Drug dispenser and support

Abstract

The connecting assembly of the storage compartments provides stable support for each compartment containing the drug. [Solution] The device comprises a support 30 and a distribution mechanism 130. The support 30 has multiple openings 31 into which the multiple storage sections 11 of a storage section connecting body 10, each containing a single dose of medication arranged in a matrix in the row direction (X direction) and column direction (Y direction), can be inserted. The support 30 supports the storage section connecting body 10 into which the multiple storage sections 11 are inserted into the multiple openings 31. The distribution mechanism 130 is detachably attached to the support 30 and distributes medication to the multiple storage sections 11 with the support 30 attached.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a drug dispenser and a support.

Background Art

[0002] As a prior art document that discloses the configuration of a drug dispenser, there is Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-184877 (Patent Document 1). The drug dispenser described in Patent Document 1 includes a drug storage unit, a recess continuum, a taking-out means, and a moving means. The drug storage unit stores at least one of an unused tablet sheet and a naked tablet. The recess continuum is formed by connecting a plurality of recesses serving as storage portions capable of storing a single dose of medicine for a patient in a plurality in both the vertical and horizontal directions. Each recess is configured to be separable from the recess continuum only by the recess corresponding to the medication when the patient takes the medicine. The taking-out means sequentially takes out the drugs corresponding to each single dose of the patient from the drug storage unit based on the prescription data of the patient. The moving means sequentially moves each single dose sequentially taken out by the taking-out means into each recess in the recess continuum.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When the recess continuum in a state where drugs are stored in each storage portion is taken out from the drug dispenser alone, the recess continuum cannot be stably supported.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a drug dispenser and a support that can stably support a recess continuum in a state where drugs are stored in each storage portion.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A drug dispenser according to the first aspect of the present invention comprises a support and a dispensing mechanism. The support has multiple openings into which multiple storage units, each containing a single dose of drug, are inserted into a storage unit assembly, which is arranged in a matrix in the row and column directions. The support supports the storage unit assembly into which the multiple storage units are inserted into the multiple openings and placed. The dispensing mechanism is detachably attached to the support and dispenses the drug into the multiple storage units with the support attached.

[0007] In one embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of first holes are formed in the housing connector. A plurality of pins are formed in the support, each of which is fitted into the plurality of first holes. With the plurality of pins fitted into each of the plurality of first holes, the housing connector is positioned and fixed to the support.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present invention, the tip of each of the multiple pins is tapered. In one embodiment of the present invention, a second hole is formed in the housing connector, to which a hanging hook is attached.

[0009] A support according to the second aspect of the present invention is detachably attached to a drug dispenser and supports a storage unit connector. In the storage unit connector, a plurality of storage units are connected, each containing a single dose of drug, and are arranged in a matrix in the row and column directions. The support has a plurality of openings into which each of the multiple storage units can be inserted. The support supports the storage unit connector in which the plurality of storage units are inserted into each of the multiple openings and placed on top. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, the connected housing unit, in which each housing unit contains a drug, can be stably supported. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the configuration of a drug container according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of a drug container according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This figure shows the surface of a sheet of a drug container according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This figure shows the intermittent cutting lines formed on each of the connecting body and sheet that constitute the drug container according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This figure shows a magnified view of the discontinuous cutting lines in Figure 4. [Figure 6] This figure shows the sealed containment section being separated from a drug container according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This figure shows an enlarged view of the intermittent cutting lines of a drug container according to a modified example of one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This figure shows a state in which the sealed containment section is separated from a drug container according to a modified example of one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This is a front view showing the configuration of a drug dispenser according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This is a perspective view showing the configuration of a support in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] This is a perspective view showing a state in which a housing connector is placed on a support according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] This is a perspective view showing a stack of multiple supports according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] Figure 12 shows multiple support structures viewed from the direction of arrow XIII. [Figure 14] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of a dispensing support system related to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] This figure shows an audit support sheet related to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] This figure shows an audit support sheet relating to a modified example of one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17]A diagram showing an instruction manual for manual dispensing according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] A flowchart showing the operations from the dispensing of a drug to the completion of consistency confirmation in a drug dispenser according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] A screen in a state where the consistency confirmation state between the housing unit connector and the form is displayed on the display mechanism. [Figure 20] A diagram showing a mount on which a form is printed. [Figure 21] A diagram showing the surface of a sheet according to a modification of one embodiment of the present invention.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, a drug container, a drug dispenser, a support, and a dispensing support system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description of the embodiments, the same or corresponding parts in the drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a drug container according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of a drug container according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the drug container according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a housing unit connector 10 and a sheet 20.

[0014] In the housing unit connector 10, a plurality of housing units 11 are connected. The plurality of housing units 11 are arranged in a matrix in the row direction (X direction) and the column direction (Y direction), and each houses a single dose of a drug. In the present embodiment, four housing units 11 are arranged in the row direction (X direction), and seven housing units 11 are arranged in the column direction (Y direction). However, the arrangement of the plurality of housing units 11 is not limited to the above. The housing unit connector 10 is, for example, a plastic molded product of a blister pack.

[0015] Multiple first holes 13 are formed at one end of the housing connector 10 in the row direction (Y direction). In this embodiment, two first holes 13 are formed spaced apart from each other in the row direction (X direction). A second hole 12 is also formed in the housing connector 10 at a position midway between the two first holes 13, to which a hanging hook can be attached.

[0016] Sheet 20 is attached to the housing connector 10 and seals the multiple housing sections 11. An adhesive layer is formed on the back of sheet 20. When sheet 20 is peeled off the backing paper (described later), the back of sheet 20 is exposed. Sheet 20 is divided into multiple sections 21 corresponding to the multiple housing sections 11 of the housing connector 10. Sheet 20 has a first hole 23 formed at a position corresponding to the first hole 13 of the housing connector 10. Also, sheet 20 has a second hole 22 formed at a position corresponding to the second hole 12 of the housing connector 10.

[0017] Figure 3 shows the surface of a sheet of a drug container according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 3, the surface of the sheet 20 contains information about drugs to be contained in a plurality of storage compartments 11 based on dispensing data. In other words, the sheet 20 is a type of form on which information about drugs to be contained in a plurality of storage compartments 11 is contained based on dispensing data.

[0018] Specifically, the entry fields 24 located on one side of the front surface of sheet 20 in the column direction (Y direction) contain various information such as the patient's name, age, timing of administration, number of days of administration, prescription date, and hospital room. Each section 21 contains information such as the patient's name, timing of medication administration, and the quantity of medication contained in the corresponding storage section 11.

[0019] Sheet 20 contains identification information 25 corresponding to the identification information described later attached to the housing connector 10. In this embodiment, the identification information 25 is a one-dimensional barcode, but other identification information such as a two-dimensional barcode may also be used.

[0020] Figure 4 shows the intermittent cutting lines formed on the containment connector and sheet that constitute a drug container according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 4, intermittent cutting lines are formed in a grid pattern along the row direction (X direction) and column direction (Y direction) on each of the containment connector 10 and sheet 20. Specifically, intermittent cutting lines CLX extending in the row direction (X direction) and intermittent cutting lines CLY extending in the column direction (Y direction) are formed in a grid pattern.

[0021] In an intermittent cutting line, the cut sections and connection sections are located alternately. The cut sections are the points where the housing connector and the sheet are cut, and are shown as linear portions in the intermittent cutting line. The connection sections are the points where the housing connector and the sheet are not cut, and are the portions where the cut sections are discontinuous in the intermittent cutting line. In an intermittent cutting line CLX extending in the row direction (X direction), the cut sections and connection sections CNX are located alternately. In an intermittent cutting line CLY extending in the column direction (Y direction), the cut sections and connection sections CNY are located alternately.

[0022] At the edges of the housing connector 10 and the sheet 20, a connecting portion is formed at the end portion EY in the column direction, which is located at the end of the intermittent cutting line CLY extending along the column direction (Y direction). This prevents the end portions of the housing connector 10 and the sheet 20 in the column direction (Y direction) from lifting up in the thickness direction (Z direction).

[0023] Furthermore, at the edges of the housing connector 10 and the sheet 20, connection portions are formed at the row-direction ends EX located at both ends of the intermittent cutting line CLX that extends along the row direction (X direction). This prevents the row-direction (X direction) ends of the housing connector 10 and the sheet 20 from lifting up in the thickness direction (Z direction).

[0024] In the housing section connecting body 10, intermittent cutting lines are formed, so that multiple housing sections 11 are connected in a manner that allows them to be separated sequentially from one end. The intermittent cutting lines allow each of the multiple housing sections 11, which are sealed, to be separated.

[0025] Figure 5 is an enlarged view of the intermittent cutting lines in Figure 4. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, in each of the housing connector 10 and the sheet 20, a cutting section is formed at the intersection CR where the intermittent cutting lines intersect each other in a cross shape. The length LX of the row-direction cutting section CX, which extends from the intersection CR along the row direction (X direction), and the length LY of the column-direction cutting section CY, which extends from the intersection CR along the column direction (Y direction), are different from each other. In this embodiment, the column-direction cutting section CY is longer than the row-direction cutting section CX. That is, the relationship LY > LX is satisfied.

[0026] Furthermore, only one connecting portion CNY is formed between adjacent intersection portions CR in the column direction (Y direction). However, multiple connecting portions CNY may be formed between adjacent intersection portions CR in the column direction (Y direction).

[0027] Figure 6 shows the state in which a sealed storage section is separated from a drug container according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 6, by rotating one sealed storage section 11 in a counterclockwise direction D1, the storage section 11 is cut at the adjacent intermittent cutting line CLX, and the storage section 11 rotates around the adjacent connection CNY. Finally, the connection CNY is cut, and the storage section 11 is separated from the storage section connector 10. By separating the storage section 11 from the storage section connector 10 in this way, it becomes possible to easily remove the sealed storage sections 11 one by one.

[0028] If the relationship LY = LX is satisfied, when trying to turn one sealed storage part 11 in the counterclockwise direction D1, the storage parts 11 aligned with the storage part 11 in the row direction (X direction) will also be easily separated from the storage part connector 10 by the intermittent cutting line CLX, making it difficult to remove only the storage part 11 containing the drug necessary for taking.

[0029] Note that the relationship LY < LX may also be satisfied. Here, a drug container according to a modified example of an embodiment of the present invention in which the relationship LY < LX is satisfied will be described.

[0030] FIG. 7 is a view showing an enlarged intermittent cutting line of a drug container according to a modified example of an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 7, in this modified example, the relationship LY < LX is satisfied. Also, only one connecting part CNX is formed between adjacent crossing parts CR in the row direction (X direction). However, a plurality of connecting parts CNX may be formed between adjacent crossing parts CR in the row direction (X direction).

[0031] FIG. 8 is a view showing a state in which a sealed storage part is separated from a drug container according to a modified example of an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 8, by turning one sealed storage part 11 in the clockwise direction D2, the storage part connector 10 is cut by the intermittent cutting line CLY adjacent to the storage part 11, and the storage part 11 rotates around the connecting part CNX adjacent to the storage part 11. Finally, when the connecting part CNX is cut, the storage part 11 is separated from the storage part connector 10. By separating the storage part 11 from the storage part connector 10 in this way, it becomes possible to easily remove the sealed storage parts 11 one by one.

[0032] If the relationship LY = LX is satisfied, when trying to turn one sealed storage part 11 in the clockwise direction D2, the storage parts 11 aligned with the storage part 11 in the column direction (Y direction) will also be easily separated from the storage part connector 10 by the intermittent cutting line CLY, making it difficult to remove only the storage part 11 containing the drug necessary for taking.

[0033] Figure 9 is a front view showing the configuration of a drug dispenser according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 9, the drug dispenser 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a support 30 and a dispensing mechanism 130. The drug dispenser 100 further comprises a supply mechanism 110, a hopper 120 and a base 140.

[0034] As shown in Figure 9, the support 30 is detachably attached to the drug dispenser 100. Specifically, the support 30 is detachably attached to the dispensing mechanism 130 by being placed on the base 140.

[0035] Figure 10 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a support according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 11 is a perspective view showing a state in which a housing connector is placed on the support according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] As shown in Figures 10 and 11, a support 30 according to one embodiment of the present invention has a plurality of openings 31 formed therein. A plurality of housing units 11 of the housing unit connecting body 10 can be inserted into each of the plurality of openings 31. The support 30 supports the housing unit connecting body 10, in which the plurality of housing units 11 are inserted into each of the plurality of openings 31 and placed on top of it. The number of openings 31 formed in the support 30 only needs to be equal to or greater than the number of housing units 11 formed in the housing unit connecting body 10, and the number of openings 31 formed in the support 30 and the number of housing units 11 formed in the housing unit connecting body 10 do not necessarily have to be the same.

[0037] The support body 30 has multiple pins 32 formed on it, which are each fitted into multiple first holes 13 of the housing connector 10. In this embodiment, two pins 32 are formed on the support body 30. With multiple pins 32 fitted into each of the multiple first holes 13, the housing connector 10 is positioned and fixed to the support body 30.

[0038] Each of the multiple pins 32 has a tapered tip 33. This allows the multiple pins 32 to be easily inserted into each of the multiple first holes 13 of the housing connector 10, and also makes it easier to remove the housing connector 10 from the support 30.

[0039] As shown in Figure 9, the distribution mechanism 130 distributes the drug to the multiple storage units 11 with the support 30 attached. Specifically, the drug to be stored in each storage unit 11 is sequentially supplied from the supply mechanism 110 to the distribution mechanism 130 via the hopper 120. The distribution mechanism 130 sequentially distributes the drug to each of the multiple storage units 11 of the storage unit connector 10, which is supported by the support 30 placed on the base 140, based on the dispensing data. The storage unit connector 10, with the drug distributed to the multiple storage units 11, is removed from the drug dispenser 100 while still supported by the support 30.

[0040] The supply mechanism 110 includes multiple supply units, each supplying a specific drug. The supply mechanism 110 may further include a versatile supply unit capable of supplying multiple types of drugs. In this case, drugs that would otherwise be manually dispensed (as described later) can be supplied from the versatile supply unit, thereby reducing the amount of drugs that need to be manually dispensed.

[0041] Figure 12 is a perspective view showing a stack of multiple supports according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 13 is a view of the multiple supports of Figure 12 from the direction of arrow XIII. In Figure 12, the housing connector supported by the uppermost support and the sheet attached to the housing connector are also shown.

[0042] As shown in Figures 12 and 13, the support 30 according to one embodiment of the present invention is configured to be stackable. Specifically, as shown in Figure 13, a plurality of holes 34 capable of accommodating a plurality of pins 32 are formed on the bottom surface of the support 30. It is also possible to stack a plurality of support 30 with the accommodating connecting body 10 in place.

[0043] As shown in Figure 12, in this embodiment, each support 30 is equipped with identification information 35 to enable mutual identification. The identification information 35 is a one-dimensional barcode, but it may also be a two-dimensional barcode or other identification information such as an RF tag using RFID (radio frequency identifier). If an RF tag is used, the identification information may be written to the RF tag each time. By equipping the support 30 with identification information 35, the housing unit connecting body 10 supported by the support 30 is indirectly equipped with identification information.

[0044] As shown in Figure 12, identification information 14 may be directly attached to the housing connector 10 to enable mutual identification. The identification information 14 may be a one-dimensional barcode, a two-dimensional barcode, or an RF tag.

[0045] When attaching the sheet 20 to the storage unit connector 10, which has the drug distributed into multiple storage units 11, the sheet 20 can be attached in a positioned state to the storage unit connector 10 by inserting pins 32 into each of the first holes 23 of the sheet 20. The drug container, which is formed by attaching the sheet 20 to the storage unit connector 10, is removed from the support 30.

[0046] Figure 14 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a dispensing support system according to one embodiment of the present invention. The dispensing support system assists in dispensing by distributing drugs to a plurality of storage units 11. As shown in Figure 14, the dispensing support system according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a distribution main unit 100m and a distribution terminal 200. The distribution main unit 100m comprises a supply mechanism 110, a distribution mechanism 130 which is a drug distribution unit, and a control unit 150 which is electrically connected to the supply mechanism 110 and the distribution mechanism 130. The control unit 150 controls the operation of the supply mechanism 110 and the distribution mechanism 130, respectively.

[0047] The distribution terminal 200 comprises a control unit 210, an operation unit 220, an identification information reading unit 230, a printing unit 240, and a display mechanism 250 which is a display unit. The control unit 210 includes a data creation unit 211 and a data output unit 212. The data creation unit 211 is electrically connected to the operation unit 220 and the identification information reading unit 230, respectively. The data output unit 212 is electrically connected to the printing unit 240 and the display mechanism 250, respectively. The control unit 210 of the distribution terminal 200 is electrically connected to the control unit 150 of the distribution main unit 100m.

[0048] The operation unit 220 inputs dispensing data and other information to the control unit 210. The operation unit 220 consists of a keyboard or a touch panel.

[0049] The identification information reading unit 230 is capable of reading each of the identification information 35, identification information 14, and identification information 25. Specifically, the identification information reading unit 230 is a barcode reader or an RFID reader, etc.

[0050] The data creation unit 211 creates distribution data to be sent to the drug dispenser 100, as well as data to be recorded in each report, based on the dispensing data entered from the operation unit 220 and the identification information 35 or identification information 14 entered from the identification information reading unit 230.

[0051] The forms include at least sheet 20, and may also include at least one of the following: audit support sheet, hand-distribution instructions, and backing sheet for sheet 20.

[0052] In this embodiment, the data creation unit 211 creates data to be recorded on sheet 20, which includes information about the drugs to be stored in the multiple storage units 11, based on the dispensing data. The data creation unit 211 creates audit support data based on the dispensing data. The data creation unit 211 creates manual dispensing instruction data based on the dispensing data.

[0053] The data output unit 212 can output each of the above data created by the data creation unit 211 to at least one of the printing unit 240 and the display mechanism 250.

[0054] The printing unit 240 prints forms containing the data output from the data output unit 212. In this embodiment, the printing unit 240 prints multiple types of forms. The printing unit 240 is a printer or the like.

[0055] The form on which the audit support data is printed by the printing unit 240 is the audit support sheet. The audit support sheet is a form used by pharmacists and others when auditing drugs distributed to multiple storage units 11 of the storage unit connector 10.

[0056] The form on which the manual dispensing instruction data is printed by the printing unit 240 is the manual dispensing instruction sheet. The manual dispensing instruction sheet is used when a pharmacist or other person manually dispenses medication into multiple storage units 11 of the storage unit connector 10, without using the distribution mechanism 130. Note that if there is no medication to be dispensed manually, or if the audit support sheet also serves as the manual dispensing instruction sheet, the manual dispensing instruction sheet does not need to be printed.

[0057] The display mechanism 250 displays each piece of data output from the data output unit 212. The display mechanism 250 is a monitor or touch panel, etc. The audit support data and the manual distribution instruction data do not necessarily have to be printed as reports; they may be displayed on the display mechanism 250 and used in that manner.

[0058] The data output unit 212 outputs distribution data to the control unit 150 of the distribution main unit 100m. The control unit 150 of the distribution main unit 100m operates the supply mechanism 110 and the distribution mechanism 130 respectively based on the distribution data output from the data output unit 212.

[0059] Figure 15 is a diagram showing an audit support sheet according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 15, the audit support data printed on the audit support sheet 40 according to one embodiment of the present invention shows in a list the information necessary for auditing drugs to be stored in multiple storage compartments 11.

[0060] The audit support data includes a list 43 and a distribution diagram 42. The audit support data also includes a section 44 that displays basic information. Section 44 shows basic information such as the patient's name, facility name, dispensing pharmacy, prescription date, and dispensing date.

[0061] Table 43 shows the names of the drugs included in the dispensing data. In this embodiment, each column in Table 43 shows the sequentially assigned number 43n, the name of the drug 46, the shelf number where the drug is stored 47, the drug's division form 48, and the total quantity of the drug 49. In the division form 48, 0.25 indicates a tablet divided into four parts, and 0.5 indicates a tablet divided into two parts. A blank space in the division form 48 indicates an undivided tablet.

[0062] In the audit support sheet table 43 according to this embodiment, drugs of the same type but with different division forms are shown separately. Specifically, drugs No. 3, 4, and 5 are the same drug C, but because their division forms are different, they are shown in separate columns. If the number of drug entries in table 43 is too large to fit on one page, the audit support sheet will be shown across multiple pages.

[0063] Drugs with multiple shelf number 47s are stored on multiple shelves. The total quantity of drugs 49 represents the total quantity regardless of the divided form. Specifically, the total quantity of drugs 49 includes 0.25 tablets and 0.5 tablets, each counted as one unit.

[0064] The distribution diagram 42 shows information about the drugs to be contained in the corresponding containment section 11 in each of the matrix-shaped compartments 41 corresponding to the arrangement of the multiple containment sections 11.

[0065] In the distribution diagram 42, each section 41 indicates the drug to be stored in the corresponding storage section 11, indicated by the number 43n in the list 43, along with the quantity 41a of the drug. In the quantity 41a of the drug, Q indicates one tablet divided into four parts (0.25 tablets), and H indicates one tablet divided into two parts (0.5 tablets).

[0066] For example, the storage compartment 11 corresponding to section 41 located in the first row from the top and the first column from the left is indicated to contain one No. 1 (0.25 tablets of drug A), one No. 2 (1 tablet of drug B), one No. 3 (1 tablet of drug C), one No. 4 (0.5 tablets of drug C), one No. 5 (0.25 tablets of drug C), and three No. 7 (1 tablet of drug E).

[0067] In each section 41 of the distribution diagram 42, the drugs to be stored in the corresponding storage unit 11 are shown at fixed positions for each number 43n, and the positions of number 43n where there is no drug to be stored are shown as blank. For example, in section 41 located in the first row from the top and the first column from the left, the position of drug No. 6 is shown as blank, meaning that drug No. 6 will not be stored in the corresponding storage unit 11. Even in such cases, the position where drug No. 7 is shown is fixed in each section 41, and the quantity 41a of drug No. 7 is shown at a fixed position.

[0068] Each section 41 in the distribution diagram 42 shows the total quantity 41b of the drug to be contained in the corresponding storage section 11. The total quantity 41b of the drug represents the total quantity regardless of the divided form. Specifically, the total quantity 41b of the drug is the sum of the drug quantities, with 0.25 tablets and 0.5 tablets each counted as one unit.

[0069] In the distribution diagram 42, the compartments 41 containing the same combination of drugs are grouped together. Specifically, each compartment 41 is indicated by a group name 41c. The group names 41c may be color-coded for each group. In the example shown in Figure 15, the compartments are grouped into three groups: Group A, Group B, and Group C. The 14 compartments 41 belonging to Group A contain the same combination of drugs in their respective storage compartments 11. The 7 compartments 41 belonging to Group B contain the same combination of drugs in their respective storage compartments 11. The 7 compartments 41 belonging to Group C contain the same combination of drugs in their respective storage compartments 11. Note that the group names 41c of compartments 41 that do not contain the same combination of drugs are shown blank.

[0070] The audit support sheet 40 contains identification information 45 corresponding to the identification information 35 and 14 attached indirectly or directly to the housing unit connector 10. In this embodiment, the identification information 45 is a one-dimensional barcode, but other identification information such as a two-dimensional barcode may also be used.

[0071] Figure 16 is a diagram showing an audit support sheet relating to a modified example of one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 16, the audit support data printed on the audit support sheet 50 relating to a modified example of one embodiment of the present invention shows in a list the information necessary for auditing the drugs to be contained in the multiple containment compartments 11.

[0072] The audit support data includes Table 53. The audit support data also includes a section 54 that displays basic information. Section 54 shows basic information such as the patient's name, patient ID, patient age, timing of medication, number of days of medication, prescription date, and hospital room.

[0073] Table 53 shows the names of the drugs included in the dispensing data. In this modified version, each column of Table 53 shows the sequential number 53n, the name of the drug 56, the identification mark 52 for the drug to be dispensed by hand, the quantity of the drug for each administration period 51, the amount of drug to be taken per day 57, the number of days of administration 58, and the total amount of the drug 59. The bottom column of Table 53 shows the quantity 51b of the drug to be distributed into each storage section 11 for each administration period.

[0074] The identification mark 52 for the drugs to be dispensed by hand makes it possible to distinguish in the list 53 which drugs should be dispensed by the dispensing mechanism 130 and which drugs should not be dispensed by the dispensing mechanism 130 but should be dispensed by hand into multiple containers 11. In the example shown in Figure 16, the identification mark 52 for drugs to be dispensed by hand is "hand", while the identification mark 52 for drugs to be dispensed by the dispensing mechanism 130 is left blank.

[0075] In Table 53 of the audit support sheet relating to this modified example, drugs of the same type are shown in one column even if they have different splitting forms. For example, drugs of the same type, such as drug E, which consists of a tablet split into two (0.5 tablets) and an unsplit tablet (1 tablet), are shown in one column.

[0076] The audit support sheet 50 contains identification information 55 corresponding to the identification information 35 and 14 attached indirectly or directly to the housing connector 10. In this modified example, the identification information 55 is a one-dimensional barcode, but other identification information such as a two-dimensional barcode may also be used.

[0077] Figure 17 is a diagram showing a manual dispensing instruction sheet according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 17, in the manual dispensing instruction data printed on the manual dispensing instruction sheet 60 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the information necessary for manually dispensing the drug is displayed in a listable format in multiple storage compartments 11.

[0078] The manual dispensing instruction data includes a field 64 that displays basic information. Field 64 shows basic information such as the patient's name, prescription date, and dispensing date.

[0079] The manual application instruction data indicates the name of the chemical to be applied by hand 66, the quantity 68 of each chemical to be applied by hand to one storage unit 11, the shelf number 67 in which the chemical is stored, the total amount of chemical (sheet amount) 69, and the location 62 of the storage unit 11 in which each chemical should be applied by hand.

[0080] The total amount of medication is the total amount of each medication to be hand-distributed in one prescription, and the amount of medication per sheet is the total amount of each medication to be hand-distributed in the multiple storage compartments 11 of one storage compartment connector 10. Therefore, when each medication to be hand-distributed in one prescription is contained in multiple storage compartments 11 of one storage compartment connector 10, the total amount of medication and the amount of medication per sheet are the same.

[0081] In the quantity 68 for each drug, "tablet" is indicated if the drug is a tablet, and "C" is indicated if the drug is a capsule.

[0082] The positions 62 of the containers 11 where each drug is to be manually dispensed are shown on a matrix of compartments 61 corresponding to the arrangement of the multiple containers 11. Each of the compartments 61 is numbered. In the container assembly 10 according to this embodiment, 28 containers 11 are arranged in 4 columns and 7 rows, so the 28 compartments 61 are numbered from 1 to 28.

[0083] The manual application instruction data shows only the section 61 numbers corresponding to the location 62 in the containment unit 11 where each chemical should be applied manually. Sections 61 corresponding to the location 62 in the containment unit 11 where the chemical is not applied manually are shown as blank without a number.

[0084] The manual dispensing instruction data is grouped together for each combination of chemicals where the location and quantity of the containers 11 to be manually dispensed are the same. In the example shown in Figure 17, the manual dispensing instruction data is divided into five columns, G1 to G5, and the chemicals shown in each column have the same location and quantity of the containers 11 to be manually dispensed.

[0085] In the example shown in Figure 17, columns G2 and G5 are shown separately depending on whether the drug is in tablet or capsule form. However, drugs that are the same in terms of the location and quantity of the container 11 to be manually dispensed, regardless of the dosage form, may be shown in the same column. In other words, the drug in column G5 may be shown in column G2.

[0086] The manual dispensing instruction sheet 60 contains identification information 65 corresponding to the identification information 35 and 14 attached indirectly or directly to the housing connector 10. In this embodiment, the identification information 65 is a one-dimensional barcode, but other identification information such as a two-dimensional barcode may also be used.

[0087] In the drug dispenser 100 according to this embodiment, the device is configured to allow verification of consistency between the storage unit connecting body 10, in which drugs have been distributed to multiple storage units 11, and a form. The operation of the drug dispenser 100 according to this embodiment, from drug distribution to the completion of consistency verification, will be described below.

[0088] Figure 18 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a drug dispenser according to one embodiment of the present invention, from drug distribution to the completion of consistency verification. As shown in Figures 14 and 18, when dispensing data is input to the control unit 210 by the operation unit 220, the data creation unit 211 creates distribution data for distributing drugs to the multiple storage units 11 of the storage unit connector 10 (step S1). The data output unit 212 transmits the distribution data to the control unit 150.

[0089] As shown in Figure 11, with the housing connector 10 placed on the support 30, the identification information 35,14 attached indirectly or directly to the housing connector 10 is read by the identification information reading unit 230 shown in Figure 14, and the identification information 35,14 is input to the control unit 210 (step S2).

[0090] As a method for having the identification information reading unit 230 read the identification information 35,14, the operator may hold the identification information 35,14 in front of the identification information reading unit 230 for reading, or the identification information reading unit 230 may be configured to automatically read the identification information 35,14 when the support 30 is attached to the distribution mechanism 130. Alternatively, the operator may input the identification information 35,14 using the operation unit 220 without using the identification information reading unit 230. If an RF tag is used, fixed identification information may be recorded on the RF tag and the identification information reading unit 230 may read that identification information. Alternatively, no fixed identification information may be recorded on the RF tag, and instead of the identification information reading unit 230 reading the fixed identification information, the identification information reading unit 230 may write appropriate identification information to the RF tag.

[0091] The control unit 210 confirms that there is no unaudited data with respect to the input identification information 35,14 (step S3). Unaudited data is data in which the drug has already been distributed and is awaiting audit. If unaudited data exists, the control unit 210 either deletes the unaudited data or prepares another support 30 and housing connector 10 and repeats step S2.

[0092] If no unaudited data exists, the control unit 210 sends an instruction to start distribution from the data output unit 212 (step S4).

[0093] When the data output unit 212 sends an instruction to start distribution, the printing unit 240 prints a form based on the dispensing data (step S5). In this embodiment, the printing unit 240 prints three types of forms: sheet 20 shown in Figure 3, audit support sheets 40 and 50 shown in Figure 15 or Figure 16, and manual dispensing instruction sheet 60 shown in Figure 17. Sheet 20 is accompanied by identification information 25 that allows identification of the form type while corresponding to identification information 35 and 14. Audit support sheets 40 and 50 are accompanied by identification information 45 and 55 that allow identification of the form type while corresponding to identification information 35 and 14. Manual dispensing instruction sheet 60 is accompanied by identification information 65 that allows identification of the form type while corresponding to identification information 35 and 14.

[0094] For example, the identification information 25 for sheet 20 consists of an identifier R indicating that it is a sheet and a number corresponding to identification information 35 and 14. The identification information 45 and 55 for audit support sheets 40 and 50 consist of an identifier K indicating that it is an audit support sheet and a number corresponding to identification information 35 and 14. The identification information 65 for hand-distributed instruction sheet 60 consists of an identifier T indicating that it is a hand-distributed instruction sheet and a number corresponding to identification information 35 and 14.

[0095] Furthermore, the timing of when the printing unit 240 prints the form does not have to be immediately after receiving the instruction to start distribution from the data output unit 212; it may be immediately before the audit. Also, the printing unit 240 may be able to print the form again after printing it once.

[0096] When the data output unit 212 sends an instruction to start distribution, the control unit 150 operates the supply mechanism 110 and the distribution mechanism 130 respectively based on the distribution data, and distributes the drug to the multiple storage units 11 of the storage unit connector 10 (step S6).

[0097] If the dispensing data includes medications that should be manually dispensed, the dispensing mechanism 130 dispenses the medication into the container assembly 10, which is then removed from the dispensing mechanism 130 while still placed on the support 30. The operator then manually dispenses the medication into the multiple containers 11 of the container assembly 10, which is still on the support 30, according to the manual dispensing instructions 60. Manual dispensing may have already been performed before the medication was dispensed by the dispensing mechanism 130.

[0098] Once the distribution of the drug by the distribution mechanism 130 is complete, the system enters an audit-awaiting state, and unaudited data is created. Audits may be performed in batch processing on multiple storage unit connectors 10 on which the drug has been distributed. In this case, multiple support units 30 on which the drug-distributed storage unit connectors 10 are placed are temporarily stored in a stacked state as shown in Figure 12. Therefore, when auditing, it is necessary to perform consistency checks to confirm that the storage unit connectors 10 on which the drug has been distributed to multiple storage units 11 correspond to each other and to the corresponding forms.

[0099] The drug dispenser 100 according to this embodiment is equipped with a consistency verification mechanism that verifies the consistency between the storage unit connector 10, in which drugs are distributed to a plurality of storage units 11, and a form. In this embodiment, the consistency verification mechanism consists of a control unit 210 and an identification information reading unit 230. The consistency verification mechanism verifies the consistency between the identification information 35, 14 attached indirectly or directly to the storage unit connector 10 and the identification information 25, 45, 55, 65 on the form.

[0100] Immediately before the audit, as shown in Figure 18, the consistency check is initiated (step S7). When the consistency check mechanism reads the identification information 35,14 of the housing connector 10 (step S8), the consistency check status between the housing connector 10 with this identification information 35,14 and the form is displayed on the display mechanism 250.

[0101] Figure 19 shows the screen displaying the consistency verification status between the housing unit connector and the form on the display mechanism. As shown in Figure 19, the display mechanism 250 can display a list of unaudited data and audited data. Specifically, the sequential number 70 assigned to the distribution process, the processing date and time 71, the audit result 72, and the identification information 73 of the input housing unit connector 10 are displayed in a list.

[0102] For example, if unaudited data for distribution process No. 1 is selected based on the identification information 35,14 of the housing connector 10 read by the identification information reading unit 230, a list of the forms printed during distribution process No. 1 is displayed, and the consistency verification status of the forms is displayed on the display mechanism 250.

[0103] In the example shown in Figure 19, the display mechanism 250 displays a list of three types of forms: a sheet, a hand-spreading instruction sheet, and an audit support sheet, and also displays the consistency verification status between each of the three types of forms and the housing connector 10. Specifically, the list displays the sequential number 80 assigned to each form, the consistency verification status 82 for each form, and the form name 81. Forms that are not printed are not subject to consistency verification and are therefore not displayed in the list. For example, if the hand-spreading instruction sheet 60 is not printed because there is no pesticide to be hand-spreaded, the hand-spreading instruction sheet will not be displayed in the list.

[0104] As shown in Figure 18, when the identification information reading unit 230 reads the identification information 25, 45, 55, 65 of the form (step S9), the control unit 210 confirms that the identification information 35, 14 of the housing unit connector 10 read in step S8 and the identification information 25, 45, 55, 65 of the form read in step S9 correspond to each other. The consistency confirmation status 82 for forms whose correspondence has been confirmed is shown as "completed," and the consistency confirmation status 82 for forms whose correspondence has not yet been confirmed is shown as "not yet." If the identification information 35, 14 of the housing unit connector 10 read in step S8 and the identification information 25, 45, 55, 65 of the form read in step S9 do not correspond to each other, a warning indicating the inconsistency may be displayed on the display mechanism 250.

[0105] When the consistency verification mechanism reads the identification information 25, 45, 55, and 65 of all forms corresponding to the identification information 35 and 14 of the housing unit connector 10, the consistency verification is completed (step S10). The order in which the identification information 25, 45, 55, and 65 of the forms are read is arbitrary. As an example of the consistency verification operation, first, the identification information reading unit 230 reads the identification information 35 of the support 30 (step S8), and then the identification information reading unit 230 sequentially reads the identification information 25 of the sheet 20, the identification information 65 of the hand-distribution instruction sheet 60, and the identification information 45 of the audit support sheet 40 (step S9), thereby completing the consistency verification (step S10).

[0106] Furthermore, since audits may be conducted at different times, such as first auditing the manually distributed drugs and then auditing the drugs distributed by the distribution mechanism 130, data from intermediate audit stages can be saved, as shown in Figure 19. In addition, multiple input fields may be provided for the consistency confirmation status 82 to allow for double-checking of audits, or the system may be configured to allow the consistency confirmation status 82, which is currently set to "completed," to be changed back to "not completed."

[0107] Alternatively, the forms may be printed on the backing paper of sheet 20. Figure 20 shows a backing paper with forms printed on it. As shown in Figure 20, the backing paper 90 of sheet 20 has at least one type of form printed on it, excluding sheet 20, from the three types of forms: sheet 20, the manual dispensing instructions 60, and the audit support sheets 40 and 50. The backing paper 90 covers the back of sheet 20 in a way that allows it to be peeled off from the back of sheet 20. When sheet 20 is peeled off the backing paper 90, the adhesive layer on the back of sheet 20 is exposed.

[0108] In the example shown in Figure 20, the backing sheet 90 contains an audit support sheet 91, a manual dispensing instruction sheet 92, and medication information 93. The medication information 93 contains information about the efficacy of each drug included in the dispensing data. Furthermore, a medication record book sticker 94 is attached to the backing sheet 90 in a detachable manner. The medication record book sticker 94 is a sticker that can be attached to a medication record book and contains information about each drug included in the dispensing data.

[0109] Although form 90 is a type of report, during audits it is considered an integral part of sheet 20. Therefore, verifying the consistency of sheet 20 is considered equivalent to verifying the consistency of form 90.

[0110] In this embodiment, when verifying consistency, the identification information was read by the identification information reading unit 230 provided on the distribution terminal 200. However, the embodiment is not limited to this, and the identification information may also be read by another identification information reading unit connected to an audit terminal provided separately from the distribution terminal 200.

[0111] The audit and consistency check may be performed for each sheet, which is a single storage unit connector 10; for each prescription; or for two sheets, which are two storage unit connectors 10, each containing two weeks' worth of medication.

[0112] In this embodiment, the medication was distributed based on dispensing data for one patient, but it is not limited to this, and the medication may be distributed based on dispensing data for multiple patients. Figure 21 shows the surface of a sheet according to a modified example of one embodiment of the present invention.

[0113] As shown in Figure 21, the surface of sheet 20a, a modified version of one embodiment of the present invention, contains information about medications to be stored in multiple storage units 11 at the same time of administration, based on dispensing data for a group of 28 patients at one facility. In the example shown in Figure 21, the medications to be taken after breakfast by 28 patients at one facility are distributed to 28 storage units 11. When medications for multiple patients at the same time of administration are distributed to one storage unit connector 10 in this way, audits and consistency checks are performed for each storage unit connector 10 to which medications for multiple patients at the same time of administration are distributed.

[0114] A drug container according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a storage unit connector 10 and a sheet 20. In the storage unit connector 10, a plurality of storage units 11, each containing a single dose of drug, are arranged in a matrix in the row direction (X direction) and column direction (Y direction) and are separated and connected from one end to the other. The sheet 20 is attached to the storage unit connector 10 and seals the plurality of storage units 11. Intermittent cutting lines CLX,CLY are formed in a grid pattern along the row direction (X direction) and column direction (Y direction) in both the storage unit connector 10 and the sheet 20. In the intermittent cutting lines CLX,CLY, cutting portions and connecting portions are alternately located. The intermittent cutting lines CLX,CLY allow each of the sealed storage units 11 to be separated. In both the storage unit connector 10 and the sheet 20, cutting portions are formed at the intersections CR where the intermittent cutting lines CLX,CLY intersect each other in a cross shape. The length LX of the row-direction cutting portion CX, which extends from the intersection CR along the row direction (X direction), and the length LY of the column-direction cutting portion CY, which extends from the intersection CR along the column direction (Y direction), are different from each other.

[0115] This allows each storage section 11 to be easily separated one by one. In this embodiment, the column-direction cutting portion CY is longer than the row-direction cutting portion CX. Only one connecting portion CNY is formed between adjacent intersection portions CR in the column direction (Y direction).

[0116] As a result, the housing section 11 to be detached cuts the housing section connector 10 at the adjacent intermittent cutting line CLX, and the housing section 11 can rotate around the adjacent connection CNY to cut the connection CNY, making it possible to easily remove the sealed housing sections 11 one by one.

[0117] In the modified drug container, the row-direction cut portion CX is longer than the column-direction cut portion CY. Only one connecting portion CNX is formed between adjacent intersection portions CR in the row direction (X direction).

[0118] This allows the housing unit 11 to be detached to sever the housing unit connector 10 at the adjacent intermittent cutting line CLY, and also allows the housing unit 11 to rotate around the adjacent connection CNX to sever the connection CNX, making it possible to easily remove the sealed housing units 11 one by one.

[0119] In this embodiment, a connecting portion is formed at the end portion EY in the column direction, which is located at the end of the intermittent cutting line CLY that extends along the column direction (Y direction) at the edge of each of the housing connecting body 10 and sheet 20.

[0120] This prevents the ends of the storage unit connector 10 and the sheet 20 in the row direction (Y direction) from lifting up in the thickness direction (Z direction). As a result, when attaching or detaching the storage unit connector 10, which is placed on the support 30, from the drug dispenser 100, interference between the row end EY and the drug dispenser 100 can be prevented.

[0121] A drug dispenser 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a support 30 and a dispensing mechanism 130. The support 30 has a plurality of openings 31 into which the plurality of storage units 11 in a storage unit connecting body 10, each containing a single dose of drug, are inserted, and the support 30 supports the storage unit connecting body 10 into which the plurality of storage units 11 are inserted into the plurality of openings 31. The dispensing mechanism 130 is detachably attached to the support 30 and distributes drugs to the plurality of storage units 11 with the support 30 attached.

[0122] This allows the storage unit connecting body 10, with the drug contained in each storage unit 11, to be stably supported.

[0123] In this embodiment, the housing connector 10 has a plurality of first holes 13 formed therein. The support 30 has a plurality of pins 32 formed therein, each of which is fitted into the plurality of first holes 13. With the plurality of pins 32 fitted into each of the plurality of first holes 13, the housing connector 10 is positioned and fixed to the support 30.

[0124] This allows the position of the housing connector 10 relative to the support 30 to be kept constant, and the housing connector 10 can be stably held by the support 30.

[0125] In this embodiment, the tip of each of the multiple pins 32 is tapered. This allows the housing connector 10 to be easily attached to and detached from the support 30.

[0126] In this embodiment, a second hole 12 is formed in the housing connector 10, to which a hanging hook can be attached. This makes it possible to use the drug container by hanging it from the hook.

[0127] A support 30 according to one embodiment of the present invention is detachably attached to a drug dispenser 100 and supports a storage unit connecting body 10. In the storage unit connecting body 10, a plurality of storage units 11 are connected, each containing a single dose of drug, arranged in a matrix in the row direction (X direction) and column direction (Y direction). The support 30 has a plurality of openings 31 into which each of the storage units 11 can be inserted. The support 30 supports the storage unit connecting body 10, into which the plurality of storage units 11 are inserted and placed.

[0128] This allows the storage unit connecting body 10, with the drug contained in each storage unit 11, to be stably supported.

[0129] A dispensing support system according to one embodiment of the present invention assists in dispensing by distributing drugs to multiple storage units 11 in a storage unit connecting body 10, in which multiple storage units 11, each containing a single dose of drug, are connected and arranged in a matrix in the row direction (X direction) and column direction (Y direction). The dispensing support system comprises a data creation unit 211 and a data output unit 212. The data creation unit 211 creates audit support data based on dispensing data. The data output unit 212 outputs audit support data. In the audit support data, information necessary for auditing the drugs to be stored in the multiple storage units 11 is shown in a listable format.

[0130] This makes it easy to audit the storage unit connecting body 10 when each storage unit 11 is filled with pharmaceuticals.

[0131] In this embodiment, the audit support data includes a distribution diagram 42 showing information about the drugs to be stored in the corresponding storage unit 11 in each of a matrix-shaped section 41 corresponding to the arrangement of the multiple storage units 11, and a list 43 showing the names of the drugs included in the dispensing data.

[0132] This makes it easy to understand the type and quantity of drugs stored in each storage compartment 11, and therefore easy to audit.

[0133] In this embodiment, the distribution diagram 42 groups the drugs to be contained into compartments 41 that have the same combination. As a result, the storage units 11 corresponding to the compartments 41 of the same group contain the same combination of drugs, and therefore, auditing can be easily performed by auditing all storage units 11 corresponding to the compartments 41 of the same group together.

[0134] In this embodiment, each section 41 in the distribution diagram 42 shows the total quantity of drugs to be stored in the corresponding storage unit 11. This makes it easy to verify during an audit whether the total quantity of drugs distributed to each storage unit 11 is correct.

[0135] In this embodiment, each section 41 in the distribution diagram 42 shows the drug to be stored in the corresponding storage unit 11, indicated by a number in the list 43, along with the quantity of the drug. This makes it easy to verify during audits whether the type and quantity of drugs distributed to each storage unit 11 are correct.

[0136] In this embodiment, in each section 41 of the distribution diagram 42, the drugs to be stored in the corresponding storage section 11 are shown at fixed positions according to the above numbers, and the positions of the above numbers where there are no drugs to be stored are shown as blank.

[0137] As a result, the display position of each drug is kept constant in each section 41, making it easy to verify during audits whether the type and quantity of drugs distributed to each storage unit 11 are correct.

[0138] In this embodiment, in Table 43, identical drugs of the same type but with different division forms are shown separately. This makes it easy to verify the quantity of each identical drug of the same type with different division forms during an audit.

[0139] The audit support data related to the modified version includes a list 53 showing the names of the drugs included in the dispensing data. In list 53, the quantity for each drug at each administration time is indicated. This makes it easy to verify during the audit whether the type and quantity of drugs for each administration time distributed to each storage unit 11 are correct.

[0140] In this modified example, the number of days of administration is shown for each medication in Table 53. This makes it easy to verify during audits whether the number of repetitions in the column direction (Y direction) of the storage section 11, which is arranged in the row direction (X direction) where the medications for each administration period are distributed, is correct.

[0141] In this modified example, the dispensing support system further includes a dispensing mechanism 130, which is a drug dispensing unit that distributes drugs to multiple storage units 11 based on dispensing data. Table 53 clearly shows which drugs should be distributed by the dispensing mechanism 130 and which drugs should not be distributed by the dispensing mechanism 130 but should be manually dispensed into the multiple storage units 11.

[0142] This makes it easy to verify during an audit whether the drugs distributed to each storage unit 11 were distributed by the distribution mechanism 130 or manually dispensed. Furthermore, the audit support data can also serve as manual dispensing instruction data, and therefore, when the audit support data is printed as an audit support sheet, that audit support sheet can also serve as a manual dispensing instruction sheet.

[0143] In this embodiment, the data creation unit 211 further creates manual dispensing instruction data based on the dispensing data. The data output unit 212 further outputs the manual dispensing instruction data. The manual dispensing instruction data indicates the name of the drug to be manually dispensed, the quantity of each drug to be manually dispensed into one storage unit 11, and the location of the storage unit 11 in which each drug should be manually dispensed. The above-mentioned locations of the storage unit 11 in which each drug should be manually dispensed are shown on a matrix of multiple sections 61 corresponding to the arrangement of the multiple storage units 11.

[0144] This makes it easy to determine the type and quantity of chemical to be applied when manually applying the chemical to each storage unit 11.

[0145] In this embodiment, each of the multiple compartments 62 is assigned a number. The manual dispensing instruction data shows only the number of the compartment 62 that corresponds to the position in the containment section 11 where each chemical should be manually dispensed.

[0146] This makes it easy to determine the position of the container 11 where the pesticide should be applied when applying it by hand.

[0147] In this embodiment, the manual dispensing instruction data is grouped together for each chemical agent whose location and quantity to be manually dispensed into the storage unit 11 are the same. As a result, since each chemical agent grouped together in the manual dispensing instruction data can be dispensed in the same way, the chemical agent can be efficiently dispensed into each storage unit 11 by hand.

[0148] A drug dispenser 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a dispensing mechanism 130 and a consistency verification mechanism. The dispensing mechanism 130 distributes drugs to a plurality of storage units 11 in a storage unit connector 10, which is arranged in a matrix in the row direction (X direction) and column direction (Y direction) and each storage unit 11 contains a single dose of drugs, based on dispensing data. The consistency verification mechanism verifies the consistency between the storage unit connector 10, in which drugs have been distributed to the plurality of storage units 11, and a form in which information about the drugs to be stored in the plurality of storage units 11 is recorded based on dispensing data. Identification information 14 and 35 are attached to the storage unit connector 10 directly or indirectly. Identification information 25, 45, 55, and 65 corresponding to the identification information 14 and 35 are recorded in the form. The consistency verification mechanism verifies the consistency between the identification information 14 and 35 of the housing connector 10 and the identification information 25, 45, 55, and 65 of the forms.

[0149] This ensures consistency between the storage unit connecting body 10, in which drugs are stored in each storage unit 11, and the forms recorded based on the dispensing data.

[0150] In this embodiment, the drug dispenser 100 further includes a display mechanism 250. When the consistency confirmation mechanism reads the identification information 14,35 of the storage unit connector 10, the consistency confirmation status between the storage unit connector 10 to which this identification information 14,35 is attached and the form is displayed on the display mechanism 250.

[0151] This allows the display mechanism 250 to confirm, during auditing, that the storage unit connector 10, in which the drug is distributed to multiple storage units 11, and the corresponding forms correspond to each other.

[0152] In this embodiment, the form includes multiple types of forms. Each of the multiple types of forms contains identification information 25, 45, 55, and 65 that can identify that type. The display mechanism 250 displays a list of the multiple types of forms, and also displays the compatibility status between each of the multiple types of forms and the storage unit connector 10.

[0153] This allows, during auditing, to confirm that each of the storage unit connectors 10, in which the drugs are distributed to multiple storage units 11, corresponds to each of the multiple types of forms by looking at the list displayed on the display mechanism 250.

[0154] In this embodiment, the consistency check is completed when the consistency check mechanism reads the identification information 25, 45, 55, and 65 of all forms corresponding to the identification information 14 and 35 of the housing connector 10. As a result, when there are multiple types of forms, the consistency check will not be completed as long as there are forms that have not been checked, thus preventing any omissions in the consistency check.

[0155] In this embodiment, the forms include multiple types of forms. The multiple types of forms include a sheet 20 that is attached to the storage unit connector 10 to seal the multiple storage units 11. The backing paper 90 of the sheet 20 has at least one type of form, excluding the sheet 20, printed on it.

[0156] As a result, when sealing the multiple storage compartments 11, the backing sheet 90 from which the sheet 20 has been peeled off can be attached to the storage compartment connector 10 in which the multiple storage compartments 11 have been sealed by the sheet 20, making it possible to verify the medications contained in the multiple storage compartments 11 based on the forms written on the backing sheet 90. Alternatively, audits can be performed using the audit support sheet 91 printed on the backing sheet 90 without printing the audit support sheets 40 and 50. Similarly, manual dispensing can be performed using the manual dispensing instruction sheet 92 printed on the backing sheet 90 without printing the manual dispensing instruction sheet 60. Furthermore, if a medication record book sticker 94 is detachably attached to the backing sheet 90, when handing over the medication container consisting of the storage compartment connector 10 in which the multiple storage compartments 11 have been sealed by the sheet 20 to the patient, the medication record book sticker 94 can be attached to the medication record book for storage, allowing the patient and pharmacist to verify the medications contained in the medication container based on the information on the medication record book sticker 94 attached to the medication record book.

[0157] Furthermore, the audit support sheets 40 and 50 and the manual distribution instruction sheet 92, which are forms other than sheet 20, do not necessarily have to be printed, and may be displayed on the display mechanism 250. In this case, the number of forms to be printed can be reduced.

[0158] Furthermore, the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and do not constitute a limiting interpretation. Therefore, the technical scope of the present invention is not construed solely by the embodiments described above, but is defined based on the claims. This also includes all modifications within the meaning and scope of the equivalents of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0159] 10 Housing unit connector, 11 Housing unit, 12, 22 Second hole, 13, 23 First hole, 14, 25, 35, 45, 55, 65, 73 Identification information, 20, 20a Sheet, 21, 41, 61, 62 Compartment, 24, 44, 54, 64 Writing area, 30 Support, 31 Opening, 32 Pin, 33 Tip, 34 Hole, 40, 50, 91 Audit support sheet, 42 Distribution diagram, 43, 53 List, 60, 92 Manual dispensing instruction sheet, 90 Backing sheet, 94 Medication record book sticker, 100 Drug dispenser, 100m Dispensing main unit, 110 Supply mechanism, 120 Hopper, 130 Dispensing mechanism, 140 Base, 150, 210 Control unit, 200 Dispensing terminal, 211 Data creation unit, 212 data output unit, 220 operation unit, 230 identification information reading unit, 240 printing unit, 250 display mechanism, CLX, CLY intermittent cutting lines, CNX, CNY connection units, CR intersection unit, CX row-direction cutting unit, CY column-direction cutting unit, EX row-direction end unit, EY column-direction end unit.

Claims

1. A support that supports the housing connector, In the aforementioned connected storage unit, multiple storage units are connected, each containing a single dose of medication, and are arranged in a matrix in the row and column directions. The support has a plurality of openings into which each of the plurality of housings can be inserted, and supports the housing unit connecting body into which each of the plurality of housings is inserted and placed. Multiple first holes are formed in the aforementioned housing connecting body. The support has a plurality of pins formed thereon, each of which is fitted into the plurality of first holes. With the plurality of pins inserted into each of the plurality of first holes, the housing connecting body is positioned and fixed to the support. A support having a plurality of holes formed on its bottom surface, each capable of accommodating the plurality of pins.

2. The support according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the support can be stacked and arranged.

3. The support according to claim 2, wherein a plurality of the support bodies in a state supporting the housing section connecting body can be stacked and arranged.

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