Water supply device

Abstract

To provide a liquid medicine supply device capable of shortening a time to start processing of topping up with excipient.SOLUTION: A liquid medicine supply device for supplying liquid medicine from a liquid medicine bottle storing the liquid medicine to a medication bottle, includes a bottle holding part for holding the liquid medicine bottle and an excipient bottle storing excipient, an excipient supply pipe in which the excipient heading from the excipient bottle to the medication bottle flows, a supply pipe moving part for moving the excipient supply pipe, and a control part for controlling the operation of the liquid medicine supply device. The control part executes dispensing processing of supplying the liquid medicine from the liquid medicine bottle to the medication bottle, when the dispensing processing is completed, immediately moves the excipient supply pipe and makes the excipient supply pipe face an upper opening of the medication bottle.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, dispensing pharmacies and the like dispense liquid medicines, which are liquid medicines. According to a patient's prescription, one or more types of liquid medicines are sequentially poured into a prescription bottle in predetermined amounts, and necessary excipients are poured, to dispense the liquid medicine. JP 2013-184027 A (Patent Document 1) discloses a control for pouring excipients after dispensing a liquid medicine into a prescription bottle. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2013-184027 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the above document, after dispensing of the liquid medication is completed, the user judges whether or not it is necessary to add excipients, and if it is judged that addition is necessary, the user operates a button to instruct the addition of excipients, and the excipients are dispensed into the prescription bottle. Therefore, it takes a long time before the addition of excipients can begin.

[0005] The present disclosure proposes a liquid medication dispensing device that can shorten the time required to start the process of refilling an excipient. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In accordance with the present disclosure, a liquid medication supplying device is proposed that supplies a liquid medication from a liquid medication bottle containing the liquid medication to a prescription bottle. The liquid medication supplying device includes a bottle holding section that holds the liquid medication bottle and an excipient bottle containing an excipient, an excipient supplying pipe through which the excipient flows from the excipient bottle to the prescription bottle, a supply pipe moving section that moves the excipient supplying pipe, and a control section that controls the operation of the liquid medication supplying device. The control section executes a dispensing process to supply the liquid medication from the liquid medication bottle to the prescription bottle, and immediately after the dispensing process is completed, moves the excipient supplying pipe so that the excipient supplying pipe faces the upper opening of the prescription bottle.

[0007] The liquid medication dispensing device may further include an input unit through which a user of the liquid medication dispensing device inputs an instruction to execute a top-up process to supply the excipient from the excipient bottle to the prescribing bottle, and the control unit may wait for input of the instruction to execute the top-up process with the excipient supply pipe facing the top opening of the prescribing bottle.

[0008] The liquid medication supplying device is configured so that it is possible to set whether or not to perform a top-up process, and when it is set so that the top-up process is not performed, the control unit may omit moving the excipient supply pipe to face the upper opening of the prescription bottle after completion of the dispensing process.

[0009] The liquid medication dispensing device may further include an input unit through which a user of the liquid medication dispensing device inputs an instruction to stop the top-up process of supplying the excipient from the excipient bottle to the prescribing bottle, and the control unit may stop movement of the excipient supplying tube when the instruction to stop the top-up process is input before the excipient supplying tube moves to a position facing the top opening of the prescribing bottle. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the liquid medication dispensing device of the present disclosure, it is possible to shorten the time until the process of replenishing excipients can be started. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a liquid medication dispensing device of an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of the liquid medication dispensing device shown in FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] 3 is a cross-sectional view of the liquid medication dispensing device taken along line III-III shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 4 is a cross-sectional view of the liquid medication dispensing device taken along line IV-IV shown in FIG. 2. [Diagram 5] 3 is a cross-sectional view of the liquid medication dispensing device taken along line VV shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a supply pipe. [Figure 7] 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the liquid medication dispensing device. FIG. [Figure 8] 13 is an example of a table showing settings for a top-up process. [Figure 9] 13 is a flowchart showing a start-up of the liquid medication dispensing device. [Figure 10] 1 is a first flow chart showing a dispensing process and a top-off process. [Figure 11] 11 is a second flow chart showing the dispensing process and the top-off process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will not be repeated.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of liquid medication dispensing device 1 of an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a front view of liquid medication dispensing device 1 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of liquid medication dispensing device 1 taken along line III-III shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of liquid medication dispensing device 1 taken along line IV-IV shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of liquid medication dispensing device 1 taken along line VV shown in FIG. 2. Liquid medication dispensing device 1 of an embodiment is used to supply and dispense liquid medication 5, which is a liquid medication, from liquid medication bottle 23 containing liquid medication 5 to prescription bottle 2 in accordance with a prescription for a patient.

[0014] Liquid medication supplying device 1 includes liquid medication supplying unit 3 which supplies liquid medication 5 from liquid medication bottle 23 to prescription bottle 2, and weight detection unit 4 which detects the weight of liquid medication 5 contained in prescription bottle 2. The volume of liquid medication 5 supplied to prescription bottle 2 is calculated from the weight of liquid medication 5 detected by weight detection unit 4 and the specific gravity of liquid medication 5. Liquid medication supplying unit 3 is controlled so that a predetermined volume of liquid medication 5 in accordance with the prescription is supplied to prescription bottle 2. Liquid medication supplying unit 3 and weight detection unit 4 are provided in housing 6. Housing 6 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape, and is placed in an upright position on a horizontal installation surface.

[0015] A support frame 8 is provided inside the housing 6. The support frame 8 is disposed between a bottom plate 9 and a top plate 10 of the housing 6, more specifically, disposed closer to the top plate 10 of the housing 6. The internal space of the housing 6 is divided by the support frame 8 into an upper space 11 above the support frame 8 and a lower space 12 below the support frame 8. A touch panel 14 and printers 17a and 17b are disposed on a front surface 13 of the housing 6. A lower opening 15 that communicates the lower space 12 with the outside of the housing 6 is also formed on the front surface 13.

[0016] The lower opening 15 is formed between the left and right side portions 16a, 16b in the front portion 13 of the housing 6. A curved, plate-like front cover portion 18 that separates the lower space 12 from the outside of the housing 6 is disposed above the lower opening 15 between the left and right side portions 16a, 16b. The front cover portion 18 is formed of a transparent material so that the lower space 12 can be seen from the outside of the front side of the housing 6. The front cover portion 18 is attached to one of the left and right side portions 16a, 16b via a hinge and is provided so as to be rotatable around the axis of the hinge, whereby the front cover portion 18 can be opened and closed.

[0017] Liquid medication supplying unit 3 is disposed in lower space 12 and includes rotating drum 21 which is a rotating body provided rotatably about an axis (hereinafter referred to as the "drum axis") perpendicular to support frame 8, and drum rotation motor 22 which is placed on the upper surface of support frame 8 and rotates rotating drum 21 about the drum axis relative to support frame 8. Liquid medication supplying unit 3 also includes a plurality of pumps 24 which are provided on rotating drum 21 and which transfer liquid medication 5 from a plurality of liquid medication bottles 23 containing liquid medication 5 to prescription bottle 2, and pump drive unit 25 which drives each pump 24. Each pump 24 may be a tube pump.

[0018] Rotating drum 21 has a pump holder 31 that holds each pump 24, and a liquid medication bottle holder 32 that holds each liquid medication bottle 23 in an upright position with its opening open upward. Liquid medication bottle holder 32 is provided below pump holder 31, and is formed in a ring-shaped flat plate shape in plan view. Pump holder 31 has pumps 24 arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction of an imaginary circle centered on the drum axis (hereinafter referred to as the "drum circumferential direction"). Liquid medication bottles 23 are arranged at intervals in the drum circumferential direction on liquid medication bottle holder 32.

[0019] In the present embodiment, the numbers of liquid medication bottles 23 and pumps 24 mounted on rotating drum 21 can be arbitrarily changed depending on the purpose. A plurality of liquid medication bottles 23 may each contain a plurality of different types of liquid medication 5. A plurality of liquid medication bottles 23 may contain the same type of liquid medication 5 that is frequently prescribed. One or more liquid medication bottles 23 contain an excipient such as tap water or simple syrup. In the following explanation, liquid medication bottles 23 containing an excipient are also referred to as excipient bottles.

[0020] Pump drive unit 25 selectively drives each of pumps 24 to selectively supply liquid medication 5 or excipient from multiple liquid medication bottles 23 to prescription bottle 2. Connecting member 42 is fixed to the tip of drive shaft 41 which is driven to rotate by pump drive unit 25. Connected member 44 which is connected to connecting member 42 is fixed to rotating shaft 43 of the rotor of each pump 24. Connecting member 42 and connected member 44 transmit rotational force to pump 24. Pumps 24 are configured to be driven individually in conjunction with the rotation of rotating drum 21.

[0021] The pump drive unit 25 has a pump drive motor 40 that drives the pump 24, and a movement motor 39 that moves the pump drive motor 40. By driving the movement motor 39, the pump drive motor 40 moves in the front-rear direction. This movement of the pump drive motor 40 makes it possible to switch between a connected state in which a connecting member 42 of the pump drive motor 40 is connected to a connected member 44 of the pump 24, and a disconnected state in which the connecting member 42 is not connected to the connected member 44. In the disconnected state, the rotating drum 21 can rotate relative to the support frame 8.

[0022] By rotating drum 21 in the disconnected state, rotating drum 21 is moved to a position where connected member 44 of a specific pump 24 selected in accordance with dispensing data created based on the prescription information inputted into liquid medication dispensing device 1 faces connecting member 42. After rotating drum 21 rotates, connecting member 42 is switched to a connected state in which it is connected to connected member 44. This allows the selected specific pump 24 to be driven to dispense liquid medication 5 or excipient supplied from the desired liquid medication bottle 23 into prescription bottle 2. Note that although connecting member 42 and connected member 44 are both composed of gears, any configuration may be used as long as it is capable of transmitting power.

[0023] A plurality of liquid medication bottles 23 are mounted on liquid medication bottle holder 32 of rotating drum 21. A plurality of cups 58 for holding liquid medication bottles 23 are attached to the upper side of liquid medication bottle holder 32. Cups 58 are formed in a hollow cylindrical shape with a bottom. Cups 58 function as holders for holding liquid medication bottles 23. Liquid medication bottles 23 are accommodated inside cups 58, and the bottoms of liquid medication bottles 23 are held by cups 58.

[0024] A rotation drive unit 51 that generates a rotational force is disposed below liquid medication bottle holder 32. Rotation drive unit 51 rotates liquid medication bottle 23 along the center line of liquid medication bottle 23. As liquid medication bottle 23 rotates, liquid medication 5 contained in liquid medication bottle 23 flows inside liquid medication bottle 23 in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical side part of liquid medication bottle 23, along the direction of rotation of liquid medication bottle 23. By generating a flow of liquid medication 5 contained in liquid medication bottle 23, liquid medication 5 is agitated inside liquid medication bottle 23.

[0025] Pump holder 31 of rotating drum 21 is provided with pumps 24 corresponding to each of the plurality of liquid medication bottles 23. Nozzle mounting plate 53, which is an annular flat plate, is provided at the lower end of pump holder 31. Nozzle mounting plate 53 is disposed above liquid medication bottle holder 32. Nozzle mounting plate 53 and liquid medication bottle holder 32 are parallel to each other, and are configured to be rotatable together with rotating drum 21 about the drum axis on a horizontal plane. Due to the rotation of rotating drum 21, the plurality of liquid medication bottles 23, pump 24, and supply nozzle 36 also rotate together in the horizontal direction. Rotating drum 21 functions as a supply pipe moving section, which moves supply pipe 60, which will be described later and includes supply nozzle 36.

[0026] The multiple supply nozzles 36 are attached on the same circumference on the outer periphery of the nozzle attachment plate 53. The supply nozzles 36 are arranged on the nozzle attachment plate 53 at equal intervals in the drum circumferential direction on a virtual circle centered on the drum axis. An upper opening 2A is formed in the prescription bottle 2, and the multiple supply nozzles 36 are configured so that supply ports 36A can move relatively to the upper opening 2A of the prescription bottle 2.

[0027] The supply nozzle 36 rotates about the drum axis as the rotating drum 21 rotates. The supply nozzle 36 moves along the drum circumferential direction, which is the circumferential direction of an imaginary circle centered on the drum axis. The supply pipe 60 including the supply nozzle 36 moves in the drum circumferential direction due to the rotation of the rotating drum 21, and moves relative to the prescription bottle 2. The supply port 36A of the supply nozzle 36 moves relative to the upper opening 2A of the prescription bottle 2, so that one of the multiple supply ports 36A is disposed opposite the upper opening 2A in order.

[0028] The supply nozzle 36 is disposed at an incline at a predetermined angle with respect to the drum axis. The liquid medication 5 flowing out from the supply port 36A of the supply nozzle 36 is supplied into the prescription bottle 2 via the upper opening 2A of the prescription bottle 2. Since the supply nozzle 36 is disposed at an incline with respect to the drum axis, the liquid medication 5 injected into the prescription bottle 2 flows along the inner peripheral side wall of the prescription bottle 2. This makes it possible to prevent the liquid medication 5 from bubbling inside the prescription bottle 2. An attachment part 55 is fixed to the upper side of the nozzle attachment plate 53. The supply nozzle 36 is provided so as to be detachable from the attachment part 55 as desired, and is attached to the nozzle attachment plate 53 via the attachment part 55.

[0029] The weight detection unit 4 is disposed in the lower opening 15. The weight detection unit 4 has an electronic balance 45, a casing 46 that houses the electronic balance 45, and a prescription bottle holder 47 that is placed and fixed on the electronic balance 45 and holds the prescription bottle 2 in an upright state so that the upper opening 2A opens upward. The electronic balance 45 detects the weight of the liquid medication 5 supplied to the prescription bottle 2. When the weight of the liquid medication 5 reaches a predetermined value, the liquid medication supply unit 3 stops driving the pump 24 and stops supplying the liquid medication 5 to the prescription bottle 2. The electronic balance 45 may be of any type, such as a tuning fork type, a load cell type, or an electromagnetic type. The casing 46 is provided at the lower part between the left and right side parts 16a, 16b in the front part 13 of the housing 6. The prescription bottle holder 47 has a mounting base 48 on which the prescription bottle 2 is placed, and a holder 49 that is provided on the upper side of the mounting base 48 and holds the prescription bottle 2.

[0030] Weight detection unit 4 is lifted and lowered by lifting device 50 as a drive unit shown in Fig. 5. Lifting device 50 moves weight detection unit 4 in the vertical direction so that weight detection unit 4 can be located at two positions, an attachment / detachment position and a dispensing position, and accordingly moves prescription bottle 2 placed on mounting base 48 of weight detection unit 4. The attachment / detachment position is a position for attaching prescription bottle 2 onto mounting base 48 of liquid medication dispensing device 1 or for removing prescription bottle 2 from mounting base 48. The dispensing position is a position for dispensing liquid medication 5 by supplying prescription bottle 2 to prescription bottle 2 by bringing prescription bottle 2 closer to supply nozzle 36 than at the attachment / detachment position. Lifting device 50 moves prescription bottle 2 back and forth between the attachment / detachment position and the dispensing position.

[0031] 6 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of supply pipe 60. Supply pipe 60 forms a path through which liquid medication 5 or excipient flows from liquid medication bottle 23 to prescription bottle 2. Liquid medication supply device 1 is provided with a plurality of supply pipes 60 so as to be able to supply different liquid medication 5 or excipients from each of a plurality of liquid medication bottles 23 to prescription bottle 2. Supply pipe 60 through which excipient flows from liquid medication bottle 23 containing excipient to prescription bottle 2 is also referred to as an excipient supply pipe in the following description.

[0032] Supply pipe 60 includes supply nozzle 36, tube 34, and elbow member 65 described above. Tube 34 has suction end 34a which is one end, and discharge end 34b which is the other end. Open suction end 34a of tube 34 is disposed inside liquid medication bottle 23 and is immersed in liquid medication 5 inside liquid medication bottle 23. Suction end 34a is the end at the side where liquid medication 5 is sucked into tube 34 when liquid medication 5 is supplied from liquid medication bottle 23 to prescription bottle 2. Discharge end 34b is the end at the side where liquid medication 5 is discharged from tube 34 when liquid medication 5 is supplied from liquid medication bottle 23 to prescription bottle 2. Discharge end 34b of tube 34 is attached to elbow member 65. Elbow member 65 connects tube 34 and supply nozzle 36.

[0033] Supply port 36A, which is the open end of supply nozzle 36, forms one end of supply pipe 60 on the prescription bottle 2 side. One end of supply pipe 60 is arranged facing upper opening 2A of prescription bottle 2. When liquid medication 5 or excipient in liquid medication bottle 23 is supplied to prescription bottle 2, supply port 36A of supply nozzle 36 is arranged facing upper opening 2A of prescription bottle 2. Liquid medication 5 flows out of supply pipe 60 toward prescription bottle 2 via one end of supply pipe 60. Suction end 34a of tube 34 forms the other end of supply pipe 60 on the liquid medication bottle 23 side. The other end of supply pipe 60 is inserted into liquid medication bottle 23 and is submerged in liquid medication 5 contained in liquid medication bottle 23.

[0034] Pump 24 is used as a power source that sucks liquid medication 5 in liquid medication bottle 23 toward supply nozzle 36. When pump 24 is a tube pump, a midway portion of tube 34 between suction end 34a and discharge end 34b is inserted into pump 24 and is held by pump 24 in a detachable manner.

[0035] By driving pump 24, liquid medication 5 in liquid medication bottle 23 is sucked from suction end 34a into supply pipe 60, flows through the inside of supply pipe 60, and flows out of supply pipe 60 via supply port 36A of supply nozzle 36. Liquid medication 5 flowing out of supply pipe 60 flows into prescribing bottle 2 via upper opening 2A of prescribing bottle 2. In this manner, liquid medication 5 is transferred from each of the plurality of liquid medication bottles 23 to prescribing bottle 2 via supply pipe 60, and liquid medication 5 is supplied to prescribing bottle 2. By selecting a combination of liquid medication bottle 23 and supply pipe 60, different types of liquid medication 5 or excipients are selectively supplied to prescribing bottle 2.

[0036] The elbow member 65 has a 90° elbow shape. The liquid medication 5 flows from the tube 34 to the supply nozzle 36 via the elbow member 65. The elbow member 65 makes the flow of the liquid medication 5 flowing from the tube 34 into the elbow member 65 an upward flow that flows vertically upward, and the flow of the liquid medication 5 flowing from the elbow member 65 to the supply nozzle 36 a downward flow that flows vertically downward. The vertical flow direction of the liquid medication 5 flowing in the supply pipe 60 toward the supply port 36A changes inside the elbow member 65. As a result, of the liquid medication 5 present inside the supply pipe 60, the liquid medication 5 that can flow toward the supply port 36A due to the action of gravity when the pump 24 is stopped is limited to only the liquid medication 5 present inside the elbow member 65 and the supply nozzle 36.

[0037] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of liquid medication dispensing device 1. As shown in FIG. 7, liquid medication dispensing device 1 includes a control unit 90 that controls the overall operation of liquid medication dispensing device 1. Touch panel 14 functions as an input unit for inputting various parameters related to the operation of liquid medication dispensing device 1, such as prescription data, various information, such as the patient's name and the pharmacist's name, and an instruction to execute a top-up process for supplying excipients from the excipient bottle to prescription bottle 2 after completion of dispensing processing. Touch panel 14 also functions as a display unit that displays the operating status of liquid medication dispensing device 1. In addition to touch panel 14, liquid medication dispensing device 1 may also include, as the display unit, a lamp that is turned on when a malfunction of liquid medication dispensing device 1 occurs, for example.

[0038] Electronic balance 45 detects the weight of liquid medication 5 supplied to prescription bottle 2 and inputs the detected weight value to control unit 90. Control unit 90 supplies a predetermined amount of liquid medication 5 to prescription bottle 2 while receiving weight data of liquid medication 5 in prescription bottle 2 from electronic balance 45. Liquid medication supplying device 1 is equipped with a sensor 85 for detecting the position of prescription bottle 2. Prescription bottle 2 moves up and down between the attachment / detachment position and the prescription position as described above. Sensor 85 detects that prescription bottle 2 is in a predetermined prescription position when liquid medication 5 is supplied to prescription bottle 2. Sensor 85 detects that prescription bottle 2 is in the prescription position and inputs the detection result to control unit 90.

[0039] Liquid medication dispensing device 1 is equipped with bottle position detection means 91 which detects the position of each liquid medication bottle 23 in lower space 12 inside housing 6. Bottle position detection means 91 may be, for example, various types of sensors, and the sensor may detect the rotation angle of liquid medication bottle holder 32 about the drum axis. As liquid medication bottle 23 rotates about the drum axis as rotating drum 21 rotates, the current position of liquid medication bottle 23 changes frequently. The current position of liquid medication bottle 23 is accurately detected using bottle position detection means 91, and data related to the detected current position of liquid medication bottle 23 is input to control unit 90.

[0040] Liquid medication dispensing device 1 also includes a communication unit 92 for communicating with an external device and receiving data from the external device. Various parameters related to the operation of liquid medication dispensing device 1 may be input to control unit 90 by operating touch panel 14 described above, or alternatively, may be input to control unit 90 from an external computer via communication unit 92.

[0041] Liquid medication dispensing device 1 also includes memory 93 for use by control unit 90 to perform calculations. Memory 93 stores data on liquid medication 5 and excipients contained in liquid medication bottle 23 mounted on liquid medication dispensing device 1, as well as data relating to the current position of liquid medication bottle 23. Liquid medication dispensing device 1 also includes a recording medium access unit 94 for mounting a removable recording medium. The data on liquid medication 5 and excipients described above may be stored on various recording media mounted in recording medium access unit 94, and may be read by control unit 90 as appropriate from the recording media.

[0042] Control unit 90 controls liquid medication dispensing device 1 based on the information input from the various devices described above. Specifically, control unit 90 transmits control signals to drum rotation motor 22, movement motor 39, pump drive motor 40, stirring motor 52 for stirring liquid medication 5, and lifting device 50, and each motor is operated and stopped as appropriate, thereby supplying liquid medication 5 from liquid medication bottle 23 to prescription bottle 2. After the supply of liquid medication 5 has been completed, a piece of paper on which the dispensing result is printed is output from printers 17a, 17b constituting output unit 17.

[0043] 8 is an example of a table showing settings for the top-up process. Liquid medication dispensing device 1 of an embodiment can carry out a dispensing process of supplying liquid medication 5 to prescription bottle 2 based on prescription information, and a top-up process of supplying excipients from an excipient bottle to prescription bottle 2 after completion of the dispensing process. The settings for the top-up process can be set arbitrarily.

[0044] Dispensing data is input to the liquid medication dispensing device 1. The dispensing data is data created based on prescription information and used to operate the liquid medication dispensing device 1. This dispensing data may include settings for a top-up process.

[0045] A user, such as a pharmacist who operates liquid medication dispensing device 1, may input the setting for the top-up process. For example, the user may be allowed to input the setting for the top-up process by operating touch panel 14. When the setting for the top-up process is included in the dispensing data, the user does not need to input the setting for the top-up process. The setting for the top-up process included in the dispensing data may be arbitrarily changed by user input.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 8, the settings for the top-up process can set whether or not to perform the top-up process and the type of excipient. A user of liquid medication dispensing device 1 can arbitrarily set whether or not to perform the top-up process. For example, the user can set whether or not to perform the top-up process as an initial setting, in accordance with the internal regulations of a hospital or pharmacy. When excipients are included in the dispensing data, control unit 90 may set the type of excipient so that the excipient used in the top-up process is the same type as the excipient used in the dispensing process. A setting may also be made such that the excipient used in the dispensing process is not given priority, in which case the top-up process is performed using the excipient set in the table (purified water in the case of FIG. 8) regardless of the type of excipient used in the dispensing process.

[0047] 9 is a flowchart showing the start-up of liquid medication dispensing device 1. When starting up liquid medication dispensing device 1, first in step (S11) the user switches the power of liquid medication dispensing device 1 from off to on, and in step (S12) control unit 90 checks the start-up of devices included in liquid medication dispensing device 1, such as each motor, and confirms that all devices are able to operate normally. Next, in step (S13), control unit 90 transmits a control signal to drum rotation motor 22, which rotates and moves rotating drum 21 to the initial position.

[0048] A position where supply port 36A of any of supply nozzles 36 faces upper opening 2A of prescription bottle 2 may be set as the initial position of rotating drum 21. Alternatively, a position where none of supply ports 36A of supply nozzles 36 faces upper opening 2A of prescription bottle 2 may be set as the initial position of rotating drum 21. Once movement to the initial position is complete, the process proceeds to step (S14) and liquid medication dispensing device 1 goes into a standby state. In this manner, a series of operations at the time of startup of liquid medication dispensing device 1 is performed.

[0049] 10 and 11 are flowcharts showing the dispensing process and the top-up process. When dispensing process is performed according to dispensing data based on prescription information using liquid medication dispensing device 1 of the embodiment, first, in step (S21), an instruction to start dispensing is given. For example, after liquid medication dispensing device 1 receives the dispensing data, a user of liquid medication dispensing device 1 may operate touch panel 14 to select the dispensing data and touch a start button to start dispensing. Also, for example, dispensing may start immediately when control unit 90 receives the dispensing data via communication unit 92. When an instruction to start dispensing is given, control unit 90 commands printers 17a, 17b to print a label to be affixed to prescription bottle 2 on which the patient's name, pharmacy name, medication time, medication amount, etc. are printed.

[0050] Next, in step (S22), it is determined whether or not the prescription bottle 2 is held by the prescription bottle holder 47 described with reference to Figs. 1 to 5. A display is displayed on touch panel 14 urging the user to set the prescription bottle 2. When the user of the liquid medication dispensing device 1 causes the prescription bottle 2 to be held by the prescription bottle holder 47, the user operates a button on touch panel 14 indicating completion of setting the prescription bottle 2. When the setting completion button for the prescription bottle 2 is operated, it is determined that the prescription bottle is held by the prescription bottle holder 47, and the process proceeds to step (S23).

[0051] In step (S23), the control unit 90 transmits a control signal to the lifting device 50, which moves the weight detection unit 4 upward, thereby lifting the prescription bottle 2 from the attachment / detachment position to the prescription position. The weight detection unit 4 moves upward until it reaches the prescription position where the liquid medication 5 can be supplied from the supply nozzle 36 to the prescription bottle 2. When the prescription bottle 2 reaches the prescription position, the vertical position of the prescription bottle 2 is then confirmed in step (S24). When the upper opening 2A of the prescription bottle 2 reaches a specified position, the position of the prescription bottle 2 is detected by the sensor 85 shown in FIG. 7. The control unit 90 receives a signal indicating the position of the prescription bottle 2 from the sensor 85, and confirms the position of the prescription bottle 2.

[0052] Next, in step (S25), the prescription bottle 2 is moved to a position where it does not interfere with the rotation of the rotating drum 21. Specifically, a control signal is sent from the control unit 90 to the lifting device 50, and the lifting device 50 moves downward to a certain extent, whereby the prescription bottle 2 also moves downward. Note that the movement direction of the prescription bottle 2 is not limited to the up and down direction, and may be, for example, a direction away from the rotating drum 21.

[0053] After the prescription bottle 2 is moved, next in step (S26), the drum rotation motor 22 is controlled to rotate the rotating drum 21. The control unit 90 transmits a control signal to the drum rotation motor 22, and transmits the driving force of the drum rotation motor 22 to the rotating drum 21. The drum rotation motor 22 is driven, thereby rotating the rotating drum 21. By the rotation of the rotating drum 21, the supply pipe 60 corresponding to the liquid medication 5 to be supplied to the prescription bottle 2 moves horizontally along the drum circumferential direction until the supply port 36A of the supply nozzle 36 reaches a position facing the upper opening 2A of the prescription bottle 2.

[0054] When the rotation of the rotating drum 21 is completed, next in step (S27), the pump drive motor 40 is moved forward and the connecting member 42 of the pump drive motor 40 is connected to the connected member 44 of the pump 24. This makes it possible for the rotation of the pump drive motor 40 to be transmitted to the pump 24, i.e., makes the pump 24 drivable.

[0055] Next, in step (S28), the prescription bottle 2 moved in step (S25) is moved again to the dispensing position. A control signal is sent from the control unit 90 to the lifting device 50, and the lifting device 50 moves upward again, so that the prescription bottle 2 also moves upward. As a result, the prescription bottle 2 is disposed at a dispensing position where the liquid medication 5 can be supplied from the supply nozzle 36 to the prescription bottle 2.

[0056] Next, in step (S29), control unit 90 transmits a control signal to pump drive motor 40 to drive pump 24. Driving pump 24 supplies a predetermined amount of liquid medication 5 determined by the prescription from liquid medication bottle 23 via supply pipe 60 to prescription bottle 2. Control unit 90 receives weight data of liquid medication 5 in prescription bottle 2 from electronic balance 45, and confirms the amount of liquid medication 5 supplied to prescription bottle 2. When the predetermined amount of liquid medication 5 has been supplied to prescription bottle 2, the dispensing of the first liquid medication 5 into prescription bottle 2 is completed.

[0057] Next, in step (S30), it is determined whether or not all supply of liquid medication 5 (and excipients, if necessary) to prescription bottle 2 according to the prescription data has been completed and dispensing has been completed. If supply of liquid medication 5 has not been completed, the process returns to step (S25) and the next supply of liquid medication 5 or excipients to prescription bottle 2 is performed.

[0058] If it is determined that the dispensing is complete, the process proceeds to step (S31) via connector A, where it is determined whether or not to perform a top-up process. The control unit 90 refers to the table shown in FIG. 8 to determine whether or not to perform a top-up process. If the setting is to perform a top-up process, the control unit 90 refers to the table to determine the type of excipient. The table shown in FIG. 8 is pre-stored in the memory 93 (FIG. 7). The control unit 90 reads the table from the memory 93 to determine whether or not to perform a top-up process and the type of excipient.

[0059] If it is determined that the setting is for performing the top-up process (YES in step (S31)), then in step (S32), the prescription bottle 2 is moved. This process is performed in the same manner as in step S(25).

[0060] Next, in step (S33), it is determined whether an instruction to stop the top-up process has been input. A user of liquid medication dispensing device 1 can input an instruction to stop the top-up process, for example, by operating touch panel 14. If the user determines that it is not necessary to perform the top-up process, an instruction to stop the top-up process is input by operating touch panel 14. For example, the user of liquid medication dispensing device 1 can determine that the top-up process is not necessary because the liquid level of liquid medication 5 in prescribing bottle 2 matches the graduations on prescribing bottle 2, or because the top-up process will not be performed for the current dispensing process.

[0061] If it is determined that no instruction to stop the top-up process has been input (NO in step (S33)), the process proceeds to step (S34), where the rotating drum 21 rotates in the same manner as in step (S26). By the rotation of the rotating drum 21, the supply pipe 60 corresponding to the excipient used in the top-up process (i.e., the excipient supply pipe) moves horizontally along the drum circumferential direction until the supply port 36A of the supply nozzle 36 reaches a position facing the upper opening 2A of the prescription bottle 2.

[0062] Next, in step (S35), pump 24 is made operable, similar to step (S27). Then, in step (S36), prescription bottle 2 is placed in a dispensing position where excipient can be supplied from supply nozzle 36 to prescription bottle 2, similar to step (S28).

[0063] In this state, liquid medication dispensing device 1 is in a standby state. In the standby state, a determination is made as to whether or not an instruction to end the top-up process has been input (step (S37)), and if it is determined that an instruction to end the top-up process has not been input, a determination is made as to whether or not an operation to start the top-up process has been performed (step (S38)). If an operation to start the top-up process has not been performed (NO in step (S38)), the determination in step (S37) and the determination in step (S38) are repeated.

[0064] In the standby state, a user of liquid medication dispensing device 1 can input an instruction to end the top-up process, for example, by operating touch panel 14. If the user determines that it is not necessary to perform the top-up process, an instruction to end the top-up process is input by operating touch panel 14. Also, in the standby state, a user of liquid medication dispensing device 1 can visually compare the liquid volume of liquid medication 5 contained in prescription bottle 2 with the apparent liquid volume indicated by the graduations on prescription bottle 2. If the user determines that it is necessary to perform the top-up process as a result of the visual comparison of the liquid volumes, they input an instruction to start the top-up process. The instruction to start the top-up process may be given by pressing a button provided on housing 6, or by operating touch panel 14.

[0065] When it is determined that an operation to start the top-up process has been performed (YES in step (S38)), then in step (S39), control unit 90 transmits a control signal to pump drive motor 40 to drive pump 24. By driving pump 24, the excipient used in the top-up process is supplied from the excipient bottle to prescription bottle 2 via supply pipe 60.

[0066] Next, in step (S40), it is determined whether an operation to end the top-up process has been performed. The control unit 90 may be configured to drive the pump 24 while the button is being pressed, and in this case, it may be determined that an operation to end the top-up process has been performed by detecting that the user has released the button and the button is no longer pressed. Alternatively, a button operated to start the top-up process and a button operated to end the top-up process may be provided separately.

[0067] A user of liquid medication dispensing device 1 visually checks the amount of liquid medication 5 contained in prescription bottle 2 and the graduations on prescription bottle 2. An operation to end the top-up process is not performed until the liquid level of liquid medication 5 matches the graduations on prescription bottle 2 (NO in step (S40)), and during this time, control unit 90 continues to drive pump 24, and the supply of excipient to prescription bottle 2 continues. When it is determined that an operation to end the top-up process has been performed (YES in step (S40)), control unit 90 transmits a control signal to pump drive motor 40 in step (S41) to stop pump 24. This stops the supply of excipient to prescription bottle 2.

[0068] Thereafter, liquid medication dispensing device 1 returns to the standby state, and the determination of step (S37) is made again. When the user of liquid medication dispensing device 1 determines that no further refilling processing needs to be performed, an instruction to end the refilling processing is input by operating touch panel 14. When it is determined that an instruction to end the refilling processing has been input (YES in step (S37)), the process proceeds to step (S42).

[0069] If it is determined in step (S33) that an instruction to stop the top-up process has been input (YES in step (S33)), or if it is determined in step (S31) that the setting is such that the top-up process is not performed (NO in step (S31)), the top-up process is not performed. Since the process in step (S34) is skipped, the process proceeds to step (S42) without moving the excipient supply pipe to a position facing the upper opening 2A of the prescription bottle 2.

[0070] In step (S42), the prescription bottle 2 descends. A control signal is sent from control unit 90 to lifting device 50, which then moves mounting table 48 downward, thereby lowering the prescription bottle 2. Mounting table 48 moves downward from the dispensing position until it returns to the attachment / detachment position. Thereafter, in step (S43), rotating drum 21 moves to the initial position. Then, the process proceeds to step (S44), where liquid medication dispensing device 1 enters a standby state. In this manner, the dispensing process and top-up process using liquid medication dispensing device 1 of the embodiment are completed ("End" in FIG. 11).

[0071] In liquid medication dispensing device 1 of the embodiment described above, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 , control unit 90 executes a dispensing process to supply liquid medication 5 from liquid medication bottle 23 to prescription bottle 2, and immediately after the dispensing process is completed, moves the excipient supplying pipe so that the excipient supplying pipe faces upper opening 2A of prescription bottle 2.

[0072] Rather than moving the excipient supply tube after checking the liquid level in the prescription bottle 2 after the dispensing process is completed, the excipient supply tube is moved when the dispensing process is completed regardless of the actual liquid level in the prescription bottle 2. By moving the excipient supply tube without waiting for an instruction from the user of liquid medication dispensing device 1, the user can start the top-up process as soon as he or she checks the liquid level of the liquid medication 5 in the prescription bottle 2. By eliminating the need to wait for an instruction from the user, the time until the top-up process of the excipient can be started can be shortened, and the dispensing time can be shortened.

[0073] While liquid medication dispensing device 1 is automatically controlled, the user of liquid medication dispensing device 1 can perform other dispensing tasks. On the other hand, in the top-up process, the user needs to check the liquid level in prescription bottle 2 and perform an operation to start the top-up process. If the user checks the liquid level in prescription bottle 2 after completing the dispensing process and then determines that it is necessary to top up excipients, and starts moving the excipient supply tube after that determination, the user cannot perform other dispensing tasks while the excipient supply tube is moving, resulting in waste in the dispensing task. In liquid medication dispensing device 1 of the embodiment, the excipient supply tube is moved when the dispensing process is completed regardless of the actual liquid level in prescription bottle 2, thereby improving the efficiency of the dispensing task and shortening the dispensing time.

[0074] 11, control unit 90 waits for input of an instruction to execute a replenishment process with the excipient supplying pipe facing upper opening 2A of prescription bottle 2. In this way, excipient can be replenished to prescription bottle 2 immediately when a user of liquid medication dispensing device 1 inputs an instruction to execute a replenishment process. This makes it possible to shorten the time until the replenishment process starts, and therefore the dispensing time.

[0075] 11, when the control unit 90 is set not to perform the top-up process, it omits moving the excipient supply pipe to face the upper opening 2A of the prescription bottle 2 after the completion of the dispensing process. If the top-up process is not performed, moving the excipient supply pipe is an unnecessary operation, and therefore, by omitting this unnecessary operation, the dispensing time can be shortened.

[0076] 11, when a command to stop the top-up process is inputted before the excipient supplying pipe moves to a position facing the upper opening 2A of the prescription bottle 2, the control unit 90 stops the movement of the excipient supplying pipe. If the top-up process is not to be performed, moving the excipient supplying pipe is an unnecessary operation, and therefore, by omitting this unnecessary operation, the preparation time can be shortened.

[0077] In the above description of the embodiment, in step (S33) following step (S32) of moving the prescription bottle 2, it is determined whether or not an instruction to end the top-up process has been input. This example is not limiting, and it may be determined whether or not an instruction to stop the top-up process has been input at any timing from the start of movement of the prescription bottle 2 in step (S32) to the end of movement of the prescription bottle 2 to the dispensing position in step (S36). In this case, when an instruction to stop the top-up process is input, the operation of the liquid medication dispensing device 1 for the top-up process can be immediately stopped, thereby eliminating unnecessary operations. Typically, when an instruction to stop the top-up process is input before the excipient supply pipe moves to a position facing the upper opening 2A of the prescription bottle 2, the movement of the excipient supply pipe to a position facing the upper opening 2A of the prescription bottle 2 can be stopped, thereby shortening the dispensing time.

[0078] In the description of the embodiment, an example has been described in which liquid medication dispensing device 1 returns to the standby state after pump 24 that had been driven for the top-up process is stopped, and then the prescription bottle 2 is lowered upon input of an instruction to end the top-up process. In this case, the top-up process is ended in accordance with the user's intention to end the top-up process, so that adjustment of the liquid level in prescription bottle 2 by carrying out the top-up process can be more reliably performed. On the other hand, the present invention is not limited to this example, and the procedure may proceed to step (S42) immediately after step (S41) of stopping the pump, in which case prescription bottle 2 is lowered, and in this case, the dispensing time can be further shortened.

[0079] 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]

[0080] 1 liquid medication supply device, 2 medication bottle, 2A upper opening, 3 liquid medication supply section, 5 liquid medication, 14 touch panel, 21 rotating drum, 22 drum rotation motor, 23 liquid medication bottle, 24 pump, 25 pump drive unit, 34 tube, 34a suction end, 34b discharge end, 36 supply nozzle, 36A supply port, 50 lifting device, 85 sensor, 90 control section, 91 bottle position detection means, 92 communication section, 93 memory, 94 recording medium access section.

Claims

1. A liquid medication supplying device that supplies a liquid medication from a liquid medication bottle containing the liquid medication to a prescription bottle, comprising: a bottle holding section that holds the liquid medication bottle and an excipient bottle containing an excipient; an excipient supply pipe through which the excipient flows from the excipient bottle to the prescription bottle; A supply pipe moving unit that moves the excipient supply pipe; an input unit for a user of the liquid medication dispensing device to input an instruction to execute a top-up process for supplying the excipient from the excipient bottle to the prescription bottle; a control unit that controls an operation of the liquid medication dispensing device, the control unit executes a dispensing process to supply the liquid medication from the liquid medication bottle to the prescribing bottle, and immediately after completion of the dispensing process, moves the excipient supply pipe to face an upper opening of the prescribing bottle, and waits for input of an instruction to execute the top-up process in a state in which the excipient supply pipe faces the upper opening of the prescribing bottle.

2. the liquid medication dispensing device is configured to be able to set whether or not to carry out the replenishment process, 2. The liquid medication supplying device according to claim 1, wherein, when it is set not to perform the top-up process, the control unit omits moving the excipient supplying pipe to face the upper opening of the prescription bottle after completion of the dispensing process.

3. The liquid medication supply device of claim 1, wherein the control unit stops movement of the excipient supply pipe when an instruction to stop the top-up process is input before the excipient supply pipe moves to a position opposite the upper opening of the medication bottle.

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