JP2019076570A - Medicine discharge device, and medicine assortment device and medicine delivery system comprising the same - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a medicine discharge device capable of discharging a medicine in a predetermined direction with a simple configuration and a medicine assortment device and medicine delivery system comprising the medicine discharge device.SOLUTION: A second medicine confirmation part 40 comprises a cylindrical roller 43, holding plate 42, bar code reader 25, coupling part 42a, and motor 43a. The holding plate is disposed so as to form a V-shaped part together with the roller 43 in the case of being viewed from a direction of the roller 43's rotation axis. The bar code reader 25 acquires information on a type of a medicine D rotated by the roller 43 in a state in which the medicine is mounted on the V-shaped part. The coupling part 42a integrates the roller 43 and the holding plate 42. The motor 43a rotates the roller 43 in a first direction and makes the roller 43 and the holding plate 42 turn in a second direction reverse to the first direction to discharge the medicine D in a predetermined direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 19

Description

  TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a medicine discharging apparatus for discharging medicine, a medicine sorting apparatus equipped with the same, and a medicine dispensing system.

In recent years, for example, in order to reduce the work load in a hospital that handles a large number and types of drugs, a drug dispensing apparatus that automatically dispenses a desired drug onto a tray according to prescription information has been used.
This automates the task of taking out necessary medicines one by one to the tray by the pharmacist etc., greatly reducing the workload, and preventing the occurrence of human error such as mistaken type and quantity of medicine to be taken out. be able to.

In addition, after the tray automatically delivered by the drug delivery device is transported to a patient's room etc., the condition of the patient may be suddenly changed, and the delivered drug may be returned without being used. .
For this reason, a return medicine sorting apparatus is used which automatically sorts such returned medicines according to the type, size, and the like.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a medicine dispensing apparatus which recognizes whether or not a suitable container has been taken out of a cassette, and takes out a desired container with high accuracy.
In addition, in Patent Document 2, the returned medicines stored in a non-aligned state are picked one by one, the type, size, etc. of the returned medicines are recognized, and sorting is automatically performed according to the types and sizes. A return drug sorting apparatus for performing is disclosed.

International Publication No. 2013/001754 brochure JP, 2013-215343, A

However, the above-mentioned conventional medicine discharging apparatus has the following problems.
That is, the medicine dispensing apparatus and the medicine sorting apparatus disclosed in the above publication are provided with a discharge mechanism for discharging the medicine in a predetermined direction when dispensing and sorting the medicine. Such a chemical discharge mechanism has a problem that the structure is likely to be complicated because it is necessary to take care not to damage the glass chemical or the like at the time of discharge.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a drug discharge device capable of discharging a drug in a predetermined direction, a drug assortment device including the same, and a drug discharge system with a simple configuration.

  The drug discharge device according to the first invention is a drug discharge device for discharging a drug in a predetermined direction, and includes a cylindrical roller, a holding plate, a drug information acquisition unit, a connection unit, and a first drive unit. And have. The cylindrical roller has a rotation axis and rotates around the rotation axis. The holding plate is arranged to form a V-shaped portion with the roller, as viewed in the direction of the rotation axis. The medicine information acquisition unit acquires information on the type of medicine rotated by the roller in a state of being placed in the V-shaped part. The connecting portion integrates the roller and the holding plate. The first driving unit rotates the roller in the first direction, rotates the roller and the holding plate in the second direction opposite to the first direction, and discharges the medicine in the predetermined direction.

  Here, in the medicine discharging apparatus for discharging the medicine in a predetermined direction, a V-shaped portion is formed by the roller and the holding plate disposed close to each other as seen from the direction of the rotation shaft of the roller, By rotating the roller in the first direction by the first drive unit in the mounted state, the medicine is rotated to acquire type information attached to the surface of the medicine. Then, after acquiring the type information of the medicine, the first drive unit is rotated in the second direction, so that the roller integrated with the connecting plate and the holding plate are rotated and placed on the V-shaped portion Discharge the medicines downstream.

Here, the medicine discharge device is mounted on, for example, a medicine sorting device for sorting and storing returned drugs etc. by type, a medicine dispensing device for discharging a desired medicine to a predetermined delivery tray according to prescription information, etc. Be done. And this medicine discharge device is installed in the hospital etc. which handle a large amount of medicine, for example.
The medicine type information acquired by the medicine information acquisition unit includes, for example, the type of medicine, the shape, size, and internal volume of the medicine container.

Further, the medicine information acquisition unit includes, for example, means for reading information such as barcodes and characters attached to medicine, and means for acquiring information such as the shape and size of a medicine container.
As a result, the rotation operation of the medicine at the time of acquisition of the medicine type information and the discharge operation of the medicine after the acquisition of the kind information can be performed using the single first drive unit.
Therefore, the medicine can be discharged in a predetermined direction with a simple configuration.

  A drug discharge device according to a second aspect of the present invention is a drug discharge device for discharging a drug in a predetermined direction, which comprises a cylindrical roller, a holding plate, a drug information acquisition unit, a first drive unit, and a first drive unit. A biasing portion, a first clutch, and a second clutch are provided. The cylindrical roller has a rotation axis and rotates around the rotation axis. The holding plate is disposed close to the roller, and together with the roller forms a recess in which the medicine is placed. The medicine information acquisition unit acquires information on the type of medicine. The first drive unit rotates the roller in the first direction to rotate the medicine when the medicine information acquisition unit acquires information on the type of medicine. The first biasing unit biases the holding plate in the first direction. The first clutch is connected to the first drive unit and the roller, transmits the rotational driving force of the first drive unit to the roller in the first direction, and rotationally drives in the second direction opposite to the first direction. Do not transmit force to the rollers. The second clutch is connected to the first drive portion and the holding plate, and does not transmit the rotational driving force of the first drive portion to the holding plate in the first direction, and transmits the rotational driving force to the holding plate in the second direction. introduce.

  Here, in the medicine discharging apparatus for discharging the medicine in a predetermined direction, a recess in which the medicine is placed is formed by the roller and the holding plate which are arranged close to each other, and the medicine is placed in the recess. (1) The medicine is rotated by rotating the roller in which the rotational driving force of the driving unit is transmitted through the one-way clutch (first clutch) in the first direction, and the type information attached to the surface of the medicine is acquired. Then, after acquiring the type information of the medicine, the rotational drive force of the first drive unit is transmitted through the one-way clutch (second clutch) by rotating the first drive unit in the second direction opposite to the first direction. Is transmitted to the connecting plate. Then, the holding plate biased in the first direction by the first biasing unit is rotated by the rotational driving force, and the medicine placed in the recess is discharged to the downstream side.

Here, the medicine discharge device is mounted on, for example, a medicine sorting device for sorting and storing returned drugs etc. by type, a medicine dispensing device for discharging a desired medicine to a predetermined delivery tray according to prescription information, etc. Be done. Then, the medicine sorting apparatus and the medicine dispensing apparatus equipped with the medicine discharge apparatus are installed, for example, in a hospital that handles a large amount of medicine.
The medicine type information acquired by the medicine information acquisition unit includes, for example, the type of medicine, the shape, size, and internal volume of the medicine container.

Further, the medicine information acquisition unit includes, for example, means for reading information such as barcodes and characters attached to medicine, and means for acquiring information such as the shape and size of a medicine container.
Furthermore, as the first clutch and the second clutch, a so-called one-way clutch that transmits the rotational drive force of the first drive unit in one direction and does not transmit in the other direction is used.
Thus, even if the single first drive unit is used, the combination operation of two one-way clutches causes the rotation operation of the medicine at the time of acquisition of the medicine type information, and the medicine for rotating the holding plate. And the discharge operation of the

Therefore, the medicine can be discharged in a predetermined direction with a simple configuration.
The drug discharge device according to the third aspect of the present invention is a drug discharge device for discharging a drug in a predetermined direction, and includes a drug information acquisition unit, a drug receiving tray, a second drive unit, and a second urging unit. It has a third clutch. The medicine information acquisition unit acquires type information on the type of medicine. The medicine receiving tray carries the medicine whose type information has been acquired, and holds the medicine. The second driving unit rotates the medicine receiving tray in the third direction when discharging the medicine from the medicine receiving tray. The second biasing unit biases the medicine receiving tray in the third direction. The third clutch is connected to the second driving unit and the medicine receiving tray, and does not transmit the rotational driving force of the second driving unit to the medicine receiving tray in the third direction, and the fourth clutch is opposite to the third direction. The rotational driving force of the second drive unit is transmitted to the medicine receiving tray in the direction.

  Here, the medicine discharging apparatus for discharging the medicine in a predetermined direction holds the medicine transported after the type information is acquired, and receives the medicine biased in the third direction by the second biasing member. Rotate the tray to discharge the medicine. The third clutch does not transmit the rotational drive force of the second drive unit to the medicine receiving tray in the third direction, and the rotational drive force of the second drive unit in the fourth direction opposite to the third direction. Transmit to the receiving tray. Therefore, after the medicine is discharged, the rotational driving force of the second drive unit is transmitted through the third clutch, and the medicine receiving tray is rotated in the fourth direction to shift to the closed state.

Here, the medicine discharge device is mounted on, for example, a medicine sorting device for sorting and storing returned drugs etc. by type, a medicine dispensing device for discharging a desired medicine to a predetermined delivery tray according to prescription information, etc. Be done. Then, the medicine sorting apparatus and the medicine dispensing apparatus equipped with the medicine discharge apparatus are installed, for example, in a hospital that handles a large amount of medicine.
The medicine type information acquired by the medicine information acquisition unit includes, for example, the type of medicine, the shape, size, and internal volume of the medicine container.

Further, the medicine information acquisition unit includes, for example, means for reading information such as barcodes and characters attached to medicine, and means for acquiring information such as the shape and size of a medicine container.
Furthermore, as the third clutch, the rotational driving force of the second drive unit is transmitted in the medicine reception tray closing direction (fourth direction) and is not transmitted in the opening direction (third direction) for discharging the medicine. A so-called one-way clutch is used.

As a result, when the medicine conveyed from the upstream side is received and discharged, the second urging member causes the medicine receiving tray to shift to the open state, and when transitioning from the open state to the closed state, (2) The rotational driving force of the drive unit can be transmitted to the medicine receiving tray and rotated in the fourth direction to shift to the closed state.
As a result, the medicine can be discharged in a predetermined direction by a simple configuration using a single drive source (second drive unit).

The medicine discharge apparatus according to the fourth invention is the medicine discharge apparatus according to the third invention, wherein the medicine receiving tray is for a discharge tray from which medicine is discharged based on prescription information created for each patient, Discharge the medicine.
Here, the medicine receiving tray to which the rotational driving force of the second drive unit is transmitted through the third clutch discharges the medicine to a dispensing tray from which the desired medicine is dispensed based on the prescription information.

Thereby, a desired medicine can be discharged to the delivery tray based on the type information and the prescription information acquired by the medicine information acquisition unit.
Therefore, this medicine discharge device can be used as a medicine discharge device.
It can function as a medicine dispensing device.
A medicine discharge apparatus according to a fifth invention is the medicine discharge apparatus according to the third or fourth invention, which vertically moves a structure including a medicine receiving tray, a second drive unit, and a third clutch. A structure transfer unit is further provided.

Here, the structure transfer unit moves the structure including the medicine receiving tray, the second drive unit, and the third clutch in the vertical direction.
Thus, when the medicine receiving tray is rotated to discharge the medicine, the medicine receiving tray can be lowered to a position close to the delivery tray as the discharge destination.
Therefore, the medicine can be discharged without giving an impact to the medicine discharged from the medicine receiving tray.

A medicine discharge device according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the medicine discharge device according to the fifth aspect, wherein when the structure conveyance unit lowers the structure to a predetermined discharge position, the medicine receiving tray is a medicine receiving tray Until the end opposite to the pivoting axis of the shaft abuts against the payout tray.
Here, when the medicine is discharged from the medicine receiving tray, the medicine receiving tray is rotated while lowering the structure, and the end of the medicine receiving tray is brought into contact with the dispensing tray.

As a result, when the medicine is discharged from the medicine receiving tray, the end of the medicine receiving tray is in contact with the dispensing tray, so that the medicine is dropped to the dispensing tray and an impact is given, etc. Can be avoided.
The medicine discharge apparatus according to the seventh invention is the medicine discharge apparatus according to the fifth or sixth invention, wherein the medicine receiving tray has an end opposite to the rotation axis of the medicine receiving tray being a discharge tray. When pivoted to abut, the structure transfer section raises the structure from the discharging position while the medicine receiving tray is further rotated.

Here, as described above, when the medicine receiving tray is rotated to a state in which the medicine receiving tray abuts on the dispensing tray, the structure conveying unit raises the structure including the medicine receiving tray.
Thus, by rotating the medicine receiving tray further after the medicine receiving tray abuts on the delivery tray, the medicine held in the medicine receiving tray can be safely discharged without applying an impact or the like. .

The medicine sorting apparatus according to the eighth invention is a medicine dispensing apparatus according to any one of the first to seventh inventions, a transport unit for holding and transporting medicines, and medicines sorted according to types. And a control unit that controls the conveyance unit to convey the sheet to the storage tray.
Here, a medicine sorting apparatus including the above-described medicine discharge device, a transport unit for transporting the medicine, and a control unit for controlling the transport unit to store the medicine for each type in a predetermined storage tray is configured.

Thus, as described above, it is possible to obtain a medicine sorting apparatus capable of discharging a desired medicine with a simple configuration.
A medicine dispensing system according to a ninth aspect of the present invention is a medicine dispensing apparatus according to the eighth aspect, and a medicine dispensing apparatus for dispensing medicines other than medicine dispensed from the medicine sorting apparatus onto a dispensing tray based on prescription information. And.

Here, a medicine dispensing system including the medicine sorting apparatus described above and the medicine dispensing apparatus is configured.
Thus, it is possible to reuse again the medicine such as the return medicine sorted in the medicine sorting apparatus described above based on the prescription information, and to pay out the desired medicine to the delivery tray based on the prescription information.

  According to the medicine discharge device according to the present invention, medicine can be discharged in a predetermined direction with a simple configuration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The whole view which shows the structure of the drug delivery system containing the drug discharge device which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 2 is a front view showing the configuration of a medicine sorting apparatus included in the medicine dispensing system of FIG. 1; The front view which shows the state which opened the door of the medicine assortment apparatus of FIG. (A)-(d) is a figure which shows the kind of medicine sorted by the medicine sorting apparatus of FIG. The perspective view which shows the returned-goods medicine tray in which the returned medicine shown in FIG. 4 (a)-FIG.4 (d) was mounted | worn out of alignment. The figure which shows the breakdown of five types of storage trays set to the drug assortment apparatus of FIG. (A)-(c) is a perspective view which shows an example of the storage tray in which the chemical | medical agent sorted by the chemical | medical agent sorting apparatus of FIG. 2 is accommodated. FIG. 3 is a control block diagram showing the configuration of the medicine sorting apparatus of FIG. 2; FIG. 3 is a plan view showing an internal configuration of the medicine sorting apparatus of FIG. 2; FIG. 3 is a plan view showing an internal configuration of the medicine sorting apparatus of FIG. 2; FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an internal configuration of the medicine sorting apparatus of FIG. 2; FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a plurality of medicines placed in a returned medicine tray and a camera for acquiring image information of the medicines from above in the medicine sorting apparatus of FIG. 2; FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a picking unit and the like for picking a medicine and transporting it to a predetermined place in the medicine sorting apparatus of FIG. 2; FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a medicine confirmation unit that judges the kind of medicine and the like, and a camera that is disposed above the medicine confirmation unit in FIG. 2 and that acquires image information of the medicine placed on the medicine confirmation unit. The chemical | medical agent sorting apparatus of FIG. 2 WHEREIN: The perspective view which shows the position of the conveyance mechanism of a storage tray in a storage tray mounting space and a returned-goods classification space, and a picking part. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the configuration of a second medicine check unit (drug discharger) included in the medicine sorting apparatus of FIG. 2; (A) is a side view of the 2nd chemical | medical agent confirmation part of FIG. FIG. 17 (b) is a side view showing a V-shaped portion formed between the roller and the holding plate included in the second medicine check unit of FIG. 16. (A) is an AA arrow directional cross-sectional view of Fig.17 (a). (B) is a BB arrow sectional view taken on the line of FIG. 17 (a). (A) And (b) is a perspective view which shows the operation | movement at the time of discharging | emitting a medicine in the 2nd chemical confirmation part of FIG. (A) And (b) is a perspective view which shows the operation | movement at the time of discharging | emitting a medicine in the 2nd chemical confirmation part of FIG. (A) And (b) is a side view and a perspective view showing the flow at the time of the medicine by which adsorption transportation is carried out by the picking part stored in a storage tray. (A) And (b) is a side view and a perspective view showing the flow at the time of the medicine by which adsorption transportation is carried out by the picking part stored in a storage tray. (A) and (b) are a perspective view and a side view showing the flow from taking out the medicine D stored in the storage tray based on the prescription information in the medicine sorting apparatus in FIG. . (A) and (b) are a perspective view and a side view showing the flow from taking out the medicine D stored in the storage tray based on the prescription information in the medicine sorting apparatus in FIG. . (A) and (b) are a perspective view and a side view showing the flow from taking out the medicine D stored in the storage tray based on the prescription information in the medicine sorting apparatus in FIG. . (A) and (b) are a perspective view and a side view showing the flow from taking out the medicine D stored in the storage tray based on the prescription information in the medicine sorting apparatus in FIG. . (A)-(c) is a side view which shows the flow until it takes out the chemical | medical agent D stored in the storage tray based on prescription information in the 2nd chemical | medical check part of FIG. 22, and it discharges | pays_out to a delivery tray. (A)-(d) is a side view which shows the flow until it takes out the chemical | medical agent D accommodated in the storage tray based on prescription information in the 2nd chemical | medical check part of FIG. 22, and it discharges | pays_out to a delivery tray.

The medicine sorting apparatus 10 and the medicine dispensing system 100 equipped with the medicine discharging apparatus (the second medicine checking unit 40) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described using FIGS. 1 to 28 (d) as follows. It is.
(Configuration of drug delivery system 100)
The medicine dispensing system 100 according to the present embodiment is installed, for example, in a hospital or the like, and dispenses the necessary medicine D to a predetermined dispensing tray T3 based on prescription information created for each patient. Then, as shown in FIG. 1, the medicine dispensing system 100 includes the tray supply device 101, the plastic bottle dispensing device 102, the medicine sorting device 10, the ampoule vial dispensing device 104, the label injection note loading device 105, and the tray storage and transfer device 106. Is equipped.

The tray supply device 101 is disposed on the most upstream side (the left end in FIG. 1) of the medicine dispensing system 100, as shown in FIG. Then, the tray supply device 101 is set in a state in which the payout trays T3 are stacked, and feeds an empty payout tray T3 to the downstream side.
The plastic bottle dispenser 102 stores the plastic bottle-like medicine D, and as shown in FIG. Then, the plastic bottle delivery device 102 dispenses the plastic bottle (drug D) containing the medicine included in the prescription information to the payout tray T3 conveyed from the tray supply device 101.

The medicine sorting apparatus 10 stores, for example, medicine D returned due to a sudden change in the condition of the patient among medicines carried out to a hospital room based on prescription information for each patient in a predetermined storage tray T2 and stored Do.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the drug sorting apparatus 10 is disposed downstream of the plastic bottle dispenser 102. Then, the medicine sorting apparatus 10 takes out the returned medicine, which is sorted in the medicine sorting apparatus 10 and stored in the storage tray T2, based on the prescription information, and delivers it to the payout tray T3.

Thereby, the returned drug D is reused by being paid out to the delivery tray T3 again as the drug to be administered to the patient after the expiration date and the like of the drug are confirmed.
Here, the medicine sorting apparatus 10 may be disposed on the upstream side of the plastic bottle dispensing apparatus 102.
However, in general, plastic bottles D are large and heavy, so taking into consideration the risk of damaging ampoule D, etc. dispensed from drug sorting apparatus 10, the pro bottle is first taken out. It is desirable to pay out to T3. Therefore, the medicine sorting apparatus 10 is preferably disposed at the position shown in FIG.

The detailed configuration of the medicine sorting apparatus 10 will be described later.
The ampoule vial dispensing device 104 stores an ampoule-like medicine D, and is disposed downstream of the medicine sorting device 10, as shown in FIG. Then, the ampoule vial dispensing device 104 dispenses the ampoule vial (drug D) which is included in the prescription information and is not dispensed from the medicine sorting device 10 with respect to the dispensing tray T3 conveyed from the upstream side. .

That is, the ampoule vial dispensing device 104 disposed on the downstream side of the drug sorting device 10 performs the shortage of the drugs contained in the prescription information other than the drug D dispensed from the plastic bottle dispensing device 102 and the drug sorting device 10 Pay out to the payout tray T3.
The label injection prescription loading device 105 is a device for printing a patient name, prescription information and the like on a predetermined label, and is disposed downstream of the ampoule vial dispensing device 104 as shown in FIG. Then, the label injection prescription loading device 105 creates a label on which prescription information and the like are printed based on the prescription information, and inserts the label into the payout tray T3 conveyed from the upstream side. As a result, the pharmacist or the like can easily check whether the medicine D dispensed to the dispensing tray T3 is appropriate by confirming the label inserted to the dispensing tray T3.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the tray storage and transfer device 106 is disposed downstream of the label injection note inserting device 105 and on the most downstream side (right end in FIG. 1) of the medicine dispensing system 100. Then, the tray storage transfer device 106 stores a delivery tray T3 including the medicine D and the label dispensed based on the prescription information, and the necessary dispensing tray T3 is taken out by the pharmacist or the like.

With the above-described configuration, the medicine dispensing system 100 dispenses the medicine D appropriate for the dispensing tray T3 based on the prescription information, and automatically sorts the medicine D by the medicine sorting apparatus 10 and stores the medicine D in the storage tray T2. Return medicine can be reused.
(Configuration of drug sorting apparatus 10)
As shown in FIG. 2, the medicine sorting apparatus 10 of the present embodiment includes a main body 10a, doors 10b and 10c attached to the front of the main body 10a, and a monitor 50a.

In the present embodiment, the front of the medicine sorting apparatus 10 means the front shown in FIG. 2, and the back means the surface on the opposite side.
The main body portion 10a is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped housing, and the two doors 10b and 10c are attached to the front so as to be openable and closable.
When the door 10b is opened, as shown in FIG. 3, the returned medicine tray storage space S1 in which the returned medicine tray T1 on which the returned plurality of medicines D are placed in a non-aligned state is exposed to the outside. Then, the returned drug tray storage space S1 is provided with a returned drug tray setting unit 11 in which a plurality of returned drug trays T1 are set along the vertical direction. Then, the medicine D returned from the patient's room etc. is set to be stacked on the returned medicine tray installation portion 11 in the returned medicine tray storage space S1 by the pharmacist etc. in a state where it is put in unaligned in the returned medicine tray T1. .

  When the door 10c is opened, as shown in FIG. 3, a storage tray placement space S3 in which a storage tray T2 storing the medicine D sorted after return is placed is exposed to the outside. In the storage tray placement space S3, a storage tray setting unit (tray setting unit) 12 is provided in which a plurality of types of storage trays T2 having different widths and the like in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction are installed. Then, the medicines D returned from the patient's room etc. are sorted according to the type etc. in the medicine sorting apparatus 10, and automatically stored in the appropriate storage tray T2 installed in the storage tray installation unit 12.

A plurality of storage trays T2 are arrayed in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction in the storage tray setting unit 12, and a user such as a pharmacist opens the door 10c on the front of the main body portion 10a to attach and remove the storage tray T2. Do.
The monitor 50a is provided on the upper left of the front of the main unit 10a, and receives inputs of various settings and performs various displays such as a setting screen and an error occurrence screen. The monitor 50a is connected to a control unit 50 (see FIG. 8) that controls the medicine sorting apparatus 10.

(Type of drug D)
Here, as shown in FIG. 4A to FIG. 4D, the medicine D handled in the medicine dispensing system 100 of the present embodiment includes a medicine to be contained, and plural kinds of medicines different in shape and size. It is. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4 (a), the drug D includes a drug D1 having an elongated outer shape and a short ampule shape, and as shown in FIG. 4 (b), an elongated outer shape and a long ampule shape A drug D2 having a shape, a drug D3 having a thick bottle shape, as shown in FIG. 4C, a drug D4 having a thick long bottle shape, etc. as shown in FIG. .

The drugs D1 to D4 shown in FIGS. 4 (a) to 4 (d) are an example of the drug D handled in the drug sorting apparatus 10 of the present embodiment, and in fact, they have many more shapes and types. Shall be treated.
Therefore, in the medicine sorting apparatus 10 of the present embodiment, the medicines D1 to D4 having various shapes and sizes are sorted and processed, and a storage tray having an appropriate size and width corresponding to the medicines D1 to D4. Implement control to store in T2.

Further, on the outer peripheral surface of each drug D1 to D4, a bar code (type information) B1 in which type information such as the type of drug contained in each drug D1 to D4 is recorded is attached.
The type information recorded in the barcode B1 is read by the two barcode readers 25 and 31 mounted on the medicine sorting apparatus 10.
Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5, the returned drug D is placed on the returned drug tray T1 exclusively for returned drugs in an unaligned state, and is set as it is in the returned drug tray setting unit 11 in the drug sorting apparatus 10. Ru.

(Type of storage tray T2)
In the medicine sorting apparatus 10 of the present embodiment, the various medicines D described above are sorted by type, and a suitable storage tray T2 is selected from a plurality of kinds of storage trays T2 corresponding to each medicine D and stored. Do.
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, tray numbers 1 to 5 are assigned, and the pitch, width, the number of medicines D, etc. of recesses T2z (see FIG. 7A etc.) holding medicines D are different. Five types of storage trays T2 are used. Note that identification information such as the tray numbers of the five types of storage trays T2 shown in FIG. 6 and the pitch and width of the recesses T2z are stored in advance in the storage unit 51 described later.

As shown in FIG. 6, the storage tray T2a (refer to FIG. 7A) of the tray No. 1 has a width S (small) size, a pitch 21 mm of the recess T2z, a number 10 of medicines D, a medicine sorting apparatus 10 The total number of trays set is 15 and the number of stored chemicals is 150. Therefore, a thin and short medicine D such as an ampoule vial is stored in the storage tray T2a.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7A, the storage tray T2a is provided with a bar code (identification information) B2 at the first end in the longitudinal direction and a handle N at the second end on the opposite side. It is done. A plurality of concavities and convexities (concave portions T2z) are formed in the storage tray T2a in which the medicine D is stored.

In the barcode B2, identification information on the type (pitch, width, etc.) of the storage tray T2a is recorded, and the identification information is read and acquired by a barcode reader 25 described later.
Recesses T2z for forming a plurality of irregularities formed on the bottom surface of the storage tray T2a are formed in accordance with the shape and size of each medicine D, and are provided at a constant pitch. And the recessed part T2z hold | maintains the chemical | medical agent D conveyed to the storage tray T2a in the part of a hollow.

As shown in FIG. 6, the storage tray T2b of tray No. 2 (see FIG. 7B) has a width S (small) size, a pitch of 38 mm for the concave portion T2z, the number of medicines D contained, and the medicine sorting apparatus 10 The total number of trays set is 15 and the total number of stored medicines is 75. Therefore, the medicine D which is thin and medium in length is stored in the storage tray T2b.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7B, the storage tray T2b is provided with a bar code (identification information) B2 at the first end in the longitudinal direction and a handle N at the second end on the opposite side. It is done. A plurality of concavities and convexities (concave portions T2z) are formed in the storage tray T2b in which the medicine D is stored.

In the barcode B2, identification information on the type (pitch, width, etc.) of the storage tray T2b is recorded, and the identification information is read and acquired by the barcode reader 25 described later.
Recesses T2z forming a plurality of irregularities formed on the bottom surface of the storage tray T2b are formed in accordance with the shape and size of each medicine D, and are provided at a constant pitch. Then, the recess T2z holds the medicine D transported to the storage tray T2b at the portion of the recess.

As shown in FIG. 6, the storage tray T2 of tray No. 3 has a width M (medium) size, a pitch 21 mm of the recess T2z, several tens of medicines D, and the total number of trays 10 set in the medicine sorting apparatus 10 Each tray contains 100 medicines. Therefore, thick and short medicines D such as plastic bottles are stored in the storage tray T2.
Specifically, the storage tray T2 is provided with a bar code (identification information) B2 at a first end in the longitudinal direction, and a handle N at a second end on the opposite side. A plurality of concavities and convexities (concave portions T2z) are formed inside the medicine tray D of the storage tray T2.

In the barcode B2, identification information on the type (pitch, width, etc.) of the storage tray T2 is recorded, and the identification information is read and acquired by the barcode reader 25 described later.
Recesses T2z for forming a plurality of irregularities formed on the bottom surface of the storage tray T2 are formed in accordance with the shape and size of each medicine D, and are provided at a constant pitch. And the recessed part T2z hold | maintains the chemical | medical agent D conveyed to the storage tray T2 in the part of a hollow.

As shown in FIG. 6, the storage tray T2c (refer to FIG. 7C) of tray No. 4 has a width M (medium) size, a pitch 38 mm of the recess T2z, the number of medicines D contained, and the medicine sorting apparatus 10 There are 10 trays in which the tray is set and 50 trays in which the stored medicines are stored. Therefore, the medicine D having a large thickness and a medium length is stored in the storage tray T2c.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7C, the storage tray T2c is provided with a bar code (identification information) B2 at the first end in the longitudinal direction and a handle N at the second end on the opposite side. It is done. Further, a plurality of concavities and convexities (concave portions T2z) are formed inside the medicine tray D of the storage tray T2c.

In the barcode B2, identification information on the type (pitch, width, etc.) of the storage tray T2c is recorded, and the identification information is read and acquired by the barcode reader 25 described later.
Recesses T2z for forming a plurality of irregularities formed on the bottom surface of the storage tray T2c are formed in accordance with the shape and size of each medicine D, and are provided at a constant pitch. And the recessed part T2z hold | maintains the chemical | medical agent D conveyed to the storage tray T2c in the part of a hollow.

As shown in FIG. 6, the storage tray T2 having the tray number 5 has a width L (large) size, a pitch 38 mm of the recess T2z, five pieces of medicine D, and the total number of trays 6 set in the medicine sorting apparatus 10 Each tray contains 30 medicines. Therefore, the thickest and longest medicine D such as a large plastic bottle is stored in the storage tray T2.
Specifically, the storage tray T2 is provided with a bar code (identification information) B2 at a first end in the longitudinal direction, and a handle N at a second end on the opposite side. A plurality of concavities and convexities (concave portions T2z) are formed inside the medicine tray D of the storage tray T2.

In the barcode B2, identification information on the type (pitch, width, etc.) of the storage tray T2 is recorded, and the identification information is read and acquired by the barcode reader 25 described later.
Recesses T2z for forming a plurality of irregularities formed on the bottom surface of the storage tray T2 are formed in accordance with the shape and size of each medicine D, and are provided at a constant pitch. And the recessed part T2z hold | maintains the chemical | medical agent D conveyed to the storage tray T2 in the part of a hollow.

The five types of storage trays T2a to T2c and the like described above have three types of widths S, M, and L and a common height in appearance as shown in FIGS. 7A to 7C and the like. Have a depth.
(Internal configuration of the medicine sorting apparatus 10)
The medicine sorting apparatus 10 of the present embodiment constitutes a control block shown in FIG. 8 centering on the control unit 50.

  The control unit 50 is provided inside the medicine sorting apparatus 10, and as shown in FIG. 8, the monitor 50a, the returned drug tray conveyance unit 13, the cameras C1 and C2, the picking unit (first conveyance unit) 20, 1 drug confirmation unit 30, bar code reader (drug information acquisition unit) 25, bar code reader 31, storage tray conveyance unit 14, second medicine confirmation unit (drug discharge device) 40, storage unit 51, and prescription information acquisition unit 60 It is connected.

The returned drug tray transport unit 13 opens the door 10b attached to the main body 10a described above and transports the returned drug tray T1 set in the returned drug tray installation unit 11 in a predetermined direction.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, the returned drug tray transport unit 13 is moved from the returned drug tray storage space S1 disposed on the front side in the main body 10a to the picking space S2 disposed on the back side. , Return drug delivery tray T1.

That is, in the medicine sorting apparatus 10 of the present embodiment, when the sorting operation is started, as shown in FIG. 9, the plurality of medicines D for which the returned goods tray transport unit 13 is returned are placed in a non-aligned state. The returned medicine tray T1 is transported from the returned medicine tray storage space S1 to a predetermined picking space S2 side.
The storage tray transport unit 14 transports the plurality of storage trays T2 set in the storage tray installation unit 12 in a predetermined direction by opening the door 10c attached to the main body unit 10a described above.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, the storage tray conveyance section 14 sorts the returned medicines disposed on the back side from the storage tray placement space S3 disposed on the front side in the main body section 10a. The storage tray T2 is transported to the space S4.
That is, in the medicine sorting apparatus 10 of the present embodiment, when the sorting operation is started, as shown in FIG. 9, the storage tray conveyance unit 14 appropriately stores the medicine D adsorbed and conveyed by the picking unit 20. The tray T2 is transported from the storage tray placement space S3 to the return medicine sorting space S4 side.

In the medicine sorting apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, the storage tray transport unit 14 moves to the desired height of the storage tray T2 of each row arranged in the vertical direction, and stores the desired storage. The tray T2 is transported to the returned medicine sorting space S4.
As shown in FIG. 12, the camera C1 is provided above the returned medicine tray T1 transported to the picking space S2. Then, the camera C1 obtains an image including a plurality of medicines D placed on the returned medicine tray T1 transported to the picking space S2.

Thereby, the control unit 50 specifies a position for picking one of the plurality of medicines D placed in the non-aligned state in the return medicine tray T1 using the image information acquired by the camera C1. .
The camera C2 is disposed above the first medicine check unit 30, as shown in FIG. Then, the camera C2 acquires an image of a label portion including the barcode B1 attached to the medicine D.

Thereby, the control unit 50 reads the character information of the label using the image information acquired by the camera C2, and confirms the expiration date of the medicine D placed on the first medicine confirmation unit 30.
The picking unit 20 is movable in three dimensions so that the plurality of returned medicines D placed in the non-aligned state in the returned medicine tray T1 can be adsorbed by the tip and transported in a predetermined direction. It is provided in the inside of main part 10a in a state.

Specifically, when the sorting operation is started, the picking unit 20 moves from the returned medicine tray T1 to the first medicine checking unit 30, from the first medicine checking unit 30 to the waiting stand 35, and from the waiting stand 35 to the storage tray T2. And transport the drug D by adsorption.
And as shown in FIG. 13, the picking unit 20 can carry the medicine D in such a three-dimensional direction, as shown in FIG. 13, the vertical support 21a, belt 21b, motor 21c, horizontal support 22a, belt 22b, motor 22c, a horizontal support 23a and the like.

  For example, the picking unit 20 causes the motor 21c to rotate the belt 21b provided along the Z direction between the two vertical columns 21a and 21a arranged along the Z direction (vertical direction). Thereby, the picking unit 20 can move in the Z direction (vertical direction), and can perform, for example, an adsorption operation of the drug D, an operation of placing the drug D on each tray, and the like.

Further, the picking unit 20 causes the motor 22c to rotate the belt 22b provided along the horizontal support 22a disposed along the X direction (horizontal direction) (the width direction of the main body 10a). Thus, the picking unit 20 can move in the X direction (horizontal direction), and can perform, for example, an operation of transporting the medicine D in the width direction of the main body 10 a.
Similarly, the picking unit 20 is a motor (not shown) provided along a horizontal support 23a disposed along the Y direction (horizontal direction) (the depth direction of the main body 10a) (not shown). Rotate by). Thereby, the picking unit 20 can move in the Y direction (horizontal direction), and can perform, for example, an operation of transporting the medicine D in the depth direction of the main body 10 a.

  The barcode reader (drug information acquisition unit) 25 is disposed in the vicinity of the picking unit 20 as shown in FIG. 15 and the like, moves integrally with the picking unit 20 and moves in a three-dimensional direction. Then, the bar code reader 25 reads the bar code B2 attached to the storage tray T2 and acquires identification information of the storage tray T2 before storing the medicine D adsorbed and transported by the picking unit 20 in the storage tray T2. .

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the first medicine check unit 30 is disposed between the picking space S2 formed inside the main body 10a and the returned medicine sorting space S4. Then, the first medicine check unit 30 checks the type and the like of the returned medicine D absorbed and held by the picking unit 20 in the picking space S2.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 14, the first medicine check unit 30 has a barcode reader 31, a holding plate 32, a roller 33, and a motor 33a. The first medicine confirmation unit 30 is disposed below the camera C2 installed to confirm the expiration date of the medicine D, and the medicine formed in the recess formed by the holding plate 32 and the roller 33 arranged close to each other Hold D Then, the first medicine check unit 30 rotates the medicine D by rotating the roller 33 with the motor 33a while holding the medicine D, and the bar code attached to the medicine D with the bar code reader 31 described later. Read and acquire type information of B1.

  The barcode reader 31 is disposed obliquely above the medicine D held in the recess formed by the holding plate 32 and the roller 33, as shown in FIG. Then, the barcode reader 31 reads the barcode B1 attached to the drug D rotated by the roller 33 rotationally driven by the motor 33a, and acquires type information on the type of drug D (type of drug etc.).

  The second medicine check unit 40 is provided as a medicine discharge device for discharging the medicine D taken out from the storage tray T2 and whose type information has been read by the barcode reader 25 to a predetermined delivery tray T3. Then, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the second medicine check unit 40 is disposed below the returned medicine sorting space S4 in the main body portion 10a via the support portion 40a (see FIG. 13). Then, the second medicine check unit 40 checks the type and the like of the medicine D which is taken out from the inside of the storage tray T2 by the picking unit 20 and is adsorbed and transported to the delivery tray T3.

The detailed description of the second medicine confirmation unit 40 will be described later.
The storage unit 51 stores a control program for driving and controlling the above-described components. Then, as the identification information acquired from the bar code B2 attached to the storage tray T2, the storage unit 51 has a tray number, a tray width, a pitch, the number of medicines contained in one tray, as shown in FIG. A table showing the relationship between the maximum number of trays stored in the apparatus and the maximum number of stored chemicals is stored.

The prescription information acquisition unit 60 acquires prescription information for each patient from a server or the like installed in a hospital or the like. Thereby, the control unit 50 controls the picking unit 20 to discharge the necessary medicine D from the medicine D stored in the storage tray T2 based on the prescription information.
(2nd drug check section 40)
It will be as follows if the structure of the 2nd chemical | medical agent confirmation part 40 mounted in the chemical | medical agent assortment apparatus 10 of this embodiment is demonstrated using FIGS. 16-20 (b).

After being stored in the storage tray T2, the medicine sorting apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment acquires type information of the returned medicine D taken out based on the prescription information, and discharges it to the payout tray T3. A confirmation unit 40 is provided.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 16 and the like, the second medicine check unit 40 includes a main body 41, a holding plate 42, an urging member (first urging member) 42b, a roller 43, and a motor ( First drive portion 43a, rotary shaft 43b (see FIG. 18A), one-way clutch (first clutch) 43c (see FIG. 18A), one-way clutch (second clutch) 43d (see FIG. 18) (Refer to (a)), medicine receiving tray 44, motor (second drive unit) 44a, biasing member (second biasing member) 44b, one-way clutch (third clutch) 44c (FIG. 18 (b) See FIG. 13) and a structure transfer unit 45 (see FIG. 13).

  The main body 41 is a member having a substantially U shape in a plan view as shown in FIG. 16 and FIG. 19 (a) etc. 43 and the medicine receiving tray 44 etc. Then, as shown in FIG. 16, the main body portion 41 has stoppers 41a and 41b projecting toward the other surface on one of the two opposing surfaces constituting the substantially U shape. There is.

  The stopper 41a is a part of the holding plate 42 as shown in FIG. 19A or the like in a state where the medicine D is received and held by the V-shaped portion 42c formed between the holding plate 42 and the roller 43. It abuts and maintains the posture of the structure including the holding plate 42 and the roller 43. In other words, the stopper 41a is provided to set the rotation limit position when the structure including the holding plate 42 and the roller 43 is rotated by the motor 43a. That is, the rotation limit position set by the stopper 41 a coincides with the position at which the V-shaped portion 42 c maintains the posture for holding the medicine D.

  As shown in FIG. 19A and the like, the stopper 41b abuts on a part of the medicine receiving tray 44 in the state where the medicine receiving tray 44 receives and holds the medicine D, and maintains the posture of the medicine receiving tray 44. Do. In other words, the stopper 41 b is provided to set the rotation limit position when the medicine receiving tray 44 is rotated by the motor 44 a. That is, the rotation limit position set by the stopper 41 b coincides with the position at which the medicine receiving tray 44 receives and holds the medicine D.

  The holding plate 42 is a plate-like member disposed close to the roller 43 as shown in FIG. 16 and FIG. 17B etc., and holds the medicine D together with the roller 43 in a side view. Form a V-shaped portion 42c. The holding plate 42 is disposed at an angle of about 45 degrees with respect to the vertical direction in a posture for receiving and holding the medicine D. Further, at both ends in the width direction of the holding plate 42, connecting portions 42a that are integrated with the roller 43 in a state in which the roller 43 can rotate are provided.

The connecting portion 42a is a member that connects both end portions of the holding plate 42 in the width direction and both ends of the rotation shaft 43b of the roller 43, and is substantially perpendicular to the surface of the holding plate 42 in contact with the drug D. It is set up. And the connection part 42a hold | maintains the both ends of the rotating shaft in the state which the roller 43 can rotate.
Thereby, the connection part 42a can unify the holding plate 42 and the roller 43 in the state which the roller 43 can rotate.

  The biasing member (first biasing member) 42 b is, for example, a conston spring, and is provided on the side of the holding plate 42 and the roller 43 in the main body portion 41 as shown in FIG. 16 and the like. The biasing member 42b biases the holding plate 42 integrated with the roller 43 in the direction A (first direction) shown in FIG. 17B. That is, the biasing member 42b biases the holding plate 42 in the direction of pressing a part of the holding plate 42 against the stopper 41a.

Thus, the integrated holding plate 42 and the roller 43 can be held in a posture for receiving and holding the medicine D.
As described above, the roller 43 is integrated with the holding plate 42 by the connecting portion 42a, and receives and holds the transported drug D in the V-shaped portion 42c formed between the roller 43 and the holding plate 42. . The roller 43 is rotationally driven in the direction A shown in FIG. 17B by transmitting the rotational driving force of the motor 43a to the rotational shaft 43b via the one-way clutch 43c.

  The motor (first drive unit) 43a is provided on the side surface of the main body 41, as shown in FIG. 16 and FIG. 18A, and is connected to the rotation shaft 43b of the roller 43. The motor 43a transmits the rotational driving force to the holding plate 42 and the roller 43 via the one-way clutches 43c and 43d, thereby rotating the roller 43 or rotating the holding plate 42.

18 (a) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A shown in FIG. 17 (a), and FIG. 18 (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B shown in FIG. It is.
As shown in FIG. 18A, the one-way clutch (first clutch) 43c is provided at a position where the rotation shaft 43b to which the rotational drive force of the motor 43a is transmitted is connected to the roller 43. The one-way clutch 43c transmits the rotational driving force of the rotating shaft 43b to the roller 43 in the A direction shown in FIG. 17B, and transmits the rotational driving force to the roller 43 in the B direction. Do not communicate.

  As shown in FIG. 18A, the one-way clutch (second clutch) 43d is provided at a position where the rotating shaft 43b to which the rotational driving force of the motor 43a is transmitted is connected to the holding plate 42. The one-way clutch 43d does not transmit the rotational drive force of the rotary shaft 43b to the holding plate 42 in the A direction shown in FIG. 17B, and applies the rotational drive force to the holding plate 42 in the B direction. Communicate with.

Here, when the motor 43a (rotational shaft 43b) rotates in the A direction (first direction) shown in FIG. 17B, the rotational driving force is transferred to the roller 43 via the one-way clutch 43c (see FIG. 18A). , And rotates the roller 43 in the A direction.
Thus, the medicine D held in the V-shaped portion 42 c formed between the holding plate 42 and the roller 43 can be rotated by the one-way clutch 43 c in the V-shaped portion 42 c by friction with the roller 43. .

At this time, since the rotational driving force is not transmitted to the holding plate 42 by the one-way clutch 43 d, the postures of the holding plate 42 and the roller 43 can be maintained.
On the other hand, when the motor 43a (rotational shaft 43b) rotates in the direction B (second direction) shown in FIG. 17B, the rotational driving force is applied to the roller 43 via the one-way clutch 43c (see FIG. 18A). It will not be communicated to you.

Then, since the rotational driving force is transmitted to the holding plate 42 by the one-way clutch 43d, the holding plate 42 can be rotated in the B direction about the rotation shaft 43b.
At this time, since the holding plate 42 is integrated with the roller 43, the holding plate 42 can be rotated together with the roller 43 in the B direction.
Thereby, as shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B, the V-shaped portion 42c formed between the holding plate 42 and the roller 43 can be inclined obliquely downward, so that the V-shaped portion 42c is formed. The medicine D for which the type information is acquired in the held state can be discharged to the downstream side (the medicine receiving tray 44).

As a result, since rotation operation of the medicine D at the time of acquisition of kind information of medicine D and discharge operation of medicine D after acquisition of kind information can be performed using a single motor 43a, it is simple. By the configuration, the medicine D can be discharged in a predetermined direction.
Further, even in the configuration using the single motor 43a, the rotation operation of the medicine D at the time of acquiring the type information of the medicine D and the holding plate 42 are rotated by using the two one-way clutches 43c and 43d in combination. It is possible to carry out the discharge operation of the drug D to be moved. Therefore, the medicine D can be discharged in a predetermined direction with a simple configuration.

The conveying process of the medicine D to the V-shaped portion 42 c formed between the holding plate 42 and the roller 43 and the conveying process of the medicine D from the V-shaped portion 42 c to the medicine receiving tray 44 will be described later. I will explain in detail.
The medicine receiving tray 44 is provided below the holding plate 42 and the roller 43 in the main body portion 41, as shown in FIGS. 18 (a) and 18 (b). The medicine receiving tray 44 receives and holds the medicine D discharged from the V-shaped portion 42c formed between the holding plate 42 and the roller 43, and is rotated by the rotational driving force of the motor 44a. And discharge the medicine D to the delivery tray T3 conveyed downward.

Thus, the medicine receiving tray 44 can be switched between the closed state shown in FIG. 20 (a) and the open state shown in FIG. 20 (b) by the rotational driving force of the motor 44a and the biasing force of the biasing member 44b. it can.
The motor (second drive unit) 44a is provided on the side surface of the main body 41 as in the case of the motor 43a, as shown in FIG. 16 and FIG. 18 (b) etc. It is connected to the. Then, the motor 44a rotates the medicine receiving tray 44 by transmitting the rotational driving force to the medicine receiving tray 44 via the one-way clutch 44c.

The biasing member (second biasing member) 44 b is, for example, a conston spring, and is provided on the side of the medicine receiving tray 44 in the main body portion 41. Then, the biasing member 44b biases the medicine receiving tray 44 in the C direction shown in FIGS. 20 (a) and 20 (b). That is, the biasing member 44b biases the medicine receiving tray 44 in the opening direction.
The one-way clutch (third clutch) 44c is connected to the rotary shaft 44d of the motor 44a and the medicine receiving tray 44, as shown in FIG. 18 (b). Then, the one-way clutch 44c does not transmit the rotational drive force from the pivot shaft 44d to the medicine receiving tray 44 in the C direction (opening direction) shown in FIGS. 20 (a) and 20 (b). On the other hand, the one-way clutch 44c transmits the rotational driving force in the direction D (closing direction) shown in FIGS. 20 (a) and 20 (b).

Thus, in the operation of opening the medicine receiving tray 44, the urging force of the urging member 44b can be used, and in the operation of closing the medicine receiving tray 44, the rotational driving force of the motor 44a can be used.
The medicine receiving tray 44 is urged in the direction C toward the open state by the urging member 44b, but the one-way clutch 44c and the reduction gear (1/90) hold the medicine receiving tray 44 so as not to open. Be done.

Thereby, the medicine receiving tray 44 can be kept in the closed state for receiving and holding the medicine D shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 13, the structure conveyance unit 45 is a unit for conveying the second medicine confirmation unit 40 in the Z direction, and is provided along the above-described two vertical columns 21 a and 21 a and the Z direction. It is comprised by the belt 21b and the motor 21c. The belt 21b provided along the Z direction between the two vertical columns 21a and 21a disposed along the Z direction (vertical direction) is rotated by the motor 21c, whereby the horizontal post 22a is formed. The fixed second medicine check unit 40 is moved in the Z direction.

  Specifically, the structure conveyance unit 45 includes the main body 41, the holding plate 42, the biasing member (first biasing member) 42b, the roller 43, and the motor (first driving unit) 43a described above. Rotating shaft 43b, one-way clutch (first clutch) 43c, one-way clutch (second clutch) 43d, medicine receiving tray 44, motor (second drive unit) 44a, biasing member (second biasing member) The structure including the 44b, the one-way clutch (third clutch) 44c, etc. is moved in the vertical direction (Z direction).

The discharging process of the drug D from the drug receiving tray 44 to the delivery tray T3 will be described in detail later.
<Flow of storing medicine D returned to storage tray T2>
In the medicine sorting apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, the returned medicine D is provided from the returned medicine tray T1 and is sorted into an appropriate storage tray T2 corresponding to the shape and size of the medicine D. To store.

Specifically, the control unit 50 first controls the return medicine tray transport unit 13 so that one return medicine tray T1 is transferred from the return medicine tray storage space S1 to the picking space S2 as shown in FIG. Transport
Next, the control unit 50 selects the medicine D to be stored in the storage tray T2 from among the plurality of medicines D placed in the non-aligned state in the return medicine tray T1 shown in FIG. At this time, the control unit 50 sets the picking position of the medicine D based on the image information acquired by the camera C1 shown in FIG.

Next, the control unit 50 controls the picking unit 20 to adsorb a desired medicine D from the returned goods tray T1 and transport the medicine D to the first medicine confirmation unit 30.
Next, in order to confirm the type (drug or the like) of the drug D placed in the first drug check unit 30, the control unit 50 rotationally drives the roller 33 by the motor 33a as shown in FIG. The medicine D is rotated, and the bar code reader 31 reads the bar code B1 attached to the medicine D. Thereby, the kind information of medicine D can be obtained.

At this time, as shown in FIG. 14, the control unit 50 controls the camera C <b> 2 placed above the first medicine check unit 30 to acquire image information of the medicine D. As a result, it is possible to obtain character information on the expiration date of the drug D attached to the outer peripheral surface of the drug D together with the barcode B1.
Next, the control unit 50 controls the picking unit 20 to adsorb the medicine D placed on the first medicine confirmation unit 30, and the concave portion of the waiting stand 35 disposed adjacent to the first medicine confirmation unit 30. Transport to 35a.

Next, the control unit 50 controls the picking unit 20 to adsorb the medicine D placed in the recess 35 a of the waiting stand 35 and transport the medicine D above the return medicine sorting space S4.
Next, the control unit 50 controls the storage tray conveyance unit 14 to place a stage including the storage tray T2 for storing the medicine D for which the type information is acquired, as shown in FIG. The space S3 is transported to the returned medicine sorting space S4.

Next, as shown in FIGS. 21 (a) and 21 (b), the control unit 50 moves the picking unit 20 that has adsorbed the chemical D to the front of the storage tray T2 that is the storage destination, and the picking unit 20. The bar code reader 25 moving together with the bar code reader 25 is used to read the bar code B2 of the storage tray T2.
Then, the control unit 50 determines, based on the read information, whether or not the storage tray T2 is the correct storage configuration.

Here, when it is determined that the control unit 50 is correct, the control unit 50 controls the picking unit 20 to set in the storage tray T2 set as the dedicated tray as shown in FIGS. 22 (a) and 22 (b). The medicine D being adsorbed and carried is placed in the predetermined concave portion T2z of
<Flow of Conveying Drug D from Storage Tray T2 to Second Drug Checking Unit 40>
Next, in the medicine sorting apparatus 10 of the present embodiment, the process of taking out the medicine D temporarily stored in the storage tray T2 based on the prescription information and transporting it to the second medicine confirmation unit 40, as shown in FIG. It will be as follows if it demonstrates using (a)-FIG.26 (b).

  As shown in FIGS. 23 (a) and 23 (b), the control unit 50 is withdrawn to the return medicine sorting space S4, and is stored as it is recognized that the necessary medicine D is stored based on the prescription information. The bar code reader 25 driven integrally with the picking unit 20 is moved to the vicinity of the tray T2. Then, the barcode reader 25 reads the barcode B2 of the storage tray T2 and transmits the barcode B2 to the control unit 50.

Next, as shown in FIGS. 24 (a) and 24 (b), the control unit 50 moves the picking unit 20 to a position immediately above the desired medicine D for adsorption, and takes out the medicine D from the storage tray T2.
Next, the control unit 50 controls the storage tray transport unit 14 to store the storage tray T2 from which the medicine D is taken out, as shown in FIGS. 25 (a) and 25 (b), in the return medicine sorting space S4. To the storage tray mounting space S3.

Next, the control unit 50 controls the picking unit 20 to move the storage tray T2 from the returned medicine sorting space S4 to the storage tray placement space S3, as shown in FIGS. 26 (a) and 26 (b). Then, the adsorbed medicine D is transported to the second medicine confirmation unit 40 where the upper space is opened.
More specifically, the control unit 50 controls the picking unit 20 to place the medicine D on the V-shaped portion 42 c formed between the holding plate 42 and the roller 43 of the second medicine checking unit 40.

<Flow of discharging the drug D from the second drug checking unit 40 to the delivery tray T3>
Next, in the medicine sorting apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, the process of discharging the medicine D transported to the second medicine checking unit 40 to the delivery tray T3 will be described with reference to FIGS. 27 (a) to 28 (b). The explanation is as follows.
In addition, as shown to FIG. 27 (a) etc., as for delivery tray T3, the storage space is divided into three divisions by the partition plate T3a of 2 sheets. Thereby, for example, medicine D prescribed for morning, noon, and night can be dispensed in a state of being classified into one dispensing tray T3.

The control unit 50 controls the motor 43a in the second medicine confirmation unit 40 to rotationally drive the roller 43 in the A direction (see FIG. 17B), whereby the medicine D placed on the V-shaped part 42c And the bar code reader 25 reads the bar code B1 of the medicine D, and acquires the kind information of the medicine D.
When the medicine D is rotated in the A direction by the roller 43, the one-way clutch 43c connecting the rotating shaft 43b and the roller 43 transmits the rotational driving amount to the roller 43. On the other hand, the one-way clutch 43 d connecting the rotating shaft 43 b and the holding plate 42 does not transmit the rotational driving force to the holding plate 42.

Thereby, when the roller 43 is rotated and the type information of the medicine D is acquired by the barcode reader 25, the rotational driving force is transmitted only to the roller 43 and the rotational driving force is not transmitted to the holding plate 42, The posture of the holding plate 42 is maintained as it is.
Next, as shown in FIG. 27A, the control unit 50 controls the motor 43a to rotationally drive the rotating shaft 43b in the B direction (see FIG. 17B). At this time, the one-way clutch 43 c connecting the rotating shaft 43 b and the roller 43 does not transmit the rotational drive amount to the roller 43. On the other hand, the one-way clutch 43 d connecting the rotating shaft 43 b and the holding plate 42 transmits rotational driving force to the holding plate 42.

As a result, the rotational drive force is transmitted to the holding plate 42 in such a manner as to oppose the urging force applied to the holding plate 42 in the A direction by the urging member 42 b, so that the holding plate 42 and the roller 43 are in the B direction. To rotate.
As a result, as shown in FIG. 27 (b), the V-shaped portion 42c formed between the holding plate 42 and the roller 43 and on which the medicine D is placed is directed obliquely downward, so that it is held by the V-shaped portion 42c. The medicine D can be discharged to the medicine receiving tray 44.

The control unit 50 controls the motor 43a to return the holding plate 42 and the roller 43 to the initial state (a state in which the V-shaped portion 42c is upward) after dropping the medicine D onto the medicine receiving tray 44. The rotation shaft 43b is rotated in the A direction.
As a result, the holding plate 42 is biased in the A direction by the biasing member 42 b, and therefore, is rotated in the A direction by the biasing force.

At this time, the holding plate 42 is connected to the rotation shaft 43 b via the one-way clutch 43 c in the A direction. Therefore, the holding plate 42 shifts to the initial state while rotating at the same constant speed as the rotational speed of the rotating shaft 43 b by the motor 43 a without returning to the initial state at high speed by the biasing force.
When the rotation shaft 43b is rotated in the A direction, the rotation driving force is transmitted to the roller 43 via the one-way clutch 43c and the roller 43 is rotated. At this time, the medicine D is not in the V-shaped portion 42c. The rotation of the roller 43 does not affect the function of the device.

Next, as shown in FIG. 27C, the control unit 50 discharges the medicine D to the delivery tray T3 conveyed downward from the state where the medicine D is held in the medicine receiving tray 44. To start.
That is, in the closed state shown in FIG. 20 and FIG. 28 (a) etc., the medicine receiving tray 44 is disposed along the substantially horizontal direction.

Then, when the medicine D is discharged to the medicine receiving tray 44 from the upstream side, the control unit 50 controls the structure conveyance unit 45 (see FIG. 13 and the like) as shown in FIG. 2) The medicine check section 40 is lowered onto the delivery tray T3, and the motor 44a is controlled to rotate the medicine receiving tray 44 in the C direction (opening direction).
At this time, since the medicine receiving tray 44 is biased in the C direction by the biasing member 44b, the drug receiving tray 44 pivots in the C direction about the pivot shaft 44d by the biasing force.

The biasing force on the medicine receiving tray 44 may use the gravity applied to the medicine receiving tray 44 itself.
At this time, since the medicine receiving tray 44 is connected to the rotation shaft 44d, it rotates in the C direction at the same constant speed as the rotation shaft 44d without rotating in the C direction at high speed by the biasing force.
Next, as shown in FIG. 28 (b), when the end of the medicine receiving tray 44 opposite to the rotation shaft 44d abuts on the bottom of the delivery tray T3, the medicine receiving tray 44 is further moved in the C direction. Can not rotate.

At this time, the rotation shaft 44d rotates in the C direction as it is, but the one-way clutch 44c does not transmit the rotational driving force of the motor 44a in the C direction. Thus, it is possible to prevent an unreasonable load from being applied to the medicine receiving tray 44 and the dispensing tray T3.
Next, as shown in FIG. 28C, when the control unit 50 controls the structure conveyance unit 45 to raise the second medicine check unit 40, the medicine receiving tray 44 has the biasing member 44b. The urging force continues to rotate in the C direction while in contact with the bottom surface of the delivery tray T3.

Next, as shown in FIG. 28 (d), when the control unit 50 further raises the second medicine check unit 40 by the structure conveyance unit 45, the bottom surface of the medicine receiving tray 44 is provided on the main body 41. The rotation of the medicine receiving tray 44 is stopped by coming into contact with the stopper 41 c.
As a result, the medicine D held in the medicine receiving tray 44 can be safely discharged to the delivery tray T3 without applying an impact or the like.

At this time, the rotary shaft 44d is rotating in the C direction, but the rotational driving force of the rotary shaft 44d is not transmitted to the medicine receiving tray 44 by the one-way clutch 44c. As a result, it is possible to prevent an unreasonable load from being applied to the medicine receiving tray 44 and the stopper 41 c.
When the medicine receiving tray 44 rotates in the C direction at the time of transition from FIG. 28 (a) to FIG. 28 (b), until the end of the medicine receiving tray 44 contacts the bottom of the delivery tray T3. The drug receiving tray 44 is not rotated at high speed by the biasing force.

This is because the medicine receiving tray 44 is connected to the pivot shaft 44d and can not pivot at a speed higher than that of the pivot shaft 44d. Accordingly, the medicine receiving tray 44 rotates at the same constant speed as the rotating shaft 44d from the closed state shown in FIG. 28A until the end portion contacts the bottom surface of the payout tray T3.
Next, in the state shown in FIG. 28D, the control unit 50 detects that the medicine receiving tray 44 has come into contact with the stopper 41c by a photosensor (not shown), and controls the motor 44a to rotate The rotation direction of the shaft 44d is switched to the D direction (closing direction).

At this time, when the rotation shaft 44 d rotates in the D direction, the rotational driving force of the rotation shaft 44 d is transmitted to the medicine receiving tray 44 via the one-way clutch 44 c. Therefore, the medicine receiving tray 44 is pivoted in the closing direction (direction D) against the biasing force of the biasing member 44b in the C direction.
Next, the control unit 50 causes the medicine receiving tray 44 to rotate in the D direction, and a transition to a closed state in which a part of the medicine receiving tray 44 contacts the stopper 41 b is detected by a photosensor (not shown). Then, the motor 44a is controlled to stop the rotation of the rotation shaft 44d.

In this state, the medicine receiving tray 44 receives an urging force that is rotated in the C direction by the urging member 44b, but the rotational driving force of the rotation shaft 44d is applied to the medicine receiving tray 44 via the one-way clutch 44c. It is transmitted. Therefore, the medicine receiving tray 44 is maintained in the closed state without rotating in the opening direction by the biasing force.
Further, a gear head with a reduction ratio of 1/90 is built into the motor 44a. Therefore, when the medicine receiving tray 44 tries to rotate in the opening direction (C direction), the force of the rotating shaft 44d is transmitted to the medicine receiving tray 44 via the one-way clutch 44c, and the medicine receiving tray 44 is closed. The state is maintained.

Further, even if the power of the motor 44a is turned off in the closed state by the gear head of the motor 44a, the rotation shaft 44d is not rotated by the friction of the gear head.
As a result, since the closed state is maintained even when the power is turned off, it is possible to reduce unnecessary consumption of power for maintaining the medicine receiving tray 44 in the closed state.
Also, for example, even if the power is turned off unintentionally in a state where the medicine D is held in the medicine receiving tray 44 due to a power failure or the like, the medicine receiving tray 44 rotates and shifts to the open state. Since the drug D is not damaged, the drug D can be prevented from being damaged.

  According to the medicine sorting apparatus 10 of the present embodiment, when discharging the medicine D received by the medicine receiving tray 44 with the medicine D transported from the upstream side, the urging force of the urging member 44 b is obtained. By rotating the medicine receiving tray 44 in the C direction to shift to the open state, the medicine D can be discharged. On the other hand, when transitioning from the open state to the closed state, it is possible to shift to the closed state by transmitting the rotational driving force of the motor 44a to the pivot shaft 44d and pivoting the medicine receiving tray 44.

As a result, the drug D can be discharged in a predetermined direction by a simple configuration using a single drive source (motor 44a).
[Other embodiments]
As mentioned above, although one Embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, A various change is possible in the range which does not deviate from the summary of invention.

(A)
In the above embodiment, an example in which the second medicine check unit 40 is provided in the medicine sorting apparatus 10 has been described as the medicine discharge device. However, the present invention is not limited to this.
For example, the present medicine discharge device need not be configured to be mounted in the medicine sorting device, and may be configured as a single medicine discharge device.
Even in this case, with the simple configuration, it is possible to obtain the same effect that the medicine can be discharged in the predetermined direction.

(B)
In the above embodiment, an example using the barcode reader 25 moving integrally with the picking unit 20 as the medicine information acquisition unit for reading the type information of the medicine D to be discharged has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

For example, a medicine information acquisition unit such as a bar code reader fixedly disposed in the vicinity of the medicine discharge device (second medicine confirmation unit) may be used.
Further, the medicine information acquisition unit may be provided as a dedicated means for acquiring medicine type information instead of the means for reading the barcode attached to the tray as in the above embodiment.

(C)
In the above embodiment, an example using the barcode reader 25 has been described as a means for reading and acquiring type information (bar code B1) attached to the medicine D. However, the present invention is not limited to this.
For example, in a configuration in which an IC tag is attached to a medicine instead of a barcode, a device or the like that can communicate with the IC tag may be used instead of the barcode reader.
Furthermore, instead of the bar code reader, a camera that acquires image information for determining the shape or size of the medicine may be used.

(D)
In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the medicine discharge device (the second medicine confirmation unit 40) of the present invention is mounted on the medicine sorting apparatus 10 for sorting returned medicines has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this.
For example, the drug discharge device of the present invention may be mounted not only on a drug sorting device for sorting returned medicines, a drug dispensing device for dispensing medicine based on prescription information, but also on other devices.

(E)
In the above embodiment, as the medicine handled by the medicine discharge device (the second medicine confirmation unit 40) of the present invention, the medicine (return medicine) returned from a hospital room or the like has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this.
For example, the medicine discharged by the medicine discharge device of the present invention is not limited to the returned medicine.

(F)
In the above embodiment, an example in which a conston spring is used as the first biasing member (biasing member 42b) for applying a biasing force to the holding plate 42 in the specific direction has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

For example, other biasing members such as a tension spring and a torsion spring may be used instead of the conston spring.
Similarly, in the above embodiment, an example in which a conston spring is used as the second biasing member (biasing member 44b) for applying a biasing force to the medicine receiving tray 44 in the specific direction has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

  For example, other biasing members such as a tension spring and a torsion spring may be used instead of the conston spring. Alternatively, gravity may be applied to the medicine receiving tray 44 as a biasing force in a specific direction without using a spring.

  The drug discharge device of the present invention has the effect of being able to discharge a drug in a predetermined direction with a simple configuration, and is widely applicable to various devices and systems that handle a wide variety of drugs.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Medicine assortment apparatus 10a Body part 10b Door 10c Door 11 Returned medicine tray setting part 12 Storage tray setting part 13 Returned medicine tray conveyance part 14 Storage tray conveyance part 20 Picking part (conveyance part)
21a Vertical support 21b Belt 21c Motor 22a Horizontal support 22b Belt 22c Motor 23a Horizontal support 25 Bar code reader (drug information acquisition unit)
30 first medicine check part 31 bar code reader 32 holding plate 33 roller 33a motor 35 standby stand 35a recessed part 40 second medicine check part (drug discharge device)
40a Support portion 41 Body portion 41a Stopper 41b Stopper 41c Stopper 42 Holding plate 42a Connecting portion 42b Biasing member (first biasing member)
42c V-shaped part (concave part)
43 roller 43a motor (first drive unit)
43b Rotary shaft 43c One-way clutch (first clutch)
43d one-way clutch (second clutch)
44 medicine receiving tray 44a motor (second drive unit)
44b Biasing member (second biasing member)
44c one-way clutch (third clutch)
44d Rotating shaft 45 Structure transfer unit 50 Control unit 50a Monitor 51 Storage unit 60 Prescription information acquisition unit 100 Drug dispensing system 101 Tray supply device 102 Plastic bottle dispensing device 104 Ampoule vial dispensing device 105 Label injection paper loading device 106 Tray storage transfer Device B1 Bar code (type information)
B2 barcode (identification information)
C1, C2 Camera D Drug D1 to D4 Drug N Handle S1 Returned Medicine Tray Storage Space S2 Picking Space S3 Storage Tray Placement Space S4 Returned Medicine Sorting Space T1 Returned Medicine Tray T2 Storage Tray T2a to T2c Storage Tray T2z Concave T3 Payout Tray

Claims (9)

A medicine discharging device for discharging medicine in a predetermined direction,
A cylindrical roller having a rotation axis and rotating about the rotation axis;
A holding plate arranged to form a V-shaped part with the roller, viewed from the direction of the rotation axis;
A medicine information acquisition unit for acquiring information on the type of medicine rotated by the roller in a state of being placed on the V-shaped portion;
A connecting portion that integrates the roller and the holding plate;
A first driving unit configured to rotate the roller in a first direction and rotate the roller and the holding plate in a second direction opposite to the first direction to discharge the medicine in a predetermined direction;
Chemical discharge device equipped with. A medicine discharging device for discharging medicine in a predetermined direction,
A cylindrical roller having a rotation axis and rotating about the rotation axis;
A holding plate disposed close to the roller and forming a recess along which the medicine is placed with the roller;
A medicine information acquisition unit for acquiring information on the type of medicine;
A first driving unit that rotates the roller in a first direction to rotate the medicine when the medicine information acquisition unit acquires information on the type of the medicine;
A first biasing member that biases the holding plate toward the first direction;
The first drive unit and the roller are connected to each other, and transmit the rotational drive force of the first drive unit to the roller in the first direction, and the second direction in the second direction opposite to the first direction. A first clutch that does not transmit rotational driving force to the roller;
The first driving portion and the holding plate are connected, and the rotational driving force of the first driving portion is not transmitted to the holding plate in the first direction, and the rotational driving force is transmitted in the second direction. A second clutch that transmits to the holding plate,
Chemical discharge device equipped with. A medicine discharging device for discharging medicine in a predetermined direction,
A medicine information acquisition unit for acquiring type information on the type of medicine;
A medicine receiving tray for conveying the medicine for which the type information has been acquired and holding the medicine;
A second drive unit configured to rotate the medicine receiving tray in a third direction when discharging the medicine from the medicine receiving tray;
A second biasing member for biasing the medicine receiving tray in the third direction;
A second driving unit and the medicine receiving tray are connected to each other, and the rotational driving force of the second driving unit is not transmitted to the medicine receiving tray in the third direction, and the second driving unit is opposite to the third direction. A third clutch that transmits the rotational drive force of the second drive unit to the medicine receiving tray in four directions;
Chemical discharge device equipped. The medicine receiving tray discharges the medicine to a delivery tray from which the medicine is dispensed based on prescription information created for each patient.
The medicine discharge device according to claim 3. The apparatus further comprises a structure transfer unit for moving the structure including the medicine receiving tray, the second drive unit, and the third clutch in the vertical direction.
The medicine discharge device according to claim 3 or 4. When the structure transfer unit lowers the structure to a predetermined discharge position,
The medicine receiving tray rotates until the end opposite to the rotation axis of the medicine receiving tray abuts against the dispensing tray.
The medicine discharge device according to claim 5. When the medicine receiving tray rotates until the end opposite to the rotation axis of the medicine receiving tray abuts on the dispensing tray,
The structure transfer unit raises the structure from a predetermined discharge position while the medicine receiving tray is further rotated.
The medicine discharge device according to claim 5 or 6. The medicine discharge device according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
A transport unit that holds and transports the medicine;
A control unit that controls the transport unit to sort the medicines by type and transport them to a predetermined storage tray;
The drug sorting device is equipped with. A medicine sorting apparatus according to claim 8;
A medicine dispensing apparatus for dispensing medicines other than the medicine dispensed from the medicine sorting apparatus to a dispensing tray based on prescription information;
The drug delivery system that is equipped with.

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