Pharmacy system

Abstract

To provide a medicine packaging device capable of reducing time required for packaging processing.SOLUTION: A medicine packaging device includes: a medicine discharge part 132 that includes a container attachment part 132a to which a conveyance container 93 storing a medicine measured and taken in another medicine packaging device can be attached, and discharges the medicine from the conveyance container 93; and a packaging part 133 that packages the medicine discharged in the medicine discharge part 132.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a medicine packaging device.

Background Art

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-130972 (Patent Document 1) discloses a powder medicine packaging device including a plurality of medicine containers for storing powder medicine for each type, a dispensing unit for dispensing the powder medicine discharged from the medicine containers, and a medicine packaging device that executes a packaging operation for individually packaging the powder medicine.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In a medicine packaging device, in order to improve efficiency, it is required to shorten the time required for the packaging process.

[0005] The present disclosure provides a medicine packaging device capable of shortening the time required for the packaging process.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a medicine packaging device is proposed. In another medicine packaging device different from the medicine packaging device, medicine is weighed and stored in a container. The medicine packaging device includes a container attachment portion to which the container can be attached, a medicine discharge portion that discharges the medicine from the container, and a packaging portion that packages the medicine discharged by the medicine discharge portion.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to the medicine packaging device according to the present disclosure, the time required for the packaging process can be shortened.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

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

[0010] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a dispensing system 100. FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of a medicine packaging device 1 according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the packaging unit 33 in a plan view. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the medicine packaging device 1.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, the dispensing system 100 includes a medicine packaging device 1, a weighing device 80, and another medicine packaging device 95. The dispensing system 100 is installed, for example, in a pharmacy or a hospital.

[0012] The medicine packaging device 1 supplies and packages medicines. The medicine packaging device 1 can weigh one or more medicines respectively to supply the medicines. In this specification, weighing of a medicine means taking out a necessary amount of the medicine stored in a medicine storage or the like. The medicine packaging device 1 weighs a powder (powdered, fine-grained, or granular medicine) as a medicine. The medicine packaging device 1 may be able to package tablets in addition to the powder.

[0013] The weighing device 80 is installed outside the medicine packaging device 1. The weighing device 80 can weigh medicines in place of the medicine packaging device 1.

[0014] The supply and packaging of medicines performed by the medicine packaging device 1 are carried out based on dispensing data input by an operator.

[0015] The medicine packaging device 1 can also perform only the packaging of medicines. In this case, for weighing the medicines, a weighing device 80 or the like is used. The weighing device 80 weighs the medicines taken out by the operator from a medicine bottle or the like. The medicine packaging device 1 can also perform only the weighing of medicines. In this case, the weighed medicines are taken out of the medicine packaging device 1 without being packaged. The medicine packaging device 1 accommodates the weighed medicines in a container so that the operator can take out the container.

[0016] In the following description, the operation in which the medicine packaging device 1 packages medicine is referred to as the first operation, and the operation in which the medicine packaging device 1 measures the amount of medicine and then does not perform packaging is referred to as the second operation. In the first operation, the medicine packaging device 1 may perform measurement, or the medicine packaging device 1 may not perform measurement. Even when the medicine packaging device 1 packages the medicine that has been measured (weighed) by a weighing device 80 or the like outside the medicine packaging device 1, it is also included in the first operation.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 2, the medicine packaging device 1 includes a first storage unit 11, a second storage unit 12, and a third storage unit 13. Further, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the medicine packaging device 1 includes a transport unit 14, a medicine storage 15, a first information processing unit 16, a weighing unit 30, a second information processing unit 19, a third information processing unit 20, a display unit 21, an operation unit 22, a printing unit 24, a medicine discharge unit 32, a packaging unit 33, a cleaning unit 38, and a control unit 50.

[0018] The first storage unit 11 can store a plurality of internal weighing containers 91 in which no medicine is stored. The internal weighing containers 91 are prepared to store the medicine that is the object of supply and packaging and transport it to each part of the medicine packaging device 1. The configuration of the internal weighing container 91 will be described later.

[0019] The first storage unit 11 may have, for example, a plurality of supports for waiting for a plurality of internal weighing containers 91, and be configured to support the bottom surface of each internal weighing container 91 with each support. However, as long as the internal weighing containers 91 can be substantially stored, the configuration of the first storage unit 11 can be arbitrarily changed.

[0020] The second storage unit 12 can store a plurality of external drug introduction containers 92 in which no drug is stored. The external drug introduction container 92 is used as a container that stores drugs prepared by an operator outside the drug packaging device 1 and is introduced into the drug packaging device 1 for packaging the drugs. The external drug introduction container 92 is prepared in the drug packaging device 1 to store the drugs weighed by the weighing device 80 etc. in FIG. 1 when the weighing is performed not by the drug packaging device 1 but by the weighing device 80 etc., and to introduce the weighed drugs into the drug packaging device 1 in a state where the drugs are stored. The drug packaging device 1 may be configured such that the second storage unit 12 is not provided and the external drug introduction container 92 is stored outside the drug packaging device 1. The configuration of the external drug introduction container 92 will be described later.

[0021] The third storage unit 13 can store a plurality of carry-out containers 93 in which no drug is stored. The carry-out container 93 is prepared in the drug packaging device 1 to store the weighed drugs and carry the drugs out from the drug packaging device 1 to another drug packaging device 95 when the drug packaging device 1 does not perform packaging after weighing.

[0022] Similar to the first storage unit 11, for example, the second storage unit 12 and the third storage unit 13 can be configured to support the bottom surfaces of the external drug introduction container 92 or the carry-out container 93.

[0023] The internal weighing container 91 will be described. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the internal weighing container 91 (external drug introduction container 92, carry-out container 93). As shown in FIG. 5, the internal weighing container 91 includes a storage portion 91a, a discharge path portion 91b, an opening / closing portion 91c, an information display portion (display portion) 91d, and an information recording portion (information recording member) 91e.

[0024] The storage portion 91a is a portion where the internal weighing container 91 substantially stores drugs. The storage portion 91a is formed in a hollow shape with an open top.

[0025] The discharge path portion 91b is configured as a thin passage connecting the internal space and the external space of the storage portion 91a. The discharge path portion 91b is formed to communicate with an end of the storage portion 91a.

[0026] The opening / closing part 91c is configured as a shutter-like movable member. The opening / closing part 91c can open and close the connection part between the storage part 91a and the discharge path part 91b.

[0027] The information display part 91d is a display capable of displaying dispensing data and information related to dispensing. The information display part 91d can be configured, for example, as a microcapsule type or electrophoretic electronic paper.

[0028] The information recording part 91e has, for example, a non-volatile memory and can record container-specific information. The container-specific information includes the identification information of the container. Note that the container-specific information may include information indicating the type of the container (internal measuring container 91, external drug introduction container 92, carry-out container 93). The information recording part 91e can be configured, for example, as an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag.

[0029] In the drug packaging device 1 of the present embodiment, a plurality of internal measuring containers 91 having the same shape are prepared. Note that a plurality of types of internal measuring containers 91 having different sizes of the storage part 91a from each other may be prepared. In this case, it is possible to cope with various situations such as measuring various types of drugs.

[0030] 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 part 92a, a discharge path part 92b, an opening / closing part 92c, an information display part 92d, and an information recording part 92e.

[0031] The storage part 92a, the discharge path part 92b, the opening / closing part 92c, the information display part 92d, and the information recording part 92e have the same configuration as the storage part 91a, the discharge path part 91b, the opening / closing part 91c, the information display part 91d, and the information recording part 91e in the internal measuring container 91, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

[0032] In the drug packaging device 1 of the present embodiment, a plurality of external drug introduction containers 92 having the same shape are prepared. Note that a plurality of types of external drug introduction containers 92 having different sizes of the accommodating portions 92a from each other may be prepared. In this case, it is possible to cope with various situations where external weighing such as external weighing of various drugs is performed.

[0033] The carry-out container 93 will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, the carry-out container 93 has substantially the same configuration as the internal weighing container 91. The carry-out container 93 includes an accommodating portion 93a, a discharge path portion 93b, an opening / closing portion 93c, an information display portion 93d, and an information recording portion 93e.

[0034] Since the accommodating portion 93a, the discharge path portion 93b, the opening / closing portion 93c, the information display portion 93d, and the information recording portion 93e have the same configuration as the accommodating portion 91a, the discharge path portion 91b, the opening / closing portion 91c, the information display portion 91d, and the information recording portion 91e in the internal weighing container 91, the description thereof will be omitted.

[0035] In the drug packaging device 1 of the present embodiment, a plurality of carry-out containers 93 having the same shape are prepared. Note that a plurality of types of carry-out containers 93 having different sizes of the accommodating portions 93a from each other may be prepared. In this case, it is possible to cope with various situations where weighing such as weighing of various drugs is performed.

[0036] The conveyance unit 14 can convey the internal weighing container 91, the external drug introduction container 92, and the carry-out container 93. As shown in FIG. 2, the conveyance unit 14 includes a first conveyance unit 14a and a second conveyance unit 14b.

[0037] The operations of each of the first conveyance unit 14a and the second conveyance unit 14b are controlled by the control unit 50. Since the first conveyance unit 14a and the second conveyance unit 14b only have different conveyance ranges and their conveyance configurations are substantially the same, the first conveyance unit 14a will be described as an example below.

[0038] The first transfer unit 14a is provided with a container holding unit for holding the internal metering container 91, the external drug introduction container 92, or the carry-out container 93. The container holding unit is configured to be movable along a path defined in the drug packaging apparatus 1. The first transfer unit 14a transfers the internal metering container 91, the external drug introduction container 92, or the carry-out container 93 by moving the container holding unit while holding the internal metering container 91, the external drug introduction container 92, or the carry-out container 93 in the container holding unit.

[0039] Thus, in the present embodiment, the internal metering container 91, the external drug introduction container 92, and the carry-out container 93 are configured to be transferred by the common first transfer unit 14a. Therefore, in each of the three types of containers, it is preferable that the portion attached to the first transfer unit 14a (container holding unit) has the same configuration because the configuration of the first transfer unit 14a can be simplified.

[0040] The internal metering container 91, the external drug introduction container 92, and the carry-out container 93 are similar to each other in terms of configuration and function. Therefore, the internal metering container 91 can also be used as the external drug introduction container 92 used in the first operation. Further, the internal metering container 91 can also be used as the carry-out container 93 used in the second operation. The external drug introduction container 92 can also be used as the internal metering container 91 used in the first operation. Further, the external drug introduction container 92 can also be used as the carry-out container 93 used in the second operation. By reducing the types of containers, simplification of the configuration can be achieved.

[0041] In FIG. 2, the path of the first transfer unit 14a is shown by a dashed line, and the path of the second transfer unit 14b is shown by a two-dot chain line. The first transfer unit 14a and the second transfer unit 14b are provided with individual drive sources and can operate independently. Therefore, the drug packaging apparatus 1 can simultaneously perform the transfer of the container by the first transfer unit 14a and the transfer of the container by the second transfer unit 14b in parallel.

[0042] The configuration in which the conveying unit 14 holds the container is various. For example, a container holding part may be provided at the tip of an extendable or rotatable arm, and the position of the container holding part may be changed by extending or rotating the arm. Also, for example, the container may be grasped by a chuck or held by suction.

[0043] The medicine storage 15 stores the medicine to be weighed. An opening for discharging the medicine out of the container and taking it out is formed in each medicine storage 15.

[0044] In principle, different types of medicines are stored in the plurality of medicine storages 15. However, for example, regarding medicines with high usage frequency, the same medicine may be stored in a plurality of medicine storages 15.

[0045] The medicine packaging device 1 can also handle excipients in addition to medicines. An excipient may be stored in any one of the plurality of medicine storages 15. When shaping of the medicine (powder) is required, the medicine packaging device 1 takes out the excipient from the medicine storage 15. In this case, similar to the medicine, the excipient can be supplied. A cleaning material may be stored in any one of the plurality of medicine storages 15. In this case, similar to the medicine, the cleaning material can be supplied. When the cleaning material is taken out from the medicine storage 15 and contacts the medicine path of the medicine packaging device 1 during packaging, the medicine path contacted by the cleaning material is cleaned. An excipient may be used as the cleaning material. The excipient and / or the cleaning material may be lactose.

[0046] On the outer surface of the medicine storage compartment 15, an information recording unit 71 is provided. 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 compartment 15 (stored medicine information). The stored medicine information includes the medicine name, the remaining amount of the medicine in the medicine storage compartment 15, the expiration date of the medicine, the previous replenishment date, 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 only the identification information of the medicine storage compartment 15 may be stored in the information recording unit 71, and when this is read by the medicine packaging device 1, the above-mentioned stored medicine information may be called from the storage unit 61 described later.

[0047] The first information processing unit 16 can read the stored 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 packaging device 1.

[0048] The measuring unit 30 includes a medicine extraction unit 17 and a weighing unit 18. The medicine extraction unit 17 extracts medicine from the medicine storage compartment 15. The weighing unit 18 weighs the medicine extracted from the medicine storage compartment 15.

[0049] The medicine extraction unit 17 detachably holds a plurality of medicine storage compartments 15. The medicine extraction unit 17 moves the held medicine storage compartment 15 to a predetermined position, and at the predetermined position, extracts the medicine stored in the medicine storage compartment 15 downward through the opening. The operation of the medicine extraction unit 17 is controlled by the control unit 50 based on the stored medicine information read by the first information processing unit 16.

[0050] 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 medicine extraction unit 17. An internal weighing container 91 or a carry-out container 93 can be placed on the mounting table 18a. The first transport unit 14a can transport the internal weighing container 91 or the carry-out container 93 held by the container holding unit and place it on the mounting table 18a or remove it from the mounting table 18a.

[0051] The detection unit 18b can measure the medicine inside the container in a state where the internal measuring container 91 or the carry-out container 93 is placed on the mounting table 18a. In other words, the measuring unit 18 is configured as an electronic balance, and the mounting table 18a corresponds to the weighing pan portion of the electronic balance. The detection unit 18b can be configured as, for example, an electromagnetic or load cell type load sensor.

[0052] The weighing unit 30 is controlled by the control unit 50 to weigh the total dosage for each of the medicines indicated by the medicine information. The control unit 50 appropriately moves the medicine storage 15 storing the medicine indicated by the medicine information directly above the mounting table 18a by the medicine extraction unit 17. Thereafter, the control unit 50 takes out the medicine downward from the medicine storage 15, stores the taken-out medicine in the internal measuring container 91 or the carry-out container 93 placed on the mounting table 18a, and measures the stored medicine by the detection unit 18b.

[0053] The second information processing unit 19 acquires the container-specific information stored in the information recording unit 91e of the internal measuring container 91 or the information recording unit 93e of the carry-out container 93 set in the measuring unit 18. Further, the second information processing unit 19 can change the display content of the information display unit 91d of the internal measuring container 91 or the information display unit 93d of the carry-out container 93 set in the measuring unit 18. The second information processing unit 19 is configured as, for example, an RFID reader / writer.

[0054] 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 the container-specific information by the third information processing unit 20 is similarly performed for the external medicine introduction container 92 stored in the second storage unit 12 or the carry-out container 93 stored in the third storage unit 13.

[0055] The third information processing unit 20 may change the display content for the internal measuring container 91 or the carry-out container 93. In this case, the second information processing unit 19 may change the display content only regarding the weighing result for the internal measuring container 91 or the carry-out container 93 set in the weighing unit 18.

[0056] The display unit 21 is a device having a display screen capable of displaying various information regarding the medicine packaging apparatus 1. As the display unit 21, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display or the like can be considered. The display unit 21 is arranged at an appropriate position of the medicine packaging apparatus 1.

[0057] The operation unit 22 is operated for the operator to give various instructions to the medicine packaging apparatus 1. The operation unit 22 is arranged at an appropriate position (for example, in the vicinity of the display unit 21) of the medicine packaging apparatus 1. The operation unit 22 may include a keyboard, and the display unit 21 may be a touch panel and the operation unit 22 may be configured to be incorporated in the display unit 21.

[0058] The printing unit 24 prints information regarding the medicine that is the object of weighing, supply, and packaging by the medicine packaging apparatus 1. The printing unit 24 is controlled by the control unit 50. The printing unit 24 may print and output the weight of the medicine taken out from the medicine storage 15 by the medicine extraction unit 17 of the weighing unit 30 and weighed by the weighing unit 18. The printing unit 24 may print and output the weight to be taken out of the medicine that is the object of taking out from the medicine storage 15 by the weighing unit 30. The printing unit 24 may be a printer of any method such as a thermal type or an inkjet method.

[0059] The internal measuring container 91 or the external medicine introduction container 92 conveyed by the second conveying unit 14b is set in the medicine discharge unit 32. The medicine discharge unit 32 can discharge the medicine in the set internal measuring container 91 or external medicine introduction container 92. It is also possible to manually set and / or remove the internal measuring container 91 or the external medicine introduction container 92 from the medicine discharge unit 32.

[0060] The drug discharge unit 32 includes a container attachment part 32a. The container attachment part 32a is configured to be able to attach the internal metering container 91 or the external drug introduction container 92. The attachment of the internal metering container 91 or the external drug introduction container 92 to the container attachment part 32a is performed automatically or manually by the second transport part 14b.

[0061] The container attachment part 32a includes an operating part that moves the opening / closing parts 91c, 92c of the container from the closed state to the open state. Before being attached to the container attachment part 32a, the connection parts between the storage parts 91a, 92a and the discharge path parts 91b, 92b are in a closed state. When the container is attached to the container attachment part 32a, the operating part moves the opening / closing parts 91c, 92c. Thereby, the connection parts between the storage parts 91a, 92a and the discharge path parts 91b, 92b are opened, and the discharge of the drug from the container is allowed.

[0062] The drug discharge unit 32 includes a vibration device 32b. The vibration device 32b is configured to include a motor or the like that generates vibration. The vibration device 32b is controlled by the control unit 50. The vibration device 32b generates vibration according to a control signal from the control unit 50. The vibration generated by the vibration device 32b is transmitted to the internal metering container 91 or the external drug introduction container 92 attached to the container attachment part 32a. The discharge path parts 91b, 92b of the container can function as the trough of a vibrating feeder.

[0063] The sub-packaging unit 33 is configured to be able to sub-package the drug weighed by the weighing unit 30. The sub-packaging unit 33 is controlled by the control unit 50 to sub-package the drug weighed by the weighing unit 30 for each single-dose portion. The sub-packaging unit 33 includes a distribution unit 34 and a packaging unit 35.

[0064] The dispensing unit 34 dispenses the medicine discharged from the container by the medicine discharging unit 32 in single-dose portions. The dispensing unit 34 includes a dispensing tray 34a and a feeding unit 34b. The dispensing tray 34a is configured to be rotatable about an axis in the vertical direction. The medicine discharging unit 32 discharges the medicine from the container and supplies the discharged medicine onto the rotating dispensing tray 34a. The feeding unit 34b drops the medicine supplied to the dispensing tray 34a downward in predetermined amounts one by one.

[0065] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the medicine packaging device 1 includes a plurality (specifically, two) of dispensing units 34. Each dispensing unit 34 includes a plurality (specifically, two) of medicine discharging units 32. The medicine is supplied onto one dispensing tray 34a from either one or both of the two medicine discharging units 32. The same type of medicine may be supplied to one dispensing tray 34a from the two medicine discharging units 32, different types of medicine may be supplied to one dispensing tray 34a, or medicine and excipients may be supplied to one dispensing tray 34a.

[0066] The packaging unit 35 packages the medicine dispensed by the dispensing unit 34 with the packaging material 40. The packaging unit 35 includes a hopper 35a and a heater 35b. The packaging unit 35 repeats the operation of dropping the medicine dispensed in single-dose portions by the dispensing unit 34 through the hopper 35a onto the packaging material 40 and the operation of heat-sealing the packaging material 40 with the heater 35b. By repeating these operations, the medicine in single-dose portions is enclosed in the packaging material 40. The packaging material 40 containing the medicine is sent out to a storage unit outside or inside the medicine packaging device 1.

[0067] The supply standby unit 23 is provided between the weighing unit 30 that weighs the medicine and the medicine discharging unit 32 that discharges the medicine. The internal weighing container 91 or the external medicine introduction container 92 that houses the medicine can be placed in the supply standby unit 23 and standby as needed.

[0068] The cleaning unit 38 can clean the internal metering container 91 or the external drug introduction container 92. The cleaning can be performed by any means such as spraying compressed air onto the inner surface of the internal metering container 91 or the external drug introduction container 92, suction, wiping with a brush, etc. By performing the cleaning, the drug remaining on the inner surface of the container is removed.

[0069] A cleaning standby unit 37 is provided near the cleaning unit 38. The internal metering container 91 or the external drug introduction container 92 before being cleaned can be placed in the cleaning standby unit 37 and waited for as needed.

[0070] The supply standby unit 23 and the cleaning standby unit 37 can be configured as, for example, plate-like members on which containers can be placed, but are not limited thereto.

[0071] The control unit 50 can control each part of the drug packaging device 1 (specifically, the weighing unit 30, the conveying unit 14, the drug discharging unit 32, the packaging unit 33, etc.) based on the dispensing data. The control unit 50 may be configured as a part of the drug packaging device 1, or may be configured as a part of a dispensing equipment control device that controls other dispensing equipment such as another drug packaging device 95.

[0072] Specifically, the control unit 50 is configured as a known computer and includes an arithmetic 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 arithmetic device reads various programs and the like from the storage device and controls the operations of each part of the drug packaging device 1 based on the detection values of sensors provided in each part of the drug packaging device 1 and various setting values stored in the storage device. The control unit 50 cooperates the above-described software and hardware to perform the processing in the storage unit 61, the weighing selection unit 62, and the guide unit 65 shown in FIG. 4, and outputs a command signal as a result of the processing, thereby operating the drug packaging device 1.

[0073] The storage unit 61 can store the dispensing data input from the outside as described above. Further, the storage unit 61 stores the stored drug information of the drug storage library 15 read by the first information processing unit 16 as the arrangement information of the drug storage library 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.

[0074] Further, the storage unit 61 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 (drug container) code, classification (dosage form: powder, tablet, topical drug, etc.), specific gravity, drug type (ordinary drug, poison, narcotic, powerful drug, antipsychotic drug, therapeutic drug, etc.), formulation change, precautions, usual dosage, information on prohibited concomitant use, etc.

[0075] In addition, the storage unit 61 can store container unique information (container identification number, container type, etc.) as container master information.

[0076] When at least one of the drugs included in the dispensing data cannot be packaged due to the circumstances of the capabilities of the packaging unit 33, the weighing selection unit 62 can allow the operator to select whether to execute the weighing operation by the weighing unit 30 for the drugs that can be weighed by the weighing unit 30 among the said drugs. There are various configurations for realizing the selection. For example, the weighing selection unit 62 may display options (for example, execute / do not execute buttons) on the display unit 21 and allow the operator to select using the operation unit 22.

[0077] The guidance unit 65 can guide (give instructions to) the operator. For example, when at least one of the drugs included in the dispensing data cannot be sub-packaged due to the circumstances of the sub-packaging unit 33's capacity, the guidance unit 65 can inform the operator that the drug weighed by the weighing unit 30 should be sub-packaged using another drug sub-packaging device 95. Also, when the drug supplied from the drug storage 15 to the internal metering container 91 is insufficient compared to the total dose based on the dispensing data, the guidance unit 65 can inform the operator that external metering can be performed as a measure to enable the sub-packaging operation by the sub-packaging unit 33.

[0078] External metering means that the operator prepares a predetermined amount (for example, the total dose) of the drug outside the drug sub-packaging device 1 and introduces the predetermined amount of the drug into the drug sub-packaging device 1. External metering includes a mode of introducing a predetermined amount of the drug into the drug sub-packaging device 1 together with the external drug introduction container 92 that contains the drug, and a mode of introducing only the drug into the drug sub-packaging device 1. At this time, the operator can also be informed that replenishment or drug storage introduction can be performed. Replenishment means replenishing the drug storage 15 with the drug. Drug storage introduction means introducing the drug storage 15 containing the required amount of the drug into the drug sub-packaging device 1.

[0079] There are various ways for the guidance unit 65 to guide the operator. For example, it is conceivable to display an appropriate message on the display unit 21. The guidance may be performed, for example, by voice or a notification lamp.

[0080] Next, with reference to FIG. 2, various positions set in the drug sub-packaging device 1 will be described. Any of these positions can be the conveyance source and conveyance destination of the container by the conveyance unit 14.

[0081] The first standby position P1 is a position in the first storage unit 11 where the internal metering container 91 that does not contain the drug can standby. The first standby position P1 can also be said to be a storage position where a plurality of internal metering containers 91 are stored in the first storage unit 11.

[0082] The second standby position P2 is a position in the second storage unit 12 where the external drug introduction container 92 that does not contain the drug can wait. 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 unit 12.

[0083] The third standby position P3 is a position in the third storage unit 13 where the carry-out container 93 that does not contain the drug can wait. The third standby position P3 can also be said to be a storage position where a plurality of carry-out containers 93 are stored in the third storage unit 13.

[0084] The weighing position P4 is a position where the weighing unit 18 weighs the drug contained in the internal weighing container 91 or the carry-out container 93.

[0085] The first take-out position P5 is a position for taking out the internal weighing container 91 or the carry-out container 93 to the outside of the drug packaging device 1. For example, when weighing the drug from the drug storage 15 to the internal weighing container 91 or the carry-out container 93 in the weighing section 30, and the amount of the drug stored in the drug storage 15 is insufficient, etc., when the taken-out amount (measured amount) is insufficient with respect to the amount of the whole dose that is the target amount, the first take-out position P5 is used to take out the internal weighing container 91 or the carry-out container 93 that contains the drug less than the target amount to the outside of the drug packaging device 1. This take-out is performed via the first take-out section 25 provided in the drug packaging device 1.

[0086] In the present embodiment, the first take-out position P5 is set at a position different from the weighing position P4. However, it is not limited to this. For example, the weighing position P4 may also serve as the first take-out position P5.

[0087] The second extraction position P6 is a position for taking out the external drug introduction container 92 before accommodating the drug when the drug is weighed using the weighing device 80 instead of the drug packaging device 1. This extraction is performed through the second extraction unit 26 provided in the drug packaging device 1. The second extraction position P6 may also serve as a position (introduction position) for setting the external drug introduction container 92 or the internal weighing container 91 that contains the drug weighed by the weighing device 80, in order to introduce it into the drug packaging device 1.

[0088] The third extraction position P7 is a position for taking out the carry-out container 93 to the outside of the drug packaging device 1. For example, when the drug is weighed by the drug packaging device 1 but not packaged, the third extraction position P7 is used to take out the carry-out container 93 that contains the drug weighed by the weighing unit 30 to the outside of the drug packaging device 1. This extraction is performed through the third extraction unit 27 provided in the drug packaging device 1.

[0089] The supply standby position P8 is a position for waiting the internal weighing container 91 after the weighing of the drug by the weighing unit 30 and before discharging the drug from the container and supplying it to the distribution tray 34a by the packaging unit 33. The supply standby position P8 is also a position (introduction position) for setting the external drug introduction container 92 or the internal weighing container 91 that contains the drug weighed by the weighing device 80, in order to introduce it into the drug packaging device 1. The supply standby position P8 is set in the aforementioned supply standby unit 23. The supply standby position P8 may also serve as the first extraction position P5, the second extraction position P6, or the third extraction position P7.

[0090] The supply positions P9-L1, P9-L2, P9-R1, and P9-R2 are the positions of the internal metering container 91 or the external drug introduction container 92 when the drug is supplied to the distribution dish 34a in the drug discharge unit 32. The second transport unit 14b transports the internal metering 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 introducing the external drug introduction container 92 or the internal metering container 91 that contains the drug 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 at the drug discharge unit 32.

[0091] As described above, the drug packaging device 1 includes a plurality (specifically, four) of drug discharge units 32, and the supply positions P9-L1, P9-L2, P9-R1, and P9-R2 are assigned to the four drug discharge units 32. As shown in FIG. 3, the supply positions P9-L1 and P9-L2 are the positions where the drug is discharged to the left distribution dish 34a, and the supply positions P9-R1 and P9-R2 are the positions where the drug is discharged to the right distribution dish 34a. In FIG. 3, the lower side in the figure is the front side of the drug packaging device 1. The supply positions P9-L1 and P9-R1 are arranged in front of the supply positions P9-L2 and P9-R2. The supply positions P9-L2 and P9-R2 are deeper inside the device than the supply positions P9-L1 and P9-R1.

[0092] Therefore, when the operator sets the container at the drug discharge unit 32 from outside the drug packaging device 1, it is easier to attach the container to the supply positions P9-L1 and P9-R1 on the front side of the device, and it is considered more difficult to attach the container to the supply positions P9-L2 and P9-R2 on the deeper side of the device.

[0093] The cleaning standby position P10 is the position where the internal metering container 91 or the external drug 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.

[0094] The cleaning position P11 is the position where the internal metering container 91 or the external drug introduction container 92 is cleaned by the cleaning unit 38. When discharging of the drug to the dispensing tray 34a is completed at the supply positions P9-L1, P9-L2, P9-R1, and P9-R2, the internal metering container 91 and the external drug introduction container 92 return to the first standby position P1 and the second standby position P2, respectively, via the cleaning position P11. In the case where the drug packaging device 1 is not provided with the second storage unit 12 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 externally, and then returned to the second standby position P2.

[0095] In the present embodiment, the supply standby position P8 and the cleaning standby position P10 function as relay points for conveying the container by the conveying unit 14.

[0096] Specifically, the first conveying unit 14a is configured to be able to convey the container between the above-described first standby position P1, second standby position P2, third standby position P3, metering position P4, first take-out position P5, second take-out position P6, third take-out position P7, supply standby position P8, and cleaning standby position P10. On the other hand, the second conveying unit 14b is configured to be able to convey the container between the supply standby position P8, supply positions P9-L1, P9-L2, P9-R1, P9-R2, and cleaning standby position P10.

[0097] Therefore, after the control unit 50 conveys the internal metering container 91 etc. to the supply standby position P8 by the first conveying unit 14a, the conveyed internal metering container 91 etc. can be conveyed from the supply standby position P8 by the second conveying unit 14b at an appropriate timing. Further, after the second conveying unit 14b conveys the internal metering container 91 etc. to the cleaning standby position P10, the conveyed internal metering container 91 etc. can be conveyed from the cleaning standby position P10 by the first conveying unit 14a at an appropriate timing.

[0098] In this embodiment, the external drug introduction container 92 stored in the second storage unit 12 is configured to be transported by the first transport unit 14a to the second take-out position P6 and taken out of the drug packaging device 1. However, the operator may be able to take out the external drug introduction container 92 stored in the second storage unit 12. In this case, the second storage unit 12 may be provided outside the drug packaging device 1.

[0099] Next, the metering device 80 will be described. FIG. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram of the metering device 80. As shown in FIG. 6, the metering device 80 includes a control unit 81, a metering unit 82, an information processing unit 83, and a display unit 84. The metering unit 82, the information processing unit 83, and the display unit 84 are each electrically connected to the control unit 81. The metering device 80 can meter the drug contained in the external drug introduction container 92. When the internal metering container 91 is used for external metering, the metering device 80 meters the drug contained in the internal metering container 91.

[0100] The control unit 81 can communicate with the control unit 50 of the drug packaging device 1 and receive the dispensing data stored in the storage unit 61 of the drug packaging device 1. When the metering (such as metering of a drug insufficient with respect to the target amount) of the metering device 80 is completed, the metering result is transmitted to the drug packaging device 1.

[0101] Since the metering unit 82 has substantially the same configuration as the metering unit 18 of the drug packaging device 1, the description thereof will be omitted. The metering device 80 meters the drug taken out by the operator from an appropriate medicine bottle or the like into a mortar or a weighing dish or the like. Note that the metering device 80 may meter the drug together with the external drug introduction container 92 in a state where the drug is contained in the external drug introduction container 92.

[0102] The information processing unit 83 is disposed in the vicinity of the metering unit 82. The information processing unit 83 has a barcode reader and an RFID reader / writer. The barcode reader can read the barcode provided on the above-mentioned medicine bottle or the like. The RFID reader / writer can read the content of the information recording unit 92e of the external drug introduction container 92.

[0103] The information processing unit 83 performs a process of reading the information stored in each of the barcode of a medicine bottle or the like and the information recording unit 92e of the external medicine introduction container 92. Specifically, the information processing unit 83 reads the medicine identification information of the medicine bottle or the like from the barcode provided on the medicine bottle or the like, and identifies the medicine contained in the medicine bottle or the like by the control unit 81. Further, the information processing unit 83 reads the container unique information stored in the information recording unit 92e of the external medicine introduction container 92. The weighing device 80 acquires the dispensing data corresponding to the read container unique information from the control unit 50 of the medicine packaging device 1. At that time, the weighing device 80 also acquires information on the medicine to be weighed (including the target amount of the medicine).

[0104] Then, the control unit 81 identifies which medicine among the medicines indicated by the medicine information included in the dispensing data acquired from the control unit 50 of the medicine packaging device 1 the medicine identified based on the medicine identification information corresponds to. When the control unit 81 determines that the medicine identified based on the medicine identification information matches any of the medicines indicated by the medicine information included in the dispensing data, the control unit 81 selects the medicine indicated by the matched medicine information as the medicine to be weighed. After finishing the weighing of the medicine selected as the weighing target, the weighing device 80 transmits the weighing result including the measured amount of the medicine to the control unit 50 of the medicine packaging device 1 via the control unit 81 together with the dispensing data acquired from the control unit 50 of the medicine packaging device 1. The control unit 50 of the medicine packaging device 1 receives the weighing result and updates the dispensing data stored in the storage unit 61.

[0105] The information processing unit 83 can change the display content of the information display unit 92d of the external medicine introduction container 92. After finishing the weighing of the medicine by the weighing device 80, the information processing unit 83 causes the information display unit 92d of the external medicine introduction container 92 to display the measured amount (weighing result). Further, as information related to dispensing, it may be possible to cause the information display unit 92d to display that a medicine corresponding to the target amount is contained and the preparation for introduction into the medicine packaging device 1 is complete.

[0106] The display unit 84 is a device having a display screen capable of displaying characters and the like. The display unit 84 is disposed at an appropriate position of the weighing device 80. The display unit 84 can be configured, for example, as a display with a touch panel. On the display unit 84, for example, the name of the drug, the target amount of the drug, the measured amount, etc. can be displayed. Further, on the display unit 84, the result determined by the control unit 81 regarding whether or not the drug in the medicine bottle or the like matches the drug to be weighed can be displayed. Thereby, it can be confirmed that the drug in the medicine bottle or the like is surely the necessary drug based on the dispensing data.

[0107] Next, another drug packaging device 95 will be described. FIG. 7 is a schematic configuration diagram of another drug packaging device 95. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of another drug packaging device 95. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, another drug packaging device 95 includes a drug discharge unit 132, a packaging unit 133, a control unit 150, and an information processing unit 160.

[0108] A carry-out container 93 is set in the drug discharge unit 132. When the drug is weighed by the drug packaging device 1 but not packaged, the carry-out container 93 that houses the drug weighed by the weighing unit 30 is conveyed to the third take-out unit 27 (third take-out position P7). The carry-out container 93 is removed by the operator from the third take-out position P7 and manually set in the drug discharge unit 132 of another drug packaging device 95. The drug discharge unit 132 can discharge the drug in the set carry-out container 93.

[0109] The drug discharge unit 132 includes a container attachment part 132a. The container attachment part 132a is configured to be able to attach the carry-out container 93. The attachment of the carry-out container 93 to the container attachment part 132a is manually performed by the operator. The container attachment part 132a includes an operating part that moves the opening and closing part 93c of the carry-out container 93, similar to the container attachment part 32a of the drug packaging device.

[0110] The drug discharge unit 132 is provided with a vibration device 132b. The vibration device 132b is configured to include a motor or the like that generates vibration. The vibration device 132b is controlled by the control unit 150. The vibration device 132b generates vibration in response to a control signal from the control unit 150. The vibration generated by the vibration device 132b is transmitted to the carry-out container 93 attached to the container attachment unit 132a. Due to the vibration of the carry-out container 93, the drug stored in the storage unit 93a is discharged from the carry-out container 93 via the discharge path unit 93b. The discharge path unit 93b of the carry-out container 93 can function as a trough of a vibratory feeder.

[0111] The sub-packaging unit 133 has substantially the same configuration as the sub-packaging unit 33 of the drug sub-packaging device 1, and packages the drug discharged from the carry-out container 93 by the drug discharge unit 132 one dose at a time with the packaging material 140. The sub-packaging unit 133 includes a distribution unit 134 and a packaging unit 135. The distribution unit 134 includes a distribution tray 134a and a feed unit 134b. The packaging unit 135 includes a hopper 135a and a heater 135b. Since the distribution tray 134a, the feed unit 134b, the hopper 135a, and the heater 135b have the same configuration as the distribution tray 34a, the feed unit 34b, the hopper 35a, and the heater 35b of the drug sub-packaging device 1, the description thereof will be omitted.

[0112] The control unit 150 is configured as a known computer and includes an arithmetic device such as a CPU, a storage unit 161 configured by a flash memory or a hard disk, etc., and an input / output unit for communicating with the outside. Various programs and setting values are stored in the storage unit 161. The arithmetic device reads out various programs and the like from the storage unit 161, and controls the operations of the respective parts of the other drug sub-packaging device 95 based on the detection values of the sensors provided in the respective parts of the other drug sub-packaging device 95 and various setting values stored in the storage unit 161.

[0113] The control unit 150 can communicate with the control unit 50 of the medicine packaging device 1 and receive the dispensing data stored in the storage unit 61 of the medicine packaging device 1. Based on the dispensing data, the control unit 150 can control each part of the other medicine packaging device 95 (specifically, the medicine discharging unit 132, the packaging unit 133, etc.). The control unit 150 may be configured as a part of the other medicine packaging device 95, or may be configured as a part of a dispensing equipment control device that controls other dispensing equipment such as the medicine packaging device 1.

[0114] The information processing unit 160 can be configured as, for example, an RFID reader / writer. The information processing unit 160 can read the information stored in the information recording unit 93e of the carry-out container 93, for example, the container unique information of the carry-out container 93. The information processing unit 160 corresponds to the reading unit in the embodiment that reads the container unique information stored in the information recording unit 93e of the carry-out container 93.

[0115] The control unit 50 of the medicine packaging device 1 stores in association the information of the medicine weighed in the weighing unit 30 and stored in the carry-out container 93 and the container unique information of the carry-out container 93. Specifically, the control unit 50 stores in association the container unique information of the carry-out container 93 that contains each medicine with the information of each medicine included in the dispensing data. For example, when the dispensing data X input to the medicine packaging device 1 includes a plurality of medicines A, B, and C, the control unit 50 stores in association the container unique information of the first carry-out container 93 that contains medicine A with the information of medicine A, stores in association the container unique information of the second carry-out container 93 that contains medicine B with the information of medicine B, and stores in association the container unique information of the third carry-out container 93 that contains medicine C with the information of medicine C.

[0116] The third storage unit 13 (Fig. 2) is provided with a plurality of compartments for storing the carry-out containers 93 individually. Each compartment is provided with a sensor, and the sensor detects whether or not the carry-out container 93 is stored in that compartment. When using the carry-out container 93, the control unit 50 selects the compartment detected by the sensor as storing the carry-out container 93, and selects the carry-out container 93 stored in that compartment as the conveyance target. The third information processing unit 20 (Fig. 2) acquires the container-specific information of the carry-out container 93 to be carried out. The control unit 50 can associate the container-specific information of the carry-out container 93 acquired by the third information processing unit 20 with the information of the drug contained in the dispensing data.

[0117] Alternatively, when the carry-out container 93 is set in the weighing unit 18, the second information processing unit 19 may acquire the container-specific information of the carry-out container 93 and associate the container-specific information of the carry-out container 93 with the drug information.

[0118] The information processing unit 160 of another drug packaging device 95 reads the container-specific information of the carry-out container 93. When the information processing unit 160 reads the container-specific information, the drug information included in the dispensing data and associated with the container-specific information is transmitted from the drug packaging device 1 to another drug packaging device 95.

[0119] Alternatively, when the information processing unit 160 reads the container-specific information, the drug information included in the dispensing data and associated with the container-specific information has already been transmitted from the drug packaging device 1 to another drug packaging device 95 and is stored in the control unit 150 (storage unit 161). The timing of transmitting the dispensing data including the drug information from the drug packaging device 1 to another drug packaging device 95 may be the time when the dispensing data is input to the drug packaging device 1 (step S101 described later), or the time when it is determined that only the weighing of the drug is executed without packaging the drug in the drug packaging device 1 (NO in step S103 described later) or the selected time (NO in step S104 described later).

[0120] When the control unit 150 of another medicine packaging device 95 reads the container unique information, it calls the information of the medicine associated with the read container unique information from the storage unit 161 of the control unit 50 of the medicine packaging device 1 or another medicine packaging device 95. Thereby, the medicine contained in the carry-out container 93 attached to the container attachment part 132a of another medicine packaging device 95 can be specified.

[0121] When the dispensing (packaging) of another medicine packaging device 95 is completed, it transmits to the control unit 50 of the medicine packaging device 1 via the input / output unit of the control unit 150 that the dispensing (packaging) has been completed. The dispensing data is centrally managed by the medicine packaging device 1. Other dispensing devices (the weighing device 80 and other medicine packaging devices 95) refer to the dispensing data. Based on the dispensing results of other dispensing devices, the dispensing data stored in the medicine packaging device 1 is updated.

[0122] Next, the processing of supplying and packaging medicines using the medicine packaging device 1 will be described. FIGS. 9 and 10 are flowcharts showing the flow of the processing of supplying and packaging medicines.

[0123] First, the dispensing data is input to the medicine packaging device 1 (step S101 in FIG. 8). The control unit 50 displays an input screen for the dispensing data on the display unit 21. The dispensing data includes, for example, the patient, medicine information, target amount, weighing result (measured amount or shortage amount / excess amount relative to the target amount), identification information (dispensing data number, etc.) for identifying each dispensing data. The medicine information is information including one or more medicine names to be taken, dosage form (powder / tablet / capsule / liquid / topical medicine), administration method, and administration amount. The administration method is the number of times of administration per day, administration time, and number of days of administration, and the administration amount is the amount for all administrations (e.g., weight), amount for one day's administration (weight), amount for one administration (weight), etc. When the medicine indicated by the medicine information contains an excipient, the excipient is treated as one of the medicines indicated by the medicine information.

[0124] The operator inputs dispensing data for 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. In addition to the configuration in which the operator manually inputs dispensing data, dispensing data may be input to the drug packaging device 1 by communication from an information processing device such as an external dispensing device control device.

[0125] When the input of the dispensing data is completed, a dispensing instruction is given (step S102). The dispensing instruction includes an instruction to supply and package the drugs stored in the drug storage 15 (the first operation described above), and an instruction to carry out the drugs stored in the drug storage 15 outside the drug packaging device 1 without weighing and packaging (the second operation described above). The operator inputs a dispensing instruction to the control unit 50 using the operation unit 22.

[0126] Next, the control unit 50 determines whether the dispensing instruction in the previous step S102 is for packaging or not (step S103). If it is determined that packaging is instructed (YES in step S103), the process proceeds to step S104, and the control unit 50 determines whether it is possible to execute the packaging based on the dosage of the drug included in the dispensing data.

[0127] Note that the dispensing instruction may be omitted. When the dispensing instruction is omitted, the control unit 50 determines whether it is possible to execute the packaging based on the dosage of the drug included in the dispensing data, assuming that packaging is instructed for all the input dispensing data.

[0128] Here, referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the details of the determination of the feasibility of execution of packaging will be described. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the set values for determining the feasibility of execution of packaging.

[0129] The first set value shown in FIG. 11 is the lower limit value of the weight of the drug that can be sub-packaged as the weight of all the doses according to the capacity of the sub-packaging unit 33. If the weight of all the doses of the drug to be sub-packaged included in the dispensing data is less than the first set value, the sub-packaging unit 33 cannot sub-package the drug to be sub-packaged. The first set value is stored in the storage unit 61. The first set value is set, for example, as the amount necessary for the drug discharged from the container in the drug discharging unit 32 and supplied to the dispensing tray 34a to be evenly scattered on the dispensing tray 34a and uniformly deposited on the dispensing tray 34a. The first condition shown in FIG. 11 is the condition that the weight of all the doses of the drug to be sub-packaged included in the dispensing data is equal to or greater than the first set value.

[0130] The second set value shown in FIG. 11 is the lower limit value of the weight of the drug that can be sub-packaged as the weight of one dose according to the capacity of the sub-packaging unit 33. The second set value is stored in the storage unit 61. The second set value is set, for example, as the amount necessary to equalize the amount of the drug uniformly deposited on the dispensing tray 34a sent from the dispensing tray 34a by the feeding unit 34b. The second condition shown in FIG. 11 is the condition that the weight of one dose of the drug to be sub-packaged included in the dispensing data is equal to or greater than the second set value.

[0131] The first set value and the second set value may be arbitrarily set by the operator based on the internal regulations of the hospital or pharmacy where the drug sub-packaging device 1 is installed. In this case, the first set value and the second set value may be set on the condition that they are equal to or greater than the lower limit value of the weight of the drug that can be sub-packaged in the sub-packaging unit 33. Further, the first set value and the second set value may be set for each type of drug.

[0132] The third set value shown in FIG. 11 is the lower limit value of the weight of the drug that can be measured 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 storage unit 61. The third set value may be set, for example, in consideration of the minimum measurement value of the weighing unit 18. The third condition shown in FIG. 11 is the condition that the weight of all the doses of the drug to be sub-packaged included in the dispensing data is equal to or greater than the third set value.

[0133] The registration of the medicine storage bin shown in FIG. 11 refers to the condition of whether the medicine storage bin 15 that stores the sub-packaged medicine included in the dispensing data is registered in the medicine sub-packaging device 1. The information of the registered medicine storage bin 15 is stored in the storage unit 61. The medicine storage bin 15 without registration is not stored in the storage unit 61. Note that, in order to determine that the medicine storage bin 15 is registered in the medicine sub-packaging device 1, it is not always necessary that the registered medicine storage bin 15 be stored in the medicine sub-packaging device 1 at the time of determining whether sub-packaging can be executed.

[0134] When the first condition is satisfied, the control unit 50 determines that sub-packaging by the medicine sub-packaging device 1 can be executed. More specifically, when the first condition is satisfied and there is a registration of the medicine storage bin 15, it is determined that "cassette sub-packaging" shown in FIG. 11, that is, supply and sub-packaging using the medicine sub-packaging device 1, is possible. When the first condition is satisfied but there is no registration of the medicine storage bin 15, it is determined that "hand-fed sub-packaging" shown in FIG. 11, that is, a process of introducing an external medicine introduction container 92 that stores medicine outside the medicine sub-packaging device 1 into the medicine sub-packaging device 1 by corresponding to external metering and sub-packaging the medicine supplied from the external medicine introduction container 92, is possible.

[0135] When the first condition is not satisfied, the control unit 50 determines that the medicine sub-packaging device 1 cannot execute sub-packaging. In this case, when there is a registration of the medicine storage bin 15, it is determined that "cup delivery" shown in FIG. 11, that is, a process of taking out medicine from the medicine storage bin 15 to the carry-out container 93 by the weighing unit 30, weighing the taken-out medicine, and carrying out the carry-out container 93 outside the medicine sub-packaging device 1, is possible. The carried-out medicine is introduced into, for example, another medicine sub-packaging device 95 and sub-packaged in the other medicine sub-packaging device 95.

[0136] When the first condition is not satisfied and there is no registration of the medicine storage bin 15, the control unit 50 determines that "not possible" shown in FIG. 11, that is, no processing is executed as the medicine sub-packaging device 1.

[0137] When the second condition is not satisfied, the control unit 50 determines that the medicine packing device 1 cannot perform packing. Even when the condition that the weight of all the doses of the medicine to be packed satisfies the first set value, if the weight of one dose of the medicine to be packed is less than the second set value, it is determined that packing is impossible. In this case, if there is a registration in the medicine storage 15, it is determined that "cup dispensing" is possible, and if there is no registration in the medicine storage 15, it is determined that "not possible".

[0138] When the third condition is not satisfied, the control unit 50 determines that it is "not possible" regardless of whether there is a registration in the medicine storage 15.

[0139] Based on the weight of all the doses of the medicine to be packed, it is determined whether packing can be performed. When the weight of all the doses of the medicine is so small that it cannot be evenly scattered on the distribution plate 34a, it is determined that packing cannot be performed. Thereby, the medicine packing device 1 can evenly pack the medicine according to the dispensing data.

[0140] Based on the weight of one dose of the medicine to be packed, it is determined whether packing can be performed. When the weight of one dose of the medicine is so small that the medicine cannot be evenly sent from the distribution plate 34a to the hopper 35a, it is determined that packing cannot be performed. Thereby, the medicine packing device 1 can evenly pack the medicine according to the dispensing data.

[0141] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the determination of whether packing can be performed for the entire dispensing data when the dispensing data includes a plurality of medicines and these plurality of medicines are packaged together. The first to fifteenth dispensing data shown in FIG. 12 include one or more of four types of medicines: medicine A, medicine B, medicine C, and medicine D. According to the determination for each medicine shown in FIG. 11, it is determined that medicine A can be "cassette-packed", medicine B can be "hand-packed", medicine C can be "cup-dispensed", and medicine D is "not possible".

[0142] In the case of the first to third dispensing data containing only drugs A and B determined to be subcontractable, since the drug subcontracting device 1 can subcontract the drugs included in the dispensing data together, the control unit 50 determines that the drug subcontracting device 1 will perform subcontracting.

[0143] In the case of the fourth to seventh and twelfth to fifteenth dispensing data containing drug C determined to be "cup dispensing" possible, since the drug subcontracting device 1 cannot subcontract the drugs included in the dispensing data together, the control unit 50 determines that the drug subcontracting device 1 will perform cup dispensing. In this case, for drug C determined to be "cup dispensing" possible, the drug subcontracting device 1 will perform cup dispensing. When drug A determined to be "cassette subcontracting" possible is included, for that drug A as well, the drug subcontracting device 1 will perform cup dispensing. On the other hand, when drug B determined to be "hand-fed subcontracting" possible is included, for that drug B, the drug subcontracting device 1 will do nothing. When drug D determined to be "not possible" is included, for that drug D as well, the drug subcontracting device 1 will do nothing. That is, for drugs that can be taken out from the drug storage 15, the drug subcontracting device 1 will perform cup dispensing, and for other drugs, the operator will weigh them manually, and these drugs will be subcontracted together by another drug subcontracting device 95.

[0144] Also in the case of the ninth and eleventh dispensing data containing drug A determined to be "cassette subcontracting" possible and drug D determined to be "not possible", since the drug subcontracting device 1 cannot subcontract the drugs included in the dispensing data together, the control unit 50 determines that the drug subcontracting device 1 will perform cup dispensing. In this case, for drug A determined to be "cassette subcontracting" possible, the drug subcontracting device 1 will perform cup dispensing. On the other hand, for drug D determined to be "not possible", the drug subcontracting device 1 will do nothing. Also, when drug B determined to be "hand-fed subcontracting" possible is included, for that drug B as well, the drug subcontracting device 1 will do nothing. That is, for drugs that can be taken out from the drug storage 15, the drug subcontracting device 1 will perform cup dispensing, and for other drugs, the operator will weigh them manually, and these drugs will be subcontracted together by another drug subcontracting device 95.

[0145] In the case of the eighth dispensing data containing only the drug D determined to be unacceptable, and the tenth dispensing data containing the drug B and the drug D determined to be "hand-packaged", the control unit 50 determines that the drug packaging device 1 does nothing. For all the drugs included in the dispensing data, the operator will manually weigh them and package them together using another drug packaging device 95.

[0146] Therefore, in the determination of step S104 in FIG. 9, the control unit 50 determines that the packaging can be executed for the first to third dispensing data (YES), and determines that the packaging cannot be executed for the fourth to fifteenth dispensing data (NO).

[0147] If it is determined in the determination of step S104 that the packaging can be executed, next, the control unit 50 determines whether all the drug storage bins 15 are registered (step S105). In this determination, it is determined whether the drug storage bins 15 are registered. To determine that the drug storage bins 15 are registered, it is not necessarily required that the registered drug storage bins 15 be introduced into the drug packaging device 1.

[0148] In the case of the dispensing data that does not include the drug B determined to be "hand-packaged", that is, the first dispensing data in the example shown in FIG. 12, all the drug storage bins are registered with the control unit 50, and it is determined that all the drugs included in the dispensing data can be supplied and packaged by the drug packaging device 1.

[0149] In the case of the dispensing data that includes the drug B determined to be "hand-packaged", that is, the second and third dispensing data in the example shown in FIG. 12, it is determined that any of the drug storage bins are not registered with the control unit 50, and all the drugs included in the dispensing data cannot be supplied by the drug packaging device 1.

[0150] When it is determined that all the medicine storage bins are registered (YES in step S105), the medicine is measured out from the medicine storage bin 15 (step S106). In the process of step S106, if the necessary medicine storage bin 15 has not been introduced into the medicine sub-packaging device 1, the weighing can be continued by performing the above-mentioned corresponding measures for introducing the medicine storage bin. Or, instead of the corresponding measures for introducing the medicine storage bin, when the medicine storage bin 15 is not registered, the process proceeds to step S109 described later, and it is also possible to perform corresponding measures for external weighing, similar to the case where the medicine storage bin 15 is not registered.

[0151] Subsequently, the supply of the measured medicine from the internal weighing container 91 that stores the medicine to the dispensing tray 34a is executed (step S107), and the packaging of the medicine in the packaging unit 35 is executed (step S108). When the control unit 50 determines that the medicine to be sub-packaged included in the dispensing data can be sub-packaged by the medicine sub-packaging device 1, it automatically executes the supply and sub-packaging of the medicine to be sub-packaged. Then, the process ends (END).

[0152] Based on the dispensing data input into the medicine sub-packaging device 1, the control unit 50 determines whether the medicine to be sub-packaged can be sub-packaged. When it is determined that it can be sub-packaged, the supply and sub-packaging of the medicine to be sub-packaged are automatically executed. Thereby, the time required from receiving the input of the dispensing data to completing the sub-packaging of the medicine to be sub-packaged can be shortened.

[0153] In the determination of step S105, when it is determined that not all the medicine storage bins are registered (NO in step S105), the control unit 50 determines whether some of the medicine storage bins are registered (step S109).

[0154] In the case of the third dispensing data including medicine A determined as "cassette sub-packaging" among the second and third dispensing data, although not all the medicine storage bins are registered, it is determined that some of the medicine storage bins are registered. In the case of the second dispensing data including only medicine B determined as "hand-fed sub-packaging", it is determined that not all the medicine storage bins are registered.

[0155] When it is determined that some medicine storage bins are registered (YES in step S109), for the registered medicines, weighing is performed from the medicine storage bin 15 (step S110), and supply of the weighed medicine from the internal weighing container 91 that stores the medicine to the dispensing tray 34a is performed (step S111). Sub-packaging of the medicine supplied to the dispensing tray 34a is awaited.

[0156] When supplying the medicine from this internal weighing container 91 to the dispensing tray 34a, if the left dispensing tray 34a is to be used, the control unit 50 controls the second transfer unit 14b to transfer the internal weighing container 91 to the supply position P9-L2 at the back of the device, and if the right dispensing tray 34a is to be used, to transfer the internal weighing container 91 to the supply position P9-R2 at the back of the device. The control unit 50 assigns the internal weighing container 91 to the supply position P9-L2 or P9-R2 where it is more difficult to attach the external medicine introduction container 92.

[0157] Subsequently, the control unit 50 guides external weighing corresponding to weighing all the doses according to the dispensing data for the medicines for which no medicine storage bin is registered and introducing them into the medicine sub-packaging device 1 outside the medicine sub-packaging device 1 (step S112).

[0158] In the determination of step S109, when it is determined that all medicine storage bins are not registered (NO in step S109), the processes of steps S110 and S111 are skipped, and the guidance for external weighing corresponding to step S112 is executed.

[0159] When executing external weighing corresponding, the control unit 50 may guide the execution of external weighing corresponding by means of the display on the display unit 21 or the like. The operator who sees the display unit 21 stores the displayed predetermined type and amount of medicine in the external medicine introduction container 92 outside the medicine sub-packaging device 1 according to the display.

[0160] Alternatively, the control unit 50 may guide external weighing correspondence by printing and outputting information on the drug from the printing unit 24. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a first example of the print output. As shown in FIG. 13, the date, year, month, day, hour, and minute, the drug name and the measured value of the drug taken out from the drug storage 15 (drug A in FIG. 13), the drug name of the drug to be subjected to external weighing correspondence (drug B in FIG. 13), and the amount to be weighed may be printed on the paper 240 output from the printing unit 24.

[0161] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a second example of the print output. In the example shown in FIG. 14, there is no drug taken out from the drug storage 15, and the drug name and the amount to be weighed of each of a plurality of drugs (drug A and drug B in FIG. 14) to be subjected to external weighing correspondence are printed on the paper 240.

[0162] Looking at the paper 240 output from the printing unit 24, the operator stores a predetermined type and amount of drug in the external drug introduction container 92 outside the drug packaging apparatus 1 according to the description on the paper 240. The operator unlocks the external drug introduction container 92 for introduction into the drug packaging apparatus 1 by operating the operation unit 22. The operator introduces the external drug introduction container 92 containing the drug into the drug packaging apparatus 1. The operator inputs using the operation unit 22 that the external drug introduction container 92 has been introduced.

[0163] When introducing the external drug introduction container 92 into the drug discharge unit 32, if the left distribution tray 34a is to be used, the external drug introduction container 92 is guided to be introduced into the supply position P9-L1, and if the right distribution tray 34a is to be used, the external drug introduction container 92 is guided to be introduced into the supply position P9-R1. The control unit 50 assigns the external drug introduction container 92 to the supply position P9-L1 or P9-R1 where the external drug introduction container 92 can be more easily attached. Thereby, the introduction of the external drug introduction container 92 can be facilitated.

[0164] The control unit 50 determines whether or not the external drug introduction container 92 has been introduced (step S113 in FIG. 10). If it is determined that the external drug introduction container 92 has not been introduced (NO in step S113), the determination in step S113 is repeated. When the control unit 50 receives an input from the operator, it is determined that the external drug introduction container 92 has been introduced. The relocking of the drug packaging device 1 may be performed by the operator performing an operation for relocking. Alternatively, when it is determined that the external drug introduction container 92 has been introduced, the drug packaging device 1 may be automatically relocked.

[0165] When it is determined that the external drug introduction container 92 has been introduced (YES in step S113), the drug contained in the external drug introduction container 92 is supplied to the dispensing tray 34a (step S114). Thereafter, the packaging of the drug supplied to the dispensing tray 34a is executed (step S108 in FIG. 9). Then, the process ends (END).

[0166] 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 are put on hold. By storing that drug in the external drug introduction container 92 outside the drug packaging device 1 and introducing that external drug introduction container 92 into the drug packaging device 1, the packaging can be executed. When external weighing is required, the operator can quickly perform external weighing, so the waiting time for packaging does not occur for a long time, and the time required for the packaging process can be shortened.

[0167] If it is determined that the drug to be packaged can be packaged, but only a part of the drug to be packaged has a registered drug storage 15 corresponding to it, the supply of the drug weighed from the registered drug storage 15 is first executed. Thereafter, guidance for external weighing is provided. As a result, the operation of the drug packaging device 1 to supply the drug is not hindered by the manual operation of the operator trying to introduce the external drug introduction container 92 into the drug packaging device 1, so that a plurality of types of drugs can be efficiently supplied and distributed.

[0168] After supplying the medicine measured from the registered medicine storage 15 to the dispensing tray 34a, by providing guidance for external weighing, the manual operation of the operator to introduce the external medicine introduction container 92 into the medicine packaging device 1 will not interfere with the supply of medicine to the dispensing tray 34a. Therefore, multiple types of medicines can be efficiently supplied and dispensed.

[0169] By the control unit 50 outputting information regarding the medicine to be externally weighed, the operator can, according to the output, store the correct type and amount of medicine in the external medicine introduction container 92.

[0170] By the control unit 50 outputting the measured value of the weighed amount of the medicine measured from the medicine storage 15, a record regarding the actually weighed amount of the medicine can be left.

[0171] By the control unit 50 causing the printing unit 24 to output information regarding the medicine, the operator can perform external weighing with reference to the printed recording medium. Also, the printed recording medium can be used as a record of the measured value of the weighed amount of the medicine measured from the medicine storage 15.

[0172] If it is determined in the determination of step S104 that packaging cannot be executed (NO in step S104), the weighing of the medicine is not automatically executed. In this case, a selection by the operator as to whether to execute the weighing of the medicine using the medicine packaging device 1 is made (step S115). The control unit 50 displays on the display unit 21 the target medicine and a selection screen for the operator to select whether to perform the weighing of the medicine. The operator inputs to the control unit 50 a selection as to whether to execute the weighing by operating the operation unit 22.

[0173] If it is determined that the operator has selected not to execute the weighing (NO in step S115), the medicine packaging device 1 simply ends the process (END).

[0174] When it is determined that the operator has selected to perform weighing (YES in step S115), weighing is performed and the drug is stored in the carry-out container 93 (step S116).

[0175] In the determination of step S103, even when it is determined that the dispensing instruction in the previous step S102 is not sub-packaging, that is, weighing (NO in step S103), in step S116, weighing is performed and the drug is stored in the carry-out container 93. The carry-out container 93 after weighing is conveyed to a position where the carry-out container 93 can be taken out of the drug sub-packaging device 1, such as the third take-out position P7. Thereafter, the process ends (END).

[0176] When the control unit 50 determines that the drug to be sub-packaged cannot be sub-packaged by the drug sub-packaging device 1 (NO in step S104), the supply and sub-packaging of the drug to be sub-packaged are put on standby and not executed. When the operator selects (YES in step S115), only the weighing of the drug is performed. The weighed drug is stored in the carry-out container 93. The carry-out container 93 containing the drug is introduced into another drug sub-packaging device 95, and the drug is sub-packaged by the other drug sub-packaging device 95. In this case, since the container attachment portion 132a of the other drug sub-packaging device 95 can attach the carry-out container 93, it is not necessary to transfer the drug stored in the carry-out container 93 to another container. Therefore, the time required for the sub-packaging process can be shortened.

[0177] By the carry-out container 93 functioning as a trough of the vibratory feeder, the carry-out container 93 can be vibrated to reliably discharge the drug stored in the carry-out container 93. The drug can be uniformly supplied from the carry-out container 93 to the dispensing tray 134a.

[0178] During the standby of the supply and sub-packaging of the drug to be sub-packaged that cannot be sub-packaged, if the next dispensing data is input to the drug sub-packaging device 1 and it is determined that the drug to be sub-packaged included in the next dispensing data can be sub-packaged, automatically, the supply and sub-packaging of the drug to be sub-packaged included in the next dispensing data are executed.

[0179] When the control unit 50 determines that not all medicine storage bins 15 are registered (NO in step S109), the supply and packaging of the medicine to be packaged may be put on hold, and the supply and packaging may not be executed. While on hold, if the next dispensing data is input into 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 medicine storage bins 15 are registered, then automatically, the supply and packaging of the medicine to be packaged included in the next dispensing data are executed. Thereby, for dispensing data that does not require external weighing, the supply and packaging can be preferentially executed.

[0180] For the medicine determined to be non-packagable, the supply at the medicine packaging device 1 is put on hold and the packaging is not executed. Thus, the medicine packaging device 1 will not attempt to package the non-packagable medicine and cause variations in the packaged quantity, etc., and high-quality packaging can be achieved. While on hold, if the next dispensing data including packagable medicine is input, then the next medicine can be packaged first and no waiting time for packaging will occur, so the time required for the packaging process can be shortened.

[0181] Although the embodiments have been described as above, it should be considered that the embodiments disclosed this time are illustrative in all aspects and not restrictive. The scope of this invention is indicated not by the above description but by the claims, and it is intended that all meanings equivalent to the claims and all modifications within the scope are included.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0182] 1 Medicine packaging device, 14 Conveyor section, 14a First conveyor section, 14b Second conveyor section, 15 Medicine storage, 17 Medicine extraction section, 18 Measuring section, 18a Mounting table, 18b Detection section, 21 Display section, 22 Operation section, 23 Supply standby section, 24 Printing section, 30 Weighing section, 32, 132 Medicine discharge section, 32a, 132a Container attachment section, 32b, 132b Vibration device, 33, 133 Packaging section, 34, 134 Dispensing section, 34a, 134a Dispensing dish, 34b, 134b Feeding section, 35, 135 Wrapping section, 35a, 135a Hopper, 35b, 135b Heater, 37 Cleaning standby section, 38 Cleaning section, 40, 140 Packaging material, 50, 150 Control section, 61, 161 Memory section, 62 Weighing selection section, 65 Guide section, 91 Internal measuring container, 92 External medicine introduction container, 93 Discharge container, 95 Other medicine packaging device, 100 Dispensing system, 160 Information processing section, 240 Paper, P1 First standby position, P2 Second standby position, P3 Third standby position, P4 Measuring position, P5 First extraction position, P6 Second extraction position, P7 Third extraction position, P8 Supply standby position, P9 Supply position, P10 Cleaning standby position, P11 Cleaning position.

Claims

1. A medicine packaging device, In a medicine packaging device different from the medicine packaging device, medicine is measured and contained in a container, a medicine discharge section having a container attachment section to which the container can be attached and configured to discharge the medicine from the container; a packaging unit that packages the medicine discharged in the medicine discharge unit.

2. The medicine discharge section includes a vibration device, 2. The medicine dispensing and packaging device according to claim 1, wherein vibrations generated by the vibration device are transmitted to the container attached to the container attachment part, and medicines are discharged from the container by vibration of the container.

3. The container has an information recording unit, The information recording unit stores container-specific information including identification information of the container, The other medicine packaging device includes a control unit, The medicine packing device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit stores information about the medicine weighed out in the other medicine packing device and the container-specific information about the container that contains the medicine in association with each other.

4. The medicine packaging device according to claim 3 , further comprising a reading unit configured to read the container-specific information of the container stored in the information recording unit.

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