Medicine Packaging Equipment

Abstract

To provide a drug individual packaging device that can perform the cleaning of a drug route and the packaging of a drug at optimized timing.SOLUTION: A drug individual packaging device has a supply part that supplies a drug, a drug route which the drug supplied by the supply part passes through, a packaging part that packages the drug having passed through the drug route, and a control part that controls the supply part and the packaging part. The control part has a storage part that stores a determination flag to show whether the cleaning of the drug route is required after the packaging of the drug, in association with drug information. After the finish of packaging of the drug for which the cleaning of the drug route is required after packaging, the control part waits for the start of packaging of the next drug.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a pharmaceutical packaging machine. [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] JP 2016-130972 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

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

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

[0006] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a medicine packaging device including a supply unit that supplies medicines, a medicine path through which the medicines supplied by the supply unit pass, a packaging unit that packages the medicines that have passed through the medicine path, and a control unit that controls the supply unit and the packaging unit. The control unit has a storage unit that stores a determination flag indicating whether or not cleaning of the medicine path is required after packaging of the medicine in association with medicine information. After packaging of the medicine that requires cleaning of the medicine path after packaging is completed, the control unit waits to start packaging the next medicine.

[0007] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a medicine packaging device including a supply unit that supplies medicine from a medicine container that contains medicine, a packaging unit that packages the medicine supplied by the supply unit, and a control unit that controls the supply unit and the packaging unit. The supply unit includes a transport unit that transports an intermediate container that contains the medicine taken out of the medicine container, and a discharge unit that discharges the medicine from the intermediate container transported by the transport unit. The packaging unit includes a distribution unit that distributes the medicine supplied from the supply unit into doses, and a packaging unit that packages the medicine distributed by the distribution unit. The control unit has a storage unit that stores a determination flag indicating whether or not cleaning of the intermediate container is required after discharging the medicine by the discharge unit in association with medicine information. The control unit controls the transport unit to transport the intermediate container after discharging the medicine that does not require cleaning of the intermediate container after discharging to a storage position. The intermediate container after discharging the medicine that requires cleaning of the intermediate container after discharging is temporarily stored at a position different from the storage position.

[0008] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a medicine packaging device including a supply unit that supplies medicines supplied from a medicine container that contains medicines and a cleaning material, a medicine path through which the medicines supplied from the supply unit pass, a packaging unit that packages the medicines that have passed through the medicine path, and a control unit that controls the supply unit and the packaging unit. The control unit has a memory unit that stores a determination flag indicating whether or not cleaning of the medicine path is required after packaging of the medicine in association with medicine information. The control unit controls the supply unit to supply the cleaning material to the packaging unit after packaging of the medicines that require cleaning of the medicine path after packaging is completed. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the medicine packaging device according to the present disclosure, the timing between cleaning the medicine path and packaging the medicine can be optimized. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a dispensing system. [Diagram 2]1 is a schematic diagram of a medicine packaging device according to an embodiment; [Diagram 3] 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the medicine packaging device. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an intermediate container (outer drug container). [Diagram 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a weighing device. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing the process of supplying and packaging medicines. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing the flow of a process for cleaning an intermediate container. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing the flow of a process for cleaning an intermediate container. [Figure 10] 13 is a diagram showing a display unit that displays a captured image of the inner surface of the intermediate container. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a display unit that displays a selection screen for additional cleaning of the intermediate container. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing the flow of a process for cleaning a hopper. [Figure 13] 13 is a diagram showing a display unit that displays a captured image of the inner surface of a hopper. FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a display unit that displays a selection screen for additional cleaning of a hopper. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a flow diagram showing a first example of a process for additionally cleaning a hopper. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is a flow diagram showing a second example of the process for additionally cleaning a hopper. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the 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.

[0012] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a dispensing system 100. Fig. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of a medicine packing device 1 according to an embodiment. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the medicine packing device 1.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, a dispensing system 100 includes a medicine packaging device 1 and a measuring device 80.

[0014] The medicine packaging device 1 supplies and packages medicine. In order to supply medicine, the medicine packaging device 1 can measure out one or more medicines. In this specification, measuring out medicine means taking out the required amount of medicine contained in a medicine container or the like. The medicine packaging device 1 measures out powder medicine (powdered, finely divided, or granular medicine) as the medicine. The medicine packaging device 1 may be capable of packaging tablets in addition to powder medicine.

[0015] The measuring device 80 is installed outside the medicine packing device 1. The measuring device 80 can measure out medicines instead of the medicine packing device 1. The medicine packing device 1 and the measuring device 80 are installed in, for example, a pharmacy or a hospital.

[0016] The medicine packing device 1 supplies and packs medicines based on prescription data input by an operator.

[0017] The medicine packaging device 1 can also only package medicines. In this case, a weighing device 80 or the like is used to measure the medicine. The weighing device 80 weighs the medicine that the operator has removed from a medicine bottle or the like. The medicine packaging device 1 can also only measure the medicine. In this case, the weighed medicine is output to the outside of the medicine packaging device 1 without being packaged. The medicine packaging device 1 stores the weighed medicine in a container so that the operator can remove the container.

[0018] In the following description, the medicine packaging device 1 packaging a medicine is referred to as a first operation, and the medicine packaging device 1 weighing a medicine without subsequently packaging it is referred to as a second operation. In the first operation, the medicine packaging device 1 may or may not weigh a medicine. The first operation also includes the case where the medicine packaging device 1 packages a medicine that has been weighed (measured) by a measuring device 80 or the like outside the medicine packaging device 1.

[0019] As shown in Fig. 2, the drug packaging device 1 includes a first storage section 11, a second storage section 12, and a third storage section 13. As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the drug packaging device 1 also includes a transport section 14, a drug container 15, a first information processing section 16, a measuring section 30, a second information processing section 19, a third information processing section 20, a display section 21, an operation section 22, a drug discharge section 32, a packaging section 33, a cleaning section 38, a control section 50, a locking mechanism 52, and image capture devices 54 and 56.

[0020] The first storage section 11 can store a plurality of intermediate containers 91 that do not contain medicine. The intermediate containers 91 are prepared to contain medicine to be supplied and packaged and to transport the medicine to each part of the medicine packaging device 1. The configuration of the intermediate containers 91 will be described later.

[0021] First storage unit 11 can be configured, for example, to have a plurality of support stands for storing a plurality of intermediate containers 91, with each support stand supporting the bottom surface of each intermediate container 91. However, as long as first storage unit 11 can substantially store intermediate containers 91, the configuration of first storage unit 11 can be changed as desired.

[0022] The second storage section 12 can store a plurality of external drug containers 92 that do not contain drugs. The external drug container 92 contains drugs prepared by an operator outside the drug packaging device 1, and is used as a container introduced into the drug packaging device 1 for packaging the drugs. When the weighing device 80 or the like in FIG. 1 performs weighing instead of the drug packaging device 1, the external drug container 92 is prepared in the drug packaging device 1 to contain the drugs to be measured by the weighing device 80, and to introduce the measured drugs into the drug packaging device 1 in a state where they are contained therein. The configuration of the external drug container 92 will be described later.

[0023] The third storage unit 13 can store a plurality of output containers 93 that do not contain medicines. The output containers 93 are prepared in the medicine packaging device 1 to contain the weighed medicines and output the medicines from the medicine packaging device 1 to another medicine packaging device 95 when the medicine packaging device 1 does not pack the medicines after weighing.

[0024] The second storage unit 12 and the third storage unit 13 can be configured to support the bottom surface of the external drug container 92 or the output container 93, for example, in the same manner as the first storage unit 11.

[0025] The intermediate container 91 will be described. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the intermediate container 91 (external drug container 92). As shown in Fig. 4, the intermediate container 91 includes a storage section 91a, a discharge path section 91b, an opening / closing section 91c, an information display section (display section) 91d, and an information recording section (information recording member) 91e.

[0026] The storage section 91a is a portion where the intermediate container 91 substantially stores the medicine. The storage section 91a is formed in a hollow shape with an open upper portion.

[0027] The discharge path portion 91b is configured as a narrow passage that connects the internal space of the storage portion 91a to the external space thereof. The discharge path portion 91b is formed so as to communicate with an end portion of the storage portion 91a.

[0028] 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.

[0029] The information display unit 91d is a display capable of displaying prescription data and information related to prescription. The information display unit 91d can be configured as, for example, a microcapsule type or an electrophoretic type electronic paper.

[0030] The information recording unit 91e has, for example, a non-volatile memory, and can record container-specific information. The container-specific information includes container identification information. The container-specific information may include information indicating the type of container (intermediate container 91, external drug container 92, output container 93). The information recording unit 91e can be configured, for example, as an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag.

[0031] In the medicine packaging device 1 of this embodiment, a plurality of intermediate containers 91 of the same shape are prepared. Note that a plurality of types of intermediate containers 91 having different sizes of the storage portions 91a may be prepared. In this case, it is possible to respond to various situations in which measuring is required, such as measuring a variety of medicines.

[0032] The external drug container 92 will be described. As shown in Fig. 4, the external drug container 92 has substantially the same configuration as the intermediate container 91. The external drug container 92 includes a storage section 92a, a discharge path section 92b, an opening / closing section 92c, an information display section 92d, and an information recording section 92e.

[0033] The storage section 92a, discharge path section 92b, opening / closing section 92c, information display section 92d, and information recording section 92e have the same configuration as the storage section 91a, discharge path section 91b, opening / closing section 91c, information display section 91d, and information recording section 91e in the intermediate container 91, so their explanations are omitted.

[0034] In the drug packaging device 1 of this embodiment, a plurality of external drug containers 92 of the same shape are prepared. Note that a plurality of types of external drug containers 92 having different sizes of the storage portions 92a may be prepared. In this case, it is possible to respond to various situations in which external measurement is performed, such as the external measurement of various types of drugs.

[0035] The output container 93 will be described. Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the output container 93. As shown in Fig. 5, the output container 93 corresponds to the intermediate container 91 from which the discharge path section 91b and the opening / closing section 91c are omitted. The output container 93 includes a storage section 93a, an information display section 93d, and an information recording section 93e.

[0036] The container section 93a, the information display section 93d, and the information recording section 93e have the same configurations as the container section 91a, the information display section 91d, and the information recording section 91e in the intermediate container 91, and therefore their explanation will be omitted.

[0037] In the drug 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 the 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 a variety of drugs.

[0038] The transport unit 14 is capable of transporting the intermediate container 91, the external drug container 92, and the output container 93. As shown in Fig. 2, the transport unit 14 includes a first transport unit 14a and a second transport unit 14b.

[0039] 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 in which they convey, and are substantially the same in the configuration in which they convey, so the following description will be given taking the first conveying unit 14a as an example.

[0040] The first transport unit 14a includes a container holding unit for holding the intermediate container 91, the external drug container 92, or the output container 93. The container holding unit is configured to be movable along a path determined in the drug packaging device 1. The first transport unit 14a transports the intermediate container 91, the external drug container 92, or the output container 93 by moving the container holding unit while the intermediate container 91, the external drug container 92, or the output container 93 is held in the container holding unit.

[0041] In this manner, in this embodiment, the intermediate container 91, the external drug container 92, and the discharge container 93 are configured to be transported by the common first transport unit 14a. Therefore, it is preferable that the portions attached to the first transport unit 14a (container holding unit) of the three types of containers have the same configuration, since this simplifies the configuration of the first transport unit 14a.

[0042] The intermediate container 91, the external drug container 92, and the discharge container 93 are similar to each other in terms of configuration and function. Therefore, the intermediate container 91 can also be used as the external drug container 92 used in the first operation. The intermediate container 91 can also be used as the discharge container 93 used in the second operation. The external drug container 92 can also be used as the intermediate container 91 used in the first operation. The external drug container 92 can also be used as the discharge container 93 used in the second operation. By reducing the types of containers, a simplified configuration can be achieved.

[0043] In Fig. 2, the path of the first conveyor 14a is indicated by a dashed line, and the path of the second conveyor 14b is indicated by a two-dot chain line. The first conveyor 14a and the second conveyor 14b are provided with separate drive sources and can operate independently. Therefore, the medicine packaging device 1 can simultaneously and in parallel convey the containers by the first conveyor 14a and the containers by the second conveyor 14b.

[0044] The transport unit 14 may have various configurations for holding the containers, for example, a container holding unit may be provided at the tip of an extendable or rotatable arm, and the position of the container holding unit may be changed by extending or rotating the arm. In addition, for example, the containers may be gripped with a chuck or held by suction.

[0045] The medicine containers 15 contain the medicine to be measured out. Each medicine container 15 has an opening for discharging and removing the medicine from the container.

[0046] In principle, different types of medicine are contained in each of the multiple medicine containers 15. However, for example, in the case of a frequently used medicine, the same medicine may be contained in multiple medicine containers 15.

[0047] The medicine packaging device 1 can also handle excipients in addition to medicines. Any of the multiple medicine containers 15 may contain an excipient. When it is necessary to form a medicine (powder), the medicine packaging device 1 takes out the excipient from the medicine container 15. In this case, the excipient can be supplied in the same way as the medicine. Any of the multiple medicine containers 15 may contain a cleaning material. In this case, the cleaning material can be supplied in the same way as the medicine. The cleaning material is taken out of the medicine container 15 and packaged while contacting 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 the cleaning material may be lactose.

[0048] An information recording unit 71 is provided on the outer surface of the medicine container 15. The information recording unit 71 can be, for example, an RFID tag. The information recording unit 71 can store information about the medicine contained in the medicine container 15 (contained medicine information). The contained medicine information includes the name of the medicine, the remaining amount of the medicine in the medicine container 15, the expiration date of the medicine, the date of the previous refill, the operating conditions of the measuring unit 30, and the like. The medicine packaging device 1 can obtain the contained medicine information by reading the information recording unit 71. Note that the information recording unit 71 may store only the identification information of the medicine container 15, and when the information recording unit 71 is read by the medicine packaging device 1, the above-mentioned contained medicine information may be called from the storage unit 61 described below.

[0049] The first information processing unit 16 can read the contained medicine information from the information recording unit 71. The first information processing unit 16 can be configured as, for example, an RFID reader / writer. The first information processing unit 16 is provided at an arbitrary position of the medicine packing device 1.

[0050] Measuring section 30 includes medicine removal section 17 and measuring section 18. Medicine removal section 17 removes medicine from medicine container 15. Measuring section 18 measures the medicine removed from medicine container 15.

[0051] The medicine removal unit 17 detachably holds a plurality of medicine containers 15. The medicine removal unit 17 moves the held medicine container 15 to a predetermined position, and at the predetermined position, removes the medicine contained in the medicine container 15 downward through an opening. The operation of the medicine removal unit 17 is controlled by the control unit 50 based on the contained medicine information read by the first information processing unit 16.

[0052] The weighing unit 18 includes a mounting table 18a and a detection unit 18b. The mounting table 18a is disposed below the above-mentioned predetermined position of the medicine removal unit 17. An intermediate container 91 or an output container 93 can be mounted on the mounting table 18a. The first transport unit 14a can transport the intermediate container 91 or the output container 93 held in the container holding unit, and place it on the mounting table 18a or remove it from the mounting table 18a.

[0053] The detection unit 18b can weigh the medicine inside the intermediate container 91 or the output container 93 when the intermediate container 91 or the output container 93 is placed on the placement table 18a. In other words, the weighing unit 18 is configured as an electronic balance, and the placement table 18a corresponds to the weighing dish of the electronic balance. The detection unit 18b can be configured as, for example, an electromagnetic or load cell type load sensor.

[0054] The weighing unit 30 is controlled by the control unit 50 so as to weigh out the entire dose of each of the medicines indicated by the medicine information. The control unit 50 appropriately moves the medicine container 15 containing the medicines indicated by the medicine information to directly above the mounting table 18a using the medicine removal unit 17. Thereafter, the control unit 50 removes the medicines downward from the medicine container 15, stores the removed medicines in the intermediate container 91 or the discharge container 93 placed on the mounting table 18a, and weighs the contained medicines using the detection unit 18b.

[0055] Second information processing unit 19 acquires container-specific information stored in information recording unit 91e of intermediate container 91 or information recording unit 93e of output container 93, which are set in weighing unit 18. Second information processing unit 19 can also change the display content of information display unit 91d of intermediate container 91 or information display unit 93d of output container 93, which are set in weighing unit 18. Second information processing unit 19 is configured as, for example, an RFID reader / writer.

[0056] The third information processing unit 20 acquires the container specific information stored in the information recording unit 91e of the intermediate container 91 stored in the first storage unit 11. The acquisition of container specific information by the third information processing unit 20 is similarly performed for the external drug container 92 stored in the second storage unit 12 or the output container 93 stored in the third storage unit 13.

[0057] The third information processing unit 20 may change the display content for the intermediate container 91 or the output container 93. In this case, the second information processing unit 19 may change the display content for only the weighing result for the intermediate container 91 or the output container 93 set in the weighing unit 18.

[0058] The display unit 21 is a device having a display screen capable of displaying various information related to the medicine packing device 1. As the display unit 21, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display, etc., can be considered. The display unit 21 is disposed at an appropriate position of the medicine packing device 1.

[0059] The operation unit 22 is operated by an operator to give various instructions to the medicine packing device 1. The operation unit 22 is disposed at an appropriate position (for example, near the display unit 21) of the medicine packing device 1. The operation unit 22 may be configured to include a keyboard, or the display unit 21 may be configured as a touch panel and the operation unit 22 may be incorporated into the display unit 21.

[0060] The intermediate container 91 or the external drug container 92 transported by the second transport unit 14b is set in the drug discharge unit 32. The drug discharge unit 32 can discharge the drug in the set intermediate container 91 or external drug container 92. It is also possible to manually set the intermediate container 91 or the external drug container 92 in the drug discharge unit 32.

[0061] The medicine discharge section 32 includes a container attachment section 32a. The container attachment section 32a is configured to be capable of attaching an intermediate container 91 or an external medicine container 92. The intermediate container 91 or the external medicine container 92 is attached to the container attachment section 32a automatically or manually by the second transport section 14b.

[0062] The container attachment section 32a includes an actuator that moves the opening / closing sections 91c, 92c of the container from a closed state to an open state. Before the container attachment section 32a is attached, the connection between the storage sections 91a, 92a and the discharge path sections 91b, 92b is in a closed state. When the container is attached to the container attachment section 32a, the actuator moves the opening / closing sections 91c, 92c. This opens the connection between the storage sections 91a, 92a and the discharge path sections 91b, 92b, allowing the drug to be discharged from the container.

[0063] The medicine discharge section 32 includes 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 section 50. The vibration device 32b generates vibrations in response to a control signal from the control section 50. The vibrations generated by the vibration device 32b are transmitted to the intermediate container 91 or the external medicine container 92 attached to the container attachment section 32a.

[0064] The packaging unit 33 is configured to be able to package the medicine weighed out by the measuring unit 30. The packaging unit 33 is controlled by the control unit 50 so as to package the medicine weighed out by the measuring unit 30 into individual doses. The packaging unit 33 includes a distribution unit 34 and a packaging unit 35.

[0065] 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 plate 34a and a feed unit 34b. The distribution plate 34a is configured to be rotatable about a vertical axis. The medicine discharge unit 32 discharges the medicine from the container and supplies the discharged medicine onto the rotating distribution plate 34a. The feed unit 34b drops the medicine supplied to the distribution plate 34a downward in predetermined amounts.

[0066] The supply unit of the embodiment is made up of the measuring unit 30 that takes out the medicine from the medicine container 15 into the intermediate container 91, the transport unit 14 that transports the intermediate container 91, and the medicine discharge unit 32 that discharges the medicine from the intermediate container 91 and supplies it to the distribution tray 34a. The packaging unit 33 packages the medicine supplied by the supply unit.

[0067] As shown in Fig. 2, the drug dispensing device 1 includes a plurality of (specifically, two) distribution sections 34. Each distribution section 34 includes a plurality of (specifically, two) drug discharge sections 32. Drugs are supplied onto one distribution plate 34a from either one or both of the two drug discharge sections 32. From the two drug discharge sections 32, the same type of drug may be supplied to one distribution plate 34a, different types of drugs may be supplied to one distribution plate 34a, or a drug and an excipient may be supplied to one distribution plate 34a.

[0068] The packaging unit 35 packages the medicine distributed by the distribution unit 34 in the packaging material 40. The packaging unit 35 includes a hopper 35a and a heater 35b. The hopper 35a receives the medicine that is supplied from the container to the distribution tray 34a and drops from the distribution tray 34a. The hopper 35a forms a medicine path through which the medicine that drops from the distribution tray 34a toward the packaging material 40 passes. The packaging unit 35 repeats an operation of dropping the medicine distributed by the distribution unit 34 in doses into the packaging material 40 through the hopper 35a and an operation of heat-sealing the packaging material 40 by the heater 35b. By repeating these operations, the medicine is enclosed in the packaging material 40 in doses. The packaging material 40 containing the medicine is sent to a storage unit outside or inside the medicine packaging device 1.

[0069] The supply standby section 23 is provided between the measuring section 30 that measures the medicine and the medicine discharge section 32 that discharges the medicine. An intermediate container 91 that contains the medicine or an external medicine container 92 can be placed in the supply standby section 23 and kept on standby as necessary.

[0070] The cleaning unit 38 can clean the intermediate container 91 or the external drug container 92. The cleaning may be performed by any means, such as blowing compressed air onto the inner surface of the intermediate container 91 or the external drug container 92, suction, wiping with a brush, or the like. By performing cleaning, the drug remaining on the inner surface of the container is removed.

[0071] A cleaning standby section 37 is provided near the cleaning section 38. The intermediate container 91 or the external chemical container 92 before being cleaned can be placed in the cleaning standby section 37 to wait as necessary.

[0072] The supply standby section 23 and the cleaning standby section 37 can be configured, for example, as a plate-like member on which a container can be placed, but are not limited to this.

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

[0074] In detail, the control unit 50 is configured as a known computer, and includes a calculation device 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 device reads out the various programs from the storage device, and controls the operation of each part of the drug packaging device 1 based on the detection values ​​of the sensors provided in each part of the drug packaging device 1 and the various setting values ​​stored in the storage device. The control unit 50 makes the above-mentioned software and hardware work together to perform processing in the storage unit 61, the weighing selection unit 62, and the guidance unit 65 shown in FIG. 4, and outputs a command signal as a result of the processing, thereby operating the drug packaging device 1.

[0075] The storage unit 61 can store dispensing data input from the outside as described above. The storage unit 61 also stores the contained drug information of the drug container 15 read by the first information processing unit 16 as arrangement information of the drug container 15 arranged in the drug packing device 1. The storage unit 61 can also store various setting values ​​necessary for operating the drug packing 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 (medicine container) code, classification (dosage form: powder, tablet, external medicine, etc.), specific gravity, drug type (ordinary medicine, poison, narcotic, powerful drug, antipsychotic, therapeutic drug, etc.), combination changes, precautions, normal 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 the packaging unit 33, the measuring selection unit 62 allows the operator to select whether or not to execute a measuring operation by the measuring unit 30 for the drugs that can be measured by the measuring unit 30. There are various configurations for realizing the selection, but for example, the measuring selection unit 62 may display options (for example, a button for executing / not executing) on ​​the display unit 21 and allow the operator to select using the operation unit 22.

[0079] The guidance unit 65 can provide guidance (instructions) to the operator. For example, when at least one of the medicines 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 medicines weighed out by the weighing unit 30 should be packaged using another medicine packaging device 95. In addition, when the amount of medicine supplied from the medicine container 15 to the intermediate container 91 is insufficient for the total amount of dose based on the dispensing data, the guidance unit 65 can inform the operator that an external weighing response is possible as a response to enable the packaging operation by the packaging unit 33 to be performed.

[0080] The external measurement response is a response in which the operator prepares an external drug container 92 that contains a predetermined amount of drug (total dose) outside the drug packaging device 1, and introduces the external drug container 92 into the drug packaging device 1. At this time, the operator can be notified that a refill response or a drug container introduction response is possible. The refill response is a response in which the drug container 15 is refilled with drugs. The drug container introduction response is a response in which the drug container 15 containing the required amount of drug is introduced into the drug packaging device 1.

[0081] There are various methods for the guidance unit 65 to provide guidance to the operator, and for example, it is possible 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] Hopper 35a is removable from the housing of medicine packaging device 1. Locking mechanism 52 locks hopper 35a to prevent removal from medicine packaging device 1. When the locking by locking mechanism 52 is released, hopper 35a becomes removable from medicine packaging device 1 and can be moved to the outside of the housing of medicine packaging device 1. Locking and unlocking of hopper 35a by locking mechanism 52 are controlled by control unit 50.

[0083] The imaging device 54 is disposed above the hopper 35a. The imaging device 54 can capture an image of the inside of the hopper 35a. The imaging device 54 may be capable of reciprocating between a position directly above the hopper 35a and a position not directly above the hopper 35a. The imaging device 56 is attached to the upper part of the cleaning unit 56. The imaging device 56 can capture an image of the containers contained in the cleaning unit 38. The imaging devices 54, 56 are controlled by the control unit 50. Images captured by the imaging devices 54, 56 are displayed on the display unit 21. The control unit 50 receives the images captured by the imaging devices 54, 56, and outputs a control command to the display unit 21 to display the images.

[0084] Next, various positions set in the medicine packing 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.

[0085] The first standby position P1 is a position where an intermediate container 91 that does not contain a medicine can wait in the first storage section 11. The first standby position P1 can also be said to be a storage position where a plurality of intermediate containers 91 are stored in the first storage section 11.

[0086] The second standby position P2 is a position where the external drug container 92 that does not contain a drug can wait in the second storage section 12. The second standby position P2 can also be said to be a storage position where a plurality of external drug containers 92 are stored in the second storage section 12.

[0087] 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.

[0088] The measuring position P4 is a position where the measuring section 18 measures the medicine contained in the intermediate container 91 or the output container 93.

[0089] The first removal position P5 is a position for removing the intermediate container 91 or the output container 93 to the outside of the medicine packaging device 1. For example, when the medicine is measured from the medicine container 15 to the intermediate container 91 or the output container 93 in the measuring unit 30, and the amount of medicine contained in the medicine container 15 is insufficient, and the amount of medicine removed (measured amount) is insufficient for the total amount of medicine, which is the target amount, the first removal position P5 is used to remove the intermediate container 91 or the output container 93 that contains the amount of medicine that does not meet the target amount to the outside of the medicine packaging device 1. This removal is performed via the first removal unit 25 provided in the medicine packaging device 1.

[0090] In this embodiment, the first removal 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 double as the first removal position P5.

[0091] The second removal position P6 is a position for removing the external drug container 92 before containing a drug to the outside of the drug packaging device 1 when the drug is measured using the weighing device 80 instead of the drug packaging device 1. This removal is performed via the second removal section 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 container 92 or intermediate container 91 containing the drug measured by the weighing device 80 for introduction into the drug packaging device 1.

[0092] The third removal position P7 is a position for removing the discharge container 93 to the outside of the medicine packaging device 1. For example, when the medicine packaging device 1 measures medicine but does not package it, the third removal position P7 is used to remove the discharge container 93 containing the medicine measured by the measuring unit 30 to the outside of the medicine packaging device 1. This removal is performed via the third removal unit 27 provided in the medicine packaging device 1.

[0093] The supply standby position P8 is a position where the intermediate container 91 is kept on standby after the weighing of the medicine is completed by the weighing unit 30 and before the medicine is discharged from the container in the packing unit 33 and supplied to the distribution tray 34a. The supply standby position P8 is also a position (introduction position) where the external medicine container 92 or the intermediate container 91 containing the medicine weighed by the weighing device 80 is set for introduction into the medicine packing device 1. The supply standby position P8 is set in the above-mentioned supply standby unit 23. The supply standby position P8 may also serve as the first removal position P5, the second removal position P6, or the third removal position P7.

[0094] The supply position P9 is the position of the intermediate container 91 or the external drug container 92 when drugs are supplied to the distribution tray 34a in the drug discharge section 32. The second transport section 14b transports the intermediate container 91 from the supply standby position P8 to the supply position P9. When an external drug container 92 or an intermediate container 91 containing drugs is introduced into the drug packaging device 1 from outside the drug packaging device 1, the introduction position of the container may be set to the supply position P9 and the operator may directly set the container in the drug discharge section 32. As described above, the drug packaging device 1 has a plurality of (specifically, four) drug discharge sections 32, and the supply position P9 is assigned to the four drug discharge sections 32.

[0095] The cleaning standby position P10 is a position where the intermediate container 91 or the external chemical container 92 waits for cleaning in the cleaning unit 38. The cleaning standby position P10 is set in the cleaning standby unit 37 described above.

[0096] The cleaning position P11 is a position where the intermediate container 91 or the external medicine container 92 is cleaned by the cleaning unit .

[0097] In this embodiment, the supply standby position P8 and the cleaning standby position P10 function as relay points for the transport of the container by the transport unit 14.

[0098] Specifically, the first transport unit 14a is configured to transport containers between the first standby position P1, the second standby position P2, the third standby position P3, the weighing position P4, the first take-out position P5, the second take-out position P6, the third take-out position P7, the supply standby position P8, and the cleaning standby position P10. On the other hand, the second transport unit 14b is configured to transport containers between the supply standby position P8, the supply position P9, and the cleaning standby position P10.

[0099] Therefore, after the control unit 50 has transported the intermediate containers 91, etc. to the supply standby position P8 by the first transport unit 14a, the transported intermediate containers 91, etc. can be transported from the supply standby position P8 by the second transport unit 14b at an appropriate timing. Also, after the second transport unit 14b has transported the intermediate containers 91, etc. to the cleaning standby position P10, the transported intermediate containers 91, etc. can be transported from the cleaning standby position P10 by the first transport unit 14a at an appropriate timing.

[0100] In this embodiment, the external drug container 92 stored in the second storage unit 12 is transported to the second removal position P6 by the first transport unit 14a so that it can be removed to the outside of the drug packaging device 1. However, the external drug container 92 stored in the second storage unit 12 may be removed by an operator. In this case, the second storage unit 12 may be provided outside the drug packaging device 1.

[0101] Next, the weighing device 80 will be described. Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram of the weighing device 80. As shown in Fig. 7, the weighing device 80 includes a control unit 81, a weighing unit 82, an information processing unit 83, and a display unit 84. The weighing unit 82, the information processing unit 83, and the display unit 84 are each electrically connected to the control unit 81. The weighing device 80 can weigh the drug contained in the external drug container 92. When the intermediate container 91 is used for external weighing, the weighing device 80 weighs the drug contained in the intermediate container 91.

[0102] The control unit 81 is capable of communicating with the control unit 50 of the medicine packaging device 1 and can receive dispensing data stored in the memory unit 61 of the medicine packaging device 1. Upon completion of measurement (such as measuring the medicine that is insufficient for the target amount), the measuring device 80 transmits the measurement result to the medicine packaging device 1.

[0103] The weighing unit 82 has substantially the same configuration as the weighing unit 18 of the medicine packaging device 1, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. The weighing device 80 weighs the medicine that the operator has taken out from an appropriate medicine bottle or the like onto a weighing dish or the like. Note that the weighing device 80 may also weigh the medicine together with the external medicine container 92 while the medicine is contained in the external medicine container 92.

[0104] The information processing unit 83 is disposed near the weighing unit 82. The information processing unit 83 has a barcode reader and an RFID reader / writer. The barcode reader can read barcodes provided on the medicine bottles and the like. The RFID reader / writer can read the contents of the information recording unit 92e of the external medicine container 92.

[0105] The information processing unit 83 performs a process of reading information stored in the barcode of the medicine bottle or the like and the information recording unit 92e of the external medicine container 92. Specifically, the information processing unit 83 reads medicine-specific information of the medicine bottle or the like from the barcode provided on the medicine bottle or the like, and the control unit 81 identifies the medicine contained in the medicine bottle or the like. The information processing unit 83 also reads container-specific information stored in the information recording unit 92e of the external medicine container 92. The weighing device 80 acquires dispensing data corresponding to the read container-specific information from the control unit 50 of the medicine packaging device 1. At that time, the weighing device 80 also acquires information on the medicine to be metered (including the target amount of the medicine).

[0106] Then, the control unit 81 identifies which of the drugs indicated by the drug information included in the dispensing data acquired from the control unit 50 of the drug packaging device 1 corresponds to the drug identified based on the drug identification information. When the control unit 81 determines that the drug identified based on the drug identification information matches any of the drugs indicated by the drug information included in the dispensing data, it selects the drug indicated by the matching drug information as the drug to be weighed. After completing the weighing of the drug selected as the drug to be weighed, the weighing device 80 transmits the weighing result including the measured amount of the drug together with the dispensing data acquired from the control unit 50 of the drug packaging device 1 via the control unit 81 to the control unit 50 of the drug packaging device 1. The control unit 50 of the drug packaging device 1 receives the weighing result and updates the dispensing data stored in the storage unit 61.

[0107] The information processing unit 83 can change the display content of the information display unit 92d of the external drug container 92. When the weighing of the drug by the weighing device 80 is completed, the information processing unit 83 causes the information display unit 92d of the external drug container 92 to display the measured amount (weighing result). In addition, as information regarding dispensing, the information display unit 92d may display a message indicating that an amount of drug equivalent to a target amount is contained and that the drug is ready to be introduced into the drug packaging device 1.

[0108] The display unit 84 is a device having a display screen capable of displaying characters and the like. The display unit 84 is disposed at an appropriate position of the weighing device 80. The display unit 84 can be configured, for example, as a display with a touch panel. For example, the name of the drug and the target amount and measured amount of the drug can be displayed on the display unit 84. In addition, the display unit 84 can display the result of the determination made by the control unit 81 as to whether or not the drug in the medicine bottle or the like matches the drug to be measured. This makes it possible to confirm that the drug in the medicine bottle or the like is the required drug based on the dispensing data.

[0109] Next, there will be described the process of supplying and packaging medicines, which is carried out using the medicine packaging device 1. Fig. 7 is a flow chart showing the flow of the process of supplying and packaging medicines.

[0110] First, as preparation, drug information is registered in the drug packaging device 1 (step S101). Specifically, information about the drug to be packaged by the drug packaging device 1 is stored in the memory unit 61 for each type of drug. The display unit 50 may display a drug information registration screen on the display unit 21, and the operator may input the drug information to this registration screen using the operation unit 22. Alternatively, the drug information may be input to the drug packaging device 1 by communication from an external device. The memory unit 61 stores a determination flag indicating whether the drug is likely to remain at the contact point in association with the drug information.

[0111] Next, dispensing data is input to the medicine packaging device 1 (step S102). The control unit 50 displays an input screen for dispensing data on the display unit 21. The dispensing data includes, for example, one or more names of medicines to be taken, dosage form (powder / tablet / capsule / liquid / external medicine), method of taking, dosage, etc. The method of taking refers to 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, and the dosage refers to the total amount taken (e.g., weight), the amount taken in one day (weight), the amount taken per dose (weight), etc. The dispensing data also includes the recipient, the target amount, the measurement result (measured amount or amount short of the target amount, surplus amount), and identification information (dispensing data number, etc.) that identifies each dispensing data.

[0112] The operator inputs the dispensing data to this input screen using the operation unit 22. The dispensing data input by the operator is stored in the storage 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 packing device 1 via communication from an information processing device such as an external dispensing equipment control device.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0122] If it is determined that the medicine contained in the intermediate container 91 is not one that requires cleaning of the intermediate container 91 (NO in step S206), the inner surface of the intermediate container 91 is deemed to have been sufficiently cleaned by the cleaning process in the previous step S204. In this case, the control unit 50 moves the intermediate container 91 cleaned by the cleaning unit 38 to the first standby position P1 (step S207). The control unit 50 controls the transport unit 14 to move the intermediate container 91 from the cleaning position P11 to the cleaning standby position P10, and further to move the intermediate container 91 from the cleaning standby position P10 to the first standby position P1. When the movement of the intermediate container 91 to the first standby position P1 is completed, the process ends (END).

[0123] If it is determined that the medicine contained in the intermediate container 91 is a medicine that requires cleaning of the intermediate container 91 (YES in step S206), then an image of the intermediate container 91 is captured (step S208), and the captured image is displayed on the display unit 21 (step S209). The control unit 50 outputs a control signal to the imaging device 56 attached to the cleaning unit 38 to capture an image of the inner surface of the intermediate container 91 at the cleaning position P11. The imaging device 56 that has received the control signal performs imaging. Specifically, the imaging device 56 captures an image of the inner surface of the storage section 91a and the inner surface of the discharge path section 91b shown in FIG. 4. The imaging device 56 transmits the captured image to the control unit 50. The control unit 50 that has received the image causes the display unit 21 to display the received image.

[0124] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing display unit 21 displaying a captured image of the inner surface of intermediate container 91. Display unit 21 shown in Fig. 10 displays a tip image 201 which is an image of discharge path portion 91b of intermediate container 91 captured by imaging device 56, and a center image 202 which is an image of storage portion 91a. An operator using medicine packaging device 1 looks at the captured image shown in Fig. 10 and determines whether additional cleaning of intermediate container 91 is necessary (step S210).

[0125] An image of the intermediate container 91 may also be taken when it is determined that the medicine contained in the intermediate container 91 is not a medicine that is likely to remain at the contact point and that cleaning of the intermediate container 91 is not required after being discharged from the intermediate container 91. In this case, the taken image is not displayed on the display unit 21. The imaging device 56 transmits the taken image to the control unit 50. The control unit 50, which has received the image, stores the received image so that it can be called up as necessary.

[0126] Fig. 11 is a diagram showing the display unit 21 displaying a selection screen for additional cleaning of the intermediate container 91. When the display unit 21 displays the screen shown in Fig. 10, the operator operates the operation unit 22, whereby a selection screen 210 shown in Fig. 11 is displayed. When the operator determines that additional cleaning of the intermediate container 91 is necessary, the operator operates the selection unit 211. When the operator determines that additional cleaning of the intermediate container 91 is not necessary, the operator operates the selection unit 212.

[0127] The selection units 211, 212 correspond to the input unit in the embodiment that receives an input related to the necessity of cleaning the intermediate container 91. The operator who has visually checked the screen shown in Fig. 10 and determined whether additional cleaning of the intermediate container 91 is necessary can input the result of the determination on the necessity of cleaning the intermediate container 91 to the control unit 50 by operating either of the selection units 211, 212.

[0128] If it is determined that additional cleaning of the intermediate container 91 is not necessary (NO in step S210), the intermediate container 91 is moved to the first standby position P1 in step S207, and the process ends (END).

[0129] If it is determined that additional cleaning of the intermediate container 91 is necessary (YES in step S210), the intermediate container 91 is moved to the first removal position P5 (step S211). The control unit 50 controls the transport unit 14 to move the intermediate container 91 from the cleaning position P11 to the cleaning standby position P10, and further to move the intermediate container 91 from the cleaning standby position P10 to the first removal position P5.

[0130] The operator takes out the intermediate container 91 transported to the first removal position P5 to the outside of the medicine packaging device 1, and manually performs additional cleaning. This additional cleaning may be any type of cleaning, such as suction, blowing compressed air, wiping with a brush or the like, washing with water, or a combination of these.

[0131] The control unit 50 determines whether the additional cleaning is complete (step S212). If it is determined that the additional cleaning is not complete (NO in step S212), the determination in step S212 is repeated. When the control unit 50 receives an input from the operator, it is determined that the additional cleaning is complete.

[0132] If it is determined that the additional cleaning is complete (YES in step S212), the intermediate container 91 is moved to the first standby position (step S213). The control unit 50 controls the transport unit 14 to move the intermediate container 91 after the additional cleaning from the first removal position P5 to the first standby position P1. When the movement of the intermediate container 91 to the first standby position P1 is completed, the process ends (END).

[0133] 12 is a flow diagram showing the flow of the process for cleaning the hopper 35a. To clean the hopper 35a, first, it is determined whether or not the packaging operation is completed (step S301). The determination in step S301 is repeated until the packaging operation is completed.

[0134] When it is determined that the packaging operation is completed (YES in step S301), cleaning of the inner surface of the hopper 35a is performed (step S302). The cleaning may be performed by any means, such as blowing compressed air onto the inner surface of the hopper 35a, suction, wiping with a brush, or a combination of these. By performing the cleaning, any medicine remaining on the inner surface of the hopper 35a is removed.

[0135] After the hopper 35a has been cleaned, the judgment flag is checked for the medicine packaged in the previous process (step S303). This judgment flag indicates whether the medicine is likely to remain at the contact point, and indicates whether the medicine path (hopper 35a) through which the medicine passed after packaging is required to be cleaned. Based on the result of checking the judgment flag, it is determined whether the medicine path (hopper 35a) of the medicine requires cleaning (step S304).

[0136] If it is determined that the packaged medicine does not require cleaning of the medicine path (NO in step S304), the inner surface of the hopper 35a is deemed to have been sufficiently cleaned by the cleaning process in the previous step S302, and the process is terminated (END).

[0137] If it is determined that the packaged medicine is a medicine that requires cleaning of the medicine path (YES in step S304), then an image of the inside of the hopper 35a is captured (step S305), and the captured image is displayed on the display unit 21 (step S306). The control unit 50 outputs a control signal to the imaging device 54 disposed above the hopper 35a to capture an image of the inner surface of the hopper 35a. Upon receiving the control signal, the imaging device 54 performs imaging. The imaging device 54 transmits the captured image to the control unit 50. Having received the image, the control unit 50 causes the display unit 21 to display the received image.

[0138] The image of the medicine path may also be captured when it is determined that the packaged medicine is not one that is likely to remain at the contact points and does not require cleaning of the medicine path after packaging. In this case, the captured image is not displayed on the display unit 21. The imaging device 54 transmits the captured image to the control unit 50. The control unit 50, which receives the image, stores the received image so that it can be called up as necessary.

[0139] Fig. 13 is a diagram showing display unit 21 displaying a captured image of the inner surface of hopper 35a. Display unit 21 shown in Fig. 13 displays hopper inner surface image 220, which is an image of the inner surface of hopper 35a captured by imaging device 54. An operator using medicine packaging device 1 looks at the captured image shown in Fig. 13 and determines whether additional cleaning of hopper 35a is necessary.

[0140] Fig. 14 is a diagram showing display unit 21 displaying a selection screen for additional cleaning of hopper 35a. When display unit 21 displays the screen shown in Fig. 13, the operator operates operation unit 22 to display selection screen 230 shown in Fig. 14. If the operator determines that additional cleaning of hopper 35a is necessary, he operates selection unit 231. If the operator determines that additional cleaning of hopper 35a is not necessary, he operates selection unit 232.

[0141] The selection units 231, 232 correspond to the input unit in the embodiment that receives an input related to the necessity of cleaning the hopper 35a. The operator who judges whether or not additional cleaning of the hopper 35a is necessary by visually checking the screen shown in Fig. 13 can input the result of the judgment on the necessity of cleaning the hopper 35a to the control unit 50 by operating either of the selection units 231, 232.

[0142] If it is determined that additional cleaning of the hopper 35a is not necessary (NO in step S307), the process ends (END).

[0143] If it is determined that additional cleaning of the hopper 35a is necessary (YES in step S307), additional cleaning of the hopper 35a is performed (step S308). The additional cleaning of the hopper 35a will be described in detail later.

[0144] The control unit 50 determines whether the additional cleaning is complete (step S309). If it is determined that the additional cleaning is not complete (NO in step S309), the determination in step S309 is repeated. The additional cleaning is determined to be complete when the control unit 50 receives an input from the operator or when the control unit 50 completes a series of additional cleaning processes. When the additional cleaning of the hopper 35a is completed, the process ends (END).

[0145] Fig. 15 is a flow diagram showing a first example of the process for additional cleaning of the hopper 35a. In the additional cleaning of the hopper 35a shown in Fig. 15, first, the lock of the hopper 35a is released (step S311).

[0146] 12, the operator, who has determined that additional cleaning of the hopper 35a is necessary, operates the selection unit 231 displayed on the display unit 21 to input the determination result that additional cleaning of the hopper 35a is necessary to the control unit 50. The control unit 50, which has received this input, outputs a control signal to the locking mechanism 52 (FIGS. 2 and 3) to instruct it to unlock the hopper 35a. The locking mechanism 52, which has received the control signal, unlocks the hopper 35a, making it possible to remove the hopper 35a from the medicine packaging device 1.

[0147] Next, the hopper 35a is removed from the medicine packaging device 1 (step S312). The removed hopper 35a is cleaned (step S313). After cleaning, the hopper 35a is reinstalled to the medicine packaging device 1 (step S314). The removal, additional cleaning, and reinstallation of the hopper 35a are performed manually by an operator who uses the medicine packaging device 1. The additional cleaning in step S313 may be any type of cleaning, such as suction, blowing compressed air, wiping with a brush or the like, washing with water, or a combination of these.

[0148] After the reattachment in step S314, the control unit 50 receives an input from the operator, and thereby determines that the hopper 35a for which additional cleaning has been completed has been attached. The control unit 50 then relocks the hopper 35a (step S315). The control unit 50 outputs a control signal to the locking mechanism 52 to instruct it to lock the hopper 35a. The locking mechanism 52, having received the control signal, locks the hopper 35a, thereby preventing the hopper 35a from being removed from the medicine packaging device 1. In this manner, the additional cleaning of the hopper 35a is completed (END).

[0149] In a first example of the process of additionally cleaning the hopper 35a, the supply of the next medicine to the distribution tray 34a is put on hold until cleaning of the hopper 35a after the previous medicine packaging is completed.

[0150] FIG. 16 is a flow diagram showing a flow of a second example of the process of additionally cleaning the hopper 35a. In the additional cleaning of the hopper 35a shown in FIG. 16, first, data of the cleaning material is input to the medicine packaging device 1 (step S321). The control unit 50 displays an input screen for the cleaning material data on the display unit 21. The cleaning material data includes, for example, the type of cleaning material, the amount of the cleaning material to be packaged, the number of packages, the number of empty packages, the packaging speed, the length (paper width) of the packaging material 40 per package, the distribution unit that supplies the cleaning material (left side, right side, both left and right sides), various conditions when supplying the cleaning material to the distribution tray 34a, and the like. The operator inputs the cleaning material data to this input screen using the operation unit 22. Instead of the configuration in which the operator manually inputs the cleaning material data, the cleaning material data may be input to the medicine packaging device 1 by communication from the outside.

[0151] When the input of the cleaning material data is completed, a command to start cleaning is issued (step S322). The operator uses the operation unit 22 to input a command to start cleaning to the control unit 50.

[0152] Next, the cleaning material is measured out from the medicine container 15 (step S323). The control unit 50 controls the measuring unit 30 to take out a required amount of cleaning material from the medicine container 15 in which the cleaning material is stored into the intermediate container 91. Instead of measuring out the cleaning material from the medicine container 15, a required amount of cleaning material may be stored in an external medicine container 92 outside the medicine packaging device 1, and the external medicine container 92 may be introduced into the medicine packaging device 1.

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

[0154] Next, the cleaning material is supplied from the containers (intermediate container 91, external medicine container 92) that store the cleaning material to the distribution tray 34a (step S324), and the cleaning material is packaged in the packaging unit 35 (step S325). When the cleaning material passes through the same path as the path through which the medicine passes when packaged, the cleaning material collides with the remaining medicine adhering to the inner surface of the path (distribution tray 34a, hopper 35a) and is peeled off from the inner surface, thereby cleaning the path with the cleaning material. When the packaging of the cleaning material is completed, the additional cleaning of the hopper 35a is completed (END).

[0155] In the second example of the process for additional cleaning of the hopper 35a, when the cleaning material is supplied from the drug container 15 containing the cleaning material to the distribution tray 34a, the measurement of the drug from the drug container 15 is postponed until the cleaning of the hopper 35a after the previous drug packaging is completed.

[0156] In the second example of the process for additionally cleaning the hopper 35a, when the supply of cleaning material from the external drug container 92 to the distribution tray 34a is executed, the transport of the intermediate container 91 containing the weighed drug is put on hold. The drug packaging device 1 has two distribution units 34. If the previous drug packaging uses only one distribution unit 34, the other distribution unit 34 (distribution tray 34a) does not need to be cleaned. For this reason, the other distribution unit 34 may be supplied with drugs to the distribution tray 34a and put on hold for the start of packaging. During that time, the one distribution unit 34 and the hopper 35a are cleaned with the cleaning material supplied from the external drug container 92.

[0157] As shown in Figs. 7 and 12, for medicines that require cleaning of the hopper 35a after packaging, after packaging is completed in step S301, the start of packaging of the next medicine is put on hold until cleaning of the hopper 35a is completed in step S309 (steps S105, S107). By optimizing the timing of cleaning of the hopper 35a and packaging of medicines in this way, the hopper 35a can be cleaned reliably. In addition, although it is possible that residual medicines attached to the inner surface of the hopper 35a may peel off from the inner surface due to cleaning, since packaging of the next medicine is not started until cleaning is completed, contamination of the medicine does not occur when packaging the next medicine. Therefore, the quality of packaging of medicines can be improved.

[0158] 7 and 12, for medicines that require cleaning of the hopper 35a after packaging, after packaging is completed in step S301, the supply of the next medicine to the distribution tray 34a is put on hold until cleaning of the hopper 35a is completed in step S309 (steps S105 and S106). If medicines have already been supplied to the distribution tray 34a when the hopper 35a is suctioned and cleaned, the medicines on the distribution tray 34a may also be sucked in. If the supply of the next medicine to the distribution tray 34a is not started until cleaning is completed, it is possible to reliably avoid suctioning the next medicine during cleaning.

[0159] As described with reference to Fig. 2, the first conveying unit 14a and the second conveying unit 14b can operate independently. After the second conveying unit 14b moves the container from the supply standby position P8 so that there is no container at the supply standby position P8, the first conveying unit 14a can convey the intermediate container 91 containing the medicine weighed out from the medicine container 15 to the supply standby position P8. By removing the next medicine from the medicine container 15 before the packaging of the medicine is completed and overlapping the time for packaging the medicine and the time for measuring the next medicine, the time required for measuring and packaging the medicine can be shortened.

[0160] As shown in Fig. 2, the medicine packaging device 1 is equipped with an imaging device 54 that captures an image of the inside of the hopper 35a. An operator using the medicine packaging device 1 can view the image captured by the imaging device 54, confirm the state of the inside of the hopper 35a, and then select whether or not to perform additional cleaning of the hopper 35a. If the operator confirms, as a result of checking the image, that the hopper 35a has been sufficiently cleaned by normal cleaning, the operator can select that additional cleaning is not necessary, in which case the time required for packaging medicines can be shortened.

[0161] 2 and 13, the medicine packaging device 1 is provided with a display unit 21 that displays an image captured by the imaging device 54. An operator using the medicine packaging device 1 can check the situation inside the hopper 35a by looking at the hopper inner surface image 220 displayed on the display unit 21.

[0162] 7 and 12, for medicines that require cleaning of the hopper 35a after packaging, after packaging is completed in step S301, an image captured by the imaging device 54 in step S306 is displayed on the display unit 21 before the packaging operation for the next medicine is started in step S107. In this way, when an operator who sees the hopper inner surface image 220 displayed on the display unit 21 selects that additional cleaning of the hopper 35a is necessary, the additional cleaning of the hopper 35a does not affect the packaging of the next medicine. When the next medicine is packaged, it is possible to prevent the medicine from passing through the hopper 35a with residual medicine adhering to its inner surface, and thus it is possible to avoid contamination of the medicine, thereby improving the quality of the medicine packaging.

[0163] 14, selection sections 231, 232 for receiving an input regarding whether or not additional cleaning of the hopper 35a is required are displayed on the display section 21, and the operator selects either of the selection sections 231, 232 by operating the operation section 22. This allows the operator to reliably input to the medicine packaging device 1 whether or not additional cleaning of the hopper 35a is required.

[0164] 2, the medicine packaging device 1 is provided with a locking mechanism 52 that locks the hopper 35a, and by releasing the lock on the hopper 35a by the locking mechanism 52, the hopper 35a can be removed from the medicine packaging device 1. An operator using the medicine packaging device 1 can remove the hopper 35a from the medicine packaging device 1 and easily clean the hopper 35a manually.

[0165] 12 and 15, when it is determined in step S307 that additional cleaning of hopper 35a is required, the lock of hopper 35a by locking mechanism 52 is released in step S311, making hopper 35a removable. When an operator using medicine packaging device 1 determines that additional cleaning is required, he or she can remove hopper 35a from medicine packaging device 1 and easily perform additional cleaning of hopper 35a manually.

[0166] As shown in Figs. 12 and 15, for medicines that require cleaning of the hopper 35a after packaging, after packaging is completed in step S301, a cleaning material is supplied from the medicine container 15 to the distribution tray 34a in steps S323 and S324. The cleaning material cleans the remaining medicine adhering to the inner surface of the medicine path, thereby ensuring that the medicine path is cleaned. The supply of the cleaning material is performed prior to packaging of the next medicine, and the timing of cleaning and packaging of the medicine is optimized, so that contamination of the medicine does not occur when packaging the next medicine. This improves the quality of the medicine packaging.

[0167] When the excipient contained in drug container 15 can be used as a cleaning material, there is no need to separately store the excipient and cleaning material in drug container 15, and it becomes possible to store more types of drugs in drug container 15, so that more types of drugs can be measured out using drug packaging device 1.

[0168] 8 and 9, in step S206, it is determined whether the medicine discharged from the intermediate container 91 is a medicine that requires cleaning of the intermediate container 91 after discharge. If the medicine does not require cleaning, in step S207, the intermediate container 91 after the medicine is discharged is transported to the first standby position P1.

[0169] If the medicine requires cleaning, the intermediate container 91 is in a position other than the first standby position P1, specifically, the cleaning position P11, the first removal position P5, or outside the medicine packaging device 1 during steps S208 to S212. If cleaning is not required, the intermediate container 91 is promptly returned to the first standby position P1 so that it can be used for the next dose. If cleaning is required, the intermediate container 91 is additionally cleaned at a position other than the first standby position P1 and then returned to the first standby position P1, so that contamination of the medicine does not occur when the next medicine is stored in the intermediate container 91. This can improve the quality of the medicine packaging.

[0170] 8, in step S203, the intermediate container 91 after discharging the medicine is transported to the cleaning position P11. In this way, the intermediate container 91 transported to the cleaning position P11 can be reliably cleaned by the cleaning unit 38.

[0171] 8 and 9, after discharging medicines that require cleaning of the intermediate container 91 after being discharged, the intermediate container 91 is cleaned in step S204 and then transported to the first removal position P5 in step S211. An operator using the medicine packaging device 1 can easily manually clean the intermediate container 91 by removing the intermediate container 91 transported to the first removal position P5 from the medicine packaging device 1.

[0172] 2 and 10, the medicine packaging device 1 includes an imaging device 56 that images an intermediate container 91, and a display unit 21 that displays the image captured by the imaging device 56. An operator using the medicine packaging device 1 can check the internal condition of the intermediate container 91 by looking at a tip image 201 and a center image 202 that are captured by the imaging device 56 and displayed on the display unit 21, and can then select whether or not to perform additional cleaning of the intermediate container 91. If it is confirmed by checking the images that the intermediate container 91 has been sufficiently cleaned by normal cleaning, the operator can select that additional cleaning is not required, in which case the time required for packaging medicines can be shortened.

[0173] As shown in FIG. 11, selection units 211, 212 for receiving an input regarding whether or not additional cleaning of the intermediate container 91 is required are displayed on the display unit 21, and the operator selects either of the selection units 211, 212 by operating the operation unit 22. This allows the operator to reliably input to the medicine packaging device 1 whether or not additional cleaning of the intermediate container 91 is required. When the selection unit 211 is selected and it is determined in step S210 shown in FIG. 9 that additional cleaning is required, the intermediate container 91 is transported to the first removal position P5 in step S211. The operator using the medicine packaging device 1 can take out the intermediate container 91 transported to the first removal position P5 to the outside of the medicine packaging device 1 and easily perform additional cleaning of the intermediate container 91 manually.

[0174] In the above description, an example has been described in which the images captured by the imaging devices 54, 56 are displayed on the display unit 21, and the operator who sees the images determines whether additional cleaning is required, but the present invention is not limited to this example. The control unit 50 or another computer may be configured to automatically determine whether additional cleaning is required by analyzing the images captured by the imaging devices 54, 56. In this case, if additional cleaning is not required, the next medicine is automatically supplied and packaged, and if additional cleaning is required, the operation of the medicine packaging device 1 may be put on hold to notify the operator that additional cleaning is required.

[0175] Although the embodiment has been described above, the disclosed embodiment should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims, not by the above description, and is intended to include the meaning equivalent to the claims, and all modifications within the scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0176] 1 Drug packaging device, 14 Conveying section, 14a First conveying section, 14b Second conveying section, 15 Drug container, 17 Drug removal section, 18 Measuring section, 18a Placement table, 18b Detection section, 21 Display section, 22 Operation section, 23 Supply standby section, 30 Weighing section, 32 Drug discharge section, 32a Container mounting section, 32b Vibration device, 33 Packaging section, 34 Distribution section, 34a Distribution tray, 34b Feeding section, 35 Packaging section, 35a Hopper, 35b Heater, 37 Cleaning standby section, 38 Cleaning section, 40 Packaging material, 50 Control section, 52 Locking mechanism, 54, 56 Imaging device, 61 Memory section, 62 Weighing selection section, 65 Guide section, 91 Intermediate container, 92 External drug container, 93 Discharge container, 100 Dispensing system, 201 tip image, 202 center image, 210, 230 selection screen, 211, 212, 231, 232 selection section, 220 hopper inner surface image, P1 first 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.

Claims

1. a supply unit for supplying a drug; a drug path through which the drug supplied by the supply unit passes; A packaging unit that packages the medicine that has passed through the medicine path; A control unit that controls the supply unit and the packaging unit, The control unit determines whether additional cleaning of the medicine path is required after cleaning the medicine path after packaging the medicine, When the control unit determines that additional cleaning of the medicine path is necessary, after packaging of the medicine that requires additional cleaning of the medicine path is completed, the control unit waits to start packaging the next medicine until the additional cleaning of the medicine path is completed.

2. A distributing unit that distributes the drug supplied from the supply unit into individual doses, The drug packaging device of claim 1, wherein the control unit waits to start supplying the next drug from the supply unit to the distribution unit after packaging of the drug that requires additional cleaning of the drug path is completed until the additional cleaning of the drug path is completed.

3. The supply unit supplies the medicine from a medicine container that contains the medicine, The medicine packaging device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit removes the next medicine from the medicine container before packaging of the medicine that requires the additional cleaning of the medicine path is completed.

4. An imaging device for imaging the inside of the drug pathway; The drug packaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a display unit that displays an image captured by the imaging device.

5. The medicine packaging device according to claim 4 , wherein the display unit displays the image captured by the imaging device after the packaging of the medicine that requires the additional cleaning of the medicine path is completed and before the start of a packaging operation for the next medicine.

6. The drug packaging device according to claim 4 or 5, further comprising an input unit operated by an operator viewing the image displayed on the display unit, and receiving an input relating to whether or not the additional cleaning of the drug path is required.

7. The drug pathway is removable from a housing of the drug packaging device; Further comprising a locking mechanism to prevent removal of the drug pathway; The medicine packaging device according to claim 6 , wherein when the input unit receives an input indicating that the additional cleaning of the medicine path is required, the control unit releases the locking mechanism to allow the medicine path to be removed.

8. A supply unit that supplies the chemicals supplied from a chemical container that contains the chemicals and cleaning material; a drug path through which the drug supplied by the supply unit passes; A packaging unit that packages the medicine that has passed through the medicine path; A control unit that controls the supply unit and the packaging unit, The control unit determines whether additional cleaning of the medicine path is required after cleaning the medicine path after packaging the medicine, When the control unit determines that additional cleaning of the drug path is necessary, the drug packaging device controls the cleaning material to be supplied from the supply unit to the packaging unit after the packaging of the drug that requires additional cleaning of the drug path is completed and cleaning of the drug path is completed, waiting for the start of packaging of the next drug.

9. The pharmaceutical packaging device of claim 8 , wherein the cleaning material is an excipient.

Images