U.S. patent application number 12/646946 was filed with the patent office on 2010-04-22 for medicine supply apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to SANYO ELECTRIC CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to Manabu Haraguchi, Hitoshi ISHIWATARI, Koichi Kobayashi, Shigeyuki Nakamura, Shinya Uema.
Application Number | 20100095635 12/646946 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27761524 |
Filed Date | 2010-04-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100095635 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
ISHIWATARI; Hitoshi ; et
al. |
April 22, 2010 |
MEDICINE SUPPLY APPARATUS
Abstract
A medicine supply apparatus which comprises, in a case
accommodating section 8, a plurality of tablet cases 3 for
accommodating medicine and charges or supplies medicine into a bag
72, which medicine has been discharged from each tablet case 3
based on a prescription. An identification code 26 is provided for
each of the tablet cases 3 and read by an optical sensor 33
provided inside the case accommodating section 8, whereby discharge
of medicine is controlled. A motor 14 for driving a discharge drum
for the tablet case 3 is checked for disconnection by being
regularly energized. The operating time and the frequency of
operation of parts that wear out, such as the motors, are stored
for use in failure prediction. Time slots in which medicine should
be taken are printed, each in a different color, by a color
printing mechanism 73 on the bag 72 into which medicine is
charged.
Inventors: |
ISHIWATARI; Hitoshi; (Gunma,
JP) ; Uema; Shinya; (Gunma, JP) ; Haraguchi;
Manabu; (Gunma, JP) ; Kobayashi; Koichi;
(Gunma, JP) ; Nakamura; Shigeyuki; (Gunma,
JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Dorsey & Whitney LLP;Intellectual Property Department - SF
Columbia Center, 701 Fifth Avenue, Suite 6100
Seattle
WA
98101-7043
US
|
Assignee: |
SANYO ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
Osaka
JP
SANYO ELECTRIC BIOMEDICAL CO., LTD.
Osaka
JP
|
Family ID: |
27761524 |
Appl. No.: |
12/646946 |
Filed: |
December 23, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10505307 |
Jun 13, 2005 |
7637078 |
|
|
PCT/JP2003/001844 |
Feb 20, 2003 |
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12646946 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
53/131.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 11/62 20130101;
B65B 61/26 20130101; G07F 11/64 20130101; G07F 17/0092 20130101;
G07F 9/026 20130101; G07F 11/42 20130101; B65B 5/103 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
53/131.2 |
International
Class: |
B65B 61/26 20060101
B65B061/26 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 20, 2002 |
JP |
2002-42598 |
Feb 20, 2002 |
JP |
2002-42626 |
Feb 20, 2002 |
JP |
2002-42649 |
Feb 20, 2002 |
JP |
2002-42653 |
Claims
1-24. (canceled)
25. A medicine supply apparatus which comprises a plurality of
tablet cases for accommodating medicines and charges medicines
discharged from the tablet cases into a container such as a bag or
a bottle, the medicine supply apparatus comprising: a printer for
printing on the container or a label for the container, wherein the
printer has a color printing function.
26. A medicine supply apparatus which comprises a plurality of
tablet cases for accommodating medicines, discharges medicine from
a selected tablet case, and charges the medicine into a packaging
container to supply the medicine, the medicine supply apparatus
comprising: a printing mechanism provided so as to print
predetermined items about medicine to be charged into a packaging
container onto the packaging container, wherein the printing
mechanism is capable of printing with two or more different
colors.
27. A medicine supply apparatus according to claim 26, wherein the
packaging container has a label attached thereto, and the printing
mechanism prints predetermined items on the label.
28. A medicine supply apparatus according to claim 26, wherein the
printing mechanism comprises ink ribbons holding thermal transfer
ink material and prints by heating the ink ribbons to transfer the
ink material.
29. A medicine supply apparatus according to claim 26, wherein the
predetermined items include indication of time slots in which
medicine charged into a packaging container should be taken.
30. A medicine supply apparatus according to claim 26, wherein the
printing mechanism prints the time slots in which medicine should
be taken with different colors for each of the time slots.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a medicine supply apparatus
that is placed at hospitals and pharmacies and supplies the
designated number of medicines accommodated within tablet cases
into a container (a bottle or a bag) in accordance with a
prescription.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] In hospitals and pharmacies, a medicine supply apparatus
such as one disclosed in, for example, Japanese Utility Model
Application Publication (JP-Y) No. 57-5282 (B65B1/30) has been
conventionally used to provide medicines prescribed by doctors to
patients. In accordance with such a system, the designated number
of medicines (tablets, capsules and the like) described in a
prescription are discharged one by one from discharge drums
(referred to as aligning boards in JP-Y No. 57-5282) within tablet
cases. The discharged medicines are collected in a hopper through a
chute and then packaged in packaging paper or bottled in a
bottle.
[0005] Such a medicine supply apparatus is provided with a
plurality of tablet cases and control for discharging medicine from
each of the tablet cases is performed. In accordance with such
control for discharging medicine, it is necessary that a tablet
case accommodating medicine corresponding to a prescription is
specified and a discharge drum or the like for the corresponding
tablet case is rotated.
[0006] In such case, there has been conventionally utilized a
method in which a memory which stores data for identifying the
corresponding tablet case is mounted to a circuit board for the
tablet case, electric wirings are connected to the tablet case to
read the data, and the resultant data is used for control. In
accordance with such a conventional method, however, the electric
circuit for the tablet case becomes complicated, and costs are
increased. Further, the electric wirings must be connected to a
case accommodating section every time that tablet cases are
exchanged. Thus, improvements for such drawbacks have been
desired.
[0007] When medicine is discharged from the tablet case, a
discharge drum for discharging the medicine one by one is rotated.
If a motor for driving this discharge drum is disconnected,
however, medicine cannot be discharged. Various causes of inability
to discharge medicine may be considered, such as the case in which
there is no medicine within a tablet case and the case in which
medicine is clogged within the tablet case.
[0008] Such situations can be detected by visually checking tablet
cases. However, disconnection of motors cannot be determined
visually. Thus, there arises the problem in which it takes a long
time to specify causes of failure and perform maintenance for
corresponding parts.
[0009] Medicine is discharged from a tablet case by driving a
discharge drum with a motor. A shutter for temporarily receiving
medicine may be provided between a chute and a hopper. Such shutter
is driven to be opened/closed by a solenoid. Further, when medicine
is packaged in packaging paper, the paper is thermally sealed by a
thermal sealing device and a time slot in which medicine should be
taken is usually printed onto the packaging paper by a printer.
[0010] The aforementioned motor, solenoid, thermal sealing device
and printer are parts that wear out and thus have their own
durability limits. If such parts are broken, supply of medicine may
be stopped.
[0011] A name of a patient taking the medicine and a time slot in
which the medicine should be taken (before a meal or after a meal)
are printed by a printer onto packaging paper or the like into
which the medicine is charged. Pharmacists at pharmacies usually
draw lines on the packaging paper with marking inks, especially for
aged patients so that they can distinguish by colors the time slots
in which medicine should be taken. This requires work by human
hand, and further, errors may occur, resulting in confusion.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The present invention was developed in order to solve the
above-described conventional technical drawbacks, and an object of
the invention is to provide a medicine supply apparatus that
realizes simplification of exchanging of tablet cases and of a
structure of the apparatus itself.
[0013] In order to accomplish the aforementioned object, in
accordance with a first aspect of the invention, there is provided
a medicine supply apparatus which comprises a plurality of tablet
cases for accommodating medicines and a case accommodating section
for accommodating the plurality of tablet cases and which selects a
tablet case accommodating a designated medicine, takes the medicine
out of the tablet case, and charges the same into a container. The
medicine supply apparatus comprises an identifier that is provided
at each of the tablet cases and indicates identification
information for the tablet case, and a reader for reading, in a
non-contact manner, the identification information indicated by the
identifiers for the tablet cases provided within the case
accommodating section. Selection of the tablet case accommodating
the designated medicine is controlled on the basis of the
identification information read by the reader. The medicine supply
apparatus further comprises a control device for controlling
discharge of medicine from tablet cases on the basis of the
identification information read by the reader.
[0014] In accordance with a more preferred aspect, the medicine
supply apparatus further comprises an information output device.
The control device outputs information about exchange of tablet
cases to the information output device on the basis of the
identification information read by the reader. The information
about exchange of tablet cases includes information indicating
medicines to be accommodated within the case accommodating section.
Further, the information about exchange of tablet cases preferably
includes information for indicating the accommodated positions of
the tablet cases accommodating medicines which are not designated
among the tablet cases accommodated within the case accommodating
section, as exchangeable medicines. The information output device
is usually a display device.
[0015] The identifier may be an optically readable identification
code provided on the surface of each of the tablet cases, and the
reader may be an optical sensor for reading the identification
code.
[0016] Namely, the medicine supply apparatus of the above-described
aspects comprises a plurality of tablet cases for accommodating
medicines provided within a case accommodating section of a main
body, a chute through which medicines discharged from the tablet
cases pass, a hopper provided below the chute, and a charging
device for charging medicines received by the hopper into a
container such as a bag or a bottle. The medicine supply apparatus
comprises identification means that is provided at each of the
tablet cases and has identification information for identifying the
tablet case, and a reader for reading, in a non-contact manner, the
identification information in the identification means for the
tablet cases provided within the case accommodating section.
[0017] In accordance with a more preferred aspect, the medicine
supply apparatus comprises control means to which the reader
(reading means) is connected. The control means identifies each of
the tablet cases on the basis of the identification information
read by the reader and controls discharge of medicine from each of
the tablet cases.
[0018] The control means provided in the medicine supply apparatus
outputs instruction information about exchanges of tablet cases on
the basis of the identification information read by the reader.
[0019] In accordance with the above-described aspects of the
medicine supply apparatus, the identification means is an optically
readable identification code provided on the surface of each of the
tablet cases, and the reader is an optical sensor for reading the
identification code.
[0020] In accordance with the above-described aspects of the
invention, the medicine supply apparatus comprises a plurality of
tablet cases for accommodating medicines, provided within a case
accommodating section of a main body, a chute through which
medicines discharged from the tablet cases pass, a hopper provided
below the chute, and a charging device for charging medicines
received by the hopper into a container such as a bag or a bottle.
The medicine supply apparatus comprises identification means (or an
identifier) that is provided at each of the tablet cases and has
identification information for identifying the tablet case, and a
reader for reading, in a non-contact manner, the identification
information in the identification means for the tablet cases
provided within the case accommodating section. The control means
(or control device) may identify each of the tablet cases on the
basis of the identification information read by the reader and
control selection of medicine from the tablet cases.
[0021] The operation for detaching electric wirings when exchanging
tablet cases becomes unnecessary, and thus operational performance
is significantly improved.
[0022] The control means (control device) may output instruction
information about exchanges of tablet cases on the basis of the
identification information read by the reader. For example, in the
case of charging a plurality types of medicines into a package,
exchangeable tablet cases may be designated when medicines that
should be charged do not exist within the case accommodating
section. Thus, it is possible to prevent the tablet cases
accommodating medicines that should be charged into the package
from being removed. As a result, convenience is significantly
improved.
[0023] Further, the identification means (identifier) may be an
optically readable identification code provided on the surface of
each of the tablet cases, and the reader may be an optical sensor
for reading the identification code. As a result, an electric
circuit for the tablet cases can be simplified, and a significant
reduction in costs can be realized.
[0024] In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, there
is provided a medicine supply apparatus that is capable of reliably
detecting disconnection of a motor for driving a discharge drum for
a tablet case and rapidly handling such failure.
[0025] In accordance with the second aspect of the invention, there
is provided a medicine supply apparatus which comprises a plurality
of tablet cases for accommodating medicines and discharges a
designated medicine from a selected tablet case. The medicine
supply apparatus comprises a plurality of tablet cases, each of
which includes an accommodating container for medicine, a
discharging device for discharging medicine from the accommodating
container by a discharging operation, and a drive motor which is
coupled to the discharging device so as to be driven and rotated in
a predetermined direction to make the discharging device perform
the discharging operation, and a control device for controlling
rotation of the driving motors. The control device has an
abnormality detection mode in which at least one of the driving
motors is driven for a predetermined period of time which is
shorter than a time required for the motor to be rotated for
discharging medicine, an energized current for the motor is
measured, and an abnormality of the motor is detected on the basis
of a measured value. The discharging device is formed in a
substantial drum configuration and medicine is discharged by the
driving motor being rotated in the predetermine direction.
[0026] Abnormality of the motor includes disconnection of motor.
The abnormality detection mode comprises a forward rotation mode in
which the discharging device is rotated in a predetermine direction
and a reverse rotation mode in which the discharging device is
rotated in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction, and
the reverse rotation mode precedes the forward rotation mode. The
control device preferably performs the abnormality detection mode
for a plurality of driving motors in turn.
[0027] The medicine supply apparatus further comprises a display
device, and the control device controls the display device to
display information indicating driving motors in which
abnormalities are detected in the abnormality detection mode.
[0028] Namely, the medicine supply apparatus comprises a plurality
of tablet cases, each of which includes an accommodating container
for accommodating medicine, a discharge drum for discharging
medicine from the accommodating container, and a motor for driving
the discharge drum, and a control device for rotating the motors
forward to discharge medicine. The control device performs an
abnormality detection operation in which a motor is rotated in
reverse for a predetermined period of time which is sufficiently
shorter than a time required for medicine to be discharged and then
rotated forward for the predetermined period of time, and
determines disconnection of the motor on the basis of an energized
current for the motor during the abnormality detection
operation.
[0029] In accordance with the above-described aspects, the control
device performs the abnormality detection operation for a plurality
of tablet cases in turn.
[0030] In accordance with the above-described aspects, there is
provided a medicine supply apparatus which comprises a plurality of
tablet cases, each of which includes an accommodating container for
accommodating medicine, a discharge drum (discharging device) for
discharging medicine from the accommodating container, and a motor
for driving the discharge drum, and a control device for rotating
forward the motors to discharge medicine. The control device
performs an abnormality detection operation (abnormality detection
mode) in which a motor is rotated in reverse for a predetermined
period of time which is sufficiently shorter than a time interval
during which medicine is discharged and then rotated forward for
the predetermined period of time, and determines disconnection of a
motor on the basis of an energized current for the motor during the
abnormality detection operation. Thus, disconnection failure of
motor can be reliably detected, and maintenance for such a motor
can be rapidly performed.
[0031] As the time interval for reverse rotation and forward
rotation in the abnormality detection operation is sufficiently
shorter than the time interval during which medicine is discharged,
medicine cannot be discharged by mistake. Further, as a motor is
firstly rotated in reverse, even if the next medicine, with respect
to the previous discharge operation, is on the verge of being
discharged, the medicine cannot be discharged by mistake.
[0032] In accordance with a preferred aspect, the control device in
the medicine supply apparatus performs the abnormality detection
operation for a plurality of tablet cases in turn. Thus, even if a
plurality of tablet cases are provided, disconnection failures of
motors corresponding to the tablet cases can be detected
smoothly.
[0033] A third aspect of the invention is provided in order to
minimize the drawback in which supply of medicine is delayed
because of failures of operating elements such as parts that wear
out used in the medicine supply apparatus.
[0034] In accordance with the third aspect of the invention, there
is provided a medicine supply apparatus which comprises a plurality
of tablet cases for accommodating medicines, and which discharges
medicine from a selected tablet case and charges the medicine into
a packaging container to supply the medicine. The medicine supply
apparatus comprises a plurality of operating elements operated by
being energized, a control device for controlling the operations of
the operating elements and a storage medium for storing durability
limit values for the operating elements. The control device stores
data indicating the operating time or the frequency of operation
for operating elements in the storage medium.
[0035] The data includes a cumulative value for the operating time
or the frequency of operation of an operating element from when the
operating element started to be used. Alternatively, the control
device calculates a cumulative value from the data. The medicine
supply apparatus comprises a diagnostic mode. In the diagnostic
mode, the control device compares, with respect to at least one
operating element, its durability limit value and its cumulative
value and performs a predetermined failure prediction operation on
the basis of the result of comparison.
[0036] The medicine supply apparatus comprises a display device.
The control device controls the display device to display, on the
basis of the result of the comparison, an operating element whose
cumulative value has reached a predetermined value determined based
on its durability limit value.
[0037] Each of the tablet cases includes a driving motor for
discharging medicine accommodated therein, and the operating
element may include the driving motor. The medicine supply
apparatus further comprises a shutter for temporarily holding
medicines discharged from tablet cases, prior to being accommodated
in a packaging container, and the operating element may include the
shutter. Further, the medicine supply apparatus comprises a thermal
sealing device for sealing a packaging container into which
medicine is charged, and the operating element may include the
thermal sealing device. The medicine supply apparatus further
comprises a print mechanism for printing predetermined items onto a
packaging container, and the operating element may include the
print mechanism.
[0038] Namely, the medicine supply apparatus of the above-described
aspects comprises a plurality of tablet cases for accommodating
medicines, provided within a main body, a chute through which
medicines discharged from the tablet cases pass, a hopper provided
below the chute, and a charging device for charging medicines
received by the hopper into a container such as a bag or a bottle.
The medicine supply apparatus comprises a control device for adding
up the operating time or the frequency of operation for each of the
parts that wear out provided within the main body. If the operating
time or the frequency of operation for a part that wears out
approximates a predetermined durability limit or reaches the same,
the control device performs a predetermined failure prediction
operation.
[0039] In accordance with a preferred aspect of the medicine supply
apparatus, the part that wears out is a motor for driving a drum
for discharging medicine from a tablet case.
[0040] In accordance with a preferred aspect, the part that wears
out is a shutter that is capable of being freely opened/closed in
order to temporarily receive medicine that falls into the hopper
though the chute.
[0041] In accordance with a preferred aspect, the part that wears
out is a thermal sealing device for packaging paper, provided in
the charging device.
[0042] In accordance with a preferred aspect, the part that wears
out is a printer for packaging paper, provided in the charging
device.
[0043] In accordance with the above-described aspects of the
invention, there is provided a medicine supply apparatus which
comprises a plurality of tablet cases for accommodating medicines,
provided within a main body, a chute through which medicines
discharged from the tablet cases pass, a hopper provided below the
chute, and a charging device for charging medicines received by the
hopper into a container such as a bag or a bottle. The medicine
supply apparatus comprises a control device for adding up the
operating time or the frequency of operation for each of the parts
that wear out (operating elements) provided within the main body.
If the operating time or the frequency of operation for a part that
wears out approximates a predetermined durability limit or reaches
the same, the control device performs a predetermined failure
prediction operation. Thus, if a part that wears out such as a
motor for driving a drum, a shutter, a thermal sealing device for
packaging paper, or a printer for packaging paper, approximates its
durability limit value or reaches the same, a user is informed of
failure prediction, and the user is asked to perform maintenance
for the corresponding part that wears out such as exchanging of the
part.
[0044] As a result, it is possible to exchange such parts that wear
out before they are broken and to prevent stoppage of medicine
supply by failures.
[0045] In accordance with a fourth aspect of the invention, there
is provided a medicine supply apparatus that is capable of simply
printing information such as how to take medicine provided to
patients onto a container or a label for the container.
[0046] In accordance with the fourth aspect of the invention, there
is provided a medicine supply apparatus which comprises a plurality
of tablet cases for accommodating medicines, discharges medicine
from a selected tablet case, and charges the medicine into a
packaging container to supply the medicine. The medicine supply
apparatus comprises a printing mechanism provided so as to print
predetermined items about medicine to be charged into a packaging
container onto the packaging container. The printing mechanism is
capable of printing with two or more different colors. The
packaging container has a label attached thereto and the print
mechanism prints predetermined items on the label.
[0047] The print mechanism may comprise ink ribbons holding thermal
transfer ink material and print by heating the ink ribbons to
transfer the ink material.
[0048] The predetermined items preferably include indication of
time slots in which medicine charged into a packaging container
should be taken. Further, the print mechanism prints the time slots
in which medicine should be taken with different colors for each of
the time slots.
[0049] Namely, the medicine supply apparatus comprises a plurality
of tablet cases for accommodating medicines and charges medicines
discharged from the tablet cases into a container such as a bag or
a bottle. The medicine supply apparatus comprises a printer for
printing on a container or a label for the container. The printer
has the function of color printing.
[0050] In accordance with a preferred aspect, the printer that the
medicine supply apparatus includes performs thermal transfer by
color ink ribbons onto a container or a label for the
container.
[0051] In accordance with another preferred aspect of the medicine
supply apparatus, the printer prints the time slots in which
medicine should be taken with different colors.
[0052] In accordance with the above-described aspects, there is
provided a medicine supply apparatus which comprises a plurality of
tablet cases for accommodating medicines and charges medicines
discharged from the tablet cases into a container such as a bag or
a bottle. The medicine supply apparatus comprises a printer for
printing on a container or a label for the container, and the
printer has the function of color printing. For example, the time
slots in which medicine should be taken may be printed by color ink
ribbons with different colors. Thus, how to take medicine can be
easily indicated with different colors and convenience is
significantly improved.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0053] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a medicine supply apparatus
according to an embodiment of the present invention (with a top
roof removed).
[0054] FIG. 2 is a front view of the medicine supply apparatus
shown in FIG. 1 with door panels of shelves removed and lower
panels opened.
[0055] FIG. 3 is a vertical sectional view of the medicine supply
apparatus shown in FIG. 1.
[0056] FIG. 4 is another front view of the medicine supply
apparatus shown in FIG. 1.
[0057] FIG. 5 is a side view of the medicine supply apparatus shown
in FIG. 1.
[0058] FIG. 6 is a plan view of the medicine supply apparatus shown
in FIG. 1 illustrating a state in which an additional medicine
feeder is drawn out.
[0059] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a shelf of the medicine
supply apparatus shown in FIG. 1.
[0060] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the shelf shown in FIG. 7
with accommodating containers of tablet cases removed.
[0061] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an accommodating container
of a tablet case of the medicine supply apparatus shown in FIG.
1.
[0062] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a driving base of
a tablet case of the medicine supply apparatus shown in FIG. 1.
[0063] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the shelf for accommodating
the tablet cases and identification sensors in the medicine supply
apparatus shown in FIG. 1.
[0064] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a tablet case and an
identification sensor in the medicine supply apparatus shown in
FIG. 1.
[0065] FIG. 13 is a perspective front view illustrating the
relationship between a shelf and a stay in the medicine supply
apparatus shown in FIG. 1.
[0066] FIG. 14 is a perspective plan view illustrating the
positional relationship between stays in the medicine supply
apparatus shown in FIG. 1.
[0067] FIG. 15 is a perspective side view illustrating the
relationship between the shelves and the stay in the medicine
supply apparatus shown in FIG. 1.
[0068] FIG. 16 is a view for explaining the operation of the stay
in the medicine supply apparatus shown in FIG. 1.
[0069] FIG. 17 is a view for explaining the operation of the stay
in the medicine supply apparatus shown in FIG. 1.
[0070] FIG. 18 is a view for explaining the operation of the stay
in the medicine supply apparatus shown in FIG. 1.
[0071] FIG. 19 is a view for explaining the operation of the stay
in the medicine supply apparatus shown in FIG. 1.
[0072] FIG. 20 is a view for explaining the operation of the stay
in the medicine supply apparatus shown in FIG. 1.
[0073] FIG. 21 is a view for explaining the operation of the stay
in the medicine supply apparatus shown in FIG. 1.
[0074] FIG. 22 is a view for explaining the operation of a keep
solenoid in the medicine supply apparatus shown in FIG. 1.
[0075] FIG. 23 is a view for explaining the operation of a keep
solenoid in the medicine supply apparatus shown in FIG. 1.
[0076] FIG. 24 is a view for explaining the operation of a lock
release bar in the medicine supply apparatus shown in FIG. 1.
[0077] FIG. 25 is a vertical sectional view of a shutter in the
medicine supply apparatus shown in FIG. 1.
[0078] FIG. 26 is a vertical front view of the shutter in the
medicine supply apparatus shown in FIG. 1.
[0079] FIG. 27 is another vertical front view of the shutter in the
medicine supply apparatus shown in FIG. 1.
[0080] FIG. 28 is a front view of a packaging machine in the
medicine supply apparatus shown in FIG. 1.
[0081] FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a nozzle in the medicine
supply apparatus shown in FIG. 1.
[0082] FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a printer in the medicine
supply apparatus shown in FIG. 1.
[0083] FIG. 31 is a view illustrating the positional relationship
between a printer head and a thermal sealing head relative to
packaging paper in the medicine supply apparatus shown in FIG.
1.
[0084] FIG. 32 is a view illustrating the result of printing onto
the packaging paper in the medicine supply apparatus shown in FIG.
1.
[0085] FIG. 33 is a view illustrating another example of the result
of printing onto the packaging paper in the medicine supply
apparatus shown in FIG. 1.
[0086] FIG. 34 is a block diagram of an electric circuit for a
control device in the medicine supply apparatus shown in FIG.
1.
[0087] FIG. 35 is a perspective view of an additional unit in the
medicine supply apparatus shown in FIG. 1.
[0088] FIG. 36 is a perspective view of another example of a shelf
in the medicine supply apparatus shown in FIG. 1.
[0089] FIG. 37 is a perspective view of yet another example of a
shelf in the medicine supply apparatus shown in FIG. 1.
[0090] FIG. 38 is a perspective view of yet another example of a
shelf in the medicine supply apparatus shown in FIG. 1.
[0091] FIG. 39 is a perspective view of yet another example of a
shelf in the medicine supply apparatus shown in FIG. 1.
[0092] FIG. 40 is a perspective view of another example of a lower
structure in the medicine supply apparatus shown in FIG. 1.
[0093] FIG. 41 is a perspective view of a catcher portion of the
lower structure shown in FIG. 40.
[0094] FIG. 42 is another perspective view of the catcher portion
of the lower structure shown in FIG. 40.
[0095] FIG. 43 is a perspective view of a medicine supply apparatus
relating to another embodiment of the invention (with a top roof
removed).
[0096] FIG. 44 is a flowchart illustrating a basic procedure (main
routine) for a medicine preparation system performed in the
medicine supply apparatus of the invention.
[0097] FIG. 45 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure (subroutine)
for a medicine preparation operation performed in a step of
medicine preparation in the medicine preparation system.
[0098] FIG. 46 is a flowchart illustrating a medicine supply
procedure (routine) performed by a processor different from a
processor performing the main routine on the basis of an
instruction made in a step of supplying selected medicine in the
procedure for the medicine preparation operation.
[0099] FIG. 47 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure
(subroutine) performed in a step of checking the operation of a
drum motor in the medicine preparation system.
[0100] FIG. 48 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure
(subroutine) performed in a step of checking a cumulative value for
usage time/frequency of operation for an operating part in the
medicine preparation system.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0101] Embodiments of the present invention will be described
hereinafter in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a
perspective view of a medicine supply apparatus 1 according to an
embodiment of the invention (with a top roof 1A being removed).
FIG. 2 is a front view of the medicine supply apparatus 1 with door
panels 6 of shelves 2 being removed and lower panels 4 being
opened. FIG. 3 is a vertical sectional view of the medicine supply
apparatus 1. FIG. 4 is another front view of the medicine supply
apparatus 1. FIG. 5 is a side view of the medicine supply apparatus
1. FIG. 6 is a flat view of the medicine supply apparatus 1. FIG. 7
is a perspective view of the shelf 2. FIG. 8 is a perspective view
of the shelf 2 with accommodating containers 51 of tablet cases 3
being removed. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the accommodating
container 51 of the tablet case 3. FIG. 10 is an exploded
perspective view of a driving base 52 of the tablet case 3. FIG. 11
is a perspective view of the shelf 2 and identification sensors 33.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the tablet case 3 and the
identification sensor 33.
[0102] A medicine supply apparatus 1 of the invention is installed
at hospitals and pharmacies and is formed of a main body 7 formed
in a rectangular configuration with longer transverse sides and a
personal computer PC for control to be described later (which
structures control means). The main body 7 is formed of an upper
structure 7A and a lower structure 7B that are capable of being
separated from each other. The upper structure 7A is placed on the
lower structure 7B and coupled thereto. A case accommodating
section 8 with its front, top and bottom portions being opened for
accommodating tablet cases 3 to be described later is formed within
the upper structure 7A. The top surface of the case accommodating
section 8 is closed by the detachable top roof 1A.
[0103] The front surface and the top surface of the lower structure
7B are opened. The lower structure 7B is communicated with the top
structure 7A at its top surface. A packaging machine 13 or the like
serving as a charging device to be described later is accommodated
within the lower structure 7B and installed therein. The front
opening of the lower structure 7B is closed by lower panels 4 which
can freely open together on hinges.
[0104] Four columns and five rows (i.e., 20 in total) shelves 2 are
placed within the case accommodating section 8 of the upper
structure 7A. A door panel 6 is mounted to the front end of each of
the shelves 2. In the state that all shelves 2 are accommodated
within the case accommodating section 8, the door panels 6 close
the front surface opening of the upper structure 7A (the case
accommodating section 8). A path 9 with its top and bottom portions
being opened is longitudinally formed at the central portion of the
shelf 2. Eight driving bases 52 of the tablet cases 3 are
respectively arranged at the right and left sides of the path 9
along the longitudinal direction thereof and mounted thereat (i.e.,
16 driving bases 52 are mounted in total) (see FIGS. 7 and 8). The
tablet case 3 is formed of the driving base 52 and an accommodating
container 51 coupled thereon.
[0105] A drum motor (motor for driving drum) 14 formed of a DC
(direct current) motor with brush serving as a motor for driving
drum is accommodated from above within the driving base 52. The
drum motor 14 is fixed to the driving base 52 by a cover 16 and a
lock tool 17. In the state of the drum motor 14 being fixed, its
drive shaft 14A protrudes upward from the cover 16 (see FIG. 10).
An optical medicine detection sensor 18 is mounted to a discharge
port 21 formed at the driving base 52. A discharge chute 19
extending downward at an incline from the discharge port 21 is
formed at the portion of the driving base 52 below the medicine
detection sensor 18 (see FIG. 10). The discharge chute 19 is
communicated with the path 9 and opened toward the same.
[0106] The top surface of the accommodating container 51 of the
tablet case 3 is opened. The opened top surface is closed by a lid
22 which can be freely opened/closed (see FIG. 9). A discharge drum
23 is mounted at the bottom portion within the accommodating
container 51. A plurality of vertical grooves 24 are formed around
the side surface of the discharge drum 23 with predetermined
intervals being formed therebetween. Medicine is charged within the
accommodating container 51 from its top surface opening (with the
lid 22 being opened). Two pieces of medicines are entered within
each of the vertical grooves 24 of the discharge drum 23. An
identification code 26 as identification means (identifier) that
can be optically identified (e.g., a barcode label or the like) is
attached to the lower side surface of the tablet case 3. The
identification code 26 is used for identifying the type of medicine
charged within the accommodating container 51.
[0107] Such accommodating container 51 is mounted on the
above-described driving base 52 and detachably coupled thereto. At
this time, the tablet case 3 is mounted so that the identification
code 26 faces the outer side of the shelf 2 (the side opposite to
the path 9). In this way, the tablet case 3 is structured. The
discharge drum 23 is detachably engaged with the drive shaft 14A of
the drum motor 14. When the drum motor 14 is driven in forward, the
discharge drum 23 is also rotated forward. Then, the vertical
grooves 24 are successively engaged with the discharge port 21 of
the driving base 52, so that pieces of medicines within the grooves
pass into the discharge chute 19.
[0108] The medicine passing through the discharge port 21 is
detected by the medicine detection sensor 18. The medicine passing
through the discharge chute 19 is discharged into the path 9 of the
shelf 2. If the accommodating container 51 becomes empty, the
accommodating container 51 is removed from the driving base 52 and
then is replenished with medicine.
[0109] The shelf 2 to which a plurality of tablet cases 3 are
mounted as described above is detachably fixed by screws to a pair
of drawing rails 27 mounted within the case accommodating section 8
of the upper structure 7A (see FIGS. 7 and 8). Thus, the shelf 2
and the plurality of tablet cases 3 mounted to the shelf 2 can be
accommodated within the case accommodating section 8 so as to be
freely drawn. Further, the drawn shelf 2 can be detached from the
drawing rails 27 (see FIG. 5).
[0110] A harness 28 for energizing (supplying electricity to) the
drum motors 14 for the tablet cases 3 and transmitting outputs from
the medicine detection sensors 18 is detachably mounted via a
connector 29 to the rear edge of the shelf 2. The harness 28 is
longer than the distance the shelf 2 is drawn. Further, the harness
28 is held by a wiring holding member 31 which is mounted to the
upper structure 7A and can be folded and extended (see FIG. 8).
[0111] When the shelves 2 are accommodated within the case
accommodating section 8, the paths 9 of the vertically placed
shelves 2 correspond with each other. Thus, a series of vertically
communicating chutes 32 are structured. Accordingly, in accordance
with the embodiments, four vertically extending chutes 32 are
formed within the case accommodating section 8. The shelves 2
capable of being drawn independently are vertically provided within
the case accommodating section 8. Thus, when the accommodating
container 51 for the tablet case 3 is exchanged, each of the
shelves 2 can be drawn and then exchange is performed.
[0112] Thereby, as compared to the structure that vertically
arranged shelves 2 are drawn at the same time, intervals between
the vertically arranged shelves 2 for exchanging the accommodating
containers 51 can be reduced. Thus, the number of tablet cases 3
accommodated within the case accommodating section 8 can be
increased. The path 9 is formed at the central portion of the shelf
2 and the vertically extending chute 32 is formed in the state the
vertically arranged shelves 2 are accommodated within the case
accommodating section 8. Thus, as compared to the case chute is
formed at the side portion of the shelf 2, intervals of the chutes
32 at the right and left sides can be reduced. Consequently, areas
of top surface openings of shutters 53 and a hopper 54 can be
reduced resulting in a compact apparatus.
[0113] A plurality of optical identification sensors 33 serving as
readers (reading means) are mounted to the right and left side
surfaces of the case accommodating section 8 of the upper structure
7A so as to correspond to the tablet cases 3 in the shelves 2
placed at the right and left sides (see FIGS. 11 and 12). The
identification sensors 33 are disposed so as to correspond to the
identification codes 26 of the tablet cases 3 in the shelves 2 at
the sides of corresponding to the right and left sides of the case
accommodating section 8, and used for reading information of the
identification codes 26 in a non-contact manner.
[0114] Four vertically extending stays 34 serving as restriction
means are provided at the rear portion within the case
accommodating section 8 of the upper structure 7A so as to
correspond to the rear portions of the four columns of the shelves
2 (see FIGS. 13 to 15). Each of the stays 34 is mounted so as to be
rotated about shafts 36 at upper and lower ends. The stay 34 has,
as shown in FIGS. 16 to 21, an L-shaped cross sectional
configuration. Further, the stay 34 has a restricting side 34A with
five engagement holes 37 being vertically formed and a releasing
side 34B vertically extending from the end portion of the
restricting side 34A. A coil spring 38 is engaged with the stay 34.
By a restoring force of the coil spring 38, the stay 34 is
structured so as to be stably held in a released state the sides
34A and 34B face backward as shown in FIG. 16 and a restricted
state the restricting side 34A faces forward.
[0115] An operating member 39 extending rearward is mounted at the
rear surface of the shelf 2 so as to be protruded rearward. The
operating member 39 is provided in accordance with the height of
each of the engagement holes 37 of the stay 34, and has an L-shaped
operating side 39A extending rearward and an L-shaped engaging side
39B placed forward.
[0116] When a column of shelves 2 is accommodated within the case
accommodating section 8, the stay 34 is in a released state as
shown in FIG. 16. This state is maintained stably by the coil
spring 38. At this time, the operating side 39A of the operating
member 39 is placed at the rear side of the restricting side 34A of
the stay 34. When any of the shelves 2 is drawn forward under such
state, the operating side 39A presses the restricting side 34A so
that the stay 34 is rotated clockwise in FIG. 16 (see FIG. 17).
When the operating side 39 is moved forward with respect to the
stay 34, the stay 34 becomes in a restricted state that the
restricting side 34A of the stay 34 faces forward and the releasing
side 34B faces the right side.
[0117] Under such restricted state, the engaging sides 39B of the
operating members 39 for other shelves 2 enter respectively the
engagement holes 37 of the restricting side 34A of the stay 34 and
engaged therewith (see FIG. 18). As a result, other shelves 2
cannot be drawn. Then, when the drawn shelf 2 is pushed, the
operating side 39A of the operating member 39 abuts the releasing
side 34B of the stay 34 (see FIG. 19) and presses the same, so that
the stay 34 is rotated counter-clockwise in FIG. 19 (see FIG. 20).
The restricting sides 34A are moved away from the engaging sides
39B for the other shelves 2 and thus the engaging sides 39B are
disengaged from the engagement holes 37. In this way, the other
shelves 2 can be drawn. When the corresponding shelf 2 is
accommodated within the case accommodating section 8, the stay 34
returns to its initial released state and this state is stably
maintained by the coil spring 38 (see FIG. 21).
[0118] Because of the above-described structure, only one of the
shelves 2 in a column in vertical direction can be drawn and a
plurality of shelves 2 cannot be drawn at the same time. As a
result, it is possible to prevent a drawback that a plurality of
shelves 2 arranged in a column are drawn at the same time and thus
the main body 7 falls forward because of loads of the drawn shelves
2.
[0119] Lock members 41 protruding forward in the above-described
released state are mounted to the stays 34. Keep solenoids 42
serving as lock means are mounted to the upper structure 7A so as
to correspond to the front sides of the lock members 41 of the
stays 34. Plungers 42A of the keep solenoids 42 are protruded
rearward. In the state that the keep solenoid 42 makes the plunger
42A protrude rearward, the plunger 42A abuts against the lock
member 41 in the released state and rotation of the stay 34 is
prohibited (see FIG. 22). Thus, the stay 34 cannot be rotated and
the operating member 39 cannot be moved from the state shown in
FIG. 16. As a result, all shelves 2 arranged in a column
corresponding to the corresponding stay 34 cannot be drawn.
[0120] When the plunger 42A is retracted, the stay 34 becomes
rotatable as shown in FIG. 23 and thus unlocked. A reference
numeral 43 denotes a lock sensor provided at a position into which
a leading edge 41A of the lock member 41 enters when the stay 34 is
in an unlocked state. The lock sensor detects the lock member 41
under such state. When the leading edge 41A of the lock member 41
is moved away from the lock sensor 43, the sensor 43 does not
detect the lock member 41. In this way, the state of the stay 34
can be identified.
[0121] A reference numeral 44 denotes a lock release bar serving as
manual unlock means. A plurality of the lock release bars are
provided so as to respectively correspond to the keep solenoids 42.
The lock release bar 44 is formed in an L-shaped configuration. The
trailing edge of the lock release bar 44 is mounted to the position
of engaged with the plunger 42A. The lock release bar 44 is
normally retracted rearward by a coil spring 46 and thus set apart
from the plunger 42A (see FIGS. 22 and 23). When the lock release
bar 44 is drawn forward, the plunger 42A is retracted toward the
keep solenoid 42, so that the keep solenoid 42 is unlocked (see
FIG. 24). Thus, all shelves 2 vertically arranged in a column can
be unlocked manually.
[0122] In accordance with this embodiment, a plurality of shelves 2
vertically arranged in a column cannot be drawn at the same time
and are locked. Nevertheless, the invention is not limited to this
case. Shelves transversely arranged in a row may be set not to be
drawn at the same time and to be locked. In this case, transverse
stays are mounted in accordance with five rows of shelves.
[0123] On the other hand, the packaging machine 13 (charging
device) is accommodated at the lower portion within the lower
structure 7B of the main body 7. The structure of the packaging
machine 13 will be described later in detail. As shown in FIG. 3,
the packaging machine 13 is detachably fixed to drawing rails 47
mounted at the right and left sides of the bottom surface within
the lower structure 7B. Thus, while the lower panels 4 are open,
the packaging machine 13 can be drawn forward from the lower
structure 7B. The drawn packaging machine 13 can be detached from
the drawing rails 47. A reference numeral 48 indicates a harness
for packaging machine that is detachably connected by connectors
between the packaging machine 13 and the lower structure 7B. The
harness 48 has a length sufficient for permitting an amount the
packaging machine 13 is drawn.
[0124] Two shutters 53 are transversely provided at the upper
portion within the lower structure 7B. Each of the shutters 53
corresponds to lower portions of the chutes 32. The right side
shutter 53 corresponds to the chute 32 at the right end side and
the chute 32 next to the same and the left side shutter 53
corresponds to the chute 32 at the left end side and the chute 32
next to the same. The shutters temporarily receive medicine falling
through the chutes 32 into the hopper 54 to be described later.
[0125] The hopper 54 is provided within the lower structure 7B so
as to correspond to the lower portions of the shutters 53. The
hopper 54 is formed in a rectangular funnel configuration so as to
have widely opened top surface and gradually reduced diameter
toward its lower end. The hopper 54 receives medicine falling
through the chutes 32 and passing through the shutters 53 and
discharges the medicine from its lower end opening 54A.
[0126] The right and left upper ends of the hopper 54 are
detachably fixed by screws to drawing rails 56 mounted to the right
and left upper portions within the lower structure 7B. The shutters
53 are placed on the drawing rails 56 and detachably fixed by
screws to the drawing rails 56. Thus, while the lower panels 4 are
open, the hopper 54 and the shutters 53 can be freely drawn forward
from the lower structure 7B at the same time. Further, the drawn
hopper 54 and the shutters 53 can be detached from the drawing
rails 56 (see FIG. 5). Although not illustrated, detachable
harnesses for the shutters 53 are also provided. These harnesses
have the length sufficient to permit an amount the shutters 53 are
drawn.
[0127] Because of such structure, when the maintenance such as
exchange for tablet cases 3, cleaning for the chutes 32 formed of
the paths 9 and the hopper 54 and exchange for parts for the
packaging machine 13 is performed, components to be subjected to
the maintenance are drawn from the upper structure 7A or the lower
structure 7B of the main body 7 and then detached.
[0128] The workability of the maintenance for the medicine supply
apparatus 1 is significantly improved and smooth charging of
medicine can be realized. In particular, a plurality of the tablet
cases 3 in the shelf 2 can be drawn from the upper structure 7A at
the same time. The accommodating containers 51 for the tablet cases
3 are detachably mounted. Thus, the workability for exchanging the
accommodating containers 51 for the tablet cases 3 is further
improved.
[0129] Further, also the shutters 53 are mounted so as to be drawn
from the lower structure 7B and to be freely detached therefrom.
Thus, the workability of the maintenance for the shutters 53 for
temporarily receiving medicine falling into the hopper 54 is also
improved. In particular, the shutters 53 and the hopper 54 are
mounted so as to be drawn from the lower structure 7B at the same
time. Then, the workability of the maintenance for the shutters 53
and the hopper 54 is even further improved.
[0130] An additional medicine feeder (UTC) 57 is mounted at the
upper central portion within the lower structure 7B so as to be
placed between the shutters 53. In this case, the additional
medicine feeder 57 is mounted so as to be independently drawn
forward without being covered by the lower panels 4 and to be
freely detached from the lower structure 7B (see FIGS. 1 and 6).
The additional medicine feeder 57 is used for arbitrarily supplying
additional medicine and communicates with the hopper 54.
[0131] Next, the structure of the shutters 53 will be described
with reference to FIGS. 25 to 27. Each of the shutters 53 is formed
in a substantially symmetrical configuration with longer sides in a
rearward direction of the lower structure 7B. Further, the shutter
53 is formed of inclined walls 61A and 61B set apart from each
other from downwards toward upwards while being inclined, a main
body 62 formed in a rectangular funnel configuration with its top
surface being widely opened and a pair of open/close plates 63A and
63B for opening/closing a narrowed lower end opening 62A of the
main body 62.
[0132] The open/close plates 63A and 63B are operated by a shutter
solenoid 64, a coil spring 58 and a link mechanism 66 provided at
the rear portion of the shutter 53. The open/close plates 63A and
63B are driven so as to be in a closed state shown in FIG. 26 that
the open/close plates 63A and 63B substantially continues the
inclined walls 61A and 61B respectively from their lower ends and
the lower ends of the open/close plates 63A and 63B abuts with each
other to close the lower end opening 62A of the main body 62 and in
an open state shown in FIG. 27 that the open/close plate 63A is
rotated clockwise in the figure and the open/close plate 63B is
rotated counter-clockwise in the figure such that their lower ends
are moved away from each other to open the lower end opening
62A.
[0133] A curtain 67 serving as a cushioning member is mounted
within the shutter 53. The curtain 67 is made of materials with
flexibility capable of absorbing kinetic energies for medicines
falling though chutes 32, colliding the inclined walls 61A and 61B
and bouncing back, such as thin fabric, rubber and synthetic
resins. The curtain 67 is hung down from the upper central portion
within the main body 62. The lower end of the curtain 67 is
extended even further than the lower end opening 62A and nipped by
the closed open/close plates 63A and 63B as shown in FIG. 26.
[0134] Because of the above-described structure, kinetic energies
of medicines falling within the shutter 53 and bouncing back are
absorbed by the curtain 67 and the medicines are rapidly collected
from the lower end opening 62A onto the open/close panels 63A and
63B, and then becomes stationary. Especially, as the curtain 67 is
extended from the upper portion of the shutter 53 to the lower end
portion thereof, falling medicine easily abuts against the curtain
67 resulting in an improvement in impact absorption action. As a
result, the time required for medicine to become stationary is even
further reduced. Further, as the curtain 67 is nipped by the
open/close plates 63A and 63B, noise occurring when the lower ends
of the open/close plates 63A and 63B abut can be absorbed.
[0135] Then, the structure of the packaging machine 13 will be
described with reference to FIG. 28. A reference numeral 71
indicates a roll around which a thermally adhering packaging paper
72 (which structures a container) is rolled. A reference numeral 73
indicates a printer, a reference numeral 74 indicates a nozzle
attached to the lower end opening 54A of the hopper 54 and a
reference numeral 76 indicates a thermal sealing head (thermal
sealing device) made of a silicon rubber. A reference numeral 77
indicates a roller for conveying the packaging paper 72 drawn from
the roll 71, a reference numeral 79 indicates a cutter for cutting
the packaging paper 72 and a reference numeral 81 indicates a
conveyer for conveying the packaging paper 72 packaging medicine
and then cut to an output port 82 provided at the lower panel 4.
The conveyer is successively provided along a conveyance path for
the packaging paper 72. A reference numeral 83 is a motor for
operating the thermal sealing head 76, a reference numeral 78
indicates a motor for driving the roller 77 and a reference numeral
84 indicates a motor for the conveyer 81.
[0136] The packaging paper 72 rolled around the roll 71 has a
substantially V-shaped cross-sectional configuration so that its
top surface is opened and its lower end is folded and closed. The
packaging paper 72 is drawn from the roll 71 downward at an incline
to the right by the roller 77. Then, printing is performed upon the
surface of the packaging paper 72 by the printer 73 as described
later. Medicine discharged from the nozzle 74 is charged into the
packaging paper 72. The packaging paper 72 is divided for each
piece of medicine by thermal adhesion performed by the thermal
sealing head 76. The divided packaging paper 72 packaging pieces of
medicines is cut by the cutter 79 and then conveyed to the output
port 84 placed at the top left portion of the lower structure 7B by
the conveyer 81.
[0137] The nozzle 74 is formed in a rectangular cylindrical
configuration with its top and bottom surfaces being opened as
shown in FIG. 29. An insertion guide side 86 inserted into the
packaging paper 72 is formed in a protruded manner at the lower end
of the nozzle 74 at the side of the printer 73. A paper guide side
87 for closing the top surface opening of the packaging paper 72 is
formed so as to oppose the insertion guide side 86. The upper end
opening of the nozzle 74 opposes the lower end opening 54A of the
hopper 54. Medicine received by the hopper 54 enters the nozzle 74
and then charged within the packaging paper 72 guided by the
insertion guide side 86.
[0138] The nozzle 74 is mounted to the hopper 54 so as to swing
about a rotating shaft 89 of a holding member 88 in a direction
perpendicular to a direction the packaging paper 72 is advanced
(indicated by the arrow shown in FIG. 28) (i.e., swing in a
longitudinal direction). Thus, even if the positions of the hopper
54 and the nozzle 74 do not strictly coincide the position of the
packaging paper 72 in the packaging machine 13, the nozzle 74
swings by a positional error, so that the insertion guide side 86
is smoothly inserted into the packaging paper 72 and medicine can
be charged into the packaging paper. Consequently, the workability
for mounting such components is improved.
[0139] Next, the printer 73 will be described. The printer 73 is a
thermal transfer type printer using ink ribbons. As shown in FIG.
30, the packaging paper 72 is pressed toward a color ink ribbon 91
by a pressing plate 92 and predetermined printing is performed onto
the surface of the packaging paper 72 by a thermal transfer head
93. A reference numeral 94 is an open/close cover for the printer
73. Directions that the color ink ribbon 91 and the packaging paper
72 are advanced are indicated by arrows in the figure.
[0140] FIG. 31 shows the positional relationship between the
printer head 93 and the thermal sealing head 76 with respect to the
packaging paper 72 and the state printing is performed between the
printer head 93 and the thermal sealing head 76. In accordance with
this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 32, the color ink ribbon 91 is
formed of four different color bands extended in its widthwise
direction. The largest band C1 for printing is, for example, black,
a band C2 is blue, a band C3 is red and a band C4 is a yellow.
[0141] The printer 73 with the above-described structure prints in
black a name, a date when medicine should be taken and a time slot
in which medicine should be taken at the band C1. Further, a black
line L1 is printed for medicine package to be taken before sleep, a
blue line L2 is printed for medicine package to be taken after
supper and a yellow line L4 is printed for medicine package to be
taken before breakfast. In this way, time slots in which medicine
should be taken are displayed by different colors. Accordingly, the
time slot in which medicine should be taken is easily discriminated
and mistakes such as taking wrong medicine can be effectively
eliminated. The time slots in which medicine should be taken may be
printed by characters in the lines L1, L2 and L4 as shown in FIG.
32.
[0142] Data printed onto the packaging paper is prepared on the
basis of data inputted to a prescribed medicine table to be
described later. Written into the prescribed medicine table are, in
addition to a patient's name, a medicine's name and a medicine
code, a positional code for the tablet 3 accommodating the
medicine, the number of medicines prescribed, a time slot in which
the medicine should be taken and the number of the medicines taken
at a time on the basis of the inputted prescription data or by
making reference to a database for accommodated medicines to be
described later. The data to be printed is read out from the
prescribed medicine table. At the printer driver, print data of
corresponding item to be printed is supplied to each of print heads
placed so as to correspond to the respective colors of the color
ink ribbon.
[0143] FIG. 34 shows a block diagram of an electric circuit for a
control device 95 in the medicine supply apparatus 1. The control
device 95 serving as control means is structured so as to include a
general purpose microcomputer 97. Connected via a driver circuit 94
to an output of the microcomputer 97 are the drum motors 14 for the
tablet cases 3, the packaging machine 13, the printer 73, the
shutter solenoids 64 and the keep solenoids 42. The microcomputer
97 controls the driver circuit 94 to apply a DC24V power source to
the drum motors 14. Then, the drum motors 14 are rotated forward or
in reverse.
[0144] The microcomputer 97 is illustrated as a single block. The
microcomputer 97 is provided with required number of processors in
accordance with the number of processings performed in
parallel.
[0145] A memory (not shown) serving as an external storage is
connected to the microcomputer 97. A hard disk for a personal
computer PC may be also used as the storage.
[0146] Connected to an input of the microcomputer 97 are an output
of a current transformer 96 for detecting the communicating current
of each drum motor 14, the outputs of the lock sensors 43, the
outputs of the medicine detection sensors 18 and the outputs of
identification sensors 33. The microcomputer 97 is connected to the
personal computer PC so as to accomplish data communication with
the same.
[0147] The operation of the medicine supply apparatus 1 of the
invention with the above-described structure will be described.
When a power source is switched on, the shutters 53 are closed.
Further, assume that the shelves 2 that the tablet cases 3
accommodating predetermined medicine are mounted are mounted within
the case accommodating section 8 of the upper structure 7A as
described above.
[0148] When a power source for the medicine supply apparatus 1 is
switched on, the microcomputer 97 for the control device 95 reads
by the identification sensors 33 identification codes for the
tablet cases 3 in the shelves 2 placed at the right and left end of
the case accommodating section 8 of the upper structure 7A. Data
about types of medicines accommodated in the tablet cases 3 is
stored together with the positions of the tablet cases 3. The data
is also sent to the personal computer PC.
[0149] The microcomputer 97 has a database about the types of
medicines within the tablet cases 3 accommodated within the case
accommodating section 8 and the position of the corresponding
tablet case 3 (i.e., a database for accommodated medicines) in an
unillustrated external storage connected to the microcomputer 97.
The database is also sent to the personal computer PC. The
identification codes read by the identification sensors 33 are also
added to the database.
[0150] Firstly, a system for preparing medicines related with a
series of medicine preparation operations will be described. FIG.
44 shows a control procedure performed by the microcomputer 97 (a
main processor). Firstly, when a system for preparing medicines is
activated by switching on a power source, an identification code is
read in step 401. A name of medicine accommodated within each of
the tablet cases is recognized and an identification code (a
medicine's name) is stored, together with a positional code
indicating its accommodated position, in an accommodated medicine
database (step 401). The database is shared with the personal
computer PC.
[0151] Next, operating elements (operating parts) serving as parts
that wear out are periodically checked. An add-up value for usage
of the operating parts, i.e., a cumulative usage time or a
frequency of operation is checked (step 402). This routine will be
described later in detail with reference to FIG. 48. When the
cumulative usage time or the frequency of operation serving as the
add-up value for the operating parts has been checked, operations
of the drum motors for the tablet cases are periodically checked
(step 403). The procedure for this operational check (routine) will
be described later in detail with reference to FIG. 47. In
accordance with this embodiment, it is structured so that such
periodic checks are performed every time when a power source is
switched on. The periodic checks may be performed at an appropriate
time or when the number a power source is switched on reaches a
predetermined number.
[0152] When steps 402 and 403 for such checks are completed, the
system is placed in a state of waiting for prescription data to be
inputted. Unless it is determined in step 405 that the system is
instructed to end, the system is in a state of waiting for
prescription data to be inputted (steps 404 and 405). When an
operator inputs the prescription data from the personal computer PC
on the basis of a prescription prepared by a doctor, a table for
prescribed medicines is prepared on the basis of one medicine or
two or more medicines prescribed at the same time. Then, it is
checked whether the medicine is accommodated within any tablet
cases 3 in the medicine supply apparatus 1 by making reference to a
database for accommodated medicines (step 406). In the table for
prescribed medicines, in addition to a patient's name, a medicine's
name and a medicine code, a positional code that the medicine is
accommodated, the number of the medicines, a time slot in which the
medicine should be taken, a number of medicines to be taken at a
time, a presence or absence of other medicines to be packaged
within the same package are prepared on the basis of the inputted
prescription data or the database for accommodated medicines. In
step 406, presence or absence of medicines in the table for
prescribed medicines is checked by verifying the accommodated
medicine database. If the medicine exists in the accommodated
medicine database, the positional code of the medicine is written
by making reference to the accommodated medicine database. On the
other hand, if any of medicines to be prescribed is not
accommodated within the medicine supply apparatus 1, namely if a
tablet case 3 for medicine required for prescription does not exist
in the case accommodating section 8, the positional code for such
medicine is not written.
[0153] When all medicines in the table for prescribed medicines are
verified with respect to the database for accommodated medicines,
it is determined in step 407 whether or not all medicines are
accommodated. A name of medicine whose positional code is not
written is sent to the personal computer PC and displayed on a
display screen for the personal computer PC as an unaccommodated
medicine (step 408). The operator watches the display, draws the
shelf 2 accommodating the tablet case 3 and loads the accommodating
container 51 for the medicine to be replenished therein. At this
time, the required number of positions of the accommodating
containers 51 for the tablet cases 3 accommodating medicines that
may be exchanged for new medicines are also displayed on the
display screen. Such exchangeable accommodating containers 51 may
be containers for medicines that need not to be accommodated in a
package. Thus, the exchangeable accommodating containers 51 for the
tablet cases 3 may be, among the medicines existing in the database
for accommodated medicines, for medicines that do not exist in the
prescribed medicine table. Alternatively, the database for
accommodated medicines may include, with respect to each medicine,
information about its frequency of being prepared and tablet cases
3 accommodating medicines with lower frequencies of being prepared
may be successively displayed.
[0154] When unaccommodated medicines and exchangeable medicines are
displayed on the display screen for the personal computer PC, the
system is placed in a waiting state of waiting an instruction of
restart of the medicine preparation operation (step 409). When the
accommodating containers 51 for medicines to be newly added have
been loaded, the operator instructs to restart the operation for
preparing medicines. When the instruction for restart is recognized
(step 409), identification codes are read again, the database for
accommodated medicine is updated on the basis of results of reading
and the routine returns to step 406. When it is confirmed that all
medicines necessary for a prescription have been accommodated (step
407), the process proceeds to an operation for preparing medicines
(step 411).
[0155] FIG. 45 illustrates a procedure (subroutine) for performing
the operation for preparing medicines. The tablet cases 3 for
medicines to be prepared are successively selected on the basis of
the prescribed medicine table on a package basis in the order of
being inputted (step 501).
[0156] Then, the selected medicine is instructed to be supplied
from the tablet case 3 accommodating the selected medicines (step
502). In accordance with this instruction, the processor for
controlling the operation for supplying medicine starts a
predetermined procedure (routine) for supplying medicine to be
described later. This routine is preferably performed in parallel
with other processings in order to improve the efficiency of the
system. Thus, this routine proceeds by being controlled by
different processor on the basis of the instruction to start supply
of the selected medicine. The microcomputer 97 of this embodiment
is structured so as to have two or more processors capable of
processing in parallel. The routine for supplying the selected
medicine is performed and medicine to be packaged is supplied onto
the open/close panels 63A and 63B of the shutter 53.
[0157] During this routine, in step 503, the packaging paper 72 for
packaging medicine starts to be supplied. The printer 73 prints
predetermined items about selected prescribed medicine onto a fed
packaging paper on the basis of the data of the prescribed medicine
table.
[0158] When it is confirmed by an unillustrated sensor or the like
that the routine for supplying medicine ends (step 504), the
open/close panels 63A and 63B are opened (step 505) and medicine is
charged through the hopper 54 into the packaging paper 72 placed
immediately below the nozzle 74. This opening/closing updates data
in a table for managing operating parts to be described later as a
part of data for performing maintenance of operating parts (step
506).
[0159] Then, it is instructed in step 507 to start packaging of
medicine. A packaging paper is fed to the thermal sealing head and
the opening portion of the packaging paper 72 is closed thereat.
Then, the packaging paper 72 is cut at a predetermined position and
outputted outside from the output port 72.
[0160] When it is instructed to start packaging of medicine in step
507, the procedure proceeds to step 508. It is determined by making
reference to the table for prescribed medicines whether there
exists medicines that are in the table for prescribed medicines but
not selected yet as medicines to be prepared (step 508). If the
answer to the determination in step 508 is affirmed, the routine
returns to step 501. Then, the medicine in the next order in the
prescribed medicine table is selected and the above-described
procedure is repeated for this medicine.
[0161] Namely, the microcomputer 97 energizes the shutter solenoid
64 to open the open/close panels 63A and 63B (see FIG. 27).
Medicine passes into the hopper 54 and is charged into the
packaging paper 72 via the nozzle 74. The medicine is packaged by
the above-described packaging machine 13 and then sent to outside
at the output port 82. Packaging starts when the medicine passes
from the shutter 53 to the hopper 54 and the next medicine is
discharged before the previous packaging is completed. Thus, the
microcomputer 97 reduces the time required for packaging.
Above-described printing with respect to medicine to be packaged is
performed by the printer 73 before the medicine is charged.
[0162] If the answer to the determination in step 508 is negative,
the procedure for performing the medicine preparation operation
ends. Then, the process returns to P1 in the routine for medicine
preparation system shown in FIG. 44 and is placed in a state of
waiting for next prescription data to be inputted. Namely, the
process waits to an instruction to stop the system or an
instruction to start a new prescription.
[0163] FIG. 46 illustrates a procedure for supplying the selected
medicine. In accordance with this procedure, the drum motor 14 for
the tablet case accommodating the selected medicine is rotated
forward by the driver 94 and thus the discharge drum 23 is rotated
(in forward), so that medicine within the vertical groove 24 is
discharged one by one into the discharge port 21. At this time, the
processor of the microcomputer 97 governing this control inputs a
medicine detection signal from the medicine detection sensor 18 and
counts discharged medicines. When a predetermined number of
medicines are discharged, the drum motor 14 is stopped. Discharged
medicines enter from the discharge chute 19 into the chute 32
formed of the paths 9 and are temporarily received by the shutter
53.
[0164] Specifically, when it is instructed to supply selected
medicines in the procedure for performing the medicine preparation
operation shown in FIG. 45 (step 502), a routine for performing
supply of selected medicines shown in FIG. 46 starts and an initial
setting is performed. Namely, with respect to medicines selected on
the basis of a package in step 501 in the procedure for performing
the medicine preparation operation, the number (M) of types of
medicines to be accommodated within the same package and the order
of supplying the medicines are set on the basis of the prescribed
medicine table data and stored in a predetermined storage
region.
[0165] The procedure proceeds to step 602. In step 602, a medicine
in the first order is selected and the prescribed number (N) of the
medicines is stored in another predetermined storage region on the
basis of the prescribed medicine table data.
[0166] Then, the procedure proceeds to step 603. The drum motor 14
for the tablet case 3 for the firstly selected medicine is driven
for a predetermined period of time so that the vertical groove 24
of the drum coincides the discharge port 21 (step 604). The drive
time is used for updating the data of the table for managing
operating parts to be described later as a part of the operating
part maintenance data (step 605). When the medicines pass into the
discharge port 21, its number (P) is detected by the medicine
detection sensor 18 and counted (step 606). In step 607, the number
(P) does not reach the prescribed number (N) of the medicines in
the prescribed medicine table (N-P>0), namely, if it does not
satisfy N-P=0, the routine returns to step 604 and a discharge
operation is repeated until the number of discharged medicines
coincides the prescribed number of medicines. If the discharged
number of medicines does not satisfy the prescribed number of the
medicines after a predetermined period of time passes, the medicine
supply apparatus 1 may be structured to indicate an abnormality
that the selected medicine does not remain within the accommodating
container 51.
[0167] When the discharged number coincides with the prescribed
number, this routine proceeds to step 608. The number of types of
medicines to be accommodated within the same packaging paper that
is stored in a predetermined storage region is subtracted 1
(M.rarw.M-1). In next step 609, it is determined whether or not
medicines that are not prescribed yet exist (M=0?). If there exists
medicines that are not prescribed yet, the procedure returns to
step 602 and the medicine in the next prescription order is
selected and its number (N) is set again. Then, the operation for
supplying the medicine is repeated. If it is determined in step 609
that all types of medicines to be accommodated within the same
package have been supplied, this routine ends.
[0168] As described above, 320 tablet cases 3 are accommodated
within the tablet case accommodating section 8 in this embodiment.
Accordingly, at most 320 types of medicines can be supplied and
packaged. When medicines used cannot be accommodated within the
case accommodating section 8, the accommodating containers 51 for
the tablet cases 3 in the shelves 2 at the right and left end sides
of the case accommodating section 8 (i.e., at the side walls of the
case accommodating section 8) are exchanged for the accommodating
containers 51 accommodating necessary types of medicines.
Identification codes for the exchanged accommodating containers 51
are read by the identification sensors 33 and inputted to the
microcomputer 97. Read data of new medicines is added to the
database.
[0169] One or a plurality of tablet cases 3 for one or a plurality
of types of medicines to be charged do not exist within the case
accommodating section 8, the microcomputer 97 sends data to the
personal computer PC to display a guide about exchange of tablet
cases 3 on the screen of the personal computer PC. The
microcomputer 97 sends data to the personal computer PC to display,
on the screen thereof, a guide about the positions (addresses) of
the accommodating containers 51 for the tablet cases 3 that may be
removed. For example, when a plurality of types of medicines are
charged into a package, accommodating containers 51 other than the
accommodating containers 51 accommodating the medicines to be
charged are displayed in a guide as exchangeable containers. Thus,
it is possible to prevent a drawback that when a plurality of types
of medicines are charged into a package, in order to mount
accommodating containers 51 for medicines that do not exist in the
case accommodating section 8, accommodating containers 51
accommodating medicines that should be charged into the package are
removed.
[0170] Then, the microcomputer 97 controls the driver 94 to perform
an abnormality detection operation. In accordance with this
abnormality detection operation, the drum motor 14 is periodically
rotated in reverse for a predetermined short period of time (e.g.,
for 10 ms) and then rotated forward for the same period of time.
The time interval during which the drum motor 14 is rotated forward
or in reverse in the abnormality detection operation is
sufficiently shorter than a time interval during which the vertical
groove 24 coincides the discharge port 21 by rotation of the
discharge drum 23 (i.e., a time interval during which medicine is
discharged).
[0171] The microcomputer 97 fetches an energized current value for
the drum motor 14 during the abnormality detection operation by the
current transformer 96. If a current is not applied to the drum
motor 14, it is determined that windings of the drum motor 13 are
disconnected and an alarm operation is performed. Data of this
alarm is sent to the personal computer PC and displayed on its
screen. This abnormality detection operation is successively
performed upon the drum motors 14 for all tablet cases 3. Because
the time during which the drum motor is rotated forward or in
reverse in the abnormality detection operation is sufficiently
shorter than the time required for medicine to be discharged,
medicine is not discharged.
[0172] In particular, the drum motor 14 is firstly rotated in
reverse. Thus, even if a medicine tends to fall into the discharge
port 21 from the vertical groove 24 in the previous discharge
operation (the drum motor 14 was rotated forward), this medicine is
not discharged into the discharge port 21.
[0173] FIG. 47 illustrates a control procedure (routine) for a
processing for checking the operation of the drum motor 14 for the
tablet case 3.
[0174] The drum motors 14 are ordered in advance for check and the
abnormality detection operation is performed in this order. When
the routine starts, in a step for initial setting in step 700,
order information for the abnormality detection operation is read
and settings necessary for performing this routine are performed.
The order information may be stored in the external storage or in
the personal computer PC.
[0175] In step 701, the first drum motor 14 to be subjected to the
abnormality detection operation is selected in accordance with the
order (step 701). The selected drum motor 14 is energized for a
predetermined period of time so as to be rotated in reverse (step
702) and a current value at that time is read and recorded in a
predetermined storage region (step 703). Then the drum motor 14 is
energized for a predetermined period of time so as to rotate
forward (step 704) and a current value at that time is also read
and recorded in a predetermined storage region (step 705). The time
during when the drum motor 14 is driven for such check operations
is added to the table for operating parts to be described later and
the data of the table is updated (step 706).
[0176] Then, the routine proceeds to step 707 and it is determined
whether the abnormality detection operation has been ended for all
drum motors 14 to be subjected to operational check (step 707). If
the answer to the determination in step 707 is negative, the
routine returns to step 701 and the drum motor 14 in the next order
is selected and the steps 701 to 707 are repeated for the drum
motor. If it is determined in step 707 that the abnormality
operation has been ended for all drum motors 14, the routine
proceeds to step 708. In step 708, it is determined on the basis of
the current value data in the storage region whether the current
values read by experimentally driving the drum motors 14 are within
a predetermined range, extremely larger or smaller than the
predetermined range, or whether none of current values is measured.
Then, drum motors 14 with current values outside the predetermined
range are extracted. If a current value is extremely small or not
measured at all, it is estimated that connection inferior or
disconnection may occur. If a current value is extremely large, it
is estimated that overload may occur because of some causes.
[0177] Basically, such abnormality detection operation is
periodically performed for all drum motors 14 in turn. A drum motor
list for identifying a drum motor 14 is prepared for each of types
of abnormalities. A display for identifying the drum motor 14 that
an abnormality operation occurs (e.g., positional information of
the tablet case 3) is displayed on the screen of the personal
computer PC (step 709) and then this routine ends.
[0178] The microcomputer 97 energizes, on the basis of the
instruction data from the personal computer PC, one or a plurality
of the keep solenoids 42 corresponding to one column of the shelves
2 or all columns of the shelves 2 identified by an input operation
to the personal computer PC to protrude the plungers 42A rearward,
so that the corresponding stays are in a locked state. Thus, all
shelves 2 in a column corresponding to the keep solenoid 42 (or all
columns of the shelves 2) cannot be drawn as described above (see
FIG. 22). In order to unlock, the keep solenoid 42 is energized in
an opposite direction on the basis of an input operation to the
personal computer PC. The plunger 42A is retracted as described
above (see FIG. 23).
[0179] An access right for lock and unlock operations is set by a
user in the personal computer PC (a password or the like). Thus, it
is possible to prevent the drawback that the shelves 2 are
carelessly drawn and different medicines are accommodated within
the tablet cases 3.
[0180] The microcomputer 97 determines by the lock sensor 43
whether the stay 34 is in the above-described released state or in
a restricted state. When any of the shelves 2 is drawn, the keep
solenoid 42 corresponding to the column with the stay 34 being in a
restricted state is not subjected to the above-describe lock
operation. Thus, it is possible to prevent the lock member 41 of
the stay 34 in a restricted state from being engaged with the
plunger 42A of the keep solenoid 42 and not being capable of
rotating.
[0181] As described above, the locked state of the keep solenoid 42
may be manually released by drawing the unlock lever 44. Thus, even
if the keep solenoid 42 is broken and its locked state cannot be
released, the shelves 2 can be drawn smoothly.
[0182] The microcomputer 97 adds up the operating time for the drum
motors 14 in the above-described operation for discharging medicine
and packaging the same. Further, the microcomputer 97 also adds up
the frequencies of operations for the shutter solenoids 64, the
keep solenoids 42, the thermal sealing head 76 for the packaging
machine 13 and the thermal transfer head 93 for the printer 73.
Durability limit values for such parts that wear out are inputted
and set in the microcomputer 97.
[0183] When the operating time or the frequency of operation for
such part that wears out approximates or reaches its durability
limit value, the microcomputer 97 sends failure prediction data to
the personal computer PC to display on the screen for the personal
computer PC a failure prediction that the corresponding wear-out
part may be broken with high possibility. Thus, a user can exchange
in advance the drum motor 14, the shutter solenoid 64, the keep
solenoid 42, the thermal sealing head 76 or the thermal transfer
head 93 approximating or reaching their durability limits.
Consequently, it is possible to prevent a delay of supply of
medicines due to such wear-out parts being broken.
[0184] FIG. 48 illustrates a procedure for checking an add-up value
that relates to the usage for the operating elements (operating
parts) serving as the wear-out parts, i.e., a cumulative usage time
or a frequency of operation. A table for operating parts stores
data of the order of the operating parts used for the system being
checked with respect to their operations and durability limit
values for such parts relating to their usage (i.e., cumulative
usage times or cumulative frequencies of operation). This table is
stored in a memory (which may be a storage externally connected to
the microcomputer 97 or a hard disk for the personal computer PC).
When the microcomputer 97 instructs each of the operation parts to
operate, its usage time or its usage number is accumulated every
time when the operation of the operating part ends and written in
the table for each corresponding operating part.
[0185] When it is instructed in step 402 shown in FIG. 44 to check
the cumulative usage time or the usage number for operating parts,
a processing procedure (a routine) shown in FIG. 48 starts. In step
800, the data of the checking order is read and thus the order is
set. Further, initial settings necessary for performing this
routine are performed. In step 801, the first part is specified in
accordance with the predetermined order and then the data relating
to this part in the operating part table is read (step 802).
[0186] In steps 803 and 804, the durability limit value (Si) for
this part (i) relating to the usage time or the frequency of
operation is compared to the cumulative usage time or the
cumulative frequency of operation (Ni) at that time for the part.
If the cumulative usage time or the cumulative frequency of
operation (Ni) coincides the durability limit value (Si) or exceeds
the same in step 804, it is determined that the part reaches its
durability limit and is displayed on the screen for the personal
computer PC (step 805).
[0187] Thereafter, similar to the case that it is determined in
step 805 that the part does not reach its durability limit, this
routine proceeds step 806. Then, this routine returns to step 801
unless it is determined that all operating parts to be checked are
compared, and a part to be compared next is specified in accordance
with the order. On the other hand, if all parts have been compared,
this routine ends.
[0188] FIG. 35 illustrates an additional unit 98 which can be
mounted to the medicine supply apparatus 1. For example, in a
large-scale hospital, 320 tablet cases 3 as shown in FIG. 1 may be
insufficient. Then, in such case, the top roof 1A of the upper
structure 7A is removed and the additional unit 98 is connected on
the upper structure 7A with its top surface being opened and fixed
thereto (the top roof 1A is mounted on the top surface of the
additional unit 98). Four shelves 2 are arranged horizontally in
the additional unit 98 so as to be freely drawn. Thus, 64 tablet
cases 3 are added.
[0189] Each of the lower ends of the paths 9 for the shelves 2 in
the additional unit 98 corresponds to each of the upper ends of the
paths 9 for the underlying shelves 2 within the case accommodating
section 8. Such paths 9 structure chutes 32. The drum motors 14 for
the tablet cases 3 and the medicine detection sensors 18 in the
additional unit 98 are connected to the microcomputer 97 and the
same discharge operation as the above-described one is
performed.
[0190] As shown in FIGS. 36 and 37, a shelf 2A which has a height
twice higher than the shelf 2 can be provided within the case
accommodating section 8 so as to be freely drawn. As shown in the
figures, a tablet case 3A with an accommodating container 51A with
large capacity is mounted to the shelf 2. FIG. 36 illustrates the
example that the normal tablet case 3 and the tablet case 3A with
large capacity are mounted in a mixed manner. FIG. 37 illustrates
the example that only the tablet case 3A with large capacity is
mounted. In both cases, the above-described harness 28 is connected
to the shelves by connectors.
[0191] A shelf 2B to which a tablet case 3B for half-tablet
medicine (halved tablet) is mounted can be provided within the case
accommodating section 8 so as to be freely drawn, as shown in FIG.
38. The above-described harness 28 is also connected to this shelf
2B by connectors. As shown in FIG. 39, a shelf 2C with none of
tablet cases being mounted thereto can be provided within the case
accommodating section 8 so as to be freely drawn. For example,
medicine that is packed in a corrugated cardboard box and is not
opened yet is mounted on the shelf 2C. Naturally, the harness is
not connected to this shelf.
[0192] As described above, various shelves including the shelves 2A
and 2B with different tablet cases being mounted thereto and the
shelf 2C which is not connected to a power source can be provided
within the case accommodating section 8 so as to be freely drawn.
Thus, the facility of the medicine supply apparatus 1 is
significantly improved.
[0193] FIG. 40 illustrated another lower structure 7C. The lower
structure 7C can be connected to the lower end of the upper
structure 7A. By the lower structure 7C being connected to the
upper structure 7A, the main body 7 for the medicine supply
apparatus 1 is structured. A bottling machine 99 serving as a
charging device is mounted within the lower structure 7C. Four
hoppers 101 are arranged in parallel above the bottling machine 99
so as to correspond to the lower ends of the chutes 32 in the upper
structure 7A. The shutter 53 is not provided.
[0194] The bottling machine 99 is formed by a catcher 104 with grip
arms 103 for gripping a bottle 102 serving as a container, a moving
device 106 for horizontally and vertically moving the catcher 104
and a conveyor 107 for conveying the bottle 102. The bottle 102
conveyed from an insertion opening 109 by the conveyer 107 is
gripped by the grip arms 103 of the catcher 104. While gripped by
the grip arms 103, the bottle 102 is moved by the moving device 106
under the lower end opening of the hopper 101 through which a
discharged medicine passes. In this way, the medicine is charged
into the bottle 102. The bottle 102 with the medicine being charged
therein is conveyed by the conveyer 107 to an output port 108.
[0195] In addition to lower structures accommodating the
above-described packaging machine 13 and the bottling machine 99,
there may be considered a lower structure that accommodates a
charging device referred to as a so-called blister packaging
machine. As the lower structures 7B and 7C with various types of
charging devices can be alternatively connected to the lower side
of the same upper structure 7A, medicine supply apparatuses
comprising a case accommodating section and various charging
devices need not to be prepared individually. Thus, the flexibility
of the medicine supply apparatus is significantly improved and a
reduction in production costs may be accomplished.
[0196] In accordance with this embodiment, data is inputted to the
medicine supply apparatus 1 by a separate personal computer PC.
Nevertheless, the invention is not limited to this case.
Alternatively, or in addition to such case, a control panel 111 may
be mounted to any of the shelves 2. The prescription data may be
inputted by the control panel 111. Further, an alarm may be
displayed on the control panel 111.
[0197] In accordance with this embodiment, a plurality of door
panels 6 are respectively mounted to a plurality of shelves 2
accommodated within the case accommodating section 8 so as to be
freely drawn, so that the front surface opening of the upper
structure 7A (the case accommodating section 8) is closed by the
panels 6. Nevertheless, the invention is not limited to this case.
As shown in FIG. 43, panels are not mounted to the shelves 2.
Instead, the front surface opening of the upper structure 7A may be
closed by upper panels 112 opening together on hinges. In such
case, a lock operation for prohibiting drawing of all shelves 2 is
accomplished by locking the upper panels 112.
[0198] Further, in accordance with this embodiment, the
identification code 26 is provided as the means for identifying the
tablet case 3 and the optical identification sensor 33 is provided
as the reading means. Nevertheless, an IC memory with
identification information recorded therein may be provided at the
tablet case 3, and a sensor for reading the information recorded in
the IC memory by an electric field in an untouched manner may be
provided at the case accommodating section 8. Moreover, in
accordance with this embodiment, only the identification codes 26
for the tablet cases 3 at the right and left wall sides of the case
accommodating section 8 are read by the identification sensors 33.
The identification codes 26 for all tablet cases 3 within the case
accommodating section 8 may be read.
[0199] The drum motor 14, the keep solenoid 64, the thermal sealing
head 76 and the thermal transfer head 93 are provided as parts that
wear out (operating elements) in this embodiment. Nevertheless, the
invention is not limited to this case. Various types of parts that
wear out used in this type of the medicine supply apparatus 1 may
be provided as the parts that wear out.
[0200] Although color printing is performed by the printer 73 onto
the packaging paper 72 in accordance with this embodiment, the
invention is not limited to this case. In the case shown in FIG.
40, a printer that color-prints the same information as in FIGS. 32
and 33 on a label attached to the bottle 102 may be provided within
the lower structure 7C.
[0201] As described above, in accordance with a first aspect of the
invention, each of tablet cases is identified by control means
(control device) on the basis of identification information read by
a reader (reading means) and discharge of medicine from each of the
tablet cases is controlled.
[0202] Thus, the operation for detaching electric wirings when
tablet cases are exchanged becomes unnecessary and thus the
handling workability is significantly improved.
[0203] As shown a preferred aspect, information for instructing
exchanges for tablet cases may be outputted by the control means
(control device) on the basis of the identification information
read by the reader (reading means). For example, if medicines to be
charged do not exist in a case accommodating section when a
plurality of types of medicines are charged in a package,
exchangeable tablet cases may be designated. Thus, it is possible
to prevent the tablet cases accommodating medicines to be charged
in the package from being removed, resulting in a significant
improvement in utility.
[0204] An optically readable identification code provided on the
surface of a tablet case serves as the identification means
(identifier) and an optical sensor capable of reading the
identification code serves as the reader (reading means). Thus, an
electric circuit for a tablet case can be simplified and a
significant reduction in costs can be accomplished.
[0205] In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, a
disconnection failure of motor can be reliably detected and a
maintenance for the motor can be performed rapidly.
[0206] As the time during which the motor is rotated forward or in
reverse in an abnormality detection operation (abnormality
detection mode) is sufficiently shorter than the time interval
during which medicine is discharged, medicine cannot be discharged
by mistake. Further, the motor is firstly rotated in reverse. Thus,
even if the next medicine is to be discharged in the previous
discharge operation, the medicine cannot be discharged by
mistake.
[0207] In accordance with a more preferable aspect, the control
device successively performs the abnormality detection operation
upon a plurality of tablet cases. Thus, in a case that a plurality
of tablet cases are provided, disconnection failures of motors
corresponding to the tablet cases can be smoothly detected.
[0208] In accordance with a third aspect of the invention, when
operating elements serving as parts that wear out including a motor
for driving a drum, a shutter, a thermal sealing device for
packaging paper and a printer for packaging paper approximate their
durability limits or reach them, it is possible to inform a user of
failures and to ask the user to perform maintenance for the
corresponding parts.
[0209] Thus, it is possible to conduct such operations as
exchanging parts that wear out before they are broken and to
prevent supply of medicine from being stopped by failures.
[0210] In accordance with a fourth aspect of the invention, the
medicine supply apparatus comprises a printer with color print
function (print mechanism) for printing on a container or a label
for the container. For example, color ink ribbons may be used and
time slots in which medicine should be taken may be displayed by
different colors. Thus, how to take medicine can be shown clearly
with different colors and the facility is significantly
improved.
[0211] The invention may be used as a medicine supply apparatus
that is installed at hospitals or pharmacies and supplies the
determined number of medicines accommodated in tablet cases to a
container (a bottle or a bag) on the basis of a prescription. Thus,
automation and efficiency for prescription can be significantly
improved.
* * * * *