Medicine packaging device

Abstract

To set proper timing of cleaning of a medicine path and packaging of medicine.SOLUTION: A medicine packaging device comprises: a supply part for supplying medicine from a medicine container storing medicine; a medicine path through which medicine supplied from the supply part passes; a packaging part for packaging the medicine which passed through the medicine path; and a control part for controlling the supply part and the packaging part. The control part has a storage part for associating a determination flag which indicates whether cleaning of the medicine path is required after packaging of the medicine, with medicine information and storing the same. The medicine container further stores a cleaning material. When medicine for which, cleaning of the medicine path is required, is included in dispense data after packaging, after packaging according to the dispense data is finished, the control part watches and waits supply of the medicine included in next dispense data to the medicine path, and supplies the cleaning material to the medicine path from the medicine container.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

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

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

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-130972 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The document states that a cleaning device is provided around the dispensing unit, but does not state the timing of cleaning the drug path through which the drug passes and packaging the drug.

[0005] The present disclosure provides a medicine packaging device that can optimize the timing between cleaning the medicine path and packaging the medicine. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to the present disclosure, there is provided a medicine packaging device including a supply unit that supplies medicines from a medicine container containing medicines, a medicine path through which the medicines supplied from the supply unit pass, a packaging unit that packages the medicines that have passed through the medicine path, and a control unit that controls the supply unit and the packaging unit. The control unit has a memory unit that stores a determination flag indicating whether cleaning of the medicine path is required after packaging the medicines, in association with medicine information. The medicine container further contains a cleaning material. When the dispensing data includes a medicine that requires cleaning of the medicine path after packaging, the control unit waits for the supply of medicines included in the next dispensing data to the medicine path after packaging in accordance with the dispensing data is completed, and supplies the cleaning material from the medicine container to the medicine path. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the medicine packaging device according to the present disclosure, the timing between cleaning the medicine path and packaging the medicine can be optimized. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a dispensing system. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of a medicine packaging device according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the medicine packaging device. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an intermediate container (external drug container). [Figure 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a weighing device. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing the flow of drug supply and packaging processes. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a process for cleaning an intermediate container. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a process for cleaning an intermediate container. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display unit that displays a captured image of the inner surface of the intermediate container. [Figure 11]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display unit that displays a selection screen for additional cleaning of the intermediate container. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing the flow of a process for cleaning the hopper and the distribution section. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram illustrating an example of a process for supplying a cleaning agent to a chemical channel. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram illustrating an example of a process for manually cleaning a hopper. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display unit that displays a captured image of the inner surface of the hopper. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display unit that displays a selection screen for additional cleaning of the hopper. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals and will not be described repeatedly.

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

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, the dispensing system 100 includes a medicine packaging device 1 and a measuring device 80.

[0012] The medicine packaging device 1 supplies and packages medicines. To supply medicines, the medicine packaging device 1 can measure out one or more medicines. In this specification, measuring out medicine means taking out only the required amount of medicine contained in a medicine container or the like. The medicine packaging device 1 measures out powder medicine (powdered, granular, or granular medicine) as medicine. The medicine packaging device 1 may also be capable of packaging tablets in addition to powder medicine.

[0013] The weighing device 80 is installed outside the medicine packing device 1. The weighing device 80 can measure out medicines in place of the medicine packing device 1. The medicine packing device 1 and the weighing device 80 are installed in, for example, a pharmacy or a hospital.

[0014] The medicine supply and packaging performed by the medicine packaging device 1 is performed based on prescription data input by an operator.

[0015] The medicine packaging device 1 can also only package medicines. In this case, a weighing device 80 or the like is used to measure the medicine. The weighing device 80 measures the medicine that the operator has removed from a medicine bottle or the like. The medicine packaging device 1 can also only measure the medicine. In this case, the measured medicine is discharged outside the medicine packaging device 1 without being packaged. The medicine packaging device 1 stores the measured medicine in a container so that the operator can remove the container.

[0016] In the following description, the act of packaging a medicine by the medicine packaging device 1 will be referred to as the first operation, and the act of the medicine packaging device 1 measuring the medicine without subsequently packaging it will be referred to as the second operation. In the first operation, the medicine packaging device 1 may or may not measure the medicine. The case where the medicine packaging device 1 packages a medicine that has been measured (weighed) by a weighing device 80 or the like outside the medicine packaging device 1 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. As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the medicine packaging device 1 also includes a transport unit 14, a medicine container 15, a first information processing unit 16, a measuring unit 30, a second information processing unit 19, a third information processing unit 20, a display unit 21, an operation unit 22, a medicine discharge unit 32, a packaging unit 33, a cleaning unit 38, a control unit 50, a locking mechanism 52, and imaging devices 54 and 56.

[0018] The first storage section 11 can store a plurality of intermediate containers 91 that do not contain medicines. The intermediate containers 91 are prepared to contain medicines to be supplied and packaged and to transport them to each section of the medicine packaging device 1. The configuration of the intermediate containers 91 will be described later.

[0019] The first storage unit 11 can be configured, for example, to have a plurality of support stands for storing a plurality of intermediate containers 91, each support stand supporting the bottom surface of each intermediate container 91. However, the configuration of the first storage unit 11 can be changed as desired as long as it is capable of substantially storing the intermediate containers 91.

[0020] Second storage unit 12 can store a plurality of external drug containers 92 that do not contain any drugs. External drug container 92 contains drugs prepared by an operator outside drug packaging device 1, and is used as a container that is introduced into drug packaging device 1 for packaging the drugs. When weighing device 80 or the like in FIG. 1 performs weighing instead of drug packaging device 1, external drug container 92 is prepared in drug packaging device 1 to contain drugs to be weighed by weighing device 80, and to introduce the weighed drugs into drug packaging device 1. The configuration of external drug container 92 will be described later.

[0021] Third storage unit 13 can store a plurality of output containers 93 that do not contain any medicines. Output containers 93 are provided in medicine packaging device 1 to contain weighed medicines and to export the medicines from medicine packaging device 1 to another medicine packaging device 95 when medicine packaging device 1 does not package the medicines after weighing.

[0022] The second storage unit 12 and the third storage unit 13 can be configured to support the bottom surface of the external drug container 92 or the output container 93, for example, in the same manner as the first storage unit 11.

[0023] The intermediate container 91 will now be described. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the intermediate container 91 (external drug container 92). As shown in Fig. 4, the intermediate container 91 includes a storage section 91a, a discharge path section 91b, an opening / closing section 91c, an information display section (display section) 91d, and an information recording section (information recording member) 91e.

[0024] The storage section 91a is a portion that substantially stores the medicine in the intermediate container 91. The storage section 91a is formed in a hollow shape with an open top.

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

[0026] The opening / closing portion 91c is configured as a shutter-like movable member, and is capable of opening and closing the connection portion between the storage portion 91a and the discharge path portion 91b.

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

[0028] The information recording unit 91e has, for example, a nonvolatile memory and can record container-specific information. The container-specific information includes container identification information. The container-specific information may also include information indicating the type of container (intermediate container 91, external drug container 92, or output container 93). The information recording unit 91e can be configured, for example, as an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag.

[0029] In the medicine dispensing and packaging device 1 of this embodiment, a plurality of intermediate containers 91 of the same shape are prepared. Note that a plurality of types of intermediate containers 91 having different sizes of storage portions 91a may be prepared. In this case, it is possible to respond to various situations in which measuring is required, such as measuring various types of medicines.

[0030] The following describes external drug container 92. As shown in Fig. 4, external drug container 92 has substantially the same configuration as intermediate container 91. External drug container 92 includes a storage section 92a, a discharge path section 92b, an opening / closing section 92c, an information display section 92d, and an information recording section 92e.

[0031] The storage section 92a, discharge path section 92b, opening / closing section 92c, information display section 92d, and information recording section 92e have the same configuration as the storage section 91a, discharge path section 91b, opening / closing section 91c, information display section 91d, and information recording section 91e in the intermediate container 91, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0032] In the medicine dispensing and packaging device 1 of this embodiment, a plurality of external medicine containers 92 of the same shape are prepared. Note that a plurality of types of external medicine containers 92 having different sizes of storage portions 92a may be prepared. In this case, it is possible to respond to various situations in which external metering is performed, such as the external metering of various types of medicines.

[0033] The following describes the output container 93. Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the output container 93. As shown in Fig. 5, the output container 93 corresponds to the intermediate container 91 from which the discharge path section 91b and the opening / closing section 91c have been omitted. The output container 93 includes a storage section 93a, an information display section 93d, and an information recording section 93e.

[0034] The container 93a, the information display section 93d, and the information recording section 93e have the same configuration as the container 91a, the information display section 91d, and the information recording section 91e in the intermediate container 91, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0035] In the medicine dispensing and packaging device 1 of this embodiment, a plurality of output containers 93 of the same shape are prepared. Note that a plurality of types of output containers 93 having different sizes of storage portions 93a may be prepared. In this case, it is possible to respond to various situations in which measuring is required, such as measuring various types of medicines.

[0036] The transport unit 14 can transport the intermediate container 91, the external drug container 92, and the discharge container 93. As shown in Fig. 2, the transport unit 14 includes a first transport unit 14a and a second transport unit 14b.

[0037] The operation of each of the first conveying unit 14a and the second conveying unit 14b is controlled by the control unit 50. The first conveying unit 14a and the second conveying unit 14b differ only in the range of conveying, and are substantially the same in terms of the conveying configuration, so the following description will be given taking the first conveying unit 14a as an example.

[0038] First conveying unit 14a is equipped with a container holding unit for holding intermediate container 91, external drug container 92, or output container 93. The container holding unit is configured to be movable along a path determined by drug packaging device 1. First conveying unit 14a conveys intermediate container 91, external drug container 92, or output container 93 by moving the container holding unit while intermediate container 91, external drug container 92, or output container 93 is held in the container holding unit.

[0039] In this manner, in this embodiment, the intermediate container 91, the external drug container 92, and the discharge container 93 are configured to be transported by the common first transport unit 14a. Therefore, it is preferable to make the parts attached to the first transport unit 14a (container holding unit) of each of the three types of containers have the same configuration, since this simplifies the configuration of the first transport unit 14a.

[0040] The intermediate container 91, the external drug container 92, and the discharge container 93 are similar to one another in terms of configuration and function. Therefore, the intermediate container 91 can also be used as the external drug container 92 used in the first operation. The intermediate container 91 can also be used as the discharge container 93 used in the second operation. The external drug container 92 can also be used as the intermediate container 91 used in the first operation. The external drug container 92 can also be used as the discharge container 93 used in the second operation. By reducing the types of containers, the configuration can be simplified.

[0041] In Figure 2, the path of first conveyor 14a is indicated by a dashed line, and the path of second conveyor 14b is indicated by a two-dot chain line. First conveyor 14a and second conveyor 14b are equipped with separate drive sources and can operate independently. Therefore, medicine packaging device 1 can simultaneously transport containers by first conveyor 14a and second conveyor 14b in parallel.

[0042] The transport unit 14 may have various configurations for holding the containers, for example, a configuration in which a container holding unit is provided at the tip of an extendable or rotatable arm, and the position of the container holding unit is changed by extending or rotating the arm. Also, for example, the container may be gripped with a chuck or held by suction.

[0043] Medicine containers 15 contain medicines to be measured out. Each medicine container 15 has an opening formed therein for discharging and removing the medicine from the container.

[0044] In principle, different types of medicines are stored in each of the plurality of medicine containers 15. However, for example, in the case of a medicine that is used frequently, the same medicine may be stored in multiple medicine containers 15.

[0045] The medicine packaging device 1 can also handle excipients in addition to medicines. Any of the multiple medicine containers 15 may contain an excipient. When it is necessary to form a medicine (powder), the medicine packaging device 1 removes the excipient from the medicine container 15. In this case, the excipient can be supplied in the same way as the medicine. Any of the multiple medicine containers 15 may contain a cleaning material. In this case, the cleaning material can be supplied in the same way as the medicine. The cleaning material is removed from the medicine container 15 and packaged while coming into contact with the medicine path of the medicine packaging device 1, thereby cleaning the medicine path that the cleaning material comes into contact with. The cleaning material may contain an excipient. The excipient and / or cleaning material may be lactose.

[0046] An information recording unit 71 is provided on the outer surface of the medicine container 15. The information recording unit 71 can be, for example, an RFID tag. The information recording unit 71 can store information about the medicine contained in the medicine container 15 (contained medicine information). The contained medicine information includes the name of the medicine, the amount of medicine remaining in the medicine container 15, the expiration date of the medicine, the date of the last refill, the operating conditions of the measuring unit 30, etc. The medicine packaging device 1 can obtain the contained medicine information by reading the information recording unit 71. Note that the information recording unit 71 may be configured to store only the identification information of the medicine container 15, and when this information is read by the medicine packaging device 1, the above-mentioned contained medicine information may be called up from the memory unit 61 described below.

[0047] First information processing unit 16 can read contained medicine information from information recording unit 71. First information processing unit 16 can be configured as, for example, an RFID reader / writer. First information processing unit 16 is provided at any position in medicine packing device 1.

[0048] Measuring unit 30 includes medicine removal unit 17 and measuring unit 18. Medicine removal unit 17 removes medicine from medicine container 15. Measuring unit 18 measures the medicine removed from medicine container 15.

[0049] Medicine removal unit 17 detachably holds a plurality of medicine containers 15. Medicine removal unit 17 moves the held medicine containers 15 to a predetermined position, and at the predetermined position, removes the medicines contained in medicine containers 15 downward through an opening. The operation of medicine removal unit 17 is controlled by control unit 50 based on the contained medicine information read by first information processing unit 16.

[0050] Measuring unit 18 includes mounting table 18a and detection unit 18b. Mounting table 18a is disposed below the above-mentioned predetermined position of drug removal unit 17. An intermediate container 91 or an output container 93 can be placed on mounting table 18a. First transport unit 14a can transport intermediate container 91 or output container 93 held in the container holding unit and place it on mounting table 18a or remove it from mounting table 18a.

[0051] The detector 18b can measure the amount of medicine inside the intermediate container 91 or the output container 93 when the intermediate container 91 or the output container 93 is placed on the mount 18a. In other words, the weighing unit 18 is configured as an electronic balance, and the mount 18a corresponds to the weighing pan of the electronic balance. The detector 18b can be configured as, for example, an electromagnetic or load cell type load sensor.

[0052] Measuring unit 30 is controlled by control unit 50 to measure out the entire dose of each drug indicated by the drug information. Control unit 50 appropriately moves drug container 15 containing the drug indicated by the drug information to directly above mounting table 18a using drug removal unit 17. Control unit 50 then removes the drug downward from drug container 15, stores the removed drug in intermediate container 91 or output container 93 placed on mounting table 18a, and weighs the stored drug using detection unit 18b.

[0053] Second information processing unit 19 acquires container-specific information stored in information recording unit 91e of intermediate container 91 or information recording unit 93e of output container 93, which are set in weighing unit 18. Second information processing unit 19 can also change the display content of information display unit 91d of intermediate container 91 or information display unit 93d of output container 93, which are set in weighing unit 18. 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 intermediate container 91 stored in the first storage unit 11. The acquisition of container-specific information by the third information processing unit 20 is similarly performed for the external drug container 92 stored in the second storage unit 12 or the output container 93 stored in the third storage unit 13.

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

[0056] Display unit 21 is a device having a display screen capable of displaying various information related to medicine packing device 1. Display unit 21 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display. Display unit 21 is disposed at an appropriate position on medicine packing device 1.

[0057] Operation unit 22 is operated by an operator to give various instructions to medicine packaging device 1. Operation unit 22 is disposed at an appropriate position (for example, near display unit 21) of medicine packaging device 1. Operation unit 22 may be configured to include a keyboard, or display unit 21 may be a touch panel and operation unit 22 may be incorporated into display unit 21.

[0058] An intermediate container 91 or an external drug container 92 transported by second transport unit 14b is set in drug discharge unit 32. Drug discharge unit 32 can discharge the drug inside set intermediate container 91 or external drug container 92. It is also possible to set intermediate container 91 or external drug container 92 in drug discharge unit 32 manually.

[0059] The medicine discharge unit 32 includes a container attachment unit 32a. The container attachment unit 32a is configured to be able to attach an intermediate container 91 or an external medicine container 92. The attachment of the intermediate container 91 or the external medicine container 92 to the container attachment unit 32a is performed automatically by the second transport unit 14b or manually.

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

[0061] The medicine discharge unit 32 is equipped with a vibration device 32b. The vibration device 32b is configured to include a motor that generates vibrations, etc. The vibration device 32b is controlled by the control unit 50. The vibration device 32b generates vibrations in response to a control signal from the control unit 50. The vibrations generated by the vibration device 32b are transmitted to the intermediate container 91 or the external medicine container 92 attached to the container attachment unit 32a.

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

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

[0064] The supply unit of the embodiment is made up of measuring unit 30 that extracts medicine from medicine container 15 that stores medicine and puts it into intermediate container 91, transport unit 14 that transports intermediate container 91, and medicine discharge unit 32 that discharges medicine from intermediate container 91 and supplies it to distribution tray 34a. Packaging unit 33 packages the medicine supplied by the supply unit.

[0065] As shown in Figure 2, the medicine dispensing and packaging device 1 has multiple (specifically, two) distribution units 34. Each distribution unit 34 has multiple (specifically, two) medicine discharge units 32. Medicines are supplied onto one distribution tray 34a from either or both of the two medicine discharge units 32. The two medicine discharge units 32 may supply the same type of medicine to one distribution tray 34a, or may supply different types of medicine to one distribution tray 34a, or may supply a medicine and an excipient to one distribution tray 34a.

[0066] The packaging unit 35 packages the medicines distributed by the distribution unit 34 in packaging material 40. The packaging unit 35 includes a hopper 35a and a heater 35b. The hopper 35a receives the medicines supplied from a container to the distribution tray 34a and dropping from the distribution tray 34a. The hopper 35a forms a medicine path through which the medicines dropping from the distribution tray 34a toward the packaging material 40 pass. The packaging unit 35 repeats the operation of dropping the medicines distributed in doses by the distribution unit 34 into the packaging material 40 through the hopper 35a and the operation of thermally welding the packaging material 40 using the heater 35b. By repeating these operations, the medicines are sealed in the packaging material 40 one by one. The packaging material 40 containing the medicines is sent to a storage unit outside or inside the medicine dispensing and packaging device 1.

[0067] The distribution tray 34a and the hopper 35a constitute a medicine path in this embodiment through which the medicines supplied from the medicine discharge unit 32 pass. The packaging unit 35 packages the medicines that have passed through the medicine path.

[0068] Supply standby section 23 is provided between measuring section 30, which measures the medicine, and medicine discharge section 32, which discharges the medicine. Intermediate container 91 or external medicine container 92 containing the medicine can be placed in supply standby section 23 and kept on standby as needed.

[0069] Cleaning unit 38 can clean intermediate container 91 or external drug container 92. Cleaning may be performed by any means, such as blowing compressed air onto the inner surface of intermediate container 91 or external drug container 92, suction, wiping with a brush, etc. By performing cleaning, drug remaining on the inner surface of the container is removed.

[0070] A cleaning standby section 37 is provided near the cleaning section 38. The intermediate container 91 or the external chemical container 92 before cleaning can be placed in the cleaning standby section 37 and kept on standby as needed.

[0071] The supply standby section 23 and the cleaning standby section 37 can be configured as, for example, a plate-like member on which a container can be placed, but are not limited to this.

[0072] The control unit 50 can control each unit of the medicine packaging device 1 (specifically, the transport unit 14, the measuring unit 30, the medicine discharge unit 32, the packaging unit 33, etc.) based on the dispensing data. The control unit 50 may be configured as a part of the medicine packaging device 1, or may be configured as a part of a dispensing device control device that controls other dispensing devices such as other medicine packaging devices 95.

[0073] More specifically, the control unit 50 is configured as a known computer and includes a calculation unit such as a CPU, a storage device such as a flash memory or a hard disk, and an input / output unit for communicating with the outside. Various programs and setting values ​​are stored in the storage device. The calculation unit reads the various programs from the storage device and controls the operation of each unit of the drug packaging device 1 based on the detection values ​​of sensors provided in each unit of the drug packaging device 1 and the various setting values ​​stored in the storage device. The control unit 50 operates the above-mentioned software and hardware to perform processing in the storage unit 61, measuring selection unit 62, and guidance unit 65 shown in FIG. 4 and output command signals as a result of the processing, thereby operating the drug packaging device 1.

[0074] As described above, storage unit 61 can store dispensing data input from the outside. Storage unit 61 also stores information about the drugs contained in drug containers 15 read by first information processing unit 16 as arrangement information about drug containers 15 arranged in drug packaging device 1. Storage unit 61 can also store various setting values ​​necessary for operating drug packaging device 1.

[0075] The storage unit 61 also stores various data such as drug master information, which is unique information about drugs. This master information includes, for example, drug code, drug name, JAN code (or RSS), medicine bottle (drug container) code, classification (dosage form: powder, tablet, external use medicine, etc.), specific gravity, drug type (ordinary medicine, poison, narcotic, powerful drug, antipsychotic, therapeutic drug, etc.), combination variations, precautions, usual dosage, information on prohibited simultaneous use, etc.

[0076] Furthermore, the storage unit 61 can store container-specific information (container identification number, container type, etc.) as container master information.

[0077] When at least one of the drugs included in the dispensing data cannot be packaged due to the capacity of packaging unit 33, measuring selection unit 62 allows the operator to select whether or not to execute a measuring operation by measuring unit 30 for the drugs that can be measured by measuring unit 30. There are various configurations for realizing the selection, but for example, measuring selection unit 62 may display options (for example, execute / no button) on display unit 21 and allow the operator to select using operation unit 22.

[0078] The guidance unit 65 can provide guidance (instructions) to the operator. For example, when at least one of the drugs included in the dispensing data cannot be packaged due to the capacity of the packaging unit 33, the guidance unit 65 can inform the operator that the drugs measured out by the measuring unit 30 should be packaged using another drug packaging device 95. Furthermore, when the amount of drugs supplied from the drug container 15 to the intermediate container 91 is insufficient for the total dose based on the dispensing data, the guidance unit 65 can inform the operator that external weighing can be performed as a measure to enable the packaging operation by the packaging unit 33.

[0079] External measurement is a procedure in which the operator prepares an external drug container 92 that contains a predetermined amount of drug (full dose) outside of drug packaging device 1 and introduces that external drug container 92 into drug packaging device 1. At this time, the operator can also be notified that a refilling procedure or a drug container introduction procedure is available. Refilling is a procedure in which drug is refilled into drug container 15. Drug container introduction is a procedure in which drug container 15 containing the required amount of drug is introduced into drug packaging device 1.

[0080] There are various methods for the guidance unit 65 to provide guidance to the operator, and one possible method is to display an appropriate message on the display unit 21. The guidance may be provided by voice, a notification lamp, or the like, for example.

[0081] Hopper 35a is removable from the housing of medicine packaging device 1. Locking mechanism 52 locks hopper 35a to prevent it from being removed from medicine packaging device 1. When the locking by locking mechanism 52 is released, hopper 35a becomes removable from medicine packaging device 1 and can be moved outside the housing of medicine packaging device 1. Locking and unlocking of hopper 35a by locking mechanism 52 are controlled by control unit 50.

[0082] The imaging device 54 is disposed above the hopper 35a. The imaging device 54 is capable of capturing images of the interior of the hopper 35a. The imaging device 54 may be capable of reciprocating between a position directly above the hopper 35a and a position not directly above the hopper 35a. The imaging device 56 is attached to the top of the cleaning unit 56. The imaging device 56 is capable of capturing images of the containers housed in the cleaning unit 38. The imaging devices 54, 56 are controlled by the control unit 50. Images captured by the imaging devices 54, 56 are displayed on the display unit 21. The control unit 50 receives the images captured from the imaging devices 54, 56 and outputs a control command to the display unit 21 to display the images.

[0083] Next, various positions set in the medicine dispensing and packaging device 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Any of these positions can be the source and destination of containers transferred by the transfer unit 14.

[0084] The first standby position P1 is a position where an intermediate container 91 that does not contain a medicine can wait in the first storage section 11. The first standby position P1 can also be said to be a storage position where a plurality of intermediate containers 91 are stored in the first storage section 11.

[0085] The second standby position P2 is a position where an external drug container 92 that does not contain a drug can wait in the second storage section 12. The second standby position P2 can also be said to be a storage position where a plurality of external drug containers 92 are stored in the second storage section 12.

[0086] The third standby position P3 is a position where an output container 93 that does not contain a drug can wait in the third storage section 13. The third standby position P3 can also be said to be a storage position where a plurality of output containers 93 are stored in the third storage section 13.

[0087] The measuring position P4 is a position where the measuring unit 18 measures the medicine contained in the intermediate container 91 or the output container 93.

[0088] First removal position P5 is a position for removing intermediate container 91 or output container 93 to the outside of medicine packaging device 1. For example, when measuring medicine from medicine container 15 to intermediate container 91 or output container 93 in measuring unit 30, if the amount removed (measured amount) is insufficient for the total amount of medicine, which is the target amount, due to an insufficient amount of medicine contained in medicine container 15, first removal position P5 is used to remove intermediate container 91 or output container 93 containing medicine less than the target amount from medicine packaging device 1. This removal is performed via first removal unit 25 provided in medicine packaging device 1.

[0089] In this embodiment, the first take-out position P5 is set at a position different from the weighing position P4. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the weighing position P4 may be set to also serve as the first take-out position P5.

[0090] Second removal position P6 is a position for removing external drug container 92 before it contains a drug from drug packaging device 1 when drugs are measured using weighing device 80 instead of drug packaging device 1. This removal is performed via second removal unit 26 provided in drug packaging device 1. Second removal position P6 may also serve as a position (introduction position) for setting external drug container 92 or intermediate container 91 containing drugs measured by weighing device 80 for introduction into drug packaging device 1.

[0091] Third removal position P7 is a position for removing output container 93 to the outside of medicine packaging device 1. For example, when medicine is measured but not packaged in medicine packaging device 1, third removal position P7 is used to remove output container 93 containing the medicine measured by measuring unit 30 to the outside of medicine packaging device 1. This removal is performed via third removal unit 27 provided in medicine packaging device 1.

[0092] Supply standby position P8 is a position where intermediate container 91 is kept on standby after measuring of the medicines in measuring unit 30 is completed and before the medicines are discharged from the containers in packaging unit 33 and supplied to distribution tray 34a. Supply standby position P8 is also a position (introduction position) where external medicine container 92 or intermediate container 91 containing medicines measured by measuring device 80 is set for introduction into medicine packaging device 1. Supply standby position P8 is set in supply standby unit 23 described above. Supply standby position P8 may also serve as first removal position P5, second removal position P6, or third removal position P7.

[0093] Supply position P9 is the position of intermediate container 91 or external drug container 92 when drugs are supplied to distribution tray 34a in drug discharge section 32. Second transport section 14b transports intermediate container 91 from supply standby position P8 to supply position P9. When an external drug container 92 or intermediate container 91 containing drugs is introduced into drug packaging device 1 from outside drug packaging device 1, the introduction position of the container may be set to supply position P9, and the operator may set the container directly in drug discharge section 32. As described above, drug packaging device 1 is equipped with multiple (specifically, four) drug discharge sections 32, and supply position P9 is assigned to the four drug discharge sections 32.

[0094] The cleaning standby position P10 is a position where the intermediate container 91 or the external chemical 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.

[0095] The cleaning position P11 is a position where the intermediate container 91 or the external chemical container 92 is cleaned by the cleaning unit .

[0096] In this embodiment, the supply standby position P8 and the cleaning standby position P10 function as relay points for the transport of the containers by the transport unit 14.

[0097] Specifically, the first transport unit 14a is configured to be able to transport containers between the first standby position P1, the second standby position P2, the third standby position P3, the weighing position P4, the first take-out position P5, the second take-out position P6, the third take-out position P7, the supply standby position P8, and the cleaning standby position P10. On the other hand, the second transport unit 14b is configured to be able to transport containers between the supply standby position P8, the supply position P9, and the cleaning standby position P10.

[0098] Therefore, after control unit 50 has caused first conveying unit 14a to convey intermediate container 91 etc. to supply standby position P8, second conveying unit 14b can convey the conveyed intermediate container 91 etc. from supply standby position P8 at an appropriate timing. Also, after second conveying unit 14b has conveyed intermediate container 91 etc. to cleaning standby position P10, first conveying unit 14a can convey the conveyed intermediate container 91 etc. from cleaning standby position P10 at an appropriate timing.

[0099] In the present embodiment, the external drug container 92 stored in the second storage unit 12 is transported by the first transport unit 14a to the second removal position P6 so that it can be removed to the outside of the drug packaging device 1. However, the external drug container 92 stored in the second storage unit 12 may be removed by an operator. In this case, the second storage unit 12 may be provided outside the drug packaging device 1.

[0100] Next, the metering device 80 will be described. Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram of the metering device 80. As shown in Fig. 7, the metering device 80 comprises 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 measure the drug contained in the external drug container 92. When the intermediate container 91 is used for external metering, the metering device 80 measures the drug contained in the intermediate container 91.

[0101] The control unit 81 can communicate with the control unit 50 of the medicine packaging device 1 and can receive dispensing data stored in the memory unit 61 of the medicine packaging device 1. Upon completion of weighing (e.g., weighing the medicine that is insufficient for the target amount), the measuring device 80 transmits the weighing result to the medicine packaging device 1.

[0102] Measuring unit 82 has substantially the same configuration as measuring unit 18 of medicine packaging device 1, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. Measuring device 80 measures medicines that an operator has removed from an appropriate medicine bottle or the like onto a weighing dish or the like. Note that measuring device 80 may also measure the medicines together with external medicine container 92 while the medicines are contained in external medicine container 92.

[0103] Information processing unit 83 is disposed near weighing unit 82. Information processing unit 83 has a barcode reader and an RFID reader / writer. The barcode reader can read barcodes provided on the medicine bottles and the like. The RFID reader / writer can read the contents of information recording unit 92e of external medicine container 92.

[0104] The information processing unit 83 performs processing to read the information stored in the barcode of the medicine bottle or the like and the information recording unit 92e of the external medicine container 92. Specifically, the information processing unit 83 reads the medicine-identifying information of the medicine bottle or the like from the barcode provided on the medicine bottle or the like, and the control unit 81 identifies the medicine contained in the medicine bottle or the like. The information processing unit 83 also reads the container-specific information stored in the information recording unit 92e of the external medicine container 92. The weighing device 80 acquires dispensing data corresponding to the read container-specific 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 metered (including the target amount of the medicine).

[0105] The control unit 81 then identifies which of the drugs indicated by the drug information included in the dispensing data acquired from the control unit 50 of the drug packaging device 1 the drug identified based on the drug identification information corresponds to. If the control unit 81 determines that the drug identified based on the drug identification information matches any of the drugs indicated by the drug information included in the dispensing data, it selects the drug indicated by the matching drug information as the drug to be weighed. After completing weighing of the drug selected as the drug to be weighed, the weighing device 80 transmits the weighing result, including the measured amount of the drug, together with the dispensing data acquired from the control unit 50 of the drug packaging device 1, to the control unit 50 of the drug packaging device 1 via the control unit 81. The control unit 50 of the drug packaging device 1 receives the weighing result and updates the dispensing data stored in the memory unit 61.

[0106] Information processing unit 83 can change the display content of information display unit 92d of external drug container 92. When measuring device 80 has finished measuring the drug, information processing unit 83 displays the measured amount (measurement result) on information display unit 92d of external drug container 92. In addition, as information related to dispensing, information display unit 92d may display that an amount of drug corresponding to the target amount is contained and that the external drug container is ready to be introduced into drug packaging device 1.

[0107] 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 on the weighing device 80. The display unit 84 can be configured, for example, as a display with a touch panel. The display unit 84 can display, for example, the name of the drug, the target amount of the drug, the measured amount, and the like. The display unit 84 can also display the result of the determination made by the control unit 81 as to whether the drug in the medicine bottle, etc. matches the drug to be measured. This allows confirmation that the drug in the medicine bottle, etc. is the required drug based on the dispensing data.

[0108] Next, there will be described the process of supplying and packaging medicines using the medicine packaging device 1. Fig. 7 is a flow chart showing the process of supplying and packaging medicines.

[0109] First, as preparation, drug information is registered in the drug packaging device 1 (step S101). Specifically, information about the drug to be packaged by the drug packaging device 1 is stored in the memory unit 61 for each type of drug. The display unit 50 may display a drug information registration screen on the display unit 21, and the operator may input the drug information into this registration screen using the operation unit 22. Alternatively, the drug information may be input into the drug packaging device 1 from an external device via communication.

[0110] The memory unit 61 stores a determination flag in association with the drug information. The determination flag indicates whether the drug is likely to remain in the intermediate container 91 and the drug path (hopper 35a, distribution tray 34a), which are the points with which the drug comes into contact, and indicates whether cleaning of the drug path is necessary after packaging the drug. The presence or absence of a determination flag can be changed by the operator. In addition to drugs that are likely to remain in the drug path, poisons, narcotics, psychotropic drugs, powerful drugs, and colored drugs are set to have a determination flag.

[0111] Next, dispensing data is input to the medicine packaging device 1 via communication from an external information processing device such as a dispensing machine control device (step S102). The control unit 50 displays the input dispensing data on the display unit 21. The dispensing data includes, for example, the name of one or more drugs to be taken, the dosage form (powder / tablet / capsule / liquid / topical medicine), administration method, dosage, etc. The administration method refers to the number of times a drug is taken per day, the timing of administration, and the number of days for administration, while the dosage refers to the total amount taken (e.g., weight), the amount taken per day (weight), the amount taken per dose (weight), the amount per dose (weight), etc. The dispensing data also includes the recipient, the target amount, the measurement result (the measured amount or the amount that is insufficient or surplus from the target amount), and identification information (dispensing data number, etc.) that identifies each dispensing data.

[0112] In addition to the configuration in which the dispensing data is input to the medicine packaging device 1 via communication from an information processing device, the operator may manually input the dispensing data. In this case, the control unit 50 displays an input screen for the dispensing data on the display unit 21. The operator inputs the dispensing data on this input screen using the operation unit 22. The dispensing data input by the operator is stored in the memory unit 61 of the control unit 50.

[0113] When the input of the prescription data is completed, a packaging start command is issued (step S103). In the case where the prescription data is manually input by an operator, the operator inputs the packaging start command to the control unit 50 using the operation unit 22.

[0114] Next, the medicine is weighed out from the medicine container 15 (step S104). If the necessary medicine container 15 has not been introduced into the medicine packing device 1 in the process of step S104, the above-described medicine container introduction procedure can be performed to continue the weighing. Alternatively, instead of the medicine container introduction procedure, external weighing can be performed.

[0115] Next, it is determined whether cleaning of the medicine path (hopper 35a) after the previous medicine packaging has been completed (step S105). The determination of step S105 is repeated until cleaning of the hopper 35a after the previous medicine packaging has been completed, during which time the supply of the medicines weighed out in the previous step S104 to the distribution tray 34a and the start of packaging are put on hold. The cleaning of the hopper 35a will be described in detail later.

[0116] When it is determined that cleaning of the hopper 35a after the previous medicine packaging is complete (YES in step S105), the medicines measured in step S104 are supplied from the container containing the medicine to the distribution tray 34a (step S106), and the medicines are packaged in the packaging unit 35 (step S107). After packaging is complete, the container and the medicine path (hopper 35a) after discharging the medicines are cleaned (step S108). Then, the process ends (END).

[0117] The cleaning process will be described in detail below. Figures 8 and 9 are flow charts showing the process flow for cleaning the intermediate container 91.

[0118] To clean the intermediate container 91, first, it is determined whether or not the operation of supplying the medicines contained in the intermediate container 91 to the distribution tray 34a has been completed (step S201 in FIG. 8). The determination in step S201 is repeated until the operation of supplying the medicines to the distribution tray 34a is completed.

[0119] When it is determined that the supply operation is completed (YES in step S201), the control unit 50 moves the intermediate container 91 from the supply position P9 to the cleaning standby position P10 (step S202). The control unit 50 holds the intermediate container 91 after the medicine has been discharged at the supply position P9, and outputs a control signal to the second transport unit 14b to operate the second transport unit 14b to move the held intermediate container 91 to the cleaning standby position P10. The second transport unit 14b, which has received the control signal, transports the intermediate container 91 from the supply position P9 to the cleaning standby position P10.

[0120] Next, the intermediate container 91 is moved from the cleaning standby position P10 to the cleaning position P11 (step S203), and cleaning of the intermediate container 91 is performed at the cleaning position P11 (step S204). As described above, cleaning of the intermediate container 91 can be performed by blowing compressed air onto the inner surface of the intermediate container 91, suction, wiping with a brush or the like, or a combination of these.

[0121] After cleaning of intermediate container 91 is completed, a determination flag is checked for the medicine contained in intermediate container 91 (step S205). This determination flag indicates whether the medicine is likely to remain in intermediate container 91, and whether additional cleaning of intermediate container 91 is required after the medicine is discharged by medicine discharge unit 32. Based on the check result of the determination flag, it is determined whether additional cleaning of intermediate container 91 is required for the medicine (step S206).

[0122] Instead of a configuration in which it is determined whether or not a drug requires additional cleaning of the intermediate container 91 based on the confirmation result of a judgment flag indicating whether or not the drug is likely to remain in the intermediate container 91, an individual judgment flag (first judgment flag) indicating whether or not a drug requires additional cleaning of the intermediate container 91 may be associated with drug information and stored in the memory unit 61, and it may be determined whether or not a drug requires additional cleaning of the intermediate container 91 based on the confirmation result of the first judgment flag.

[0123] If it is determined that the medicine contained in the intermediate container 91 is not one that requires additional cleaning of the intermediate container 91 (NO in step S206), the inner surface of the intermediate container 91 is deemed to have been sufficiently cleaned by the cleaning process in the previous step S204. In this case, the control unit 50 moves the intermediate container 91 cleaned by the cleaning unit 38 to the first standby position P1 (step S207). The control unit 50 controls the transport unit 14 to move the intermediate container 91 from the cleaning position P11 to the cleaning standby position P10, and further to move the intermediate container 91 from the cleaning standby position P10 to the first standby position P1. When the movement of the intermediate container 91 to the first standby position P1 is complete, the process ends (END).

[0124] If it is determined that the medicine contained in the intermediate container 91 is medicine that requires additional cleaning of the intermediate container 91 (YES in step S206), then an image of the intermediate container 91 is taken (step S208), and the taken image is displayed on the display unit 21 (step S209). The control unit 50 outputs a control signal to the imaging device 56 attached to the cleaning unit 38 to capture an image of the inner surface of the intermediate container 91 at the cleaning position P11. Upon receiving the control signal, the imaging device 56 performs imaging. Specifically, the imaging device 56 captures images of the inner surfaces of the storage section 91a and the discharge path section 91b shown in FIG. 4. The imaging device 56 transmits the captured image to the control unit 50. Upon receiving the image, the control unit 50 displays the received image on the display unit 21.

[0125] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing display unit 21 displaying a captured image of the inner surface of intermediate container 91. Display unit 21 shown in Fig. 10 displays a tip image 201, which is an image of discharge path portion 91b of intermediate container 91 captured by imaging device 56, and a center image 202, which is an image of storage portion 91a. An operator using medicine dispensing and packaging device 1 looks at the captured image shown in Fig. 10 and determines whether additional cleaning of intermediate container 91 is necessary (step S210).

[0126] An image of the intermediate container 91 may also be taken when it is determined that the medicine contained in the intermediate container 91 is not a medicine that is likely to remain in the intermediate container 91 and that additional cleaning of the intermediate container 91 is not required after it is discharged from the intermediate container 91. In this case, the captured image is not displayed on the display unit 21. The imaging device 56 transmits the captured image to the control unit 50. The control unit 50 receives the image and stores it so that it can be called up as needed.

[0127] Fig. 11 is a diagram showing the display unit 21 displaying a selection screen for additional cleaning of the intermediate container 91. When the display unit 21 displays the screen shown in Fig. 10, the operator operates the operation unit 22 to display a selection screen 210 shown in Fig. 11. If the operator determines that additional cleaning of the intermediate container 91 is necessary, the operator operates the selection unit 211. If the operator determines that additional cleaning of the intermediate container 91 is not necessary, the operator operates the selection unit 212.

[0128] The selection units 211, 212 function as input units that receive input regarding the need for cleaning of the intermediate container 91. After visually checking the screen shown in Fig. 10 and determining whether additional cleaning of the intermediate container 91 is required, the operator can input the result of the determination regarding the need for cleaning of the intermediate container 91 to the control unit 50 by operating either of the selection units 211, 212.

[0129] If it is determined that additional cleaning of the intermediate container 91 is not necessary (NO in step S210), the intermediate container 91 is moved to the first standby position P1 in step S207, and the process ends (END).

[0130] If it is determined that additional cleaning of intermediate container 91 is necessary (YES in step S210), intermediate container 91 is moved to first removal position P5 (step S211). Controller 50 controls conveyor 14 to move intermediate container 91 from cleaning position P11 to cleaning standby position P10, and further to move intermediate container 91 from cleaning standby position P10 to first removal position P5.

[0131] The operator removes intermediate container 91 that has been transported to first removal position P5 from medicine packaging device 1 and manually performs additional cleaning. This additional cleaning may be any type of cleaning, such as suction, blowing compressed air, wiping with a brush or the like, washing with water, or a combination of these.

[0132] The control unit 50 determines whether the additional cleaning is complete (step S212). If it is determined that the additional cleaning is not complete (NO in step S212), the determination in step S212 is repeated. When the control unit 50 receives an input from the operator, it determines that the additional cleaning is complete.

[0133] If it is determined that the additional cleaning is complete (YES in step S212), intermediate container 91 is moved to the first standby position (step S213). Controller 50 controls conveyor 14 to move intermediate container 91 after additional cleaning from first removal position P5 to first standby position P1. When the movement of intermediate container 91 to first standby position P1 is complete, the process ends (END in FIG. 8).

[0134] Alternatively, if it is determined that additional cleaning of the intermediate container 91 is necessary (YES in step S210), the control unit 50 may keep the intermediate container 91 positioned at the cleaning position P11 without moving the intermediate container 91 from the cleaning position P11, and repeatedly perform cleaning of the intermediate container 91 at the cleaning position P11. After cleaning of the intermediate container 91 is completed, the control unit 50 causes the imaging device 56 to capture an image of the inner surface of the intermediate container 91 and displays the captured image on the display unit 21. The operator using the medicine dispensing and packaging device 1 views the captured image and determines whether additional cleaning of the intermediate container 91 is necessary. These processes are repeated until it is determined that additional cleaning of the intermediate container 91 is not necessary.

[0135] If it is determined that no further cleaning of the intermediate container 91 is required, the intermediate container 91 is moved to the first standby position P1 in step S207, and the process ends (END in FIG. 8).

[0136] 12 is a flow diagram showing the flow of the process for cleaning the hopper 35a and the distribution unit 34. To clean the hopper 35a and the distribution unit 34, first, it is determined whether or not the packaging operation has been completed (step S301). The determination in step S301 is repeated until the packaging operation is completed.

[0137] When it is determined that the packaging operation is complete (YES in step S301), cleaning is performed (step S302). Cleaning may be performed by any means, such as blowing compressed air onto the inner surface of hopper 35a, suction, wiping with a brush, or a combination of these. By performing cleaning, any medicine remaining on the inner surface of hopper 35a is removed. Distributor 34 is also cleaned by any means, such as blowing compressed air, suction, wiping with a brush, or a combination of these, to remove any medicine remaining in distributor 34.

[0138] After the cleaning is completed, the determination flag for the medicine packaged in the previous process of step S301 is checked (step S303). This determination flag indicates whether the medicine is likely to remain in the medicine path, and whether additional cleaning of the hopper 35a and distribution tray 34a through which the medicine passed after packaging is required. Based on the result of checking the determination flag, it is determined whether additional cleaning of the medicine path (hopper 35a) is required for the medicine (step S304).

[0139] Instead of a configuration in which it is determined whether or not a drug requires additional cleaning of the hopper 35a and distribution tray 34a based on the confirmation result of a judgment flag indicating whether or not the drug is likely to remain in the drug path, an individual judgment flag (second judgment flag) indicating whether or not a drug requires additional cleaning of the hopper 35a and distribution tray 34a may be associated with drug information and stored in memory unit 61, and it may be determined whether or not a drug requires additional cleaning of the hopper 35a and distribution tray 34a based on the confirmation result of the second judgment flag.

[0140] If it is determined that the drug does not require additional cleaning of the drug path (hopper 35a, distribution tray 34a) (NO in step S304), the inner surface of the hopper 35a is deemed to have been sufficiently cleaned by the cleaning process in the previous step S302, and the process is terminated (END in Figure 12).

[0141] If it is determined that the drug requires additional cleaning of the drug path (hopper 35a, distribution tray 34a) (YES in step S304), it is determined whether the next dispensing data includes a drug requiring additional cleaning, and whether that drug is the same type as the drug requiring additional cleaning in the current dispensing data (the drug determined to require additional cleaning in the processing of step S304) (step S305).

[0142] If it is determined that the next dispensing data contains the same drug (YES in step S305), no additional cleaning is performed and the process ends (END in FIG. 12).

[0143] If additional cleaning is performed every time a drug that requires cleaning is packaged, dispensing efficiency will decrease. On the other hand, if the same drug is packaged in two consecutive packaging operations, even if residual drug that adhered to the drug path during the first packaging operation gets mixed in during the second packaging operation, it will not result in drug contamination, so additional cleaning between the two packaging operations is not necessarily required.

[0144] Therefore, even if a medicine that is set to require additional cleaning of the medicine path is packaged, if the same medicine is included in the next dispensing data, the medicine path will not be cleaned every time the medicine is packaged.By minimizing the frequency of cleaning the medicine path, a decrease in the dispensing processing efficiency of the medicine packaging device 1 can be suppressed.

[0145] If it is determined that the next dispensing data does not include the same drug (NO in step S305), the dispensing data that has already been input into the drug packaging device 1 and is waiting to be packaged from the next time onwards includes a drug that requires additional cleaning of the drug path, and it is determined whether the drug is the same type as the drug included in the current dispensing data (step S306).

[0146] If it is determined that the same drug is included in the waiting dispensing data (YES in step S306), the dispensing data is rearranged (step S307). Specifically, the dispensing data is rearranged so that the dispensing data containing the same type of drug as the drug requiring additional cleaning in the current dispensing data becomes the next dispensing data. Then, the process ends without performing additional cleaning (END in FIG. 12).

[0147] By rearranging the dispensing data, the next dispensing data will contain the same medications that require additional cleaning, as determined in step S305. Therefore, additional cleaning can be omitted. By reducing the frequency of cleaning the medication path, a decrease in the dispensing processing efficiency of the medication packaging device 1 can be suppressed.

[0148] If it is determined that the waiting dispensing data does not contain the same drug (NO in step S306), additional cleaning of the drug path is performed by supplying cleaning material from the drug container 15 to the drug path (hopper 35a, distribution tray 34a) (step S308).

[0149] When additional cleaning of the medicine path (hopper 35a, distribution tray 34a) is required, the supply of the next medicine to distribution tray 34a will be delayed until cleaning of the medicine path (hopper 35a, distribution tray 34a) after the previous medicine packaging is completed.

[0150] FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing an example of the process flow for supplying cleaning materials to the chemical path (hopper 35a, distribution tray 34a). The control unit 50 is capable of setting the cleaning operation using the cleaning material. The operator pre-configures the cleaning operation as preparation (step S321). These operation settings include, for example, the type of cleaning material to be used for cleaning, the chemical container 15 from which the cleaning material is to be supplied, the amount of cleaning material to be supplied, the number of packets, the number of empty packets, the packaging speed, the length (paper width) of the packaging material 40 per packet, the maximum capacity per packet (g / packet), the distribution unit 34 that supplies the cleaning material (only the distribution unit that distributed the chemical requiring cleaning, the distribution unit that distributed the chemical, or all distribution units), and various conditions for supplying the cleaning material to the distribution tray 34a. The number of packets may be calculated based on the amount of cleaning material to be supplied and the maximum capacity per packet. By setting the capacity of cleaning material per packet to the maximum, the number of packets can be minimized, minimizing the amount of packaging material 40 consumed, thereby conserving the packaging material 40 used to supply the cleaning material.

[0151] In supplying the cleaning material, first, intermediate container 91 to be supplied with the cleaning material is transported to measuring position P4 (step S322). The intermediate container 91 transported at this time may be the intermediate container 91 that contained medicines that needed to be cleaned in the operation related to the previous dispensing data (the packaging operation in step S301) and has since discharged the medicines. In this case, intermediate container 91 is transported from supply position P9 to measuring position P4, and receives the supply of cleaning material taken out from medicine container 15 at measuring position P4. In this way, the inside of intermediate container 91 is cleaned with the cleaning material, thereby improving the efficiency of cleaning intermediate container 91.

[0152] Next, the cleaning material is measured out from chemical container 15 (step S323). Control unit 50 controls measuring unit 30 to take out the required amount of cleaning material from chemical container 15, in which the cleaning material is stored, into intermediate container 91. Instead of the configuration in which control unit 50 controls measuring unit 30 to take out the cleaning material from chemical container 15 into intermediate container 91, the operator may operate operation unit 22 to take out the cleaning material from chemical container 15.

[0153] The cleaning material may be lactose, the type of lactose used as an excipient, or other types of lactose, or other types of powdered compounds such as starch, sodium bicarbonate, etc.

[0154] Next, based on the cleaning operation settings, the cleaning material is supplied from the intermediate container 91 containing the cleaning material to the distribution tray 34a (step S324), and the cleaning material is packaged in the packaging unit 35 (step S325). As the cleaning material passes through the same path as the path through which the medicine is packaged, the cleaning material collides with and is peeled off from the remaining medicine adhering to the inner surface of the medicine path (hopper 35a, distribution tray 34a), thereby cleaning the path with the cleaning material. When the packaging of the cleaning material is complete, the additional cleaning of the hopper 35a and distribution unit 34 is completed (END in FIG. 13).

[0155] If the cleaning operation is set such that the distributor 34 that supplies the cleaning material is set to "only the distributor that distributed the chemical that needs cleaning," only the areas of the chemical path through which the chemical that needs cleaning passed will be cleaned, allowing the areas that need cleaning to be cleaned to be cleaned with a small amount of cleaning material. Instead of packaging the chemical supplied from the chemical container 15 in the packaging unit 35, the cleaning material supplied to the hopper 35a may be collected by suction without being packaged in the packaging unit 35. Alternatively, the chemical supplied from the chemical container 15 may be supplied to the hopper 35a and then collected in the cleaning material container. In this case, if the cleaning material container is configured to supply the cleaning material contained therein in the same way as the chemical container 15, the collected cleaning material can be reused.

[0156] The medicine packaging device 1 is equipped with two distribution units 34. If the previous medicine packaging used only one of the distribution units 34, there is no need to clean the other distribution unit 34 (distribution plate 34a). For this reason, the other distribution unit 34 may be configured to supply medicines to the distribution plate 34a and wait for packaging to begin. During this time, a required amount of cleaning material may be stored in an external medicine container 92 outside the medicine packaging device 1, and the external medicine container 92 may be introduced into the medicine packaging device 1, whereby the one distribution unit 34 and hopper 35a can be cleaned with the cleaning material supplied from the external medicine container 92.

[0157] Additional cleaning of the medicine passages can be performed by combining cleaning with the cleaning material described above and manual cleaning. An individual determination flag (third determination flag) indicating whether additional cleaning of hopper 35a and distribution tray 34a should be performed manually may be associated with the medicine information and stored in storage unit 61. Based on the confirmation result of the third determination flag, it may be possible to perform both cleaning with a cleaning material and manual cleaning, perform only cleaning with a cleaning material and omit manual cleaning, or perform only manual cleaning and omit cleaning with a cleaning material.

[0158] Manual cleaning will now be described. FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing an example of the flow of a process for manually cleaning the hopper 35a. To manually clean the hopper 35a, first, an image of the inside of the hopper 35a is taken (step S331), and the taken image is displayed on the display unit 21 (step S332). The control unit 50 outputs a control signal to the imaging device 54 disposed above the hopper 35a to capture an image of the inner surface of the hopper 35a. Upon receiving the control signal, the imaging device 54 performs imaging. The imaging device 54 transmits the captured image to the control unit 50. Upon receiving the image, the control unit 50 displays the received image on the display unit 21.

[0159] An image of the hopper 35a may also be taken if it is determined in the previous process of step S301 that the packaged medicine is not likely to remain in the medicine path and does not require additional cleaning of the hopper 35a after packaging. In this case, the captured image is not displayed on the display unit 21. The imaging device 54 transmits the captured image to the control unit 50. The control unit 50 receives the image and stores it so that it can be called up as needed.

[0160] Fig. 15 is a diagram showing display unit 21 displaying a captured image of the inner surface of hopper 35a. Display unit 21 shown in Fig. 15 displays hopper inner surface image 220, which is an image of the inner surface of hopper 35a captured by imaging device 54. An operator using medicine dispensing and packaging device 1 looks at the captured image shown in Fig. 15 and determines whether additional cleaning of hopper 35a is necessary.

[0161] Fig. 16 is a diagram showing display unit 21 displaying a selection screen for additional cleaning of hopper 35a. When display unit 21 displays the screen shown in Fig. 15, the operator operates operation unit 22 to display selection screen 230 shown in Fig. 16. If the operator determines that additional cleaning of hopper 35a is necessary, he operates selection unit 231. If the operator determines that additional cleaning of hopper 35a is not necessary, he operates selection unit 232.

[0162] The selection units 231, 232 function as input units that receive input regarding whether or not cleaning of the hopper 35a is necessary. After visually checking the screen shown in Fig. 15 and determining whether or not additional cleaning of the hopper 35a is necessary, the operator can input the result of the determination regarding whether or not cleaning of the hopper 35a is necessary to the control unit 50 by operating either of the selection units 231, 232.

[0163] If it is determined that additional cleaning of the hopper 35a is not necessary (NO in step S333), the process ends (END in FIG. 14).

[0164] If it is determined that additional cleaning of the hopper 35a is necessary (YES in step S333), the lock on the hopper 35a is released (step S334).

[0165] In step S333, the operator, who has determined that additional cleaning of hopper 35a is necessary, operates selection unit 231 displayed on display unit 21 to input the determination result that additional cleaning of hopper 35a is necessary to control unit 50. Receiving this input, control unit 50 outputs a control signal to locking mechanism 52 (FIGS. 2 and 3) to instruct it to unlock hopper 35a. In response to the control signal, locking mechanism 52 unlocks hopper 35a, making it possible to remove hopper 35a from medicine dispensing device 1.

[0166] Next, hopper 35a is removed from medicine packaging device 1 (step S335). The removed hopper 35a is cleaned (step S336). After cleaning, hopper 35a is reinstalled in medicine packaging device 1 (step S337). The removal, additional cleaning, and reinstallation of hopper 35a are performed manually by an operator using medicine packaging device 1. The additional cleaning in step S336 may be any type of cleaning, such as suction, blowing with compressed air, wiping with a brush or the like, washing with water, or a combination of these.

[0167] After the reattachment in step S337, the control unit 50 receives an input from the operator, and thereby determines that the hopper 35a for which additional cleaning has been completed has been attached. The control unit 50 then relocks the hopper 35a (step S338). The control unit 50 outputs a control signal to the locking mechanism 52 to instruct it to lock the hopper 35a. Upon receiving the control signal, the locking mechanism 52 locks the hopper 35a, thereby preventing the hopper 35a from being removed from the medicine dispensing device 1. In this way, the additional cleaning of the hopper 35a is completed (END in FIG. 14).

[0168] The distribution tray 34a can also be manually cleaned in the same manner as the hopper 35a, using a locking mechanism and an imaging device (not shown).

[0169] Returning to FIG. 12, the control unit 50 determines whether the additional cleaning is complete (step S309). If it is determined that the additional cleaning is not complete (NO in step S309), the determination in step S309 is repeated. The additional cleaning is determined to be complete when the control unit 50 completes the series of additional cleaning processes or when the control unit 50 receives input from the operator. When the additional cleaning is complete, the process ends (END in FIG. 12).

[0170] As shown in Figures 7 and 12, for drugs that require additional cleaning of the drug path (hopper 35a, distribution tray 34a) after packaging, after packaging is completed in step S301, the start of packaging the next drug is postponed until the additional cleaning of the drug path is completed in step S309 (steps S105, S107). By optimizing the timing of drug path cleaning and drug packaging in this way, the drug path can be reliably cleaned. Furthermore, although it is possible that residual drug adhering to the drug path may peel off from the inner surface during cleaning, since packaging of the next drug does not begin until cleaning is complete, drug contamination will not occur when packaging the next drug. Therefore, the quality of drug packaging can be improved.

[0171] As shown in Figures 7 and 12, for drugs that require cleaning of the drug path after packaging, after packaging is completed in step S301, the supply of the next drug to distribution tray 34a is held off until cleaning of the drug path is completed in step S309 (steps S105 and S106). If drugs have already been supplied to distribution tray 34a when hopper 35a is vacuumed and cleaned, the drugs on distribution tray 34a may also be vacuumed. By not starting the supply of the next drug to distribution tray 34a until cleaning is complete, vacuuming the next drug during cleaning can be reliably avoided.

[0172] As described with reference to Figure 2, first conveying unit 14a and second conveying unit 14b can operate independently. After second conveying unit 14b moves a container from supply standby position P8 so that there are no containers at supply standby position P8, first conveying unit 14a can convey intermediate container 91 containing the medicine weighed out from medicine container 15 to supply standby position P8. By removing the next medicine from medicine container 15 before the medicine packaging is completed and overlapping the time required to package the medicine and package the next medicine, the time required to measure and package the medicine can be shortened.

[0173] As shown in Figure 2, medicine packaging device 1 is equipped with imaging device 54 that captures images of the inside of hopper 35a. An operator using medicine packaging device 1 can view the image captured by imaging device 54 to confirm the status inside hopper 35a and then select whether or not to perform additional cleaning of hopper 35a. If, after reviewing the image, it is determined that hopper 35a has been sufficiently cleaned through normal cleaning, the operator can select that additional cleaning is not necessary, thereby shortening the time required to package medicines.

[0174] 2 and 15, medicine packaging device 1 is provided with display unit 21 that displays an image captured by imaging device 54. An operator using medicine packaging device 1 can check the status inside hopper 35a by looking at hopper inner surface image 220 displayed on display unit 21.

[0175] 7, 12, and 14, for drugs that require additional cleaning of the hopper 35a after packaging, after packaging is completed in step S301, an image captured by the imaging device 54 is displayed on the display unit 21 in step S332 before the packaging operation for the next drug is started in step S107. In this manner, even if the operator, upon viewing the hopper inner surface image 220 displayed on the display unit 21, selects that additional cleaning of the hopper 35a is necessary, the additional cleaning of the hopper 35a does not affect the packaging of the next drug. When the next drug is packaged, it is possible to prevent the drug from passing through the hopper 35a with residual drug adhering to its inner surface, thereby avoiding drug contamination and improving the quality of drug packaging.

[0176] 16, display unit 21 displays selection units 231 and 232 for receiving input regarding whether or not additional cleaning of hopper 35a is required, and the operator selects either selection unit 231 or 232 by operating operation unit 22. This allows the operator to reliably input to medicine dispensing device 1 whether or not additional cleaning of hopper 35a is required.

[0177] 2, medicine packaging device 1 is provided with locking mechanism 52 that locks hopper 35a, and by unlocking hopper 35a by locking mechanism 52, hopper 35a can be removed from medicine packaging device 1. An operator using medicine packaging device 1 can remove hopper 35a from medicine packaging device 1 and easily clean hopper 35a manually.

[0178] 14, if it is determined in step S333 that additional cleaning of hopper 35a is necessary, then in step S334 locking mechanism 52 unlocks hopper 35a, making hopper 35a removable. When an operator using medicine packaging device 1 determines that additional cleaning is necessary, he or she can remove hopper 35a from medicine packaging device 1 and easily perform additional manual cleaning of hopper 35a.

[0179] As shown in Figures 12 and 13, for drugs that require cleaning of the hopper 35a after packaging, after packaging is completed in step S301, cleaning material is supplied from the drug container 15 to the distribution tray 34a in steps S323 and S324. The cleaning material cleans any remaining drugs adhering to the inner surface of the drug path, ensuring reliable cleaning of the drug path. Since the supply of cleaning material is performed prior to packaging of the next drug, and the timing between cleaning and drug packaging is optimized, drug contamination does not occur when the next drug is packaged. This improves the quality of drug packaging.

[0180] When the excipient contained in the drug container 15 can be used as a cleaning material, there is no need to separately store the excipient and the cleaning material in the drug container 15, and it becomes possible to store more types of drugs in the drug container 15, so that more types of drugs can be measured out using the drug packaging device 1.

[0181] 8 and 9, in step S206, it is determined whether the medicine discharged from the intermediate container 91 is a medicine that requires additional cleaning of the intermediate container 91 after discharge. If additional cleaning is not required, in step S207, the intermediate container 91 after the medicine has been discharged is transported to the first standby position P1.

[0182] If additional cleaning is required for the medicine, the intermediate container 91 will be in a position other than the first standby position P1, specifically the cleaning position P11, the first removal position P5, or outside the medicine packaging device 1, during steps S208 to S212. If additional cleaning is not required, the intermediate container 91 is quickly returned to the first standby position P1 so that it can be used for the next dose. If additional cleaning is required, the intermediate container 91 is additionally cleaned at a position other than the first standby position P1 and then returned to the first standby position P1, thereby preventing contamination of the medicine when the next medicine is placed in the intermediate container 91. This improves the quality of the medicine packaging.

[0183] 8, in step S203, intermediate container 91 after discharging the medicine is transported to cleaning position P11. In this way, intermediate container 91 transported to cleaning position P11 can be reliably cleaned by cleaning unit 38.

[0184] 8 and 9, after discharging medicines that require additional cleaning of intermediate container 91, intermediate container 91 is cleaned in step S204 and then transported to first removal position P5 in step S211. An operator using medicine packaging device 1 can remove intermediate container 91 that has been transported to first removal position P5 from medicine packaging device 1 and easily perform additional manual cleaning of intermediate container 91.

[0185] 2 and 10, the medicine packaging device 1 includes an imaging device 56 that captures an image of the intermediate container 91, and a display unit 21 that displays the image captured by the imaging device 56. The operator using the medicine packaging device 1 can check the condition of the interior of the intermediate container 91 by looking at the tip image 201 and the center image 202 that are captured by the imaging device 56 and displayed on the display unit 21, and then select whether or not to perform additional cleaning of the intermediate container 91. If, as a result of checking the images, it is determined that the intermediate container 91 has been sufficiently cleaned by normal cleaning, the operator can select that additional cleaning is not necessary, in which case the time required to package the medicine can be shortened.

[0186] As shown in FIG. 11 , display unit 21 displays selection units 211, 212 for receiving input regarding whether additional cleaning of intermediate container 91 is required, and the operator selects either selection unit 211, 212 by operating operation unit 22. This allows the operator to reliably input to medicine packaging device 1 whether additional cleaning of intermediate container 91 is required. If selection unit 211 is selected and additional cleaning is determined to be required in step S210 shown in FIG. 9 , intermediate container 91 is transported to first removal position P5 in step S211. The operator using medicine packaging device 1 can remove intermediate container 91 transported to first removal position P5 from medicine packaging device 1 and easily perform additional manual cleaning of intermediate container 91.

[0187] In the above description, an example has been described in which images captured by imaging devices 54, 56 are displayed on display unit 21, and the operator views the images to determine whether additional cleaning is required; however, this is not a limitation. A configuration in which control unit 50 or another computer automatically determines whether additional cleaning is required by analyzing images captured by imaging devices 54, 56 may also be used. In this case, if additional cleaning is not required, the next medicine is automatically supplied and packaged; if additional cleaning is required, additional cleaning may be performed automatically, or the operation of medicine packaging device 1 may be suspended to notify the operator that additional cleaning is required.

[0188] Although the embodiments have been described above, the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and should not be considered to be limiting. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the above description, and is intended to include meanings equivalent to the claims and all modifications within the scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0189] 1 Drug packaging device, 14 Conveying section, 14a First conveying section, 14b Second conveying section, 15 Drug container, 17 Drug removal section, 18 Measuring section, 18a Placement table, 18b Detection section, 21 Display section, 22 Operation section, 23 Supply standby section, 30 Weighing section, 32 Drug discharge section, 32a Container mounting section, 32b Vibration device, 33 Packaging section, 34 Distribution section, 34a Distribution tray, 34b Feeding section, 35 Packaging section, 35a Hopper, 35b Heater, 37 Cleaning standby section, 38 Cleaning section, 40 Packaging material, 50 Control section, 52 Locking mechanism, 54, 56 Imaging device, 61 Memory section, 62 Weighing selection section, 65 Guide section, 91 Intermediate container, 92 External drug container, 93 Discharge container, 100 Dispensing system, 201 tip image, 202 center image, 210, 230 selection screen, 211, 212, 231, 232 selection section, 220 hopper inner surface image, P1 first standby position, P2 second standby position, P3 third standby position, P4 weighing position, P5 first removal position, P6 second removal position, P7 third removal position, P8 supply standby position, P9 supply position, P10 cleaning standby position, P11 cleaning position.

Claims

1. a supply unit that supplies the drug from a drug container that contains the drug; a drug path through which the drug supplied from the supply unit passes; a packaging unit that packages the medicine that has passed through the medicine path; a control unit that controls the supply unit and the packaging unit, The control unit has a storage unit that stores a determination flag indicating whether cleaning of the medicine path is necessary after packaging the medicine in association with the medicine information, The chemical container further contains a cleaning material; When the dispensing data includes a drug that requires cleaning of the drug path after packaging, the control unit waits for the drug included in the next dispensing data to be supplied to the drug path after packaging according to the dispensing data is completed, and supplies the cleaning material from the drug container to the drug path.

2. 2. The drug packaging device according to claim 1, wherein, when the next dispensing data includes a drug that requires cleaning of the drug path after packaging, and the drug included in the next dispensing data and the drug included in the dispensing data that requires cleaning of the drug path after packaging are the same type, the control unit does not supply the cleaning material from the drug container to the drug path after packaging in accordance with the dispensing data is completed, and starts packaging in accordance with the next dispensing data.

3. 3. The drug packaging device according to claim 2, wherein, when the next dispensing data does not include a drug that requires cleaning of the drug path after packaging, and the second-next or later dispensing data includes a drug that requires cleaning of the drug path after packaging, and the drug that requires cleaning of the drug path after packaging included in the second-next or later dispensing data and the drug that requires cleaning of the drug path after packaging included in the dispensing data are the same type, the control unit sets the second-next or later dispensing data that includes the same drug as the drug that requires cleaning of the drug path after packaging included in the dispensing data as the next dispensing data.

4. The drug pathway has a plurality of distributing units that distribute the drug supplied from the supply unit into individual doses, The drug packaging device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit supplies the cleaning material to one of the plurality of distribution units that has distributed a drug that requires cleaning of the drug path after packaging.

5. The packaging unit packages the cleaning material that has passed through the chemical pathway, The medicine packaging device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit determines the number of packets of the cleaning material to be packaged by the packaging unit according to an amount of the cleaning material supplied to the medicine path.

6. a container for storing the drug to be taken out from the drug container; The drug packaging device according to claim 1 , wherein after a drug that requires cleaning of the drug path after packaging is discharged from the container, the cleaning material removed from the drug container is stored in the container.

7. the supply unit has a conveying unit that conveys the container, The drug packaging device according to claim 6, wherein the transport unit transports the container after discharging the drug that needs cleaning of the drug path after packaging to a position that receives the cleaning material removed from the drug container.

Images