Medicine supply device

Abstract

To provide a medicine supply device which can determine that a total amount of medicines is discharged from an introduction chemical container that stores the total amount of medicines used for dispensing processing.SOLUTION: A medicine supply device comprises an introduction chemical container, a medicine discharge part, a first measurement part and a control device. The total amount of medicines to be used for dispensing processing is stored in the introduction chemical container. The medicine discharge part can set the introduction chemical container introduced from the outside and can execute the discharge operation of medicines stored in the set introduction chemical container. The first measurement part measures the weight of the medicines stored in the introduction chemical container set in the medicine discharge part. The control device causes the medicine discharge part to execute the discharge operation of the medicines in the introduction chemical container. The control device causes the first measurement part to measure the weight of the medicines stored in the introduction chemical container set in the medicine discharge part after the discharge operation of the medicines in the introduction chemical container is executed. The control device determines whether or not all of the medicines stored in the introduction chemical container is discharged.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention mainly relates to a drug supply device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a drug supply device that can store a drug container and automatically supply the drug contained in the drug container has been known. Patent Document 1 discloses this type of drug supply device.

[0003] The powder drug packaging device of Patent Document 1 includes a container storage unit, a container moving device, a container holding table, and a weight measuring means. The container storage unit holds a plurality of automatic drug containers. The container moving device can hold an automatic drug container, and the container moving device can execute an operation of taking out a predetermined automatic drug container from the container storage unit and placing it on the container holding table. The container holding table can place an automatic drug container and can also place a manual drug container (introduced drug container) filled with powder drugs (drugs) weighed by a drug weighing device. The container holding table can vibrate the placed automatic drug container or manual drug container and discharge the powder drugs contained in the corresponding drug container to a distribution tray. The weight measuring means is provided on the container holding table and measures the weight of the automatic drug container placed on the container holding table.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the configuration of Patent Document 1, in a manual medicine container, a measured amount (the amount finally discharged onto the dispensing tray) of powder medicine is filled using a medicine weighing device. Then, when this manual medicine container is placed on the container holding base, next, the discharge of the powder medicine from the manual medicine container to the dispensing tray is performed. At this time, the weight of the manual medicine container (the amount of medicine it contains) placed on the container holding base is not measured. Also, after the discharge of the powder medicine from the manual medicine container to the dispensing tray, the weight of the manual medicine container placed on the container holding base is not measured.

[0006] When such a manual medicine container containing powder medicine is used, for reasons such as powder medicine adhering to the manual medicine container, not all of the powder medicine contained in the manual medicine container may be discharged at once. However, even in such a case, since the discharge of the powder medicine from the manual medicine container is completed, there is a problem that it is impossible to confirm that the discharge of the required amount of medicine has been performed.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its object is to provide a medicine supply device capable of determining that the discharge of the required amount of medicine has been performed from an introduction medicine container that contains the total amount of medicine used in the dispensing process. Means for Solving the Problem and Effects

[0008] The problem to be solved by the present invention is as described above. Next, the means for solving this problem and its effects will be described.

[0009] According to the aspect of the present invention, a drug supply device having the following configuration is provided. That is, this drug supply device includes an introduction drug container, a drug discharge unit, a measurement unit, and a control unit. The introduction drug container stores the total amount of the drug used in the dispensing process. The drug discharge unit can set the introduction drug container introduced from the outside and execute the discharge operation of the drug contained in the set introduction drug container. The measurement unit measures the weight of the drug contained in the introduction drug container set in the drug discharge unit. The control unit controls the drug discharge unit and the measurement unit. The control unit causes the drug discharge unit to execute the discharge operation of the drug in the introduction drug container. After the discharge operation of the drug in the introduction drug container is executed, the control unit causes the measurement unit to measure the weight of the drug contained in the introduction drug container set in the drug discharge unit. The control unit determines whether all of the drug contained in the introduction drug container has been discharged.

[0010] Thereby, in the drug supply device, it is possible to determine that all of the drug has been discharged from the introduction drug container in which the total amount of the drug used in the dispensing process is stored. As a result, it is possible to confirm that all of the drug used in the dispensing process has been discharged.

[0011] In the above drug supply device, when the control unit determines that all of the drug in the introduction drug container has been discharged, it is preferable to store the weight of the drug discharged from the introduction drug container.

[0012] Thereby, it is possible to grasp the amount of the drug actually discharged from the introduction drug container.

[0013] In the above drug supply device, when the control unit determines that not all of the drug in the introduction drug container has been discharged, it is preferable to cause the drug discharge unit to execute the discharge operation of the drug in the introduction drug container.

[0014] Thereby, the discharge operation of the drug in the introduction drug container can be repeatedly executed to surely discharge all of the drug in the introduction drug container.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a drug packaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The drug packaging device includes a drug supply device 1 and a packaging unit 41.

[0017] The drug supply device 1 shown in FIG. 1 can store a plurality of drug containers containing drugs (powders in this embodiment). This drug supply device 1 can perform a dispensing process using the drugs in the drug containers. The dispensed drugs are supplied from the drug packaging device to the outside.

[0018] Magnetic members are provided on the outer surfaces of the respective drug containers stored in the drug supply device 1. These magnetic members are used for the conveyance of the drug containers by a container conveyance unit 15 described later. In addition, information tags are attached to the outer surfaces of the respective drug containers to be stored. This information tag stores unique identification information, information on the drug to be contained, and data regarding the weight of the drug in the drug container.

[0019] The drug supply device 1 includes a container storage unit 11, a container conveyance unit 15, a drug discharge unit 21, a dispensing tray 31, a drug extraction unit 35, a first cleaning unit 52, a measurement processing unit, a first reader / writer unit 71, a second reader / writer unit 75, a container temporary placement unit 81, a container extraction unit 82, an interface unit 91, and a control device (control unit) 95. The interface unit 91 and the control device 95 also function as the interface unit and the control device of the drug packaging device.

[0020] The drug packaging device includes a housing. In this housing, each part of the drug supply device 1 (for example, the container storage part 11 and the drug discharge part 21, etc.) and the packaging part 41 are accommodated.

[0021] The container storage part 11 can store a plurality of drug containers. The container storage part 11 includes a rotating member 12 and a container placement part 13.

[0022] The rotating member 12 is provided in an upright posture. The rotating member 12 can rotate around a vertical axis by the driving force of a motor.

[0023] A plurality of container placement parts 13 are arranged side by side on the outer peripheral part of the rotating member 12. A drug container can be placed in each container placement part 13. The container placement part 13 can be, for example, a placement plate capable of accommodating a drug container. The container placement part 13 rotates integrally with the rotating member 12 as the rotating member 12 rotates.

[0024] Only one corresponding drug container is placed in one container placement part 13. The container placement part 13 where the drug container is placed is predetermined according to the drug container and will not be placed in other container placement parts 13. Note that one container placement part 13 may be configured to be able to place different drug containers. In this case, the drug container placed in the container placement part 13 is specified by reading the data stored in the information tag attached to the drug container.

[0025] The container transfer part 15 transfers the drug container between the container storage part 11 and the drug discharge part 21. The container transfer part 15 can perform at least the following three operations on the drug container. The first is the operation of moving between the container storage part 11 and the drug discharge part 21 (the first operation). The second is the operation of taking out the drug container from one of the container placement parts 13 of the container storage part 11 (the second operation). The third is the operation of returning the drug container to one of the container placement parts 13 (the third operation).

[0026] The container transfer unit 15 includes a holding arm unit 16 and a transfer operation mechanism 17.

[0027] The holding arm unit 16 can hold / release the drug container. In this embodiment, an electromagnet that can be attached to and detached from the magnetic member on the outer surface of the drug container is provided at the tip of the holding arm unit 16. Therefore, the holding arm unit 16 can hold / release the drug container using the electromagnet. The base end of the holding arm unit 16 is connected to the transfer operation mechanism 17.

[0028] The transfer operation mechanism 17 can move the holding arm unit 16 between the container storage unit 11 and the drug discharge unit 21 by the driving force of the motor.

[0029] With the above configuration, in a state where the tip of the holding arm unit 16 approaches the outer peripheral part of the container storage unit 11 by the transfer operation mechanism 17, the holding arm unit 16 can take out the drug container arranged in the container arrangement unit 13. Also, in a state where the tip of the holding arm unit 16 approaches the outer peripheral part of the container storage unit 11, the holding arm unit 16 can return the held drug container to the container arrangement unit 13.

[0030] On the other hand, in a state where the tip of the holding arm unit 16 approaches the drug discharge unit 21 by the transfer operation mechanism 17, the holding arm unit 16 can set the drug container in the drug discharge unit 21. Also, in a state where the tip of the holding arm unit 16 approaches the drug discharge unit 21, the holding arm unit 16 can release the setting of the set drug container and take it out from the drug discharge unit 21.

[0031] The drug discharge unit 21 can perform a process of discharging the drug in the set drug container. The drug discharge unit 21 includes a vibration device 22 for vibrating the drug discharge unit 21. When the drug container set in the drug discharge unit 21 vibrates, the drug in the drug container is shaken out.

[0032] In the drug discharging unit 21, an introduction drug container for storing drugs used in the dispensing process by type can be set. The introduction drug container is introduced from the outside into the drug supply device 1. The introduction drug container stores the entire amount of the drug used in the dispensing process. The drug discharging unit 21 can execute the discharging operation at least once so as to discharge all the drugs stored in the introduction drug container.

[0033] Similar to the drug container, an information tag is attached to the outer surface of the introduction drug container. Data (unique information) including unique identification information is stored in this information tag.

[0034] Also, the introduction drug container may be set in the drug discharging unit 21 by the container conveying unit 15 (the introduction drug container is conveyed between the container temporary placement unit 81 and the drug discharging unit 21). In this case, a magnetic member is provided on the outer surface of the introduction drug container and is used for conveyance by the container conveying unit 15.

[0035] The drug supply device 1 includes a plurality (two in this embodiment) of drug discharging units 21. One drug discharging unit 21 can set one drug container or introduction drug container. Therefore, when a drug container or introduction drug container is set in any of the plurality of drug discharging units 21, drugs may be discharged simultaneously from the plurality of drug discharging units 21.

[0036] The dispensing tray 31 is provided near the drug discharging unit 21. The dispensing tray 31 functions as a tray for receiving the drug shaken out from the drug container.

[0037] The dispensing tray 31 includes a tray portion 32 and a rotation driving unit 33.

[0038] The tray portion 32 is formed in a horizontal disc shape. The tray portion 32 is supported rotatably about an axis in the vertical direction. The drug discharged from the drug discharging unit 21 can be placed on the tray portion 32.

[0039] The rotation drive unit 33 can rotate the dish unit 32 in the circumferential direction by the driving force of the motor. As the dish unit 32 rotates while receiving the medicine from the medicine discharge unit 21, the medicine is evenly placed on the dish unit 32 in the circumferential direction.

[0040] The medicine extraction unit 35 is provided near the dispensing tray 31. The medicine extraction unit 35 performs an operation of scooping up the medicine (extraction operation) on a partial area in the circumferential direction of the dish unit 32 by the driving force of the motor. The medicine extraction unit 35 can supply the scooped-up medicine to the packaging unit 41.

[0041] The packaging unit 41 can package the medicine. The packaging unit 41 includes a hopper 42 that serves as an inlet for the medicine. When the medicine extraction unit 35 inputs the medicine for one dose into the hopper 42, the packaging unit 41 packages the medicine. The packaged medicine is provided outside the medicine packaging device.

[0042] The cleaning processing unit includes a first cleaning unit 52 and a second cleaning unit 53.

[0043] The first cleaning unit 52 is provided near the dispensing tray 31. The first cleaning unit 52 can clean the dispensing tray 31 and the medicine extraction unit 35.

[0044] The second cleaning unit 53 is provided near the packaging unit 41. The second cleaning unit 53 can clean the packaging unit 41 (inside the hopper 42 in this embodiment).

[0045] The configurations of the first cleaning unit 52 and the second cleaning unit 53 are both arbitrary. For example, they can be configured to suck in the medicine adhering to each part by negative pressure.

[0046] The measurement processing unit includes a first measurement unit (measurement unit) 62 and a second measurement unit 63.

[0047] The first measurement unit 62 is a device that measures the weight of the drug in the drug container or the introduced drug container set in the drug discharge unit 21. The first measurement unit 62 is provided in the drug discharge unit 21. Specifically, the first measurement unit 62 measures the weight of the drug discharge unit 21 in which the drug container or the introduced drug container is set, and calculates the weight of the drug in the drug container or the introduced drug container. In the present embodiment, one first measurement unit 62 is provided in each drug discharge unit 21.

[0048] The second measurement unit 63 is a device that measures the weight of the drug in the introduced drug container before it is set in the drug discharge unit 21. The second measurement unit 63 is provided in a container temporary placement unit 81 described later. Specifically, the second measurement unit 63 measures the weight of the introduced drug container and calculates the weight of the drug in the introduced drug container.

[0049] The second measurement unit 63 may be configured as a part of a measurement device separate from the drug supply device 1 together with the second reader / writer unit 75.

[0050] The first reader / writer unit 71 can read the data stored in the information tag attached to the drug container or the introduced drug container set in the drug discharge unit 21. Further, the first reader / writer unit 71 can write data to the information tag. The first reader / writer unit 71 is provided in each drug discharge unit 21.

[0051] The second reader / writer unit 75 can read the data stored in the information tag attached to the introduced drug container before it is set in the drug discharge unit 21. The second reader / writer unit 75 is provided in the container temporary placement unit 81.

[0052] The container temporary placement unit 81 can temporarily place the introduced drug container introduced into the drug supply device 1 from the outside. Although various configurations of the container temporary placement unit 81 can be considered, for example, it can be configured as a mounting table on which the introduced drug container can be mounted.

[0053] The interface unit 91 realizes the user interface function. The interface unit 91 can be configured to include, for example, a display device that displays the status of the dispensing process, user input information, etc., and an operating device for the user to input instructions.

[0054] The control device 95 is a computer including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, etc. A control program for operating the drug packaging device is stored in the ROM. The operations of the container storage unit 11, the container transport unit 15, the drug discharge unit 21, the dispensing tray 31, the drug extraction unit 35, the packaging unit 41, the cleaning process unit, the first reader / writer unit 71, the second reader / writer unit 75, and the interface unit 91 are controlled by the control device 95.

[0055] Next, an example of the processing of the control device 95 will be described in detail. This example shows a case where a dispensing process for two types of drugs using a drug container and an introduced drug container is performed.

[0056] Via the interface unit 91, dispensing data related to the dispensing process is input according to the prescription information and stored in the control device 95. Examples of the dispensing data can include the type of drug used in the dispensing process, the daily dosage, the number of daily doses, the number of days of taking the drug, etc. When the dispensing data is input, the drug packaging device starts the dispensing process.

[0057] When the dispensing process starts, in order to take out the drug container containing the drug used in the dispensing process from the container storage unit 11, the control device 95 approaches the tip of the holding arm unit 16 to the container placement unit 13 where the drug container is arranged. In the following description, the drug container may be referred to as the first drug container.

[0058] The control device 95 rotates the rotating member 12 to adjust the position of the container placement section 13 where the first drug container is placed. As a result, the tip of the holding arm section 16 provided in the container transfer section 15 can take out the first drug container from the container placement section 13. Note that at the timing T1 shown in FIG. 2, the control device 95 rotates the container storage section 11 while moving the holding arm section 16. In this way, by performing the movement of the holding arm section 16 and the adjustment of the position of the container placement section 13 simultaneously and in parallel, the transfer operation of the drug container becomes smooth.

[0059] The control device 95 performs control so that the container transfer section 15 takes out the first drug container from the container placement section 13.

[0060] When the tip of the holding arm section 16 holds the first drug container, the control device 95 controls the container transfer section 15 to transfer and set the first drug container to the drug discharge section 21 where no drug container is set. Hereinafter, in order to specify each of the two drug discharge sections 21, they may be referred to as the first drug discharge section and the second drug discharge section. In the present embodiment, the first drug container is set in the first drug discharge section 21.

[0061] When the first drug container is set in the first drug discharge section 21, the control device 95 causes the first reader / writer section 71 of the first drug discharge section 21 to read the data stored in the information tag of the first drug container. The data read at this time includes, for example, data related to unique identification information, drug information, and weight information.

[0062] The control device 95 determines whether the first drug container set in the first drug discharge section 21 matches the drug container that contains the drug used for the dispensing process, based on the unique identification information or the drug information acquired by the first reader / writer section 71. Further, the control device 95 determines whether the drug container contains more drug than the amount required for the current dispensing process, based on the weight information of the drug acquired by the first reader / writer section 71.

[0063] When it is confirmed that the drug container set in the first drug discharge unit 21 is correct and that the drug container contains more drug than the amount required for the dispensing process, the control device 95 starts the vibration of the vibration device 22 of the first drug discharge unit 21 and rotates the dispensing tray 31 (at the end of timing T2). As a result, the drug is shaken out from the first drug container.

[0064] The drug shaken out from the first drug container is discharged onto the rotating dispensing tray 31. Therefore, the drug is placed on the dispensing tray 31 so that the thickness becomes uniform on the dispensing tray 31.

[0065] During the process in which the first drug discharge unit 21 discharges the drug from the first drug container, the first measurement unit 62 continues to measure the weight of the drug in the first drug container. As the shaking out of the drug from the first drug container progresses, the weight of the drug in the first drug container gradually decreases. When the decrease value of the weight of the drug in the first drug container becomes equal to the weight value of the drug used in the dispensing process, the control device 95 stops the vibration device 22 of the first drug discharge unit 21 and ends the discharge of the drug from the first drug discharge unit 21. In this way, the control device 95 monitors the change in the weight of the drug in the first drug container during the discharge operation. Thereby, it is possible to accurately discharge the amount of drug required for the current dispensing process from the first drug container.

[0066] There may be a case where the drug used in the dispensing process is not contained in the drug container. Also, there may be a case where the amount of drug contained in the drug container is insufficient for the amount required for the dispensing process. In such a case, when the dispensing process starts, the control device 95 guides the user that the drug should be contained in the introduction drug container and introduced into the drug supply device 1.

[0067] In the following description, the introduction drug container that contains the drug may be referred to as the second drug container.

[0068] The second drug container is arranged in the container temporary placement unit 81. The drug is put into the second drug container arranged in the container temporary placement unit 81. Here, the measurement work by the user is performed.

[0069] The second measurement unit 63 measures the weight of the drug in the second drug container disposed in the container placement unit 81. When the weight value of the drug in the second drug container becomes equal to the weight value of the drug used for the dispensing process, the measurement operation is completed. Along with the completion of the measurement operation, the second measurement unit 63 transmits the measurement result to the control device 95. The control device 95 stores the weight value of the drug in the second drug container in association with the dispensing data related to the current dispensing process.

[0070] The control device 95 guides the user to allow the introduction of the drug into the drug supply device 1.

[0071] The second drug container is set in the drug discharge part (the second drug discharge part 21) on the side where the first drug container is not set among the two drug discharge parts 21.

[0072] The setting of the second drug container to the second drug discharge part 21 of the second drug container may be performed manually by the user. Also, a configuration may be adopted in which the second drug container set in the container placement unit 81 manually by the user is conveyed to the second drug discharge part 21 by the container conveyance unit 15 shown in FIG. 1. In this case, when the tip of the holding arm part 16 holds the second drug container, the control device 95 controls the container conveyance unit 15 to convey and set the second drug container to the drug discharge part 21 where no drug container is set.

[0073] When the second drug container is disposed in the container placement unit 81, the control device 95 causes the second reader / writer unit 75 to read the unique identification information stored in the information tag of the second drug container (timing T3). Along with the completion of the measurement operation by the second measurement unit 63, the second reader / writer unit 75 transmits the unique identification information to the control device 95. The control device 95 stores the unique identification information in association with the dispensing data related to the current dispensing process.

[0074] When the second drug container is set in the second drug discharge unit 21, in this embodiment, the control device 95 performs processing as shown in FIG. 3. That is, first, the unique identification information stored in the information tag of the second drug container is read by the first reader / writer unit 71 of the second drug discharge unit 21 (timing T4) (step S1). Further, the control device 95 causes the first measurement unit 62 to measure the weight of the drug in the second drug container (step S2).

[0075] Based on the unique identification information acquired by the first reader / writer unit 71, the control device 95 determines whether the second drug container set in the second drug discharge unit 21 matches the introduction drug container that contains the drug used for the dispensing process (step S3). Further, based on the weight of the drug measured by the first measurement unit 62, the control device 95 determines whether the amount of drug required for the current dispensing process is contained in the second drug container (step S4).

[0076] In this embodiment, when the total amount of the drug shown in the dispensing data matches the measurement result of the first measurement unit 62, it is determined that the amount of drug required for the current dispensing process is contained in the second drug container. On the other hand, when the total amount of the drug shown in the dispensing data does not match the measurement result of the first measurement unit 62, it is determined that the amount of drug required for the current dispensing process is not contained in the second drug container.

[0077] Based on whether the measurement results of the first measurement unit 62 and the second measurement unit 63 match, the control device 95 may determine whether there has been an increase or decrease in the drug contained in the second drug container. This determination can be realized, for example, as follows. When the second reader / writer unit 75 acquires the unique information of the introduced drug container and the second measurement unit 63 measures the weight of the drug, the control device 95 associates the obtained unique information and drug weight with the identification information (ID) that uniquely indicates the dispensing data and stores them, for example, in a table format. After that, when the first reader / writer unit 71 acquires the unique information of the introduced drug container, the control device 95 can call up the weight of the drug previously measured by the second measurement unit 63 in the introduced drug container with this unique information and the ID of the dispensing data by referring to the above table. The measurement results of the first measurement unit 62 and the second measurement unit 63 are compared. If they match, the control device 95 determines that there has been no increase or decrease in the drug contained in the second drug container. If they do not match, the control device 95 determines that there has been an increase or decrease in the drug contained in the second drug container.

[0078] When the weight measured by the first measurement unit 62 is greater than the weight measured by the second measurement unit 63, there may be a possibility that foreign matter has entered the second drug container when introducing the drug. On the other hand, when the weight measured by the first measurement unit 62 is smaller than the weight measured by the second measurement unit 63, there may be a possibility that the drug has spilled from the second drug container when introducing the drug. By comparing the measurement results of the first measurement unit 62 and the second measurement unit 63, it becomes easier to detect a small change in weight.

[0079] When it is confirmed that the second drug container set in the second drug discharge unit 21 is correct and that the amount of drug required for the dispensing process is contained in the second drug container, the control device 95 causes the vibration device 22 of the second drug discharge unit 21 to start vibrating (at the end of timing T4). As a result, the drug is shaken out from the introduced drug container. In this way, the drug discharge operation of the second drug discharge unit 21 is executed (step S5). In the example of FIG. 2, the drug discharge timings in the first drug discharge unit 21 and the second drug discharge unit 21 overlap each other.

[0080] Next, when an amount of medicine necessary for dispensing is discharged from the first medicine container, the control device 95 stops the vibration device 22 of the first medicine discharge unit 21 and causes the first measurement unit 62 to measure the weight of the medicine in the first medicine container. In this way, the shaking out of the medicine from the first medicine container is terminated. After that, the control device 95 causes the first reader / writer unit 71 of the first medicine discharge unit 21 to perform a writing process. That is, the control device 95 stores the weight data of the medicine in the first medicine container at the end of the shaking out of the medicine in the information tag of the first medicine container (timing T5). Further, the control device 95 stores the weight of the medicine discharged from the first medicine container based on the decrease amount of the medicine in the first medicine container.

[0081] After the weight data is written in the information tag of the first medicine container, the control device 95 controls the container conveyance unit 15 to return the first medicine container to the container storage unit 11.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 2, when another medicine container (in this example, the second medicine container) is discharging medicine, the medicine supply device 1 can convey the medicine container (the first medicine container) for which the discharge has ended back to its original position. In this way, since the discharge of the medicine and the movement of the medicine container can be performed simultaneously, the overall operation can be performed quickly.

[0083] As described above, the medicine supply device 1 can vacate the first medicine discharge unit 21 when the medicine container is discharging medicine. And the medicine supply device 1 can pre-set the medicine container to be used for the next dispensing process in the vacated first medicine discharge unit 21 (the first medicine discharge unit 21) even while the medicine container (the second medicine container) is discharging medicine. Also in this sense, the medicine supply device 1 is capable of performing the dispensing process efficiently.

[0084] When taking out the drug container from the container storage unit 11, the control device 95 rotates the rotating member 12 to adjust the position of the container placement unit 13 where the first drug container should be returned. As a result, the first drug container can be returned to the container placement unit 13 at the tip of the holding arm unit 16. The rotation of the container storage unit 11 is performed until the movement of the holding arm unit 16 ends (timing T6), similar to the above case (timing T1). This makes the conveyance operation of the drug container smooth.

[0085] Next, when the drug discharge operation for the second drug container is executed, the control device 95 stops the vibration device 22 of the second drug discharge unit 21 and causes the first measurement unit 62 to measure the weight of the drug in the second drug container (step S6). At this time, when a sensor (not shown) that detects the drug discharged from the second drug container no longer detects the drug, the control device 95 stops the vibration device 22 of the second drug discharge unit 21. In this way, the shaking out of the drug from the second drug container is terminated. Then, the control device 95 determines whether all the drugs in the second drug container have been discharged based on the measurement result of the first measurement unit 62 (step S7).

[0086] In this embodiment, when the measurement result of the first measurement unit 62 after the execution of the drug discharge operation is 0, the control device 95 determines that all the drugs in the second drug container have been discharged. On the other hand, when the measurement result of the first measurement unit 62 after the drug discharge exceeds 0, the control device 95 determines that not all the drugs in the second drug container have been discharged.

[0087] When the control device 95 determines that all the drugs in the second drug container have been discharged, it stores the weight of the drug discharged from the second drug container based on the amount of decrease in the drug in the second drug container (step S8).

[0088] On the other hand, if control device 95 determines that not all of the medicine in the second medicine container has been discharged, there is a possibility that some medicine remains in the second medicine container. Therefore, if control device 95 determines that not all of the medicine in the second medicine container has been discharged, control device 95 causes vibration device 22 of second medicine discharge unit 21 to start vibration and rotates distribution plate 31. In this way, the medicine discharge operation is again performed so that the medicine is shaken out of the second medicine container (step S9). As a result, at least a portion of the medicine remaining in the second medicine container is discharged. Then, returning to step S6, control device 95 causes first measuring unit 62 to measure the weight of the medicine in the second medicine container. Based on the measurement result of first measuring unit 62, control device 95 determines whether all of the medicine in the second medicine container has been discharged (in this embodiment, whether the measurement result of first measuring unit 62 is 0).

[0089] In this embodiment, when the control device 95 determines that not all of the drug in the second drug container has been discharged, it controls the vibration device 22 of the second drug discharge section 21 to start vibrating again, so that the vibration device 22 applies a stronger vibration to the second drug container set in the second drug discharge section 21 than the previous vibration.

[0090] When the drug discharge process from the first drug container and the second drug container is completed and the drugs required for dispensing are placed on distribution tray 31, control device 95 causes drug take-out unit 35 to scoop up the drugs on distribution tray 31 and deposit the drugs into hopper 42 of packaging unit 41 (timing T7). Control device 95 also causes packaging unit 41 to package the drugs scooped by drug take-out unit 35 (timing T7). Although the operation timing of packaging unit 41 is omitted in FIG. 2, packaging unit 41 operates at approximately the same timing as drug take-out unit 35. As shown in FIG. 2, drug supply device 1 can transport the drug containers while drug take-out unit 35 is scooping up the drugs (taking-out operation). In this way, the scooping of drugs and the movement of the drug containers can be performed simultaneously in parallel, allowing the entire operation to be performed quickly.

[0091] When the process of scooping out the drug from the dispensing dish 31 is completed, the dispensing dish 31 stops. Then, the first cleaning unit 52 cleans the dispensing dish 31 and the drug extraction unit 35 (timing T8). As shown in FIG. 2, the drug supply device 1 can perform the conveyance operation of the drug container while the first cleaning unit 52 is performing the cleaning operation (first cleaning operation). In this way, since the cleaning operation and the movement of the drug container can be performed simultaneously in parallel, the overall operation can be performed quickly.

[0092] After the packaging unit 41 finishes the process (in other words, after the supply of the drug in the first drug container and the drug in the second drug container is completed), the second cleaning unit 53 cleans the packaging unit 41 (timing T9). The drug supply device 1 can perform the conveyance operation of the drug container while the second cleaning unit 53 is performing the cleaning operation (second cleaning operation). In this way, since the cleaning operation and the movement of the drug container can be performed simultaneously in parallel, the overall operation can be performed quickly.

[0093] By the way, after the dispensing process using the first drug container and the second drug container this time, there may be a case where the next dispensing process is continued. In the drug supply device 1 of the present embodiment, when the same drug container is continuously used in the next dispensing process, the control device 95 can control the drug container not to be returned from the drug discharge unit 21 to the container storage unit 11.

[0094] In this way, since the drug supply device 1 does not return the drug container to be repeatedly used from the drug discharge unit 21 to the container storage unit 11, when the drug supply device 1 performs the next dispensing process, it is not necessary to convey the drug container from the container storage unit 11. As a result, the drug packaging device can perform the next dispensing process smoothly and can shorten the operation time.

[0095] When taking out a new drug container to be used in the next dispensing process from the container storage unit 11, the control device 95 rotates the rotating member 12 to adjust the position of the container placement unit 13. As a result, the tip of the holding arm unit 16 provided in the container transport unit 15 can take out the drug container from the container placement unit 13. Since the tip of the holding arm unit 16 is already located near the container storage unit 11, the rotation of the container storage unit 11 is performed with the holding arm unit 16 stopped (timing T10 in FIG. 2). However, the rotation of the container storage unit 11 may be performed while moving the holding arm unit 16.

[0096] As described above, the drug supply device 1 of the present embodiment includes a drug discharge unit 21, a first measurement unit 62, and a control device 95. The drug discharge unit 21 can set an introduction drug container introduced from the outside and executes a discharge operation of the drug contained in the set introduction drug container. The first measurement unit 62 measures the weight of the drug contained in the introduction drug container set in the drug discharge unit 21. The control device 95 controls the drug discharge unit 21 and the first measurement unit 62. When an introduction drug container containing a drug is set in the drug discharge unit 21, the control device 95 causes the drug discharge unit 21 to execute a discharge operation of the drug in the introduction drug container. After the discharge operation of the drug in the introduction drug container is executed, the control device 95 causes the first measurement unit 62 to measure the weight of the drug contained in the introduction drug container set in the drug discharge unit 21. The control device 95 determines whether all of the drug contained in the introduction drug container has been discharged.

[0097] Thereby, when an introduction drug container is used in the drug supply device 1, it is possible to determine that the required amount of the drug has been discharged from the introduction drug container. As a result, it is possible to confirm that the required amount of the drug has been discharged.

[0098] Further, in the drug supply device 1 of the present embodiment, when the control device 95 determines that all of the drug in the introduction drug container has been discharged, it stores the weight of the drug discharged from the introduction drug container.

[0099] As a result, it is possible to grasp the amount of the drug actually discharged from the drug introduction container.

[0100] In addition, in the drug supply device 1 of the present embodiment, when the control device 95 determines that not all of the drugs in the drug introduction container have been discharged, the control device 95 causes the drug discharge unit 21 to execute the drug discharge operation for the drugs in the drug introduction container.

[0101] As a result, the drug discharge operation for the drugs in the drug introduction container can be repeatedly executed to surely discharge all of the drugs in the drug introduction container.

[0102] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the above configuration can be changed as follows, for example.

[0103] The number of drug discharge units 21 is not limited to two, and three or more may be provided. When all or part of the drug containers set in the plurality of drug discharge units 21 are used not only this time but also in the next dispensing, the drug containers may be discharged in the next dispensing without being returned to the container storage unit 11.

[0104] The number of drug discharge units 21 may be one.

[0105] There may be no temporal overlap between the operation of rotating the container storage unit 11 and the operation of the container transport unit 15 moving between the container storage unit 11 and the drug discharge unit 21 (hereinafter referred to as the moving operation).

[0106] There may be no temporal overlap between at least either the cleaning operation of the first cleaning unit 52 and the cleaning operation of the second cleaning unit 53 and the moving operation of the container transport unit 15. Further, at least either the first cleaning unit 52 or the second cleaning unit 53 can be omitted.

[0107] There may be no temporal overlap between the taking-out operation of the drug taking-out unit 35 and the moving operation of the container transport unit 15.

[0108] The container storage unit 11, the drug discharge unit 21, the container temporary placement unit 81, etc. can be configured so that the user can easily access them from the outside. For example, it is conceivable to provide an opening / closing door to the drug supply device 1. Thereby, for example, it becomes easy for the user to place the drug container in each unit or take out the drug container from each unit.

[0109] In the above embodiment, the holding arm unit 16 holds / releases the drug container using electromagnetic force. However, for example, a hand may be provided at the tip of the holding arm unit 16, and the drug container may be mechanically held / released by the hand.

[0110] When it is not necessary to move the holding arm unit 16, the control device 95 may perform control to position the holding arm unit 16 at a predetermined standby position.

[0111] The number of dispensing trays 31 can be appropriately changed in consideration of the number of drug discharge units 21. For example, when 4 to 6 drug discharge units 21 are provided, two dispensing trays for receiving the drugs discharged from 2 to 3 drug discharge units 21 can be provided.

[0112] A notification unit for notifying the user of an abnormality in the dispensing process may be provided in the drug packaging device. When it cannot be confirmed that the drug container set in the drug discharge unit 21 is a drug container containing the drug used in the dispensing process, the control device 95 may notify the user to that effect via the notification unit. The notification unit can also be operated when the amount of drug required for the dispensing process cannot be confirmed, or when the measurement results of the first measurement unit 62 and the second measurement unit 63 do not match. The configuration of the notification unit is not particularly limited, and for example, it can be a buzzer or a lamp.

[0113] When it cannot be confirmed that the drug container set in the drug discharge unit 21 is a drug container containing the drug used in the dispensing process, the control device 95 may cause the container transport unit 15 to transport the drug container to the container storage unit 11. The same applies when the amount of drug contained in the drug container is insufficient for the amount required for the dispensing process.

[0114] In the above embodiment, regarding whether or not the medicine container set in the medicine discharge unit 21 contains the amount of medicine necessary for the dispensing process, the control device 95 makes a determination based on the weight data stored in the information tag. However, the control device 95 may make a determination based on the measurement result of the first measurement unit 62.

[0115] The second reader / writer unit 75 may be changed to a read-only device (reader device).

[0116] From the above disclosure, the means and its effects are understood as follows.

[0117] [1] An introduction medicine container that contains the total amount of medicine used in the dispensing process, A medicine discharge unit that can set the introduction medicine container introduced from the outside and execute the discharge operation of the medicine contained in the set introduction medicine container, A measurement unit that measures the weight of the medicine contained in the introduction medicine container set in the medicine discharge unit, A control unit that controls the medicine discharge unit and the measurement unit, Comprising The control unit Causes the medicine discharge unit to execute the discharge operation of the medicine in the introduction medicine container, After the discharge operation of the medicine in the introduction medicine container is executed, causes the measurement unit to measure the weight of the medicine contained in the introduction medicine container set in the medicine discharge unit, A medicine supply device, characterized in that it determines whether or not all of the medicine contained in the introduction medicine container has been discharged.

[0118] Thereby, in the medicine supply device, it is possible to determine that all of the medicine has been discharged from the introduction medicine container containing the total amount of medicine used in the dispensing process. As a result, it becomes possible to confirm that all of the medicine used in the dispensing process has been discharged.

[0119] [2] [1] The drug supply device according to the present invention, A drug supply device characterized in that the control unit stores the weight of the drug discharged from the drug container when it is determined that all of the drug in the drug container has been discharged.

[0120] This makes it possible to know the amount of medicine actually discharged from the introduced medicine container.

[0121] [3] [1] or [2], the drug supply device A drug supply device characterized in that, when the control unit determines that not all of the drug in the introduced drug container has been discharged, it causes the drug discharge unit to perform an operation to discharge the drug in the introduced drug container.

[0122] This allows the operation of discharging the medicine from the introduced medicine container to be repeatedly performed, thereby ensuring that all of the medicine from the introduced medicine container is discharged. [Explanation of symbols]

[0123] 1. Drug supply device 21 Drug discharge section 62 First Measurement Unit (Measurement Unit) 95 Control device (control unit)

Claims

【Claim 1】 An introduction drug container that houses the total amount of drugs used in the dispensing process, A drug discharge unit that can set the introduction drug container introduced from the outside and executes a discharge operation of the drug contained in the set introduction drug container, A measurement unit that measures the weight of the drug contained in the introduction drug container set in the drug discharge unit, A control unit that controls the drug discharge unit and the measurement unit, Comprising: The control unit: Causes the drug discharge unit to execute a discharge operation of the drug in the introduction drug container, After the discharge operation of the drug in the introduction drug container is executed, causes the measurement unit to measure the weight of the drug contained in the introduction drug container set in the drug discharge unit, A drug supply device characterized by determining whether all of the drugs contained in the introduction drug container have been discharged.

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