Dispensing system and dispensing method

Abstract

To provide a medicine dispensing and packaging device capable of simplifying a configuration.SOLUTION: The medicine packaging apparatus 1 includes a medicine accommodating container 15 for accommodating medicines, a medicine discharging unit 32 for discharging the medicines from an internal measuring container 91 for accommodating the medicines measured from the medicine accommodating container 15 or an external medicine introducing container 92 for accommodating the medicines prepared outside the medicine packaging apparatus 1, a packaging unit 33 for packaging the medicines discharged from the medicine discharging unit 32, and an external medicine measuring unit 82 for measuring the medicines prepared outside the medicine packaging apparatus 1 and accommodated in the external medicine introducing container 92.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a medicine 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] In medicine dispensing and packaging devices, there is a demand for simplified configurations in order to reduce the size and cost of the devices.

[0005] The present disclosure proposes a medicine dispensing and packaging device that can be simplified in configuration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to the present disclosure, a drug packaging device is proposed that includes a drug storage container that stores drugs, a drug discharge section that discharges drugs from an internal measuring container that stores drugs measured out from the drug storage container or an external drug introduction container that stores drugs prepared outside the drug packaging device, a packaging section that packages the drugs discharged in the drug discharge section, and a measuring section that weighs the drugs that are prepared outside the drug packaging device and stored in the external drug introduction container. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the medicine dispensing and packaging device according to the present disclosure, the configuration can be simplified. [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 schematic plan view of the packaging unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the medicine packaging device. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the inner measuring container (external drug delivery container). [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a first flow chart showing the flow of drug supply and packaging processes. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a second flow chart showing the flow of drug supply and packaging processes. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing setting values ​​for determining whether packaging can be performed. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a determination as to whether or not packaging is possible for the entire prescription data when prescription data includes a plurality of drugs and these drugs are packaged in a single package. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a first example of a printout. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second example of a printout. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a medicine packaging device according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

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

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

[0012] The medicine packaging device 1 supplies and packages medicines. To supply medicines, the medicine packaging device 1 can measure out one or more medicines. In this specification, measuring out medicines means taking out the required amount of medicine stored in a medicine storage 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 medicine supply and packaging performed by the medicine packaging device 1 is performed based on prescription data input by an operator.

[0014] The medicine packaging device 1 can also only package medicines. In this case, medicines are prepared outside the medicine packaging device 1, for example, by an operator removing medicines from an appropriate medicine bottle or medicine storage cabinet, and the medicines are then introduced into the medicine packaging device 1. The medicine packaging device 1 can also only measure medicines. In this case, the measured medicines are discharged outside the medicine packaging device 1 without being packaged. The medicine packaging device 1 stores the measured medicines in a container, which can be removed by the operator.

[0015] In the following description, the act of packaging medicines by medicine packaging device 1 will be referred to as the first operation, and the act of measuring medicines by medicine packaging device 1 without subsequently packaging them will be referred to as the second operation. In the first operation, medicine packaging device 1 may or may not measure medicines. The case where medicine packaging device 1 packages medicines prepared outside medicine packaging device 1 is also included in the first operation.

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

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

[0018] The first storage unit 11 can be configured, for example, to have a plurality of support stands for storing a plurality of inner weighing containers 91, each support stand supporting the bottom surface of each inner weighing container 91. However, the configuration of the first storage unit 11 can be changed as desired as long as it can substantially store the inner weighing containers 91.

[0019] The second storage unit 12 can store a plurality of external drug introduction containers 92 that do not contain drugs. The external drug introduction containers 92 contain drugs prepared by an operator outside the drug packaging device 1 and are used as containers that are introduced into the drug packaging device 1 for packaging the drugs. The external drug introduction containers 92 are prepared in the drug packaging device 1 so that they can introduce drugs prepared outside the drug packaging device 1 into the drug packaging device 1 in a state where they contain drugs prepared outside the drug packaging device 1 when the drug packaging device 1 does not measure out drugs but instead prepares drugs outside the drug packaging device 1. The drug packaging device 1 may not be provided with the second storage unit 12, and the external drug introduction containers 92 may be stored outside the drug packaging device 1. The configuration of the external drug introduction containers 92 will be described later.

[0020] 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.

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

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

[0023] The storage section 91a is a portion that substantially stores a medicine in the inner measuring container 91. The storage section 91a is formed in a hollow shape with an open top.

[0024] 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.

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

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

[0027] 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 (internal measuring container 91, external drug introduction container 92, or delivery container 93). The information recording unit 91e can be configured, for example, as an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag.

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

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

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

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

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

[0033] The container 93a, the information display section 93d, and the information recording section 93e have the same configuration as the container 91a, the information display section 91d, and the information recording section 91e in the inner measuring container 91, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0034] 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.

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

[0036] The operation of each of the first conveying unit 14a and the second conveying unit 14b is controlled by the control unit 50. The first conveying unit 14a and the second conveying unit 14b differ only in the range 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.

[0037] First conveying unit 14a is equipped with a container holding unit for holding internal measuring container 91, external drug introduction container 92, or discharge 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 internal measuring container 91, external drug introduction container 92, or discharge container 93 by moving the container holding unit while internal measuring container 91, external drug introduction container 92, or discharge container 93 is held in the container holding unit.

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

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

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

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

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

[0044] The medicine packaging device 1 can also handle excipients in addition to medicines. An excipient may be stored in one of the multiple medicine storage containers 15. When it is necessary to form a medicine (powder), the medicine packaging device 1 removes the excipient from the medicine storage container 15. In this case, the excipient can be supplied in the same way as the medicine. A cleaning material may be stored in one of the multiple medicine storage containers 15. In this case, the cleaning material can be supplied in the same way as the medicine. The cleaning material is removed from the medicine storage 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.

[0045] An information recording unit 71 is provided on the outer surface of the medicine storage repository 15. The information recording unit 71 can be, for example, an RFID tag. The information recording unit 71 can store information about the medicine stored in the medicine storage repository 15 (stored medicine information). The stored medicine information includes the name of the medicine, the remaining amount of the medicine in the medicine storage repository 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 stored 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 storage repository 15, and when this information is read by the medicine packaging device 1, the stored medicine information may be called up from the memory unit 61 described below.

[0046] 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.

[0047] Measuring unit 30 includes medicine extracting unit 17 and measuring unit 18. Medicine extracting unit 17 extracts medicine from medicine storage container 15. Measuring unit 18 measures the medicine extracted from medicine storage container 15.

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

[0049] 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 internal measuring container 91 or an output container 93 can be placed on mounting table 18a. First transport unit 14a can transport internal measuring container 91 or output container 93 held in the container holding unit and place it on or remove it from mounting table 18a.

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

[0051] 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 storage 15, which contains the drug indicated by the drug information, to directly above mounting base 18a using drug removal unit 17. Control unit 50 then removes the drug downward from drug storage 15, stores the removed drug in internal measuring container 91 or discharge container 93 placed on mounting base 18a, and weighs the stored drug using detection unit 18b.

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

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

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

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

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

[0058] An internal measuring container 91 or an external drug introduction 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 internal measuring container 91 or external drug introduction container 92. It is also possible to set internal measuring container 91 or external drug introduction container 92 in drug discharge unit 32 and / or remove it from drug discharge unit 32 manually.

[0059] The drug discharge unit 32 includes a container attachment unit 32a. The container attachment unit 32a is configured to be able to attach an internal measuring container 91 or an external drug introduction container 92. The attachment of the internal measuring container 91 or the external drug introduction 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 drug 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 internal measuring container 91 or the external drug introduction container 92 attached to the container attachment unit 32a. The discharge path portions 91b, 92b of the container can function as troughs of the vibrating feeder.

[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] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, 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.

[0065] The packaging unit 35 packages the medicines distributed by the distributing unit 34 in packaging material 40. The packaging unit 35 includes a hopper 35a and a heater 35b. The packaging unit 35 repeats the operation of dropping the medicines distributed by the distributing unit 34 into the packaging material 40 through the hopper 35a and the operation of thermally welding the packaging material 40 with 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.

[0066] Supply standby section 23 is provided between measuring section 30, which measures the medicine, and medicine discharge section 32, which discharges the medicine. Internal measuring container 91 or external medicine introduction container 92, which contains the medicine, can be placed in supply standby section 23 and kept on standby as needed.

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

[0068] A cleaning standby section 37 is provided near the cleaning section 38. The internal measuring container 91 or the external medicine introduction container 92 before cleaning can be placed in the cleaning standby section 37 and kept on standby as needed.

[0069] 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.

[0070] The medicine packaging device 1 is equipped with an external medicine measuring unit 82 as a measuring unit different from the above-described measuring unit 18. The external medicine measuring unit 82 measures medicines prepared outside the medicine packaging device 1. The external medicine measuring unit 82 has substantially the same configuration as the measuring unit 18, and includes a mounting base and a detection unit. An external medicine introduction container 92 can be placed on the mounting base. The external medicine measuring unit 82 is provided within the medicine packaging device 1, and is located in a position where the operator can easily access the mounting base.

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

[0072] When a drug is stored in a container other than external drug introduction container 92, such as a mortar or weighing dish, outside drug packaging device 1, the container may be placed on the platform of external drug measuring unit 82, and the drug may be weighed together with the container. In this case, after weighing, the drug is transferred from the container to external drug introduction container 92. Transport unit 14 may transport empty external drug introduction container 92 from second storage unit 12 to drug discharge unit 32, and the drug may be transferred to external drug introduction container 92 transported to drug discharge unit 32. External drug introduction container 92 may be removed from drug packaging device 1, and the drug may be transferred to external drug introduction container 92 outside drug packaging device 1. After the drug has been transferred, external drug introduction container 92 may be set in supply standby unit 23 or second removal unit 26 (described later) or the like and transported to drug discharge unit 32 by transport unit 14, or may be set directly in drug discharge unit 32.

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

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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 storage containers 15 read by first information processing unit 16 as placement information about drug storage containers 15 placed within drug packaging device 1. Storage unit 61 can also store various setting values ​​necessary for operating drug packaging device 1.

[0076] The storage unit 61 also stores various data such as drug master information, which is unique information about drugs. This master information includes, for example, drug code, drug name, JAN code (or RSS), medicine bottle (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.

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

[0078] When at least one of the drugs included in the dispensing data cannot be packaged due to the capacity of 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.

[0079] 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 storage 15 to the internal measuring container 91 is insufficient for the total amount of doses based on the dispensing data, the guidance unit 65 can inform the operator that external introduction is possible as a measure to enable the packaging operation by the packaging unit 33.

[0080] External introduction is a procedure in which the operator prepares a predetermined amount of medicine (full dose) outside the medicine packaging device 1 and introduces the predetermined amount of medicine into the medicine packaging device 1. External introduction includes a mode in which the predetermined amount of medicine is introduced into the medicine packaging device 1 together with the external medicine introduction container 92 that contains the medicine, and a mode in which only the medicine is introduced into the medicine packaging device 1. At this time, it is also possible to notify the operator that a replenishment or medicine storage container introduction is possible. Replenishment is a procedure in which medicine is replenished into the medicine storage container 15. Medicine storage container introduction is a procedure in which medicine storage container 15 containing the required amount of medicine is introduced into the medicine packaging device 1.

[0081] There are various methods for the guidance unit 65 to provide guidance to the operator, and 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.

[0082] 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.

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

[0084] The second standby position P2 is a position where an external drug delivery 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 delivery containers 92 are stored in the second storage section 12.

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

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

[0087] First removal position P5 is a position for removing internal measuring container 91 or output container 93 to the outside of medicine packaging device 1. For example, when measuring medicine from medicine storage container 15 to internal measuring 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 stored in medicine storage container 15, first removal position P5 is used to remove internal measuring container 91 or output container 93 that stores medicine that does not meet the target amount from medicine packaging device 1. This removal is performed via first removal unit 25 provided in medicine packaging device 1.

[0088] 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.

[0089] The second removal position P6 is a position for removing the external drug introduction container 92 from the drug packaging device 1 before it contains a drug when drugs are prepared outside the drug packaging device 1. This removal is performed via a second removal unit 26 provided in the drug packaging device 1. The second removal position P6 may also serve as a position (introduction position) for setting the external drug introduction container 92 or the internal measuring container 91 containing a drug prepared outside the drug packaging device 1 for introduction into the drug packaging device 1. The introduced container may be transported to the measuring unit 18, where the drug is measured for each container. The second removal position P2 may be a position for the external drug measuring unit 82 to measure the drug prepared outside the drug packaging device 1 and contained in the external drug introduction container 92. In other words, the second removal position P2 may also serve as the external drug measuring position P12 described below.

[0090] 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.

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

[0092] After the drug has been measured by measuring section 30, internal measuring container 91 waits at supply standby position P8 as needed before being transported to drug discharge section 32. External drug introduction container 92 waits at supply standby position P8 as needed, either empty as it was transported from second storage section 12, or containing drugs prepared outside drug packaging device 1.

[0093] Supply positions P9-L1, P9-L2, P9-R1, and P9-R2 are the positions of internal measuring container 91 or external drug introduction container 92 when drugs are supplied to distribution tray 34a in drug discharge unit 32. Second transport unit 14b transports internal measuring container 91 from supply standby position P8 to one of supply positions P9-L1, P9-L2, P9-R1, and P9-R2. When an external drug introduction container 92 or internal measuring 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 one of supply positions P9-L1, P9-L2, P9-R1, and P9-R2, and the operator may set the container directly in drug discharge unit 32.

[0094] As described above, the medicine dispensing device 1 has multiple (specifically, four) medicine discharge units 32, and supply positions P9-L1, P9-L2, P9-R1, and P9-R2 are assigned to the four medicine discharge units 32. As shown in FIG. 3, supply positions P9-L1 and P9-L2 are positions where medicines are discharged to the left distribution tray 34a, and supply positions P9-R1 and P9-R2 are positions where medicines are discharged to the right distribution tray 34a. In FIG. 3, the lower side of the drawing is the front side of the medicine dispensing device 1. Supply positions P9-L1 and P9-R1 are located forward of supply positions P9-L2 and P9-R2. Supply positions P9-L2 and P9-R2 are located further back in the device than supply positions P9-L1 and P9-R1.

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

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

[0097] Cleaning position P11 is a position where the internal measuring container 91 or the external drug introduction container 92 is cleaned by the cleaning unit 38. After the drug has been discharged into the distribution tray 34a at supply positions P9-L1, P9-L2, P9-R1, and P9-R2, the internal measuring container 91 and the external drug introduction container 92 return to the first standby position P1 and the second standby position P2, respectively, via cleaning position P11. Note that in a configuration where the drug packaging device 1 does not have the second storage unit 12 and the external drug introduction container 92 is stored outside the drug packaging device 1, the external drug introduction container 92 is removed from the supply position by the operator, cleaned outside, and then returned to the second standby position P2.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0105] The operator inputs the dispensing data into 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. In addition to the configuration in which the operator manually inputs the dispensing data, the dispensing data may be input to the medicine packaging device 1 via communication from an information processing device such as an external dispensing equipment control device.

[0106] When input of the dispensing data is completed, dispensing instructions are issued (step S102). The dispensing instructions include an instruction to supply and package the medicines stored in medicine storage 15 (the first operation described above), and an instruction to measure the medicines stored in medicine storage 15 and transport them to the outside of medicine packaging device 1 without packaging them (the second operation described above). The operator inputs dispensing instructions to control unit 50 using operation unit 22.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0115] If the first condition is met, the control unit 50 determines that packaging can be performed by the medicine packaging device 1. More specifically, if the first condition is met and a medicine storage container 15 is registered, the control unit 50 determines that "cassette packaging" shown in Fig. 9, i.e., supply and packaging using the medicine packaging device 1, is possible. If the first condition is met but a medicine storage container 15 is not registered, the control unit 50 determines that "manual packaging" shown in Fig. 9, i.e., storing medicines prepared outside the medicine packaging device 1 by external introduction support in an external medicine introduction container 92 and packaging the medicines supplied from the external medicine introduction container 92, is possible.

[0116] If the first condition is not satisfied, control unit 50 determines that medicine packaging device 1 cannot perform packaging. In this case, if medicine storage container 15 is registered, it is determined that the "cup dispensing" process shown in Fig. 9 is possible, that is, the process of extracting medicine from medicine storage container 15 into output container 93 using measuring unit 30, weighing the extracted medicine, and output container 93 being transported outside medicine packaging device 1. The transported medicine is, for example, introduced into another medicine packaging device 95 and packaged therein.

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

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

[0119] If the third condition is not satisfied, the control unit 50 determines that the registration is "impossible" regardless of whether the medicine storage container 15 is registered or not.

[0120] The drug packaging device 1 determines whether or not to package the drugs based on the weight of the total dose of the drugs to be packaged, and determines that packaging is not possible if the weight of the total dose of the drugs is so small that they cannot be evenly distributed on the distribution tray 34a. This allows the drug packaging device 1 to evenly package drugs according to the dispensing data.

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

[0122] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing a judgment of whether or not packaging can be performed for the entire dispensing data when the dispensing data includes multiple drugs and these multiple drugs are packaged together. Dispensing data items 1 to 15 shown in Fig. 10 include one or more of four types of drugs: drug A, drug B, drug C, and drug D. Based on the judgment for each drug shown in Fig. 9, it has been determined that drug A can be "cassette packaged," drug B can be "manually packaged," drug C can be "dispensed from a cup," and drug D cannot be "packaged."

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

[0124] In the case of dispensing data Nos. 4 to 7 and 12 to 15, which include drug C determined to be "dispensable in a cup," the control unit 50 determines that the drug packaging device 1 will dispense the drugs in the dispensing data because the drug packaging device 1 cannot package all the drugs included in the dispensing data together. In this case, the drug packaging device 1 dispenses the drugs in the cup for drug C determined to be "dispensable in a cup." If the data includes drug A determined to be "dispensable in a cassette packaging," the drug packaging device 1 also dispenses the drugs in the cup. On the other hand, if the data includes drug B determined to be "dispensable in a manual packaging," the drug packaging device 1 does nothing for drug B. If the data includes drug D determined to be "dispensable," the drug packaging device 1 does nothing for drug D either. In other words, the drug packaging device 1 dispenses the drugs that can be taken out of the drug storage 15, and the operator manually weighs the other drugs, and these drugs are packaged together by another drug packaging device 95.

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

[0126] In the case of the eighth dispensing data including only drug D determined to be unacceptable, and the tenth dispensing data including drug B and drug D determined to be "manually packaged," the control unit 50 determines that no action will be taken by this drug packaging device 1. All drugs included in the dispensing data will be manually weighed by the operator and packaged together by another drug packaging device 95.

[0127] Therefore, in the determination at step S104 in FIG. 7, the control unit 50 determines that packaging is possible for the first to third prescription data (YES), and determines that packaging is not possible for the fourth to fifteenth prescription data (NO).

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

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

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

[0131] If it is determined that all medicine storage containers have been registered (YES in step S105), medicines are weighed out from medicine storage containers 15 (step S106). If, in the processing of step S106, a necessary medicine storage container 15 has not been introduced into medicine packaging device 1, the aforementioned medicine storage container introduction response can be performed to continue weighing. Alternatively, instead of the medicine storage container introduction response, it is also possible to proceed to step S109 described below and perform external introduction response, as in the case where medicine storage container 15 is not registered.

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

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

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

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

[0136] If it is determined that some of the medicine storage containers have been registered (YES in step S109), the registered medicines are measured out from medicine storage container 15 (step S110), and the medicines are supplied from internal measuring container 91, which stores the measured medicines, to distribution tray 34a (step S111). The medicines supplied to distribution tray 34a are kept waiting for packaging.

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

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

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

[0140] When performing the external introduction procedure, control unit 50 may guide the operator to perform the external introduction procedure by displaying information on display unit 21. The operator who looks at display unit 21 follows the display and prepares the medicine of the specified type and amount displayed outside medicine packaging device 1, for example, manually.

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

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

[0143] The operator looks at paper 240 output from printing unit 24 and prepares, for example manually, outside medicine dispensing and packaging device 1 in accordance with the description on paper 240, medicines of the specified type and amount described thereon.

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

[0145] The operator operates operation unit 22 to unlock external drug introduction container 92 containing a drug so that it can be introduced into drug packaging device 1. The operator introduces external drug introduction container 92 into drug packaging device 1. At this time, the operator places external drug introduction container 92 on the mounting table of external drug measuring unit 82 and weighs the drug contained in external drug introduction container 92, including external drug introduction container 92. The operator uses operation unit 22 to input that external drug introduction container 92 has been introduced. Alternatively, control unit 50 may determine that external drug introduction container 92 has been introduced by detecting that a predetermined amount of drug has been contained in external drug introduction container 92 based on the measurement result of external drug measuring unit 82.

[0146] The control unit 50 determines whether the external drug introduction container 92 has been introduced (step S113 in FIG. 9). If it is determined that the external drug introduction container 92 has not been introduced (NO in step S113), the determination of step S113 is repeated. The control unit 50 receives an input from the operator, thereby determining that the external drug introduction container 92 has been introduced. The drug packaging device 1 may be relocked by the operator performing an operation for relocking. Alternatively, if it is determined that the external drug introduction container 92 has been introduced, the drug packaging device 1 may be automatically relocked.

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

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

[0149] If it is determined that the drug to be packaged can be packaged, but no drug storage container 15 corresponding to that drug is registered, supply and packaging of that drug will be put on hold. Packaging can be performed by storing the drug in an external drug introduction container 92 outside the drug packaging device 1 and introducing that external drug introduction container 92 into the drug packaging device 1. If external introduction is required, the operator can quickly perform external introduction, which prevents long waiting times for packaging and shortens the time required for packaging.

[0150] When external introduction is required, the medicine prepared outside the medicine packaging device 1 is weighed by an external medicine measuring unit 82 provided in the medicine packaging device 1. The medicine packaging device 1 is equipped with an external medicine measuring unit 82 that measures the medicine prepared outside the medicine packaging device 1 and contained in an external medicine introduction container 92. Because there is no need to provide a measuring device separate from the medicine packaging device 1, the configuration of the medicine packaging device 1 can be simplified, thereby achieving a smaller size and lower costs for the device.

[0151] The external medicine introduction container 92 is configured so that the medicine contained therein is introduced into the medicine packaging device 1, and the external medicine measuring unit 82 measures the medicine contained in the external medicine introduction container 92 together with the external medicine introduction container 92. Since there is no need to transfer the medicine after it has been measured by the external medicine measuring unit 82, workability can be improved.

[0152] The medicine measured by external medicine measuring section 82 and external medicine introduction container 92 are automatically transported by transport section 14 to medicine discharge section 32, which further improves workability.

[0153] If it is determined that the drugs to be packaged can be packaged, but drug storage containers 15 corresponding to only some of the drugs to be packaged are registered, the drug is first weighed out and supplied from the registered drug storage containers 15. After that, a guide to external introduction is provided. This prevents the drug supply operation of drug packaging device 1 from being interrupted by the operator's manual operation of introducing external drug introduction container 92 into drug packaging device 1, allowing multiple types of drugs to be efficiently supplied and distributed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0162] If the control unit 50 determines that the drug to be packaged cannot be packaged by the drug packaging device 1, the supply and packaging of the drug to be packaged will be put on hold and will not be executed. If selected by the operator, only the measurement of the drug will be executed. If the next dispensing data is input into the drug packaging device 1 during this wait period and it is determined that the drug to be packaged included in that next dispensing data can be packaged, the supply and packaging of the drug to be packaged included in that next dispensing data will be executed automatically.

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

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

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

[0166] When performing external introduction, the operator places external drug introduction container 92 on mounting table 18a of weighing unit 18. Weighing unit 18 weighs the drug contained in external drug introduction container 92, along with the external drug introduction container 92 itself. Controller 50 controls first transport unit 14a to transport external drug introduction container 92 after weighing from weighing unit 18 (weighing position P4) to supply standby unit 23 (supply standby position P8). Controller 50 controls second transport unit 14b to transport external drug introduction container 92 from supply standby unit 23 (supply standby position P8) to one of container attachment units 32a (one of supply positions P9-L1, P9-L2, P9-R1, or P9-R2). Next, the drug contained in external drug introduction container 92 is supplied to distribution tray 34a.

[0167] In the medicine packaging device 1 of the second embodiment, measuring unit 18 that measures the medicine contained in internal measuring container 91 also serves as external medicine measuring unit 82 that measures the medicine prepared outside of medicine packaging device 1. Since there is no need to provide external medicine measuring unit 82 as a configuration separate from measuring unit 18, the configuration of medicine packaging device 1 can be further simplified.

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

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

[0170] 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]

[0171] 1 Drug packaging device, 14 Conveying section, 14a First conveying section, 14b Second conveying section, 15 Drug storage container, 17 Drug removal section, 18 Measuring section, 18a Placement table, 18b Detection section, 21 Display section, 22 Operation section, 23 Supply standby section, 24 Printing 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, 61 Memory section, 62 Weighing selection section, 65 Guidance section, 82 External drug measuring section, 91 Internal measuring container, 92 External drug introduction container, 93 Output container, 100 dispensing system, 240 paper, P1 first waiting position, P2 second waiting position, P3 third waiting position, P4 weighing position, P5 first removal position, P6 second removal position, P7 third removal position, P8 supply waiting position, P9 supply position, P10 cleaning waiting position, P11 cleaning position, P12 external drug weighing position.

Claims

1. A dispensing system equipped with a drug packaging device, The drug packaging device is A drug storage facility for storing drugs, An internal measuring container for storing the drug measured from the drug storage chamber, or an external drug introduction container for storing the drug prepared outside the drug packaging device, is set in the drug dispensing unit, and a drug dispensing unit for dispensing the drug from the set internal measuring container or the external drug introduction container, A packaging unit for packaging the drug discharged in the drug discharge unit, A weighing unit having a platform, prepared outside the drug packaging device, and weighing the drug contained in the external drug introduction container placed on the platform described above, It includes a control unit, A dispensing system in which, when the control unit detects that the entire dose of medication has been contained in the external medication introduction container based on the weighing result of the weighing unit, it determines that the external medication introduction container has been introduced into the medication packaging device.

2. The dispensing system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit determines that the external drug introduction container has been introduced into the drug dispensing device, and locks off any further introduction into the drug dispensing device.

3. The dispensing system according to claim 1, wherein when the control unit determines that the external drug introduction container has been introduced into the drug dispensing device, the drug discharge unit discharges the drug from the external drug introduction container.

4. The dispensing system according to claim 1, wherein the weighing unit weighs the drug contained in the external drug introduction container together with the external drug introduction container.

5. The dispensing system according to claim 4, wherein the drug packaging device further comprises a transport unit for transporting the external drug introduction container from the weighing unit to the drug discharge unit.

6. The dispensing system according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, wherein the weighing unit weighs the drug contained in the internal weighing container which is removed from the drug storage cabinet and placed on the stand described above.

7. A dispensing system comprising a drug packaging device, The drug packaging device is An external drug introduction container for containing drugs prepared outside the drug packaging device is set, and a drug discharge unit is set for discharging drugs from the set external drug introduction container. A packaging unit for packaging the drug discharged in the drug discharge unit, A weighing unit having a platform, provided outside the drug packaging device, and weighing the drug contained in the external drug introduction container placed on the platform described above, It includes a control unit, A dispensing system in which, when the control unit detects that the entire dose of medication has been contained in the external medication introduction container based on the weighing result of the weighing unit, it determines that the external medication introduction container has been introduced into the medication packaging device.

8. A dispensing method using a dispensing system comprising a drug packaging system and an external drug introduction container capable of containing a drug prepared outside the drug packaging system, The aforementioned drug packaging system is The external drug introduction container is set, and a drug discharge device is used to discharge the drug from the set external drug introduction container. A conveying device for transporting the external drug introduction container to the drug discharge device, A packaging device for packaging the drug discharged in the drug dispensing device, Control device and It has a mounting platform and an operating unit for inputting various instructions to the control device, and is equipped with an external drug weighing device for weighing the drug, Outside the aforementioned drug packaging system, the drug is contained in a container separate from the external drug introduction container, Placing the other container on the aforementioned mounting platform, The external drug weighing device weighs the drug contained in the other container, After weighing, the drug is transferred from the other container to the empty external drug introduction container, which has been transported to the drug discharge device by the transport device. A dispensing method comprising: transferring a drug from the aforementioned separate container to the aforementioned external drug introduction container; and then discharging the drug from the external drug introduction container using the drug discharge device based on instructions input from the operating unit.

9. The dispensing method according to claim 8, wherein weighing the drug contained in the other container with the external drug weighing device includes weighing the drug contained in the other container together with the other container.

10. A dispensing method using a dispensing system comprising a drug packaging system and an external drug introduction container capable of containing drugs prepared outside the drug packaging system, The aforementioned drug packaging system is A transport device for transporting the external drug introduction container, The external drug introduction container is set, and a drug discharge device is used to discharge the drug from the set external drug introduction container. A packaging device for packaging the drug discharged in the drug dispensing device, Control device and It has a mounting platform and an operating unit for inputting various instructions to the control device, and is equipped with an external drug weighing device for weighing the drug, The drug packaging system is provided with an outlet position for removing the external drug introduction container, before it contains the drug, from the drug packaging system, and an outlet position for introducing the external drug introduction container, which contains the drug, into the drug packaging system. Outside the aforementioned drug packaging system, the drug is contained in a container separate from the external drug introduction container, Placing the other container on the aforementioned mounting platform, The external drug weighing device weighs the drug contained in the other container, The transport device transports the external drug introduction container, which is removed from the drug packaging system, to the removal position based on instructions input from the operation unit. The process involves transferring the measured drug from the aforementioned separate container to the external drug introduction container that has been removed from the drug packaging system, The external drug introduction container, which contains the drug transferred from the aforementioned other container, is introduced at the introduction position. The transport device transports the external drug introduction container, which has been introduced at the introduction position, from the introduction position to the drug discharge device. A dispensing method comprising controlling the drug dispensing device to discharge a drug from the external drug introduction container that has been transported to the drug dispensing device.

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