Weighing apparatus

Abstract

To provide a safe weighing apparatus capable of preventing mixture of different kinds of medicines (cross contamination).SOLUTION: A weighing apparatus 1 comprises: a dispensing unit 2 that has a plurality of powdered drug containers 21 each of which can accommodate powdered drugs and has a dispensing opening; a plurality of supporters 22 that detachably supports the plurality of powdered drug containers; a transfer mechanism 23 for transferring the plurality of powdered drug containers supported by the supporters; and a dispensing mechanism for making the powdered drug containers which have been transferred to a prescribed dispensing position on a transfer path of the plurality of powdered drug containers dispense a powdered drug; and a weighing unit 3 that is located below the dispensing position and weighs the powdered drug dispensed by the powdered drug container into a tray T. A dispensing position P1 is a position different from an attaching / detaching position P2 in a horizontal direction, but near the attaching / detaching position, while the attaching / detaching position is one to three supporters away from the dispensing position. The powdered drug containers cannot be attached to or detached from the supporters in any position other than the attaching / detaching position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a weighing device for weighing powdered medicines. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, when dispensing powders (also called "powders") at a pharmacy, a pharmacist would bring a powder bottle containing the powder to the dispensing counter and weigh the powder by feeding it from the powder bottle onto a tray that receives the powder and is placed on an electronic balance. This tray is called a weighing dish. Although there were packaging devices that divided powders into single doses and packaged them, the task of weighing the total amount of powder needed for packaging before feeding it into the device was done manually, leaving room for improvement.

[0003] There is also a "powdered medicine supplying device" described in Patent Document 1. This device is configured to dispense and weigh powdered medicine from an arbitrary cassette stored in a cassette storage unit into a cup supplied from a cup supplying unit, and to transport the cup to a packaging unit by a cup lifting unit and a cup reflux unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4066280 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the device described in Patent Document 1, no particular consideration was given to the position at which the cassette is attached and detached from the viewpoint of cross-contamination, which may result in mixing of different types of drugs, and therefore there is room for improvement.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a safe weighing device that can prevent mixing of different types of medicines (cross-contamination). [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The weighing device according to the present invention comprises a dispensing unit having a plurality of powder containers each capable of containing powder and having a dispensing outlet, a plurality of holding bodies which detachably hold the plurality of powder containers, a moving mechanism which moves the plurality of powder containers held in the holding bodies, and a dispensing mechanism which dispenses powder from the powder containers which have been moved to a predetermined dispensing position on a movement trajectory of the plurality of powder containers, and a weighing unit which is located below the dispensing position and on which a tray is placed to receive powder dispensed from the powder containers and which weighs the powder dispensed onto the tray, wherein the plurality of powder containers are arranged horizontally in the dispensing unit, the moving mechanism moves the plurality of powder containers horizontally, and the powder containers are moved by the moving mechanism the powder container is moved to the dispensing position by a mechanism, the powder dispensed by the dispensing mechanism falls and is contained in the tray placed on the weighing unit, the multiple holders are configured to revolve on a circular orbit extending from the front side to the rear side, the attachment / detachment position at which the powder container can be attached and detached to the holder is located in the front side range of the orbit, the dispensing position is provided in the front side range of the orbit, and is provided at a position horizontally different from the attachment / detachment position and close to the attachment / detachment position, the attachment / detachment position is located on the holder one to three positions away when the dispensing position is used as the reference, and the powder container cannot be attached or detached to the holder at any position other than the attachment / detachment position.

[0008] The attachment / detachment position may also be configured to be located on the holder two or three positions away from the dispensing position.

[0009] The powder container may also be configured to have a dispensing outlet at a bottom portion, and the weighing section may be configured to be positioned below and overlap the powder container in the vertical direction at the dispensing position.

[0010] In addition, the circular track is arranged on the front side and the back side, and includes a pair of straight tracks along which the holder moves in a straight line and a pair of curved tracks along which the holder moves while curving, and the dispensing position and the attachment / detachment position can be configured to be located within the range of the straight tracks on the front side. Effect of the Invention

[0011] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to prevent powder remaining in the dispensing port or holder of the powder container to be detached from accidentally falling onto the weighing unit or the tray placed on the weighing unit, thereby preventing different types of medicines from being mixed together (cross-contamination), and providing a safe weighing device. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a front view showing the appearance of a weighing device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the weighing device according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a main part of the weighing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a front view of a main part of the weighing device according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the main part of the weighing device according to the embodiment, showing a case where weighing is performed automatically. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the main part of the weighing device according to the embodiment, showing a case where weighing is performed manually. [Figure 7] 13 is a cross-sectional view of the main parts of the weighing device according to the embodiment, illustrating a state in which the dispensing outlet of the powder container is aligned with an opening formed in the table at the dispensing position. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration related to control of the weighing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] 5A to 5C are diagrams for explaining information displayed on an information display unit of the weighing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a schematic plan view showing a tray stacking section of a weighing device according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] A weighing device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Directions in the following description correspond to those shown in FIG. 3. The "width direction" is also referred to as the "left-right direction." The tray T (see FIG. 9) used in this embodiment moves in the order of the tray waiting section 4, the weighing section 3, and the tray stacking section 6. Therefore, in relation to the positional relationship of each component, the movement direction of the tray T may be likened to a flow and described using expressions such as "upstream."

[0014] [overview] The weighing device 1 of this embodiment is a device that can mechanically perform the weighing work of powders, which has conventionally been performed manually by workers such as pharmacists when dispensing powders, and can also be performed manually by an operator if necessary. This weighing device 1 can mechanically or manually supply and weigh powders to a tray T placed on the weighing section 3. Each tray T of this embodiment is supplied with one type of powder, and an operator mixes different types of powders as necessary in a later process (such as when feeding into a packaging device). However, it is also possible to supply multiple types of powders to each tray T in some cases.

[0015] 1 to 3, the weighing device 1 of this embodiment mainly comprises a dispensing section 2, a weighing section 3, a tray standby section 4, a tray transport section 5, a tray accumulation section 6, an information writing section 7, a device-side display section 8, a control section 9, and a housing 10. The main configuration of each section will be described below.

[0016] [Payment section] The dispensing unit 2 includes a powder container 21 capable of accommodating a powder, a holder 22 for detachably holding the powder container 21, a moving mechanism 23 for moving the powder container 21 held by the holder 22, and a dispensing mechanism 24 for dispensing the powder from the powder container 21, and further includes a table 25 for supporting the powder container 21, the holder 22, the moving mechanism 23, and the dispensing mechanism 24. Note that Figs. 3 to 6 show a state in which the powder container 21 is not attached to some of the holders 22.

[0017] (Powder container) A plurality of powder containers 21 are provided in the horizontal direction. The powder container 21 is moved by the moving mechanism 23 to a dispensing position P1 for dispensing the powder. The powder dispensed by the dispensing mechanism 24 falls from the powder container 21 and is stored in a tray T placed on the weighing unit 3 located below. In this embodiment, 14 powder containers 21 are provided. However, the number of powder containers 21 is not limited to this. In each of the powder containers 21 of this embodiment, powders are usually stored by type. That is, one type of powder is stored in one powder container 21. However, for example, for powders that are used in large amounts, one type of powder can be stored in two or more powder containers 21.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 7, the powder container 21 has a cylindrical body 211, a bottom 212 provided at one end (lower end) of the body 211, and a lid 213 provided at the other end (upper end) of the body 211. The powder container 21 defines a space for accommodating the powder M by the body 211 and the bottom 212, and stores the accommodated powder M in the powder container 21 by closing the other end of the body 211 with the lid 213. Then, based on the weighing detection value in the weighing unit 3, a certain amount of powder M is dispensed from the dispensing mechanism 24 to the tray T. Hereinafter, the axial direction of the body 211 is defined as the up-down direction. The powder container 21 of this embodiment is arranged so that the axial direction is approximately the same as the vertical direction and stands on a horizontal plane. The powder container 21 is attached to and detached from the holder 22 with the bottom 212 positioned downward.

[0019] The body 211 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The body 211 of this embodiment is formed of, for example, a transparent material. Therefore, the powder M contained in the body 211 is visible from the outside of the body 211. This allows the amount of powder M in the powder container 21 to be grasped from the outside. The transparent material may occupy the entire body 211, or may occupy only a portion that serves as a viewing window.

[0020] The bottom portion 212 is formed with a dispensing opening 212a for dispensing the powder M, and the powder M is dispensed from the dispensing opening 212a.

[0021] Lid portion 213 is a portion that closes one end of body portion 211. Lid portion 213 is attached to body portion 211 so as to be rotatable about an axis that is parallel to the radial direction of body portion 211.

[0022] (holding body) The holder 22 is a part that detachably holds the powder container 21. The holder 22 includes a holder main body 221 that holds the powder container 21, and a fixed part 223 that is fixed to the moving mechanism 23. The holder 22 in this embodiment is configured to hold one powder container 21. Therefore, the holders 22 are provided in a number corresponding to the number of the powder containers 21. In this embodiment, 14 holders 22 are provided. However, the holder 22 may be configured to hold a plurality of powder containers 21 together.

[0023] The holding body 221 has a communication port 221a formed at a position corresponding to the dispensing outlet 212a of the powder container 21. As shown in Fig. 7, the powder M dispensed from the powder container 21 passes through the communication port 221a and falls.

[0024] The fixed portion 223 is screwed to the moving mechanism 23 (described later), whereby the holder 22 is fixed to the moving mechanism 23 .

[0025] (Moving mechanism) The moving mechanism 23 is a mechanism for moving the powder container 21 held by the holder 22. Specifically, the moving mechanism 23 moves the powder container 21 by moving the holder 22. The moving mechanism 23 moves a plurality of powder containers 21 in the horizontal direction. The moving mechanism 23 of this embodiment moves the holder 22 in a circular motion in a horizontal plane. FIG. 5 shows a moving track Q of the powder container 21. The moving mechanism 23 of this embodiment has a moving body 231 that moves the holder 22 and a moving drive unit 232 for driving the moving body 231. In order to detect the powder container 21 at the dispensing position P1 and the mounting and demounting position P2 described later, an RFID reader / writer 233 that can read and write information from an RFID tag 214 (see FIG. 7) provided in the powder container 21 is provided at a position corresponding to the RFID tag 214 of the powder container 21 at the dispensing position P1 and the mounting and demounting position P2.

[0026] 5 and 6, a dispensing position P1 for dispensing the powder from the powder container 21 is set on the moving track Q. Also, a mounting / detaching position P2 for attaching / detaching the powder container 21 to / from the holder 22 is set on the moving track Q. The mounting / detaching position P2 can be realized, for example, by providing a space above the powder container 21 only at the mounting / detaching position P2, and by making the powder container 21 unable to be attached or detached in the other portions by being hooked on the ceiling portion in the housing 10.

[0027] The attachment / detachment position P2 is provided at a different position in the horizontal direction from the dispensing position P1. In this embodiment, the attachment / detachment position P2 is a position where the powder container 21 next to the first to third adjacent powder containers 21 are held, which is a position close to the dispensing position P1 when the dispensing position P1 is used as a reference. The reason why the attachment / detachment position P2 is not at the same position as the dispensing position P1 is that the tray T is located below the dispensing position P1, and the powder adhering to the powder container 21 to be attached / detached may fall, or the powder may fall from the holder 22 due to vibration during attachment / detachment, which may cause the powder to be unintentionally mixed into the tray T. This positional relationship allows the powder container 21 that has run out of powder to be moved to the attachment / detachment position P2, and the powder container 21 to be removed from the holder 22 and quickly replenished with powder. Furthermore, the powder container 21 after the powder replenishment can be quickly moved to the dispensing outlet 212a. This makes it possible to shorten the time from when the powder container 21 runs out to when dispensing is resumed. However, if they are located one side apart, when attaching or detaching the powder container 21 at the attachment / detachment position P2, the worker's hand or the powder container 21 being attached or detached may hit the powder container 21 at the dispensing position P1, which may result in the powder container 21 falling unintentionally, so it is preferable that they are two or more sides apart.

[0028] In this embodiment, the moving mechanism 23 moves the holder 22 in a circular motion, so that the moving orbit Q of the powder container 21 is a circular orbit. The moving mechanism 23 can move the powder container 21 in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions as necessary (for example, in a direction in which the moving distance to the dispensing position P1 is small). The moving orbit Q in this embodiment is elliptical. Therefore, the moving orbit Q, which is the circular orbit of this embodiment, is composed of a pair of straight orbits Q1 along which the holder 22 moves in a straight line, and a pair of curved orbits Q2 along which the holder 22 moves while curving. The moving orbit Q, which is the circular orbit, is not limited to an elliptical shape, and may be a circular shape, an elliptical shape, a rectangular shape, or the like. In addition, the moving mechanism 23 is not limited to one that moves the holder 22 in a circular motion, and may be one that moves the holder 22 back and forth in a linear or curved shape within a predetermined range.

[0029] In this embodiment, the weighing section 3, the tray standby section 4, the tray transport section 5, and the tray accumulation section 6 are located below the front side range (front half range) of the movement track Q, respectively.

[0030] Hereinafter, one side of the pair of straight tracks Q1 is the front side, and the other side is the back side (depth side), and the direction in which the pair of straight tracks Q1 face each other is the depth direction (sometimes referred to as the front-rear direction). The direction in which the pair of curved tracks Q2 face each other is the width direction (sometimes referred to as the left-right direction). The dispensing position P1 is set in a range on the front side of the moving track Q. The attachment / detachment position P2 is also set in a range on the front side of the moving track Q. In this embodiment, the size of the housing 10 is determined according to the length (size) of the moving track Q of the powder container 21. That is, the depth direction length of the housing 10 is determined based on the facing distance of the pair of straight tracks Q1 on the moving track Q of the powder container 21, and the width direction length of the housing 10 is determined based on the facing distance of the pair of curved tracks Q2.

[0031] The moving body 231 of this embodiment is configured as a belt type whose surface is arranged along the vertical direction. The fixed part 223 of the holder 22 is fixed to this belt. The moving body 231 is formed in an annular shape. The center of the annular belt is the center of rotation about which the holder 22 moves. The moving body 231 is formed in an elliptical shape. A moving track Q of the powder container 21 is formed along the circumferential direction of the moving body 231, and the holder 22 and the powder container 21 move around the outer periphery of the moving body 231. The moving body 231 is provided with fixing parts 231a for fixing the fixed part 223 of the holder 22 at equal intervals in the circumferential direction.

[0032] The movement driving unit 232 moves the moving body 231 in a circular motion. The movement driving unit 232 drives or stops the moving body 231 based on a command from the control unit 9.

[0033] (Dispensing mechanism) The dispensing mechanism 24 is a mechanism for dispensing the powder from the powder container 21 that has moved to a predetermined dispensing position P1 on the movement trajectory Q of the powder container 21. The dispensing mechanism 24 is configured to dispense a predetermined amount of the powder to the dispensing outlet 212a.

[0034] The dispensing drive unit 241 is provided at the dispensing position P1 in the dispensing unit 2, and generates a driving force in the dispensing mechanism 24 when dispensing. The dispensing drive unit 241 drives or stops driving the dispensing mechanism 24 in the connected state based on a command from the control unit 9.

[0035] (table) The table 25 places the powder container 21, the holder 22, the moving mechanism 23, and the dispensing mechanism 24 on it. The table 25 is formed in a plate shape. The table 25 is formed in a rectangular shape having long sides and short sides corresponding to the moving track Q of the powder container 21. The moving track Q is set at approximately the center of the table 25. The moving body 231 is installed on the table 25 so that the longitudinal direction and the extending direction of the moving body 231 coincide with each other. The moving body 231 is installed in the center of the table 25. The table 25 is installed horizontally, and the powder container 21 and the holder 22 are arranged horizontally.

[0036] An opening 251 is formed in the table 25 at a position corresponding to the dispensing position P1 on the moving (circulating) track of the powder container 21. That is, when the holder 22 and the powder container 21 are located at the dispensing position P1, the dispensing outlet 212a of the powder container 21, the communication port 221a of the holder 22, and the opening 251 of the table 25 are vertically overlapped. As a result, the powder in the powder container 21 is dispensed.

[0037] Table 25 is provided with a shutter that is provided on the underside of table 25 and opens and closes opening 251 of table 25. The shutter in this embodiment is formed in a plate shape. The shutter may be disposed, for example, on the lower side of holding body 221. Note that the shutter in table 25 is not essential in dispensing unit 2, and may not be provided.

[0038] [Weighing section] The weighing unit 3 places a tray T that contains the powder dispensed from the powder container 21, and weighs the powder supplied to the tray T. The weighing unit 3 also weighs the powder supplied to the tray T by the dispensing mechanism 24 without dispensing it from the powder container 21. The weighing unit 3 is located below the dispensing unit 2 and overlaps with the dispensing unit 2 in the vertical direction. Specifically, the weighing unit 3 is disposed under a table 25. The weighing unit 3 in this embodiment is an electronic balance. The weighing detection value in the weighing unit 3 is sent to the control unit 9. The weighing detection value is displayed on a display unit of the weighing unit (electronic balance) 3, and this display is visually confirmed by an operator when the powder is supplied to the tray T manually or the like without being dispensed from the powder container 21 by the dispensing mechanism 24.

[0039] The weighing unit 3 of this embodiment is configured to be movable in the depth direction. In an automatic weighing mode (first mode) described later, the weighing unit 3 can be located at a first position S1 on the rear side (farther from the operator) in the depth direction, and in a manual weighing mode (second mode) described later, the weighing unit 3 can be located at a second position S2 on the front side (closer to the operator) in the depth direction. The weighing unit 3 is placed on a platform 101 that is movable in the depth direction, and the weighing unit 3 moves when the platform 101 moves. The platform 101 is pulled out by the operator gripping a handle 102. However, a drive unit for pulling out the platform 101 may be provided so that the platform 101 is automatically pulled out when the mode is switched to the manual weighing mode.

[0040] Here, a lock unit 3a is provided on a door 10b installed on the front side of the weighing unit 3 in the housing 10. In the automatic weighing mode, the lock unit 3a locks the door 10b so that it cannot be opened, thereby holding the weighing unit 3 in an unmovable state at the first position S1 and preventing it from being moved to the second position S2. Note that it is also possible to provide the lock unit 3a on the stand 101, and configure the lock unit 3a to lock the weighing unit 3 so that it cannot be moved in the automatic weighing mode.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 5, the first position S1 is a position where the weighing unit 3 at least partially overlaps with the dispensing unit 2 (table 25) in the vertical direction. The first position S1 is set below the dispensing position P1. Therefore, the first position S1 is a position suitable for automatic weighing. The second position S2 is a position where the weighing unit 3 is in front of the dispensing unit 2 (table 25). In the second position S2, the upper part of the weighing unit 3 is opened as a working space, and a space for performing a manual weighing operation in the manual weighing mode (second mode) is secured as described later. Therefore, the second position S2 is a position suitable for manual weighing. As described above, it is only necessary that the first position S1 corresponds to the position during automatic weighing and the second position S2 corresponds to the position during manual weighing, so that the first position S1 and the second position S2 are not limited to the positional relationship in the depth direction as in this embodiment, and various positional relationships can be adopted.

[0042] [Tray standby section] The tray standby section 4 is a section that holds the tray T before it is moved to the weighing section 3. The tray standby section 4 holds a plurality of trays T (nine in this embodiment, but not limited to this). The tray standby section 4 is configured to place the tray T thereon and transport it so that the tray transport section 5 can grasp the tray T. At least a portion of the tray standby section 4 (a portion on the rear side in this embodiment) is positioned below the dispensing section 2 so as to overlap with the dispensing section 2 in the vertical direction. The tray standby section 4 has a standby tray transport section 41 for placing and transporting the tray T, and a standby drive section 42 for driving the standby tray transport section 41.

[0043] The waiting tray transport section 41 is composed of a belt conveyor extending in a predetermined direction. The waiting tray transport section 41 of this embodiment extends in the depth direction. A plurality of trays T are arranged in the direction in which the waiting tray transport section 41 extends (depth direction) and are stacked. FIG. 3 shows, as an example, a state in which three trays T are arranged in the depth direction, and a tray T is stacked on top of each tray T, resulting in a total of three layers of trays T (nine trays T). The waiting tray transport section 41 of this embodiment is installed under the table 25 in the dispensing section 2. The waiting tray transport section 41 is arranged so that more than half of the waiting tray transport section 41 overlaps with the table 25 in the vertical direction in the depth direction. The waiting tray transport section 41 moves from the front side to the back side, and moves the placed tray T to the back (rear) side in the depth direction to below the transport section main body 51 of the tray transport section 5.

[0044] The standby drive unit 42 drives the standby tray transport unit 41. The standby drive unit 42 drives or stops the standby tray transport unit 41 based on a command from the control unit 9.

[0045] [Tray transfer section] The tray transfer section 5 is a section that transfers the tray T. The tray transfer section 5 is configured to at least remove the tray T from the weighing section 3 after weighing. Specifically, the tray transfer section 5 is configured to move the tray T from the tray standby section 4 to the weighing section 3 prior to dispensing the powder, and to remove the tray T from the weighing section 3 after dispensing the powder. Furthermore, the tray transfer section 5 of this embodiment places the tray T on the tray accumulation section 6 after removing it from the weighing section 3. In this way, the tray transfer section 5 is a section that transfers the tray T in a series from the tray standby section 4 via the weighing section 3 to the tray accumulation section 6. The tray transfer section 5 is positioned below the dispensing section 2 so as to overlap the dispensing section 2 in the vertical direction.

[0046] The tray transport section 5 has a transport section main body 51 for transporting the tray T, and a transport drive section 52 for driving the transport section main body 51.

[0047] The transfer section main body 51 moves in the left-right direction (X direction) and the up-down direction (Y direction). The transfer section main body 51 is configured to grip a tray T. The transfer section main body 51 of this embodiment has a pair of arms 51a. The transfer section main body 51 grips the tray T with the pair of arms 51a and transports the tray T. The pair of arms 51a are spaced apart in the left-right direction and are configured to move toward and away from each other.

[0048] In a standby state in which the tray T is not being transferred, the transfer section main body 51 is located above the tray standby section 4. The position in the standby state is the standard position of the transfer section main body 51. The transfer section main body 51 is configured to be movable in the vertical and horizontal directions based on the standard position. The transfer section main body 51 of this embodiment does not move in the depth direction, but can also be configured to be movable. When the transfer section main body 51 transfers the tray T placed on the tray standby section 4 to the weighing section 3, it moves downward (descends) from the standard position to grip the tray T, and moves upward (rises) while gripping the tray T. The transfer section main body 51 moves to the right in the horizontal direction (the right side in FIG. 3) via the standard position, and stops above the weighing section 3. Next, the transfer section main body 51 moves downward to place the tray T on the weighing section 3, releases the tray T after placement, and waits at the position where the tray T was released.

[0049] After the powder is dispensed onto the tray T, the transfer unit main body 51 grips the tray T containing the powder. It then rises while gripping the tray T and moves to the right. The transfer unit main body 51 moves to above the tray accumulation unit 6 and descends at a predetermined position to place the tray T on the tray accumulation unit 6. After placing the tray T, the transfer unit main body 51 releases the tray T and moves upward. The transfer unit main body 51 then moves to the left (the left side in FIG. 3) and returns to the standard position.

[0050] [Tray stacking section] The tray accumulation section 6 is a post-weighing tray storage area where the trays T containing the weighed powders are placed. The trays T placed in the tray accumulation section 6 are removed by an operator and sent to a subsequent process (packaging device). The empty trays T after being sent to the subsequent process are cleaned by a suction device or the like to remove any remaining powders, and are then returned to the tray standby section 4 by the operator.

[0051] The tray stacking section 6 is positioned below and overlaps the dispensing section 2 (table 25). The tray stacking section 6 is configured to be able to place a plurality of trays T (three in this embodiment, but not limited to this). In this embodiment, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, of the three trays T lined up in the left-right direction, the right two trays are exposed to the front side, and these two trays T can be removed from the weighing device 1 by an operator. The tray stacking section 6 is configured to place and transport the trays T. The tray stacking section 6 has a stacking tray transport section 61 for placing and transporting the trays T, and a stacking drive section 62 for driving the stacking tray transport section 61.

[0052] The accumulation tray transfer section 61 is composed of a belt conveyor extending in a predetermined direction. The accumulation tray transfer section 61 of this embodiment extends in the left-right direction. A plurality of trays T are arranged in the direction in which the accumulation tray transfer section 61 extends (left-right direction). FIG. 3 shows, as an example, a state in which three trays T are arranged in the left-right direction (three trays T). The accumulation tray transfer section 61 of this embodiment is installed under the table 25 in the dispensing section 2. The accumulation tray transfer section 61 is arranged so that the entire area overlaps with the table 25 in the up-down direction. When the transfer section main body 51 places the tray T on the accumulation tray transfer section 61 and returns to the standard position, the accumulation tray transfer section 61 moves from the left to the right in the left-right direction to move the placed tray T from left to right. As a result, the tray T moves to a position where it can be taken out of the weighing device 1.

[0053] The accumulation drive unit 62 drives the accumulation tray transport unit 61. The accumulation drive unit 62 drives or stops the accumulation tray transport unit 61 based on a command from the control unit 9.

[0054] In addition, the tray transfer unit 5 can remove the tray T from the weighing unit 3, and then accumulate the tray T in the tray accumulation unit 6 for each supply instruction corresponding to the prescription information. To accommodate this, for example, as shown in Fig. 10, the accumulation tray transfer unit 61 can be configured to form parallel tray accumulation units 6X, 6Y consisting of multiple parallel belt conveyors, and the trays T can be divided and placed on each tray accumulation unit 6X, 6Y in response to the supply instruction. In this case, the tray transfer unit 5 is configured to be able to move the tray T above the belt conveyors corresponding to the tray accumulation units 6X, 6Y. In other words, the tray transfer unit 5 functions as an allocation means that allocates multiple trays T for each supply instruction corresponding to the prescription information.

[0055] [Information writing section] The information writing unit 7 writes information for identifying the powder, such as prescription information for the powder contained in the tray T, into the information display unit T1 provided on the tray T. Writing is performed by non-contact (wireless) power supply. Writing is performed in both the automatic weighing mode and the manual weighing mode, which will be described later. The prescription information for the powder contained therein is displayed on the information display unit T1. The information display unit T1 of the tray T will be described later. The information writing unit 7 is configured to be able to write an optically readable identifier into the information display unit T1. The information writing unit 7 is installed upstream of the weighing unit 3, and writes the prescription information into the information display unit T1 before the tray T is placed on the weighing unit 3.

[0056] In this embodiment, the information writing unit 7 is disposed, for example, on the front side of the transport unit main body 51 located at the standard position (the position indicated by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 3). The information writing unit 7 writes the prescription information on the information display unit T1 on the path along which the tray T moves from the tray standby unit 4 to the weighing unit 3. That is, the information writing unit 7 writes the prescription information on the information display unit T1 before the powder is supplied to the tray T. For example, the information writing unit 7 may write the prescription information on the tray T that is lifted by the transport unit main body 51 from the tray standby unit 4 and stopped at the standard position. However, this is not limited to this, and the information writing unit 7 may write the prescription information on the information display unit T1 before the tray T is placed on the tray stacking unit 6. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a mistake when the operator takes out the tray T from the tray stacking unit 6. However, if it is assumed that the manual weighing mode is executed, the information writing unit 7 needs to write the prescription information on the information display unit T1 before the tray T is placed on the weighing unit 3. This makes it possible to prevent the powder from being dispensed from the powder container 21 by the dispensing mechanism 24 and to prevent the powder from being supplied to the tray T by manual operation or the like.

[0057] Furthermore, the information writing unit 7 can write prescription information into the information display unit T1 after weighing in the weighing unit 3. In this case, the information to be written can include information about the actual supply (e.g., the weighed value (actual measured value) and the fact that the amount of powder dispensed from the powder container does not reach the target amount) in addition to the prescription information. This makes it possible to alert the operator if there is a shortage of powder dispensed onto the tray T, and to prevent the powder shortage from being erroneously sent to a later process (such as packaging) without making up for it.

[0058] [Device side display] The device-side display unit 8 is a section that displays predetermined information related to the supply of powder. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the device-side display unit 8 is provided on the front side of the housing 10. In this embodiment, the device-side display unit 8 is a monitor. The device-side display unit 8 may also serve as an operation unit (operation panel) on which an operator performs predetermined operations.

[0059] [Control Unit] The control unit 9 is a part that controls the operation of the weighing device 1 as a whole. The main parts connected to the control unit 9 are shown in FIG. 8. The control unit 9 switches between an automatic weighing mode as a first mode in which the dispensing mechanism 24 dispenses the powder from the powder container 21 while weighing the powder with the weighing unit 3, and a manual weighing mode as a second mode in which the weighing unit 3 weighs the powder put into the tray T without dispensing the powder from the powder container 21 with the dispensing mechanism 24, according to a target value of the powder amount related to the supply instruction inputted through the connected instruction input unit 9a. The supply instruction includes, for example, the type of powder dispensed by the dispensing mechanism 24, the supply amount and the target value of each powder, and the like. The instruction input unit 9a can take various forms, such as an input unit that receives prescription information from a host system installed in a dispensing pharmacy, a barcode reader, an RFID reader, a keyboard, and a touch panel, for example.

[0060] In the automatic weighing mode, the control unit 9 drives the dispensing drive unit 241 to dispense the powder from the powder container 21. The control unit 9 controls the drive of the dispensing drive unit 241 in accordance with the weighing detection value input from the weighing unit 3, and dispenses the amount of powder related to the supply instruction. The following multiple patterns can be exemplified as the control of the control unit 9 in this embodiment.

[0061] The control unit 9 can set the automatic weighing mode when the powder related to the supply instruction is contained in the powder container 21, and can set the manual weighing mode when the powder is not contained in the powder. Specifically, when the powder to be dispensed is drug A, the control unit 9 inputs the powder related to the supply instruction as drug A together with the target value of the powder amount to be supplied. When the drug A is contained in the powder container 21, the control unit 9 causes the dispensing mechanism 24 to dispense the drug A (automatic weighing mode). On the other hand, when the drug A is not contained in the powder container 21, the control unit 9 does not instruct the dispensing mechanism 24 to dispense and executes the manual weighing mode. In this embodiment, in the automatic weighing mode, the powder is automatically weighed according to the target value of the powder amount related to the supply instruction. In the manual weighing mode, dispensing by the dispensing mechanism 24 is not performed, so for example, the operator transfers the drug A from a powder bottle or the like in which the drug A is contained to a tray T and weighs it with the weighing unit 3.

[0062] In addition, the control unit 9 can be configured to allow the operator to select whether to continue dispensing in the automatic weighing mode by refilling the powder container 21 with powder and continue dispensing in the automatic weighing mode, or to switch to the manual weighing mode, when the powder container 21 is empty, or when it is predicted that the amount of powder in the powder container 21 will be insufficient for the target value by the end of dispensing, the operator can select whether to refill the powder container 21 with powder and continue automatic weighing (automatic weighing mode), or to manually weigh the amount of powder that is insufficient for the target value (manual weighing mode). The operator can make the selection, for example, on an operation panel (such as the device-side display unit 8).

[0063] Here, the fact that the powder container 21 has become empty can be detected by the absence of a change (specifically, an increase) in the weighing detection value for a certain period of time in the weighing unit 3. Also, the shortage of the amount of powder in the powder container 21 can be predicted by comparing the target value of the amount of powder related to the supply instruction with the remaining amount of powder grasped before the start of dispensing.

[0064] In addition, when the amount of powder to be dispensed in the automatic weighing mode is insufficient, the control unit 9 can end the operation related to the automatic weighing mode and switch to the manual weighing mode. That is, the control unit 9 may automatically switch from the automatic weighing mode to the manual weighing mode without the judgment of the operator. In this case, the operator may be able to set in advance whether or not to cause the control unit 9 to perform the above control. The control unit 9 can display on the device-side display unit 8 the amount of powder that needs to be supplied to the tray T in the manual weighing mode. Specifically, the control unit 9 calculates the amount of powder that is insufficient from the weighing detection value of the powder contained in the tray T after the automatic weighing mode is terminated due to a shortage of powder and the target value of the amount of powder to be supplied to the tray T, and displays the amount of powder that is insufficient on the device-side display unit 8. As a result, in a state switched to the second mode, the operator only needs to supply the displayed amount of powder to the tray T, making manual weighing work easier. In addition, the device side display unit 8 may not display the amount of powder that is lacking, but may instead display the weighing value of the powder contained in tray T and the target amount of powder to be supplied to tray T, as long as the display allows the operator to understand the amount of powder that is lacking.

[0065] Furthermore, when the multiple types of powders related to the supply instruction include powders that are contained in any of the multiple powder containers 21 and powders that are not, the control unit 9 can be configured to allow the operator to select whether to first switch to the automatic weighing mode and then the manual weighing mode, or to first switch to the manual weighing mode and then the automatic weighing mode. The control unit 9 can also first switch to the automatic weighing mode and then the manual weighing mode without the above selection. Furthermore, the control unit 9 can also switch to the manual weighing mode before the automatic weighing mode and then switch to the automatic weighing mode after the manual weighing mode is completed without the above selection.

[0066] In addition, when the control unit 9 is instructed to execute the manual weighing mode while the automatic weighing mode is being executed when dispensing multiple types of powder, the control unit 9 can interrupt the automatic weighing mode and switch to the manual weighing mode once the dispensing of the powder being executed is completed.

[0067] In the automatic weighing mode, the control unit 9 of this embodiment activates the lock unit 3a to prevent the opening of, for example, the door 10b located in front of the weighing unit 3. In addition, in the manual weighing mode, the control unit 9 releases the operation of the lock unit 3a.

[0068] The control unit 9 moves the powder container 21 to the dispensing position P1, and then the tray transport unit 5 moves the tray T from the tray standby unit 4 to the weighing unit 3. That is, the control unit 9 controls the powder container 21 not to pass through the dispensing position P1 while the tray T is placed on the weighing unit 3.

[0069] When table 25 has a shutter, control unit 9 closes the shutter of table 25 while moving mechanism 23 is moving multiple powder containers 21, and opens the shutter after tray transport unit 5 moves tray T to weighing unit 3. Control unit 9 also opens the shutter before dispensing powder from powder container 21. Specifically, control unit 9 opens the shutter after tray T is placed on weighing unit 3 and after zero adjustment (tare) of weighing unit 3.

[0070] [Case] The housing 10 is configured to surround the dispensing section 2, the weighing section 3, the tray standby section 4, the tray transport section 5, the tray accumulation section 6, the information writing section 7, the device side display section 8, and the control section 9. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the housing 10 is formed with a window 10a for attaching and detaching the powder container 21 at a position corresponding to the attachment / detachment position P2 of the powder container 21. In addition, the housing 10 is provided with a door 10b on the front side of the weighing section 3 (Figs. 1 and 2 show the door 10b in an open state). In the manual weighing mode, the operator opens the door 10b and pulls out the weighing section 3 to the second position S2 to perform manual weighing. In addition to the above-mentioned parts, the housing 10 can be provided with various mechanisms for supporting operations required for supplying powder, such as a journal printer for printing prescription information of the supplied powder and information on the supply result on paper, and a barcode reader for managing the powder container 21.

[0071] [Tray] The tray T used in the weighing device 1 of this embodiment is for containing the powder medicine to be supplied. This tray T is shaped so that it can weigh the supplied powder medicine by being placed on the weighing unit 3 and can be transported by the tray transport unit 5, and in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, it is formed in a flat, approximately rectangular parallelepiped shape with an open upper end. It is preferable that a plurality of trays T are shaped so that they can be stacked upward as shown in FIG. 3. In addition, this tray T has side projections T2 that engage with a pair of arms 51a of the tray transport unit 5 or on which an operator can hook his / her fingers.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 9, the tray T includes an information display unit T1 on which prescription information of the powder medicine contained therein is displayed. The information display unit T1 is provided on one of the four side surfaces. The information display unit T1 of this embodiment is configured to be attached to the main body of the tray T by inserting it as shown in the figure, but can also be attached to the side surface of the tray T, for example. In this embodiment, a display unit equipped with electronic paper is used as the information display unit T1. Since the electronic paper can hold the display contents without requiring power, it can contribute to energy saving compared to, for example, a liquid crystal display. In addition, the information displayed on the information display unit T1 can be rewritten by the information writing unit 7. In addition, the information display unit T1 of this embodiment is configured so that the display written by the information writing unit 7 is held until the next writing by the information writing unit 7. It is also possible to configure so that the identifier displayed on the information display unit T1 is read in a downstream device (such as a packaging device) and the display of the information display unit T1 including the identifier is erased.

[0073] Various information can be displayed on the information display section T1. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the prescription information can display the reception number J1, reception date and time J2, patient name J3, age J4, drug name J5, drug type symbol J6, weighing value J7, barcode J8, RP number J9, etc. The prescription information includes information such as patient information (patient name, patient ID, patient's date of birth, patient's age), drug information (drug name, drug code, dosage), usage information (usage, usage code), medication information (internal use, external use, etc.), consultation type (outpatient, hospitalization, etc.), and prescription issuance date and time. The reception number J1 is a number that is assigned to each prescription information when a host system installed in a dispensing pharmacy receives prescription information from a higher-level computer such as a prescription ordering system. The reception date and time J2 is the date and time when the host system receives the prescription information. In the host system, in order to assign dispensing instructions to each dispensing device based on the prescription information received from the upper computer, the prescription information is classified according to specific conditions such as drug type, dosage, and time of administration, and an RP number (RP1, RP2, etc.) is assigned to each classified data. In addition, information required for operating each dispensing device (patient name, patient ID, patient's date of birth, patient's age, drug name, drug code, dosage, dosage, dosage code, etc.) is extracted from the prescription information received from the upper system. Then, in the host system, the reception number and reception date and time, the RP number of each classified data, and the extracted prescription information corresponding to each data are linked and stored, and dispensing information for operating each dispensing device is generated. The control unit 9 acquires the dispensing information and issues a supply instruction based on the acquired dispensing information.

[0074] In addition, the display corresponding to the barcode J8 may be an optically readable identifier such as a two-dimensional code in addition to the barcode (one-dimensional code) shown in the figure. The identifier stores information specific to each dispensing information generated by the host system. The identifier has the advantage that the information can be easily read by a reading means such as a barcode reader, making it easy to perform mechanical processing in a later process. For this reason, for example, by reading the identifier by a reading means, the dispensing information stored in the host system can be called up, and a system can be constructed in which the dispensing information can be automatically input from the host system to the packaging device. Furthermore, the information display unit T1 can be provided with an electrically readable identifier such as an RFID tag instead of or in addition to the optically readable identifier.

[0075] [Instructions for use] A method of using the weighing device 1 according to the present embodiment configured as described above will be outlined below. Note that the following method of use is merely an example and is not limited to this. Prior to use, an operator places powder in each of the multiple powder containers 21. At this time, different types of powder can be placed in each powder container 21, or the same type of powder can be placed in two or more powder containers 21. Next, the operator attaches the powder container 21 containing the powder to the holder 22 at the attachment / detachment position P2.

[0076] Next, prescription information is input to the weighing device 1 via the instruction input unit 9a. Then, the control unit 9 controls the tray transport unit 5 to move the tray T in the tray standby unit 4 to the weighing unit 3, and also operates the moving mechanism 23 to move the holder 22 in a circular motion. The control unit 9 operates the information writing unit 7 for the tray T during the movement to write prescription information in the information display unit T1 provided on the tray T. When the powder container 21 containing the powder to be dispensed reaches the dispensing position P1, the control unit 9 stops the moving mechanism 23. When the powder container 21 containing the powder to be dispensed reaches the dispensing position P1, the control unit 9 moves the tray T to the weighing unit 3.

[0077] Next, the control unit 9 operates the dispensing mechanism 24 to start dispensing the powder. The control unit 9 controls the dispensing mechanism 24 based on the weighing detection value sent from the weighing unit 3, and when the amount of powder corresponding to the prescription information is supplied to the tray T, the control unit 9 stops driving the dispensing mechanism 24.

[0078] Next, the control unit 9 controls the tray transport unit 5 to move the tray T to which the powder has been supplied from the weighing unit 3 to the tray accumulation unit 6. The operator holds the tray T that has been moved to the tray accumulation unit 6 by hand and inserts it into a packaging device or the like.

[0079] The above description is a method of use in the automatic weighing mode. In the manual weighing mode, as in the automatic weighing mode, the tray T in the tray standby section 4 is moved to the weighing section, and the information writing section 7 is operated during the movement to write prescription information on the information display section T1 provided on the tray T. When the tray T is moved to the weighing section, the control section 9 unlocks the lock section 3a. This allows the door 10b to be opened. The worker opens the door 10b, grasps the handle 102, and pulls out the weighing section 3 together with the stand 101 to the second position S2. The tray T may be placed on the weighing section 3 by the worker without moving the tray T to the weighing section 3 by the tray transport section 5. In this case, the control section 9 unlocks the lock section 3a by the worker operating the device side display section 8, etc. Then, after the weighing section is pulled out to the second position S2, the powder is supplied to the tray T from the powder bottle. The operator adjusts the supply amount so as to correspond to the prescription information while visually checking the weighing detection value displayed on the display unit of the weighing unit 3. The operator removes the tray T supplied with the powder from the weighing unit 3 and places it in a packaging device or the like. In addition, after the powder is supplied to the tray T, the weighing unit may be returned to the first position S1, and the control unit 9 may control the tray transport unit 5 to move the tray T supplied with the powder from the weighing unit 3 to the tray accumulation unit 6 in the same manner as in the automatic weighing mode.

[0080] [Summary of the embodiment] Combinations of configurations in the weighing device 1 according to the above-described embodiment and actions that can be expected from the combinations of configurations will be described below in first to fifth embodiments.

[0081] (First embodiment) The weighing device 1 of the first embodiment has a powder container 21 capable of containing powder, and comprises a dispensing section 2 that dispenses the powder from the powder container 21, a weighing section 3 on which a tray T is placed to receive the powder dispensed from the powder container 21 and which weighs the powder dispensed onto the tray T, a tray transport section 5 that removes the tray T from the weighing section 3 after weighing, and a tray accumulation section 6 on which a plurality of trays T containing weighed powder are placed.

[0082] According to the above-mentioned configuration, the trays T containing the powder are placed on the tray stacking section 6, and the trays T are temporarily held on the tray stacking section 6. Therefore, the powder can be supplied to the next tray while the tray T is placed on the tray stacking section 6, and it is not necessary to remove the tray T containing the powder from the weighing device 1 every time the powder is supplied. In addition, the powder to be packaged next can be weighed even if the packaging is not completed, so the operating rate of the weighing device is not reduced. Compared to a configuration in which the post-processing such as packaging is performed immediately after weighing, the worker can use another dispensing device such as a packaging device to dispense the powder contained in any of the multiple trays T, so that the degree of freedom of the post-processing after weighing can be increased. In addition, multiple types of powder can be weighed in advance, and each powder can be packaged in parallel using multiple packaging devices.

[0083] The weighing device 1 further includes an information writing unit 7 that writes information for identifying the powder medicine contained in the tray T into an information display unit T1 provided on the tray T.

[0084] According to the above configuration, since information for identifying the powder contained in the tray is displayed on the information display unit provided on the tray T, it is possible to prevent an operator from picking up the wrong tray T. It is also possible to prevent an operator from supplying the wrong powder to a packaging device or the like in a later process. It is also possible to prevent an operator from supplying the wrong powder to the tray T manually or the like without dispensing the powder from the powder container 21 by the dispensing unit 2.

[0085] Moreover, the information writing unit 7 writes an optically readable identifier into the information display unit T1.

[0086] According to the above configuration, the information writing unit 7 writes an optically readable identifier to the information display unit T1. Therefore, by providing the dispensing device with a device for reading the identifier, the powder contained in the tray T can be identified in the dispensing device.

[0087] Moreover, electronic paper is used as the information display unit T1.

[0088] According to the above-mentioned configuration, the contents displayed on the information display unit T1 can be maintained without requiring power. Also, the information writing unit 7 can rewrite the information displayed on the information display unit T1.

[0089] Further, the tray transport section 5 removes the tray T from the weighing section 3, and thereafter, stacks the tray T in the tray stacking section 6 for each supply instruction corresponding to the prescription information.

[0090] According to the above configuration, the trays are collected and accumulated in the tray accumulation section for each supply instruction corresponding to the prescription information, so that the operator is unlikely to get confused as to which supply instruction the tray T corresponds to.

[0091] As described above, according to the first embodiment, it is not necessary to remove the tray T containing the powder from the weighing device 1 every time the powder is supplied, and the powder to be packaged next can be weighed even if packaging is not completed, so the operating rate of the weighing device 1 is not reduced. In addition, the degree of freedom of the post-processing after weighing can be increased. In addition, multiple types of powder can be packaged in parallel, for example, using multiple packaging devices. Therefore, it is possible to provide a weighing device 1 that can efficiently weigh the powder and is easy to use.

[0092] Second embodiment The weighing device 1 of the second embodiment includes a dispensing unit 2 having a plurality of powder containers 21 each capable of containing a powder and having a dispensing outlet 212a, a moving mechanism 23 for moving the plurality of powder containers 21, and a dispensing mechanism 24 for dispensing powder from the powder containers 21 that have moved to a predetermined dispensing position P1 on a movement track Q of the plurality of powder containers 21; a weighing unit 3 on which a tray T for receiving powder dispensed from the powder containers 21 is placed and which weighs the powder dispensed onto the tray T; The dispensing unit 2 comprises a tray waiting unit 4 which holds a number of the trays T, a tray transport unit 5 which moves the tray T from the tray waiting unit 4 to the weighing unit 3 and removes the tray T from the weighing unit 3 after dispensing, and a post-weighing tray placement area 6 on which the tray T containing the weighed powder is placed, and the dispensing unit 2 has the multiple powder containers 21 arranged horizontally, and the tray waiting unit 4, tray transport unit 5, weighing unit 3 and post-weighing tray placement area 6 are each positioned below the dispensing unit 2, overlapping each other.

[0093] According to the above configuration, a plurality of powder containers 21 are arranged horizontally in the dispensing section 2, and the tray standby section 4, tray transport section 5, weighing section 3, and post-weighing tray storage area 6 are each positioned below the dispensing section 2. This allows for effective use of the space below the dispensing section 2. As a result, the components within the device can be arranged three-dimensionally, allowing the device to be made small in the width and depth directions, and can be arranged in a narrow space.

[0094] In the tray standby section 4, a plurality of the trays T are arranged in the depth direction.

[0095] According to the above-mentioned configuration, since the trays T on the tray standby section 4 are arranged in the depth direction, it is possible to increase the number of trays that can be held on the tray standby section 4 without increasing the width dimension of the apparatus.

[0096] The post-weighing tray placement area 6 is a tray accumulation section 6 on which a plurality of trays T containing weighed powder medicines are placed, and the tray accumulation section 6 is positioned below and overlaps the dispensing section 2.

[0097] According to the above-mentioned configuration, the tray stacking section 6 on which multiple trays T are placed is positioned below and overlaps the dispensing section 2, so that multiple trays T after weighing can be placed in the space below the dispensing section 2. Therefore, even when multiple trays T are placed in the post-weighing tray placement area 6, multiple trays T can be stacked while keeping the device compact without expanding the device in the width and depth directions.

[0098] In addition, the dispensing section 2 has a plurality of holding bodies 22 that removably hold the plurality of powder containers 21, and the plurality of holding bodies 22 are configured to revolve on a circular orbit Q that extends from the front side to the rear side.

[0099] According to the above configuration, the holder 22 is configured to move on the orbit Q extending from the front side to the rear side, so that the movement orbit Q can be made to overlap on the front side and the rear side when viewed from the front. Therefore, the weighing device 1 can be configured to be small in the width direction.

[0100] The tray standby section 4, the tray transport section 5, the weighing section 3, and the post-weighing tray placement area 6 are located below the front side range of the circular track Q, respectively.

[0101] According to the above-mentioned configuration, the tray waiting section 4, tray transport section 5, weighing section 3, and post-weighing tray placement area 6 are located below the front side range of the circular track Q, so that each section can be easily accessed from the front side where the worker performs his / her work, facilitating manual dispensing or removal of the trays T after weighing.

[0102] As described above, according to the second embodiment, the components in the device can be arranged three-dimensionally, so that the device can be made small in width and depth directions and can be placed in a narrow space. Therefore, it is possible to provide a weighing device 1 that can be installed in a narrow installation location.

[0103] (Third embodiment) The weighing device 1 of the third embodiment includes a dispensing unit 2 having a plurality of powder containers 21 each capable of containing a powder and having a dispensing outlet 212a, a plurality of holders 22 for detachably holding the plurality of powder containers 21, a moving mechanism 23 for moving the plurality of powder containers 21 held by the holders 22, and a dispensing mechanism 24 for dispensing powder from the powder containers 21 that have moved to a predetermined dispensing position P1 on a movement trajectory Q of the plurality of powder containers 21, and a dispensing unit 2 located below the dispensing position P1 and carrying a tray T for receiving the powder dispensed from the powder containers 21. and a weighing unit 3 which places the powder container 21 on the tray T and weighs the powder dispensed onto the tray T, the multiple powder containers 21 are arranged horizontally in the dispensing unit 2, the moving mechanism 23 moves the multiple powder containers 21 horizontally, the powder containers 21 are moved to the dispensing position P1 by the moving mechanism 23, the powder dispensed by the dispensing mechanism 24 falls and is contained in the tray T placed on the weighing unit 3, and an attachment / detachment position P2 at which the powder container 21 can be attached and detached to the holder 22 is provided at a position horizontally different from the dispensing position P1.

[0104] According to the above configuration, the position where the powder is dispensed from the powder container 21 and the position where the powder container 21 is attached to and detached from the holder 22 are set at different positions in the horizontal direction, so that the tray T is not positioned below the powder container 21 involved in the attachment and detachment when the powder container 21 is attached or detached. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the powder adhering to the dispensing outlet 212a of the powder container 21 to be attached or detached or the holder 22 from accidentally falling onto the weighing unit 3 or the tray T placed on the weighing unit 3.

[0105] The multiple holders 22 are configured to revolve on an orbit Q extending from the front side to the rear side, and the attachment / detachment position P2 is located in the range of the orbit Q on the front side.

[0106] According to the above-described configuration, the mounting / removal position P2 is located on the front side of the circular orbit Q, so that the worker can easily access the powder container 21 from the front side where the worker performs the work, and the mounting / removal workability is good.

[0107] Furthermore, when the dispensing position P1 is used as a reference, the attachment / detachment position P2 may be located on the holder 22 adjacent thereto by one to three.

[0108] According to the above configuration, the attachment / detachment position P2 is set at a location where the one to three adjacent holding bodies 22 are located when the dispensing position P1 is used as the reference, so that the powder container 21 can be quickly moved from the dispensing position P1 to the attachment / detachment position P2, and further, after the powder container 21 is attached at the attachment / detachment position P2, the powder container 21 can be quickly moved to the dispensing position P1, thereby shortening the time required for attaching and detaching the powder container 21.

[0109] As described above, according to the third embodiment, it is possible to prevent powder remaining in the dispensing outlet 212a or the holder 22 of the powder container 21 to be detached from accidentally dropping onto the weighing unit 3 or the tray T placed on the weighing unit 3. Therefore, it is possible to prevent different types of powder from being mixed together (cross-contamination), and it is possible to provide a safe weighing device 1.

[0110] (Fourth embodiment) The weighing device 1 of the fourth embodiment has a powder container 21 capable of holding powder, and is equipped with a dispensing unit 2 that dispenses the powder from the powder container 21, a weighing unit 3 that places a tray T on which to receive the powder dispensed from the powder container 21 and weighs the powder dispensed onto the tray T, and a control unit 9 that controls the operation of the entire device, and the control unit 9 is capable of switching between an automatic weighing mode (first mode) in which the dispensing unit 2 dispenses the powder from the powder container 21 while weighing it with the weighing unit 3, according to a target value of the powder amount related to an input supply instruction, and a manual weighing mode (second mode) in which the weighing unit 3 weighs the powder put into the tray T without the dispensing unit 2 dispensing the powder from the powder container 21.

[0111] According to the above configuration, it is possible to switch between an automatic weighing mode (first mode) and a manual weighing mode (second mode), so that when supplying powder that is not contained in the powder container 21 and cannot be dispensed in the automatic weighing mode (first mode) (including cases where it cannot be dispensed due to insufficient remaining amount), the mode can be switched to the manual weighing mode (second mode) to weigh the desired powder.

[0112] In addition, the control unit 9 selects the automatic weighing mode (first mode) when the powder related to the supply instruction is contained in the powder container 21, and selects the manual weighing mode (second mode) when the powder related to the supply instruction is not contained in the powder container 21.

[0113] According to the above configuration, even if the powder container 21 does not contain the powder related to the supply instruction, by operating in the manual weighing mode (second mode), it is possible to weigh powder that is not prepared in the dispensing section 2.

[0114] In addition, when there is a shortage of powder to be dispensed in the automatic weighing mode (first mode), the control unit 9 allows the operator to select whether to refill the powder container 21 with powder and continue dispensing in the automatic weighing mode (first mode), or to switch to the manual weighing mode (second mode).

[0115] According to the above configuration, the powder container 21 can be replenished with powder during dispensing to continue dispensing. Also, the powder can be weighed manually without refilling the powder container 21. In this way, it is up to the operator to decide whether to perform dispensing in the automatic weighing mode (first mode) or the manual weighing mode (second mode), which increases the degree of freedom in the work.

[0116] In addition, when there is a shortage of powder to be dispensed in the automatic weighing mode (first mode), the control unit 9 terminates the operation related to the automatic weighing mode (first mode) and transitions to the manual weighing mode (second mode).

[0117] According to the above configuration, when the amount of powder to be dispensed in the automatic weighing mode (first mode) is insufficient, the mode is automatically switched to the manual weighing mode (second mode), thereby simplifying the operation.

[0118] In addition, the weighing device 1 further includes an apparatus-side display unit 8, and the control unit 9 causes the apparatus-side display unit 8 to display the amount of powder that needs to be added to the tray in the manual weighing mode (second mode).

[0119] According to the above configuration, the amount of powder that needs to be added to the tray T in the manual weighing mode (second mode) can be displayed on the device side display unit 8, allowing the operator to know the amount of powder that is lacking as powder to be supplied to the tray T, thereby reducing the burden of manual weighing work.

[0120] In addition, the dispensing unit has a plurality of the powder containers 21, each of which contains powder by type, and when the plurality of types of powder related to the supply instruction include some powder that is contained in one of the plurality of powder containers 21 and some powder that is not, the control unit 9 can select whether to first switch to the automatic weighing mode (first mode) and then to the manual weighing mode (second mode), or to first switch to the manual weighing mode (second mode) and then to the automatic weighing mode (first mode).

[0121] According to the above configuration, by selecting the automatic weighing mode (first mode) followed by the manual weighing mode (second mode), the operator can proceed with preparations for the manual weighing mode (second mode) while the automatic weighing mode (first mode) is being executed. Alternatively, by selecting the manual weighing mode (second mode) followed by the automatic weighing mode (first mode), the manual weighing mode (second mode) can be manually ended first, and therefore the operator does not need to wait until the automatic weighing mode (first mode) is ended while the automatic weighing mode (first mode) is being executed thereafter.

[0122] In addition, the dispensing unit has a plurality of powder containers 21, each of which contains powder by type, and when the plurality of types of powder related to the supply instruction include some powder that is contained in one of the plurality of powder containers 21 and some powder that is not, the control unit 9 first switches to the automatic weighing mode (first mode) and then to the manual weighing mode (second mode).

[0123] According to the above configuration, the time while the automatic weighing mode (first mode) is being performed (during automatic dispensing) can be used to prepare for manual work required in the manual weighing mode (second mode), for example. Therefore, after the automatic weighing mode (first mode) ends, the mode can be immediately switched to the manual weighing mode (second mode), allowing efficient weighing.

[0124] In addition, when the control unit 9 is instructed to execute the manual weighing mode (second mode) while the automatic weighing mode (first mode) is being executed when dispensing multiple types of powder, the control unit 9 interrupts the automatic weighing mode (first mode) and transitions to the manual weighing mode (second mode) once the dispensing of the powder being executed is completed.

[0125] According to the above configuration, for example, when it is desired to manually and quickly supply powder that needs to be dispensed immediately, the automatic weighing mode (first mode) can be interrupted and the powder can be supplied manually. Also, when the operator has free time during automatic supply in the automatic weighing mode (first mode), the powder can be supplied manually. In this way, even if the automatic weighing mode (first mode) is being executed, the mode can be switched to the manual weighing mode (second mode) at a desired timing, so that the mode can be flexibly adapted to the operator's working situation.

[0126] In addition, the dispensing unit 2 has a plurality of the powder containers 21, each of which contains powder by type, and when the plurality of types of powder related to the supply instruction include some powder that is contained in one of the plurality of powder containers 21 and some powder that is not, the control unit 9 switches to the manual weighing mode (second mode) prior to the automatic weighing mode (first mode), and switches to the automatic weighing mode (first mode) after the manual weighing mode (second mode) is terminated.

[0127] According to the above configuration, the manual weighing mode (second mode) can be manually ended first, so that the operator does not need to wait until the automatic weighing mode (first mode) is finished while the automatic weighing mode (first mode) is being executed thereafter.

[0128] The weighing device 1 also includes an information writing unit 7 which is provided on the tray T and writes prescription information of the powder medicine contained therein into an information display unit T1 which displays the prescription information of the powder medicine contained therein before weighing is started by the weighing unit 3.

[0129] According to the above-mentioned configuration, the information display unit T1 is in a display state before weighing begins in the weighing unit 3, so there is no risk of making a mistake in the powder supplied manually, and the tray T can then be sent to the next process immediately and without error.

[0130] Moreover, the display on the information display section T1 is maintained until the next writing by the information writing section 7.

[0131] According to the above-mentioned configuration, it is possible to know the powder contained in the tray T at the time of the previous supply, and therefore it can be used as an indicator for cleaning the tray T.

[0132] In addition, the weighing unit 3 is configured to be movable and is provided with a locking unit 3a that prevents the weighing unit 3 from moving in the automatic weighing mode (first mode), and the control unit 9 releases the locking unit 3a in the manual weighing mode (second mode).

[0133] According to the above configuration, even if an operator mistakenly tries to use the weighing unit 3 during automatic supply in the automatic weighing mode (first mode), the weighing unit 3 will not move due to the locking unit 3a, and the automatic weighing mode (first mode) can be prevented from being interrupted. Also, in the manual weighing mode (second mode), the weighing unit 3 can be moved to the working position.

[0134] In addition, the weighing unit 3 is configured to be movable, and the control unit 9 positions the weighing unit 3 below a dispensing position P1, which is the position where the powder is dispensed from the powder container 21, in the automatic weighing mode (first mode), and moves the weighing unit 3 to a position where a working space can be secured for manually adding the powder in the manual weighing mode (second mode).

[0135] According to the above configuration, during the automatic weighing mode (first mode), the weighing unit 3 cannot be moved from a location below the dispensing position P1, which is difficult for the operator to reach, thereby preventing the operator from accidentally moving the weighing unit 3 during the automatic weighing mode (first mode), and during the manual weighing mode (second mode), the weighing unit 3 can be moved to a position where work space can be secured, making it easier for the operator to work.

[0136] As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, when dispensing powder that is not contained in the powder container 21 and cannot be dispensed in the automatic weighing mode (first mode) (including the case where the remaining amount is insufficient), the mode can be switched to the manual weighing mode (second mode) to weigh the desired powder. Therefore, it is possible to provide a weighing device that can efficiently prepare powder in response to a supply instruction.

[0137] Fifth embodiment The weighing device 1 of the fifth embodiment includes a dispensing unit 2 having a plurality of powder containers 21 each capable of containing a powder and having a dispensing outlet 212a, a moving mechanism 23 for moving the plurality of powder containers 21, and a dispensing mechanism 24 for dispensing powder from the powder containers 21 that have moved to a predetermined dispensing position P1 on a movement track Q of the plurality of powder containers 21, and a weighing unit 3 located below the dispensing position P1, on which a tray T is placed to receive the powder dispensed from the powder containers 21 and which weighs the powder dispensed onto the tray T, and a weighing unit 4 for holding the plurality of trays T before being moved to the weighing unit 3. The apparatus comprises a tray waiting section 4 which holds a tray T, a tray transport section 5 which moves the tray T from the tray waiting section 4 to the weighing section 3 and removes the tray T from the weighing section 3 after dispensing, and a control section 9 which controls the operation of the entire apparatus, the powder container 21 is moved to the dispensing position P1 by the moving mechanism 23, the powder dispensed by the dispensing mechanism 24 falls and is contained in the tray T placed on the weighing section 3, the control section 9 moves the powder container 21 to the dispensing position P1, and then the tray transport section 5 moves the tray T from the tray waiting section 4 to the weighing section 3.

[0138] According to the above-mentioned configuration, the control unit 9 moves the powder container 21 to the dispensing position P1, and then the tray transfer unit 5 moves the tray T from the tray standby unit 4 to the weighing unit 3. Therefore, when the powder container 21 containing the powder not to be dispensed passes above the tray T, even if the powder adhering to the dispensing outlet 212a of the powder container 21 and its periphery falls, the tray T is not placed below the dispensing outlet 212a, so that the fallen powder can be prevented from entering the tray T. Thus, according to the above-mentioned configuration, cross-contamination caused by the powder not to be dispensed being stored in the tray T can be prevented.

[0139] The apparatus further includes a shutter located between the dispensing section 2 and the weighing section 3 to prevent powder from falling from the powder container 21 moving above the weighing section 3 into the weighing section 3, and the control section 9 closes the shutter while the multiple powder containers 21 are being moved by the moving mechanism 23, and opens the shutter after the tray transport section 5 has moved the tray T to the weighing section 3.

[0140] According to the above configuration, the control unit 9 closes the shutter while the moving mechanism 23 is moving the multiple powder containers 21, and opens the shutter after the tray transport unit 5 moves the tray T to the weighing unit 3. Therefore, the shutter can be kept closed until the tray T is placed on the weighing unit 3, and powder that is not the object of dispensing can be prevented from falling onto the weighing unit 3 or the tray T.

[0141] Furthermore, after the tray T is placed on the weighing unit 3 and after zero adjustment of the weighing unit 3, the control unit 9 opens the shutter to dispense the powder from the powder container.

[0142] According to the above-mentioned configuration, the shutter is opened after the weighing unit 3 is zero-adjusted, so that the powder can be weighed accurately.

[0143] As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, it is possible to prevent cross-contamination caused by powder medicines that are not to be dispensed being stored in the tray T. Therefore, it is possible to prevent different types of powder medicines from being mixed together (cross-contamination), and it is possible to provide a safe weighing device.

[0144] [Changes in the embodiment] It should be noted that the weighing device 1 of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. In other words, even if a configuration is not explicitly stated in the above-described embodiment, it can be modified within the scope of the present invention if it has the same effect as the explicitly stated configuration, and the fact that the configuration is not explicitly stated does not mean that it is intentionally excluded.

[0145] For example, the tray stacking unit 6 may be provided with a display corresponding to each section on which each tray T is placed. In this case, for example, when packaging information is called up by a packaging device in a later process, the corresponding display may be configured to be in a display state. For example, an LED lamp may be used as the display. This configuration is advantageous in that the section on the tray stacking unit 6 corresponding to the packaging information can be recognized, and the worker can easily know which tray T is required for packaging.

[0146] The weighing unit 3 may be provided with two units: a first weighing unit that weighs the powder dispensed from the powder container 21 onto the tray T, and a second weighing unit that weighs the powder manually put into the tray. In this case, the tray transport unit 5 may be configured to distribute the tray T to the first weighing unit or the second weighing unit depending on whether the automatic weighing mode or the manual weighing mode is selected.

[0147] Furthermore, with regard to the control unit 9, when multiple supply instructions are input to the weighing device 1 and the multiple supply instructions include an instruction to dispense the same type of powder, the control unit 9 can also set the order so that the same powder is dispensed consecutively. This makes it possible to shorten the overall dispensing time corresponding to the multiple supply instructions.

[0148] In addition, the control unit 9 can determine whether to use the automatic weighing mode or the manual weighing mode depending on the information on the type of powder contained in the supply instruction. For example, for controlled drugs (poisons, powerful drugs, narcotics, psychotropic drugs, etc.), if cross-contamination occurs, serious adverse effects may occur. Therefore, if information on a controlled drug is included in the supply instruction, the controlled drug can be dispensed manually.

[0149] In addition, the control unit 9 can be configured to be provided with a camera capable of photographing the display unit of the weighing unit (electronic balance) 3, and to confirm whether the display information of the weighing detection value in the weighing unit 3 obtained by the camera matches the weighing value J7 displayed on the information display unit T1 of the tray T.

[0150] In addition, in the above embodiment, the tray T is described as using electronic paper as the information display unit T1, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, various display means such as a liquid crystal screen can be used. Furthermore, although it is less convenient, a printable sheet such as paper can be used as the information display unit T1, and a printer can be used as the information writing unit 7.

[0151] Furthermore, with regard to the trays T, unique identification information can be attached to each tray. In this case, the control unit 9 can store the correspondence between a specific tray T and the powder contained in that tray T, and fix the powder contained in that tray T. This can prevent cross-contamination caused by any different type of powder remaining in the tray T.

[0152] Furthermore, multiple trays T with different capacities can be used. In this case, the control unit 9 can store a correspondence between a tray T of a specific capacity and the powder contained in the tray T. This allows a tray T with a large capacity to be used for powder with a large dispensing amount, and a tray T with a small capacity to be used for powder with a small dispensing amount. This makes it easier to remove the powder when it is sent to a subsequent process. [Explanation of symbols]

[0153] 1...weighing device, 2...dispensing section, 21...powder container, 211...body section, 212...bottom section, 212a...dispensing outlet, 213...lid section, 214...RFID tag, 22...holding body, 221...holding main body, 221a...communicating port, 223...fixed section, 23...moving mechanism, 231...moving main body, 231a...fixed section, 232...moving drive section, 24...dispensing mechanism, 241...dispensing drive section, 25...table, 251...opening, 3...weighing section, 3a...lock section, 4...tray standby section, 41...standby tray transport section, 42...standby drive section, 5...tray transport section, 51...transport unit main body, 51a...arm, 52...transport drive unit, 6...tray accumulation unit (place for placing trays after weighing), 6X, 6Y...parallel tray accumulation unit, 61...accumulation tray transport unit, 62...accumulation drive unit, 7...information writing unit, 8...apparatus side display unit, 9...control unit, 9a...instruction input unit, 10...casing, 10a...attachment / detachment window, 101...stand, M...powder, P1...dispensing position, P2...attachment / detachment position, Q...movement orbit (circular orbit), Q1...straight orbit, Q2...curved orbit, S1...first position, S2...second position, T...tray, T1...information display unit

Claims

1. A plurality of holders for holding a plurality of powder containers; a moving mechanism that moves the plurality of powder containers held by the plurality of holders in a circular direction in a horizontal direction; a dispensing mechanism that dispenses powder from the powder containers located at predetermined dispensing positions on the movement trajectory of the plurality of powder containers; a weighing unit located below the dispensing position, on which a tray is placed, and configured to weigh the powder dispensed from the powder container onto the tray; A weighing device comprising: a shutter positioned between the dispensing position and the weighing section, which prevents powder from falling from the powder container moving above the weighing section onto the weighing section.

2. The plurality of holders detachably hold the plurality of powder containers, The powder containers are attached to and detached from the holder at predetermined attachment and detachment positions on the movement paths of the plurality of powder containers, The weighing device according to claim 1 , wherein the attachment / detachment position is provided at a position different from the dispensing position in the horizontal direction.

3. A weighing device as described in Claim 2, wherein the attachment / detachment position is located in the front side range of the moving track.

4. A weighing device as described in Claim 3, wherein the dispensing position is located in the front range of the moving track.

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