Medicine discharging device and control method of medicine discharging device

Abstract

To provide a medicine discharging device capable of reducing the complexity of discharging medicine into a hand-dispensing device; the medicine discharging device has: a hand-dispensing member (15) having a plurality of recesses (20) for discharging solid medicine, a discharging unit directly or via other components discharging the medicine discharged into the recess (20) to the downstream side, and a control device controlling the discharging unit; in the medicine discharging device, the discharging unit can individually discharge the medicine corresponding to any of the recesses (20), the control device allocates the same medicine into the recesses (20) close to the area according to the prescription information containing the medicine information that should be provided to multiple or one patient, and the discharging unit discharges the medicine in a specified order.

Description

[0001] (This application is a divisional application of the patent application entitled "Pharmaceutical Discharge Device and Control Method for Pharmaceutical Discharge Device" filed by Yuyama Manufacturing Co., Ltd., China, application number 202180024495.X, application date April 9, 2021, priority number JP2020-073984, priority date April 17, 2020.) Technical Field

[0002] This invention, referred to as a hand-dispensing device, relates to a drug dispensing device that discharges solid pharmaceutical agents to downstream packaging devices or the like. Furthermore, this invention relates to a control method for the drug dispensing device. Background Technology

[0003] A pharmaceutical packaging device is known that packages solid pharmaceutical preparations such as tablets or capsules in individual packets (Patent Document 1). Generally, the pharmaceutical packaging device includes a pharmaceutical storage section with multiple dispensing units and a pharmaceutical packaging section for packaging pharmaceutical preparations. Furthermore, a dispensing unit is equipped with a container for filling tablets, etc.

[0004] In the aforementioned pharmaceutical packaging device, tablets stored in the medicine box are taken out one by one by a dosing machine and sent to the pharmaceutical packaging department, where they are packaged according to a single dose using wrapping paper or the like.

[0005] Furthermore, the pharmaceutical packaging device possesses a function known among those skilled in the art as "hand-dispensing," as disclosed in Patent Document 2 below. Here, "hand-dispensing" refers to dispensing a specified amount of tablets, etc., using fingers or a robotic arm, without using a dispensing machine, and then delivering it to the pharmaceutical packaging section for packaging.

[0006] Figure 28 This is a perspective view of the hand-sprinkling device used in the pharmaceutical packaging device disclosed in Patent Document 2.

[0007] Patent Document 2 discloses a hand-dispensing device 100, which includes a hand-dispensing member 102 and a dividing groove unit 103. In the pharmaceutical packaging device disclosed in Patent Document 2, the dividing groove unit 103 is disposed in a main body (not shown). Furthermore, the hand-dispensing member 102 is mounted on the main body (not shown) in a manner that allows it to slide manually.

[0008] The hand-spreading component 102 is a plate-shaped body with recesses arranged in rows and columns.

[0009] Furthermore, in the dividing groove unit 103, the grooves are arranged in rows and columns. The arrangement of the grooves in the dividing groove unit 103 corresponds to the arrangement of the recesses in the hand-operated member 102.

[0010] The hand-release component 102 is installed on the pull-out frame 101 in a way that allows for easy loading and unloading.

[0011] In the pharmaceutical packaging device disclosed in Patent Document 2, the hand-spraying component 102 and the pull-out frame 101 are pulled out from the main body together.

[0012] Then, use your fingers to place the tablet into the recess of the hand-spreading component 102.

[0013] Then, the hand-spraying component 102 is inserted into the main body of the medicine packaging device (not shown).

[0014] With the hand-spreading member 102 inserted into the main body, it is located at the top of the dividing groove unit 103. Then, the bottom of each recess of the hand-spreading member 102 is opened, thereby placing the tablets in each recess into the groove of the dividing groove unit 103.

[0015] Then, the bottom of the dividing groove unit 103 is opened in sequence, and the tablets are delivered to the medicine packaging section 105 located at the bottom in a package quantity and packaged.

[0016] [Existing Technical Documents]

[0017] [Patent Documents]

[0018] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2-269621

[0019] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2001-335002 Summary of the Invention

[0020] (The problem that the invention aims to solve)

[0021] In existing hand-operated dispensing devices, the order in which the slots of the dividing slot unit 103 are opened is predetermined, and the slots of the dividing slot unit 103 are opened one by one from the end.

[0022] For example, when a patient (e.g., patient a) is prescribed medication A in the morning, medication B at noon, and medication C in the evening, the pharmacist places medication A for the morning into the recess of the first row and first column of the hand-dispensing component 102, then places medication B for the noon into the recess of the next row and second column, and then places medication C for the evening into the recess of the next row and third column, and then repeats the operation.

[0023] The medication is dispensed from the hand-dispensing device in the order it is inserted and then packaged sequentially according to the dosage for a single dose.

[0024] As a result, the medication package taken by patient A is discharged from the medication dispensing device in the order of the time of administration, such as morning, noon, and evening.

[0025] In the existing hand-dispensing device 100, as described above, the medicines need to be placed into the recess of the hand-dispensing member 102 in the order they should be packaged, and therefore this operation requires great care. As a result, the pharmacist bears a great deal of mental burden.

[0026] In addition, in recent years, when pharmacies supply medications to nursing facilities, the nursing facilities have made the following request: they want pharmacies to categorize medication packages for multiple patients according to the time of administration.

[0027] For example, when the patients admitted to the institution are three patients, Patient A, Patient B, and Patient C, the medications taken by the three patients in the morning are collected to form a morning medication set, the medications taken by the three patients at noon are collected to form a noon medication set, and the medications taken by the three patients in the evening are collected to form an evening medication set, and then handed over to the nursing institution.

[0028] For example, forming as Figure 29 The following are the connecting strips of medication packages for patients a, b, and c taken in the morning, noon, and evening, respectively, and are handed over to the nursing facility.

[0029] Alternatively, the medication can be prepared on a chart known as a medication calendar and given to the care facility.

[0030] Therefore, there is a requirement for medication packaging for multiple patients in a single administration. For example, medications prescribed for patients a, b, and c are placed in a hand-dispensing component 102 and dispensed individually.

[0031] In this situation, pharmacists are forced to perform tedious tasks such as placing medication A for patient a in the morning into the recess of the first row and first column of the hand-dispensing component 102, medication B for patient b in the morning into the next recess of the first row and second column, medication C for patient c in the morning into the next recess of the first row and third column, and medication D for patient a at noon into the next recess of the first row and fourth column. As a result, the pharmacist's workload is extremely heavy.

[0032] The present invention takes note of the aforementioned problems in the prior art, and its objective is to provide a drug dispensing device that can reduce the complexity of dispensing drugs into a hand-applied device.

[0033] (A solution to the problem)

[0034] In one embodiment addressing the aforementioned issues, a medication dispensing device comprises: a hand-dispensing member having multiple recesses for dispensing solid medication; a dispensing unit that dispenses the medication dispensed into the recesses directly or via other members downstream; and a control device for controlling the dispensing unit. In this medication dispensing device, the dispensing unit is capable of individually dispensing medication corresponding to any of the recesses, and the control device, based on prescription information including medication information to be provided to multiple or one patient, distributes the same medication to recesses in adjacent areas, and the dispensing unit dispenses the medication in a predetermined order.

[0035] According to the rule of thumb, when an individual takes medication in multiple doses such as in the morning, noon, evening, and before bed, there may be duplicate medications among the doses taken.

[0036] Furthermore, in most cases, the same medication is prescribed to multiple patients. For example, for patients in nursing homes, medications to stabilize blood pressure or lower triglycerides are often prescribed, and these medications are usually the same.

[0037] The present invention takes note of these facts and, based on prescription information containing medication information for multiple or one patient, distributes the same medication to a recess in a nearby area.

[0038] According to this design, the same medicine can be concentrated and sprinkled into the concentrated area of ​​the hand-spraying component, thus simplifying the operation and reducing the burden on the pharmacist.

[0039] Furthermore, according to this configuration, the discharge unit can individually discharge medication corresponding to any recess, discharge medication in a prescribed order, and form a desired medication set. For example, medications taken by three patients in the morning can be collected to form a morning set, medications taken by three patients at noon can be collected to form a noon set, and medications taken by three patients in the evening can be collected to form an evening set.

[0040] In the above configuration, preferably, a single dose of medicine and one or more medicines are sprinkled into the recess, wherein the single dose of medicine is one or more medicines, and medicines of the same type and number are distributed into the recess near the region.

[0041] According to this design, the same quantity and type of medicine can be concentrated and sprinkled into the concentrated area of ​​the hand-spraying component, thus simplifying the operation and reducing the burden on the pharmacist.

[0042] In the above configuration, preferably, the medicine dispensing device has a display unit that can display a simulated chart that mimics the arrangement of the recesses, and displays information related to the medicine to be dispensed on the simulated chart and / or on a screen identical to the simulated chart.

[0043] Pharmacists and other staff can insert the medicine into the designated recess while referring to the display device.

[0044] In the above configuration, preferably, the simulated charts should be placed on the recess of the same drug to display uniform markings.

[0045] The markings could be, for example, colored or graphic. For instance, a structure could be designed to differentiate areas containing the same drug by color.

[0046] Of the above-mentioned forms, it is preferred that the hand-dispensing member has an indicator unit that indicates the recess to be placed in the medicine.

[0047] According to this form, the recessed part of the medicine should be placed, so the possibility of misplacement is relatively small.

[0048] In the above-described forms, preferably, a divider is disposed at the lower part of the hand-dispensing component, the divider having a temporary storage component and a bottom surface component, the temporary storage component having a groove corresponding to the recess of the hand-dispensing component and having an opening on its bottom side, the bottom surface component being able to open or close a specific portion to form a drop opening, the temporary storage component and the bottom surface component being able to move relative to each other, allowing at least one of the temporary storage component and the bottom surface component to move, thereby moving the specific groove to the position where the drop opening is formed on the bottom surface component.

[0049] In this type of drug dispensing device, a divider is provided at the lower part of the hand-dispensing component, and the temporary storage part of the divider has a groove corresponding to the recess of the hand-dispensing component.

[0050] In this type of drug dispensing device, the drug to be sprinkled into the hand-spraying component is temporarily moved to the lower divider. Then, the slots of the divider are opened one by one, and the drug is discharged.

[0051] In this configuration, as a method for discharging the agent from the trough, the divider employs a structure that includes a temporary storage component forming the trough and a bottom component forming the bottom.

[0052] In this type of drug dispensing device, the bottom side of the tank is open, but the bottom side of each tank is closed by a bottom surface forming member.

[0053] In addition, the bottom components can open or close specific parts to form a drop opening.

[0054] In this type of drug dispensing device, the temporary receiving part and the bottom surface component can move relative to each other, allowing either the temporary receiving part or the bottom surface component to move, thereby moving the specific groove to the position where the bottom surface component forms the drop opening, opening the bottom surface of the specific groove, and dispensing the drug from the specific groove.

[0055] In addition, the following configuration can also be considered: the bottom side opening of the recess of the hand-dispensing member, the lower part of the hand-dispensing member is provided with a bottom surface component, the bottom surface component can open or close a specific part to form a drop opening, the hand-dispensing member and the bottom surface component can move relative to each other, and at least one of the hand-dispensing member and the bottom surface component can be moved, thereby moving the specific recess to the position where the drop opening is formed on the bottom surface component.

[0056] In the above-described forms, preferably: the bottom surface component is composed of a fully closed area and an openable area, the openable area is composed of movable bottom surface components arranged in a plane with a narrow width, the movable bottom surface components can move individually in parallel, thereby forming the falling opening between the fully closed component and the movable bottom surface component.

[0057] The divider using this design has a simple structure and a small overall size.

[0058] In another embodiment for solving the same problem, a drug dispensing device includes: a hand-spraying member having multiple recesses for sprinkling solid drugs and a dispensing unit for dispensing the drugs sprinkled into the recesses directly or via other members downstream. In this drug dispensing device, a single dose of drug or one or more drugs are sprinkled into the recesses. The drug dispensing device includes: a recess determining unit for determining the recess to be sprinkled according to the type of drug and a guiding unit for guiding the determined recesses.

[0059] Here, "guide unit" includes a simulated diagram on the display unit that mimics the arrangement of the recesses, or an indicator unit set on the hand-dispensing component that indicates the recesses where the medicine should be placed.

[0060] In this type of drug dispensing device, the recess to which the drug should be dispensed is determined by a recess determination unit.

[0061] Pharmacists and other operators can place the medicine into the designated recess while referring to the guide unit.

[0062] In another embodiment for solving the same problem, a drug dispensing device includes: multiple dosing machines, a hand-spreading member having multiple recesses for sprinkling solid drugs, and a dispensing unit for dispensing the drugs sprinkled into the recesses directly or via other members downstream; the dosing machines are equipped with drug cartridges capable of being filled with multiple drugs, and the dosing machines dispense drugs from the drug cartridges; in the drug dispensing device, a single dose of drug or one or more drugs are sprinkled into the recesses, and a recess determining unit is provided that, when distinguishing between drugs that can be dispensed from the dosing machines and drugs that cannot be dispensed, and when the drugs that cannot be dispensed are dispensed via the hand-spreading member, the recess determining unit determines the recess to be sprinkled into based on the type of drug.

[0063] This type of pesticide discharge device has multiple dosing nozzles and a hand-spreading component. The pesticide is mainly discharged using the dosing nozzles. In this type of pesticide discharge device, the hand-spreading component is used to discharge pesticides that cannot be discharged from the dosing nozzles. In this case, the recess to be sprinkled is determined according to the type of pesticide.

[0064] A pharmaceutical packaging device is constituted by any of the above-mentioned pharmaceutical dispensing devices and a packaging device for the pharmaceuticals dispensed from the pharmaceutical dispensing device.

[0065] In one embodiment of the method, a control method for a drug dispensing device is provided, comprising a hand-dispensing member having multiple recesses for dispensing solid drugs, and a dispensing unit for dispensing drugs dispensed into the recesses directly or via other members downstream. In this control method, when the same drug is present in the drugs provided to multiple patients corresponding to prescriptions of multiple patients, the same drug is placed into the recesses in adjacent areas, and the drugs are dispensed in the order of administration time.

[0066] According to the control method of this type of drug dispensing device, the same drug can be concentrated and sprayed into a concentrated area, thus reducing the mental burden on pharmacists.

[0067] (Invention effect)

[0068] According to the present invention, the same medicine can be concentrated and sprinkled into a concentrated area, thus reducing the complexity of sprinkling medicine into a hand-sprinkling device.

[0069] In addition, the dispensing device has a recessed area that makes it easy to identify the dispensed medication, thereby reducing the risk of misplacement. Attached Figure Description

[0070] Figure 1 This is a front view of a pharmaceutical packaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0071] Figure 2Viewed from the diagonal front Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the insertion port and hand-dispensing component of the main body of the pharmaceutical packaging device.

[0072] Figure 3 This is a block diagram of the control device for controlling the hand-spraying device (pesticide dispensing device).

[0073] Figure 4 It means Figure 1 This is an example of a display screen of a pharmaceutical packaging device, showing the distribution of pharmaceutical packages for multiple patients according to the time of administration, and the distribution of solid medications taken one tablet at each time of administration.

[0074] Figure 5 This is an explanatory diagram showing a summary of the patient's prescription.

[0075] Figure 6 Here are top views of the hand-spraying component, where (a) represents the preparation stage, (b) is a top view of the hand-spraying component when agent A is sprinkled, (c) is a top view of the hand-spraying component when agent B is sprinkled, and (d) is an enlarged view of the recess.

[0076] Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional diagram of a hand-dispensing device (pharmaceutical dispensing device).

[0077] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A perspective view of the hand-dispensing device, showing the hand-dispensing components and the divider separately.

[0078] Figure 9 (a) is Figure 7 (a) is an exploded perspective view of the divider, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the temporary storage component.

[0079] Figure 10 (a) is a top view of the hand-dispensing device with the hand-dispensing component omitted, and (b) is its AA cross-sectional view.

[0080] Figure 11 The image shows a stage of the action when discharging the medicine in the number 1 slot of the temporary storage component, where (a) is a top view of the hand-dispensing device in this state with the hand-dispensing component omitted, and (b) is its AA cross-sectional view.

[0081] Figure 12 The image shows the action of discharging the medicine from slot number 1 in the temporary storage component. Figure 11 The next stage, in which (a) is a top view of the hand-dispensing device in the state where the hand-dispensing component is omitted, and (b) is its AA section view.

[0082] Figure 13The image shows a stage of the action when discharging the medicine in the temporary storage unit number 33, where (a) is a top view of the hand-dispensing device in this state with the hand-dispensing component omitted, and (b) is its AA cross-sectional view.

[0083] Figure 14 The image shows the action of discharging the medicine from slot number 33 in the temporary storage component. Figure 13 The next stage, in which (a) is a top view of the hand-dispensing device in the state where the hand-dispensing component is omitted, and (b) is its AA section view.

[0084] Figure 15 It means Figure 1 This is an example of a display screen of a pharmaceutical packaging device, showing the distribution of pharmaceutical packages for a patient according to the time of administration, and the distribution of solid medications taken one tablet at each time of administration.

[0085] Figure 16 It means Figure 1 This is an example of a display screen of a pharmaceutical packaging device, showing the distribution of pharmaceutical packages for a patient according to the time of administration, and the distribution of multiple solid medications at each time of administration.

[0086] Figure 17 It means Figure 1 This is an example of a display screen of a pharmaceutical packaging device, showing the distribution of pharmaceutical packages for multiple patients according to the time of administration, and the distribution of multiple solid medications at each time of administration.

[0087] Figure 18 It means Figure 1 This is an example of a display screen of a pharmaceutical packaging device, showing the distribution of pharmaceutical packages for one or more patients according to the time of administration, and the distribution of multiple medications at each time of administration.

[0088] Figure 19 The display screen of the examination device includes (a) a normal display, (b) a patient-based display categorized by patient, and (c) a confirmation display showing the front and back of a specific area.

[0089] Figure 20 The diagram shows a divider for a hand-operated component used in another embodiment of the present invention, wherein (a) is a top view of the opening and closing mechanism, (b) is a perspective view of the opening and closing mechanism showing the clutch disengaged state, and (c) is a perspective view of the opening and closing mechanism showing the clutch engaged state.

[0090] Figure 21 The middle shows Figure 20 The relationship between the slot and the opening / closing mechanism of the temporary storage component of the divider shown is illustrated, where (a) indicates the state in which the bottom surface of the slot is closed, and (b) indicates the state in which the bottom surface of the slot is open.

[0091] Figure 22 The diagram shows a divider for a hand-operated component used in another embodiment of the present invention, wherein (a) is a perspective view of the opening and closing mechanism, and (b), (c), and (d) are explanatory diagrams showing the operation of the opening and closing mechanism.

[0092] Figure 23 The diagram shows a divider for a hand-operated component used in another embodiment of the present invention, wherein (a) is an exploded perspective view, and (b) and (c) are explanatory diagrams showing the operation of the opening and closing mechanism.

[0093] Figure 24 The diagram shows a temporary storage member for the divider of the hand-operated component used in another embodiment of the present invention, wherein (a) represents the state before the closing plate is inserted into the main body, and (b) represents the state after the closing plate is inserted into the main body.

[0094] Figure 25 This is a front view showing the area near the drug packaging outlet of the drug dispensing device, where (a) indicates that the classifier is in a standby position, and (b), (c), and (d) indicate the state in which the classifier is activated.

[0095] Figure 26 This is a structural diagram of the packaging section of the drug dispensing device.

[0096] Figure 27 (a) is an enlarged view of the medication calendar and medication storage unit; (b) is a perspective view of the cleaning component and medication storage unit, showing the state before the cleaning component is inserted into the medication storage unit; and (c) is a perspective view of the cleaning component and medication storage unit, showing the state when the cleaning component is inserted into the medication storage unit for cleaning.

[0097] Figure 28 This is a three-dimensional diagram of a hand-sprinkling device used in existing pharmaceutical packaging equipment.

[0098] Figure 29 This is a front view of the packaging strips that connect the medicine packets according to the dosage schedule.

[0099] (Symbol Explanation)

[0100] 1. Pharmaceutical packaging device

[0101] 6. Pharmaceutical Packaging Department

[0102] 10. Hand-dispensing device (pesticide dispensing device)

[0103] 11 Display devices

[0104] 12 Display Screen

[0105] 15 Hand-scattered components

[0106] 16. Divider (Discharge Unit)

[0107] 18. Simulated Charts (Guiding Unit)

[0108] 20 concavity

[0109] 22 Indicator lights (indicator unit; guide unit)

[0110] 30 Groove

[0111] 40 Control device

[0112] 50 Temporary storage components

[0113] 51. Bottom surface components

[0114] 55. Completely closed areas

[0115] 56 Openable areas

[0116] 58. Movable bottom surface component

[0117] 61. The opening is lowered.

[0118] 62 medicines Detailed Implementation

[0119] The embodiments of the present invention will be further described below.

[0120] The pharmaceutical packaging device 1 of this embodiment has, as follows: Figure 1 The external shape is shown. The pharmaceutical packaging device 1 is generally divided into a tablet supply section 2, a hand-dispensing section 3, a powder supply section 5, and a pharmaceutical packaging section 6. The hand-dispensing section 3 has a built-in hand-dispensing device (pharmaceutical dispensing device) 10.

[0121] Here, the tablet supply section 2 occupies the upper part of the pharmaceutical packaging device 1. The tablet supply section 2 is configured to include a shelf section 8 and a tablet transport section 9, wherein the shelf section 8 holds various types of solid pharmaceuticals such as capsules or tablets (hereinafter, sometimes simply referred to as "tablets") and holds a large number of tablets.

[0122] The internal structure of the medicine shelf section 8 contains multiple medicine dispensing machines (not shown). Furthermore, each medicine dispensing machine is equipped with a medicine cartridge (not shown).

[0123] The medicine box contains many tablets, which are dispensed one by one. The dispensed tablets are then transported to the medicine packaging section 6 and packaged into small bags according to a single dose.

[0124] The powder supply section 5 and the medicine packaging section 6 occupy the lower half of the medicine packaging device 1, and both are built into this section.

[0125] Powders scraped from the powder supply section 5 are packaged in the same way as tablets.

[0126] A display device 11 is provided on the pharmaceutical packaging device 1. The display device (guide unit) 11 is a known touch panel or the like, which has a display screen 12.

[0127] Next, an overview of the hand-spraying device 10, which is a characteristic part of this embodiment, will be described.

[0128] like Figure 7 As shown, the hand-spraying device 10 is configured to include a hand-spraying component 15 and a divider 16.

[0129] The hand-dispensing component 15 is a plate-shaped component with rows of recesses 20 arranged in it. Each recess 20 has a bottom surface (not shown). This bottom surface can be opened or closed, and, as described later, by opening its bottom surface, the agent in the recess 20 can be moved to the dispenser 16 below it.

[0130] In each recess 20 of the hand-operated component 15, such as Figure 6 As shown in (d), an indicator light (indicator unit; guide unit) 22 is provided, which can make a specific recess 20 conspicuous by illuminating it with the indicator light.

[0131] The divider 16 is a component having a plurality of slots 30, which are the same number as the recesses 20 of the hand-dispensing component 15. The arrangement, i.e., the number and configuration, of the slots 30 provided in the divider 16 are the same as the arrangement of the recesses 20 of the hand-dispensing component 15, and the slots 30 of the divider 16 correspond one-to-one with the recesses 20 of the hand-dispensing component 15.

[0132] The divider 16 can open the slots 30 at any position without a prescribed order. The divider 16 is a discharge unit that can individually discharge the agent corresponding to any of the aforementioned recesses.

[0133] like Figure 7 As shown, a collecting hopper 28 is provided at the lower part of the divider (discharge unit) 16. The end of the collecting hopper 28 is connected to the channel leading to the aforementioned medicine packaging section 6.

[0134] The divider 16 of the hand-dispensing device (medication dispensing device) 10 is housed in the main body of the medicine packaging device 1. In contrast, the hand-dispensing member 15 is formed into a drawer-like structure, which can move in and out relative to the main body of the medicine packaging device 1.

[0135] When the hand-dispensing component 15 is housed within the main body of the pharmaceutical packaging device 1, as... Figure 7 As shown, the hand-spraying member 15 is positioned directly above the divider 16, fully opening the bottom surface of the recess 20, thereby moving the medicine in the recess 20 to the slot 30 of the divider 16.

[0136] Next, the control device 40 will be described.

[0137] like Figure 3 As shown, the control device 40 performs the following control: dispensing the same medication into a recess in a nearby area based on prescription information containing medication information to be provided to multiple or one patient.

[0138] The control device 40 functions as a recess determination unit that determines the recess 20 to be sprinkled according to the type of medicine.

[0139] In addition, the control device 40 has the function of distinguishing between agents that can be discharged from the dosing machine and agents that cannot be discharged from the dosing machine.

[0140] These functions are implemented through a classification process.

[0141] The control device 40 is a device with a known CPU (central processing unit) or memory, in which the classification program is stored. Additionally, the control device 40 has a prescription information input unit.

[0142] The control device 40 is connected to an external server.

[0143] In this embodiment, prescription information is input from the server. The prescription information includes information about the type and quantity of the requested medication. Additionally, the prescription information also includes information such as the quantity or timing of administration.

[0144] The output side of the control device is connected to a display device 11, a divider 16, and an indicator light 22 for the manual dispensing component 15.

[0145] The classification procedure is as follows: referring to the prescription information of multiple patients, when there are common medications, they are grouped together to form a set.

[0146] The prescription information includes the type of medication, dosage, timing of administration, and method of administration.

[0147] The classification process filters out medications requiring manual dispensing from the prescription information and refers to the information of those medications. Specifically, it refers to the type, dosage, and time of administration of the medication requiring manual dispensing.

[0148] That is, the prescription information includes medications such as solid medications, powders, and topical medications. Furthermore, solid medications include those actually stored in the tablet supply unit 2 and capable of being dispensed from the dispensing machine, as well as those not stored in the tablet supply unit 2. The concept of prescription information also includes information processed for dispensing, referred to as dispensing information.

[0149] The classification procedure is at least as follows: referring to information on solid medications that are not actually stored in the tablet supply section 2 and should be discharged using the hand-dispensing device 10, when common medications exist, they are grouped together to form a set.

[0150] Then, the troughs 30 containing the medicines in the collection are concentrated in one area for distribution. It should be noted that, as mentioned above, the troughs 30 of the divider 16 correspond one-to-one with the recesses 20 of the hand-spraying member 15. Therefore, by distributing the medicines to the troughs 30 of the divider 16, the recesses 20 (hand-spraying member 15) into which each medicine is sprinkled are actually distributed.

[0151] That is, the classification procedure is a procedure for determining the recess 20 to be sprinkled according to the type of medicine.

[0152] Then, as Figure 4 As shown, a simulation diagram (guide unit) 18 simulating the hand-dispensing component 15 is displayed on the display screen 12 of the display device 11, and the results of the dispensing are shown.

[0153] For example, such as Figure 4 As shown, the agents are displayed in different colors according to their type (color differentiation display). The agents that should be sprinkled in the area are displayed in a way that is, for example, A, B, C.

[0154] Additionally, the indicator light (guide unit) 22 of the hand-spraying component 15 is illuminated, thereby indicating the recess 20 where a specific agent should be sprayed.

[0155] The pharmaceutical packaging device 1 of this embodiment dispenses the required medication based on prescription information input from the outside, and can package and dispense the medication in a single dose.

[0156] Here, the pharmaceutical packaging device 1 of this embodiment has the following three patterns as a packaging method for a single dose.

[0157] (1) Only the medicine discharged from the tablet supply section 2 is packaged according to a single dose.

[0158] (2) Only the medicine discharged by the hand-dispensing device 10 is packaged according to the dosage for one dose.

[0159] (3) The medicines discharged from the tablet supply section 2 and the hand-dispensing device 10 are combined and packaged according to the dosage for one dose.

[0160] It should be noted that, in addition to this, there is also a mode in which the medicine discharged from the powder supply section 5 is packaged separately or together with tablets, etc. However, since the treatment of the medicine discharged from the powder supply section 5 is the same as the treatment of the medicine discharged from the tablet supply section 2, its description is omitted.

[0161] In this embodiment, when the prescription information includes medication that is not stored in the tablet supply unit 2, the medication is delivered from the hand-dispensing device 10 to the medication packaging unit 6 and packaged.

[0162] In the pharmaceutical packaging device 1 of this embodiment, pharmaceuticals that can be discharged from the dispensing machine and pharmaceuticals that cannot be discharged from the dispensing machine are distinguished. Pharmaceuticals that are not stored in the tablet supply section 2 and cannot be discharged from the dispensing machine are discharged from the hand-spraying device 10.

[0163] Pharmacists and other operators refer to the simulation chart 18 displayed on the display device 11 and the indicator light 22 of the hand-dispensing component 15 to place the specific medicine into the recess 20 of the hand-dispensing component 15 that belongs to the designated area.

[0164] Then, when the time comes to discharge the specific agent, any one of the slots 30 belonging to the area where the agent is concentrated is opened, and the agent is discharged from the opened slot 30.

[0165] The following is as follows: Figure 5 The following explanation will be based on the example shown in the table, where the medication is packaged for patients a to j. Additionally, for ease of explanation, as... Figure 4 As shown, the recesses 20 of the hand-held component 15 are numbered one by one from the end.

[0166] As shown in the example, for patients a to j, the medication is administered four times a day: in the morning, at noon, in the evening, and before bedtime. Here, blank spaces indicate medications that can be supplied from the tablet supply unit 2; medications matching these blank spaces are automatically supplied from the tablet supply unit 2.

[0167] It should be noted that in many cases, the medicine is received from both the tablet supply section 2 and the hand-dispensing component 15 and placed together in a medicine package.

[0168] For example, when patient A takes medication in the morning... Figure 5In addition to the drug A shown in the table, if other drugs not shown are taken and these other drugs are stored in the tablet supply section 2, the drugs are supplied from both the tablet supply section 2 and the dispensing member 15, and the drugs from both are simultaneously sent to the drug packaging section 6 and packaged.

[0169] Based on the given examples, medication A is prescribed for patients a, c, f, g, and i. Medication B is prescribed for patients b, d, g, and i. Medication C is prescribed for patients e and h. Medication D is prescribed for patient j.

[0170] Assuming that when making 5-day supply packages of medicine, medicine A requires 25 packets, medicine B requires 20 packets, medicine C requires 10 packets, and medicine D requires 5 packets.

[0171] For example, assuming the same number of medications A should be applied to recess 20 for each patient or administration time, and assuming one tablet of medication A is prescribed for each patient or administration time, one tablet of medication A is allocated to each of the areas numbered 1-25 in recess 20. The same allocation is performed for other medications B-D. Specifically, assuming one tablet of medications B-D should be applied to recess 20 for each patient or administration time, one tablet of medication B is allocated to each of the areas numbered 26-45 in recess 20, one tablet of medication C is allocated to each of the areas numbered 46-55 in recess 20, and one tablet of medication D is allocated to each of the areas numbered 56-60 in recess 20.

[0172] When the prescription information described above is input into the control device 40, areas numbered 1 to 25 of the recesses 20 are designated as areas for medication A. Additionally, areas numbered 26 to 45 of the recesses 20 are designated as areas for medication B. Similarly, areas numbered 46 to 55 of the recesses 20 are designated as areas for medication C, and areas numbered 56 to 60 of the recesses 20 are designated as areas for medication D.

[0173] Then, as Figure 4 As shown, a simulation chart 18 is displayed on the display screen 12 of the display device 11, showing the distribution results. The simulation chart 18 uses colors to distinguish the areas where the medicine should be placed. In addition, the types of medicine are displayed in the boxes corresponding to the recesses 20. Thus, the boxes in the simulation chart 18 that contain the same medicine in the recesses 20 are displayed with uniform markings.

[0174] As described above, pharmacists and other operators refer to the simulation chart 18 displayed on the display device 11 and the indicator light 22 of the hand-dispensing component 15 to place a specific medicine into the recess 20 of the hand-dispensing component 15 that belongs to the designated area.

[0175] Furthermore, when the amount of medication to be applied to recess 20 for each patient or at each administration time is not the same, medication A is allocated to recesses 20 numbered 1 to 25 by grouping the same amount of medication together or by grouping the medication according to the order of the patients. The same method is used to allocate the other medications B to D.

[0176] In this embodiment, such as Figure 6 As shown in (b), the indicator light 22 of the agent A application area of ​​the hand-spraying component 15 is initially lit. After the agent A application to the agent A application area is completed, the end switch (not shown) is pressed.

[0177] As a result, the illuminated area of ​​the hand-operated component 15 changes, such as Figure 6 As shown in (c), the indicator light for the agent B area of ​​the hand-applied component 15 is illuminated. Similarly, the illuminated area of ​​the hand-applied component 15 changes thereafter.

[0178] It can also replace the end switch, and instead use a camera, sensor, and weight to automatically detect the end of the sprinkle and change the illuminated area.

[0179] After the medicine is dispensed using the hand-dispensing component 15, the designated end switch is pressed. As a result, the hand-dispensing component 15 is stored inside the main body of the medicine packaging device 1. The hand-dispensing component 15 reaches a position directly above the divider 16, and after the bottom surface of the recess 20 is fully opened, the medicine in the recess 20 is moved to the slot 30 of the divider 16. It should be noted that a structure can also be used where the hand-dispensing component 15 is manually pushed into the main body and stored.

[0180] When the hand-spraying operation is completed and the time arrives for the pesticide to be discharged from the hand-spraying device (pesticide discharge device) 10, any one of the slots 30 of the divider 16 corresponding to the area where the pesticide was concentrated will be opened and the pesticide will be discharged.

[0181] For example, when it is the turn of patient a to take the morning medication, the slot 30 corresponding to any one of the medication A areas numbered 1-25 in the recess 20 is opened, and medication A is discharged. Similarly, when it is the turn of patient h to take the noon medication, the slot 30 corresponding to any one of the medication C areas numbered 46-55 in the recess 20 is opened, and medication C is discharged.

[0182] According to this embodiment, the hand-dispensing device can dispense medication in any order, thereby enabling the sorting of medications suitable for delivery to the aforementioned nursing facilities.

[0183] That is, the medications taken by each patient in the morning can be collected into a morning set, the medications taken at noon can be collected into a noon set, the medications taken in the evening can be collected into an evening set, and the medications taken before bedtime can be collected into a bedtime set, and then given to nursing facilities, etc. Additionally, medication packaging and medication calendars can be provided to nursing facilities, etc., as needed.

[0184] For example, when the medications taken by each patient in the morning are collected to form a morning dose set, it is done in the following manner.

[0185] according to Figure 5 As shown in the table, regarding the medication taken in the morning, patient a is medication A, patients b and c are medications discharged from tablet supply section 2, patient d is medication B, patient e is medication C, patient f is medication A, patient g is medication B, patient h is medication discharged from tablet supply section 2, patient i is medication A, and patient j is medication discharged from tablet supply section 2.

[0186] When the medications taken by each patient in the morning are collected to form a morning medication set, the medications are dispensed in the order described above.

[0187] Specifically, first, the groove 30 corresponding to the recess 20 of area 1 (for drug A) is opened to discharge drug A for patient a. Next, drugs for patients b and c are sequentially discharged from the tablet supply unit 2. Next, the groove 30 corresponding to the recess 20 of area 26 (for drug B) is opened to discharge drug B for patient d. Next, the groove 30 corresponding to the recess 20 of area 46 (for drug C) is opened to discharge drug C for patient e. Next, the groove 30 corresponding to the recess 20 of area 2 (for drug A) is opened to discharge drug A for patient f. Next, the groove 30 corresponding to the recess 20 of area 27 (for drug B) is opened to discharge drug B for patient g. Next, drug for patient h is discharged from the tablet supply unit 2. Next, the groove 30 corresponding to the recess 20 of area 3 (for drug A) is opened to discharge drug A for patient i. Next, the medication for patient j is dispensed from the tablet supply section 2.

[0188] In this way, the medications taken by each patient in the morning can be listed in order, thus creating a morning medication list.

[0189] Next, the structure of the recommended divider 16 will be explained.

[0190] The hand-dispensing device 10 of this embodiment, such as Figure 7 As shown, it has a hand-spreading component 15 and a divider 16.

[0191] Additionally, the divider 16, as Figure 8 , Figure 9 As shown in (a), it has a temporary storage component 50 and a bottom surface component 51.

[0192] The temporary storage component 50 has a plurality of grooves 30, which are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the recesses 20 of the hand-spraying component 15.

[0193] like Figure 9 As shown in (b), the groove 30 of the temporary storage member 50 has no bottom surface and is normally in an open state. However, there is a bottom surface forming member 51 on the bottom side of the temporary storage member 50, and the bottom side of the groove 30 is blocked by the bottom surface forming member 51.

[0194] The bottom component 51 consists of a fully closed area 55 and an openable area 56.

[0195] The completely closed area 55 consists of a single panel and does not actually have any openings.

[0196] In contrast, the openable area 56 is formed by six movable bottom members 58 arranged in a planar manner. A narrow, planar, elongated member 60 is provided on the movable bottom members 58.

[0197] By means of a drive source 57, such as a solenoid, the movable bottom member 58 can be moved individually in parallel by the amount of a single groove portion. As a result, a drop opening 61 is formed at the boundary between the fully closed region 55 and the openable region 56.

[0198] The aforementioned fully enclosed area 55 has an area capable of covering the entire bottom area of ​​the temporary storage component 50.

[0199] Similarly, the openable area 56 has an area that can cover the entire bottom area of ​​the temporary storage member 50 when the six elongated members 60 are combined into a rectangle.

[0200] In addition, the divider 16 used in this embodiment can cause the temporary storage member 50 to move in parallel and stop at any position via a drive source not shown.

[0201] In the hand-spraying device 10 of this embodiment, it is also configured such that when the hand-spraying member 15 is stored in the main body of the medicine packaging device 1, the hand-spraying member 15 reaches the position directly above the divider 16, and after the bottom surface of the recess 20 is fully opened, the medicine in the recess 20 is moved to the groove 30 of the temporary storage member 50.

[0202] The hand-dispensing device (medication dispensing device) 10 of this embodiment has a dispensing unit that opens the bottom surface of the groove 30 at any position in a timely manner to dispense the medicine from the groove 30. The dispensing unit is composed of the temporary storage member 50 and the bottom surface forming member 51 described above.

[0203] The following explains the order of sorting.

[0204] For example, when the groove 30 corresponding to the recess 20 of number 1 is opened, such as Figure 11 As shown, the temporary storage component 50 is moved by only one slot. Then, as... Figure 12 As shown, the movable bottom member 58 of the first column moves only one slot portion, thereby forming a drop opening 61 of the slot portion between the fully closed area 55 and the openable area 56. As a result, the bottom surface of the slot portion 30 corresponding to the recess numbered 1 is opened, and the agent 62 is released from the recess numbered 1.

[0205] Next, the case where the groove 30 of recess 20, corresponding to the central recess 28, is opened will be described. The groove 30 of recess 20, corresponding to recess 28, is located in the 5th row from the right and the 4th column from the bottom.

[0206] When the groove 30 corresponding to the recess 20 of number 28 is opened, as Figure 13 As shown, the temporary storage component 50 is moved by only five slots.

[0207] At this time, the temporary storage component 50 is fully exposed from the fully closed area 55. However, since the openable area 56 has an area that can cover the entire bottom area of ​​the temporary storage component 50, the bottom surface of each slot 30 is kept closed.

[0208] Next, as Figure 14 As shown, the movable bottom member 58 of the fourth column from the lower side is moved by a groove amount, thereby forming a drop opening 61 of the groove portion between the fully closed region 55 and the openable region 56, and in the fourth column portion. As a result, the bottom surface of the groove portion 30 corresponding to the recess 20 of number 28 is opened, and the agent 62 is released from the recess 20 of number 28.

[0209] The above-described implementation involves setting up multiple movable bottom components 58, and by moving each movable bottom component 58 independently, only one drop opening 61 is formed. However, it can also be configured such that an opening and closing component is set at a specific position, and the opening and closing component is opened or closed by a motor or solenoid.

[0210] For example, it can also be configured such that, at the boundary between the fully closed area 55 and the openable area 56, six openings are arranged in a column direction, and an opening and closing member such as a hinge flap that can be opened and closed is provided at each opening, and the hinge flap is opened or closed by a motor or solenoid.

[0211] The number of agents placed in each recess 20 of the hand-spraying component 15 is arbitrary; it can be one or more.

[0212] When a patient needs to take multiple doses of the same medication at the same time, the medication can be supplied to the medication packaging section 6 by repeatedly placing the medication one by one into the recess 20 and discharging the medication from the groove 30.

[0213] It can also be configured such that: medicines are moved from recesses 20 containing different medicines to multiple slots 30, and medicines are supplied from the multiple slots 30 to a medicine package.

[0214] Furthermore, this does not preclude the possibility of dividing a single dose of medication into multiple medication packages for storage.

[0215] The hand-spraying device (medication discharge device) 10 described above discharges the medicine sprinkled into the recess 20 of the hand-spraying member 15 via the divider 16. However, it can also be configured to individually open or close the recess 20 of the hand-spraying member 15, thereby discharging the medicine directly from the hand-spraying member 15.

[0216] For example, the recess 20 of the hand-spraying member 15 is formed as a structure without a bottom surface and with an open bottom. Then, a bottom surface forming member 51 as described above is arranged at the lower part of the hand-spraying member 15, so that the hand-spraying member 15 and the bottom surface forming member 51 can move relative to each other. By moving at least one of the hand-spraying member 15 and the bottom surface forming member 51, a specific recess 20 is moved to the position where the bottom surface forming member 51 has a drop opening 61.

[0217] In the embodiments described above, the operation of sorting medicine packets for multiple patients according to the administration time using the hand-dispensing device 10 has been explained. The above usage mode is an example when each tablet of medicine is dispensed into the recess 20 of the hand-dispensing member 15.

[0218] Based on the above usage patterns, it is possible to form such as Figure 19 The packaging strips shown are connected to the drug packets taken at the same time.

[0219] Other possible applications include the following: In any case, a single-use medicine, supplied from the hand-dispensing device (medication dispensing device) 10, is sprinkled into a recess 20. Alternatively, in any case, the same type and number of medicines are dispensed into the recesses located near the area.

[0220] (1) The medication packaging for a patient is classified according to the time of administration, and one solid medication is taken at each time.

[0221] (2) The medication packaging for a patient is classified according to the time of administration, and sometimes multiple solid medications are taken at each time.

[0222] (3) The medication packages for multiple patients are classified according to the time of administration, and sometimes multiple solid medications are taken at each time.

[0223] (4) Classifying the drug packaging for one or more patients according to the time of administration, and sometimes taking multiple drugs at different times.

[0224] The following is an explanation.

[0225] (1) The medication packaging for a patient is classified according to the time of administration, and one solid medication is taken at each time.

[0226] For example, patient A takes medication A in the morning and evening, and medication B at noon.

[0227] Assuming that when preparing a 4-day supply of medicine, medicine A requires 8 packets and medicine B requires 4 packets.

[0228] In this case, such as Figure 15 As shown, drug A is dispensed piece by piece into recesses 20 numbered 1 to 8. Drug B is dispensed piece by piece into the next recesses 20 numbered 9 to 12.

[0229] (2) The medication packaging for a patient is classified according to the time of administration, and sometimes multiple solid medications are taken at each time.

[0230] For example, patient A takes one tablet of medication A in the morning, one tablet of medication B at noon, and two tablets of medication A in the evening.

[0231] Assuming that when preparing a 4-day supply of medicine, it takes 4 packs of medicine containing one tablet of medicine A, 4 packs of medicine containing two tablets of medicine A, and 4 packs of medicine containing one tablet of medicine B.

[0232] In this case, such as Figure 16As shown, recesses 20 numbered 1-4 are designated as areas for holding one tablet of drug A. Recesses 20 numbered 5-8 are designated as areas for holding two tablets of drug A. Recesses 20 numbered 9-12 are designated as areas for holding one tablet of drug B.

[0233] (3) The medication packages for multiple patients are classified according to the time of administration, and sometimes multiple solid medications are taken at each time.

[0234] For example, let's say patient A takes one tablet of medication A in the morning, one tablet of medication B at noon, and two tablets of medication A in the evening. Or let's say patient B takes one tablet of medication A in the morning, one tablet of medication B at noon, and two tablets of medication A in the evening.

[0235] Assuming that when preparing a 4-day supply of medicine, it takes 8 packs of medicine containing one tablet of medicine A, 8 packs of medicine containing two tablets of medicine A, and 8 packs of medicine containing one tablet of medicine B.

[0236] In this case, such as Figure 17 As shown, recesses 20 numbered 1-8 are designated as areas for holding one tablet of drug A. Recesses 20 numbered 9-16 are designated as areas for holding two tablets of drug A. Recesses 20 numbered 17-24 are designated as areas for holding one tablet of drug B.

[0237] (4) Classifying the drug packaging for one or more patients according to the time of administration, and sometimes taking multiple drugs at different times.

[0238] For example: Patient A takes one tablet of medication A and one tablet of medication B in the morning, one tablet of medication B at noon, and two tablets of medication A in the evening. For example: Patient B takes two tablets of medication A in the morning, one tablet of medication B at noon, and one tablet of medication A and one tablet of medication B in the evening.

[0239] Assuming that when preparing a 4-day supply of medicine, it would take 8 packs to package one tablet of medicine A and one tablet of medicine B in one bag, 8 packs to package two tablets of medicine A, and 8 packs to package one tablet of medicine B.

[0240] In this case, such as Figure 18 As shown, recesses 20 numbered 1-8 are designated as areas for holding one tablet of drug A and one tablet of drug B. Recesses 20 numbered 9-16 are designated as areas for holding two tablets of drug A each. Recesses 20 numbered 17-24 are designated as areas for holding one tablet of drug B each.

[0241] In the embodiments described above, such as Figure 4 , Figures 15 to 18 As shown in the figure, after being formed into a state aligned to the right and along the column, the same agent is dispensed into the recesses of the adjacent area; however, the present invention is not limited to this structure.

[0242] For example, it can be arranged in a left-aligned configuration or in a grouped configuration along a horizontal column.

[0243] In the hand-operated component 15 used in the embodiments described above, the recess 20 is as follows: Figure 4 The arrangement is as shown in the diagram, with 10 rows and 6 columns. However, the number of rows and columns of the hand-operated component 15 can be arbitrary.

[0244] The recommended number of columns is 7. For example, if patient a's days 1 to 7 are designated as columns 1 to 7, and rows 1 to 4 are designated as the morning, noon, evening, and bedtime administration times, it is easier to place the medication. Furthermore, by leaving row 5 blank and then designating rows 6 to 9 as patient b's morning, noon, evening, and bedtime administration times, it is possible to avoid accidental spilling between patients and to easily place the medication.

[0245] The pharmaceutical packaging device 1 described above includes a tablet supply section 2, a hand-spraying section 3, a powder supply section 5, and a pharmaceutical packaging section 6. Furthermore, the hand-spraying section 3 employs a characteristic hand-spraying device (pharmaceutical discharge device) 10.

[0246] As shown in the above embodiments, the pharmaceutical packaging device preferably includes a tablet supply section 2 and a powder supply section 5. However, the hand-dispensing device (pharmaceutical dispensing device) 10 of the present invention may also be used in pharmaceutical packaging devices that do not have a tablet supply section 2, etc.

[0247] That is, the present invention can also be applied to the following device: a device for discharging all the medicines contained in the prescription information (including dispensing information for dispensing medicines) input into the medicine packaging device from the medicine dispensing device (hand-dispensing member).

[0248] Next, the preferred inspection device will be described. This inspection device can be built into the pharmaceutical packaging device 1 or set up separately.

[0249] As described above, the pharmaceutical packaging device 1 of the above embodiment can produce the following packaging strips: packaging strips connecting pharmaceutical packages taken by multiple patients in the morning; packaging strips connecting pharmaceutical packages taken by multiple patients at noon; packaging strips connecting pharmaceutical packages connecting pharmaceutical packages taken by multiple patients in the evening; and packaging strips connecting pharmaceutical packages connecting pharmaceutical packages taken by multiple patients before bedtime.

[0250] Regarding the medication packages discharged from the medication packaging device 1, the medication packages taken by patients a, b, c, ..., i, and j in the morning are discharged in succession, followed by the medication packages taken by these patients at noon.

[0251] The inspection device of this embodiment includes a camera that takes pictures of the medicine packages discharged from the medicine packaging device 1 in the order they are discharged, and determines the packaged medicine based on the markings or shape of the medicine. The captured images are processed to retrieve medicines that are similar in shape, size, color, etc. Then, the medicine inside the medicine package is inferred to be the retrieved medicine.

[0252] Then, referring to the prescription information, determine whether the medication packaged in the medicine is the medication that should be administered to the patient.

[0253] In addition, pharmacists such as Figure 19 As shown in (a), the captured images are reproduced on a monitor or similar device, and are also inspected visually.

[0254] Here, the inspection device of this embodiment has a sorting function for rearranging images, such as... Figure 19 As shown in (b), the medication packaging can be displayed for each patient.

[0255] For example, such as Figure 19 As shown in (b), when patient a is selected, only the medication taken by patient a is displayed in a state where the date and time of administration (morning, noon, evening) are known.

[0256] If the prescription is for a two-week supply, then a two-week supply of medicine packaging will be displayed.

[0257] Alternatively, by performing the prescribed operations, it is also possible to return to... Figure 19 The image in (a) shows the display in the order of shooting. That is, the medicine packages can be displayed in the order they are discharged from the medicine packaging device 1.

[0258] Furthermore, it is possible to specify a particular medication package for a particular patient and identify the contents of the medication package discharged before or after that medication package.

[0259] For example, Patient A's prescription for medication, scheduled for noon on October 7th, was supposed to contain three tablets, but the actual package only contained two, missing one tablet.

[0260] One possible reason is that the medication that patient A was supposed to take was mixed into someone else's medication packaging.

[0261] The inspection device of this embodiment can, as Figure 19As shown in (c), the medication packaging was discharged before and after the medication package containing the medication scheduled for patient a on October 7th was filled. Therefore, it is possible to investigate the reason why the medication was not packaged accurately.

[0262] Additionally, when the inspection device detects discrepancies such as different medications or incorrect quantities within the drug packaging, the screen can be automatically switched to [a different display]. Figure 19 The state of (c).

[0263] Furthermore, if a similarly shaped or sized drug is among the drugs discharged from the drug packaging device 1 at the same time, an attention-grabbing display appears on a monitor or similar device. Alternatively, an audible warning may also be used.

[0264] For medications that are similar in shape or size, it is sometimes difficult to make a judgment based on image processing, so pharmacists should be more careful to make visual confirmations.

[0265] Therefore, for example, it is preferred to be in Figure 19 A reminder will be displayed on any screen within the display.

[0266] (Example 1 of a divider)

[0267] Next, refer to Figure 20 , Figure 21 A modified example of the divider will be described below. The divider 63 described below is as follows: Figure 21 As shown, it has a temporary storage member 64. Like the aforementioned divider 16, the temporary storage member 64 has grooves 30 arranged in rows. Each groove 30 corresponds one-to-one with a recess 20 in the hand-dispensing member 15.

[0268] In this embodiment, such as Figure 21 As shown, each groove 30 has an opening / closing member 65 at its bottom. The opening / closing member 65 is plate-shaped, and its middle portion is supported by a shaft of a portion of the groove 30. The opening / closing member 65 is plate-shaped and swings about the shaft support portion 66. The opening / closing member 65 is divided by the shaft support portion 66, with one side functioning as a cover member 67 and the other side functioning as a force point portion 68.

[0269] The cover member 67 of the opening / closing member 65 is located below the opening at the lower part of the groove 30. The force point 68 of the opening / closing member 65 is located away from the groove 30.

[0270] The opening / closing member 65 is subjected to a force by the force-applying unit 70 in the direction of closing the bottom of the groove 30 with the cover member 67.

[0271] The divider 63 of this embodiment has a drive mechanism 71, an action member 72, and a clutch mechanism 73.

[0272] The action component 72 applies force to the opening and closing component 65, causing the opening and closing component 65 to swing.

[0273] The drive mechanism 71 drives the actuating member 72. The clutch mechanism 73 is located between the drive mechanism 71 and the actuating member 72, and is used to connect or disconnect the two.

[0274] The drive mechanism 71 is a mechanism in which racks 77a-77f extend laterally along the drawing and are arranged in six rows longitudinally. The pinion 79 driven by the electric motor 76 engages with each rack 77a-77f, and the racks 77a-77f move linearly by driving the electric motor 76.

[0275] The actuating member 72 is a cam. Gear teeth 74 are formed on a part of the actuating member 72.

[0276] The clutch mechanism 73 has connecting rods 73a~73j and a solenoid 75.

[0277] In this embodiment, the six actuating members 72 are connected by connecting rods 73a to 73j. The actuating members 72 are rotatable relative to the connecting rods 73a to 73j. Furthermore, the actuating members 72 and the connecting rods 73a to 73j are integral in the axial direction.

[0278] A solenoid 75 is installed on each of the connecting rods 73a to 73j. By driving the solenoid 75, each connecting rod 73a to 73j can move linearly independently.

[0279] In this embodiment, the connecting rods 73a to 73j extend longitudinally along the drawing and are arranged in ten columns laterally.

[0280] Each functional component 72 is as follows Figure 20 As shown in (b), the teeth 74 of the gears of each actuating member 72 located on the side of the racks 77a to 77f do not engage with the racks 77a to 77f.

[0281] When on Figure 20 When the solenoid 75, located on the far right of the attached diagram in (a), is energized, causing the connecting rod 73a to move, as... Figure 20 As shown in (c), the teeth 74 of the gears of all the working members 72 of the connecting rod 73a engage with the racks 77a~77f.

[0282] In this embodiment, the divider 63 can open the slots 30 at any position without a prescribed order. The divider 63 can also individually discharge the medicine corresponding to any of the aforementioned recesses 20.

[0283] That is, the connecting rods 73a~73j of the longitudinal row to which the slot 30 to be opened are driven by the solenoid 75, so that all the working members 72 of the longitudinal row to which the slot 30 to be opened are engaged with the racks 77a~77f.

[0284] Then, only the racks 77a~77f in the row to which the slot 30 is to be opened are driven. As a result, only the specific actuating member 72 rotates, the actuating member 72 pushes the force point 68 of the opening / closing member 65 upward, causing the opening / closing member 65 to rotate and the cover member 67 to descend, thereby opening the bottom of the slot 30.

[0285] In the divider 63 described above, racks 77a to 77f are driven by an electric motor, and connecting rods 73a to 73j are driven by a solenoid. However, the drive source for driving racks 77a to 77f or connecting rods 73a to 73j is not limited; racks 77a to 77f can also be driven by a solenoid. Alternatively, connecting rods 73a to 73j can also be driven by an electric motor.

[0286] (Example 2 of the divider)

[0287] In the above embodiments, multiple power sources are used to drive the connecting rods 73a to 73j, but by using a one-way clutch or the like, the number of power sources can be reduced.

[0288] exist Figure 22 In the divider 80 shown, all the connecting rods 73a~73j are driven by a stepper motor 89.

[0289] The divider 80 has a rotating shaft 81 on which the same number of drive-side components 82 as the connecting rods 73a to 73j are mounted. The rotating shaft 81 is rotated by a stepper motor 89.

[0290] The drive-side member 82 is a circular plate with a stepped engagement portion 84 on one part. One side of the stepped engagement portion 84 is at an acute angle relative to the circumference, while the other side is smoothly connected to the circumference. The drive-side member 82 is fixed to the rotating shaft 81 in a state in which the position of the stepped engagement portion 84 is gradually slightly offset.

[0291] A driven member 83 is installed on each connecting rod 73a~73j. The driven member 83 is a member with an engaging part 85 at its front end. The engaging part 85 is a hook-shaped part bent at an acute angle.

[0292] The engaging portion 85 of the driven member 83 contacts the driving member 82.

[0293] like Figure 22 As shown in (b), when the drive-side member 82 rotates in the direction of the dashed arrow, the stepped engagement portion 84 of the drive-side member 82 does not engage with the engagement portion 85.

[0294] On the other hand, when Figure 22 As shown in (c), when the drive-side component 82 is rotated in the direction of the solid arrow, as... Figure 22 As shown in (d), the stepped engagement portion 84 of the drive-side member 82 engages with the engagement portion 85, thereby pulling the connecting rods 73a~73j and causing them to move.

[0295] Here, the drive-side member 82 is fixed to the rotating shaft 81 in such a state that the positions of the stepped engagement portions 84 are gradually slightly offset. Therefore, the stepped engagement portions 84 of the multiple drive-side members 82 will not engage with the driven-side member 83 at the same time.

[0296] In this embodiment, the driven side member 83 of the column to which the slot 30 to be opened is engaged with the driving side member 82, and specific connecting rods 73a to 73j are moved, thereby engaging all the actuating members 72 of the column to which the slot 30 to be opened is engaged with the racks 77a to 77f.

[0297] Specifically, such as Figure 22 As shown in (b), the drive-side member 82 is rotated in the direction of the dashed arrow and stops at a position where the engaging portion 85 connected to the specific connecting rods 73a-73j engages with the stepped engaging portion 84 of the corresponding drive-side member 82. Here, since the drive-side member 82 is fixed to the rotation shaft 81 in a state where the positions of the stepped engaging portions 84 are gradually slightly offset, the engaging portions 85 that engage with the stepped engaging portions 84 of the drive-side member 82 are limited to the engaging portions connected to the specific connecting rods 73a-73j.

[0298] Next, as Figure 22 As shown in (c) and (d), when the drive-side member 82 is rotated in the direction of the solid arrow, the stepped engagement portion 84 of the drive-side member 82 engages with the engagement portion 85, thereby pulling and moving the connecting rods 73a to 73j. As a result, only specific connecting rods 73a to 73j move, and the teeth 74 of the gears of all the actuating members 72 mounted on these connecting rods 73a to 73j engage with the racks 77a to 77f.

[0299] The other operations are the same as those of the divider 63 described above.

[0300] (Example 3 of the divider)

[0301] Figure 23 The divider 87 shown is composed of a temporary storage member 50 and an opening forming device 90. The temporary storage member 50 has the same structure as in the first embodiment, and the groove 30 has no bottom and is normally open.

[0302] The opening forming device 90 has an opening determining part 91, an opening and closing part 92, and an opening and closing mechanism part 94.

[0303] The opening determining part 91 has six pull-out side members 93, six winding side members 95, and six conveyor belts 96.

[0304] The pull-out side member 93 is a member on which multiple pull-out pulleys 121 are arranged in series on a support shaft (not shown). An electric motor is built into each pulley 121.

[0305] The winding-side member 95 is a member in which a plurality of winding pulleys 122 are arranged in series on a support shaft (not shown). The winding pulleys 122 contain a spring and are always subjected to a force that rotates toward the winding side.

[0306] A conveyor belt 96 is wound on a winding pulley 122, one end of which is connected to a pull-out pulley 121.

[0307] Therefore, when the pull-out pulley 121 is rotated, the conveyor belt 96 wound on the winding pulley 122 is released one after another.

[0308] Each conveyor belt 96 has an opening 97 at one location. Therefore, the position of the opening 97 varies according to the amount of rotation of the pulley 121.

[0309] The opening / closing section 92 has 11 swing doors 98 corresponding to the longitudinal rows of the slots 30 of the temporary storage member 50. Each swing door 98 has an operating piece 110 protruding from it.

[0310] The opening and closing mechanism 94 has a guide member 111 and a lifting member 112 that is restricted by the guide member 111 to move only in the vertical direction.

[0311] The lifting component 112 has an elongated hole 113, and the operating piece 110 of the swing door 98 engages with the elongated hole 113.

[0312] Additionally, a rotating plate 115, which is rotated by an electric motor (not shown), has a locking piece 116 on it that engages with the elongated hole 113 of the lifting member 112.

[0313] The rotating plate 115 is normally stopped with the locking piece 116 in the upper position. As a result, the lifting member 112 is in the upper position, and all the opening and closing parts 92 are in a position that can close the bottom of the slot 30.

[0314] By rotating the rotating plate 115 and moving the locking piece 116 downwards, the lifting member 112 moves downwards, thereby opening all the opening and closing parts 92.

[0315] In the divider 87 of this embodiment, any pull-out pulley 121 is driven to move the opening 97 of the conveyor belt 96 to the lower part of the slot 30 to be opened.

[0316] Then, as Figure 23 As shown in (c), the rotating plate 115 is rotated, causing all the opening and closing parts 92 to be in the open state. As a result, only the slot 30 with the opening 97 of the conveyor belt 96 at the bottom becomes substantially open, and the medicine in the slot 30 falls out.

[0317] (Example 4 of the divider)

[0318] The structure of the divider is arbitrary and can be as follows: Figure 24 As shown in the known temporary storage component 117, each slot 30 has a structure with an opening and closing door 123 at its lower part.

[0319] For cleaning purposes, the temporary storage component 117 of the structure is periodically removed from the pharmaceutical packaging device and reinstalled on the pharmaceutical packaging device.

[0320] Here, when the temporary storage component 117 with opening and closing doors 123 at the lower part of each slot 30 is installed in the pharmaceutical packaging device, the opening and closing doors 123 must be pressed in advance to prevent them from opening, so the installation technique needs to be skilled.

[0321] The temporary storage component 117 in this method solves this problem.

[0322] The temporary storage component 117 of this method has a closing plate insertion guide 118 on the bottom surface of the main body, and a closing plate 120 is installed on the bottom surface of the main body.

[0323] The closing plate 120 is inserted along the closing plate insertion guide 118, and can press the opening and closing door 123 at the bottom of each slot 30 to form a closed state.

[0324] In this method, the temporary storage component 117 is installed on the pharmaceutical packaging device with the closing plate 120 installed.

[0325] After the medicine is placed into each trough 30 from the hand-spraying component 102, the temporary storage component 117 moves toward the medicine collection hopper.

[0326] Here, on the movement path of the temporary storage component 117, there is a component that prevents the movement of the closing plate 120, so only the main body of the temporary storage component 117 moves toward the medicine collection hopper side, while the closing plate 120 remains there.

[0327] (Sorting device for the packaging tape)

[0328] In the prior art of continuously discharging medication packages from a medication packaging device in a strip, the medication packages for each patient, or those to be delivered to each facility, are discharged continuously in a strip. For example, the medication for patient A's 21 days is discharged in a continuous sequence, followed by the medication for patient B's 21 days, discharged in a continuous sequence.

[0329] In most cases, a medicine basket is placed below the discharge section of the medicine packaging device, into which the packaging tape falls.

[0330] In existing pharmaceutical packaging devices, the packaging tape for patient A and the packaging tape for patient B are successively discharged from the discharge section. In reality, packaging tapes for more patients are discharged, and many packaging tapes are mixed together in the same medicine basket.

[0331] Therefore, the workers need to organize the sub-package tape. However, organizing the sub-package tape is a cumbersome task, so an improvement is desired.

[0332] As a method for solving this problem, it is recommended to set up as follows: Figure 25 The sorting device 130 shown.

[0333] The sorting device 130 has multiple guide sections 132 and 133. In this embodiment, two guide sections 132 and 133 are provided, but the number of guide sections 132 and 133 is arbitrary. In addition, each guide section 132 and 133 is provided with a package holding unit (not shown). The package holding unit clamps and holds a portion of the package.

[0334] like Figure 25 As shown, the sorting device 130 is located near the drug packaging outlet 131 of the drug packaging device, and it rises or falls by a lifting unit (not shown).

[0335] When the packaging tape is sorted by the sorting device 130, such as Figure 25 As shown in (b), the first guide portion 132 on the lower side is moved to the position of the pharmaceutical packaging outlet 131.

[0336] For example, when the medicine package for patient a is discharged from the medicine package outlet 131, the package strip 138 for patient a hangs down in contact with the first guide 132.

[0337] After all the medication for patient a has been packaged, the packaging tape 138 is cut inside the medication packaging device, and the end of the packaging tape 138 is held in the first guide 132 by the packaging body holding unit.

[0338] Next, as Figure 25As shown in (c), the sorting device 130 is lowered, causing the second guide 133 on the upper side to move to the position of the medicine packaging outlet 131. Then, when the medicine package for patient b is discharged from the medicine packaging outlet 131, the packaging strip 139 for patient b hangs down in contact with the second guide 133, as described above. The packaging strip 139 is then cut, and the end of the packaging strip 139 is held in the second guide 133 by the packaging body holding unit.

[0339] In this embodiment, there are two guide sections 132 and 133, so the packaging tape used by the next patient c is directly discharged from the drug packaging outlet 131.

[0340] (Strategies to address packaging paper wastage)

[0341] For example, in adopting such Figure 26 In the case of the pharmaceutical packaging section 6 arranged as shown, when switching packaging tapes, an area that must be discarded may sometimes be created on a portion of the packaging paper 143.

[0342] exist Figure 26 In the pharmaceutical packaging section 6 shown, a printer 136 is provided on the upstream side of the hopper 135, and a heating roller 137 is provided on the downstream side of the hopper 135.

[0343] In the pharmaceutical packaging section 6, after the printer 136 prints the necessary information on the packaging paper 143, the pharmaceutical is supplied from the hopper 135 to the packaging paper 143. In this state, the packaging paper 143 moves downstream and is formed into individual bags by the heated roller 137.

[0344] For example, assuming that the medication taken by patient A over 21 days is continuously excreted, and then the medication taken by patient B over 21 days is excreted, the last dose of medication for patient A is supplied from hopper 135 to packaging paper 143, and then the first dose of medication for patient B is supplied to packaging paper 143. Therefore, the medication is continuously supplied to packaging paper 143, and no waste of packaging paper 143 occurs.

[0345] In contrast, for example, if the supply of medication from hopper 135 is interrupted after the medication taken by patient a over 21 days is continuously discharged, there will be a waste of packaging paper 143.

[0346] That is, when the medicine for patient a is supplied to the packaging paper 143, the packaging paper 143 is moved to the position of the heating roller 137 and formed into a bag shape. However, when the packaging paper 143 is moved to the position of the heating roller 137, subsequent packaging paper 143 is pulled and moved to the lower part of the hopper 135 or the position of the printer 136.

[0347] However, no reagent is supplied to the packaging paper 143 that has reached the hopper 135. Furthermore, no printing is performed on the packaging paper 143 that has reached the printer 136. Therefore, the packaging paper 143 in the area from the printer 136 to the heating roller 137 is wasted.

[0348] As a method to solve this problem, if a series of drug packaging is completed and no information for the next drug packaging is entered, the last or nearby drug packaging is stopped, and a certain period of time is waited until the next prescription is delivered to the drug packaging device.

[0349] When the next prescription to be processed arrives within a certain time, the medication packaging process restarts. For example, if a prescription for patient A is followed by a prescription for patient B, the remaining medication packaging for patient A restarts, and then the medication packaging for patient B is performed immediately afterward.

[0350] If the next prescription to be processed is not delivered within a certain time, restart the packaging of the remaining medication for patient A and complete the packaging of the medication for patient A.

[0351] The aforementioned medication calendar has a medication storage section 141 within it for storing medications.

[0352] Representative medication calendar 140, etc. Figure 27 As shown in (a), there are four medicine storage compartments 141 arranged below the date. The four medicine storage compartments 141 correspond to the time of administration (usage), for example, "morning", "noon", "evening" and "before bedtime".

[0353] Then, the medication corresponding to the scheduled dose is pre-stored in the medication storage section 141 of the medication calendar (drug calendar) 140. When the scheduled dose arrives, the medication is taken from the corresponding medication storage section 141 and taken.

[0354] Typically, the medicine storage section 141 is shaped like a bag. Therefore, sometimes trash 145 accumulates at the bottom of the medicine storage section 141. In addition, the bottom of the medicine storage section 141 often has sharp edges, making it sometimes difficult to remove trash from the corners.

[0355] As a method for solving this problem, the following is recommended: Figure 27 Cleaning component 150 is shown in (b).

[0356] The cleaning component 150 is an accessory installed at the front end of a vacuum cleaner. The cleaning component 150 is rectangular in shape. The front and back walls of the cleaning component 150 are wide, while the side walls are narrow.

[0357] The interior of the cleaning component 150 is hollow, and it has an opening 152 at the corner of the front end.

[0358] Additionally, brushes 151 are mounted on the front wall, back wall, and bottom wall of the cleaning component 150. The brushes 151 are formed in a planar shape and are relatively thin, and are mounted to the main body of the cleaning component 150 by an adhesive unit (not shown).

[0359] The cleaning component 150 is installed on a vacuum cleaner (not shown). Then, as... Figure 27 As shown in (c), the cleaning member 150 is inserted into the medicine storage section 141 of the medication calendar 140, and the cleaning member 150 is moved in the in-and-out direction within the medicine storage section 141.

[0360] As a result, the inner surface of the medicine storage section 141 is rubbed by the brush 151, thereby removing debris or dust adhering to the inner surface of the medicine storage section 141. Furthermore, the removed debris or dust is drawn in through the opening 152. Especially in this embodiment, since the opening 152 is located at the corner of the front end of the cleaning member 150, even the corners of the medicine storage section 141, where debris easily accumulates, can be cleaned thoroughly.

[0361] The brush 151 is preferably replaceable.

Claims

1. A pharmaceutical packaging apparatus comprising a pharmaceutical packaging section and a control device, the pharmaceutical packaging section having a hopper for supplying pharmaceuticals, a printer for typing on packaging paper and disposed upstream of the hopper, and a packaging unit for forming the packaging paper into a bag shape and disposed downstream of the hopper. The pharmaceutical packaging device is characterized in that... The control device performs at least the initial series of drug packaging actions and the next drug packaging action. Before proceeding to the next packaging step, if no prescription information for the next packaging step is input, the control device stops the final packaging step of the initial series of packaging tapes. The next medication packaging action is delayed until the next prescription information is delivered.

2. The pharmaceutical packaging device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control device causes the next drug packaging action to wait for a certain period of time until the next prescription information is delivered. When the next prescription information is delivered within a certain period of time, the control device restarts the remaining initial drug packaging operation and then immediately performs the next drug packaging operation.

3. The pharmaceutical packaging device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, In the pharmaceutical packaging section, the process involves printing the packaging paper with the printer, feeding the pharmaceutical from the hopper to the packaging paper, moving the packaging paper downstream, and forming it into individual packaging sheets by the packaging unit.

Images