JP2000024085A - Medicine dispenser for preparation - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a medicine dispenser for dispensing medicines for preparation which needs little space. SOLUTION: This medicine dispenser for preparation has a number of medicine cassettes 20 to store medicines for preparation, a means 13 to support the cassettes 20 separately or together so that they can be drawn out in the horizontal direction, and medicine carrying mechanisms 31-34 to take out medicines from the medicine cassettes 20 and carry them to prescribed positions. The medicine carrying mechanisms 31-34 are located on the side of the drawing direction of the medicine cassettes 20. Therefore, different kinds of work can be done in the same working space, so that the space which the device indirectly occupies can be reduced.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a dispensing medicine dispensing apparatus for supporting dispensing work in a hospital pharmacy or the like. More specifically, various dispensing medicines are stored in cassettes in advance, and are automatically operated as necessary. The present invention relates to a dispensing device for dispensing medicines.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a medicine dispensing device for dispensing, a tablet dispensing machine and a powder dispensing dispensing machine, which have been advanced, and a device for picking and extracting a sheet pack packed with tablets (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 2-284) discloses a method in which an ampoule of a liquid material is extruded and dropped by gravity.
No. 06) is known.

[0003] Among these dispensing medicine dispensing devices, a large number of medicine cassettes accommodating medicines for dispensing, means for supporting these cassettes individually or collectively so as to be able to be pulled out in the horizontal direction, And a dispensing transport mechanism for taking out the drug cassette and transporting it to a predetermined position, the dispensing transport mechanism is disposed on a side different from the drawing direction of the medicine cassette, for example, on the opposite side (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. Hei 2-
No. 309967, page 5, lower left column, lines 10-11).

[0004]

In such a conventional medicine dispensing device for dispensing, a space for drawing out the medicine cassette and a space for performing maintenance work of the dispensing and transporting mechanism are separately required around the device. is there. For this reason, when installing, it is necessary to consider not only the size of the device but also those work spaces that are required to be derived. That is, in addition to the space occupied directly by the device, it is necessary to secure a certain indirect occupied space around the device.

[0005] However, the space and installation area that can be allocated to dispensing operations in hospital pharmacies and the like are limited, and even if automation of dispensing can be achieved, the allocation cannot be unilaterally increased. Therefore, when automating the dispensing operation, it is important to effectively use the limited space. The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to realize a medicine dispensing device for dispensing that occupies a small space.

[0006]

The constitution, operation and effect of the dispensing device for dispensing medicine of the present invention which has been made to solve such problems will be described below.

The dispensing device for dispensing medicine of the present invention (as described in the first aspect of the present invention) comprises a plurality of medicine cassettes for accommodating dispensing medicines, and these cassettes are individually or collectively arranged in a horizontal direction. In a medicine dispensing device for dispensing, the dispensing and dispensing device including a means for supporting the medicine cassette so as to be able to be pulled out and a dispensing and conveying mechanism for taking out the stored medicine from the medicine cassette and conveying the medicine to a predetermined position, the dispensing and conveying mechanism is arranged in a direction in which the medicine cassette is withdrawn. It is characterized by being arranged.

In the medicine dispensing device for dispensing having such a configuration, a predetermined direction is set in the drawing direction of the medicine cassette in order to enable the medicine cassette to be drawn out and to allow the medicine to be replenished. In this case, the maintenance work on the movable member such as the take-out member, the drive mechanism for moving the take-out member, and the transport mechanism is performed in the same place.

[0009] Thus, since different types of work can be performed in the same work space, the work space to be secured around the apparatus is reduced. As a result, the installation density of the device can be increased without impairing the workability. In addition, the drawing direction of the medicine cassette is generally the front / front direction in consideration of the fact that the medicine replenishment operation is performed by a pharmacist or the like, so that it is easy to visually confirm where the medicine is to be taken out. Therefore, according to the present invention, a medicine dispensing device for dispensing with a small occupied space can be realized.

[0010]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment for implementing the dispensing drug dispensing device of the present invention achieved by such a solution will be described.

[First Embodiment] A first embodiment of the present invention is a dispensing medicine dispensing apparatus according to the above-described solution, wherein a cover such as a door provided on the medicine cassette withdrawal side is provided. And a control means for selectively operating the dispensing and conveying mechanism in accordance with opening and closing of the cover.

If the dispensing / conveying mechanism operates with any of the drug cassettes pulled out, they may interfere with each other and cause a failure or the like. However, in the dispensing drug dispensing device of this embodiment, When the medicine cassette is pulled out, the cover cannot be completely closed, and when the cover is open, the control means which detects this opens the operation of the dispensing / transporting mechanism. Thereby, interference is prevented beforehand, and a reliable operation result is obtained.

[Second Embodiment] A second embodiment of the present invention is the dispensing device for dispensing medicine according to the above-described solving means and the embodiment, comprising a lock means for opening and closing the cover, and The dispensing medicine dispensing device is characterized in that the dispensing mechanism moves the dispensing / conveying mechanism to a predetermined retreat position in response to the release of the locking means.

When the locking means is released for replenishing the medicine cassette with the medicine or the like, the dispensing / transporting mechanism automatically retracts in accordance with the control of the control means detecting the fact.
When the cover is opened and one of the medicine cassettes is to be pulled out, the medicine cassette can be pulled out without any hindrance because the dispensing / conveying mechanism has already been retracted. This makes it possible to easily perform a medicine replenishing operation or the like even when the dispensing / conveying mechanism is located on the medicine cassette drawing-out side.

[Third Embodiment] A third embodiment of the present invention is a dispensing device for dispensing medicine according to the above-described solving means and embodiments, wherein a drive transmitted to a movable member of the dispensing and conveying mechanism is provided. It is characterized in that a means for limiting the force to a predetermined value or less is provided. In this case, even if the medicine cassette and the dispensing / transporting mechanism interfere under a situation exceeding the prediction, even if the driving of the dispensing / transporting mechanism does not stop in that state, the driving force is limited. ,
It is possible to avoid severe damage or deformation to the point where it cannot be used continuously. As a result, fatal damage is less likely to occur, and the operation rate is improved.

[Fourth Embodiment] A fourth embodiment of the present invention is the dispensing medicine dispensing device according to the above-described embodiment, wherein a means for changing the limit value by the driving force limiting means is provided. It is characterized by having been done. In this case, appropriate adjustment can be performed quickly and easily even when a reaction force, a resistance force, or the like generated when the movable member of the pay-out transport mechanism is moved due to aging or the like.

[Fifth Embodiment] A fifth embodiment of the present invention is the dispensing medicine dispensing apparatus of the above-described embodiment, wherein any one of the medicine cassettes is individually or collectively pulled out. Detecting means for detecting that the delivery mechanism is stopped, in response to the detection of the detecting means. In this case, even when the medicine cassette is forcibly pulled out without waiting for the evacuation of the dispensing / transporting mechanism, the interference between the dispensing / transporting mechanism and the medicine cassette can be reliably prevented.

[Sixth Embodiment] There are many types of drugs dispensed in hospital pharmacies and the like, and the forms are also various. Specifically, basic tablets, granules, powders,
In addition to capsules, bottled liquids, ampoule-type and vial-type injections, sheet-pack type PTP tablets, and other external medicines such as ointments and patches, in a broader sense, they also include accessories such as bandages and gauze. . There are so-called round ones such as eye drops and ointments in tubes, and there are also pre-packaged sachets mixed with tablets and powders. However, drug removal by extrusion or gravity drop is limited to solid tablets, bottled drugs or boxed drugs. In addition, drug removal by picking requires handling of various drugs because it is necessary to appropriately cooperate a plurality of picking members and adapt the shape of the picking member for each of a variety of dosage forms and drug packaging forms. In order to expand the application range of the dispensing device for dispensing medicine, the structure is inevitably complicated.

In the sixth embodiment of the present invention, taking these points into consideration, it is intended to automate not only solid relatively easy-to-handle drugs but also various forms of drugs such as patches in bags. Things. That is, the dispensing medicine dispensing apparatus of the above-described solution and embodiment,
The dispensing / conveying mechanism is provided with a friction member for taking out the medicine.

In the dispensing medicine dispensing apparatus of such a configuration, when a dispensing medicine contained in any one of the medicine cassettes is to be dispensed, the medicine cassette and the dispensing conveyance are moved by movement of a dispensing conveyance mechanism or the like. The association with the mechanism is performed, and the friction member of the dispensing / transporting mechanism is directed to the medicine removing position in the medicine cassette. Then, when the friction member is moved in a predetermined direction by a driving device or the like when the contact state between the friction surface of the friction member and the dispensing agent at the take-out position is secured, the desired dispensing agent is moved by the frictional force. Dragged out, taken out to escape,
Then paid out to the desired place.

In this manner, the dispensing agent is taken out by pushing, picking, or rubbing, which is independent of gravity drop. As a result, the dispensing agent can be applied irrespective of the fine form and hardness of the dispensing agent as long as it has a friction surface, even though it has a simple structure as compared with a picking mechanism or the like, so that the applicable range is expanded. More specifically, a desired number of medicines can be taken out of the medicine cassette, sequentially, as well as medicines in a box that can be pushed out, sheet packs that can be picked out, and ampoules that can be dropped by gravity, as well as bagged medicines. It is possible to pay out. Therefore, according to the present invention, a medicine for dispensing can be dispensed without inconvenience for a wide range of medicine shapes and packaging forms even if the medicine shape and packaging form are various.

[Seventh Embodiment] A seventh embodiment of the present invention is a medicine dispensing device for dispensing according to the above-described solving means and the embodiment, wherein the friction member has a friction surface facing the medicine cassette. On which a large number of projections (preferably made of an elastic member) are formed.

In the dispensing device for dispensing medicine of such a form, when the dispensing medicine is rubbed against the friction member, fine vibrations occur due to sticking and slippage of the projections successively on the contact surface. . This vibration is
It is transmitted to the dispensing agent and lowers the coefficient of friction between the dispensing agents. Thus, when a desired dispensing agent is extracted by frictional force, the subsequent dispensing agent is well separated, and only the dispensing agent during friction is reliably taken out.

In particular, when the friction member is moved so that the friction member advances upward or obliquely upward on the contact surface when the friction member is rubbed by the dispensing agent, the dispensing agent and the subsequent dispensing agent can be moved. In addition to the interaction with gravity acting downward, the vibration is strongly excited, and the separation between the dispensing agent during friction and the subsequent dispensing agent is further improved. Thereby, only the desired dispensing medicine can be reliably dispensed.

[Eighth Embodiment] An eighth embodiment of the present invention is a dispensing medicine dispensing apparatus according to the above-mentioned solving means and embodiments, wherein the friction member has a friction surface facing the medicine cassette. A means for expanding and contracting the movable range is provided.

In the dispensing medicine dispensing apparatus of such a configuration, when the friction member of the dispensing and conveying mechanism is directed to the medicine removing position of the medicine cassette to be taken out, the movable range of the dispensing and conveying mechanism is the corresponding cassette or the corresponding medicine. Scaled to fit the size of Then, when the contact state between the friction surface of the friction member and the medicine at the take-out position is secured without excess or deficiency, when the friction member moves, the desired medicine is reliably taken out and dispensed to a desired place.

Thus, even if the width of the medicine cassette is different, the dispensing of the medicine for dispensing is reliably performed.
In addition, since the friction member is used for taking out the medicine, the working range can be easily realized by selectively performing the drive range or partially covering the friction surface. it can. Therefore, according to the present invention, a medicine for dispensing can be dispensed without inconvenience even if medicine cassettes of various sizes having different heights and widths are mixed based on a wide variety of medicine shapes and packaging forms.

[Ninth Embodiment] A specific embodiment of the present invention is a dispensing medicine dispensing apparatus according to the above-described solving means and the embodiment, wherein the medicine cassette is
The upper part is opened so as to be easily accommodated, and the dispensing medicines are arranged in a horizontal line and accommodated, and a means for urging the dispensing medicine being accommodated toward the medicine removing position is provided. Wherein the dispensing and transporting mechanism includes a medicine removing means and a medicine transporting means, wherein the medicine removing means is provided with the friction member corresponding to each of the medicine cassettes, or The friction member is provided corresponding to one or several of the cassettes, and means for moving the friction member or any of the friction members to a take-out position of any one of the medicine cassettes is connected, The medicine transporting means has a position and a position at which a medicine for dispensing taken out of the medicine cassette by the medicine taking out means can be received from the medicine taking out means. Those having a conveying mechanism or drug ejection mechanism for a single or multiple coupled provided over the dispensing position of the.

[0029]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a medicine dispensing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
1A and 1B are external perspective views of the entire apparatus, in which FIG. 1A shows a state in which a door is closed, and FIG. 1B shows a state in which the door is opened. FIG.
1 schematically shows the internal structure in a simplified manner, (a) is a vertical front view, and (b) is an AA vertical side view. FIG. 3 is an enlarged longitudinal side view of the distal end portion of the medicine cassette around the medicine take-out position. FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the arrangement of the friction members as viewed from the front.
Is a driving force variable mechanism in the pay-out transport mechanism. In the drawings, the left-right direction, that is, the side direction is defined as the X direction,
The vertical direction, that is, the vertical direction is shown as Y direction, and the front-rear direction, that is, the front direction is shown as Z direction.

The dispensing medicine dispensing apparatus 10 has a front (Z
(A direction), a door 41 (cover) is provided, and a medicine for dispensing is dispensed to a dispensing box 37 hung on the door 41 (see FIG. 1A). The door 41 is provided with a pair of doors that rotate left and right to separate when opened (FIG. 1).
(See (b)), a plate of translucent plastic or tempered glass is inserted so that the inside can be seen through. Then, when the door 41 is opened, an empty space is obtained in which a later-described medicine cassette 20 can be pulled out to the front side together with the shelf board 13.
Thus, the door 41 is a cover provided on the medicine cassette withdrawal direction side.

A lock 42 which is engaged with the door 41 when the door 41 is closed is attached to a fixing member such as a top plate, a bottom plate or a frame provided at a front portion where the door 41 opens and closes. The lock 42 is locked to maintain the door 41 in a closed state, and is unlocked to make the door 41 freely openable and closable, but prevents a person without a key from easily locking and unlocking. Therefore, a plurality of doors are provided for each door 41 in order to ensure locking (see FIG. 1B). Thus, the lock 42 is a locking means for opening and closing the cover 41.

Although not shown, each lock 42 has a sensor for detecting whether the lock 42 is locked or unlocked, and a micro-actuator which is pressed and actuated when the door 41 is closed. Sensors such as switches are also provided, and each sensor sends a detection signal to a controller 14 described later. Thus, this medicine dispensing device for dispensing is provided with a means for detecting the release of the locking means and a means for detecting the opening and closing of the cover.

In the dispensing medicine dispensing apparatus 10,
A pair of left and right inner plates 11 (in FIG. 2A, one is near the right end and the other is slightly near the center from the left end. FIG. 2B
Then only one is visible. ), A plurality of shelves 13 (five in FIG. 2) are mounted on rails 12 mounted in a horizontal state through sliding members such as bearings. (See the second row from the top in FIG. 1B).

A plurality of cassettes 20 (four in FIG. 2A) are mounted on each shelf 13 in a row on the left and right sides (X direction). Each cassette 20 of each stage has a width of 1: 2: 3:
The ratio is 4, but this is merely an example, and all the cassettes may have the same width, and the combination may be different for each shelf board 13. Thereby, the medicine dispensing device 10 for dispensing has a large number of medicine cassettes 20 arranged vertically and horizontally so as to be able to be pulled out in the horizontal direction. In addition, a sensor (not shown) such as a proximity sensor for detecting whether or not the corresponding shelf plate 13 is sufficiently pushed into the back side is also attached to the inner plate 11 corresponding to each shelf plate 13. The signal is sent to a controller 14 described later. Thus, a detecting means for detecting that the medicine cassettes 20 are pulled out collectively for each shelf 13 is provided.

Each of the cassettes 20 is formed in a long and narrow box shape in the front and rear direction (Z direction).
Means for attaching to and detaching from the shelf 13 are also provided, but there is no lid portion. Then, if the patch 1 or the like (pharmaceutical preparation) is slightly smaller in width than its inner width, a large number of the patches 1 are placed and aligned.
Direction)) (FIG. 2 (b),
See FIG. 3). Thereby, each medicine cassette 2
Numeral 0 indicates that the upper part is open and the medicines for dispensing are arranged side by side in a row.

Each cassette 20 has a slightly inclined front end (tip in the Z direction) corresponding to the medicine take-out position and tends to open upward, and has a cutout 24 formed therein (FIG. 2 ( a), see FIG. 3). Notch 24 is for Patch 1
Rubber belt 35 (friction member) described below as long as the
Are formed in a size that can be freely inserted. Also, the cassette 20
A pusher 21 that can move freely in the longitudinal direction is provided therein.
, A winding unit 22 attached to the pressing tool 21, and a spring 23 having one end wound around the winding unit 22 and the other end attached to the rear end of the cassette 20. Utilizing the winding around the take-up portion 22, the pusher 21 is moved forward (in the Z direction) with a substantially constant force. And the pusher 21
When the patch 1 is stored between the patch 1 and the front end (24), the patch 1 is pressed toward the notch 24. Thus, the medicine cassettes 20 are provided with means for individually urging the stored medicine for dispensing toward the medicine take-out position.

The dispensing drug dispensing device 10 is also provided with a dispensing and transporting mechanism 30 for taking out the drug from the drug cassette 20 containing the desired dispensing drug and transporting the drug to a predetermined position. Have been. The dispensing and transporting mechanism 30 is disposed mainly on the front part of the apparatus, that is, immediately behind the door 41 (see FIG. 1 and FIG. 2B, the positive side in the Z direction). , And a medicine discharge unit 36. Thereby, the medicine dispensing device for dispensing 10
Has a dispensing / transporting mechanism 30 disposed on the side of the medicine cassette in the drawing direction.

The medicine take-out portion of the dispensing and transporting mechanism 30 includes a bucket 34 mounted on a movable member 33 and a movable member 3.
3 and a rubber belt 35 that can enter and exit the notch 24 of the cassette 20. Rubber belt 35
Is an endless flexible band stretched between a pair of rollers 35b. The notch 24 is provided by a driving device (not shown) so as not to interfere with the cassette 20 when the movable member 33 moves.
(See FIG. 2 (b)), when the dispensing medicine such as the patch 1 is taken out from the cassette 20, it enters the notch 24 and is brought into contact with the endmost patch 1 (see FIG. 2 (b)). 3).

When the roller 35b is rotated by a driving device (not shown), the rubber belt 35 rubs the contact surface with the patch 1 obliquely upward, whereby the patch lifted upward (in the direction B) of the rubber belt 35. 1 falls on the inclined plate 34a attached to the bucket 34 and falls into the bucket 34 (see arrow C). Thus, the dispensing and transporting mechanism 30 includes the rubber belt 35 as a friction member for taking out the medicine. Notch 2
The rubber belt 35 advances and retreats to the roller 35 as shown in FIG.
b, but the roller 35b is not moved, or in addition to the movement of the roller 35b, the rubber belt 3 is moved by a slippery contact plate or the like disposed between the rollers 35b.
5 may be extruded into the notch 24. The bottom of the bucket 34 is opened and closed so that the received patch 1 and the like are temporarily stored and collectively and appropriately discharged.

The rubber belt 35 has a large number of small projections 35a formed on the outer peripheral surface thereof. The projection 35a may be cylindrical (see FIGS. 3 and 4), may be conical in consideration of ease of die cutting, and may be prismatic or pyramid in consideration of ease of cutting. . Normally, the base material of the rubber belt 35 is made of the same material, but a different elastic piece may be implanted or adhered to the base in order to increase the friction coefficient of a part in direct contact with the base. This allows
The friction member 35 has a large number of protrusions 35 a formed of an elastic member formed on a friction surface facing the medicine cassette 20.

Further, the rubber belt 35 is arranged in the left and right directions (X direction).
In FIG. 4, a plurality (four in FIG. 4) are arranged in line, and the arrangement interval corresponds to the interval of the notch 24 in the cassette 20, and the number thereof corresponds to the maximum number of the notch 24 in the cassette 20. ing. As a result, the pay-out transport mechanism 30
Has a plurality of friction members 35 corresponding to the widest medicine cassette.

The support / drive unit of the pay-out transport mechanism 30 is provided with a vertical guide 31 erected in parallel with the inner plate 11, a horizontal guide 32 mounted on the vertical guide 31, and mounted on the horizontal guide 32. With a movable device 33 and a driving device including a ball screw or a timing belt (not shown),
The horizontal guide 32 is guided by the vertical guide 31 to move vertically (moves in the Y direction), and the movable member 33 is guided by the horizontal guide 32 to move horizontally (moves in the X direction). The movable range covers at least from the point where the right end rubber belt 35 reaches the rightmost notch 24 in each step to the point where the leftmost rubber belt 35 reaches the leftmost notch 24 in each step. ing.
Thus, the support / drive unit of the dispensing / transporting mechanism 30 moves any one of the plurality of friction members 35 to a position where an arbitrary one of the medicine cassettes 20 is taken out.

The details of the vertical guide 31 will be described with reference to FIG.
(See (a)), the driving unit includes a holder 31a fixed to the frame of the vertical guide 31, an arm 31b supported by the holder 31a, a bearing 31c held by the arm 31b, and a bearing supported by the bearing 31c. And a belt 31e wrapped around the wheel 31d. The belt 31e is rotated by rotating the wheel 31d by an electric motor (not shown).
Is moved up and down.
The holder 31a also serves as a stopper for the lateral guide 32. When the lateral guide 32 comes into contact with the holder 31a, the wheel 31d and the belt 31e slide so that the lateral guide 32 does not descend beyond its position. ing. Further, the support of the arm 31b is temporarily loosened so that the arm 31b
Is moved forward and backward with respect to the holder 31a, the tension of the belt 31e changes, so that the frictional force when the belt 31e slides on the wheel 31d is adjusted. Thus, there are provided means for restricting the driving force transmitted to the movable member 34 of the pay-out transport mechanism 30 to a predetermined value or less, and means for varying the limit value by the driving force restricting means.

A discharge swash plate 36 is provided inside the door 41 where an opening for hanging the dispensing box 37 is formed (see FIG. 2B). The discharge swash plate 36 is attached to the back of the door 41 or the like in a state where the payout box 37 side is lowered. One end of the discharge swash plate 36 reaches the movable range of the bucket 34, and the other end is the payout box of the door 41. 37 has reached the upper opening. Then, when the patch 1 or the like is discharged from the bottom of the bucket 34 that has moved above the discharge swash plate 36, the patch 1 or the like slides down on the discharge swash plate 36 and is discharged to the payout box 37. Thereby, the medicine transport means 30
Has a medicine discharging mechanism 36 provided between a position where the medicine for dispensing taken out from the medicine cassette 20 by the medicine taking out means can be received from the medicine taking out means and a predetermined dispensing position.

The controller 14 is mainly composed of a microprocessor system, and is installed in a space such as the bottom of the apparatus. The controller 14 operates the operation panel (not shown) provided on the front side to refer to the arrangement information of each cassette 20 stored in the memory and the medicine information about the patch 1 and the like stored in the memory, and It controls the operation of the driving device connected via the interface. In particular, rollers 3 that can be individually driven
When controlling the rotation of 5b, selective control is performed so that only the number of rubber belts 35 equal to the number of notches 24 in the relevant cassette 20 is operated. Alternatively, selective control is performed such that only the rubber belt 35 facing the corresponding notch 24 enters. Thereby, the friction member 35
Is provided with means for expanding and contracting the movable range of the friction surface facing the medicine cassette 20.

The controller 14 is also connected to each of the above-mentioned sensors. The controller 14 receives these detection signals and performs a condition determination based on the detection results by a program processing. The operation of the pay-out transport mechanism 30 is limited in a situation in which there is a possibility that interference will occur. That is, if at least one detection signal for unlocking the lock 42 indicates the unlocked state, the bucket 34 is immediately moved to the predetermined retracted position. The retreat position is set in advance as the lowest right position in the movable range (FIG. 1B).
It is also possible to change the setting to other places such as the upper left by operating the operation panel. This serves as control means for moving the pay-out transport mechanism to a predetermined retract position in response to the release of the lock means. Further, the controller 14
If at least one of the detection signals for the opening and closing of the door 41 indicates an open state, the driving of the payout transport mechanism 30 is stopped. Even in the middle of the evacuation operation, the vehicle is stopped immediately. Accordingly, the controller 14 is a control unit for selectively operating the pay-out transport mechanism in response to opening and closing of the cover, and in particular, a control unit for stopping the movement of the pay-out transport mechanism in response to detection of the open state. In addition, the control processing of these operation restrictions is performed prior to the control processing of the normal payout operation.

The mode of use and operation of the dispensing device for dispensing medicine having such a configuration will be described. FIG.
FIG. 7 is a plan layout example of a plurality of dispensing medicine dispensing apparatuses, and FIG. 7 is a vertical sectional side view showing a state when a medicine cassette is pulled out. First, an arrangement example of a plurality of dispensing medicine dispensing apparatuses 10 will be described, and then, an operation and the like when refilling the dispensing medicine 1 into the medicine cassette 20 will be described.
Finally, an operation and the like when the dispensing medicine 1 is taken out from each dispensing medicine dispensing device 10 will be described.

First, an example of the arrangement of a plurality of units will be described (see FIG. 6). Six dispensing drug dispensing devices 10 are installed in a dispensing room 50, which is surrounded by a partition wall 51, and a passage 52 penetrates the center of the partition wall 51. Then, the medicine dispensing device for dispensing 3
Each of the three units is arranged so that three units face each other with the back facing the partition wall 51 and the front facing the passage 52. In this case, the medicine dispensing device 10 for dispensing and the partition wall 51
It is sufficient that a gap for ventilation or the like is secured to some extent, such as opening the door 41, pulling out the shelf 13 or the cassette 20, and removing or attaching the dispensing / transporting mechanism 30. There is no need to have a large work space. Thus, a large number of medicine dispensing devices 10 for dispensing are densely installed.

Next, when there is a shortage in the patch 1 or the like stored in each cassette 20, an appropriate number is replenished as follows. That is, the worker unlocks the lock 42 of the corresponding medicine dispensing device 10 (see FIG. 1A), opens the door 41 toward the passage 52, and places the corresponding cassette 20 thereon. The shelf 13 is pulled out toward the passage 52 (see FIGS. 1B and 7A).

At this time, in the medicine dispensing device 10 for dispensing, when the first lock 42 is unlocked, the bucket 34 immediately moves to the standby position such as the lowest position in response to the detection. By the time the locks 42 are all unlocked, the retreating operation is usually completed and the bucket 34 is stopped at the standby position.
As soon as 1 is released, the bucket 34 stops at a position halfway to the standby position in response to the detection. Thus,
When the door 41 is opened, the bucket 34 is definitely stopped. If the bucket 34 hinders the subsequent work at the stop position, the door 41 may be closed once and the bucket 34 may be completely retracted.

Then, the operator enters the corresponding cassette 2
The patch 1 is removed from the shelf 13 and the cassette 20 is accommodated in the cassette 20 in a sufficient number so that the patch 1 is urged by the pusher 21 toward the medicine removing position. Then, the cassette 20 is mounted on the shelf 13 that has been pulled out. If necessary, the dispensing agent is replenished in the other cassettes 20 on the shelf 13 in the same manner. After refilling, the shelf 13 is pushed back. Similarly, the cassette 20 is mounted on the other shelf 13, and the cassette 20 is filled or replenished with a medicine for dispensing.
After replenishment, the door 41 is closed, and the lock 42 is also locked.

Further, the cassette 20 which is hidden in the retracted position of the bucket 34 and is difficult to replenish the medicine for dispensing as it is.
If there is, the predetermined evacuation position is changed by operating the operation panel or the like. For example, change from the bottom to the top.
Then, the above-described replenishing operation is performed again, and the patch 1 and the like are also replenished to the remaining cassette 20 (see FIG. 7B). Further, when replenishing or filling such a dispensing medicine, the controller 14 is also operated by operating the operation panel or reading necessary information from a created recording medium,
Appropriate arrangement information and medicine information are set.

Thus, the passage 52 is used as a working space.
A large number of cassettes 20 containing the patches 1 and the like are set in a state in which the medicine can be taken out. However, if the shelves 13 pulled out are not fully pushed back and not fully returned, the controller 14 withholds the operation control of the dispensing and transport mechanism 30 and the like in response to the detection, and an alarm to that effect is displayed on an appropriate display unit. Is output, in that case, the shelf 13
Set properly.

However, even if the position of the shelf plate 13 is appropriate, if the cassette 20 is set incorrectly and the leading end slightly protrudes toward the front side, the pay-out transport mechanism 30 moves, During the movement, the cassette 20
It is not theoretically possible for the lateral guide 32 of the delivery mechanism 30 to collide with the belt, but at this time, the belt 31e to which the lateral guide 32 is attached slides and the wheel 31
Since the transmission from d is interrupted, even if interference occurs, the interference members such as the cassette 20 and the dispensing / transporting mechanism 30 can be prevented from being damaged or require minimal damage. Is good. Although it is not possible to automatically detect whether or not interference has occurred, since the operation status of the dispensing and transporting mechanism 30 and the like can be seen through the translucent door 41, the user has come to the passage 52 to collect the dispensed medicine. It is easily recognized by an operator or the like.

The adjustment work for changing the amount of movement of the arm 31b in the vertical guide 31 to mitigate the impact at the time of interference or the like is performed similarly to the medicine replenishment work.
Is opened and the process is performed from the passage 52. Rubber belt 3
Operations such as replacement of 5 and adjustment of the operation of the pay-out transport mechanism 30 are also performed from the passage 52 side. Thus, the maintenance operation of the dispensing and transporting mechanism is performed at the same place as the medicine replenishment operation.

Finally, the operation when the dispensing medicine is taken out will be described. For example, when dispensing a patch 1 as a dispensing drug, the operation panel of the dispensing drug dispensing device 10 containing the desired patch 1 in each dispensing drug dispensing device 10 is operated to determine the type and number of the drug. And.
Then, the following processing is performed in accordance with the control of the controller 14 that has input this. That is, the movable member 3 is moved to the cassette 20 (the second cassette from the top in FIG. 2 and the second cassette from the right) in which the patch 1 is stored.
3 moves, and the rubber belt 35 that moves with it moves faces the corresponding cassette 20. This cassette 2
Since 0 has three notches 24, four rubber belts 3
Only three of the five (the left three except the right end in FIG. 2A) face each other.

The three rubber belts 35 enter the notches 24, and the rollers 35b rotate for a predetermined time (FIG. 3).
reference). Then, the patch 1 that has been in contact with the rubber belt 35 is lifted obliquely upward by the rubber belt 35 (see arrow B), and thereafter falls by gravity to fall into the bucket 3.
4 (see arrow C). At that time, the contact between the rubber belt 35 and the patch 1 is maintained through a large number of projections 35a, and the projections 35a sometimes cause stick-slip at individual timings when rubbing with the patch 1, so that the whole is fine. Small vibrations occur. In this way, only one patch 1 is reliably taken out of the cassette 20 without pulling out the subsequent patch 1 not in contact with the rubber belt 35 together.

When such an operation is repeated for the designated number, the necessary number of patches 1 are secured in the bucket 34. In addition, if payment for other types of dispensing drugs is also specified,
Cassette 20 in which movable member 33 contains the dispensing medicine
And the number of rubber belts 35 corresponding to the cutouts 24 of the cassette 20 (that is, any one of 1 to 4) is operated, and the specified number of dispensing medicines are also added to the bucket 34. Is done. In this way, as many kinds of specified dispensing medicines as necessary are needed,
Collected at 4.

Then, when the movable member 33 moves and the bucket 34 comes above the discharge swash plate 36, the bucket 3
The bottom of 4 opens and closes. Then, the collected medicine for dispensing falls on the discharge swash plate 36 and slides down there,
Finally, it is put in the payout box 37. In this manner, the medicine is taken out of the medicine cassette 20 containing the desired medicine for dispensing, and the medicine is discharged to a predetermined position, that is, a medicine dispensing position such as the dispensing box 37, and the medicine is automatically dispensed. Is completed.

[0060]

[Modification] In the above-described embodiment, a pair of doors 41 which open the door 41 as a cover to the left and right is shown, but this may be combined into a single sheet, divided into many pieces, or divided vertically. But it is good. In addition, as for the opening method, a rotating type, a swing type, and a rotating type such as a door are shown, but a sliding type such as a sliding door may be used. May be. Furthermore, although a translucent one is shown, as long as the inside can be seen through, even if it is colorless and transparent,
It may be colored and transparent, or may be a slit, a grid, or a net. In addition, the predetermined shunting position is fixed in advance set in the controller 14, but may be automatically changed according to the unlocking sequence of the door 41. For example, when the unlocking of the left door 41 is performed first, the bucket 34 is retracted to the right, and when the unlocking of the right door 41 is performed first, the bucket 34 is retracted to the left,
When the lock 42 attached to the top plate is unlocked first, the bucket 34 is retracted downward, and when the lock 42 attached to the bottom plate is unlocked first, the bucket 34 is retracted upward. You may do it.

In the above-described embodiment, the cassette 20 is drawn out for each shelf 13 collectively.
Numeral 3 indicates that the medicine cassettes can be pulled out individually by, for example, attaching each cassette 20 to the shelf 13 in a slidable manner in addition to the fact that the shelf 13 can be pulled out or fixed. May be.

In the above-described embodiment, only one bucket 34 moves in the two directions of XY. However, a plurality of buckets 34 and / or discharge swash plates 36 may be arranged to fill the entire width or the vertical width. May be arranged in a row, and in this case, the movable member of the pay-out transport mechanism 30 may be movable only in the vertical Y direction or the horizontal X direction.

In the above-described embodiment, a sensor for detecting that the shelf 13 has been sufficiently pressed is provided for each shelf 13, but instead or together with the sensor, the tip of the cassette 20 at the appropriate position is provided. It is also possible to provide a sensor for detecting the presence or absence of blocking of infrared rays or the like for the entire vertical cross section slightly closer to the front side. In this case, the shelf 13 or the cassette 20
However, if any member is protruded, it is detected in advance. In this case, it is more preferable to add a function of excluding the moving destination of the rubber belt 35 or the like from the detection target to the program processing of the controller 14 or the like.

In the above-described embodiment, a plurality of dispensing medicine dispensing apparatuses 10 are arranged facing each other, but the arrangement state is not limited to this. They may be installed back-to-back, or may be adjacent or close to each other in an orthogonal or oblique direction. Further, even in a narrow space where the width of a single device is so small that maintenance personnel cannot go backwards, the medicine dispensing device 10 for dispensing can be used.
Can be installed, and both the replenishment of the dispensing medicine and the holding of the dispensing / transporting mechanism 30 can be performed from the front side.

[0065]

As is apparent from the above description, in the medicine dispensing device for dispensing of the present invention, the indirect occupied space around the device is reduced by performing different operations in the same working space. There is an advantageous effect that a medicine dispensing device for dispensing that is reduced and occupies less space can be realized.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of an embodiment of a medicine dispensing device for dispensing of the present invention, in which (a) is a state in which a door is closed,
(B) has shown the state which opened the door.

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the internal structure, and FIG.
Corresponds to a front view, and (b) corresponds to a side view.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged longitudinal side view around the medicine take-out position.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the arrangement state of the friction members as viewed from the front.

FIG. 5 is a driving force variable mechanism in the pay-out transport mechanism.

FIG. 6 is a plan layout example of a plurality of dispensing drug dispensing devices.

FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional side view when the medicine cassette is pulled out.

[Explanation of symbols]

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 patch (sheet, softener, packaging, dispensing medicine) 10 dispensing medicine dispensing device 11 inner plate (fixing member, cassette supporting means) 12 rail (drawing member, cassette supporting means) 13 shelf plate (movable) Unit, cassette support means) 14 Controller (control device) 20 Cassette (medicine cassette) 21 Pusher (advancing / retracting member, urging means) 22 Winding unit (spring force transmitting member, urging means) 23 Spring (elastic body, forward movement) 24 Notch (friction member entry site, medicine take-out position) 30 Dispensing / transporting mechanism (medicine take-out unit + friction member moving unit + drug ejection unit) 31 Vertical guide (Y-direction guide member, up / down drive unit) ,
Means for moving between shelves 31a Holder 31b Arm 31c Bearing 31d Wheel 31e Belt 32 Lateral guide (X-direction guide member, left-right drive means,
In-shelf moving means) 33 Movable member (XY moving section, friction member mounting body, moving means between cassettes) 34 Bucket (temporary receiving box, medicine removing means) 34a Inclined plate (guide member for taking out medicine, medicine taking out means) 35 Rubber belt (Elastic body, endless member, friction member,
Drug take-out means) 35a Projection (elastic body, friction member, medicine take-out means) 35b Roller (endless member, friction member drive means,
Medicine ejection means) 36 discharge swash plate (medicine ejection means) 37 dispensing box (dispensing position of dispensing medicine) 41 door (opening / closing plate, cover with transparent window) 42 lock (locking member, locking means, unlock detection means, Door opening / closing detecting means) 50 Dispensing room (installation space of dispensing device for dispensing medicine) 51 Partition wall 52 Passage

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A large number of medicine cassettes for accommodating medicines for dispensing, means for supporting these medicine cassettes individually or collectively so as to be able to be pulled out in the horizontal direction, and taking out medicines from the medicine cassette to a predetermined position. A dispensing medicine dispensing device comprising: a dispensing and conveying mechanism for dispensing the medicine cassette, wherein the dispensing and conveying mechanism is arranged on the drawing direction side of the medicine cassette.