300a, and then transports it from the mounting unit 130 to the case rack 200.

[0130] If no start operation has been performed for any of the other selection cases 300a, the control unit 90 determines whether or not a cancellation operation has been performed (step S5). If the mounting unit 130 is not locked and can be pulled out while the one selection case 300a is temporarily waiting on the one mounting unit 130, the cancellation operation may be an operation to pull out the one mounting unit 130 again. The cancellation operation may also be input by tapping the area corresponding to the one mounting unit 130 on the display of the touch panel 170. Alternatively, buttons may be provided near each of the multiple mounting units 130, and the cancellation operation may be input by pressing the button near the one mounting unit 130.

[0131] If a cancellation operation is performed, the process returns to step S1, and the transport unit 400 is released from transport execution. In other words, if a cancellation operation is performed to cancel a completion operation while one selection case 300a is temporarily waiting at one of the placement sections 130, the transport unit 400 is released from transport execution. If no cancellation operation is performed, the process returns to step S2.

[0132] If no start operation has been performed for any of the other selection cases 300a, the control unit 90 may further determine before process S5 whether the transport unit 400 has reached one of the mounting sections 130. If the transport unit 400 has reached one of the mounting sections 130, the process may proceed to S3. If the transport unit 400 has not reached one of the mounting sections 130, the process may proceed to S5. In this way, one selection case 300a may be kept waiting at one of the mounting sections 130 until the transport unit 400 reaches one of the mounting sections 130.

[0133] Furthermore, if the housing 110 is provided with a shutter for opening and closing the opening 111, the operation of pulling out the mounting section 130 in the above start operation and the above cancel operation can be changed to an operation to open the shutter, and the above completion operation can be changed to an operation to close the shutter.

[0134] Next, an example of the operation when dispensing drugs based on multiple prescription data in the drug supply device 1 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 30 is a diagram showing a state in an example of the drug supply device according to this embodiment in which the transport unit has transported one selection case containing one drug to be supplied as included in the first prescription data to one placement unit.

[0135] As shown in Figure 30, when the transport unit 400 has transported a selection case 300a containing one of the drugs to be supplied as included in the first prescription data to a mounting unit 130, the display unit 160 corresponding to the mounting unit 130 lights up, the mounting unit 130 is unlocked, and the drug can be inserted into or removed from the selection case 300a. The mounting unit 130 is the first mounting unit 130 located from the left.

[0136] Figure 31 shows an example of a drug supply device according to this embodiment, in which the transport unit transports another selection case containing other drugs to be supplied, which are included in the first prescription data, to another mounting unit.

[0137] As shown in Figure 31, when the transport unit 400 has transported another selection case 300a containing other drugs to be supplied as included in the first prescription data to another mounting unit 130, the display unit 160 corresponding to the other mounting unit 130 lights up, the other mounting unit 130 is unlocked, and drugs can be loaded into and removed from the other selection case 300a. The other mounting unit 130 is the second mounting unit 130 from the left.

[0138] If the first prescription data contains two types of drugs to be supplied, as shown in Figure 31, after the selection cases 300a containing each of the drugs to be supplied in the first prescription data are transported from the case rack 200 to two mounting sections 130, there will be three specific mounting sections 130 in which no selection cases 300a are placed. These three specific mounting sections 130 are the third to fifth mounting sections 130 from the left.

[0139] Figure 32 shows an example of a drug supply device according to this embodiment, in which the transport unit sequentially transports the selected cases containing the drugs to be supplied, as included in the second prescription data, to the designated placement unit.

[0140] As shown in Figure 32, the transport unit 400 transports the selection cases 300a, each containing a drug to be supplied as included in the first prescription data, from the case rack 200 to two mounting sections 130. If there is a specific mounting section 130 among the five mounting sections 130 where no selection cases 300a are placed, the transport unit 400 transports at least one selection case 300a, each containing a drug to be supplied as included in the second prescription data, from the case rack 200 to the specific mounting section 130.

[0141] The specific placement unit 130 is kept in a state where it cannot be inserted into or removed from the selection case 300a of the drug to be supplied included in the second prescription data until a completion operation is performed indicating the completion of inserting or removing the drug to or from the selection case 300a of the drug to be supplied included in the first prescription data.

[0142] Therefore, as shown in Figure 32, when the transport unit 400 has transported the selection case 300a containing the drug to be supplied, which is included in the second prescription data, to the specific placement unit 130, the display unit 160 corresponding to the specific placement unit 130 lights up, and the specific placement unit 130 remains locked.

[0143] In the five display units 160, the display units 160 corresponding to the mounting unit 130 on which each selection case 300a containing the drugs to be supplied included in the first prescription data is placed have the same display mode, while the display units 160 corresponding to the mounting unit 130 on which each selection case 300a containing the drugs to be supplied included in the second prescription data is placed have different display modes.

[0144] For example, the display units 160 corresponding to the first and second mounting units 130 from the left, where the selection cases 300a containing the drugs to be supplied as included in the first prescription data are placed, emit blue light, while the display units 160 corresponding to the third to fifth mounting units 130 from the left, where the selection cases 300a containing the drugs to be supplied as included in the second prescription data are placed, emit green light.

[0145] Figure 33 shows an example of a drug supply device according to this embodiment, in which the transport unit transports a selection case containing one drug to be supplied, which is included in the first prescription data, from a mounting unit to a case rack.

[0146] When the completion operation is performed for one selection case 300a of one drug to be supplied, as shown in Figure 33, the transport unit 400 transports the selection case 300a from the one mounting section 130 to the case rack 200. As a result, the display unit 160 corresponding to the one mounting section 130 turns off, and the one mounting section 130 is locked.

[0147] Figure 34 shows an example of a drug supply device according to this embodiment, in which the transport unit transports another selection case containing other drugs to be supplied, which are included in the first prescription data, from another mounting section to the case rack.

[0148] When the completion operation is performed for other selection cases 300a of other drugs to be supplied included in the first prescription data, the transport unit 400 transports the other selection cases 300a from the other mounting section 130 to the case rack 200, as shown in Figure 34. As a result, the display unit 160 corresponding to the other mounting section 130 turns off, and the other mounting section 130 is locked.

[0149] When the loading and unloading operations for all the medications to be loaded and unloaded from the loading section 130 of the first prescription data are completed, the locks on the three loading sections 130 on which the

[0150] Furthermore, in the five mounting sections 130, the mounting section 130 on which the selection case 300a is mounted may be switched to a state where the drug can be inserted or removed one by one in an optional manner. An example of this operation is described below.

[0151] Figure 35 shows a modified example of the drug supply device according to this embodiment, in which the transport unit transports a selection case containing one drug to be supplied, as included in the first prescription data, to a placement unit.

[0152] As shown in Figure 35, when the transport unit 400 has transported a selection case 300a containing one of the drugs to be supplied as included in the first prescription data to a mounting unit 130, the display unit 160 corresponding to the mounting unit 130 lights up, the mounting unit 130 is unlocked, and the drug can be inserted into or removed from the selection case 300a. The mounting unit 130 is the first mounting unit 130 located from the left.

[0153] Figure 36 shows a modified example of the drug supply device according to this embodiment, in which the transport unit transports another selection case containing other drugs to be supplied, which are included in the first prescription data, to another mounting unit.

[0154] As shown in Figure 36, when the transport unit 400 has transported another selection case 300a containing other drugs to be supplied as included in the first prescription data to another mounting unit 130, the display unit 160 corresponding to the other mounting unit 130 lights up, and the other mounting unit 130 remains locked. The other mounting unit 130 is the second mounting unit 130 from the left.

[0155] Figure 37 shows a modified example of the drug supply device according to this embodiment, in which the transport unit sequentially transports the selected cases containing the drugs to be supplied, as included in the second prescription data, to the designated placement unit.

[0156] As shown in Figure 37, the transport unit 400 transports the selection cases 300a, each containing a drug to be supplied as included in the first prescription data, from the case rack 200 to two mounting sections 130. If there is a specific mounting section 130 among the five mounting sections 130 where no selection cases 300a are placed, the transport unit 400 transports at least one selection case 300a, each containing a drug to be supplied as included in the second prescription data, from the case rack 200 to the specific mounting section 130. The specific mounting sections 130 are the third to fifth mounting sections 130 from the left.

[0157] The specific placement unit 130 is kept in a state where it cannot be inserted into or removed from the selection case 300a of the drug to be supplied included in the second prescription data until a completion operation is performed indicating the completion of inserting or removing the drug to or from the selection case 300a of the drug to be supplied included in the first prescription data.

[0158] Therefore, as shown in Figure 37, when the transport unit 400 has transported the selection case 300a containing the drug to be supplied, which is included in the second prescription data, to the specific placement unit 130, the display unit 160 corresponding to the specific placement unit 130 lights up, and the specific placement unit 130 remains locked.

[0159] Figure 38 shows a modified example of the drug supply device according to this embodiment, in which the transport unit transports a selection case containing one drug to be supplied, which is included in the first prescription data, from a mounting unit to a case rack.

[0160] When the completion operation is performed for one selection case 300a of one drug to be supplied, as shown in Figure 38, the transport unit 400 transports the selection case 300a from one mounting section 130 to the case rack 200, and the lock on the other mounting section 130 is released. As a result, the display section 160 corresponding to one mounting section 130 turns off, and one mounting section 130 is locked, making it possible to load and unload drugs into the other selection cases 300a.

[0161] Figure 39 shows a modified example of the drug supply device according to this embodiment, in which the transport unit transports another selection case containing other drugs to be supplied, which are included in the first prescription data, from another mounting section to the case rack.

[0162] When the completion operation is performed for other selection cases 300a of other drugs to be supplied included in the first prescription data, the transport unit 400 transports the other selection cases 300a from the other mounting section 130 to the case rack 200, as shown in Figure 39. As a result, the display unit 160 corresponding to the other mounting section 130 turns off, and the other mounting section 130 is locked.

[0163] When the loading and unloading operations for all medications included in the first prescription data have been completed for the selection cases 300a of the medications to be loaded and unloaded from the loading section 130, the lock on one of the three loading sections 130 on which the selection cases 300a containing the medications included in the second prescription data are loaded is released. As described above, the loading sections 130 on which the selection cases 300a containing the medications included in one prescription data are loaded are switched to a state where medications can be loaded and unloaded one by one in an alternate manner.

[0164] The display mode of the display unit 160 may be varied to indicate whether or not the mounting unit 130 on which the selection case 300a is placed is unlocked. For example, the display unit 160 corresponding to the mounting unit 130 on which the selection case 300a is placed but is not unlocked may be lit up, while the display unit 160 corresponding to the mounting unit 130 on which the selection case 300a is placed but is unlocked may be blinked.

[0165] The display mode of the display unit 160 described above may also be displayed on the touch panel 170. Figure 40 is a diagram showing an example of the display on the touch panel of the drug supply device according to this embodiment.

[0166] As shown in Figure 40, the touch panel 170 displays multiple display units corresponding to the arrangement of multiple mounting units 130. Specifically, the touch panel 170 displays multiple mounting unit areas R130 corresponding to the arrangement of multiple mounting unit areas 130, and multiple display areas R160 are displayed in a one-to-one correspondence with the multiple mounting unit areas R130.

[0167] Each of the multiple display areas R160 has the same display mode as the display area R160 corresponding to the mounting section 130 on which the selection case 300a containing the drugs to be supplied included in the first prescription data is placed, while the display area R160 corresponding to the mounting section 130 on which the selection case 300a containing the drugs to be supplied included in the second prescription data is placed has a different display mode from each other.

[0168] The touch panel 170 displays a prescription data area RD for displaying multiple prescription data, a selection area RC for selecting prescription data, a mode switching area R400 for switching between the first and second modes, and a completion area RE for inputting a completion operation indicating the completion of loading and unloading of the medication to be supplied included in the prescription data.

[0169] Next, an example of an operation for determining the inventory quantity of drugs in the drug supply device 1 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0170] The inventory quantity tracking unit 91 shown in Figure 28 tracks the inventory quantity of drugs stored in the case rack 200. The inventory quantity tracking unit 91 consists of a storage unit and a computing unit. The inventory quantities of drugs stored in the first storage unit and the second storage unit are tracked by a computer (not shown) electrically connected to the control unit 90. In this embodiment, the inventory quantities of drugs stored in the case rack 200, the lower storage space 140, and the upper storage space 150 are tracked by the computer.

[0171] In both the first and second modes, the inventory quantity tracking unit 91 updates the inventory quantity of the supplied drug based on the prescription data when a completion operation is performed indicating the completion of the loading or unloading of the supplied drug included in the prescription data. Specifically, each time a completion operation is performed, the inventory quantity tracking unit 91 calculates the inventory quantity by subtracting the quantity of the supplied drug included in the prescription data from the inventory quantity before supply stored in the storage unit, and the storage unit stores the calculated inventory quantity to update the inventory quantity.

[0172] When the drug supply device 1 is in the first mode, the completion operation is the operation of returning the pulled-out mounting section 130 to its original position, which can be detected by the position detection sensor 11. Alternatively, the completion operation may be input by tapping the mounting section area R130 corresponding to the mounting section 130 on the touch panel 170 display. Or, buttons may be provided near each of the multiple mounting sections 130, and the completion operation may be input by pressing the button near the mounting section 130.

[0173] When the drug supply device 1 is in the second mode, the completion operation is entered by tapping the completion area RE on the touch panel 170 shown in Figure 40, with the selection area RC checked and one of the prescription data selected.

[0174] In the second mode, it is possible to perform a completion operation in a batch to indicate the completion of loading and unloading of the target drugs included in multiple prescription data. Specifically, on the touch panel 170 shown in Figure 40, by checking multiple selection areas RC to select multiple prescription data, the completion operation can be performed in a batch by tapping the completion area RE.

[0175] The recording unit 92 shown in Figure 28 records the history of drug dispensing and receiving. The recording unit 92 records prescription data and implementation mode information indicating whether the dispensing and receiving of the drug to be supplied included in this prescription data was carried out in the first mode or the second mode, in association with each other.

[0176] In the drug supply device according to this embodiment, when a completion operation is performed indicating the completion of loading and unloading drugs into or from the selection case 300a, the transport unit 400 is set to a transport execution state in which it temporarily holds the selection case 300a in at least one mounting section 130, and then transports it from at least one mounting section 130 to the case rack 200. If a cancellation operation is performed to cancel the completion operation while the selection case 300a is temporarily holding in at least one mounting section 130, the transport execution state is released. This makes it possible to reduce the time required to move the case 300 from the case rack 200 when resuming drug loading and unloading operations within a certain period of time for a case 300 in which drug loading and unloading operations have been performed.

[0177] In the drug supply device according to this embodiment, the transport unit 400, while set to transport execution state, has the selected case 300a wait in at least one mounting section 130 for a certain period of time, and then transports it from at least one mounting section 130 to the case rack 200. This allows for the drug to be loaded and unloaded from the selected case 300a again until a certain period of time has elapsed while the device is set to transport execution state.

[0178] In the drug supply device according to this embodiment, when a completion operation is performed indicating the completion of loading and unloading of drug into one of the multiple selection cases 300a, the transport unit 400 temporarily holds the selected case 300a in one of the multiple mounting units 130 until a start operation is performed indicating the start of loading and unloading drug into another of the multiple selection cases 300a, and then transports the selected case 300a from the mounting unit 130 to the case rack 200. This allows loading and unloading of drug into the selected case 300a to be performed again until loading and unloading of drug into another selection case 300a begins.

[0179] In the drug supply device according to this embodiment, while the transport unit 400 is set to transport execution state, it has the selection case 300a wait at at least one of the mounting sections 130 until the transport unit 400 reaches at least one of the mounting sections 130, and then transports the case from at least one of the mounting sections 130 to the case rack 200. As a result, while the transport unit is set to transport execution state, it is possible to put drugs into and take them out of the selection case 300a again until the transport unit 400 reaches at least one of the mounting sections 130.

[0180] In the drug supply device according to this embodiment, at least one mounting section 130 is configured to be retractable in the front-rear direction and lockable to prevent movement. While the selection case 300a is temporarily waiting in at least one mounting section 130, at least one mounting section 130 is not locked and can be retracted. The cancellation operation is performed by retracting at least one mounting section. This makes the cancellation operation easy to perform.

[0181] In the drug supply device according to this embodiment, the transport unit 400 transports the first drug between the first storage section and the mounting section 130. The second storage section is provided around the mounting section 130 and stores the second drug in a way that allows it to be manually inserted and removed. This reduces the range of movement required by the worker for inserting and removing drugs, and allows multiple types of drugs to be inserted and removed in a short time.

[0182] In the drug supply device according to this embodiment, a dispensing table 120 is provided around the placement section 130. This makes it easier to put in and take out drugs.

[0183] In the drug supply device according to this embodiment, the second storage section is provided above, below, and to the side of the mounting section 130. This allows multiple types of drugs to be loaded and unloaded while being located in front of the mounting section 130.

[0184] In the drug supply device according to this embodiment, the second drug is prescribed more frequently than the first drug. For drugs prescribed more frequently, it is possible to place them around the storage unit 130 and manually put them in and take them out, which takes less time than automatic transport.

[0185] In the drug supply device according to this embodiment, the transport unit 400 transports the first drug based on prescription data. This makes it possible to select drugs that are prone to being mixed up, such as drugs with similar names or drugs that differ only in weight specifications, based on prescription data, thereby suppressing drug mix-ups.

[0186] In the drug supply device according to this embodiment, the first drug is housed in case 300. The transport unit 400 transports the first drug housed in case 300. This makes it easier to transport the first drug compared to when the first drug is stored in a medicine box in the first storage compartment, and also prevents the first drug housed in case 300 from falling out of the first storage compartment in the event of an earthquake or the like.

[0187] In the drug supply device according to this embodiment, each of the multiple placement units 130 can be individually switched between a state where drugs can be inserted into and removed from the placed selection case 300a and a state where drugs cannot be inserted into or removed from the placement unit 130. The transport unit 400 transports the selection cases 300a, each containing the drugs to be supplied included in the first prescription data, from the case rack 200 to the multiple placement units 130. If there is a specific placement unit 130 in the multiple placement units 130 where no selection cases 300a are placed, the transport unit 400 transports at least one selection case 300a, each containing the drugs to be supplied included in the second prescription data, from the case rack 200 to the specific placement unit 130. The specific placement unit 130 is maintained in a state where drugs to be supplied included in the second prescription data cannot be inserted into or removed from at least one selection case 300a until a completion operation is performed indicating the completion of inserting or removing the drugs to and from the selection case 300a included in the first prescription data. This ensures that drugs to be supplied included in multiple prescription data can be inserted into and removed from each case 300 in a short amount of time without error.

[0188] In the drug supply device according to this embodiment, each of the multiple mounting sections 130, where a selection case 300a containing the drugs to be supplied as included in a single prescription data is mounted, switches to a state where drugs can be loaded and unloaded. This prevents the mistaken loading and unloading of drugs related to different prescription data.

[0189] In the drug supply device according to this embodiment, in the multiple placement sections, the placement section on which the selected case is placed is switched to a state where the drug can be inserted or removed one by one in an alternative manner. This prevents the drug from being inserted or removed by mistake.

[0190] In the drug supply device according to this embodiment, among the multiple display units 160, the display units 160 corresponding to the mounting unit 130 on which each of the selection cases 300a containing the drugs to be supplied included in the first prescription data are placed have the same display mode, while the display units 160 corresponding to the mounting unit 130 on which each of the selection cases 300a containing the drugs to be supplied included in the second prescription data are placed have different display modes. This makes it easy to recognize which selection case 300a is being used to load or unload the drugs.

[0191] In the drug supply device according to this embodiment, multiple display units are displayed on the image display unit in a manner corresponding to the arrangement of multiple mounting units 130. This makes it easy to recognize the mounting unit 130 on which the selection case 300a for loading and unloading drugs is placed.

[0192] In the drug supply device according to this embodiment, the position-finding unit determines the storage positions of multiple cases 300 in the case rack 200. The case rack 200 is configured so that multiple cases 300 can be manually inserted and removed. Each of the multiple cases 300 is provided with an information-carrying unit that carries identification information. The position-finding unit determines the storage positions of the multiple cases 300 in the case rack 200 by moving along the arrangement of the multiple cases 300 in the case rack 200 and acquiring identification information from each of the information-carrying units of the multiple cases 300. This makes it possible to determine the storage positions of multiple cases 300 in the case rack 200 with a simple configuration.

[0193] In the drug supply device according to this embodiment, the position-finding unit is provided on the transport unit 400. This eliminates the need to provide a separate drive mechanism for moving the position-finding unit from the transport unit 400, thus simplifying the configuration of the drug supply device.

[0194] In the drug supply device according to this embodiment, the case rack 200 is divided into multiple compartments. The case rack 200 includes multiple opening / closing parts and multiple opening / closing detection units 250. The multiple opening / closing parts can individually open and close the multiple compartments. The multiple opening / closing detection units 250 detect the opening / closing state of the multiple opening / closing parts in a one-to-one correspondence. In the compartments opened by the opening / closing parts that are in the open state, the multiple cases 300 can be manually inserted and removed. In the compartments closed by the opening / closing parts that are in the closed state, the multiple cases 300 cannot be manually inserted and removed. The position-finding unit determines the storage position of the multiple cases 300 in the case rack 200 by moving along the arrangement of the multiple cases 300 only in the compartments where the storage position of the multiple cases 300 in the compartment has not been determined after the opening / closing detection units 250 have detected an opening / closing part that is in the open state. This allows the storage locations of multiple cases 300 in the case rack 200 to be determined in a short time by only determining the location of cases 300 whose storage location is unknown in the section where such cases exist.

[0195] In the drug supply device according to this embodiment, it is possible to switch between a first mode in which the transport unit 400 can transport the selected case 300a and a second mode in which the transport unit 400 is stopped and multiple cases 300 can be manually taken in and out of the case rack 200. When the system is switched from the second mode to the first mode, the position-finding unit is driven to understand the storage positions of the multiple cases 300 in the case rack 200. This makes it possible to understand the storage positions of the multiple cases 300 in the case rack 200 when the transport unit 400 starts transporting the selected case 300a.

[0196] In the drug supply device according to this embodiment, when switching from the second mode to the first mode, if the transport unit 400 is instructed to transport the selected case 300a, the position sensing unit may not be driven, and the transport of the selected case 300a by the transport unit 400 may be prioritized. This reduces the waiting time required for the position sensing unit to determine the placement of the case 300.

[0197] In the drug supply device according to this embodiment, it may be possible to set whether or not the position-finding unit is driven when switching from the second mode to the first mode. By setting the position-finding unit not to be driven when switching from the second mode to the first mode, if the arrangement of the cases 300 is maintained by returning the cases 300 to their original positions on the case rack 200 when inserting or removing the cases 300 from the front of the case rack 200, unnecessary waiting time for the position-finding unit to determine the arrangement of the cases 300 can be reduced.

[0198] In the drug supply device according to this embodiment, a plurality of cases 300 are arranged along a virtual plane perpendicular to the front-to-back direction in the case rack 200. The case rack 200 is configured so that the plurality of cases 300 can be manually inserted into and removed from the front of the case rack 200. The case rack 200 includes a work table 230 used when inserting or removing drugs from the plurality of cases 300 at the front of the case rack 200. This makes it possible to easily insert or remove drugs from the cases 300 even at the front of the case rack 200.

[0199] In the drug supply device according to this embodiment, the workbench 230 is configured to be switchable between a first state in which it protrudes forward from the front of the case rack 200 and a second state in which it is located behind the front of the case rack 200. This allows the workbench 230 to be used only when needed, and when the workbench 230 is not needed, it can be positioned in front of the case rack 200 so that it does not get in the way.

[0200] In the drug supply device according to this embodiment, a storage space S230 for housing a workbench 230 is formed in the case rack 200. In the second state described above, the workbench 230 is stored in the storage space S230. This allows the workbench 230 to be stored inside the case rack 200 when it is not needed, so that it does not get in the way.

[0201] In the drug supply device according to this embodiment, the workbench 230 can be pushed into the storage space S230 and pulled out from the storage space S230. This makes it easy to switch the workbench 230 between a first state and a second state.

[0202] In the drug supply device according to this embodiment, the work table 230 includes a push-open mechanism that biases the work table 230 to move forward when its front surface is pressed. As a result, there is no need to provide a handle on the work table 230, and the work table 230 can be kept out of the way in front of the case rack 200.

[0203] In the drug supply device according to this embodiment, the transport unit 400 is movably mounted on the rear side of the case rack 200. This prevents the transport unit 400 from getting in the way when loading or unloading drugs into or from the case 300 at the front of the case rack 200.

[0204] In the drug supply device according to this embodiment, it is possible to switch between a first mode in which the transport unit 400 can transport the selected case 300a and a second mode in which the transport unit 400 is stopped and multiple cases 300 can be manually taken in and out of the case rack 200. Only in the first mode can drugs be taken in and out of the selected case 300a placed on the mounting section 130. Only in the second mode can drugs be taken in and out of the multiple cases 300 stored in the case rack 200. This makes it possible to select whether to take drugs in and out of the cases 300 from the mounting section 130 or the case rack 200.

[0205] The drug supply device according to this embodiment further includes an inventory quantity tracking unit 91 for tracking the inventory quantity of drugs. In both the first mode and the second mode, when a completion operation indicating the completion of loading or unloading of the drugs to be supplied, as included in the prescription data, is performed, the inventory quantity tracking unit 91 updates the inventory quantity of the drugs to be supplied based on the prescription data. This makes it possible to easily track the inventory quantity of drugs.

[0206] In the second mode, the drug supply device according to this embodiment allows for the simultaneous operation of completion operations indicating the completion of loading and unloading of drugs to be supplied, which are included in multiple prescription data sets. This makes it easy to grasp the inventory quantity of drugs that have been manually loaded or unloaded.

[0207] The drug supply device according to this embodiment further includes a recording unit 92 that records the history of drug dispensing and receiving. The recording unit 92 records the prescription data and implementation mode information indicating whether the dispensing and receiving of the drug to be supplied included in the prescription data was performed in a first mode or a second mode, in association with each other. This makes it possible to later confirm whether the drug dispensing and receiving was performed in a first mode or a second mode.

[0208] Furthermore, the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and do not constitute a limiting interpretation. Therefore, the technical scope of the present invention is not construed solely by the embodiments described above, but is defined based on the claims. This also includes all modifications within the meaning and scope of the equivalents of the claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0209] 1 Drug supply device, 10 Proximity sensor, 11 Position detection sensor, 12 Electromagnet, 90 Control unit, 91 Inventory quantity tracking unit, 92 Recording unit, 100 Dispensing counter unit, 110, 210, 410 Housing, 111, 131h, 132b, 222 Opening, 112 Storage space, 113 Guide rail, 114, 131r Roller, 115 Contact part, 120 Dispensing counter, 130 Placement part, 130b, 310b Bottom part, 131 Base part, 131a Dog, 131p Adsorption part, 132 Wall part, 132c, 321 Protrusion, 132d, 313 Projection part, 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, 220 Shelf section, 221 Guide wall, 223 Stopper, 230 Workbench, 231 Push-open mechanism, 240 Opening / closing door, 250 Opening / closing detection section, 300 Case, 300a Selectable case, 310 Case body, 310f Front wall section, 310r Rear wall section, 310s Side wall section, 311 Transparent support section, 312 Step section, 314 Recess, 314f Front wall surface, 314s Side wall surface, 315, 316 Groove section, 317 Slit, 318 Engaging section, 320 Fractional storage section, 330 Partition plate, 340, 350 Identification code, 400 Transport unit, 420 Motor, 430 Rotating axis, 440 Support arm, 450 Claw part, 460 Plate, 480 Screw mechanism, 500 Horizontal movement mechanism, 600 Vertical movement mechanism, 630 Connection attachment, PLD, PLU, PRD, PRU Section, R130 Mounting area, R160 Display area, RC Selection area, RD Prescription data area, RE Completion area, S230 Storage space.

Claims

1. A first storage compartment for storing the first drug, The above-mentioned first drug can be placed on a mounting section for inserting and removing the above-mentioned first drug, A transport unit for transporting the first drug between the first storage unit and the previously described placement unit, A second storage compartment for storing the second drug in a way that allows it to be manually inserted and removed, Equipped with a dispensing counter, The second storage unit and the dispensing table are located around the aforementioned storage unit and are provided in the same housing as the aforementioned storage unit. The second storage section includes an upper storage space formed above the previously described storage section and the dispensing counter, The aforementioned upper storage space is a drug supply device located directly above the rear portion of the dispensing counter.

2. The drug supply device according to claim 1, wherein the mounting portion is provided between the upper storage space and the rear portion of the dispensing counter.

3. The drug supply device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the second storage section further includes a lower storage space formed below the storage section and the dispensing counter.

4. The drug supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second drug is prescribed more frequently than the first drug.

5. The drug supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the transport unit transports the first drug based on prescription data.

6. The first drug is housed in a case, The drug supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the transport unit transports the first drug contained in the case.

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