Dispensing System

Abstract

To provide a medicine dividedly packaging apparatus capable of simplifying a configuration.SOLUTION: A medicine dividedly packaging apparatus 1 includes: a medicine storage 15 for storing medicines; a medicine discharge part 32 for discharging medicines from an internal measurement container 91 for storing medicines measured and taken from the medicine storage 15, or an external medicine introduction container 92 for storing medicines prepared outside the medicine dividedly packaging apparatus 1; a dividedly packaging part 33 for dividedly packaging medicines discharged in the medicine discharge part 32; and an external medicine measurement container 82 for measuring medicines prepared outside the medicine dividedly packaging apparatus 1, and stored in the external medicine introduction container 92.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a drug packaging device. [Background technology]

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-130972 (Patent Document 1) discloses a powder medicine packaging device that includes a plurality of medicine containers for storing powder medicine by type, a distribution unit that distributes the powder medicine discharged from the medicine containers, and a medicine packaging device that performs a packaging operation to individually package the powder medicine. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-130972 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In medicine dispensing and packaging devices, there is a demand for simplified configurations in order to reduce the size and cost of the devices.

[0005] The present disclosure proposes a medicine packaging device that can simplify the configuration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In accordance with the present disclosure, a drug packaging device is proposed which includes a drug storage container for storing a drug, a drug discharge section which discharges a drug from either an internal measuring container for storing the drug measured out from the drug storage container or an external drug introduction container for storing the drug prepared outside the drug packaging device, a packaging section which packages the drug discharged in the drug discharge section, and a measuring section which weighs the drug prepared outside the drug packaging device and contained in the external drug introduction container. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the medicine packaging device according to the present disclosure, the configuration can be simplified. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a dispensing system. [Diagram 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of a medicine packaging device according to an embodiment; [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a plan view of the packet section. [Figure 4] 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the medicine packaging device. FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the inner measuring container (outer drug delivery container). [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a first flow chart showing the flow of drug supply and packaging processing. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a second flow chart showing the process flow of drug supply and packaging. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing setting values ​​for determining whether or not packaging can be performed. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a determination as to whether or not packaging can be performed for the entire prescription data when the prescription data includes a plurality of drugs and the drugs are packaged in a single package. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a first example of a print output. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a second example of a print output. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a schematic configuration diagram of a medicine packaging device according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0010] [First embodiment] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a dispensing system 100. Fig. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of a medicine packing device 1 according to an embodiment. Fig. 3 is a schematic plan view of a packing section 33. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the medicine packing device 1.

[0011] 1, the drug dispensing system 100 includes a drug packaging device 1 and another drug packaging device 95. The drug dispensing system 100 is installed in, for example, a pharmacy or a hospital.

[0012] The medicine packaging device 1 supplies and packages medicine. In order to supply medicine, the medicine packaging device 1 can measure out one or more medicines. In this specification, measuring out medicine means taking out the required amount of medicine stored in a medicine storage room or the like. The medicine packaging device 1 measures out powder medicine (powder, fine granule, or granular medicine) as medicine. The medicine packaging device 1 may be capable of packaging tablets in addition to powder medicine.

[0013] The medicine packing device 1 supplies and packs medicines based on prescription data input by an operator.

[0014] The medicine packaging device 1 can also only package medicines. In this case, medicines are prepared outside the medicine packaging device 1, for example, by an operator taking out medicines from an appropriate medicine bottle or medicine storage, and the medicines are introduced into the medicine packaging device 1. The medicine packaging device 1 can also only weigh out medicines. In this case, the weighed out medicines are output to the outside of the medicine packaging device 1 without being packaged. The medicine packaging device 1 stores the weighed out medicines in a container and enables the operator to take out the container.

[0015] In the following description, the medicine packaging device 1 packaging a medicine is referred to as a first operation, and the medicine packaging device 1 measuring the medicine without subsequently packaging it is referred to as a second operation. In the first operation, the medicine packaging device 1 may or may not measure the medicine. The first operation also includes the case where the medicine packaging device 1 packages medicine prepared outside the medicine packaging device 1.

[0016] As shown in Fig. 2, the medicine packaging device 1 includes a first storage section 11, a second storage section 12, and a third storage section 13. As shown in Figs. 2 and 4, the medicine packaging device 1 also includes a transport section 14, a medicine storage unit 15, a first information processing section 16, a measuring section 30, a second information processing section 19, a third information processing section 20, a display section 21, an operation section 22, a printing section 24, a medicine discharge section 32, a packaging section 33, a cleaning section 38, and a control section 50.

[0017] The first storage unit 11 can store a plurality of internal measuring containers 91 that do not contain medicine. The internal measuring containers 91 are prepared to contain medicine to be supplied and packaged and to transport the medicine to each part of the medicine packaging device 1. The configuration of the internal measuring container 91 will be described later.

[0018] The first storage unit 11 may be configured, for example, to have a plurality of support bases for holding a plurality of internal weighing containers 91, with each support base supporting the bottom surface of each internal weighing container 91. However, as long as the first storage unit 11 can substantially store the internal weighing containers 91, the configuration of the first storage unit 11 may be changed as desired.

[0019] The second storage section 12 can store a plurality of external drug introduction containers 92 that do not contain drugs. The external drug introduction container 92 is used as a container that contains a drug prepared by an operator outside the drug packaging device 1 and is introduced into the drug packaging device 1 for packaging the drug. The external drug introduction container 92 is prepared in the drug packaging device 1 in order to introduce the drug prepared outside the drug packaging device 1 into the drug packaging device 1 in a state in which the external drug introduction container 92 contains the drug prepared outside the drug packaging device 1 when the drug packaging device 1 does not measure the drug but prepares the drug outside the drug packaging device 1. The drug packaging device 1 may be configured not to be provided with the second storage section 12, and the external drug introduction container 92 may be stored outside the drug packaging device 1. The configuration of the external drug introduction container 92 will be described later.

[0020] The third storage unit 13 can store a plurality of output containers 93 that do not contain medicines. The output containers 93 are prepared in the medicine packaging device 1 to contain the weighed medicines and output the medicines from the medicine packaging device 1 to another medicine packaging device 95 when the medicine packaging device 1 does not pack the medicines after weighing.

[0021] The second storage section 12 and the third storage section 13 can be configured to support the bottom surface of the external drug introduction container 92 or the discharge container 93, for example, in the same manner as the first storage section 11.

[0022] The internal measuring container 91 will be described. Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the internal measuring container 91 (external drug introduction container 92). As shown in Fig. 5, the internal measuring container 91 includes a storage section 91a, a discharge path section 91b, an opening / closing section 91c, an information display section (display section) 91d, and an information recording section (information recording member) 91e.

[0023] The storage section 91a is a portion where the medicine is substantially stored in the internal measuring container 91. The storage section 91a is formed in a hollow shape with an open upper portion.

[0024] The discharge path portion 91b is configured as a narrow passage that connects the internal space of the storage portion 91a to the external space thereof. The discharge path portion 91b is formed so as to communicate with an end portion of the storage portion 91a.

[0025] The opening / closing portion 91c is configured as a shutter-like movable member and is capable of opening and closing the connection portion between the storage portion 91a and the discharge path portion 91b.

[0026] The information display unit 91d is a display capable of displaying prescription data and information related to prescription. The information display unit 91d can be configured as, for example, a microcapsule type or an electrophoretic type electronic paper.

[0027] The information recording unit 91e has, for example, a non-volatile memory, and can record container-specific information. The container-specific information includes container identification information. The container-specific information may include information indicating the type of container (internal measuring container 91, external drug introduction container 92, and delivery container 93). The information recording unit 91e can be configured, for example, as an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag.

[0028] In the medicine packaging device 1 of this embodiment, a plurality of internal measuring containers 91 of the same shape are prepared. Note that a plurality of types of internal measuring containers 91 having different sizes of the storage portions 91a may be prepared. In this case, it is possible to respond to various situations in which measuring is performed, such as measuring a variety of medicines.

[0029] The external drug introduction container 92 will be described. As shown in Fig. 5, the external drug introduction container 92 has substantially the same configuration as the internal measuring container 91. The external drug introduction container 92 includes a storage section 92a, a discharge path section 92b, an opening / closing section 92c, an information display section 92d, and an information recording section 92e.

[0030] The storage section 92a, discharge path section 92b, opening / closing section 92c, information display section 92d, and information recording section 92e have the same configuration as the storage section 91a, discharge path section 91b, opening / closing section 91c, information display section 91d, and information recording section 91e in the internal measuring container 91, so their explanations are omitted.

[0031] In the drug packaging device 1 of this embodiment, a plurality of external drug introduction containers 92 of the same shape are prepared. Note that a plurality of types of external drug introduction containers 92 having different sizes of the storage portions 92a may be prepared. In this case, it is possible to respond to various situations, such as introducing various types of drugs from outside the drug packaging device 1.

[0032] The output container 93 will be described. Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the output container 93. As shown in Fig. 6, the output container 93 corresponds to the internal measuring container 91 from which the discharge path section 91b and the opening / closing section 91c are omitted. The output container 93 includes a storage section 93a, an information display section 93d, and an information recording section 93e.

[0033] The container 93a, the information display section 93d, and the information recording section 93e have the same configurations as the container 91a, the information display section 91d, and the information recording section 91e in the internal measuring container 91, and therefore their explanation will be omitted.

[0034] In the drug packaging device 1 of this embodiment, a plurality of output containers 93 of the same shape are prepared. Note that a plurality of types of output containers 93 having different sizes of the storage portions 93a may be prepared. In this case, it is possible to respond to various situations in which measuring is required, such as measuring a variety of drugs.

[0035] The transport unit 14 can transport the internal measuring container 91, the external drug introduction container 92, and the discharge container 93. As shown in Fig. 2, the transport unit 14 includes a first transport unit 14a and a second transport unit 14b.

[0036] The operation of each of the first conveying unit 14a and the second conveying unit 14b is controlled by the control unit 50. The first conveying unit 14a and the second conveying unit 14b differ only in the range in which they convey, and are substantially the same in the configuration in which they convey, so the following description will be given taking the first conveying unit 14a as an example.

[0037] The first transport unit 14a is equipped with a container holding unit for holding the internal measuring container 91, the external drug introduction container 92, or the discharge container 93. The container holding unit is configured to be movable along a path determined in the drug packaging device 1. The first transport unit 14a transports the internal measuring container 91, the external drug introduction container 92, or the discharge container 93 by moving the container holding unit while the internal measuring container 91, the external drug introduction container 92, or the discharge container 93 is held in the container holding unit.

[0038] In this manner, in this embodiment, the internal measuring container 91, the external drug introduction container 92, and the discharge container 93 are configured to be transported by the common first transport unit 14a. Therefore, it is preferable to make the parts attached to the first transport unit 14a (container holding unit) of the three types of containers have the same configuration, since this simplifies the configuration of the first transport unit 14a.

[0039] The internal measuring container 91, the external drug introduction container 92 and the discharge container 93 are similar to each other in terms of configuration and function. Therefore, the internal measuring container 91 can also be used as the external drug introduction container 92 used in the first operation. The internal measuring container 91 can also be used as the discharge container 93 used in the second operation. The external drug introduction container 92 can also be used as the internal measuring container 91 used in the first operation. The external drug introduction container 92 can also be used as the discharge container 93 used in the second operation. By reducing the types of containers, a simplified configuration can be achieved.

[0040] In Fig. 2, the path of the first conveyor 14a is indicated by a dashed line, and the path of the second conveyor 14b is indicated by a two-dot chain line. The first conveyor 14a and the second conveyor 14b are provided with separate drive sources and can operate independently. Therefore, the medicine packaging device 1 can simultaneously and in parallel convey the containers by the first conveyor 14a and the containers by the second conveyor 14b.

[0041] The transport unit 14 may have various configurations for holding the containers, for example, a container holding unit may be provided at the tip of an extendable or rotatable arm, and the position of the container holding unit may be changed by extending or rotating the arm. In addition, for example, the containers may be gripped with a chuck or held by suction.

[0042] The medicine storage containers 15 store the medicine to be measured out. Each medicine storage container 15 has an opening for discharging and removing the medicine from the container.

[0043] In principle, different types of medicine are stored in each of the medicine storage containers 15. However, for example, the same medicine may be stored in multiple medicine storage containers 15, for example, for a medicine that is used frequently.

[0044] The medicine packaging device 1 can handle excipients in addition to medicines. An excipient may be stored in any one of the medicine storage containers 15. When it is necessary to form a medicine (powder), the medicine packaging device 1 takes out the excipient from the medicine storage container 15. In this case, the excipient can be supplied in the same way as the medicine. A cleaning material may be stored in any one of the medicine storage containers 15. In this case, the cleaning material can be supplied in the same way as the medicine. The cleaning material is taken out of the medicine storage container 15 and packaged while contacting the medicine path of the medicine packaging device 1, thereby cleaning the medicine path that the cleaning material comes into contact with. An excipient may be used as the cleaning material. The excipient and / or the cleaning material may be lactose.

[0045] An information recording unit 71 is provided on the outer surface of the medicine storage 15. The information recording unit 71 can be, for example, an RFID tag. The information recording unit 71 can store information about the medicine stored in the medicine storage 15 (stored medicine information). The stored medicine information includes the name of the medicine, the remaining amount of the medicine in the medicine storage 15, the expiration date of the medicine, the date of the last refill, the operating conditions of the measuring unit 30, and the like. The medicine packaging device 1 can obtain the stored medicine information by reading the information recording unit 71. Note that the information recording unit 71 may store only the identification information of the medicine storage 15, and when the information recording unit 71 is read by the medicine packaging device 1, the stored medicine information may be called up from the storage unit 61 described below.

[0046] The first information processing unit 16 can read the contained medicine information from the information recording unit 71. The first information processing unit 16 can be configured as, for example, an RFID reader / writer. The first information processing unit 16 is provided at an arbitrary position of the medicine packing device 1.

[0047] Measuring section 30 includes medicine removal section 17 and measuring section 18. Medicine removal section 17 removes medicine from medicine storage container 15. Measuring section 18 measures the medicine removed from medicine storage container 15.

[0048] The medicine removal unit 17 detachably holds a plurality of medicine storage containers 15. The medicine removal unit 17 moves the held medicine storage container 15 to a predetermined position, and at the predetermined position, removes the medicine stored in the medicine storage container 15 downward through an opening. The operation of the medicine removal unit 17 is controlled by the control unit 50 based on the stored medicine information read by the first information processing unit 16.

[0049] The weighing unit 18 includes a mounting table 18a and a detection unit 18b. The mounting table 18a is disposed below the above-mentioned predetermined position of the drug removal unit 17. The internal weighing container 91 or the output container 93 can be mounted on the mounting table 18a. The first transport unit 14a can transport the internal weighing container 91 or the output container 93 held in the container holding unit, and place it on the mounting table 18a or remove it from the mounting table 18a.

[0050] The detection unit 18b can measure the medicine inside the container when the internal weighing container 91 or the output container 93 is placed on the placement table 18a. In other words, the weighing unit 18 is configured as an electronic balance, and the placement table 18a corresponds to the weighing dish of the electronic balance. The detection unit 18b can be configured as, for example, an electromagnetic or load cell type load sensor.

[0051] The weighing unit 30 is controlled by the control unit 50 so as to weigh out the entire dose of each of the medicines indicated by the medicine information. The control unit 50 appropriately moves the medicine storage 15, which contains the medicines indicated by the medicine information, to directly above the mounting table 18a using the medicine removal unit 17. Thereafter, the control unit 50 removes the medicines downward from the medicine storage 15, stores the removed medicines in the internal measuring container 91 or the discharge container 93 placed on the mounting table 18a, and weighs the stored medicines using the detection unit 18b.

[0052] The second information processing unit 19 acquires container-specific information stored in the information recording unit 91e of the internal weighing container 91 or the information recording unit 93e of the output container 93, which are set in the weighing unit 18. The second information processing unit 19 can also change the display content of the information display unit 91d of the internal weighing container 91 or the information display unit 93d of the output container 93, which are set in the weighing unit 18. The second information processing unit 19 is configured as, for example, an RFID reader / writer.

[0053] The third information processing unit 20 acquires the container-specific information stored in the information recording unit 91e of the internal measuring container 91 stored in the first storage unit 11. The acquisition of container-specific information by the third information processing unit 20 is similarly performed for the external drug introduction container 92 stored in the second storage unit 12 or the output container 93 stored in the third storage unit 13.

[0054] The third information processing unit 20 may change the display content for the internal weighing container 91 or the output container 93. In this case, the second information processing unit 19 may change the display content for only the weighing result for the internal weighing container 91 or the output container 93 set in the weighing unit 18.

[0055] The display unit 21 is a device having a display screen capable of displaying various information related to the medicine packing device 1. As the display unit 21, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display, etc., can be considered. The display unit 21 is disposed at an appropriate position of the medicine packing device 1.

[0056] The operation unit 22 is operated by an operator to give various instructions to the medicine packing device 1. The operation unit 22 is disposed at an appropriate position (for example, near the display unit 21) of the medicine packing device 1. The operation unit 22 may be configured to include a keyboard, or the display unit 21 may be configured as a touch panel and the operation unit 22 may be incorporated into the display unit 21.

[0057] Printing unit 24 prints information related to the medicine to be weighed, supplied, and packaged by medicine packaging device 1. Printing unit 24 is controlled by control unit 50. Printing unit 24 may print out the weight of the medicine taken out from medicine storage 15 by medicine take-out unit 17 of weighing unit 30 and weighed by weighing unit 18. Printing unit 24 may print out the weight of the medicine to be taken out of medicine storage 15 by weighing unit 30. Printing unit 24 may be a printer of any type, such as a thermal printer or an inkjet printer.

[0058] The internal measuring container 91 or the external drug introduction container 92 transported by the second transport unit 14b is set in the drug discharge unit 32. The drug discharge unit 32 can discharge the drug in the set internal measuring container 91 or external drug introduction container 92. It is also possible to set the internal measuring container 91 or the external drug introduction container 92 in the drug discharge unit 32 and / or remove it from the drug discharge unit 32 manually.

[0059] The drug discharge unit 32 includes a container attachment unit 32a. The container attachment unit 32a is configured to be capable of attaching an internal measuring container 91 or an external drug introduction container 92. The internal measuring container 91 or the external drug introduction container 92 is attached to the container attachment unit 32a automatically or manually by the second transport unit 14b.

[0060] The container attachment section 32a includes an actuator that moves the opening / closing sections 91c, 92c of the container from a closed state to an open state. Before the container attachment section 32a is attached, the connection between the storage sections 91a, 92a and the discharge path sections 91b, 92b is in a closed state. When the container is attached to the container attachment section 32a, the actuator moves the opening / closing sections 91c, 92c. This opens the connection between the storage sections 91a, 92a and the discharge path sections 91b, 92b, allowing the drug to be discharged from the container.

[0061] The drug discharge section 32 includes a vibration device 32b. The vibration device 32b includes a motor that generates vibrations, etc. The vibration device 32b is controlled by the control section 50. The vibration device 32b generates vibrations in response to a control signal from the control section 50. The vibrations generated by the vibration device 32b are transmitted to the internal measuring container 91 or the external drug introduction container 92 attached to the container attachment section 32a. The container discharge path sections 91b, 92b can function as troughs of a vibrating feeder.

[0062] The packaging unit 33 is configured to be able to package the medicine weighed out by the measuring unit 30. The packaging unit 33 is controlled by the control unit 50 so as to package the medicine weighed out by the measuring unit 30 into individual doses. The packaging unit 33 includes a distribution unit 34 and a packaging unit 35.

[0063] The distribution unit 34 distributes the medicine discharged from the container by the medicine discharge unit 32 into individual doses. The distribution unit 34 includes a distribution plate 34a and a feed unit 34b. The distribution plate 34a is configured to be rotatable about a vertical axis. The medicine discharge unit 32 discharges the medicine from the container and supplies the discharged medicine onto the rotating distribution plate 34a. The feed unit 34b drops the medicine supplied to the distribution plate 34a downward in predetermined amounts.

[0064] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the drug dispensing device 1 includes a plurality of (specifically, two) distribution units 34. Each distribution unit 34 includes a plurality of (specifically, two) drug discharge units 32. Drugs are supplied onto one distribution plate 34a from either one or both of the two drug discharge units 32. From the two drug discharge units 32, the same type of drug may be supplied to one distribution plate 34a, different types of drugs may be supplied to one distribution plate 34a, or a drug and an excipient may be supplied to one distribution plate 34a.

[0065] The packaging unit 35 packages the medicine distributed by the distribution unit 34 in a packaging material 40. The packaging unit 35 includes a hopper 35a and a heater 35b. The packaging unit 35 repeats an operation of dropping the medicine distributed by the distribution unit 34 in doses into the packaging material 40 through the hopper 35a, and an operation of thermally fusing the packaging material 40 with the heater 35b. By repeating these operations, the medicine is enclosed in the packaging material 40 in doses. The packaging material 40 containing the medicine is sent to a storage unit outside or inside the medicine packaging device 1.

[0066] The supply standby section 23 is provided between the measuring section 30 for measuring the medicine and the medicine discharge section 32 for discharging the medicine. The internal measuring container 91 or the external medicine introduction container 92 for accommodating the medicine can be placed in the supply standby section 23 as necessary to wait.

[0067] The cleaning unit 38 can clean the internal measuring container 91 or the external drug introduction container 92. The cleaning may be performed by any means, such as blowing compressed air onto the inner surface of the internal measuring container 91 or the external drug introduction container 92, suction, wiping with a brush, etc. By performing cleaning, the drug remaining on the inner surface of the container is removed.

[0068] A cleaning standby section 37 is provided near the cleaning section 38. The internal measuring container 91 or the external drug introduction container 92 before cleaning can be placed in the cleaning standby section 37 as necessary to wait there.

[0069] The supply standby section 23 and the cleaning standby section 37 can be configured, for example, as a plate-like member on which a container can be placed, but are not limited to this.

[0070] The medicine packaging device 1 is provided with an external medicine measuring unit 82 as a measuring unit different from the above-mentioned measuring unit 18. The external medicine measuring unit 82 measures a medicine prepared outside the medicine packaging device 1. The external medicine measuring unit 82 has a configuration substantially similar to that of the measuring unit 18, and includes a mounting table and a detection unit. An external medicine introduction container 92 can be placed on the mounting table. The external medicine measuring unit 82 is provided in the medicine packaging device 1, and is disposed at a position where the mounting table can be easily accessed by an operator.

[0071] With the external drug introduction container 92 placed on the placement table, the external drug measuring section 82 can weigh the drug contained in the external drug introduction container 92 together with the external drug introduction container 92. A drug may be contained in the external drug introduction container 92 outside the drug packaging device 1, and the external drug introduction container 92 containing the drug may be introduced into the drug packaging device 1, and the external drug measuring section 82 may measure the drug together with the external drug introduction container 92. After the weighing, the external drug introduction container 92 is transported from the external drug measuring section 82 to the drug discharge section 32 by the transport section 14 (second transport section 14b).

[0072] When a drug is stored in a container other than the external drug introduction container 92, such as a mortar or a weighing dish, outside the drug packaging device 1, the container may be placed on the platform of the external drug measurement unit 82, and the drug may be measured for each container. In this case, after the measurement, the drug is transferred from the container to the external drug introduction container 92. The transport unit 14 may transport the empty external drug introduction container 92 from the second storage unit 12 to the drug discharge unit 32, and the drug may be transferred to the external drug introduction container 92 transported to the drug discharge unit 32. The external drug introduction container 92 may be taken out of the drug packaging device 1, and the drug may be transferred to the external drug introduction container 92 outside the drug packaging device 1. The external drug introduction container 92 after the drug has been transferred may be set in the supply standby unit 23 or the second removal unit 26 described later, or the like, and transported to the drug discharge unit 32 by the transport unit 14, or may be set directly in the drug discharge unit 32.

[0073] The control unit 50 can control each unit of the medicine packaging device 1 (specifically, the measuring unit 30, the transport unit 14, the medicine discharge unit 32, the packaging unit 33, etc.) based on the dispensing data. The control unit 50 may be configured as a part of the medicine packaging device 1, or may be configured as a part of a dispensing device control device that controls other dispensing devices such as other medicine packaging devices 95.

[0074] In detail, the control unit 50 is configured as a known computer, and includes a calculation device such as a CPU, a storage device such as a flash memory or a hard disk, and an input / output unit for communicating with the outside. Various programs and setting values ​​are stored in the storage device. The calculation device reads out the various programs from the storage device, and controls the operation of each part of the drug packaging device 1 based on the detection values ​​of the sensors provided in each part of the drug packaging device 1 and the various setting values ​​stored in the storage device. The control unit 50 makes the above-mentioned software and hardware work together to perform processing in the storage unit 61, the weighing selection unit 62, and the guidance unit 65 shown in FIG. 4, and outputs a command signal as a result of the processing, thereby operating the drug packaging device 1.

[0075] The storage unit 61 can store dispensing data input from the outside as described above. In addition, the storage unit 61 stores stored drug information of the drug storage container 15 read by the first information processing unit 16 as arrangement information of the drug storage container 15 arranged in the drug packaging device 1. In addition, the storage unit 61 can store various setting values ​​necessary for operating the drug packaging device 1.

[0076] The storage unit 61 also stores various data such as drug master information, which is unique information about drugs. This master information includes, for example, drug code, drug name, JAN code (or RSS), medicine bottle (medicine container) code, classification (dosage form: powder, tablet, external medicine, etc.), specific gravity, drug type (ordinary medicine, poison, narcotic, powerful drug, antipsychotic, therapeutic drug, etc.), combination changes, precautions, normal dosage, information on prohibited simultaneous use, etc.

[0077] Furthermore, the storage unit 61 can store container-specific information (container identification number, container type, etc.) as container master information.

[0078] When at least one of the drugs included in the dispensing data cannot be packaged due to the capacity of the packaging unit 33, the measuring selection unit 62 allows the operator to select whether or not to execute a measuring operation by the measuring unit 30 for the drugs that can be measured by the measuring unit 30. There are various configurations for realizing the selection, but for example, the measuring selection unit 62 may display options (for example, a button for executing / not executing) on ​​the display unit 21 and allow the operator to select using the operation unit 22.

[0079] The guidance unit 65 can provide guidance (instructions) to the operator. For example, when at least one of the medicines included in the dispensing data cannot be packaged due to the capacity of the packaging unit 33, the guidance unit 65 can inform the operator that the medicines weighed out by the weighing unit 30 should be packaged using another medicine packaging device 95. In addition, when the amount of medicine supplied from the medicine storage 15 to the internal measuring container 91 is insufficient for the total amount of dose based on the dispensing data, the guidance unit 65 can inform the operator that an external introduction response is possible as a response to enable the packaging operation by the packaging unit 33.

[0080] The external introduction response is a response in which an operator prepares a predetermined amount of medicine (total dose) outside the medicine packaging device 1 and introduces the predetermined amount of medicine into the medicine packaging device 1. The external introduction response includes a mode in which the predetermined amount of medicine is introduced into the medicine packaging device 1 together with the external medicine introduction container 92 that contains the medicine, and a mode in which only the medicine is introduced into the medicine packaging device 1. At this time, it is also possible to inform the operator that a refill response or a medicine storage repository introduction response is possible. The refill response is a response in which medicine is refilled into the medicine storage repository 15. The medicine storage repository introduction response is a response in which medicine storage repository 15 containing the required amount of medicine is introduced into the medicine packaging device 1.

[0081] There are various methods for the guidance unit 65 to provide guidance to the operator, and for example, it is possible to display an appropriate message on the display unit 21. The guidance may be provided by voice, a notification lamp, or the like, for example.

[0082] Next, various positions set in the medicine packing device 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Any of these positions can be the source and destination of containers transferred by the transfer unit 14.

[0083] The first standby position P1 is a position where the internal measuring container 91 that does not contain a drug can wait in the first storage unit 11. The first standby position P1 can also be said to be a storage position where a plurality of internal measuring containers 91 are stored in the first storage unit 11.

[0084] The second standby position P2 is a position where an external drug introduction container 92 that does not contain a drug can wait in the second storage section 12. The second standby position P2 can also be said to be a storage position where a plurality of external drug introduction containers 92 are stored in the second storage section 12.

[0085] The third standby position P3 is a position where an output container 93 that does not contain a drug can wait in the third storage section 13. The third standby position P3 can also be said to be a storage position where a plurality of output containers 93 are stored in the third storage section 13.

[0086] The measuring position P4 is a position where the measuring unit 18 measures the medicine contained in the internal measuring container 91 or the output container 93.

[0087] The first removal position P5 is a position for removing the internal measuring container 91 or the output container 93 to the outside of the medicine packaging device 1. For example, when the measuring unit 30 measures medicine from the medicine storage 15 to the internal measuring container 91 or the output container 93, and the amount of medicine stored in the medicine storage 15 is insufficient, and the amount of medicine removed (measured amount) is insufficient for the total amount of medicine, which is the target amount, the first removal position P5 is used to remove the internal measuring container 91 or the output container 93 that contains the amount of medicine that does not meet the target amount to the outside of the medicine packaging device 1. This removal is performed via the first removal unit 25 provided in the medicine packaging device 1.

[0088] In this embodiment, the first removal position P5 is set at a position different from the weighing position P4. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the weighing position P4 may be set to double as the first removal position P5.

[0089] The second removal position P6 is a position for removing the external drug introduction container 92 before containing the drug to the outside of the drug packaging device 1 when preparing the drug outside the drug packaging device 1. This removal is performed via the second removal section 26 provided in the drug packaging device 1. The second removal position P6 may also serve as a position (introduction position) for setting the external drug introduction container 92 or the internal measuring container 91 containing the drug prepared outside the drug packaging device 1 in order to introduce it into the drug packaging device 1. The introduced container may be transported to the measuring section 18, and the drug may be measured together with the container in the measuring section 18. The second removal position P2 may be a position for measuring the drug prepared outside the drug packaging device 1 and contained in the external drug introduction container 92 in the external drug measuring section 82. In other words, the second removal position P2 may also serve as the external drug measuring position P12 described later.

[0090] The third removal position P7 is a position for removing the discharge container 93 to the outside of the medicine packaging device 1. For example, when the medicine packaging device 1 measures medicine but does not package it, the third removal position P7 is used to remove the discharge container 93 containing the medicine measured by the measuring unit 30 to the outside of the medicine packaging device 1. This removal is performed via the third removal unit 27 provided in the medicine packaging device 1.

[0091] The supply standby position P8 is a position where the internal measuring container 91 or the external drug introduction container 92 is kept waiting before the drug is discharged from the container in the packaging section 33 and supplied to the distribution tray 34a. The supply standby position P8 is also a position (introduction position) where the external drug introduction container 92 or the internal measuring container 91 containing the drug prepared outside the drug packaging device 1 is set to be introduced into the drug packaging device 1. The supply standby position P8 is set in the supply standby section 23 described above. The supply standby position P8 may also serve as the first take-out position P5, the second take-out position P6, or the third take-out position P7. The supply standby position P8 may also be a position where the external drug measurement section 82 measures the drug prepared outside the drug packaging device 1 and contained in the external drug introduction container 92. In other words, the supply standby position P8 may also serve as the external drug measurement position P12 described later.

[0092] After the measuring unit 30 has completed measuring the medicine, the internal measuring container 91 waits at a supply standby position P8 as necessary before being transported to the medicine discharge unit 32. The external medicine introduction container 92 waits at a supply standby position P8 as necessary either in the empty state as it was transported from the second storage unit 12 or in a state containing medicine prepared outside the medicine packaging device 1.

[0093] The supply positions P9-L1, P9-L2, P9-R1, and P9-R2 are the positions of the internal measuring container 91 or the external drug introduction container 92 when the drug is supplied to the distribution tray 34a in the drug discharge section 32. The second transport section 14b transports the internal measuring container 91 from the supply standby position P8 to any one of the supply positions P9-L1, P9-L2, P9-R1, and P9-R2. When the external drug introduction container 92 or the internal measuring container 91 containing the drug is introduced into the drug packaging device 1 from outside the drug packaging device 1, the introduction position of the container may be set to any one of the supply positions P9-L1, P9-L2, P9-R1, and P9-R2, and the operator may directly set the container in the drug discharge section 32.

[0094] As described above, the medicine packing device 1 includes a plurality of (specifically, four) medicine discharge sections 32, and the four medicine discharge sections 32 are assigned supply positions P9-L1, P9-L2, P9-R1, and P9-R2. As shown in FIG. 3, the supply positions P9-L1 and P9-L2 are positions for discharging medicine to the left distribution tray 34a, and the supply positions P9-R1 and P9-R2 are positions for discharging medicine to the right distribution tray 34a. In FIG. 3, the lower side in the figure is the front side of the medicine packing device 1. The supply positions P9-L1 and P9-R1 are disposed forward of the supply positions P9-L2 and P9-R2. The supply positions P9-L2 and P9-R2 are disposed on the back side of the device than the supply positions P9-L1 and P9-R1.

[0095] Therefore, when an operator sets a container in the drug discharge section 32 from outside the drug packaging device 1, it is easier to attach the container to the supply positions P9-L1, P9-R1 at the front of the device, and it is more difficult to attach the container to the supply positions P9-L2, P9-R2 at the back of the device.

[0096] The cleaning standby position P10 is a position where the internal measuring container 91 or the external medicine introduction container 92 waits for cleaning in the cleaning unit 38. The cleaning standby position P10 is set in the cleaning standby unit 37 described above.

[0097] The cleaning position P11 is a position where the internal measuring container 91 or the external drug introduction container 92 is cleaned by the cleaning unit 38. When the drug is discharged to the distribution tray 34a at the supply positions P9-L1, P9-L2, P9-R1, and P9-R2, the internal measuring container 91 and the external drug introduction container 92 return to the first waiting position P1 and the second waiting position P2, respectively, via the cleaning position P11. In addition, in a configuration in which the second storage unit 12 is not provided in the drug packaging device 1 and the external drug introduction container 92 is stored outside the drug packaging device 1, the external drug introduction container 92 is removed from the supply position by the operator, cleaned outside, and then returned to the second waiting position P2.

[0098] The external medicine metering position P12 is a position for metering a medicine prepared outside the medicine packaging device 1 and contained in the external medicine introduction container 92. The external medicine metering position P12 is set in the external medicine metering section 82 described above.

[0099] In this embodiment, the supply standby position P8 and the cleaning standby position P10 function as relay points for the transport of the container by the transport unit 14.

[0100] Specifically, the first transport unit 14a is configured to transport containers between the first standby position P1, the second standby position P2, the third standby position P3, the measuring position P4, the first take-out position P5, the second take-out position P6, the third take-out position P7, the supply standby position P8, and the cleaning standby position P10. On the other hand, the second transport unit 14b is configured to transport containers between the supply standby position P8, the supply positions P9-L1, P9-L2, P9-R1, P9-R2, the cleaning standby position P10, and the external drug measuring position P12.

[0101] Therefore, after the control unit 50 transports the internal measuring container 91, etc. to the supply standby position P8 by the first transport unit 14a, the transported internal measuring container 91, etc. can be transported from the supply standby position P8 by the second transport unit 14b at an appropriate timing. Also, after the second transport unit 14b transports the internal measuring container 91, etc. to the cleaning standby position P10, the transported internal measuring container 91, etc. can be transported from the cleaning standby position P10 by the first transport unit 14a at an appropriate timing.

[0102] In this embodiment, the external drug introduction container 92 stored in the second storage unit 12 is transported to the second removal position P6 by the first transport unit 14a and can be removed to the outside of the drug packaging device 1, but the external drug introduction container 92 stored in the second storage unit 12 may be removed by an operator. In this case, the second storage unit 12 may be provided outside the drug packaging device 1.

[0103] Next, there will be described the process of supplying and packaging medicines, which is carried out using the medicine packaging device 1. Figures 7 and 8 are flow charts showing the flow of the process of supplying and packaging medicines.

[0104] First, dispensing data is input to the medicine packaging device 1 (step S101 in FIG. 7). The control unit 50 displays an input screen for dispensing data on the display unit 21. The dispensing data includes, for example, the recipient, medicine information, target amount, measurement result (insufficient amount and surplus amount relative to the measured amount or target amount), and identification information for identifying each dispensing data (such as a dispensing data number). The medicine information includes one or more names of medicines to be taken, dosage form (powders / tablets / capsules / liquid / external medicine), method of taking, and dosage. The method of taking the medicine includes the number of times a day to take the medicine, the timing of taking the medicine, and the number of days to take the medicine, and the dosage includes the total amount of the medicine (for example, weight), the amount of the medicine taken in one day (weight), the amount of the medicine taken per dose (weight), and the amount of the medicine taken per dose (weight). When an excipient is included in the medicine indicated by the medicine information, the excipient is treated as one of the medicines indicated by the medicine information.

[0105] The operator inputs the dispensing data to this input screen using the operation unit 22. The dispensing data input by the operator is stored in the storage unit 61 of the control unit 50. Note that in addition to the configuration in which the operator manually inputs the dispensing data, the dispensing data may be input to the medicine packing device 1 via communication from an information processing device such as an external dispensing equipment control device.

[0106] When input of the drug preparation data is completed, a drug preparation instruction is issued (step S102). The drug preparation instruction includes an instruction to supply and package the drug stored in the drug storage 15 (the first operation described above), and an instruction to measure the drug stored in the drug storage 15 and transport it to the outside of the drug packaging device 1 without packaging it (the second operation described above). The operator inputs the drug preparation instruction to the control unit 50 using the operation unit 22.

[0107] Next, the control unit 50 judges whether or not the dispensing instruction in the previous step S102 is for packaging (step S103). If it is judged that packaging is instructed (YES in step S103), the process proceeds to step S104, where the control unit 50 judges whether or not packaging is possible based on the drug dosage included in the dispensing data.

[0108] The dispensing instruction may be omitted. When the dispensing instruction is omitted, the control unit 50 determines whether or not packaging is possible based on the drug dosage included in the dispensing data, assuming that packaging is instructed for all input dispensing data.

[0109] Here, the determination as to whether or not packaging can be performed will be described in detail with reference to Figures 9 and 10. Figure 9 is a diagram showing setting values ​​for determining whether or not packaging can be performed.

[0110] The first set value shown in FIG. 9 is the lower limit of the weight of the medicine that can be packaged as the weight of the total dose according to the capacity of the packaging unit 33. If the weight of the total dose of the medicine to be packaged included in the dispensing data is less than the first set value, the packaging unit 33 cannot package the medicine to be packaged. The first set value is stored in the storage unit 61. The first set value is set, for example, as an amount required for the medicine discharged from the container in the medicine discharge unit 32 and supplied to the distribution plate 34a to be evenly scattered on the distribution plate 34a and evenly deposited on the distribution plate 34a. The first condition shown in FIG. 9 is a condition that the weight of the total dose of the medicine to be packaged included in the dispensing data is equal to or more than the first set value.

[0111] The second set value shown in Fig. 9 is a lower limit of the weight of the medicine that can be packaged as one dose according to the capacity of the packaging unit 33. The second set value is stored in the memory unit 61. The second set value is set, for example, as an amount necessary to make the amount of medicine evenly piled on the distribution tray 34a uniformly sent from the distribution tray 34a by the sending unit 34b. The second condition shown in Fig. 9 is a condition that the weight of one dose of the medicine to be packaged included in the dispensing data is equal to or more than the second set value.

[0112] The first and second set values ​​may be arbitrarily set by an operator based on the internal rules of the hospital or pharmacy in which the medicine packaging device 1 is installed. In this case, the first and second set values ​​may be set on the condition that they are equal to or greater than the lower limit of the weight of the medicine that can be packaged in the packaging unit 33. The first and second set values ​​may also be set for each type of medicine.

[0113] The third set value shown in FIG. 9 is the lower limit of the weight of the medicine that can be weighed out according to the capacity of the weighing unit 30. The third set value is a value smaller than the first set value. The third set value is stored in the memory unit 61. The third set value may be set, for example, taking into consideration the minimum weighing value of the weighing unit 18. The third condition shown in FIG. 9 is a condition that the weight of the total dose of the medicine to be packaged included in the dispensing data is equal to or greater than the third set value.

[0114] The medicine storage repository registration shown in Fig. 9 is a condition as to whether or not the medicine storage repository 15 that contains the medicine to be packaged, which is included in the dispensing data, is registered in the medicine packaging device 1. Information on the registered medicine storage repository 15 is stored in the memory unit 61. An unregistered medicine storage repository 15 is not stored in the memory unit 61. Note that in order to determine that the medicine storage repository 15 is registered in the medicine packaging device 1, it is not necessarily necessary that the registered medicine storage repository 15 is contained in the medicine packaging device 1 at the time when it is determined whether or not packaging can be performed.

[0115] When the first condition is satisfied, the control unit 50 determines that packaging by the medicine packaging device 1 is executable. More specifically, when the first condition is satisfied and the medicine storage 15 is registered, it is determined that "cassette packaging" shown in Fig. 9, i.e., supply and packaging using the medicine packaging device 1, is executable. When the first condition is satisfied but the medicine storage 15 is not registered, it is determined that "manual packaging" shown in Fig. 9, i.e., a process of storing a medicine prepared outside the medicine packaging device 1 by external introduction support in an external medicine introduction container 92 and packaging the medicine supplied from the external medicine introduction container 92, is executable.

[0116] When the first condition is not satisfied, the control unit 50 determines that the medicine packaging device 1 cannot perform packaging. In this case, when the medicine storage 15 is registered, it is determined that the "cup discharge" shown in Fig. 9 is possible, that is, the process of taking out the medicine from the medicine storage 15 to the output container 93 by the weighing unit 30, weighing the taken out medicine, and outputting the output container 93 to the outside of the medicine packaging device 1. The output medicine is introduced, for example, into another medicine packaging device 95 and packaged in the other medicine packaging device 95.

[0117] If the first condition is not satisfied and medicine storage container 15 is not registered, control unit 50 determines that the result is "not possible" as shown in FIG. 9, that is, that medicine packing device 1 does not execute any process.

[0118] If the second condition is not satisfied, the control unit 50 determines that the medicine packaging device 1 cannot perform packaging. Even if the weight of the entire dose of the medicine to be packaged satisfies the condition of being equal to or greater than the first set value, if the weight of one dose of the medicine to be packaged is less than the second set value, packaging is determined to be impossible. In this case, if the medicine storage warehouse 15 is registered, it is determined that "cup dispensing" is possible, and if the medicine storage warehouse 15 is not registered, it is determined that "not possible."

[0119] When the third condition is not satisfied, the control unit 50 judges it as "not acceptable" regardless of whether the medicine storage repository 15 is registered or not.

[0120] The system judges whether or not packaging can be performed based on the weight of the total dose of the medicine to be packaged, and if the weight of the total dose of the medicine is so small that it cannot be evenly distributed on the distribution tray 34a, it judges that packaging cannot be performed. This allows the medicine packaging device 1 to evenly package medicines according to the prescription data.

[0121] The system judges whether or not packaging can be performed based on the weight of one dose of the medicine to be packaged, and if the weight of one dose of the medicine is so small that the medicine cannot be sent evenly from the distribution tray 34a to the hopper 35a, it judges that packaging cannot be performed. This allows the medicine packaging device 1 to evenly package medicines according to the prescription data.

[0122] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing a judgment of whether or not packaging can be performed for the entire dispensing data when the dispensing data includes multiple drugs and these multiple drugs are packaged together. The first to fifteenth dispensing data shown in Fig. 10 includes one or more of four types of drugs, drug A, drug B, drug C, and drug D. Based on the judgment for each drug shown in Fig. 9, it has been determined that drug A can be "packaged in a cassette," drug B can be "packaged manually," drug C can be "dispensed in a cup," and drug D cannot be "packaged."

[0123] In the case of the first to third dispensing data including only drugs A and B that are determined to be packaged, the drug packaging device 1 can package all the drugs included in the dispensing data together, so the control unit 50 determines that the drug packaging device 1 will package the drugs.

[0124] In the case of the 4th to 7th and 12th to 15th prescription data including the drug C determined to be capable of "cupping", the drug packaging device 1 cannot package all the drugs included in the prescription data together, so the control unit 50 determines that the drug packaging device 1 will cup the drugs. In this case, the drug packaging device 1 will cup the drug C determined to be capable of "cupping". If the drug A determined to be capable of "cassette packaging" is included, the drug packaging device 1 will cup the drug A as well. On the other hand, if the drug B determined to be capable of "manual packaging" is included, the drug packaging device 1 will do nothing for the drug B. If the drug D determined to be "not possible" is included, the drug packaging device 1 will do nothing for the drug D as well. In other words, the drug packaging device 1 will cup the drugs that can be taken out of the drug storage 15, and the operator will manually weigh the other drugs, and these drugs will be packaged together by another drug packaging device 95.

[0125] In the case of the ninth and eleventh dispensing data including drug A determined to be capable of "cassette packaging" and drug D determined to be "not capable," the control unit 50 determines that the drug packaging device 1 will dispense the cup because the drug packaging device 1 cannot package the drugs included in the dispensing data together. In this case, the drug packaging device 1 dispenses the cup for drug A determined to be capable of "cassette packaging." On the other hand, the drug packaging device 1 does nothing for drug D determined to be "not capable." In addition, when the data includes drug B determined to be capable of "manual packaging," the drug packaging device 1 does nothing for drug B either. In other words, the drug packaging device 1 dispenses the cup for drugs that can be taken out of the drug storage 15, and the operator manually weighs the other drugs, and these drugs are packaged together by another drug packaging device 95.

[0126] In the case of the eighth dispensing data including only drug D determined to be unacceptable, and the tenth dispensing data including drug B and drug D determined to be “manually packed”, the control unit 50 determines that nothing should be done for this drug packaging device 1. All drugs included in the dispensing data are to be weighed manually by the operator and packed together by another drug packaging device 95.

[0127] Therefore, in the judgment at step S104 in FIG. 7, the control unit 50 judges that packaging can be performed for the first to third prescription data (YES), and judges that packaging cannot be performed for the fourth to fifteenth prescription data (NO).

[0128] If it is determined in step S104 that packaging can be performed, then the control unit 50 determines whether or not all medicine storage containers 15 are registered (step S105). In this determination, it is determined whether or not the medicine storage container 15 is registered, and it is not necessarily necessary for the registered medicine storage container 15 to be introduced into the medicine packaging device 1 in order to determine that the medicine storage container 15 is registered.

[0129] In the case of dispensing data that does not include drug B determined to be “manually packaged,” i.e., in the example shown in FIG. 10, the first dispensing data, all drug storage containers are registered in the control unit 50, and it is determined that all of the drugs included in the dispensing data can be supplied and packaged by the drug packaging device 1.

[0130] In the case of dispensing data including drug B determined to be “manually packaged,” i.e., in the example shown in FIG. 10, the second and third dispensing data, any of the drug storage containers is not registered in the control unit 50, and it is determined that not all of the drugs included in the dispensing data can be supplied by the drug packaging device 1.

[0131] When it is determined that all the medicine storage containers have been registered (YES in step S105), the medicine is weighed out from the medicine storage container 15 (step S106). In the process of step S106, when the necessary medicine storage container 15 has not been introduced into the medicine packaging device 1, the weighing can be continued by taking the above-mentioned medicine storage container introduction measures. Alternatively, instead of taking the medicine storage container introduction measures, it is also possible to proceed to step S109 described later and take the external introduction measures as in the case where the medicine storage container 15 is not registered.

[0132] Next, the medicine is supplied from the internal measuring container 91, which contains the measured medicine, to the distribution tray 34a (step S107), and the medicine is packaged in the packaging unit 35 (step S108). When the control unit 50 determines that the medicine to be packaged, which is included in the dispensing data, can be packaged by the medicine packaging device 1, it automatically supplies and packages the medicine to be packaged. Then, the process ends (END).

[0133] The control unit 50 judges whether or not the medicine to be packaged can be packaged based on the prescription data input to the medicine packaging device 1, and if it is judged that the medicine can be packaged, the control unit 50 automatically supplies and packages the medicine to be packaged. This makes it possible to shorten the time required from accepting the input of prescription data to completing the packaging of the medicine to be packaged.

[0134] When it is determined in step S105 that all the medicine storage containers have not been registered (NO in step S105), the control unit 50 determines whether or not some of the medicine storage containers have been registered (step S109).

[0135] Of the second and third dispensing data, in the case of the third dispensing data, which includes drug A determined to be "cassette packaging", it is determined that not all drug storage containers are registered, but some drug storage containers are registered. In the case of the second dispensing data, which includes only drug B determined to be "manually inserted packaging", it is determined that not all drug storage containers are registered.

[0136] If it is determined that some of the medicine storage chambers are registered (YES in step S109), the registered medicines are weighed out from the medicine storage chamber 15 (step S110), and the medicines are supplied from the internal measuring container 91 that contains the weighed medicines to the distribution tray 34a (step S111). The medicines supplied to the distribution tray 34a are kept on hold.

[0137] When supplying the drug from the internal measuring container 91 to the distribution dish 34a, the control unit 50 controls the second transport unit 14b to transport the internal measuring container 91 to the supply position P9-L2 at the rear of the device if the left distribution dish 34a is used, and to transport the internal measuring container 91 to the supply position P9-R2 at the rear of the device if the right distribution dish 34a is used. The control unit 50 assigns the internal measuring container 91 to the supply position P9-L2 or P9-R2 where it is more difficult to attach the external drug introduction container 92.

[0138] Next, the control unit 50 executes instructions for external introduction for drugs for which a drug storage facility is not registered, which involves preparing the entire dosage according to the dispensing data outside the drug packaging device 1 and introducing it into the drug packaging device 1 (step S112).

[0139] In the determination in step S109, if it is determined that all the medicine storage containers have not been registered (NO in step S109), the processes in steps S110 and S111 are skipped, and guidance regarding external introduction in step S112 is executed.

[0140] When performing the external introduction procedure, the control unit 50 may guide the operator to perform the external introduction procedure by displaying, for example, the display unit 21. The operator who sees the display unit 21 prepares the medicine of the specified type and amount displayed outside the medicine packing device 1 according to the display.

[0141] Alternatively, the control unit 50 may guide the user to take steps to introduce the drug from the outside by printing out information about the drug from the printing unit 24. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing a first example of the printout. As shown in Fig. 11, a sheet 240 may be output from the printing unit 24 on which is printed the date, time, name of the drug taken out of the drug storage 15 (drug A in Fig. 11) and the measured weight, and the name of the drug to be introduced from the outside (drug B in Fig. 11) and the amount to be prepared.

[0142] Fig. 12 is a diagram showing a second example of the printout. In the example shown in Fig. 12, no medicine has been taken out from the medicine storage 15, and the names and amounts to be prepared of each of a plurality of medicines to be introduced from the outside (medicine A and medicine B in Fig. 12) are printed on paper 240.

[0143] The operator looks at the paper 240 output from the printing unit 24 and prepares, for example manually, outside the medicine packing device 1 according to the description on the paper 240, the prescribed type and amount of medicine that is described thereon.

[0144] The control unit 50 determines the external drug introduction container 92 to be transported. The control unit 50 controls the first transport unit 14a to transport the external drug introduction container 92 to be transported from the second storage unit 12 (second standby position P2) to the second removal unit 26 (second removal position P6). The operator removes the external drug introduction container 92 from the second removal position P6. The operator stores the prepared drug in the external drug introduction container 92.

[0145] The operator unlocks the external drug introduction container 92 containing a drug by operating the operation unit 22 in order to introduce the external drug introduction container 92 into the drug packaging device 1. The operator introduces the external drug introduction container 92 into the drug packaging device 1. At this time, the operator places the external drug introduction container 92 on the mounting table of the external drug measurement unit 82, and weighs the drug contained in the external drug introduction container 92 together with the external drug introduction container 92. The operator inputs, using the operation unit 22, that the external drug introduction container 92 has been introduced. Alternatively, the control unit 50 may determine that the external drug introduction container 92 has been introduced by detecting that a predetermined amount of drug has been contained in the external drug introduction container 92 based on the measurement result of the external drug measurement unit 82.

[0146] The control unit 50 judges whether the external drug introduction container 92 has been introduced (step S113 in FIG. 9). When it is judged that the external drug introduction container 92 has not been introduced (NO in step S113), the judgment of step S113 is repeated. When the control unit 50 accepts an input from the operator, it is judged that the external drug introduction container 92 has been introduced. The drug packaging device 1 may be relocked by the operator performing an operation for relocking. Alternatively, when it is judged that the external drug introduction container 92 has been introduced, the drug packaging device 1 may be automatically relocked.

[0147] If it is determined that the external drug introduction container 92 has been introduced (YES in step S113), the control unit 50 controls the second transport unit 14b to transport the external drug introduction container 92 introduced into the drug packaging device 1 from the external drug measuring unit 82 (external drug measuring position P12) to one of the container mounting units 32a (one of supply positions P9-L1, P9-L2, P9-R1, P9-R2).

[0148] Next, the medicine contained in the external medicine introduction container 92 is supplied to the distribution tray 34a (step S114). After that, the medicine supplied to the distribution tray 34a is packaged (step S108 in FIG. 8). Then, the process ends (END).

[0149] If it is determined that the drug to be packaged can be packaged, but the drug storage 15 corresponding to that drug is not registered, the supply and packaging of that drug is put on hold. Packaging can be performed by storing the drug in an external drug introduction container 92 outside the drug packaging device 1 and introducing the external drug introduction container 92 into the drug packaging device 1. If external introduction is required, the operator can quickly handle the external introduction, which prevents long wait times for packaging, and therefore shortens the time required for packaging processing.

[0150] When dealing with external introduction, the medicine prepared outside the medicine packaging device 1 is measured by an external medicine measuring unit 82 provided in the medicine packaging device 1. The medicine packaging device 1 is equipped with an external medicine measuring unit 82 that measures the medicine prepared outside the medicine packaging device 1 and contained in the external medicine introduction container 92. Since there is no need to prepare a measuring device separate from the medicine packaging device 1, the configuration of the medicine packaging device 1 can be simplified, and therefore the device can be made smaller and less costly.

[0151] The external medicine introduction container 92 is configured so that a medicine contained therein is introduced into the medicine packaging device 1, and the external medicine measurement unit 82 measures the medicine contained in the external medicine introduction container 92 together with the external medicine introduction container 92. Since it is not necessary to transfer the medicine after it has been measured by the external medicine measurement unit 82, operability can be improved.

[0152] Since the drug measured in external drug measuring section 82 and external drug introduction container 92 are automatically transported to drug discharge section 32 by transport section 14, operability can be further improved.

[0153] If it is determined that the medicine to be packaged can be packaged, but medicine storage 15 corresponding to only some of the medicine to be packaged is registered, the medicine measured out from the registered medicine storage 15 is first supplied. After that, a guide for external introduction is given. This prevents the medicine supply operation of the medicine packaging device 1 from being hindered by the operator's manual operation of introducing the external medicine introduction container 92 into the medicine packaging device 1, so that multiple types of medicine can be efficiently supplied and distributed.

[0154] After the medicine weighed from the registered medicine storage 15 is supplied to the distribution tray 34a, a guide for external introduction is given, so that the manual operation of the operator to introduce the external medicine introduction container 92 into the medicine packaging device 1 does not interfere with the supply of medicine to the distribution tray 34a. Therefore, multiple types of medicine can be efficiently supplied and distributed.

[0155] The control unit 50 outputs information regarding the drug to be introduced externally, so that the operator can place the correct type and amount of drug in the external drug introduction container 92 according to the output.

[0156] The control unit 50 outputs the actual measured value of the weight of the medicine weighed out from the medicine storage 15, so that a record can be kept regarding the amount of the medicine that was actually weighed out.

[0157] The control unit 50 causes the printing unit 24 to output information about the medicine, so that the operator can refer to the printed recording medium and prepare for external introduction. In addition, the printed recording medium can be used as a record of the actual measured value of the weight of the medicine weighed out from the medicine storage 15.

[0158] If it is determined in step S104 that packaging cannot be performed (NO in step S104), the drug is not automatically measured out. In this case, the operator selects whether or not to measure out the drug using the drug packaging device 1 (step S115). The control unit 50 displays on the display unit 21 the target drug and a selection screen that allows the operator to select whether or not to measure out the drug. The operator operates the operation unit 22 to input the selection of whether or not to measure out the drug to the control unit 50.

[0159] If it is determined that the operator has selected not to measure out the medicine (NO in step S115), the medicine packing device 1 ends the process (END).

[0160] If it is determined that the operator has selected to measure out the medicine (YES in step S115), the medicine is measured out and contained in the output container 93 (step S116).

[0161] Even if it is determined in step S103 that the dispensing instruction in the previous step S102 is not packaging, i.e., is measuring out (NO in step S103), measuring out is performed in step S116 and the medicine is stored in the output container 93. After measuring out, the output container 93 is transported to a position where the output container 93 can be removed from the medicine packaging device 1, such as the third removal position P7. Then, the process ends (END).

[0162] If the control unit 50 determines that the drug to be packaged cannot be packaged by the drug packaging device 1, the supply and packaging of the drug to be packaged are put on hold, and the supply and packaging are not performed. If selected by the operator, only the measurement of the drug is performed. During the standby state, if the next dispensing data is input to the drug packaging device 1, and it is determined that the drug to be packaged included in the next dispensing data can be packaged, the supply and packaging of the drug to be packaged included in the next dispensing data is automatically performed.

[0163] When it is determined that all the medicine storage containers 15 are not registered (NO in step S109), the control unit 50 may put the supply and packaging of the medicine to be packaged on hold and not execute the supply and packaging. During the wait, if the next dispensing data is input to the medicine packaging device 1, and it is determined that the medicine to be packaged included in the next dispensing data can be packaged and that all the medicine storage containers 15 are registered, the supply and packaging of the medicine to be packaged included in the next dispensing data is automatically executed. This allows the supply and packaging to be executed preferentially for dispensing data that does not require external introduction.

[0164] For drugs that are determined to be unpackageable, supply to the drug packaging device 1 is put on hold and packaging is not performed, so there is no variation in the amount of drugs packaged when the drug packaging device 1 attempts to package drugs that cannot be packaged, and high-quality packaging can be achieved. If the next prescription data including a drug that can be packaged is input during the standby period, the next drug can be packaged first, eliminating the need to wait for packaging and shortening the time required for packaging.

[0165] [Second embodiment] Fig. 13 is a schematic diagram of a medicine packaging device 1 according to a second embodiment. The medicine packaging device 1 according to the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment shown in Fig. 2 in that a measuring unit 18 that measures the medicine taken out of a medicine storage repository 15 and contained in an internal measuring container 91 also serves as an external medicine measuring unit 82.

[0166] When performing the external introduction, the operator places the external drug introduction container 92 on the placement table 18a of the weighing section 18. The weighing section 18 weighs the drug contained in the external drug introduction container 92 together with the external drug introduction container 92. The control section 50 controls the first transport section 14a to transport the external drug introduction container 92 after the weighing has been performed from the weighing section 18 (weighing position P4) to the supply standby section 23 (supply standby position P8). The control section 50 controls the second transport section 14b to transport the external drug introduction container 92 from the supply standby section 23 (supply standby position P8) to any of the container attachment sections 32a (any of the supply positions P9-L1, P9-L2, P9-R1, and P9-R2). Then, the drug contained in the external drug introduction container 92 is supplied to the distribution plate 34a.

[0167] In the medicine packaging device 1 of the second embodiment, measuring unit 18 that measures the medicine contained in internal measuring container 91 also serves as external medicine measuring unit 82 that measures the medicine prepared outside of medicine packaging device 1. Since it is not necessary to provide external medicine measuring unit 82 as a configuration separate from measuring unit 18, the configuration of medicine packaging device 1 can be further simplified.

[0168] An external drug introduction container 92 containing a drug outside the drug packaging device 1 may be set directly in the weighing section 18, or may be set at another position such as the second removal section 26 (second removal position P2) and transported by the first transport section 14a to the weighing section 18 for weighing.

[0169] In the second embodiment, too, the medicine does not necessarily have to be stored in the external medicine introduction container 92 outside the medicine packaging device 1. As described in the first embodiment, the medicine may be stored in a container other than the external medicine introduction container 92, such as a mortar or a weighing dish, outside the medicine packaging device 1. In this case, the container is placed on the mounting table 18a of the measuring unit 18 to perform weighing. The medicine is then transferred from the container to the external medicine introduction container 92. This makes it possible to weigh and package a medicine prepared outside the medicine packaging device 1 using the medicine packaging device 1.

[0170] Although the embodiment has been described above, the disclosed embodiment should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims, not by the above description, and is intended to include the meaning equivalent to the claims, and all modifications within the scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0171] 1 Drug packaging device, 14 Transport unit, 14a First transport unit, 14b Second transport unit, 15 Drug storage unit, 17 Drug removal unit, 18 Weighing unit, 18a Placement table, 18b Detection unit, 21 Display unit, 22 Operation unit, 23 Supply standby unit, 24 Printing unit, 30 Weighing unit, 32 Drug discharge unit, 32a Container mounting unit, 32b Vibration device, 33 Packaging unit, 34 Distribution unit, 34a Distribution tray, 34b Feeding unit, 35 Packaging unit, 35a Hopper, 35b Heater, 37 Cleaning standby unit, 38 Cleaning unit, 40 Packaging material, 50 Control unit, 61 Memory unit, 62 Weighing selection unit, 65 Guide unit, 82 External drug weighing unit, 91 Internal weighing container, 92 External drug introduction container, 93 Output container, 100 dispensing system, 240 paper, P1 first waiting position, P2 second waiting position, P3 third waiting position, P4 weighing position, P5 first removal position, P6 second removal position, P7 third removal position, P8 supply waiting position, P9 supply position, P10 cleaning waiting position, P11 cleaning position, P12 external drug weighing position.

Claims

1. A dispensing system including a medicine packaging device, The drug packaging device includes: a medicine discharge section in which an external medicine introduction container for accommodating medicine prepared outside the medicine packaging device is set and which discharges medicine from the set external medicine introduction container; a packaging unit that packages the medicine discharged in the medicine discharge unit; A measuring unit having a mounting table and prepared outside the medicine packaging device, and measuring a medicine contained in a container other than the external medicine introduction container mounted on the mounting table; A control unit. The control unit causes the medicine discharge unit to discharge the medicine from the external medicine introduction container after the medicine is transferred from the other container to the external medicine introduction container.

2. The dispensing system according to claim 1 , wherein the measuring unit measures the medicine contained in the separate container together with the separate container.

3. The drug preparation system according to claim 2 , further comprising a transport unit that transports the external drug introduction container to the drug discharge unit.

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