JP2022000275A - Medicine discharge device, medicine sorting device equipped with the same, and medicine dispensing system - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a medicine discharge device capable of discharging medicines in a predetermined direction with a simple configuration, a medicine sorting device equipped with the same, and a medicine dispensing system.SOLUTION: A second medicine confirmation part 40 includes a motor 43a, a rotation shaft 43b, a cylindrical roller 43, a holding plate 42, a second clutch 43d, and a barcode reader 25. The holding plate 42 forms a V-shaped part 42c together with the roller 43, and discharges medicines placed on the V-shaped part 42c by rotating in a second direction from an initial state in which the medicines can be placed on the V-shaped part 42c. The second clutch 43d connects the rotation shaft 43b and the holding plate 42 together and transmits the rotation in the second direction of the rotation shaft 43b to the holding plate 42 without transmitting the rotation in a first direction of the rotation shaft 43b to the holding plate 42. The barcode reader 25 reads information on the type of the medicine D rotated by the roller 43 in a state that the medicine D is placed on the V-shaped part 42c.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 19

Description

The present invention relates to a chemical discharge device for discharging chemicals, a chemical sorting device provided with the chemical discharge device, and a chemical discharge system.

In recent years, for example, in order to reduce the work load in a hospital that handles a huge number and types of medicines, a medicine dispensing device that automatically dispenses a desired medicine to a tray according to prescription information has been used.
As a result, the work of taking out the required chemicals one by one from the pharmacist to the tray is automated, which greatly reduces the work load and prevents human error such as making a mistake in the type and amount of the chemicals to be taken out. be able to.

In addition, after the tray automatically dispensed by the drug dispensing device is transported to a hospital room or the like, the patient's condition may suddenly change and the dispensed drug may be returned without being used. ..
For this reason, a returned drug sorting device that automatically sorts such returned drugs according to their type, size, and the like is used.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a drug dispensing device that recognizes whether or not an appropriate container has been taken out from a cassette and takes out a desired container with high accuracy.
Further, in Patent Document 2, returned drugs stored in an unaligned state are picked one by one, the type and size of the returned drug are recognized, and the returned drugs are automatically sorted according to the type and size. The returned drug sorting device to be performed is disclosed.

International Publication No. 2013/001754 Pamphlet Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2013-215343

However, the above-mentioned conventional chemical discharge device has the following problems.
That is, the chemical dispensing device and the chemical sorting device disclosed in the above-mentioned publication include a discharging mechanism for discharging the chemicals in a predetermined direction when the chemicals are dispensed and sorted. Such a chemical discharge mechanism has a problem that the configuration tends to be complicated because it is necessary to take care so that the glass chemical or the like is not damaged at the time of discharge.

An object of the present invention is to provide a chemical discharge device capable of discharging chemicals in a predetermined direction, a chemical sorting device provided with the chemical discharge device, and a chemical discharge system with a simple configuration.

The chemical discharge device according to the present invention is a chemical discharge device that discharges chemicals in a predetermined direction, and includes a first drive unit, a rotating shaft, a cylindrical roller, a holding plate, a second clutch, and chemicals. It has an information acquisition unit. The rotational driving force of the first driving unit is transmitted to the rotating shaft, and the rotating shaft rotates in the first direction or the second direction opposite to the first direction. The cylindrical roller rotates about a rotation axis. The holding plate forms a recess together with the roller, and the chemical placed in the recess is discharged in a predetermined direction by rotating in the second direction around the rotation axis from the initial state in which the chemical can be placed in the recess. .. The second clutch connects the rotating shaft and the holding plate, and does not transmit the rotation of the rotating shaft in the first direction to the holding plate, but transmits the rotation of the rotating shaft in the second direction to the holding plate. In the chemical information acquisition unit, the rotating shaft is rotated in the first direction, the holding plate is in the initial state, and the chemical is placed in the concave portion, and the chemical is rotated in the concave portion by a roller rotating in the first direction. Get information about the type of.

Here, in the chemical discharge device that discharges the chemical in a predetermined direction, the roller and the holding plate form a recess. With the holding plate in the initial state and the chemical placed in the recess, the roller is rotated in the first direction by the first drive unit to rotate the chemical and read information on the type of chemical. At this time, the rotation is not transmitted to the holding plate by the second clutch, and the initial state of the holding plate can be maintained. Then, after reading the chemical type information, by rotating the first drive unit in the second direction, the holding plate is rotated in the second direction from the initial state, and the chemical placed in the recess is discharged. To.

Here, the chemical discharge device is installed in, for example, a chemical sorting device that sorts and stores returned chemicals by type, a chemical dispenser that discharges a desired chemical to a predetermined payout tray according to prescription information, and the like. Will be done. The chemical discharge device is installed in, for example, a hospital or the like that handles a large amount of chemicals.

The drug type information read by the drug information acquisition unit includes, for example, the type of drug, the shape, size, and content of the container of the drug.
Further, the drug information acquisition unit includes, for example, a means for reading information such as a bar code or characters attached to the drug, a means for acquiring information such as the shape and size of a container for the drug, and the like.

Further, as the second clutch, a so-called one-way clutch is used in which the rotational driving force of the first driving unit is transmitted in one direction and not in the other direction.

Thereby, using a single first drive unit, it is possible to carry out the rotation operation of the chemicals at the time of acquiring the chemical type information and the discharge operation of the chemicals after the acquisition of the chemical type information.
Therefore, with a simple configuration, the chemical can be discharged in a predetermined direction.

The holding plate may have a plate-shaped portion that forms a recess together with the roller, and a connecting portion provided in the plate-shaped portion. The connecting portion may hold the rotating shaft via the second clutch.

As a result, the holding plate can be integrated with the roller while the roller can rotate. Further, the holding plate can be rotated around the rotation axis.

The holding plate may be arranged close to the roller, and the recess may be V-shaped when viewed from the direction of the rotation axis.

As a result, the chemical can be placed in the V-shaped recess formed by the rollers and the holding plate arranged close to each other.

The chemical discharge device may further include a first urging member that urges the holding plate in the first direction.

As a result, when the holding plate is rotated in the second direction to discharge the chemical and then the holding plate is returned to the initial state, the holding plate is urged in the first direction by the first urging member. Even if the second clutch does not transmit the rotation of the rotation shaft in the first direction to the holding plate, the holding plate can be returned to the initial state by the urging force.

The chemical discharge device may further include a stopper that regulates the rotation of the holding plate in the first direction and keeps the holding plate in the initial state.

As a result, the posture of the holding plate can be maintained in the initial state when the rotating shaft rotates in the first direction.

The chemical discharge device may further include a first clutch that connects the rotary shaft to the roller, transmits the rotation of the rotary shaft in the first direction to the roller, and does not transmit the rotation of the rotary shaft in the second direction to the roller. ..

Here, as the first clutch, a so-called one-way clutch is used, in which the rotational driving force of the first driving unit is transmitted in one direction and not in the other direction.
As a result, when the rotation shaft rotates in the first direction and the holding plate is maintained in the initial state, the roller can rotate in the first direction to rotate the chemical in the recess. When the rotating shaft rotates in the second direction and the holding plate rotates, the rotation of the roller stops.

Information about the type of chemical may be attached to the outer peripheral surface of the chemical.

As a result, the chemical is rotated in the recess, so that the information attached to the surface of the chemical can be easily read.

The chemical sorting device according to the present invention controls the above-mentioned chemical discharging device, a transport unit that holds and transports chemicals, and a transport unit that sorts chemicals by type and transports them to a predetermined storage tray. It has a department.

Here, a chemical sorting device including the above-mentioned chemical discharge device, a transport unit for transporting chemicals, and a control unit for controlling the transport unit to store chemicals in a predetermined storage tray for each type is configured.
As a result, as described above, it is possible to obtain a chemical sorting device capable of discharging a desired chemical with a simple configuration.

The drug dispensing system according to the present invention includes the above-mentioned drug sorting device and a drug dispensing device that dispenses drugs other than the drugs dispensed from the drug sorting device to a dispensing tray based on the prescription information.

Here, a chemical dispensing system including the above-mentioned chemical sorting device and the chemical dispensing device is configured.
As a result, the medicines such as the returned medicines sorted by the above-mentioned medicine sorting device can be reused again based on the prescription information, and the desired medicines can be discharged to the payout tray based on the prescription information.

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

The whole view which shows the structure of the medicine discharge system including the medicine discharge device which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. The front view which shows the structure of the chemical sorting apparatus included in the chemical dispensing system of FIG. The front view which shows the state which the door of the chemical sorting apparatus of FIG. 2 was opened. (A) to (d) are diagrams showing the types of chemicals sorted by the chemical sorting apparatus of FIG. 2. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a returned medicine tray in which the returned medicines shown in FIGS. 4 (a) to 4 (d) are placed in an unaligned manner. The figure which shows the breakdown of 5 kinds of storage trays set in the chemical sorting apparatus of FIG. (A) to (c) are perspective views showing an example of a storage tray in which chemicals sorted by the chemical sorting apparatus of FIG. 2 are stored. The control block diagram which shows the structure of the chemical sorting apparatus of FIG. The plan view which shows the internal structure of the chemical sorting apparatus of FIG. The plan view which shows the internal structure of the chemical sorting apparatus of FIG. The perspective view which shows the internal structure of the chemical sorting apparatus of FIG. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a plurality of chemicals placed in a returned medicine tray and a camera for acquiring image information of these chemicals from above in the chemical sorting device of FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a picking unit or the like that picks chemicals and conveys them to a predetermined place in the chemical sorting apparatus of FIG. 2. In the chemical sorting apparatus of FIG. 2, a perspective view showing a chemical confirmation unit for discriminating the type of chemicals and a camera arranged above the chemical confirmation unit and acquiring image information of the chemicals placed on the chemical confirmation unit. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the positions of the storage tray transport mechanism and the picking portion in the storage tray mounting space and the returned medicine sorting space in the chemical sorting device of FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the configuration of a second chemical confirmation unit (chemical discharge device) included in the chemical sorting device of FIG. 2. (A) is a side view of the second chemical confirmation unit of FIG. (B) is a side view showing a V-shaped portion formed between the roller and the holding plate included in the second chemical confirmation portion of FIG. 16. (A) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. 17 (a). (B) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB of FIG. 17 (a). (A) and (b) are perspective views which show the operation at the time of discharging a chemical in the 2nd chemical confirmation part of FIG. (A) and (b) are perspective views which show the operation at the time of discharging a chemical in the 2nd chemical confirmation part of FIG. (A) and (b) are side views and perspective views showing the flow when the chemicals sucked and conveyed by the picking portion are stored in the storage tray. (A) and (b) are side views and perspective views showing the flow when the chemicals sucked and conveyed by the picking portion are stored in the storage tray. (A) and (b) are perspective views and side views showing the flow of taking out medicine D stored in a storage tray and paying out to a payout tray in the medicine sorting apparatus of FIG. 2 based on prescription information. .. (A) and (b) are perspective views and side views showing the flow of taking out medicine D stored in a storage tray and paying out to a payout tray in the medicine sorting apparatus of FIG. 2 based on prescription information. .. (A) and (b) are perspective views and side views showing the flow of taking out medicine D stored in a storage tray and paying out to a payout tray in the medicine sorting apparatus of FIG. 2 based on prescription information. .. (A) and (b) are perspective views and side views showing the flow of taking out medicine D stored in a storage tray and paying out to a payout tray in the medicine sorting apparatus of FIG. 2 based on prescription information. .. (A) to (c) are side views showing the flow of taking out the medicine D stored in the storage tray and paying out to the payout tray in the second medicine confirmation unit of FIG. 22 based on the prescription information. (A) to (d) are side views showing the flow of taking out the medicine D stored in the storage tray and paying out to the payout tray in the second medicine confirmation unit of FIG. 22 based on the prescription information.

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

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

The drug sorting device 10 sorts and stores the drug D, which is returned due to a sudden change in the patient's condition, among the drugs carried out to the hospital room or the like based on the prescription information for each patient, in a predetermined storage tray T2. do.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the chemical sorting device 10 is arranged on the downstream side of the plastic bottle dispensing device 102. Then, the drug sorting device 10 takes out the returned medicine that has been sorted in the drug sorting device 10 and stored in the storage tray T2 based on the prescription information, and pays out to the payout tray T3.

As a result, the returned drug D is reused by being dispensed to the payout tray T3 as a drug to be administered to the patient again after the expiration date of the drug is confirmed.
Here, the chemical sorting device 10 may be arranged on the upstream side of the plastic bottle dispensing device 102.
However, in general, many plastic bottle-shaped chemicals D are large and heavy, so considering the risk of damaging the ampoule-shaped chemicals D discharged from the chemical sorting device 10, the pro-bottle-shaped chemical D is first dispensed from the tray. It is desirable to pay out to T3. Therefore, it is preferable that the chemical sorting device 10 is arranged at the position shown in FIG.

The detailed configuration of the chemical sorting apparatus 10 will be described in detail later.
The ampoule vial dispensing device 104 stores the ampoule-shaped chemical D, and is arranged on the downstream side of the chemical sorting device 10 as shown in FIG. Then, the ampoule vial dispensing device 104 dispenses the ampoule vial (drug D) that is included in the prescription information and has not been dispensed from the drug sorting device 10 to the payout tray T3 conveyed from the upstream side. ..

That is, the ampoule vial dispensing device 104 arranged on the downstream side of the drug sorting device 10 fills the shortage of the drugs included 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 note insertion device 105 is a device that prints a patient name, prescription information, and the like on a predetermined label, and is arranged on the downstream side of the ampoule vial dispensing device 104 as shown in FIG. Then, the label injection note feeding device 105 creates a label on which the prescription information and the like are printed based on the prescription information, and throws it into the payout tray T3 carried from the upstream side. As a result, the pharmacist or the like can easily confirm whether or not the medicine D paid out to the payout tray T3 is appropriate by checking the label put into the payout tray T3.

As shown in FIG. 1, the tray storage / transfer device 106 is located on the downstream side of the label injection paper loading device 105 and on the most downstream side (right end in FIG. 1) of the drug dispensing system 100. Then, the tray storage transfer device 106 stores the payout tray T3 including the medicine D and the label paid out based on the prescription information, and the necessary payout tray T3 is taken out by a pharmacist or the like.

In the chemical dispensing system 100, with the above configuration, the appropriate chemical D is dispensed to the dispensing tray T3 based on the prescription information, and the chemicals are automatically sorted by the chemical sorting device 10 and stored in the storage tray T2. Returned medicine can be reused.
(Structure of chemical sorting device 10)
As shown in FIG. 2, the chemical sorting device 10 of the present embodiment includes a main body portion 10a, doors 10b and 10c attached to the front surface of the main body portion 10a, and a monitor 50a.

In the present embodiment, the front surface of the chemical sorting device 10 means the front surface shown in FIG. 2, and the front surface thereof is the opposite surface to the back surface.
The main body portion 10a is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped housing, and is attached to the front surface in a state where two doors 10b and 10c can be opened and closed.
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 medicines D are placed in an unaligned state is stored is exposed to the outside. The returned medicine tray storage space S1 is provided with a returned medicine tray installation unit 11 in which a plurality of returned medicine trays T1 are set along the vertical direction. Then, the medicine D returned from the hospital room or the like is set so as to be stacked in the returned medicine tray installation unit 11 in the returned medicine tray storage space S1 by a pharmacist or the like in a state of being placed in a non-aligned state in the returned medicine tray T1. ..

When the door 10c is opened, as shown in FIG. 3, the storage tray mounting space S3 on which the storage tray T2 for storing the chemicals D sorted after the return is placed is exposed to the outside. The storage tray mounting space S3 is provided with a storage tray installation unit (tray installation unit) 12 in which a plurality of types of storage trays T2 having different widths along the vertical direction and the horizontal direction are installed. Then, the medicine D returned from the hospital room or the like is sorted by type or the like in the medicine sorting device 10, and is automatically stored in an appropriate storage tray T2 installed in the storage tray installation unit 12.

A plurality of storage trays T2 are arranged in the storage tray installation portion 12 in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction, and a user such as a pharmacist opens the front door 10c of the main body portion 10a to attach / detach the storage tray T2. conduct.
The monitor 50a is provided in the upper left portion on the front surface of the main body portion 10a, receives input of various settings, and displays 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 chemical sorting device 10.

(Type of chemical D)
Here, as shown in FIGS. 4A to 4D, the chemical D handled in the chemical dispensing system 100 of the present embodiment includes the contained chemicals and a plurality of types of chemicals having different shapes and sizes. I'm out. Specifically, the chemical D has an elongated outer shape and a short ampoule-like shape as shown in FIG. 4 (a), and the chemical D has an elongated outer shape and a long ampoule-like shape as shown in FIG. 4 (b). Chemicals D2 having a shape, chemicals D3 having a thick bottle-shaped shape as shown in FIG. 4 (c), chemicals D4 having a thick and long bottle-shaped shape as shown in FIG. 4 (d), and the like are included. ..

The chemicals D1 to D4 shown in FIGS. 4A to 4D are examples of the chemicals D handled in the chemical sorting apparatus 10 of the present embodiment, and are actually more shapes and types. Chemicals shall be handled.
Therefore, in the chemical sorting apparatus 10 of the present embodiment, chemicals D1 to D4 and the like having various shapes and sizes are sorted and stored, and a storage tray having an appropriate size and width corresponding to each chemical D1 to D4. Control for storing in T2 is carried out.

Further, on the outer peripheral surface of each drug D1 to D4, a barcode (type information) B1 in which type information such as the type of the 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 chemical sorting device 10.
Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the returned medicine D is placed in a non-aligned state on the returned medicine tray T1 dedicated to the returned medicine, and is set as it is in the returned medicine tray installation unit 11 in the medicine sorting device 10. To.

(Type of storage tray T2)
In the chemical sorting apparatus 10 of the present embodiment, the above-mentioned wide variety of chemicals D are sorted by type, and an appropriate storage tray T2 is selected and stored from a plurality of types of storage trays T2 corresponding to each chemical D. do.
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, tray numbers 1 to 5 are attached, and the pitch, width, number of chemicals D, etc. of the recess T2z (see FIG. 7A, etc.) for holding the chemical D are different. Five types of storage trays T2 are used. Identification information such as the tray number of the five types of storage trays T2 shown in FIG. 6, the pitch of the recess T2z, the width, and the like are stored in advance in the storage unit 51 described later.

As shown in FIG. 6, the storage tray T2a of tray number 1 (see FIG. 7A) has a width S (small) size, a recess T2z pitch 21 mm, a number of chemicals D, and a chemical sorting device 10. It is a tray with a total of 15 trays and a total of 150 chemicals stored. Therefore, the storage tray T2a stores a thin and short chemical D such as an ampoule vial.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7A, the storage tray T2a is provided with a barcode (identification information) B2 at the first end in the longitudinal direction and a handle N at the second end on the opposite side. Has been done. Further, a plurality of irregularities (recessed portions T2z) are formed inside the storage tray T2a in which the chemical D is stored.

The barcode B2 records identification information regarding the type (pitch, width, etc.) of the storage tray T2a, and the identification information is read and acquired by the barcode reader 25 described later.
The recesses T2z forming a plurality of irregularities formed on the bottom surface of the storage tray T2a are formed according to the shape and size of each chemical D, and are provided at a constant pitch. Then, the recess T2z holds the chemical D conveyed to the storage tray T2a in the recess portion.

As shown in FIG. 6, the storage tray T2b of tray number 2 (see FIG. 7 (b)) has a width S (small) size, a recess T2z pitch 38 mm, a number of chemicals D, and a chemical sorting device 10. It is a tray with a total of 15 trays and a total of 75 chemicals stored. Therefore, the storage tray T2b stores the chemical D, which is thin and has a medium length.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7B, the storage tray T2b is provided with a barcode (identification information) B2 at the first end in the longitudinal direction and a handle N at the second end on the opposite side. Has been done. Further, a plurality of irregularities (recessed portions T2z) are formed inside the storage tray T2b in which the chemical D is stored.

The barcode B2 records identification information regarding the type (pitch, width, etc.) of the storage tray T2b, and the identification information is read and acquired by the barcode reader 25 described later.
The recesses T2z forming a plurality of irregularities formed on the bottom surface of the storage tray T2b are formed according to the shape and size of each chemical D, and are provided at a constant pitch. Then, the recess T2z holds the chemical D conveyed to the storage tray T2b in the recess portion.

As shown in FIG. 6, the storage tray T2 of the tray number 3 has a width M (medium) size, a recess T2z pitch of 21 mm, 10 chemicals D, and 10 total trays set in the chemical sorting device 10. It is a tray with 100 pieces and 100 chemicals in total. Therefore, the storage tray T2 stores a thick and short chemical D such as a plastic bottle.
Specifically, the storage tray T2 is provided with a barcode (identification information) B2 at the first end in the longitudinal direction and a handle N at the second end on the opposite side thereof. Further, a plurality of irregularities (recessed portions T2z) are formed inside the storage tray T2 in which the chemical D is stored.

The barcode B2 records identification information regarding the type (pitch, width, etc.) of the storage tray T2, and the identification information is read and acquired by the barcode reader 25 described later.
The recesses T2z forming a plurality of irregularities formed on the bottom surface of the storage tray T2 are formed according to the shape and size of each chemical D, and are provided at a constant pitch. Then, the concave portion T2z holds the chemical D conveyed to the storage tray T2 in the concave portion.

As shown in FIG. 6, the storage tray T2c of tray number 4 (see FIG. 7 (c)) has a width M (medium) size, a recess T2z pitch 38 mm, a number of chemicals D, and a chemical sorting device 10. It is a tray with a total of 10 trays and a total of 50 chemicals stored. Therefore, the storage tray T2c stores the chemical D, which is thick and has a medium length.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7C, the storage tray T2c is provided with a barcode (identification information) B2 at the first end in the longitudinal direction and a handle N at the second end on the opposite side. Has been done. Further, a plurality of irregularities (recessed portions T2z) are formed inside the storage tray T2c in which the chemical D is stored.

The barcode B2 records identification information regarding the type (pitch, width, etc.) of the storage tray T2c, and the identification information is read and acquired by the barcode reader 25 described later.
The recesses T2z forming a plurality of irregularities formed on the bottom surface of the storage tray T2c are formed according to the shape and size of each chemical D, and are provided at a constant pitch. Then, the recess T2z holds the chemical D conveyed to the storage tray T2c in the recess portion.

As shown in FIG. 6, the storage tray T2 having the tray number 5 has a width L (large) size, a concave T2z pitch of 38 mm, a number of chemicals D, and a total number of trays 6 set in the chemical sorting device 10. It is a tray with 30 chemicals in total. Therefore, the thickest and longest chemical D such as a large plastic bottle is stored in the storage tray T2.
Specifically, the storage tray T2 is provided with a barcode (identification information) B2 at the first end in the longitudinal direction and a handle N at the second end on the opposite side thereof. Further, a plurality of irregularities (recessed portions T2z) are formed inside the storage tray T2 in which the chemical D is stored.

The barcode B2 records identification information regarding the type (pitch, width, etc.) of the storage tray T2, and the identification information is read and acquired by the barcode reader 25 described later.
The recesses T2z forming a plurality of irregularities formed on the bottom surface of the storage tray T2 are formed according to the shape and size of each chemical D, and are provided at a constant pitch. Then, the concave portion T2z holds the chemical D conveyed to the storage tray T2 in the concave portion.

As shown in FIGS. 7 (a) to 7 (c), the above-mentioned five types of storage trays T2a to T2c and the like have the same height as the three types of widths S, M, and L in appearance. Well, it has a depth.
(Internal configuration of chemical sorting device 10)
The chemical sorting device 10 of the present embodiment constitutes the control block shown in FIG. 8 centering on the control unit 50.

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

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

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

Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the storage tray transport unit 14 sorts returned medicines arranged on the back side from the storage tray mounting space S3 arranged on the front side in the main body portion 10a. The storage tray T2 is transported to the space S4.
That is, in the chemical sorting device 10 of the present embodiment, when the sorting operation is started, as shown in FIG. 9, the storage tray transport unit 14 appropriately stores the chemical D to be adsorbed and transported by the picking unit 20. The tray T2 is transported from the storage tray mounting space S3 to the returned medicine sorting space S4 side.

In the chemical sorting device 10 of the present embodiment, the storage tray transport unit 14 moves to a desired height of the storage trays T2 of each stage arranged along the vertical direction, and stores the desired storage tray T2. 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 acquires an image including a plurality of chemicals D placed on the returned medicine tray T1 transported to the picking space S2.

As a result, the control unit 50 uses the image information acquired by the camera C1 to specify the position for picking one of the plurality of medicines D placed in the returned medicine tray T1 in an unaligned state. ..
As shown in FIG. 14, the camera C2 is arranged above the first chemical confirmation unit 30. Then, the camera C2 acquires an image of the label portion including the barcode B1 attached to the chemical D.

As a result, the control unit 50 reads the character information on the label using the image information acquired by the camera C2, and confirms the expiration date of the drug D placed on the first drug confirmation unit 30.
The picking unit 20 can move in a three-dimensional direction in order to adsorb a plurality of returned chemicals D placed in the returned medicine tray T1 in a non-aligned state at the tip portion and transport them in a predetermined direction. It is provided inside the main body portion 10a in such a state.

Specifically, when the sorting operation is started, the picking unit 20 moves from the returned medicine tray T1 to the first medicine confirmation unit 30, from the first medicine confirmation unit 30 to the waiting table 35, and from the waiting table 35 to the storage tray T2. And, the chemical D is adsorbed and transported.
Then, as shown in FIG. 13, the picking unit 20 has a vertical column 21a, a belt 21b, a motor 21c, a horizontal column 22a, a belt 22b, and a motor so that the chemical D can be conveyed in such a three-dimensional direction. It has 22c, a horizontal support 23a, and the like.

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

Further, the picking portion 20 rotates a belt 22b provided along the horizontal column 22a arranged along the X direction (horizontal direction) (width direction of the main body portion 10a) by the motor 22c. As a result, the picking unit 20 can move in the X direction (horizontal direction), and for example, an operation of transporting the chemical D in the width direction of the main body unit 10a can be performed.
Similarly, the picking portion 20 uses a belt (not shown) provided along the horizontal column 23a arranged along the Y direction (horizontal direction) (depth direction of the main body portion 10a) as a motor (not shown). ). As a result, the picking unit 20 can move in the Y direction (horizontal direction), and for example, the drug D can be transported in the depth direction of the main body unit 10a.

As shown in FIG. 15 and the like, the bar code reader (medicine information acquisition unit) 25 is arranged in the vicinity of the picking unit 20 and is integrated with the picking unit 20 to move in a three-dimensional direction. Then, the barcode reader 25 reads the barcode B2 attached to the storage tray T2 to acquire the identification information of the storage tray T2 before storing the chemical D sucked and conveyed by the picking unit 20 in the storage tray T2. ..

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

As shown in FIG. 14, the barcode reader 31 is arranged diagonally above the chemical D held in the recess formed by the holding plate 32 and the roller 33. Then, the barcode reader 31 reads the barcode B1 attached to the chemical D rotated by the roller 33 rotationally driven by the motor 33a, and acquires the type information regarding the type of the chemical D (type of the chemical, etc.).

The second chemical confirmation unit 40 is provided as a chemical discharge device that discharges the chemical D taken out from the storage tray T2 and whose type information is read by the bar code reader 25 to a predetermined payout tray T3. Then, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the second drug confirmation section 40 is arranged below the returned drug sorting space S4 in the main body section 10a via the support section 40a (see FIG. 13). Then, the second chemical confirmation unit 40 confirms the type and the like of the chemical D that is taken out from the storage tray T2 by the picking unit 20 and sucked and conveyed to the payout tray T3.

The detailed description of the second chemical confirmation unit 40 will be described in detail later.
The storage unit 51 stores a control program for driving and controlling each of the above-described configurations. Then, as the identification information acquired from the barcode B2 attached to the storage tray T2, the storage unit 51 has a tray number, a tray width, a pitch, and the number of chemicals contained in one tray, as shown in FIG. A table showing the relationship between the maximum number of trays stored in the device and the maximum number of chemicals stored 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. As a result, the control unit 50 controls the picking unit 20 so as to discharge the required drug D from the drug D stored in the storage tray T2 based on the prescription information.
(Second chemical confirmation unit 40)
The configuration of the second chemical confirmation unit 40 mounted on the chemical sorting apparatus 10 of the present embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 16 to 20 (b).

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

As shown in FIGS. 16 and 19 (a), the main body 41 is a member having a substantially U-shaped shape in a plan view, and the holding plate 42 and rollers are formed on both arms of the substantially U-shape. It holds 43, a chemical receiving tray 44, and the like. Then, as shown in FIG. 16, the main body portion 41 has stoppers 41a and 41b protruding toward the other surface on one surface of the two surfaces facing each other forming a substantially U-shape. There is.

The stopper 41a is a part of the holding plate 42 as shown in FIG. 19A and the like in a state where the chemical 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 holding plate 42. In other words, the stopper 41a is provided to set the rotation limit position of the holding plate 42. That is, the rotation limit position set by the stopper 41a coincides with the position of maintaining the posture of holding the chemical D in the V-shaped portion 42c.

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

As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17B, the holding plate 42 is a plate-shaped member arranged close to the roller 43, and is for holding the chemical D together with the roller 43 in a side view. V-shaped portion 42c is formed. The holding plate 42 is arranged so as to have an angle of about 45 degrees with respect to the vertical direction in a posture of receiving and holding the chemical D. Further, connecting portions 42a that integrate the roller 43 with the roller 43 in a rotatable state are provided at both ends of the holding plate 42 in the width direction.

The connecting portion 42a is a member that connects both ends of the holding plate 42 in the width direction and both ends of the rotating shaft 43b of the roller 43, respectively, and is substantially perpendicular to the surface of the holding plate 42 that comes into contact with the chemical D. It is erected. Then, the connecting portion 42a holds both ends of the rotating shaft in a state where the roller 43 can rotate.
As a result, the connecting portion 42a can integrate the holding plate 42 and the roller 43 in a state where the roller 43 can rotate.

The urging member (first urging member) 42b 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 41 as shown in FIG. 16 and the like. Then, the urging member 42b urges the holding plate 42 integrated with the roller 43 in the A direction (first direction) shown in FIG. 17B. That is, the urging member 42b urges the holding plate 42 in a direction in which a part of the holding plate 42 is pressed against the stopper 41a.

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

As shown in FIGS. 16 and 18 (a), the motor (first drive unit) 43a is provided on the side surface of the main body 41 and is connected to the rotating shaft 43b of the roller 43. Then, the motor 43a rotates the roller 43 and rotates the holding plate 42 by transmitting a rotational driving force to the holding plate 42 and the roller 43 via the one-way clutches 43c and 43d.

18 (a) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA shown in FIG. 17 (a), and FIG. 18 (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB shown in FIG. 17 (a). Is.
As shown in FIG. 18A, the one-way clutch (first clutch) 43c is provided at a position where the rotary shaft 43b to which the rotational driving force of the motor 43a is transmitted and the roller 43 are connected. Then, 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 transfers 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 and the holding plate 42 are connected to each other. The one-way clutch 43d does not transmit the rotational driving force of the rotating shaft 43b to the holding plate 42 in the A direction shown in FIG. 17B, and transfers the rotational driving force to the holding plate 42 in the B direction. Communicate to.

Here, when the motor 43a (rotating shaft 43b) rotates in the A direction (first direction) shown in FIG. 17B, the rotational driving force is applied to the roller 43 via the one-way clutch 43c (see FIG. 18A). The roller 43 is rotated in the A direction.
Thereby, the chemical D held in the V-shaped portion 42c formed between the holding plate 42 and the roller 43 by the one-way clutch 43c can be rotated in the V-shaped portion 42c 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 43d, the postures of the holding plate 42 and the roller 43 can be maintained.
On the other hand, when the motor 43a (rotating shaft 43b) rotates in the B direction (second direction) shown in FIG. 17B, a rotational driving force is applied to the roller 43 via the one-way clutch 43c (see FIG. 18A). It is not transmitted to.

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 around the rotating shaft 43b.
As a result, as shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B, the V-shaped portion 42c formed between the holding plate 42 and the roller 43 can be tilted diagonally downward, so that the V-shaped portion 42c can be formed. The chemical D from which the type information has been acquired in the held state can be discharged to the downstream side (chemical receiving tray 44).

As a result, the rotation operation of the chemical D at the time of acquiring the type information of the chemical D and the discharging operation of the chemical D after the acquisition of the type information can be performed by using the single motor 43a, which is simple. Depending on the configuration, the chemical D can be discharged in a predetermined direction.
Further, even in the configuration using a single motor 43a, by using the two one-way clutches 43c and 43d in combination, the rotation operation of the chemical D at the time of acquiring the type information of the chemical D and the rotation of the holding plate 42 are performed. It is possible to carry out the discharge operation of the moving chemical D. Therefore, the chemical D can be discharged in a predetermined direction with a simple configuration.

The step of transporting the chemical D to the V-shaped portion 42c formed between the holding plate 42 and the roller 43 and the step of transporting the chemical D from the V-shaped portion 42c to the chemical receiving tray 44 will be described later. It will be described in detail.
As shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B, the chemical receiving tray 44 is provided below the holding plate 42 and the roller 43 in the main body 41. Then, the chemical receiving tray 44 receives and holds the chemical D discharged from the V-shaped portion 42c formed between the holding plate 42 and the roller 43, and rotates by the rotational driving force of the motor 44a. , The chemical D is discharged to the payout tray T3 which has been conveyed downward.

As a result, the chemical receiving tray 44 can switch 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 urging force of the urging member 44b. can.
As shown in FIGS. 16 and 18B, the motor (second drive unit) 44a is provided on the side surface of the main body 41 like the motor 43a, and the rotation shaft 44d of the chemical receiving tray 44 It is connected to the. Then, the motor 44a rotates the chemical receiving tray 44 by transmitting the rotational driving force to the chemical receiving tray 44 via the one-way clutch 44c.

The urging member (second urging member) 44b is, for example, a conston spring, and is provided on the side of the chemical receiving tray 44 in the main body 41. Then, the urging member 44b urges the medicine receiving tray 44 toward the C direction shown in FIGS. 20 (a) and 20 (b). That is, the urging member 44b urges the medicine receiving tray 44 in the opening direction.
As shown in FIG. 18B, the one-way clutch (third clutch) 44c is connected to the rotation shaft 44d of the motor 44a and the chemical receiving tray 44. Then, the one-way clutch 44c does not transmit the rotational driving force from the rotary shaft 44d to the chemical 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 a rotational driving force in the D direction (closed direction) shown in FIGS. 20 (a) and 20 (b).

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

As a result, the chemical receiving tray 44 can be held in a closed state in which the chemical D shown in FIG. 20A is received and held.
As shown in FIG. 13, the structure transport unit 45 is a means for transporting the second chemical confirmation unit 40 in the Z direction, and is provided along the two vertical columns 21a, 21a, and Z directions described above. It is composed of a belt 21b and a motor 21c. Then, the belt 21b provided along the Z direction between the two vertical columns 21a and 21a arranged along the Z direction (vertical direction) is rotated by the motor 21c to form the horizontal columns 22a. The fixed second chemical confirmation unit 40 is moved in the Z direction.

Specifically, the structure transport portion 45 includes the main body portion 41, the holding plate 42, the urging member (first urging member) 42b, the roller 43, the motor (first drive portion) 43a, and the above-mentioned main body portion 41. The rotary shaft 43b, the one-way clutch (first clutch) 43c, the one-way clutch (second clutch) 43d, the chemical receiving tray 44, the motor (second drive unit) 44a, and the urging member (second urging member). ) 44b and the structure including the one-way clutch (third clutch) 44c and the like are moved in the vertical direction (Z direction).

The process of discharging the chemical D from the chemical receiving tray 44 to the dispensing tray T3 will be described in detail later.
<Flow until the returned chemical D is stored in the storage tray T2>
The chemical sorting apparatus 10 of the present embodiment has each of the above-described configurations, and the returned chemical D is taken out from the returned medicine tray T1 and sorted into an appropriate storage tray T2 corresponding to the shape and size of the chemical D. And store it.

Specifically, the control unit 50 first controls the returned medicine tray transport unit 13 to move one returned medicine tray T1 from the returned medicine tray storage space S1 to the picking space S2 as shown in FIG. 9 and the like. Transport.
Next, the control unit 50 selects the chemical D to be sorted and stored in the storage tray T2 from among the plurality of chemicals D placed in the returned medicine tray T1 in a non-aligned state as shown in FIG. At this time, the control unit 50 sets the position for picking 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 the desired drug D from the returned drug tray T1 and convey it to the first drug confirmation unit 30.
Next, the control unit 50 rotationally drives the roller 33 by the motor 33a as shown in FIG. 14 in order to confirm the type (drug, etc.) of the chemical D placed on the first chemical confirmation unit 30. The chemical D is rotated, and the barcode reader 31 reads the barcode B1 attached to the chemical D. Thereby, the type information of the drug D can be obtained.

At this time, as shown in FIG. 14, the control unit 50 controls the camera C2 mounted above the first chemical confirmation unit 30 to acquire the image information of the chemical D. As a result, it is possible to obtain textual information regarding the expiration date of the chemical D attached to the outer peripheral surface of the chemical D together with the barcode B1.
Next, the control unit 50 controls the picking unit 20 to adsorb the chemical D placed on the first chemical confirmation unit 30, and the recess of the standby table 35 adjacent to the first chemical 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 35a of the waiting table 35 and convey it above the returned medicine sorting space S4.
Next, the control unit 50 controls the storage tray transport unit 14, and as shown in FIG. 9, mounts the storage tray on the stage including the storage tray T2 for storing the chemical D for which the type information has been acquired. It is transported from the space S3 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 adsorbing the chemical D to the front of the storage tray T2 to be the storage destination, and the picking unit 20 The bar code B2 of the storage tray T2 is read by using the bar code reader 25 that moves together with the bar code reader 25.
Then, the control unit 50 determines whether or not the storage tray T2 is the correct storage tray based on the read information.

Here, if the control unit 50 determines that the content is correct, the control unit 50 controls the picking unit 20 to enter the storage tray T2 set as a dedicated tray as shown in FIGS. 22 (a) and 22 (b). The chemical D, which is adsorbed and conveyed, is placed in the predetermined recess T2z of the above.
<Flow from storage tray T2 to transporting chemical D to the second chemical confirmation unit 40>
Next, the process of taking out the medicine D once stored in the storage tray T2 based on the prescription information in the medicine sorting device 10 of the present embodiment and transporting the medicine D to the second medicine confirmation unit 40 is shown in FIG. 23. The following will be described with reference to (a) to FIG. 26 (b).

As shown in FIGS. 23 (a) and 23 (b), the control unit 50 is pulled out to the returned medicine sorting space S4, and is recognized to store the necessary medicine D based on the prescription information. The barcode reader 25, which is 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 it 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 just above the desired chemical D, adsorbs it, and takes out the chemical D from the storage tray T2.
Next, the control unit 50 controls the storage tray transport unit 14, and as shown in FIGS. 25 (a) and 25 (b), the storage tray T2 from which the medicine D has been taken out is used as the returned medicine sorting space S4. To the storage tray mounting space S3.

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

<Flow from the second chemical confirmation unit 40 to discharging the chemical D to the payout tray T3>
Next, in the chemical sorting apparatus 10 of the present embodiment, FIGS. 27 (a) to 28 (b) are used for a step of discharging the chemical D conveyed to the second chemical confirmation unit 40 to the payout tray T3. The explanation is as follows.
As shown in FIG. 27A and the like, the payout tray T3 has a storage space divided into three sections by two partition plates T3a. Thereby, for example, the medicine D prescribed for morning, noon, and evening can be dispensed in a state of being classified into one payout tray T3.

The control unit 50 controls the motor 43a in the second chemical confirmation unit 40 to rotate and drive the roller 43 in the A direction (see FIG. 17B), so that the chemical D placed on the V-shaped portion 42c is driven. Is rotated, the bar code B1 of the drug D is read by the bar code reader 25, and the type information of the drug D is acquired.
When the chemical D is rotated by the roller 43, the one-way clutch 43c connecting the rotating shaft 43b and the roller 43 transmits the rotational driving force to the roller 43. On the other hand, the one-way clutch 43d that connects the rotating shaft 43b and the holding plate 42 does not transmit the rotational driving force to the holding plate 42.

As a result, when the roller 43 is rotated and the type information of the chemical D is acquired by the bar code 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 rotary shaft 43b in the B direction (see FIG. 17B). At this time, the one-way clutch 43c connecting the rotating shaft 43b and the roller 43 does not transmit the rotational drive amount to the roller 43. On the other hand, the one-way clutch 43d that connects the rotating shaft 43b and the holding plate 42 transmits the rotational driving force to the holding plate 42.

As a result, the rotational driving force is transmitted to the holding plate 42 in a form that opposes the urging force applied to the holding plate 42 in the A direction by the urging member 42b, so that the holding plate 42 rotates in the B direction. do.
As a result, as shown in FIG. 27B, the V-shaped portion 42c formed between the holding plate 42 and the roller 43 on which the chemical D is placed is inclined downward, so that the V-shaped portion 42c is held by the V-shaped portion 42c. The chemical D can be discharged to the chemical receiving tray 44.

The control unit 50 controls the motor 43a in order to return the holding plate 42 and the roller 43 to the initial state (the state in which the V-shaped portion 42c faces upward) after the chemical D is dropped onto the chemical receiving tray 44. The rotation shaft 43b is rotated in the A direction.
As a result, the holding plate 42 is urged in the A direction by the urging member 42b, so that the holding plate 42 is rotated in the A direction by the urging force.

At this time, the holding plate 42 is connected to the rotating shaft 43b via the one-way clutch 43c in the A direction. Therefore, the holding plate 42 shifts to the initial state while rotating at the same constant speed as the rotation speed of the rotating shaft 43b by the motor 43a without returning to the initial state at high speed by the urging force.
When the rotating shaft 43b is rotated in the A direction, the rotational driving force is transmitted to the roller 43 via the one-way clutch 43c to rotate the low and the like 43, but at this time, there is no chemical D in the V-shaped portion 42c. The rotation of the roller 43 does not affect the function of this device.

Next, as shown in FIG. 27 (c), the control unit 50 operates to discharge the chemical D from the state where the chemical D is held in the chemical receiving tray 44 to the payout tray T3 which has been conveyed downward. To start.
That is, in the closed state shown in FIGS. 20 and 28 (a) and the like, the chemical receiving tray 44 is arranged along a substantially horizontal direction.

Then, when the chemical D is discharged from the upstream side to the chemical receiving tray 44, the control unit 50 controls the structure transport unit 45 (see FIG. 13 and the like) as shown in FIG. 28 (a) to obtain a second. 2 The chemical confirmation unit 40 is lowered onto the payout tray T3, and the motor 44a is controlled to rotate the chemical receiving tray 44 in the C direction (opening direction).
At this time, since the chemical receiving tray 44 is urged in the C direction by the urging member 44b, it rotates in the C direction about the rotation shaft 44d by the urging force.

As the urging force against the chemical receiving tray 44, the gravity applied to the chemical receiving tray 44 itself may be used.
At this time, since the chemical receiving tray 44 is connected to the rotating shaft 44d, it rotates in the C direction at the same constant speed as the rotating shaft 44d without rotating at a high speed in the C direction due to the urging force.
Next, as shown in FIG. 28B, when the end of the medicine receiving tray 44 on the side opposite to the rotating shaft 44d comes into contact with the bottom surface of the payout tray T3, the medicine receiving tray 44 further moves in the C direction. Cannot rotate to.

At this time, the rotation shaft 44d rotates in the C direction as it is, but the rotational driving force of the motor 44a is not transmitted in the C direction by the one-way clutch 44c. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an unreasonable load from being applied to the chemical receiving tray 44 and the dispensing tray T3.
Next, as shown in FIG. 28 (c), the control unit 50 controls the structure transport unit 45 to raise the second chemical confirmation unit 40, and the chemical receiving tray 44 becomes the urging member 44b. Due to the urging force, the tray continues to rotate in the C direction in a state of being in contact with the bottom surface of the payout tray T3.

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

At this time, the rotating shaft 44d is rotating in the C direction, but the rotational driving force of the rotating shaft 44d is not transmitted to the chemical receiving tray 44 by the one-way clutch 44c. This makes it possible to prevent an unreasonable load from being applied to the chemical receiving tray 44 and the stopper 41c.
At the time of transition from FIG. 28 (a) to FIG. 28 (b), when the chemical receiving tray 44 rotates in the C direction, until the end of the chemical receiving tray 44 comes into contact with the bottom surface of the payout tray T3. The chemical receiving tray 44 does not rotate at high speed due to the urging force.

This is because the chemical receiving tray 44 is connected to the rotating shaft 44d and cannot rotate at a higher speed than the rotating shaft 44d. Therefore, the chemical 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 comes into contact with the bottom surface of the payout tray T3.
Next, the control unit 50 detects that the chemical receiving tray 44 has come into contact with the stopper 41c by a photo sensor (not shown) in the state shown in FIG. 28 (d), controls the motor 44a, and rotates. The rotation direction of the shaft 44d is switched to the D direction (closed direction).

At this time, when the rotating shaft 44d rotates in the D direction, the rotational driving force of the rotating shaft 44d is transmitted to the chemical receiving tray 44 via the one-way clutch 44c. Therefore, the chemical receiving tray 44 rotates in the closing direction (D direction) against the urging force of the urging member 44b in the C direction.
Next, in the control unit 50, the transition to the closed state in which the chemical receiving tray 44 rotates in the D direction and a part of the chemical receiving tray 44 comes into contact with the stopper 41b is detected by a photo sensor (not shown). Then, the motor 44a is controlled to stop the rotation of the rotating shaft 44d.

In this state, the chemical receiving tray 44 receives the urging force that rotates in the C direction by the urging member 44b, but the rotational driving force of the rotating shaft 44d is applied to the chemical receiving tray 44 via the one-way clutch 44c. Be transmitted. Therefore, the chemical receiving tray 44 is maintained in the closed state without being rotated in the opening direction by the urging force.
Further, the motor 44a has a built-in gear head having a reduction ratio of 1/90. Therefore, when the chemical receiving tray 44 tries to rotate in the opening direction (C direction), the force of the rotating shaft 44d is transmitted to the chemical receiving tray 44 via the one-way clutch 44c, and the chemical 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 does not rotate due to the friction of the gear head.
As a result, the closed state is maintained even when the power is turned off, so that wasteful power consumption for maintaining the closed state of the chemical receiving tray 44 can be reduced.
Further, for example, even if the power is unintentionally turned off while the chemical D is held in the chemical receiving tray 44 due to a power failure or the like, the chemical receiving tray 44 rotates to shift to the open state. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the chemical D from being damaged.

According to the chemical sorting apparatus 10 of the present embodiment, according to the above configuration, when the chemical D conveyed from the upstream side is discharged from the chemical receiving tray 44, the urging force of the urging member 44b is discharged. By rotating the chemical receiving tray 44 in the C direction to shift to the open state, the chemical D can be discharged. On the other hand, when shifting from the open state to the closed state, the rotation driving force of the motor 44a is transmitted to the rotary shaft 44d to rotate the chemical receiving tray 44, whereby the closed state can be transitioned.

As a result, the chemical D can be discharged in a predetermined direction by a simple configuration using a single drive source (motor 44a).
[Other embodiments]
Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention.

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

(B)
In the above embodiment, an example in which a barcode reader 25 that moves integrally with the picking unit 20 is used as the drug information acquisition unit that reads the type information of the discharged drug D has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

For example, a drug information acquisition unit such as a bar code reader fixedly arranged near the drug discharge device (second drug confirmation unit) may be used.
Further, the drug information acquisition unit may be provided not as a means for reading a barcode attached to the tray as in the above embodiment, but as a dedicated means for acquiring drug type information.

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

(D)
In the above embodiment, an example in which the drug discharge device (second drug confirmation unit 40) of the present invention is mounted on the drug sorting device 10 for sorting returned drugs has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this.
For example, the drug discharging device of the present invention is not limited to a drug sorting device for sorting returned drugs, a drug dispensing device for dispensing drugs based on prescription information, and the like, and may be mounted on other devices.

(E)
In the above embodiment, as the medicine handled by the medicine discharge device (second medicine confirmation unit 40) of the present invention, a medicine (returned 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 chemicals discharged by the chemical discharge device of the present invention are not limited to returned medicines.

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

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

For example, instead of the conston spring, another urging member such as a tension spring or a torsion spring may be used. Alternatively, the gravity applied to the chemical receiving tray 44 may be used as an urging force in a specific direction without using a spring.

Since the chemical discharge device of the present invention has the effect of being able to discharge chemicals in a predetermined direction due to a simple configuration, it can be widely applied to various devices and systems that handle a wide variety of chemicals.

10 Chemical sorting device 10a Main body 10b Door 10c Door 11 Returned medicine tray installation part 12 Storage tray installation part 13 Returned medicine tray transport part 14 Storage tray transport part 20 Picking part (transport part)
21a Vertical support 21b Belt 21c Motor 22a Horizontal support 22b Belt 22c Motor 23a Horizontal support 25 Bar code reader (chemical information acquisition unit)
30 First chemical confirmation unit 31 Bar code reader 32 Holding plate 33 Roller 33a Motor 35 Standby 35a Recess 40 Second chemical confirmation unit (chemical discharge device)
40a Support 41 Main body 41a Stopper 41b Stopper 41c Stopper 42 Holding plate 42a Connecting part 42b Biasing member (first urging member)
42c V-shaped part (recess)
43 Roller 43a Motor (1st drive unit)
43b Rotating shaft 43c One-way clutch (first clutch)
43d one-way clutch (second clutch)
44 Chemical receiving tray 44a Motor (second drive unit)
44b urging member (second urging member)
44c one-way clutch (third clutch)
44d Rotating shaft 45 Structure transport unit 50 Control unit 50a Monitor 51 Storage unit 60 Prescription information acquisition unit 100 Chemical 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 Chemicals D1 to D4 Chemicals N Handle S1 Returned medicine tray Storage space S2 Picking space S3 Storage tray mounting space S4 Returned medicine sorting space T1 Returned medicine tray T2 Storage tray T2a to T2c Storage tray T2z Recessed T3 Discharge tray

Claims (9)

A chemical discharge device that discharges chemicals in a predetermined direction.
The first drive unit and
A rotation shaft to which the rotational driving force of the first driving unit is transmitted and rotates in the first direction or a second direction opposite to the first direction,
A cylindrical roller that rotates around the axis of rotation,
A concave portion is formed together with the roller, and the chemical placed in the concave portion is placed in the predetermined portion by rotating in the second direction about the rotation axis from the initial state in which the chemical can be placed in the concave portion. A holding plate that discharges in the direction and
A second unit that connects the rotating shaft and the holding plate, does not transmit the rotation of the rotating shaft in the first direction to the holding plate, but transmits the rotation of the rotating shaft in the second direction to the holding plate. With the clutch,
With the rotating shaft rotated in the first direction and the holding plate in the initial state and the chemical placed in the recess, the roller rotating in the first direction rotates in the recess. A drug information acquisition unit that reads information about the type of drug that has been made,
Equipped with a chemical discharge device. The holding plate has a plate-shaped portion that forms the recess together with the roller, and a connecting portion provided in the plate-shaped portion.
The connecting portion holds the rotating shaft via the second clutch.
The chemical discharge device according to claim 1. The holding plate is arranged close to the roller, and the recess is V-shaped when viewed from the direction of the rotation axis.
The chemical discharge device according to claim 1 or 2. A first urging member that urges the holding plate toward the first direction is further provided.
The chemical discharge device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. Further provided with a stopper that regulates the rotation of the holding plate in the first direction and maintains the holding plate in the initial state.
The chemical discharge device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. Further provided is a first clutch that connects the rotating shaft and the roller, transmits the rotation of the rotating shaft in the first direction to the roller, and does not transmit the rotation of the rotating shaft in the second direction to the roller. ,
The chemical discharge device according to any one of claims 1 to 5. Information about the type of the chemical is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the chemical.
The chemical discharge device according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The chemical discharge device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.
A transport unit that holds and transports the chemicals,
A control unit that controls the transport unit so that the chemicals are sorted by type and transported to a predetermined storage tray.
A chemical sorting device equipped with. The chemical sorting device according to claim 8 and
Based on the prescription information, a drug dispensing device that dispenses drugs other than the drug discharged from the drug sorting device to the dispensing tray, and a drug dispensing device.
The drug payout system is equipped with.

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