Medicament dispensing device

Abstract

To dispense an accurate amount of powdered medicine.SOLUTION: The medicine packaging apparatus includes a medicine feeder, a distribution dish, a medicine taking-out part, a packaging part, and a control device. The medicament feeder is capable of supplying one dose of powdered medicament at a time to the dispensing tray. The distribution pan carries a dose of powder supplied by a medicament feeder. The medicine takeout section takes out the powdered medicine for one dose conveyed by the distribution tray. The packaging section packages the powdered medicine taken out by the medicine taking-out section. The control device determines whether or not the amount of the powdered medicine supplied from the medicine feeder to the distribution tray matches the amount for one dose, and when determining that the amount does not match the amount for one dose, prints predetermined information on packaging paper for packaging the powdered medicine.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the dispensing of powdered medications. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, medicine dispensing and packaging devices capable of dispensing and packaging powdered or granular medicine, known as "powdered medicine," at individual doses have been known. Patent Document 1 discloses this type of medicine dispensing and packaging device.

[0003] The medicine dispensing device of Patent Document 1 includes a medicine feeder, a distribution tray, a scraping device, and a medicine packaging device. The medicine feeder can supply powdered medicine to the distribution tray one dose at a time. This medicine dispensing device can be operated in a distributed arrangement mode. In the distributed arrangement mode, the medicine feeder supplies powdered medicine to the distribution tray one dose at a time, and the distribution tray is stopped or rotated during this period, so that the powdered medicine is distributed on the distribution tray one dose at a time at intervals. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6562267 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The above-mentioned Patent Document 1 does not disclose how to deal with the case where the amount of powdered medicine that falls onto the distribution tray exceeds or is insufficient for one dose in the dispersed placement mode.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to realize the dispensing of an accurate amount of powdered medicine.

[0007] The problem to be solved by the present invention is as described above. Next, the means for solving this problem and the effects thereof will be explained.

[0008] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a medicine dispensing device having the following configuration. That is, the medicine dispensing device includes a medicine feeder, a distribution tray, a medicine removal unit, a packaging unit, and a control unit. The medicine feeder is capable of supplying one dose of powdered medicine to the distribution tray at a time. The distribution tray transports the one dose of powdered medicine supplied by the medicine feeder. The medicine removal unit removes the one dose of powdered medicine transported by the distribution tray. The packaging unit packages the powdered medicine removed by the medicine removal unit. The control unit determines whether the amount of powdered medicine supplied from the medicine feeder to the distribution tray matches one dose, and if it determines that the amount of powdered medicine supplied from the medicine feeder to the distribution tray does not match one dose, it prints predetermined information on a package that packages the powdered medicine.

[0009] This makes it easy to check whether the amount of powder medicine packaged corresponds to one dose by checking the printed content on the package. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a medicine dispensing and packaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing the medicine feeder dispensing a dose of powdered medicine into the distribution tray in the dispersed placement mode. [Figure 3] 3 is a plan view showing the state in which the powdered medicine dispensed in FIG. 2 is dispensed by the medicine dispenser, and at the same time, the medicine feeder dispenses a new dose of powdered medicine into the distribution tray. [Figure 4] A plan view showing the location of the powdered medicine removed in Figure 3 being cleaned by a cleaning device, and at the same time, the powdered medicine inserted in Figure 3 being removed by the medicine removal section, and at the same time, the medicine feeder inserts a new dose of powdered medicine into the distribution tray. [Figure 5] 4 is a plan view illustrating an example in which the amount of powdered medicine dispensed by the medicine feeder in FIG. 3 exceeds the amount of one dose. FIG. [Figure 6]6 is a plan view showing how the powdered medicine dispenser skips the dispense of the dispensed powdered medicine in the example of FIG. 5. FIG. [Figure 7] 6 is a plan view showing how the powdered medicines inserted in FIG. 5 are collected by a cleaning device. FIG. [Figure 8] 10 is a chart illustrating operation in distributed deployment mode. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a medicine dispensing and packaging device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] The medicine packaging device (medicine dispensing device) 1 shown in Figure 1 can store a plurality of medicine containers 2 containing medicines. In this embodiment, the medicines are powdered medicines. This medicine packaging device 1 can perform a dispensing process using the powdered medicines in the medicine containers 2, and can dispense and package the medicines in single doses.

[0013] Medicine packaging device 1 includes container storage section 11, container transport section 15, medicine feeder 21, distribution tray 31, medicine removal section 35, cleaning device 41, and control device (control section) 95.

[0014] The medicine dispensing and packaging device 1 includes a housing (not shown) that houses a container storage unit 11, a medicine feeder 21, a distribution tray 31, a medicine removal unit 35, a cleaning device 41, a packaging unit 51, and the like.

[0015] The container storage unit 11 can store a plurality of drug containers 2. The container storage unit 11 includes a rotating member 12 and a container arrangement unit 13.

[0016] The rotating member 12 is a substantially cylindrical member that is provided in an upright position and can rotate about a vertical axis by the driving force of a motor.

[0017] A plurality of container placement sections 13 are arranged side by side on the outer periphery of rotating member 12. A drug container 2 can be placed in each container placement section 13. Container placement section 13 can be, for example, a mounting plate capable of storing drug containers 2. Container placement section 13 rotates integrally with rotating member 12 as rotating member 12 rotates.

[0018] The container transport unit 15 transports the medicine containers 2 between the container storage unit 11 and the medicine feeder 21. The configuration of the container transport unit 15 is arbitrary, and it can be configured as a transport robot, for example.

[0019] Container transport unit 15 can take out a drug container 2 from one of container placement units 13 of container storage unit 11, transport it to and attach it to drug feeder 21, which will be described later. Container transport unit 15 can remove a drug container 2 from drug feeder 21, and transport it back to one of container placement units 13.

[0020] Medicine feeder 21 is disposed near distribution tray 31. Medicine container 2 can be removably attached to medicine feeder 21. Medicine feeder 21 can feed powdered medicine from medicine container 2 set in medicine feeder 21 into distribution tray 31.

[0021] The drug feeder 21 includes a vibration device 22 and a measuring unit 23.

[0022] Vibration device 22 vibrates medicine container 2 set in medicine feeder 21. When medicine container 2 set in medicine feeder 21 vibrates while the discharge outlet of medicine container 2 is open, the powdered medicine in medicine container 2 is shaken out. The powdered medicine that comes out from the discharge outlet falls into groove 34 formed in distribution tray 31 located directly below the discharge outlet.

[0023] Measuring unit 23 can measure the weight of the powdered medicine in medicine container 2. Measuring unit 23 is configured as an electronic balance.

[0024] The distribution tray 31 is provided near the medicine feeder 21. The distribution tray 31 functions as a tray for receiving the powdered medicine dispensed from the medicine container 2.

[0025] The distribution tray 31 includes a tray portion 32 and a rotation drive portion 33 .

[0026] The dish portion 32 is formed in a horizontal disk shape. The dish portion 32 is supported so as to be rotatable about an axis extending in the vertical direction. In a plan view, the rotation axis of the dish portion 32 is located at the center of the circular dish portion 32.

[0027] A ring-shaped groove 34 is formed on the outer peripheral end of the upper surface of the dish portion 32. The cross section of the groove 34 is arc-shaped. Powdered medicine is fed into this groove 34 by the medicine feeder 21.

[0028] The rotation drive unit 33 can rotate the tray unit 32 by the driving force of the motor, thereby allowing the powdered medicine put into the tray unit 32 to be transported in the circumferential direction of the tray unit 32.

[0029] The medicine removal unit 35 is provided near the distribution tray 31. The medicine removal unit 35 is disposed downstream of the medicine feeder 21 in the direction in which the powdered medicine is conveyed by the rotation of the tray unit 32. The medicine removal unit 35 is attached to the tip of a switching arm 36 that can move up and down.

[0030] The medicine extracting section 35 includes a pushing plate 37 , a pushing member 38 , and an extracting drive section 39 .

[0031] The shifting plate 37 is rotatably supported at the tip of the switching arm 36 .

[0032] The shifting plate 37 is formed in a circular plate shape. The thickness direction of the shifting plate 37 is oriented substantially horizontally. The rotation axis of the shifting plate 37 is located at the center of the circular plate. The direction of this rotation axis is approximately parallel to the tangent direction of the groove 34, which is formed in a ring shape in a plan view.

[0033] The outer diameter of the gathering plate 37 substantially matches the diameter of the cross section of the arc-shaped groove 34. When the bottom of the gathering plate 37 enters the groove 34 and the outer edge of the gathering plate 37 is close to the inner bottom surface of the groove 34, and the dish portion 32 rotates, the powdered medicine in the groove 34 hits the gathering plate 37. This allows the powdered medicine in the groove 34 to be gathered in the circumferential direction relative to the dish portion 32.

[0034] The pushing member 38 is fixed to one surface in the thickness direction of the gathering plate 37. The surface of the gathering plate 37 to which the pushing member 38 is fixed is the same surface on the side where the powdered medicine in the groove 34 hits the gathering plate 37 as the dish portion 32 rotates.

[0035] The removal drive unit 39 can rotate the pushing plate 37 and the pushing member 38 around the aforementioned rotation axis by the driving force of the motor.

[0036] When the push member 38 is rotated by the take-out drive unit 39, the end of the push member 38 passes through the groove 34 while contacting the inner bottom surface. Therefore, the powdered medicine inside the groove 34 near the gathering plate 37 can be pushed out to the outer periphery of the tray unit 32 by the push member 38. The pushed-out powdered medicine falls into the opening of the hopper 52, which will be described later and is located just outside the medicine take-out unit 35. The powdered medicine supplied to the hopper 52 is packaged by the packaging unit 51.

[0037] The switching arm 36 can be moved up and down by a drive unit (not shown). The drive unit can be, for example, a motor, but is not limited to this. The up and down movement of the switching arm 36 allows the medicine removal unit 35 to be switched between a removal position and a retracted position. In the removal position, the lower part of the gathering plate 37 is in the groove 34, and the powdered medicine in the groove 34 can be removed by the pushing member 38. In the retracted position, the gathering plate 37 is positioned sufficiently high relative to the dish portion 32, and the gathering plate 37 and the pushing member 38 do not come into contact with the powdered medicine in the groove 34.

[0038] The cleaning device 41 is provided near the distribution tray 31. The cleaning device 41 is arranged downstream of the medicine extracting section 35 in the direction in which the powdered medicine is conveyed by the rotation of the tray section 32.

[0039] The cleaning device 41 includes a cleaning arm 42 , a cleaning brush 43 , a cleaning drive unit 44 , and a suction unit 45 .

[0040] The cleaning arm 42 is supported near the tray 32. The cleaning arm 42 can be moved up and down by a drive unit (not shown). The drive unit can be, for example, a motor, but is not limited to this.

[0041] The cleaning brush 43 is fixed to the tip of the cleaning arm 42. When the cleaning arm 42 is in the lowered state, the tip of the cleaning brush 43 comes into contact with the inner bottom surface of the groove 34, etc.

[0042] Cleaning drive unit 44 can rotate cleaning arm 42 by the driving force of a motor. Cleaning brush 43, which rotates integrally with cleaning arm 42, comes into contact with the inner bottom surface of groove 34, thereby scraping off powdered medicine that has not been completely removed by medicine removal unit 35 and remains in groove 34, etc.

[0043] Suction unit 45 is disposed near cleaning brush 43 and near groove 34. Suction unit 45 can generate a suction flow by any known appropriate method. Suction unit 45 can use the suction flow to suck up powdered medicine residue scraped off by cleaning brush 43. Suction unit 45 is provided with a valve (not shown) that can switch between generating and stopping the suction flow.

[0044] By moving the cleaning arm 42 up and down as described above, the cleaning brush 43 can be switched between a cleaning position and a retracted position. In the cleaning position, the tip of the cleaning brush 43 contacts the groove 34, etc., and can scrape off powdered medicine residue adhering to the upper surface of the dish 32. In the retracted position, the cleaning brush 43 does not contact the dish 32.

[0045] Packaging unit 51 can package powdered medicine. Packaging unit 51 includes hopper 52. When medicine removal unit 35 drops one dose of powdered medicine into hopper 52, packaging unit 51 packages the powdered medicine in packaging paper (packaging body) 54. The packaged powdered medicine is supplied to the outside of medicine packaging device 1.

[0046] Packaging unit 51 includes printing unit 53. Printing unit 53 can print various information on packaging paper 54. The configuration of printing unit 53 is arbitrary, but it can be, for example, a known ink ribbon printer.

[0047] The medicine packing device 1 includes an interface unit 91. The interface unit 91 realizes a user interface function. The interface unit 91 can include, for example, a display device that displays the status of the dispensing process and information input by the user, and an operation device that allows the user to input instructions.

[0048] The control device 95 is a computer equipped with a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. The ROM stores a control program for operating the medicine packaging device. The operations of the container storage unit 11, container conveying unit 15, medicine feeder 21, distribution tray 31, medicine removal unit 35, cleaning device 41, packaging unit 51, and interface unit 91 are controlled by the control device 95.

[0049] Under the control of the control device 95, the medicine dispensing and packaging device 1 mainly performs the following operations. [1] A medicine container 2 is selected according to the input prescription information. [2] The container transport unit 15 removes the selected medicine container 2 from the container storage unit 11, transports it to the medicine feeder 21, and attaches it. [3] A predetermined amount of powdered medicine is placed into the distribution tray 31 from the medicine container 2 set in the medicine feeder 21. [4] The powdered medicine placed into the distribution tray 31 is distributed by the medicine removal unit 35 and sent to the packaging unit 51. [5] The distributed powdered medicine is packaged in single doses by the packaging unit 51. [6] The container transport unit 15 removes the medicine container 2 from the medicine feeder 21 after the powdered medicine has been placed into the distribution tray 31, and transports it back to the container storage unit 11.

[0050] When pouring powdered medicine into the dish portion 32 of the dispensing dish 31, the medicine packaging device 1 can switch between a full-circumference arrangement mode in which the powdered medicine is poured into the ring-shaped groove 34 all around, and a dispersed arrangement mode in which the powdered medicine is poured into the groove 34 in a dotted pattern.

[0051] First, the full-circle arrangement mode will be described.

[0052] In the full-circumference arrangement mode, vibration is applied by vibration device 22 to medicine container 2 set in medicine feeder 21. While powdered medicine is being dispensed from medicine container 2 into tray 32, tray 32 rotates at an appropriate speed. Therefore, the powdered medicine dispensed into tray 32 is arranged in a ring shape around the entire circumference of groove 34. At this time, medicine removal unit 35 is in the retracted position. Also, cleaning device 41 is in the retracted position, and the suction flow of suction unit 45 is stopped.

[0053] While the powdered medicine is being discharged for loading into dish portion 32, the weight of medicine container 2 is monitored by measuring portion 23. When the amount of discharged powdered medicine becomes equal to the weight of the total dose, the vibration stops, and then dish portion 32 stops rotating.

[0054] After the rotation of the tray portion 32 stops, the switching arm 36 rotates downward. As a result, the medicine removal portion 35 descends to the removal position. At this removal position, the gathering plate 37 enters the groove 34 formed in the distribution tray 31. Therefore, the powdered medicine arranged in a ring shape is separated by the gathering plate 37. In this state, the distribution tray 31 rotates an angle obtained by dividing 360° by the number of powdered medicines to be distributed. As a result, the gathering plate 37 gathers the powdered medicines.

[0055] Thereafter, the pushing member 38 rotates together with the gathering plate 37. As a result, the powdered medicine is pushed out by the pushing member 38 and falls into the hopper 52. The powdered medicine dropped into the hopper 52 is packaged in the packaging section 51. The above operation is repeated a number of times equal to the number of dispensed medicines.

[0056] Once all the powdered medicine has been removed from the tray 32, the cleaning device 41 cleans the grooves 34. The cleaning device 41 rotates the cleaning arm 42 downward to lower the cleaning brush 43 to the cleaning position. As a result, the cleaning brush 43 comes into contact with the upper surface of the tray 32. In this state, the cleaning device 41 rotates the cleaning brush 43 while the tray 32 rotates. At this time, the suction unit 45 is switched to generate a suction flow. The cleaning brush 43 rotates while in contact with the upper surface of the tray 32, scraping off any powdered medicine residue adhering to the surfaces of the grooves 34 and the like. The powdered medicine residue scraped off by the cleaning brush 43 is sucked up by the suction unit 45 and discarded.

[0057] Next, the distributed arrangement mode will be described.

[0058] In the dispersed placement mode, when powdered medicine is dispensed from medicine container 2 set in medicine feeder 21 onto tray 32 by vibration of vibration device 22, tray 32 does not rotate but remains stationary. Therefore, the powdered medicine dispensed by medicine feeder 21 is piled up to form a small mountain at one point in groove 34.

[0059] While the powdered medicine is being discharged, the weight of medicine container 2 is monitored by measuring unit 23, as in the circumferential arrangement mode. In the dispersed arrangement mode, vibration of vibration device 22 stops when the amount of powdered medicine discharged becomes equal to the weight of one dose.

[0060] As the introduction of one dose of powdered medicine begins, the switching arm 36 rotates downward. As a result, the medicine removal unit 35 descends to the removal position. At this removal position, the lower part of the gathering plate 37 enters the groove 34 formed in the distribution tray 31. The tray 32 then rotates a small angle and stops. The rotation angle may be, for example, approximately 5° to 30°. As a result, the dot-like pile of powdered medicine closest to the medicine removal unit 35 moves circumferentially and is gathered near the gathering plate 37. Furthermore, as the tray 32 rotates, the side of the groove 34 of the tray 32 where the pile of powdered medicine is not piled up faces directly below the discharge outlet of the medicine container 2 set in the medicine feeder 21.

[0061] After the tray portion 32 rotates and stops, the push member 38 rotates together with the collecting plate 37. As a result, one dose of powdered medicine inside the groove 34 is picked up by the push member 38 and placed into the hopper 52. The powdered medicine placed into the hopper 52 is packaged in the packaging portion 51.

[0062] Concurrently with the rotation of the pushing member 38, the vibration device 22 resumes vibrating the medicine container 2. As a result, a new amount of powdered medicine equivalent to the weight of one dose is discharged into the groove 34. At this time, the rotation of the dish 32 is stopped. Therefore, the powdered medicine accumulates to form a new small mound at one point in the groove 34, just as in the previous discharge.

[0063] After one dose of powdered medicine has been dispensed, dish 32 rotates a small angle as described above and then stops. As dish 32 rotates, the small piles of accumulated powdered medicine move circumferentially and are gathered by gathering plate 37. As dish 32 rotates, the side of groove 34 of dish 32 on which the pile of powdered medicine is not accumulated faces directly below the discharge port of medicine container 2 set in medicine feeder 21.

[0064] After plate portion 32 rotates and stops, one dose of powdered medicine is pushed out of groove 34 by rotating push member 38 and deposited into hopper 52. Packaging portion 51 packages the deposited powdered medicine. In parallel with the rotation of push member 38, vibration device 22 resumes applying vibration to medicine container 2. As a result, a new amount of powdered medicine equivalent in weight to one dose is discharged into groove 34 and piles up to form a small mound.

[0065] The above operation is repeated an appropriate number of times. As a result, for example, three piles corresponding to one dose of powdered medicine are formed discretely in the groove 34 of the dish portion 32, and the powdered medicine in each pile can be individually removed by the medicine removal unit 35 and packaged by the packaging unit 51. The number of piles corresponds to the number of packets. FIG. 2 shows an example in which the medicine feeder 21 forms the first pile 5a, FIG. 3 shows an example in which the medicine feeder 21 forms the second pile 5b, and FIG. 4 shows an example in which the medicine feeder 21 forms the third pile 5c. The number of piles to be stacked is arbitrary and may be one, two, four or more.

[0066] In the dispersed placement mode, the removal of powdered medicine begins before the powdered medicine equivalent to the entire dose is placed into the tray 32. This makes it easy to shorten the time between placing the powdered medicine into the tray 32 and removing it. This makes it less likely for the powdered medicine to stick to the tray 32. In addition, the powdered medicine can be placed around the tray 32 more than twice. This also makes it possible to dispense powdered medicine with a large number of doses. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the operation of removing the powdered medicine from the tray 32 is performed simultaneously with the operation of placing new powdered medicine from the medicine container 2 into the tray 32. This significantly reduces the time required to package the entire powdered medicine.

[0067] In the dispersed arrangement mode, the cleaning operation of the groove 34 is performed before the entire dose of powdered medicine is discharged from the distribution tray 31. That is, in the dispersed arrangement mode, the surface of the tray 32 on which the powdered medicine had accumulated is cleaned by the cleaning device 41 as soon as one dose of powdered medicine is discharged from the tray 32.

[0068] More specifically, in this embodiment, a cleaning operation is performed each time one pile of powdered medicine is removed from distribution tray 31 by medicine removal unit 35. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, medicine feeder 21 dispenses one dose of powdered medicine, resulting in the formation of powdered medicine pile 5a in groove 34. This powdered medicine pile 5a is transported circumferentially as distribution tray 31 rotates, and is removed from groove 34 by medicine removal unit 35 as shown in FIG. 3. The point in groove 34 where pile 5a was located moves circumferentially downstream as tray unit 32 rotates, and this point 5ax is cleaned by cleaning brush 43 and suction unit 45 as shown in FIG.

[0069] At the timing shown in Fig. 3, medicine feeder 21 dispenses one dose of powdered medicine, resulting in the formation of mound 5b of powdered medicine in groove 34. Mound 5b of powdered medicine is transported circumferentially as distribution plate 31 rotates, and is removed from groove 34 by medicine removal unit 35 as shown in Fig. 4. Although not shown, similar to the case of mound 5a described in Fig. 3, the point in groove 34 where mound 5b existed moves circumferentially downstream as plate unit 32 rotates, and this point is cleaned by cleaning brush 43 and suction unit 45.

[0070] 4, while cleaning of point 5ax is being performed, medicine feeder 21 dispenses one dose of powdered medicine, resulting in the formation of pile 5c of powdered medicine in groove 34. This pile 5c of powdered medicine is removed from groove 34 by medicine removal unit 35, similar to pile 5a described above, and then the point where pile 5c was located is cleaned by cleaning brush 43 and suction unit 45.

[0071] The above process is repeated as many times as necessary, cleaning each pile of doses that has been discharged.

[0072] In the dispersed arrangement mode, as shown in Fig. 4, the cleaning operation of cleaning device 41 is performed simultaneously with the operation of medicine feeder 21 dispensing powdered medicine into tray 32. In other words, the cleaning operation is started before the powdered medicine equivalent to the entire dose has been dispensed into tray 32. This significantly reduces the overall operation time, including cleaning.

[0073] In this embodiment, the tray 32 is rotated to move the piles of powdered medicine 5a, 5b, and 5c downstream in the circumferential direction from the drug removal unit 35 to a certain extent, and then the cleaning device 41 cleans the piles. However, the drug removal unit 35 may be configured to have an appropriate cleaning mechanism such as a cleaning brush and suction means, and cleaning may begin immediately after the drug removal unit 35 discharges the powdered medicine from the tray 32. This is expected to further shorten the overall operating time.

[0074] When all the powdered medicines for the dose have been discharged onto the distribution tray 31, the container transport unit 15 returns the medicine container 2 from the medicine feeder 21 to the container storage unit 11. This transport operation is performed in parallel with the powdered medicine removal operation by the medicine removal unit 35 and the cleaning operation by the cleaning device 41.

[0075] In the above description, in the dispersed placement mode, each time a pile of powdered medicine for one dose is removed from the tray 32 by the medicine removal unit 35, the cleaning device 41 locally cleans the location of each pile. In addition, after all the powdered medicine has been removed from the distribution tray 31, a cleaning operation may be performed on the entire circumference of the groove 34. Furthermore, when powdered medicine is to be dispensed into the tray 32 over two or more rounds, a cleaning operation may be performed on the entire circumference of the groove 34 after one round of powdered medicine has been dispensed from the distribution tray 31 and before new powdered medicine is dispensed into the tray 32. The cleaning operation on the entire circumference of the groove 34 may be similar to the cleaning operation in the full-circumference placement mode described above. Because cleaning has already been performed once, the cleaning operation on the entire circumference of the groove 34 can be performed in a shorter time or in a simplified form than the cleaning operation in the full-circumference placement mode. This contributes to shortening the operation time.

[0076] Each of the powdered medicine doses may be administered to a different patient, and may differ in at least one of type and amount.

[0077] In addition to the medicine feeder 21, a powder feeder (not shown) may also be provided. This powder feeder includes a trough and an electronic balance. A vibrator for vibrating the trough is provided below the trough. The vibrator may be, for example, a piezoelectric element, but is not limited to this. The operator places the measured amount of powdered medicine in a portable container (not shown) and sets it in the medicine packaging device 1. The portable container is transported to the powder feeder, which then deposits the powdered medicine in the portable container into the distribution tray 31.

[0078] Next, the re-discharge of powdered medicine in the dispersed placement mode will be described.

[0079] Compared to the all-around arrangement mode, in the dispersed arrangement mode, a small amount of powdered medicine is discharged from medicine container 2, and therefore the discharge accuracy tends to be less stable.

[0080] Specifically, in the dispersed placement mode, vibration is applied to the medicine container 2 to discharge the powdered medicine from the medicine container 2 and deposit the powdered medicine into the groove 34. The change in the weight of the medicine container 2 is monitored, and when the weight of the discharged powdered medicine reaches one dose, the discharge of the powdered medicine from the medicine container 2 is stopped. However, some powdered medicines tend to form clumps in the medicine container 2. If the powdered medicine is discharged in clumps, the amount of powdered medicine discharged from the medicine container 2 may exceed one dose. Furthermore, if the amount of powdered medicine in the medicine container 2 is insufficient, the amount of powdered medicine discharged from the medicine container 2 will be less than one dose.

[0081] In this regard, in the present embodiment, it is possible to configure so that the medicine is again discharged from the medicine container 2 to the distribution tray 31. In this case, powdered medicine that has already been put into the distribution tray 31 (the amount discharged is excessive or insufficient) is not packaged by the packaging unit 51 and is collected.

[0082] If the amount of powdered medicine discharged from medicine container 2 is more or less than the amount required for one dose, the vibration applied to medicine container 2 is stopped. If the amount of powdered medicine is insufficient, it is possible that medicine container 2 is empty of powdered medicine or that the outlet of medicine container 2 is clogged. Medicine packaging device 1 issues a warning in an appropriate manner to prompt the operator to take action such as refilling medicine container 2 with powdered medicine. This warning can be issued, for example, by a display device provided in interface unit 91.

[0083] 5 shows an example in which the amount of powdered medicine discharged from medicine container 2 exceeds the amount of powdered medicine for one dose, for pile 5b resulting from the second powdered medicine input from medicine feeder 21. At the timing shown in FIG. 5, control device 95 can recognize that the amount of powdered medicine discharged from medicine feeder 21 has exceeded the limit by referring to the weight measurement result by measuring unit 23.

[0084] In this case, the control device 95 rotates the distribution tray 31 by a small angle and stops it. As a result, pile 5b of accumulated powdered medicine moves circumferentially, as shown in Figure 6. When the distribution tray 31 rotates, the control device 95 controls the medicine removal section 35 to move to a retracted position. Therefore, pile 5b of powdered medicine with an excess amount is not collected by the medicine removal section 35. Even if pile 5b of powdered medicine moves near the medicine removal section 35 as shown in Figure 6, the medicine removal section 35 does not perform a removal operation. Therefore, pile 5b is not packaged by the packaging section 51.

[0085] As the distribution plate 31 rotates as described above, the side of the groove of the distribution plate 31 where no pile of powdered medicine has accumulated faces directly below the medicine container 2. After the distribution plate 31 completes its small-angle rotation and stops, vibration is resumed on the medicine container 2. As a result, new powdered medicine is discharged, forming a pile 5c, as shown in FIG.

[0086] If the above-mentioned re-discharge allows exactly one dose of powdered medicine to be discharged from medicine container 2, distribution plate 31 rotates by a small angle. After pile 5b passes below medicine removal section 35, medicine removal section 35 is controlled to descend again to the removal position. Therefore, pile 5c of powdered medicine resulting from the re-discharge is gathered by medicine removal section 35 as shown in Figure 7. The powdered medicine is removed by the operation of medicine removal section 35 and placed into hopper 52. The powdered medicine placed in hopper 52 is packaged in packaging section 51.

[0087] Excess piles of powder 5b are collected and removed from grooves 34 by cleaning device 41 as shown in FIG.

[0088] The above-described operation is shown in chart form in Figure 8. As shown in this graph, multiple piles 5a, 5b, 5c, and 5d are formed in sequence by medicine feeder 21. Multiple piles 5a, 5b, 5c, and 5d are transported downstream by distribution tray 31, and powdered medicine is removed and cleaned from each pile in an assembly line-like manner. For pile 5b, where the amount of powdered medicine dispensed is inaccurate, removal of powdered medicine by medicine removal unit 35 is skipped. For the other piles 5a, 5c, and 5d, removal of powdered medicine by medicine removal unit 35 is performed as usual.

[0089] Instead of discarding piles 5b of powdered medicine with an inaccurate amount using suction unit 45 of cleaning device 41, the piles can be configured to be collected by being placed in a container for collecting medicine. In this case, a collection removal unit separate from medicine removal unit 35 can be provided in medicine dispensing device 1. The configuration of the collection removal unit can be the same as that of medicine removal unit 35, but is not limited to this. The collection removal unit removes piles 5b of powdered medicine with an excess or shortage of amount from distribution tray 31 and places them in a container for collecting medicine.

[0090] In this embodiment, powdered medicines with an excessive or insufficient discharge amount are not packaged by the packaging unit 51 and are collected. However, powdered medicines with an excessive or insufficient discharge amount may also be packaged by the packaging unit 51. In this case, first, powdered medicines with accurate amounts (piles 5a, 5c, 5d) are removed and packaged. At this time, as shown in the graph of FIG. 8, removal of powdered medicines is skipped for powdered medicines with inaccurate amounts (piles 5b). Next, powdered medicines with inaccurate amounts (piles 5b) are removed and packaged. This allows the powdered medicines to be packaged so that the containers containing powdered medicines with accurate amounts are lined up. Therefore, it is easy to distinguish the containers containing powdered medicines with inaccurate amounts. Note that packaging may be performed so that an empty packet containing no powdered medicine is formed between the containers containing powdered medicines with accurate amounts and the containers containing powdered medicines with inaccurate amounts.

[0091] In the above-described configuration, when medicine feeder 21 dispenses powdered medicine from medicine container 2 in the dispersed placement mode, rotation of dish 32 is stopped. Alternatively, powdered medicine can be dispensed while dish 32 is rotated at a low speed. In this case, the powdered medicine forms a continuously extending arc-shaped convex portion rather than a dotted mound. This prevents the mound of powdered medicine formed in groove 34 from collapsing even when the amount of powdered medicine dispensed by medicine feeder 21 is large. When the amount of powdered medicine dispensed by medicine feeder 21 is large, control device 95 may switch the operation so that powdered medicine is dispensed while dish 32 is rotated at a low speed.

[0092] Printing unit 53 included in packaging unit 51 can print, on packaging paper 54, the actual measured value of the weight of one dose of powdered medicine contained in that packaging paper 54. This actual measured value is the weight of the powdered medicine discharged from medicine container 2, and is measured by measuring unit 23. A pharmacist, who is an operator, can easily audit the packaged powdered medicine by checking the actual measured value of the weight of one dose printed on packaging paper 54.

[0093] Printing unit 53 can also print on packaging paper 54 the theoretical weight of one dose of powdered medicine contained in that packaging paper 54, in addition to the actual measured value. Here, the theoretical value means the weight of the powdered medicine indicated on the prescription. In this case, the pharmacist who is the operator can compare the actual measured value with the theoretical value during an audit without having to check the weight of the powdered medicine against the prescription.

[0094] At least one of the actual and theoretical dose weights can be output, for example, by printing it on journal paper.In addition, at least one of the actual and theoretical dose weights can be displayed on a display device provided in the control device 95, thereby achieving information output.

[0095] When packaging unit 51 packages powdered medicine with an excess or shortage of discharged amount, printing unit 53 can also print on packaging paper 54 a message indicating that the discharged amount of the powdered medicine contained therein is excess or shortage. In this case, the pharmacist can easily recognize that the discharged amount is excess or shortage. Note that the information printed on packaging paper 54 is not limited to information regarding the excess or shortage of discharged amount, and may be information such as "medication prohibited," "medication not required," "medication to be recalled," or "X mark," for example.

[0096] As described above, medicine dispensing and packaging device 1 of this embodiment includes medicine feeder 21, distribution tray 31, medicine removal unit 35, packaging unit 51, and control device 95. Medicine feeder 21 can supply one dose of powdered medicine to distribution tray 31 at a time. Distribution tray 31 transports one dose of powdered medicine supplied by medicine feeder 21. Medicine removal unit 35 removes one dose of powdered medicine transported by distribution tray 31. Packaging unit 51 packages the powdered medicine removed by medicine removal unit 35. Control device 95 controls medicine removal unit 35. Control device 95 determines whether the amount of powdered medicine supplied from medicine feeder 21 to distribution tray 31 matches one dose. If the control device 95 determines that the amount of powdered medicine matches one dose, it controls the drug removal unit 35 to remove the powdered medicine from the distribution tray 31 and send it to the packaging unit 51, and if it determines that the amount does not match one dose, it controls the drug removal unit 35 to skip removing the powdered medicine from the distribution tray 31.

[0097] This allows powdered medicines whose amounts do not match one dose to be collected, or powdered medicines whose amounts match one dose to be sent to packaging unit 51 for packaging, and then powdered medicines whose amounts do not match one dose to be sent to packaging unit 51 for packaging.

[0098] In the drug packaging device 1 of this embodiment, when both an amount of powdered medicine that corresponds to one dose and an amount of powdered medicine that does not correspond to one dose are supplied from the drug feeder 21 to the distribution tray 31, the control device 95 controls the device to first remove the amount of powdered medicine that corresponds to one dose and send it to the packaging section 51, and then remove the amount of powdered medicine that does not correspond to one dose and send it to the packaging section 51.

[0099] This allows the packaging section 51 to handle powder medicines whose amounts correspond to one dose and those whose amounts do not correspond to one dose in an organized manner.

[0100] In the drug packaging device 1 of this embodiment, if the control device 95 determines that the amount of powdered medicine supplied from the drug feeder 21 to the distribution tray 31 does not match one dose, it prints specified information on the packaging paper 54 that packages the powdered medicine.

[0101] This makes it easy to check whether the amount of powder medicine packed corresponds to one dose by checking the contents printed on the packaging paper 54.

[0102] The preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but the above configuration can be modified, for example, as follows. Each modification may be made alone, or multiple modifications may be made in any combination.

[0103] The number of drug feeders 21 arranged on the distribution tray 31 is not limited to two, but may be one, or three or more.

[0104] In the dispersed arrangement mode, the supply of powdered medicine to the distribution tray 31 by the medicine feeder 21 and the cleaning by the cleaning device 41 do not necessarily have to be performed simultaneously.

[0105] In the dispersed arrangement mode, the removal of powdered medicine from the distribution tray 31 by the medicine removal unit 35 and the cleaning by the cleaning device 41 do not necessarily have to be performed simultaneously.

[0106] When powdered medicine in an amount that does not correspond to one dose is discharged two or more times, the two or more piles may be brought together by the medicine removal section 35 and combined into one, and then removed and packaged by the packaging section 51.

[0107] A recovery device may be provided separate from the cleaning device 41 to recover powdered medicine from the dispensing tray 31 whose amount does not match a single dose.

[0108] In the packaging section 51, the printing section 53 may be omitted.

[0109] From the above disclosure, at least the following technical ideas can be grasped.

[0110] (Item 1) A medicine feeder capable of supplying one dose of powdered medicine to a dispensing tray at a time; a dispensing tray for conveying the powdered doses supplied by the medication feeder; A medicine take-out unit that takes out one dose of powder medicine conveyed by the distribution tray; a packaging unit that packages the powder medicine taken out by the medicine taking-out unit; A control unit that controls the medicine extraction unit; Equipped with The control unit determines whether the amount of powdered medicine supplied from the medicine feeder to the distribution tray corresponds to one dose, and if it determines that it corresponds to one dose, controls the medicine removal unit to remove the powdered medicine from the distribution tray and send it to the packaging unit, and if it determines that it does not correspond to one dose, controls the medicine removal unit to skip removing the powdered medicine from the distribution tray.This medicine distribution device is characterized by the above.

[0111] This allows powdered medicines whose amounts do not match a single dose to be collected, or powdered medicines whose amounts match a single dose to be sent to a packaging unit for packaging, and then powdered medicines whose amounts do not match a single dose to be sent to a packaging unit for packaging.

[0112] (Item 2) The drug delivery device according to item 1, A drug dispensing device characterized in that, when both an amount of powdered medicine corresponding to one dose and an amount of powdered medicine not corresponding to one dose are supplied from the drug feeder to the distribution tray, the control unit controls the drug removal unit to remove the amount of powdered medicine corresponding to one dose and send it to the packaging unit, and then remove the amount of powdered medicine not corresponding to one dose and send it to the packaging unit.

[0113] This allows powder medicines whose amounts correspond to one dose and powder medicines whose amounts do not correspond to one dose to be handled in an organized manner in the packaging section.

[0114] (Item 3) The drug delivery device according to item 2, A drug dispensing device characterized in that the control unit prints specified information on the packaging that packs the powdered medicine when it determines that the amount of powdered medicine supplied from the drug feeder to the distribution tray does not match one dose.

[0115] This makes it easy to check whether the amount of powder medicine packaged corresponds to one dose by checking the printed content on the package. [Explanation of symbols]

[0116] 1. Drug packaging device (drug distribution device) 21 Drug Feeder 23 Measurement section 31 Distribution plate 35 Drug removal section 41 Cleaning equipment 51 Packaging Department 53 Printing Department 54 Wrapping paper (packaging) 95 Control device (control unit)

Claims

1. a medicine feeder capable of supplying one dose of powdered medicine to a dispensing tray at a time; a dispensing tray for conveying the powdered doses supplied by the medicine feeder; a medicine take-out unit that takes out one dose of powder medicine conveyed by the distribution tray; a packaging unit that packages the powder medicine taken out by the medicine taking-out unit; A control unit; Equipped with The control unit determines whether the amount of powdered medicine supplied from the drug feeder to the distribution tray corresponds to one dose, and if it determines that the amount of powdered medicine supplied from the drug feeder to the distribution tray does not correspond to one dose, it prints specified information on the packaging body that packages the powdered medicine.

2. 10. The drug delivery device of claim 1, A drug dispensing device characterized in that the specified information includes information indicating that the amount of powdered medicine supplied from the drug feeder to the dispensing tray exceeds or is insufficient for the single dose.

3. 3. A drug delivery device according to claim 1 or 2, A drug dispensing device characterized in that the specified information includes information indicating that medication is prohibited, information indicating that medication is not necessary, information indicating that the medication is to be recalled, or information indicating an X mark.

4. 10. The drug delivery device of claim 1, A drug dispensing device characterized in that when the control unit determines that the amount of powdered medicine supplied from the drug feeder to the dispensing tray matches one dose, it prints the actual measured weight of one dose on the packaging that contains the powdered medicine.

5. 10. A drug delivery device according to claim 1 or 4, A drug dispensing device characterized in that, when the control unit determines that the amount of powdered medicine supplied from the drug feeder to the dispensing tray matches one dose, it prints the weight of one dose of the powdered medicine indicated on the prescription on the packaging that contains the powdered medicine.

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