Medicine packaging device

Abstract

To prevent overflow of a medicine when the medicine is weighed into a container arranged in a medicine packaging device in the outside of the medicine packaging device.SOLUTION: A medicine packaging device 1 includes a weighing part 30, a packaging part 33, and a control part 50. The medicine packaging device 1 can handle a plurality of outer weighing containers which are introduced into the medicine packaging device 1 upon storing total doses of medicines. The control part 50 selects the outer weighing container to be used from the plurality of outer weighing containers in the medicine packaging device 1 when performing outer weighing correspondence for introducing an outer weighing container 92 into the medicine packaging device 1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a medicine packaging device. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known a medicine packing device that packs medicines in a packing material by dividing them into predetermined amounts. Patent Document 1 discloses this type of medicine packing device.

[0003] The powder medicine packaging device of Patent Document 1 can measure and package powder medicine (medicine). Specifically, this medicine packaging device moves powder medicine stored in an automatic medicine container (medicine container) in the powder medicine packaging device to a distribution tray, and discharges the powder medicine onto the distribution tray while measuring its weight. The powder medicine discharged onto the distribution tray is packaged in a packaging material in predetermined amounts as it is distributed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5953471 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The configuration of Patent Document 1 can also be applied to a powder medicine packaging device by applying a manual medicine container that contains powder medicine outside the powder medicine packaging device to the powder medicine packaging device, and packaging the powder medicine in the manual medicine container inside the powder medicine packaging device. The powder medicine to be contained in the manual medicine container is measured outside the powder medicine packaging device, but if the amount measured does not match the amount that the manual medicine container can contain, the medicine will overflow, preventing accurate packaging.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has an object to prevent overflow of medicine when medicine is measured outside the medicine packaging device into a container disposed inside the medicine packaging device.

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

[0008] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a medicine packaging device having the following configuration. That is, the medicine packaging device comprises a measuring unit, a packaging unit, and a control unit. The measuring unit measures out medicine. The packaging unit packages the medicine measured out by the measuring unit. The control unit controls the measuring unit and the packaging unit based on dispensing data. The control unit controls the measuring unit to measure out the full dose of each medicine indicated by the medicine information included in the dispensing data. The control unit controls the packaging unit to package the medicine measured out by the measuring unit into single doses. The medicine packaging device includes a plurality of external measuring containers which are introduced into the medicine packaging device after containing a full dose of medicine and which discharge the medicine into the packaging unit. Store When performing external measurement by introducing the external measuring container into the medicine packaging device, the control unit selects one of the external measuring containers arranged in the medicine packaging device, In order to discharge the medicine to the packaging section in response to the external measurement The external measuring vessel to be used said external measuring container before containing a medicament. The medicine can be taken out of the medicine packaging device. to be located .

[0009] This makes it possible to measure a wide variety of drugs externally. 、 Multiple external weighing containers can be used for flexibility. , multiple dispensers that dispense medicine into the packaging section external measuring container Among them, the external weighing container to be used of , from the drug packaging device It can be taken out.

[0012] The medicine packaging device is preferably configured as follows: That is, the medicine packaging device further includes a transport unit capable of transporting the external measuring container. The control unit controls the external measuring container from a storage position where a plurality of external measuring containers can be stored to a temporary position where the external measuring containers can be taken out of the medicine packaging device. Use The transport unit is controlled to transport the external weighing container.

[0013] This makes it possible to realize removal of the external weighing container to the outside by transporting the external weighing container.

[0014] The medicine packaging device is preferably configured as follows: That is, the medicine packaging device includes a medicine discharge unit. The medicine discharge unit can set the external measuring container and discharges the medicine inside the set external measuring container. The control unit controls the transport unit to transport the external measuring container containing a full dose of medicine from an introduction position where the external measuring container can be set to the medicine discharge unit.

[0015] This makes it possible to prevent the external measuring container from being set incorrectly, compared to a configuration in which the external measuring container can be directly set in the medicine discharge section.

[0016] The medicine packaging device is preferably configured as follows. That is, the medicine packaging device further includes a recording information processing device capable of recording information in an information recording member of the external measuring container. When performing the external measuring operation, the recording information processing device: Use The information recording member of the external measuring container records prescription data and information indicating a drug to be supplied to the external measuring container, among drug information indicated by the prescription data.

[0017] This allows information to be exchanged via the external measuring container, and also allows information required for external measuring to be obtained based on the information recorded in the information recording member.

[0018] The medicine packaging device is preferably configured as follows: That is, the medicine packaging device further includes a display information processing device capable of changing the display content on the display unit of the external measuring container. When the external measuring device is adapted to the external measuring device, the display information processing device Use The display unit of the external measuring container displays information about the drug to be supplied to the external measuring container.

[0019] This makes it possible to prevent mistakes such as mistaking the external measuring containers, and also makes it possible for an operator or the like to easily understand which medicines should be externally measured.

[0020] In the above-mentioned medicine packaging device, Use The display of the external measuring container preferably displays the amount of drug to be supplied to the external measuring container.

[0021] This allows an operator or the like to easily understand the information required for external weighing.

[0022] In the above-mentioned medicine packaging device, it is preferable that the external measuring container is capable of containing the medicine measured out by the measuring unit and is also usable as an intermediate container which is transported to the medicine discharge unit by the transport unit.

[0023] This allows the external measuring container to be used for other purposes, thus simplifying the configuration.

[0024] In the above-mentioned drug packaging device, it is preferable that the external measuring container can also be used as a secondary container that contains the drug measured by the measuring unit and is transported by the transport unit to a temporary position from which it can be removed outside the drug packaging device.

[0025] This allows the external measuring container to be used for other purposes, thus simplifying the configuration. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] Schematic diagram showing a dispensing system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a medicine packaging device constituting the dispensing system. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the medicine packaging device. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the intermediate container (outer measuring container). [Diagram 5] FIG. [Figure 6]2A and 2B are a schematic diagram and a block diagram showing the configuration of a weighing device. [Figure 7] 4 is a flowchart showing presetting processing etc. performed in the medicine packaging device. [Figure 8] 8 is a flowchart showing the continuation of the presetting process and the like in FIG. 7; [Figure 9] 9 is a flowchart showing the continuation of the presetting process and the like in FIG. 8; [Figure 10] 11 is a flowchart showing processing related to an intermediate container when performing a first action in a case where external measurement is not performed. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the path of an intermediate container when the process of FIG. 10 is performed. [Figure 12] 11 is a flowchart showing a continuation of the process related to the intermediate container when performing the first operation of FIG. 10, and showing the process when external measurement is performed. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the path of an intermediate container when the process of FIG. 12 is performed. [Figure 14] 6 is a flowchart showing a process related to the external measuring container when performing a first action. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the path of the external measuring vessel when the process of FIG. 14 is performed. [Figure 16] 10 is a flowchart showing a process related to the secondary container when performing a second operation. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the path of the secondary container when the process of FIG. 16 is performed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0027] Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a dispensing system 100. Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a medicine packing device 1 constituting the dispensing system 100. Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram and a block diagram showing the configuration of the medicine packing device 1.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 1, a dispensing system 100 includes a medicine packaging device 1 and a measuring device 80.

[0029] The medicine packaging device 1 can weigh out and package one or more medicines. Measuring out medicine means taking out only the required amount of medicine contained in a medicine container or the like. In this embodiment, the measuring out is performed by weighing the medicine supplied from the medicine container. The medicine packaging device 1 of this embodiment measures out a powder medicine (powder, fine granule, or granular medicine) as the medicine. The medicine packaging device 1 of this embodiment also packages the weighed out powder medicine. However, the medicine packaging device 1 may be configured to be able to package tablets in addition to powder medicine.

[0030] In this embodiment, the measuring device 80 is installed outside the medicine packing device 1. The measuring device 80 can measure 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. The measuring device 80 may be configured as a part of the medicine packing device 1.

[0031] The drug packaging device 1 measures and packages drugs based on prescription data input by an operator.

[0032] 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 measured medicine is provided to a subsequent process without being packaged. The medicine packaging device 1 stores the measured medicine in a container and makes the container available for the operator to remove.

[0033] In the following description, the measurement and packaging of medicines by the medicine packaging device 1 is referred to as a first operation, and the measurement of medicines without subsequent packaging is referred to as a second operation. However, the first operation also includes a case where the medicine packaging device 1 does not measure medicines but packages medicines measured by the measuring device 80 or the like.

[0034] The medicine packing device 1 can also handle excipients in addition to medicines. When it is necessary to form a medicine (powdered medicine), the medicine packing device 1 supplies the excipient from the medicine container 15.

[0035] 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 (recording information processing device and display information processing device) 20, a display section 21, an operation section 22, a drug discharge section 32, a packaging section 33, a cleaning section 38, and a control section 50.

[0036] 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 measured and packaged and to transport the medicine to each section of the medicine packaging device 1. The configuration of the intermediate containers 91 will be described later.

[0037] First storage section 11 can be configured, for example, to have a plurality of support stands for holding a plurality of intermediate containers 91 on standby, with each support stand supporting the bottom surface of each intermediate container 91. However, as long as first storage section 11 can substantially store intermediate containers 91, the configuration of first storage section 11 can be changed as desired.

[0038] The second storage unit 12 can store a plurality of external measuring containers 92 that do not contain medicine. The external measuring container 92 is used as a container that contains medicine prepared by an operator outside the medicine packaging device 1 and is introduced into the medicine packaging device 1 for packaging the medicine. When the measuring device 80 or the like in FIG. 1 performs the measuring instead of the medicine packaging device 1, the external measuring container 92 is prepared in the medicine packaging device 1 to contain the medicine to be measured by the measuring device 80 and to introduce and transport the measured medicine into the medicine packaging device 1. The configuration of the external measuring container 92 will be described later.

[0039] The third storage unit 13 can store a plurality of secondary containers 93 that do not contain medicines. The secondary containers 93 are prepared in the medicine packaging device 1 to contain the weighed medicines and transport them 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.

[0040] The second storage section 12 and the third storage section 13 can be configured to support the bottom surface of the external weighing container 92 or the secondary container 93, for example, in the same manner as the first storage section 11.

[0041] The intermediate container 91 will be described. 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] The information recording unit 91e has, for example, a non-volatile memory, and can record dispensing data and container-specific information. The container-specific information includes container identification information. The container-specific information may also include information indicating the type of container (intermediate container 91, external measuring container 92, secondary container 93). The information recording unit 91e can be configured, for example, as an RFID tag.

[0047] 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.

[0048] The external weighing container 92 will be described. As shown in Fig. 4, the external weighing container 92 has substantially the same configuration as the intermediate container 91. The external weighing 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] In the drug packaging device 1 of this embodiment, a plurality of external measuring containers 92 of the same shape are prepared. Note that a plurality of types of external measuring 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 measuring is performed, such as the external measuring of various types of drugs.

[0051] The secondary container 93 will be described. As shown in Fig. 5, the secondary container 93 corresponds to the intermediate container 91 from which the discharge path section 91b and the opening / closing section 91c are omitted. The secondary container 93 includes a storage section 93a, an information display section 93d, and an information recording section 93e.

[0052] 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.

[0053] In the drug packaging device 1 of this embodiment, a plurality of secondary containers 93 of the same shape are prepared. A plurality of types of secondary 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 a drug is measured, such as measuring a variety of types of drugs.

[0054] The conveying unit 14 is capable of conveying the intermediate container 91, the external measuring container 92, and the secondary container 93. As shown in Fig. 2, the conveying unit 14 includes a first conveying unit 14a and a second conveying unit 14b.

[0055] 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.

[0056] First conveying unit 14a includes a container holding unit for holding intermediate container 91, external measuring container 92, or secondary container 93. The container holding unit is configured to be movable along a rail provided in drug packaging device 1. First conveying unit 14a conveys intermediate container 91, external measuring container 92, or secondary container 93 by moving the container holding unit along the rail while intermediate container 91, external measuring container 92, or secondary container 93 is held in the container holding unit.

[0057] In this manner, in this embodiment, the intermediate container 91, the external measuring container 92, and the secondary container 93 are configured to be transported by the common first transport unit 14a. Therefore, it is preferable to make 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.

[0058] The intermediate container 91, the external weighing container 92 and the secondary container 93 are similar to each other in terms of configuration and function. Thus, the intermediate container 91 can also be used as the external weighing container 92 used in the first operation. The intermediate container 91 can also be used as the secondary container 93 used in the second operation. The external weighing container 92 can also be used as the intermediate container 91 used in the first operation. The external weighing container 92 can also be used as the secondary container 93 used in the second operation. By reducing the types of containers, a simplified configuration can be achieved.

[0059] In Fig. 2, the path (rail) of the first conveyor 14a is indicated by a dashed line, and the path (rail) 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 convey containers by the first conveyor 14a and by the second conveyor 14b.

[0060] There are various configurations for the conveying unit 14 to hold the containers, and for example, the containers may be gripped with a chuck or held by suction. Also, 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 this case, the rails may be omitted.

[0061] The drug containers 15 essentially function as a supply source of the drug to be measured / packaged. Each drug container 15 has an opening formed therein for discharging and supplying the drug outside the container.

[0062] In principle, different types of medicine are contained in each of the multiple medicine containers 15. However, for example, for medicines that are used frequently, the same medicine may be contained in the multiple medicine containers 15. Also, an excipient may be contained in any of the multiple medicine containers 15. In this case, the excipient can be weighed / packaged in the same way as the medicine. Also, a cleaning material may be contained in any of the multiple medicine containers 15. In this case, the cleaning material can be weighed and packaged in the same way as the medicine. If the cleaning material is weighed and packaged, the cleaning material will be packaged while coming into contact with the medicine path of the medicine packaging device 1, and the medicine path that the cleaning material comes into contact with will be cleaned.

[0063] 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 supply mechanism, 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] The measuring unit 30 includes a medicine supply mechanism 17 and a measuring unit 18 .

[0066] The medicine supply mechanism 17 can supply medicine from the medicine container 15 to the intermediate container 91 or the secondary container 93. The medicine supply mechanism 17 includes a holder, a moving mechanism, and a supply mechanism. A plurality of medicine containers 15 are detachably held in the holder. The moving mechanism moves the medicine container 15 held in the holder to a predetermined position. The supply mechanism acts on the medicine container 15 moved to the predetermined position, and supplies the contained medicine downward through the opening of the medicine container 15. The operations of the holder, the moving mechanism, and the supply mechanism (in other words, the operation of the medicine supply mechanism 17) are controlled by the control unit 50 based on the contained medicine information read by the first information processing unit 16.

[0067] The measuring unit 18 can measure the amount of medicine and includes a mounting base 18a and a detection unit 18b.

[0068] The mounting table 18a is disposed below the holder provided in the medicine supply mechanism 17. An intermediate container 91 or a secondary container 93 can be placed on the mounting table 18a. The first transport unit 14a can transport the intermediate container 91 or the secondary container 93 held in the container holder and place it on the mounting table 18a or remove it from the mounting table 18a.

[0069] The detection unit 18b can measure the amount of medicine inside the intermediate container 91 or secondary container 93 when the intermediate container 91 or secondary container 93 is placed on the placement table 18a. In other words, the measurement 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.

[0070] The measuring unit 30 is controlled by the control unit 50 so as to measure out the entire dose of each of the drugs indicated by the drug information. The control unit 50 appropriately moves the drug container 15 containing the drug indicated by the drug information to directly above the mounting table 18a using the drug supply mechanism 17. Thereafter, the control unit 50 supplies the drug from the drug container 15 to the intermediate container 91 or the secondary container 93 placed on the mounting table 18a, and measures the supplied drug using the detection unit 18b.

[0071] The second information processing unit 19 can write dispensing data to the information recording unit 91e of the intermediate container 91 set in the weighing unit 18 or the information recording unit 93e of the secondary container 93. The second information processing unit 19 can also change the display content of the information display unit 91d of the intermediate container 91 set in the weighing unit 18 or the information display unit 93d of the secondary container 93. The second information processing unit 19 is configured as, for example, an RFID reader / writer. The second information processing unit 19 can also acquire container-specific information stored in the information recording unit 91e of the intermediate container 91 or the information recording unit 93e of the secondary container 93.

[0072] 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 weighing container 92 stored in the second storage unit 12 or the secondary container 93 stored in the third storage unit 13.

[0073] The third information processing unit 20 can write dispensing data to the information recording unit 91e of the intermediate container 91 stored in the first storage unit 11. The third information processing unit 20 can also change the display content of the information display unit 91d of the intermediate container 91 stored in the first storage unit 11. The third information processing unit 20 is configured as, for example, an RFID reader / writer, similar to the second information processing unit 19. The third information processing unit 20 can write dispensing data and change the display content for the external weighing container 92 stored in the second storage unit 12 or the secondary container 93 stored in the third storage unit 13 in the same manner. In this embodiment, the third information processing unit 20 is configured as a single piece of hardware and has the functions of both a recording information processing device and a display information processing device. However, the recording information processing device and the display information processing device may be configured as separate pieces of hardware.

[0074] In this embodiment, the writing of dispensing data and the change of display content are performed by the second information processing unit 19 for the intermediate container 91 or the secondary container 93. However, when the third information processing unit 20 is provided as in this embodiment, the second information processing unit 19 may write and change the display content only regarding the weighing result for the intermediate container 91 or the secondary container 93 set in the weighing unit 18.

[0075] The display unit 21 is a device having a display screen capable of displaying various information related to the medicine packing device 1. The display unit 21 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The display unit 21 is disposed at an appropriate position of the medicine packing device 1.

[0076] 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. In this embodiment, the operation unit 22 is configured as a hardware key, but is not limited thereto, and may be, for example, a touch panel incorporated in the display unit 21.

[0077] An intermediate container 91 or an external measuring container 92 can be set in the medicine discharge unit 32, and the medicine can be discharged from the set intermediate container 91 or external measuring container 92. The intermediate container 91 or external measuring container 92 transported by the second transport unit 14b is set in the medicine discharge unit 32. It is also possible to manually set the intermediate container 91 or external measuring container 92 in the medicine discharge unit 32. A plurality of medicine discharge units 32 can be provided for one distribution unit 34, which will be described later. Each medicine discharge unit 32 includes a container attachment unit 32a and a vibration device 32b.

[0078] The container mounting section 32a is configured to be able to mount an intermediate container 91 or an external weighing container 92. The intermediate container 91 or the external weighing container 92 is mounted to the container mounting section 32a by the second conveying section 14b. The container mounting section 32a includes an operating section that moves the opening / closing sections 91c, 92c of the container from a closed state to an open state. The container is mounted to the container mounting section 32a after being conveyed to the second conveying section 14b, in which the connection between the storage sections 91a, 92a and the discharge path sections 91b, 92b is in a closed state. When the container is mounted to the container mounting section 32a, the operating section moves the opening / closing sections 91c, 92c, and the connection between the storage sections 91a, 92a and the discharge path sections 91b, 92b is in an open state, allowing the drug to be discharged from the container.

[0079] The vibration device 32b includes a motor that generates vibrations, etc. The vibration device 32b is controlled by the control unit 50. The vibration device 32b generates vibrations in response to a control signal from the control unit 50. The vibrations generated by the vibration device 32b are transmitted to the intermediate container 91 or the external weighing container 92 attached to the container attachment unit 32a.

[0080] 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.

[0081] The distribution section 34 distributes the medicine discharged by the medicine discharge section 32. In the medicine packaging device 1 of this embodiment, a plurality of distribution sections 34 (specifically, two) are provided, and two medicine discharge sections 32 are provided for each distribution section 34. Each distribution section 34 includes a distribution plate 34a and a feed section 34b. The distribution plate 34a is configured to be rotatable about a vertical axis. The medicine discharge section 32 discharges the medicine onto the rotating distribution plate 34a. The feed section 34b drops the medicine discharged onto the distribution plate 34a downward in predetermined amounts.

[0082] The packaging unit 35 packages the medicine distributed by the distribution unit 34 in a packaging material 40. The packaging unit 35 includes a hopper 35a and a heater 35b. The packaging unit 35 repeatedly drops the medicine distributed from the distribution unit 34 into the packaging material 40 through the hopper 35a while heat-sealing the packaging material 40 with the heater 35b. As a result, the medicines supplied in predetermined amounts are divided and each divided into the packaging material 40. The packaging material 40 containing the medicine is sent to a storage unit outside or inside the medicine packaging device 1.

[0083] In the medicine packaging device 1, a discharge standby section 23 is provided at the boundary between the section where the measuring is performed and the section where the packaging is performed. In the discharge standby section 23, an intermediate container 91 or an external measuring container 92 that contains medicines can be placed and kept on standby as necessary.

[0084] The cleaning unit 38 can clean the intermediate container 91 or the external measuring container 92. The cleaning is performed, for example, by applying compressed air to the inner surface of the intermediate container 91 or the external measuring container 92, thereby removing any residual drug. However, cleaning may also be performed by other means, such as a brush.

[0085] In the medicine packaging device 1, a cleaning standby section 37 is provided near the cleaning section 38. In the cleaning standby section 37, intermediate container 91 or external measuring container 92 before being cleaned can be placed and waited as necessary.

[0086] The discharge 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.

[0087] The control unit 50 can control each unit of the medicine packaging device 1 (specifically, the measuring unit 30 and the packaging unit 33, etc.) based on the dispensing data. In this embodiment, the control unit 50 is configured as a part of the medicine packaging device 1, but may be configured as a part of a dispensing device control device that controls the medicine packaging device 1 and other dispensing devices such as the medicine packaging device 95.

[0088] In detail, the control unit 50 is configured as a known computer, and includes a calculation unit such as a CPU, a storage device such as a flash memory or a hard disk, and an input / output unit for communicating with the outside. Various programs and setting values ​​are stored in the storage device. The calculation unit reads 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 can operate the drug packaging device 1 as the storage unit 61, the weighing selection unit 62, the excipient selection unit 63, the correspondence selection unit 64, and the guidance unit 65 shown in FIG. 3 by cooperation with the above-mentioned software and hardware.

[0089] The storage unit 61 can store dispensing data input from the outside as described above. The storage unit 61 also stores the stored 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 packaging device 1. The storage unit 61 can also store various setting values ​​necessary for operation. The setting values ​​will be described in detail below.

[0090] For example, the capacity of the packaging unit 33 has a lower limit on the weight of medicine that can be packaged (weight of a total dose), and medicine below that limit cannot be packaged. The memory unit 61 stores a value based on this lower limit as a first set value. Similarly, the packaging unit 33 also has a lower limit on the weight of medicine that can be packaged (weight of one dose). The memory unit 61 stores a value based on this lower limit as a second set value.

[0091] Furthermore, there is a lower limit to the weight of medicine that can be measured out as a function of the capacity of measuring section 30. Memory section 61 stores a value based on this lower limit as a third set value.

[0092] FIG. 1 shows an example in which a plurality of drug packaging devices 95 are installed in addition to the drug packaging device 1. The other drug packaging devices 95 can package drugs instead of the drug packaging device 1. The memory unit 61 stores, for the other drug packaging devices 95, a value based on a lower limit of the weight of a total dose of drugs that the drug packaging device 95 can package as a fourth set value, and stores, for the other drug packaging devices 95, a value based on a lower limit of the weight of a single dose of drugs that the drug packaging device 95 can package as a fifth set value. Since the packaging capabilities of the multiple other drug packaging devices 95 may differ from one another, the memory unit 61 stores the fourth set value and the fifth set value for each of the other drug packaging devices 95.

[0093] In this embodiment, the first set value is set to a value equal to the lower limit of the weight of all doses of medicine that can be packaged in the packaging unit 33. The second set value is set to a value equal to the lower limit of the weight of one dose of medicine that can be packaged in the packaging unit 33. The third set value is set to a value equal to the lower limit of the weight of the medicine that can be measured in the weighing unit 30. The fourth set value is set to a value equal to the lower limit of the weight of all doses that can be packaged in the other medicine packaging device 95. The fifth set value is set to a value equal to the lower limit of the weight of one dose that can be packaged in the other medicine packaging device 95. Note that each set value may be set to a value according to, for example, the type of medicine. In addition, the first set value, the second set value, the fourth set value, or the fifth set value may be arbitrarily set by the operator based on the internal regulations of the hospital or pharmacy where the medicine packaging device 1 is installed. In this case, the first set value and the second set value can be set on the condition that they are equal to or greater than the lower limit of the weight of the medicine that can be packaged in the packaging unit 33.

[0094] The storage unit 61 also stores various data such as master information about medicines. This master information includes, for example, medicine code, medicine name, JAN code (or RSS), medicine bottle (medicine container) code, classification (dosage form: powder, tablet, external medicine, etc.), specific gravity, medicine type (ordinary medicine, poison, narcotic, powerful medicine, antipsychotic, therapeutic drug, etc.), combination changes, precautions, normal dosage, information on prohibited simultaneous use, etc.

[0095] Furthermore, the storage unit 61 can store container-specific information (container identification number, container type, etc.) as container master information.

[0096] When at least any of the drugs indicated in the drug information cannot be packaged due to the capacity of the packaging unit 33 of the device itself, the weighing selection unit 62 allows the operator to select whether or not to execute a weighing operation by the weighing unit 30 of the device itself for those drugs that can be measured out by the weighing unit 30 of the device itself. There are various configurations for realizing the selection, but for example, it is conceivable that the weighing selection unit 62 displays options (for example, execute / no button) on the display unit 21 and allows the operator to select using the operation unit 22.

[0097] When at least any of the drugs indicated in the drug information cannot be packaged due to the capacity of the packaging unit 33 of the device itself or the capacity of another drug packaging device 95, the excipient selection unit 63 allows the operator to select whether or not to execute a weighing operation or a weighing and packaging operation for the excipient. There are various configurations for realizing the selection, but it is conceivable that the excipient selection unit 63 displays options (for example, execute / no button) on the display unit 21 and allows the operator to select using the operation unit 22. In the drug packaging device 1 of this embodiment, the operator can select whether or not to weigh the excipient by the device itself, so that it is possible to flexibly respond to various situations.

[0098] Here, when the operator selects to have the device itself perform the weighing and packaging operations for the excipient, the control unit 50 determines the weight of the excipient to be weighed out by the weighing unit 30 based on at least one of the first and second set values. If the excipient weighed out based on the determined weight is added to a drug that does not meet the first or second set value, the drug to which the excipient has been added meets the lower limit of the weight of the drug that can be packaged, and therefore the drug can be packaged by the packaging unit 33 of the device itself (the drug packaging device 1).

[0099] Furthermore, when the operator selects to execute a weighing operation for the excipient, the control unit 50 can determine the weight of the excipient to be weighed by the weighing unit 30 based on at least one of the fourth set value and the fifth set value. This allows the excipient to be weighed into the secondary container 93, taking into consideration the packaging capacity of another drug packaging device 95 that will later perform packaging.

[0100] The response selection unit 64 allows the operator to select one of the following responses as a response for causing the packaging unit 33 to perform packaging operation when the drug container 15 for the drug indicated in the drug information is not placed in the drug packaging device 1, or the amount of drug contained in the drug container 15 is insufficient relative to the target amount based on the dispensing data.

[0101] There are three possible responses that the operator can select: a refill response, a drug container introduction response, and an external measurement response. The refill response is a response in which drug container 15 is refilled with drugs. The drug container introduction response is a response in which drug container 15 containing more than the required amount of drug is introduced into drug packaging device 1. The external measurement response is a response in which an external measuring container 92 that contains a predetermined amount (total dose) of drug prepared by the operator outside drug packaging device 1 is introduced into drug packaging device 1.

[0102] There are various configurations for realizing the selection, but it is conceivable that the response selection unit 64 displays options (e.g., buttons for refilling the drug / introducing the drug container / external weighing) on ​​the display unit 21 and allows the operator to select using the operation unit 22.

[0103] The guidance unit 65 can provide guidance (instructions) to the operator. For example, when at least one of the drugs indicated by the drug information cannot be packaged due to the capacity of the packaging unit 33 of the own machine, the guidance unit 65 can inform the operator that the drug weighed by the weighing unit 30 should be packaged using another drug packaging device 95. In addition, when the drug supplied from the drug container 15 to the intermediate container 91 is insufficient for the target amount based on the dispensing data, the guidance unit 65 can inform the operator that an external weighing response can be performed as a response to enable the packaging operation by the packaging unit 33. There are various methods for realizing the guidance to the operator, and for example, it is considered to display an appropriate message on the display unit 21. The guidance may be performed, for example, by voice or a notification lamp.

[0104] The control unit 50 can make a judgment on the first condition or the second condition for the medicine indicated by the medicine information included in the dispensing data (hereinafter, simply referred to as "the medicine indicated by the medicine information"). The medicine information may indicate one medicine or may indicate multiple medicines.

[0105] The first condition is that the weight of each total dose of the medicine indicated by the medicine information is equal to or greater than a first set value. As described above, the first set value is a value based on the lower limit of the weight of the medicine (weight of the total dose) that can be packaged by the packaging unit 33. The second condition is that the weight of each dose of the medicine indicated by the medicine information is equal to or greater than a second set value. As described above, the second set value is a value based on the lower limit of the weight of the medicine (weight of one dose) that can be packaged by the packaging unit 33. The first set value is determined, for example, according to the amount of medicine discharged from the medicine discharge unit 32 required to be uniformly piled on the distribution plate 34a. The second set value is determined, for example, according to the amount of medicine uniformly piled on the distribution plate 34a required to be uniformly fed from the distribution plate 34a by the feeding unit 34b.

[0106] The control unit 50 judges whether or not both the first condition and the second condition are satisfied for each of the drugs indicated by the drug information. After the judgment, the control unit 50 prohibits the packaging operation by the packaging unit 33 if at least any of the drugs indicated by the drug information does not satisfy at least any of the first condition and the second condition. That is, the control unit 50 causes the packaging operation by the packaging unit 33 to be performed if both the first condition and the second condition are satisfied for each of the drugs indicated by the drug information. The above process can avoid the packaging operation being performed when the packaging unit 33 does not have the ability to package according to the request of the dispensing data, thereby ensuring the accuracy of dispensing.

[0107] When at least any of the drugs indicated by the drug information does not satisfy at least any of the first condition and the second condition, the control unit 50 determines whether or not each of the drugs indicated by the drug information satisfies the third condition. The third condition is that the weight of the total dose of the drug is equal to or greater than the third set value. The third set value is a value smaller than the first set value, and as described above, is a value based on the lower limit of the weight of the drug that can be measured by the measuring unit 30. The third set value may be determined taking into consideration the minimum measured value of the measuring unit 18.

[0108] The control unit 50 prohibits the weighing operation by the weighing unit 30 for drugs indicated by the drug information that do not satisfy the third condition. On the other hand, the control unit 50 allows the weighing operation by the weighing unit 30 for drugs indicated by the drug information that satisfy the third condition. Even if the drug packaging device 1 does not have the ability to package drugs according to the requirements of the dispensing data and the control unit 50 prohibits the packaging operation, the drug packaging device 1 can perform the weighing operation, thereby improving the operating efficiency of the drug packaging device 1. In addition, since it is possible to avoid the weighing operation being performed when the weighing unit 30 does not have the ability to measure according to the requirements of the dispensing data, the accuracy of dispensing can be ensured.

[0109] If the third condition is satisfied, the medicine packaging device 1 performs the measuring operation (in other words, the second operation). If the control unit 50 prohibits the packaging operation, the control unit 50 (measurement selection unit 62) may allow the operator to select whether or not to measure the medicine indicated by the medicine information. Therefore, it is possible to realize an operation according to the operator's desire.

[0110] When at least any of the drugs indicated in the drug information does not satisfy at least any of the first condition and the second condition, the control unit 50 notifies the operator through the guidance unit 65 that the drugs weighed out by the weighing unit 30 should be packaged using another drug packaging device 95. This allows the operator to quickly understand the situation, and therefore allows the entire series of operations including weighing and packaging to be performed smoothly.

[0111] In this way, when the guidance unit 65 provides guidance on the use of the other medicine packing device 95, the control unit 50 judges whether the fourth condition or the fifth condition is satisfied for each of the medicines indicated in the medicine information. The fourth condition is that the weight of each of the total doses of the medicine indicated in the medicine information is equal to or greater than the fourth set value. As described above, the fourth set value is set to a value equal to the lower limit of the weight of the total doses that can be packaged in the other medicine packing device 95. The fifth condition is that the weight of each of the doses of the medicine indicated in the medicine information is equal to or greater than the fifth set value. As described above, the fifth set value is set to a value equal to the lower limit of the weight of each of the doses that can be packaged in the other medicine packing device 95. The control unit 50 selects, from among the other medicine packing devices 95, another medicine packing device 95 whose fourth set value is equal to or less than the weight of the total doses of the medicine indicated in the medicine information and whose fifth set value is equal to or less than the weight of each of the doses of the medicine indicated in the medicine information. This makes it possible to prompt the operator to use another medicine packaging device 95 that is compatible with the current dispensing data for packaging, thereby enabling smooth operation.

[0112] The control unit 50 notifies the operator through the guidance unit 65 that the medicine weighed out by the weighing unit 30 should be packaged using the selected other medicine packaging device 95.

[0113] The control unit 50 can make a judgment on the first judgment condition and the second judgment condition. The first judgment condition (placement condition) is that, for a drug indicated by the drug information, a drug container 15 containing a required amount of drug is placed in the drug packing device 1. The second judgment condition (remaining amount condition) is that, for a drug indicated by the drug information, an amount of drug equal to or greater than the required amount is contained in the drug container 15 placed in the drug packing device 1. The control unit 50 judges whether or not each of the first judgment condition and the second judgment condition is satisfied for each drug indicated by the drug information.

[0114] This determination can also be said to be a determination as to whether or not the necessary amount of the necessary medicine is prepared in the medicine packing device 1. By determining in advance whether or not the first and second determination conditions are satisfied, the medicine packing device 1 can perform the packaging operation reliably and smoothly.

[0115] When the control unit 50 determines that both the first and second judgment conditions are satisfied, it causes the packaging unit 33 to perform a packaging operation. When the control unit 50 determines that the first and second judgment conditions are not satisfied, it causes the operator to select, using the response selection unit 64, which of the above-mentioned refilling response, drug container introduction response, and external weighing response should be performed as a response for causing the packaging unit 33 to perform a packaging operation. Specifically, when the control unit 50 determines that the first judgment condition is not satisfied, it causes the operator to select, using the response selection unit 64, which of the drug container introduction response and external weighing response should be performed as a response for causing the packaging unit 33 to perform a packaging operation. Furthermore, when the control unit 50 determines that the second judgment condition is not satisfied, it causes the operator to select, using the response selection unit 64, which of the refilling response and external weighing response should be performed as a response for causing the packaging unit 33 to perform a packaging operation. There are several methods for preparing medicines that are in short supply, but in this embodiment, medicines can be prepared in a manner selected by the operator, so that appropriate measures can be taken according to the situation.

[0116] 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.

[0117] 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.

[0118] The second standby position P2 is a position where an external measuring 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 measuring containers 92 are stored in the second storage section 12.

[0119] The third standby position P3 is a position where a secondary 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 secondary containers 93 are stored in the third storage section 13.

[0120] The measuring position P4 is a position where the measuring section 18 measures the medicine contained in the intermediate container 91 or the secondary container 93.

[0121] The first removal position P5 is a position for removing the intermediate container 91 or the secondary container 93 containing the medicine less than the target amount from the medicine packaging device 1 when the medicine is measured from the medicine container 15 to the intermediate container 91 or the secondary container 93 in the measuring section 30 and the supply amount (measured amount) is insufficient for the target amount due to a shortage of the amount of medicine in the medicine container 15 or the like. This removal is performed via the first removal section 25 provided in the medicine packaging device 1. Therefore, the first removal position P5 can be said to be a temporary position where the intermediate container 91 or the secondary container 93 can be removed to the outside of the medicine packaging device 1. The first removal position P5 is not limited to the first removal section 25 and may be set to the measuring position P4.

[0122] The second removal position P6 is a position for removing the external measuring container 92 before containing a drug to the outside of the drug packaging device 1 when measuring a drug using the measuring device 80 instead of the drug packaging device 1. This removal is performed via a second removal unit 26 provided in the drug packaging device 1. The second removal position P6 may also serve as a position (introduction position) for setting the external measuring container 92 or intermediate container 91 containing a drug measured by the measuring device 80 for introduction into the drug packaging device 1.

[0123] The third removal position P7 is a position for removing the secondary container 93 containing the medicine weighed out by the weighing unit 30 from the medicine packaging device 1 when the medicine packaging device 1 weighs out the medicine but does not pack it. This removal is performed via the third removal unit 27 provided in the medicine packaging device 1. Therefore, the third removal position P7 can be said to be a temporary position where the secondary container 93 can be removed to the outside of the medicine packaging device 1.

[0124] The first removal section 25, the second removal section 26, and the third removal section 27 may be, for example, doors that can be opened and closed, but are not limited thereto. In the medicine packaging device 1 of this embodiment, the container can be made removable to the outside of the medicine packaging device 1 simply by transporting the container to the first removal position P5, the second removal position P6, or the third removal position P7 by the transport section 14, thereby realizing easy handling.

[0125] The discharge standby position P8 is a position where the intermediate container 91 is kept on standby after the measuring unit 30 has completed measuring the medicine and before the medicine is discharged by the packing unit 33. The discharge standby position P8 is also a position (introduction position) where the external measuring container 92 or the intermediate container 91 containing the medicine measured by the measuring device 80 is set for introduction into the medicine packing device 1. The discharge standby position P8 is set in the discharge standby unit 23 described above. The discharge standby position P8 may also serve as the first take-out position P5, the second take-out position P6, or the third take-out position P7.

[0126] Discharge position P9 is the position of intermediate container 91 or external measuring container 92 when medicine is discharged in medicine discharge section 32. The operator directly sets external measuring container 92 or intermediate container 91 containing medicine in medicine discharge section 32, whereby external measuring container 92 or intermediate container 91 can be introduced into medicine packaging device 1. At this time, the introduction position is set to medicine discharge section 32.

[0127] The cleaning standby position P10 is a position where the intermediate container 91 or the external measuring 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.

[0128] The cleaning position P11 is a position where the intermediate container 91 or the outer measuring container 92 is cleaned by the cleaning unit 38.

[0129] In this embodiment, the discharge standby position P8 and the cleaning standby position P10 function as relay points for the transport of the container by the transport unit 14.

[0130] 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 discharge 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 discharge standby position P8, the discharge position P9, and the cleaning standby position P10.

[0131] Therefore, after the control unit 50 has caused the first conveyor unit 14a to convey the intermediate containers 91, etc. to the discharge standby position P8, the conveyed intermediate containers 91, etc. can be conveyed by the second conveyor unit 14b at an appropriate timing. Also, after the second conveyor unit 14b has conveyed the intermediate containers 91, etc. to the cleaning standby position P10, the conveyed intermediate containers 91, etc. can be conveyed by the first conveyor unit 14a at an appropriate timing.

[0132] Next, the metering device 80 will be described. As shown in Fig. 6, the metering device 80 includes a control unit 81, a metering unit 82, an information processing unit 83, and a display unit 84. The metering unit 82, the information processing unit 83, and the display unit 84 are each electrically connected to the control unit 81. The metering device 80 can measure the drug contained in the external metering container 92. When the intermediate container 91 is used for external metering, the metering device 80 measures the drug contained in the intermediate container 91.

[0133] The control unit 81 is capable of communicating with the control unit 50 of the medicine packing device 1 and can receive dispensing data stored in the memory unit 61 of the medicine packing device 1. Upon completion of measurement (such as measuring the amount of medicine that is insufficient for the target amount), the measuring device 80 transmits the measurement result to the medicine packing device 1.

[0134] 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 of 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 weighing container 92 while the medicine is contained in the external weighing container 92.

[0135] 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 and write the contents of the information recording unit 92e of the external weighing container 92.

[0136] The information processing unit 83 reads the information stored in the barcode of the medicine bottle or the like and the information recording unit 92e of the external measuring container 92, and performs a process of changing the information stored in the information recording unit 92e. Specifically, the information processing unit 83 reads the medicine identification 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 the dispensing data (specifically, the dispensing data number) stored in the information recording unit 92e of the external measuring container 92. The weighing device 80 acquires dispensing data corresponding to the read dispensing data (dispensing data number) 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). Then, the control unit 81 identifies which medicine the medicine identified based on the medicine identification information corresponds to among the medicines indicated by the medicine information included in the dispensing data acquired from the control unit 50 of the medicine packaging device 1. 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. Upon completing 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 memory unit 61.

[0137] The information recording unit 92e allows information to be read and written by the information processing unit 83, and at the same time, information can also be read and written by the second information processing unit 19 of the medicine packaging device 1. Therefore, even if the medicine packaging device 1 and the weighing device 80 are not configured to be able to communicate with each other, information (prescription data, weighing results) can be exchanged between the medicine packaging device 1 and the weighing device 80 via the external weighing container 92.

[0138] The information processing unit 83 can change the display content of the information display unit 92d of the external measuring container 92. When the measuring device 80 finishes measuring the medicine, the information processing unit 83 causes the information display unit 92d of the external measuring container 92 to display the measured amount (measurement result). In addition, as information regarding dispensing, the information display unit 92d may display a message indicating that an amount of medicine equivalent to a target amount is contained and that the medicine is ready to be introduced into the medicine packaging device 1.

[0139] 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.

[0140] Next, with reference to Fig. 7 to Fig. 9, a description will be given of presetting processing and the like when using the medicine packaging device 1 in the dispensing system 100. Fig. 7 to Fig. 9 show flowcharts of the presetting processing and the like in sequence.

[0141] In the presetting process, first, the control unit 50 displays an input screen for dispensing data on the display unit 21 (step S101 in FIG. 7). The dispensing data includes, for example, the recipient, drug information, target amount, measurement result (measured amount or amount short of the target amount), and a dispensing data number for identifying each dispensing data. The drug information includes one or more drug names, dosage form (powder / tablet / capsule / liquid / external medicine), method of administration, and dosage. The method of administration includes the number of times a drug is taken per day, the timing of administration, and the number of days for administration, and the dosage includes the total amount of administration (for example, weight), the amount of administration per day (weight), the amount of administration per dose (weight), and the like. The control unit 50 operates the drug packaging device 1 based on the input dispensing data.

[0142] 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. Note that 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.

[0143] When the input of the dispensing data is completed, the control unit 50 judges whether the drug indicated by the drug information includes a powdered drug (step S102). This judgment is made based on the information on dispensing. When it is judged that the drug indicated by the drug information does not include a powdered drug, the control unit 50 ends the presetting process.

[0144] When it is determined that the medicine indicated by the medicine information includes a powder medicine, the control unit 50 determines whether or not the powder medicine is to be dissolved in a liquid medicine (step S103). In the following description, the powder medicine here is referred to as medicine.

[0145] When it is determined that the medicine is to be dissolved in a liquid medicine, the control unit 50 determines whether or not the second operation (i.e., an operation of not packaging the medicine after measuring it) can be performed (step S104). Specifically, the control unit 50 determines whether or not the weight of the total dose of the medicine is equal to or greater than the third set value for each medicine indicated in the medicine information. As described above, the third set value is a value based on the lower limit of the weight of the medicine that can be measured by the measuring unit 30. Then, the control unit 50 determines that the second operation can be performed when the weight of the total dose of any of the medicines indicated in the medicine information is equal to or greater than the third set value. The control unit 50 causes the medicine packaging device 1 to perform a measuring operation for the medicines indicated in the medicine information whose total dose weight is equal to or greater than the third set value. The control unit 50 determines that the second operation cannot be performed when the weight of the total dose of any of the medicines indicated in the medicine information is not equal to or greater than the third set value.

[0146] If it is determined that the second operation cannot be performed, the control unit 50 ends the presetting process. On the other hand, if it is determined that the second operation can be performed, the control unit 50 ends the presetting process (step S105) and performs a measuring operation setting (second operation setting) to cause the medicine packaging device 1 to perform the second operation.

[0147] In the measuring operation setting, the control unit 50 judges whether or not the medicine indicated by the medicine information is present in the medicine packing device 1 (step S106). This judgment is made based on the arrangement information of the medicine container 15 and the medicine information included in the dispensing data.

[0148] When it is determined that the medicine is in the medicine packaging device 1, the control unit 50 determines whether or not the remaining amount of the medicine in the medicine container 15 is equal to or greater than the amount to be measured (the target amount based on the dispensing data) for the medicine indicated by the medicine information (step S107). That is, the control unit 50 determines whether or not the medicine indicated by the medicine information contains more than the required amount of the medicine in the medicine container 15. The amount to be measured corresponds to the weight of the total dose of each medicine.

[0149] There are various possible methods for acquiring the amount of medicine contained in medicine container 15. For example, control unit 50 stores in advance the weight of medicine in an initial state in which the medicine is full, and subtracts the weight of medicine already discharged from medicine container 15 by medicine packaging device 1 from the stored weight, thereby acquiring the remaining amount of medicine. If the remaining amount of medicine is stored in information recording unit 71 of medicine container 15 by first information processing unit 16, the remaining amount of medicine in medicine container 15 can be acquired by first information processing unit 16 as necessary. Note that, for example, medicine supply mechanism 17 may be provided with a weighing unit to detect the weight of medicine container 15, thereby acquiring the remaining amount of medicine in medicine container 15.

[0150] In step S107, when it is determined that the remaining amount of the medicine in the medicine container 15 is equal to or greater than the amount to be measured, the control unit 50 causes the medicine packaging device 1 to perform a second operation. In the case where the medicine packaging device 1 operates continuously based on two or more dispensing data, if the medicine packaging device 1 is performing a measuring operation related to the previous dispensing data, the control unit 50 causes the medicine packaging device 1 to wait for a measuring operation related to the next dispensing data. Here, if the measuring operation related to the previous dispensing data is completed, the control unit 50 starts a measuring operation related to the next dispensing data. On the other hand, when it is determined that the remaining amount of the medicine in the medicine container 15 is not equal to or greater than the amount to be measured, or when it is determined in step S106 that the medicine is not present in the medicine packaging device 1, the control unit 50 guides the operator to perform a refilling action to refill the medicine container 15 with the missing medicine, or a medicine container introduction action to introduce a medicine container 15 containing a medicine in an amount greater than the required amount into the medicine packaging device 1 (step S108). This guidance is performed by displaying the display unit 21, or the like.

[0151] In step S107, when it is determined that the remaining amount of the drug in the drug container 15 is equal to or greater than the amount to be measured, the control unit 50 performs container allocation setting. In the container allocation setting, the control unit 50 designates a container to store each of the drugs indicated in the drug information. This is performed by assigning container-specific information to each of the drugs indicated in the drug information. In the second operation, the drug supplied from the drug container 15 is stored in the secondary container 93, so the control unit 50 assigns container-specific information of the secondary container 93 to each of the drugs indicated in the drug information.

[0152] In this way, when the measuring operation setting is completed and the medicine packaging device 1 is in a state in which the measuring operation can be started, the control unit 50 causes the medicine packaging device 1 to perform the second operation.

[0153] In step S103, when it is determined that the medicine is not a medicine to be dissolved in a liquid medicine, the control unit 50 determines whether or not the first operation (i.e., the operation of packaging) can be performed (step S109). That is, the control unit 50 determines whether or not the first condition and the second condition are satisfied. Specifically, the control unit 50 determines whether or not the first condition that the weight of the total dose is equal to or greater than the first set value and the second condition that the weight of one dose is equal to or greater than the second set value are satisfied for each medicine indicated by the medicine information. As described above, the first set value and the second set value are values ​​based on the lower limit value of the weight of the medicine that can be packaged by the packaging unit 33. When both the first condition and the second condition are satisfied for all of the medicines indicated by the medicine information, the control unit 50 determines that the first operation can be performed for the dispensing data related to this medicine information. When at least one of the first condition and the second condition is not satisfied for at least one of the medicines indicated by the medicine information, the control unit 50 determines that the first operation cannot be performed for the dispensing data related to this medicine information. In this case, the excipient selection unit 63 can select to add an excipient, thereby making the medicine satisfy the first and second conditions.

[0154] If it is determined that the first operation can be executed, the control unit 50 terminates the pre-setting process and performs measuring operation and packaging operation settings (first operation settings) to cause the medicine packaging device 1 to perform the first operation (step S110).

[0155] In setting the measuring operation and the packaging operation, the control unit 50 refers to the master information stored in the memory unit 61, etc., and determines whether the drug container 15 that contains each of the drugs indicated in the drug information is registered in the master information (step S111 in Figure 8).

[0156] When it is determined that the medicine container 15 is registered, the control unit 50 determines whether or not the medicine is present in the medicine packing device 1 for each of the medicines indicated in the medicine information (step S112). That is, the control unit 50 determines whether or not the first determination condition is satisfied. Specifically, the control unit 50 determines whether or not a medicine container 15 containing the necessary medicine is placed in the medicine packing device 1 for each of the medicines indicated in the medicine information. This determination is made based on the placement information of the medicine container 15 and the medicine information included in the dispensing data.

[0157] If it is determined that the medicine is in the medicine packing device 1, the control unit 50 determines whether or not the remaining amount of the medicine in the medicine container 15 for the medicine indicated in the medicine information is equal to or greater than the amount to be measured (step S113). This corresponds to the second determination condition described above. Specifically, the control unit 50 determines whether or not the medicine container 15 arranged in the medicine packing device 1 contains a required amount or more of the medicine for each medicine indicated in the medicine information. For example, the control unit 50 calculates the remaining amount of the medicine as in step S107, and checks whether or not this remaining amount of the medicine is insufficient for the total amount of the medicine indicated in the medicine information. The amount to be measured corresponds to the weight of the total dose of each medicine.

[0158] In step S113, when it is determined that the remaining amount of the medicine in the medicine container 15 is equal to or greater than the amount to be measured, the control unit 50 causes the medicine packing device 1 to perform a first operation based on the set operating conditions. In the case where the medicine packing device 1 is operated continuously based on two or more dispensing data, if the medicine packing device 1 is performing a measuring operation related to the previous dispensing data, the control unit 50 causes the medicine packing device 1 to wait for a measuring operation related to the next dispensing data. Here, if the measuring operation related to the previous dispensing data is completed, the control unit 50 starts a measuring operation related to the next dispensing data. On the other hand, when it is determined that the remaining amount of the medicine in the medicine container 15 is not equal to or greater than the amount to be measured, or when it is determined in step S112 that the medicine is not present in the medicine packing device 1, the control unit 50 guides the operator to perform a refilling action to refill the medicine container 15 with the missing medicine, or a medicine container introduction action to introduce a medicine container 15 containing a medicine in an amount greater than the required amount into the medicine packing device 1 (step S121). This guidance is provided by display on the display unit 21. After that, the process returns to step S112.

[0159] In the setting of the weighing operation and the packaging operation, when it is determined that the remaining amount of the medicine in the medicine container 15 is equal to or greater than the amount to be weighed, the control unit 50 sets the operating conditions for the medicine packaging device 1. The control unit 50 displays a setting screen for weighing, discharging, distributing, and packaging on the display unit 21 as a setting screen (step S114). For example, the operator can specify a container (intermediate container 91) to be used in the weighing operation and the packaging operation for each medicine. In addition, the operator can specify the discharge speed (strength of vibration) when discharging the medicine, the speed when packaging the medicine, and the like by operating the operation unit 22. In addition, the control unit 50 performs container allocation setting. In the container allocation setting, the control unit 50 specifies a container to be stored for each medicine indicated by the medicine information. This is performed by assigning container-specific information to each medicine indicated by the medicine information. Since the medicine is stored in the intermediate container 91 in the first operation, the control unit 50 assigns container-specific information of the intermediate container 91 to each medicine indicated by the medicine information. In addition, on the setting screen, the operator may be able to specify the container (intermediate container 91) to be used in the packaging operation for each medicine as a setting for measuring. Also, the operator may be able to specify the distribution unit 34 and medicine discharge unit 32 to be used in the packaging operation. The control unit 50 registers the settings specified by the operator (step S115). In the measuring operation, the discharge operation described below, the distribution operation, and the packaging operation, processing based on the information registered here is performed. In this way, when the measuring operation and packaging operation settings are completed and the medicine packaging device 1 is in a state where it can start the measuring operation, the control unit 50 causes the medicine packaging device 1 to perform the first operation.

[0160] In step S121, the control unit 50 guides the operator to perform a replenishment action to replenish the medicine container 15 with the missing medicine, or a medicine container introduction action to introduce a medicine container 15 containing more than the required amount of medicine into the medicine packing device 1. Specifically, the control unit 50 (action selection unit 64) displays on the display unit 21 a selection screen that allows the operator to specify whether to perform a replenishment action or a medicine container introduction action for a medicine that is not prepared in the medicine packing device 1. Then, the control unit 50 registers the setting specified by the operator. After that, the process returns to step S112.

[0161] If it is determined in step S112 that the medicine is not present in the medicine packing device 1, or if it is determined in step S113 that the remaining amount of the medicine in the medicine container 15 is not equal to or greater than the amount to be measured, a screen inquiring whether or not to perform external measurement using the external measuring container 92 for the medicine is displayed on the display unit 21 (step S116). In this case, the operator can also specify to perform external measurement using the operation unit 22 on this selection screen. In this embodiment, the operator specifies on the selection screen how to handle a medicine that is not prepared in the medicine packing device 1, but the control unit 50 may previously set which of the refilling response, the medicine container introduction response, and the external measurement response to be performed.

[0162] When the operator specifies that external measurement should be performed using the external measuring container 92 (step S117), the control unit 50 displays a setting screen for measuring, discharging, distributing, and packaging on the display unit 21 as a setting screen for operating conditions for the medicine packaging device 1 (step S118). Then, the control unit 50 registers the settings specified by the operator (step S119). The control unit 50 also performs container allocation setting. In the container allocation setting, the control unit 50 specifies a container to be stored for each medicine indicated by the medicine information. This is performed by assigning container-specific information to each medicine indicated by the medicine information. In the first operation, the medicine is stored in the intermediate container 91, so the control unit 50 assigns container-specific information of the intermediate container 91 to each medicine indicated by the medicine information. Since the medicine to be externally measured is stored in the external measuring container 92, the control unit 50 assigns container-specific information of the external measuring container 92 to the medicine to be externally measured among the medicines indicated by the medicine information. In addition, on the setting screen, the operator may be able to specify the container (intermediate container 91 or external measuring container 92) to be used in the packaging operation for each drug as a setting for measuring. The operator may also be able to specify the distribution unit 34 and drug discharge unit 32 to be used in the packaging operation. In the measuring operation, the discharge operation described below, the distribution operation, and the packaging operation, processing based on the information registered here is performed. In this way, when the measuring operation and packaging operation setting are completed and the drug packaging device 1 is in a state where it can start the measuring operation, the control unit 50 causes the drug packaging device 1 to perform the first operation.

[0163] When the container-specific information of the external measuring container 92 is assigned to the medicine to be externally measured, the control unit 50 selects the external measuring container 92 to be used from the multiple external measuring containers 92 arranged in the medicine packaging device 1 based on the container-specific information (step S120). As described above, multiple external measuring containers 92 are stored in the second storage unit 12, and some of these external measuring containers 92 may have different sizes of storage section 92a. In this case, the control unit 50 selects an external measuring container 92 of an appropriate size according to the target amount of the medicine based on the medicine information included in the dispensing data and information related to the multiple external measuring containers 92 previously recorded in the storage unit 61. This allows the external measuring container 92 suited to the situation to be used for external measurement.

[0164] If it is determined in step S112 that there is no medicine in the medicine packing device 1, or if it is determined in step S113 that the remaining amount of medicine in the medicine container 15 is not equal to or greater than the amount to be measured, the external measurement method may be configured not to be selectable. In this case, the processes of steps S116 and S117 are omitted.

[0165] When refilling or introducing a medicine container is selected, the control unit 50 guides the user to refill or introduce a medicine container (step S121). This guidance is provided by displaying the display unit 21, etc. Then, the process returns to step S112. Normally, such guidance prompts the user to secure the necessary medicine inside the medicine packing device 1, but after step S121, refilling or introducing a medicine container may not be performed. In this case, when the medicine packing device 1 is used, the first operation is performed in a state in which the necessary medicine has not been secured. Also, if the remaining amount of medicine in the medicine container 15 cannot be obtained, the determination in step S113 is omitted.

[0166] If it is determined in step S111 that the medicine container 15 is not registered, the control unit 50 decides to perform external measurement using the external measuring container 92 (step S122). After that, the processes from step S118 to step S120 described above are performed, and if the medicine packing device 1 is in a state where it can start the measuring operation, the control unit 50 causes the medicine packing device 1 to perform the first operation.

[0167] If it is determined in step S109 of FIG. 7 that the first operation cannot be performed, the control unit 50 prohibits the packaging operation by the packaging unit 33 (step S123). Then, the control unit 50 determines whether or not the second operation (i.e., an operation of not packaging after measuring the medicine) can be performed (step S124 of FIG. 9). Specifically, the control unit 50 determines whether or not the third condition is satisfied for each medicine indicated by the medicine information. The control unit 50 determines that the measuring operation can be performed for a medicine indicated by the medicine information for which the control unit 50 has determined that the third condition is satisfied. If the control unit 50 determines that the third condition is not satisfied for a medicine indicated by the medicine information, it determines that the measuring operation cannot be performed for a medicine that does not satisfy the third condition.

[0168] When it is determined that the weighing operation cannot be performed for all of the drugs indicated by the drug information, the control unit 50 prohibits the weighing operation by the weighing unit 30 (step S125) and ends the pre-setting process. On the other hand, when it is determined that the weighing operation can be performed for at least one of the drugs indicated by the drug information, the control unit 50 ends the pre-setting process and performs a weighing operation setting (second operation setting) for causing the drug packaging device 1 to perform a second operation (step S126). Regarding the execution of the second operation, the control unit 50 (weighing selection unit 62) can perform a setting for causing the second operation to be performed by the operator's selection using the operation unit 22.

[0169] In the measuring operation setting, the control unit 50 judges whether or not the medicine indicated by the medicine information is present in the medicine packing device 1 (step S127). That is, the control unit 50 judges whether or not the medicine container 15 containing the necessary medicine is arranged in the medicine packing device 1 for the medicine indicated by the medicine information. If it is judged that the medicine is present in the medicine packing device 1, the control unit 50 judges whether or not the remaining amount of the medicine in the medicine container 15 for the medicine indicated by the medicine information is equal to or greater than the amount to be measured (step S128).

[0170] In step S128, when it is determined that the remaining amount of the medicine in the medicine container 15 is equal to or greater than the amount to be measured, the control unit 50 causes the medicine packing device 1 to perform the second operation. On the other hand, when it is determined that the remaining amount of the medicine in the medicine container 15 is not equal to or greater than the amount to be measured, or when it is determined in step S127 that there is no medicine in the medicine packing device 1, the control unit 50 guides the operator to perform a refilling action to refill the medicine container 15 with the missing medicine, or a medicine container introduction action to introduce a medicine container 15 containing a required amount or more of medicine into the medicine packing device 1 (step S134). This guidance is performed by displaying on the display unit 21, etc. After that, the process returns to step S127.

[0171] Furthermore, in step S128, when it is determined that the remaining amount of the medicine in the medicine container 15 is equal to or greater than the amount to be measured, the control unit 50 performs container allocation setting. In the container allocation setting, the control unit 50 designates a container to store each of the medicines indicated in the medicine information. This is performed by assigning container-specific information to each of the medicines indicated in the medicine information. In the second operation, the medicine supplied from the medicine container 15 is stored in the secondary container 93, so the control unit 50 assigns container-specific information of the secondary container 93 to each of the medicines indicated in the medicine information.

[0172] In this way, when the measuring operation setting is completed and the medicine packaging device 1 is in a state in which the measuring operation can be started, the control unit 50 causes the medicine packaging device 1 to perform the second operation.

[0173] In this embodiment, when it is determined in step S128 that the remaining amount of the medicine in the medicine container 15 is equal to or greater than the amount to be measured, the control unit 50 guides the user to select from among the multiple other medicine packaging devices 95 the other medicine packaging device 95 to be used. In detail, the control unit 50 selects from among the multiple other medicine packaging devices 95 the other medicine packaging device 95 whose fourth set value is equal to or less than the weight of the entire dose of each of the medicines indicated by the medicine information and whose fifth set value is equal to or less than the weight of one dose of each of the medicines indicated by the medicine information (step S129). Then, the control unit 50 guides the user to use the selected other medicine packaging device 95 (step S130). As described above, the fourth set value and the fifth set value are values ​​based on the lower limit value of the weight of the medicine that the other medicine packaging device 95 can package. This guidance is provided by displaying the display unit 21 or the like. If the remaining amount of the medicine in the medicine container 15 cannot be obtained, the determination in step S128 is omitted.

[0174] In step S129, there may be a case where another drug packaging device 95 must be selected because the weight of the entire dose or the weight of one dose is not equal to or greater than the lower limit of the weight of the drug that the other drug packaging device 95 can package (the fourth and fifth conditions are not satisfied). In this case, the control unit 50 displays on the display unit 21 a selection screen for adding an excipient when the drug packaging device 1 performs the second operation (step S131). On this selection screen, the operator uses the operation unit 22 (excipient selection unit 63) to select whether or not to add an excipient. Based on the result of the operator's selection, the control unit 50 determines whether or not to execute a weighing operation of the excipient by the weighing unit 30 (step S132).

[0175] When it is selected to execute the excipient measuring operation by the measuring unit 30, the control unit 50 determines the weight of the excipient to be measured by the measuring unit 30 (step S133). The weight of the excipient is determined based on at least one of the fourth set value and the fifth set value related to the selected other drug packaging device 95. Then, as the measuring operation setting, the control unit 50 performs container allocation setting for the excipient. In the container allocation setting, the control unit 50 specifies a container that contains the excipient. This is performed by allocating container-specific information to the excipient. In the second operation, the excipient is contained in the secondary container 93, so the control unit 50 assigns the container-specific information of the secondary container 93 to the excipient. The container-specific information assigned to the excipient may be the container-specific information of the secondary container 93 that is the same as the drug to which the excipient is added, or may be the container-specific information of the secondary container 93 that is different from the drug to which the excipient is added.

[0176] Next, the processing related to the intermediate container 91 when the first operation (i.e., the operation of packaging) is performed will be described with reference to Fig. 10 to Fig. 13. Fig. 10 is a flow chart showing the processing related to the intermediate container 91 when the first operation is performed when external measurement is not performed. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing the path of the intermediate container 91 when the processing of Fig. 10 is performed. Fig. 12 is a continuation of the processing of Fig. 10 and is a flow chart showing the processing when external measurement is performed. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing the path of the intermediate container 91 when the processing of Fig. 12 is performed.

[0177] The third information processing unit 20 previously reads container-specific information from the information recording units (information recording unit 91e, information recording unit 92e, information recording unit 93e) of various containers stored in the storage units (first storage unit 11, second storage unit 12, and third storage unit 13), and sends the storage information of the containers in the storage units to the control unit 50. The storage information is information that associates the container-specific information with information regarding the storage position of the container in the storage unit. The control unit 50 stores the storage information sent from the third information processing unit 20 in the memory unit 61.

[0178] The first operation is performed when the first operation is set in the presetting process, as shown in step S110 of Fig. 7. If external measurement using the external measuring container 92 is not selected when setting the measuring and packing operations, the process of Fig. 10 is performed.

[0179] First, the control unit 50 determines an intermediate container 91 to be transported from among the intermediate containers 91 stored in the first storage unit 11 based on the container specific information and storage information assigned to each of the medicines indicated by the medicine information. At this time, the third information processing unit 20 writes the prescription data (including at least the prescription data number) in the information recording unit 91e of the intermediate container 91. Then, the control unit 50 controls the first transport unit 14a to transport the intermediate container 91 from the first waiting position P1 to the measurement position P4 (step S201, (1) of FIG. 11). Next, the control unit 50 controls the medicine supply mechanism 17 to move the medicine container 15, which contains a medicine that is one of the medicines indicated by the medicine information included in the prescription data and corresponds to the intermediate container 91 to be transported, to above the placement table 18a (intermediate container 91) (step S202). The movement of the medicine container 15 may be performed after the transport of the intermediate container 91, or the movement of the medicine container 15 and the transport of the intermediate container 91 may be performed in parallel.

[0180] Next, the control unit 50 controls the medicine supply mechanism 17 to operate the supply mechanism for the medicine container 15 that has been moved above the intermediate container 91, and starts supplying the medicine to the intermediate container 91 (step S203).

[0181] The operation of measuring out the medicine from the medicine container 15 into the intermediate container 91 (steps S201 to S203) is performed for each type of medicine indicated by the medicine information included in the prescription data. When the target amount of medicine exceeds the upper limit of the intermediate container 91, one type of medicine may be divided and supplied to multiple intermediate containers 91.

[0182] The control unit 50 supplies the medicine so that the measured amount calculated by the measuring unit 18 matches the target amount based on the dispensing data. When the measured amount matches the target amount based on the dispensing data, the control unit 50 determines that the measuring is complete (step S204). When the measuring is complete, the control unit 50 controls the second information processing unit 19 to display the measured amount on the information display unit 91d and store it in the information recording unit 91e (step S205).

[0183] At this time, the information display unit 91d can display, as the dispensing data, for example, the dispensing data number, the drug name, the recipient, the target amount, and the measured amount. In addition, as the information related to dispensing, for example, information indicating that the weighing of the drug has been completed can also be displayed. The drug name is the name of the drug supplied to the intermediate container 91. The recipient is information for identifying the recipient, such as the name and age of the recipient. The target amount is a value based on the dispensing data, and is the amount of the drug to be weighed in the intermediate container 91. The measured amount is an actual value obtained by measuring the weight of the drug supplied to the intermediate container 91 by the weighing unit 18. At least a part of the information displayed on the information display unit 91d is recorded in the information recording unit 91e.

[0184] Next, the control unit 50 controls the first conveying unit 14a and the second conveying unit 14b to convey the intermediate container 91 from the weighing position P4 to the discharge position P9 (step S206, (2) and (3) in Figure 11), and attaches the intermediate container 91 to the container attachment unit 32a (step S207).

[0185] When the opening / closing part 91c of the intermediate container 91 is moved to switch from the closed state to the open state, the control part 50 controls the vibration device 32b to generate vibration, thereby discharging the medicine to the distribution part 34 (step S208, discharging operation). The medicine discharged to the distribution part 34 is packaged by the packaging part 35 in a predetermined package unit amount as described above, and sent to a predetermined position ((4) in FIG. 11).

[0186] When the discharge of the medicine to the distributor 34 is completed, the controller 50 controls the second transporter 14b to move the intermediate container 91 from the discharge position P9 to the cleaning standby position P10 (step S209, FIG. 11 (5)). The controller 50 moves the intermediate container 91 to the cleaning position P11 at an appropriate timing (step S210, FIG. 11 (6)), and controls the cleaner 38 to clean the intermediate container 91 (step S211).

[0187] After cleaning is completed, the control unit 50 returns the intermediate container 91 to the cleaning standby position P10 (FIG. 11 (7)), and controls the first transport unit 14a to transport the intermediate container 91 to the first standby position P1 (step S212, FIG. 11 (8)). When cleaning of the intermediate container 91 is completed, the third information processing unit 20 erases the display content of the information display unit 91d. As a result, the intermediate container 91 returns to its original position. Therefore, if further discharge is required, this intermediate container 91 can be used repeatedly.

[0188] Also, in step S204, if it is determined that the weighing is not completed, the control unit 50 guides the operator to perform refilling or drug container introduction in the same manner as in step S121. For example, when the supply mechanism is performing an operation to supply a drug from the drug container 15, if the amount of drug supplied to the intermediate container 91 is insufficient for the target amount and the amount measured by the measuring unit 18 does not increase, it is determined that the weighing is not completed and the operation of the supply mechanism is stopped. After that, when the refilling or drug container introduction is performed, the process returns to step S203, and the supply of the drug to the intermediate container 91 is started (restarted). For example, if the refilling or drug container introduction is not performed according to the guidance after step S121 in FIG. 8, a shortage of the drug occurs. Also, if the remaining amount of the drug in the drug container 15 cannot be obtained, a shortage of the drug may occur.

[0189] When it is determined that the weighing is not completed, the control unit 50 controls the second information processing unit 19 to display the measured amount at the current stage on the information display unit 91d of the intermediate container 91 (step S214 in FIG. 12). At this time, the information display unit 91d can display information such as the name of the drug, the recipient, and the target amount. Instead of or in addition to the target amount and the measured amount, the shortage amount of the drug with respect to the target amount may be displayed on the information display unit 91d. Also, as information regarding dispensing, information indicating that the weighing of the drug is not completed and the contained drug is insufficient for the target amount may be displayed. Then, the control unit 50 updates the measured amount at the current stage or the shortage amount with respect to the target amount included in the dispensing data. Also, the control unit 50 may control the second information processing unit 19 to write the measured amount at the current stage or the shortage amount with respect to the target amount to the information recording unit 91e of the intermediate container 91. This makes it possible to prevent mistakes such as mistaking intermediate containers 91, and allows the operator to easily visually understand necessary information such as the remaining amount of each drug that should be measured out. Furthermore, by reading the information recorded in information recording unit 91e with an appropriate information processing device, the operator can easily grasp necessary information such as the remaining amount of each drug that should be measured out.

[0190] If it is determined that the weighing is not complete, the weighing operation and the packaging operation can be continued by performing external weighing using the intermediate container 91 in the middle of supplying medicine. In this case, the control unit 50 controls the first transport unit 14a to transport the intermediate container 91, to which the supply of medicine has not yet been completed, from the weighing position P4 to the first removal position P5 (step S215, FIG. 13 (2)). The operator removes the intermediate container 91 from the first removal position P5 to the outside of the medicine packaging device 1, supplies the medicine removed from the medicine bottle or the like to the intermediate container 91, and has the weighing device 80 measure it.

[0191] The operator causes the information processing unit 83 of the weighing device 80 to read the information recording unit 91e of the intermediate container 91 taken out from the first take-out position P5. The weighing device 80 acquires the dispensing data number and the container-specific information from the information recording unit 91e. The weighing device 80 acquires the corresponding dispensing data from the control unit 50 of the medicine packaging device 1 based on the information acquired from the information recording unit 91e, and displays the acquired dispensing data on the display unit 84. The weighing device 80 also identifies which of the medicines indicated in the medicine information included in the dispensing data is to be metered based on the information acquired from the information recording unit 91e. The display unit 84 displays the medicine identified as the medicine to be metered, distinguishing it from other medicines by using highlighting or the like. The display unit 84 also displays the current measured amount or the shortage amount of the medicine identified as the medicine to be metered with respect to the target amount. Next, the operator causes the information processing unit 83 of the weighing device 80 to read the barcode (information recording unit 71) of the medicine bottle or the like. As a result, the control unit 81 of the weighing device 80 acquires the contained drug information. The control unit 81 compares the drug identified as the drug to be weighed with the acquired contained drug information. If the comparison results in a match, the operator uses the weighing device 80 to weigh the shortage amount of drug and supplies the weighed drug to the intermediate container 91. After completing the measurement of the drug, the weighing device 80 transmits the measurement result including the measured amount of drug together with the dispensing data acquired from the control unit 50 of the drug packaging device 1 to the control unit 50 of the drug packaging device 1 using the control unit 81. The control unit 50 of the drug packaging device 1 receives the measurement result and updates the dispensing data stored in the memory unit 61.

[0192] When the measuring device 80 has finished measuring the medicine, the information processing unit 83 may display the measured amount (measurement result) on the information display unit 91d of the intermediate container 91. In addition, as information regarding dispensing, the information display unit 91d may display a message indicating that the intermediate container 91 contains an amount of medicine equivalent to a target amount and is ready to be introduced into the medicine packaging device 1.

[0193] Next, the control unit 50 judges whether the intermediate container 91 is set at the discharge standby position P8 (step S216). When it is judged that the intermediate container 91 is not set at the discharge standby position P8, the control unit 50 repeats step S216. On the other hand, when it is judged that the intermediate container 91 is set at the discharge standby position P8, if the weighing result received from the weighing device 80 matches the dispensing data, the control unit 50 controls the second transport unit 14b to transport the intermediate container 91 from the discharge standby position P8 to the discharge position P9 (step S217). If an information processing device capable of reading the container-specific information of the intermediate container 91 set at the discharge standby position P8 is provided, the intermediate container 91 can be appropriately transported to the medicine discharge unit 32 (discharge position P9) designated for use in the packaging operation. Then, the process of steps S218 to S223 is performed. The process of steps S218 to S223 is the same as steps S207 to S212 in FIG. 10, and therefore the description will be omitted. In this embodiment, the control unit 50 controls the second transport unit 14b to transport the intermediate container 91 to the discharge position P9, but the intermediate container 91 may be introduced into the medicine packaging device 1 by an operator directly setting the intermediate container 91 at the medicine discharge unit 32 (discharge position P9). In this case, by reading the container-specific information of the intermediate container 91 set at the discharge position P9 with an appropriate information processing device, it is possible to confirm whether the set destination is correct or not based on the medicine indicated by the medicine information to which this container-specific information is assigned.

[0194] External measurement is originally performed using an external measuring container 92. However, in the medicine packaging device 1 of this embodiment, if a shortage of medicine occurs when measuring using the intermediate container 91, external measurement can be performed using the intermediate container 91. This makes it possible to realize medicine packaging while responding to various situations on the spot. As a result, the flexibility of the medicine packaging device 1 is increased.

[0195] The transfer of information via the information recording unit 92e of the external measuring container 92 has been described above, and the information recording unit 91e of the intermediate container 91 has the same configuration as the information recording unit 92e. Therefore, the transfer of information between the medicine packaging device 1 and the measuring device 80 can be similarly realized via the intermediate container 91.

[0196] Next, the process related to the external weighing container 92 when performing the first operation will be described with reference to Fig. 14 and Fig. 15. Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing the process related to the external weighing container 92. Fig. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing the path of the external weighing container 92 when performing the process of Fig. 14.

[0197] In a state where the first operation has been set by a presetting process or the like, when external measurement using the external measuring container 92 is selected, the process shown in FIG. 14 is performed.

[0198] First, the control unit 50 determines an external weighing container 92 to be transported from among the external weighing containers 92 stored in the second storage unit 12, based on the container-specific information and storage information assigned to each of the drugs indicated by the drug information. At this time, the third information processing unit 20 updates the display content of the information display unit 92d and the record content of the information recording unit 92e for the selected external weighing container 92 (step S301). As a result, the dispensing data is displayed on the information display unit 92d, and at least the dispensing data number and information on the drug to be supplied to the external weighing container 92 among the drugs indicated by the drug information are recorded in the information recording unit 92e. The process of step S301 may be performed by the second information processing unit 19 after the external weighing container 92 is transported to the weighing position P4 by the first transport unit 14a.

[0199] Here, the information display unit 92d can display information such as the name of the drug to be measured by the measuring device 80, the recipient, and the target amount. In addition, information indicating that the container has not been externally measured may be displayed as information regarding dispensing. This can prevent the external measuring container 92 from being mixed up, and the operator can easily visually understand how much of which drug should be measured. In addition, by reading the container-specific information recorded in the information recording unit 92e with an appropriate information processing device, it is possible to identify which external measuring container 92 is assigned to which drug among the drugs indicated by the drug information. Therefore, it is possible to easily identify which drug should be placed in the external measuring container 92.

[0200] Next, the control unit 50 controls the first transport unit 14a to transport the external measuring container 92 from the second standby position P2 to the second removal position P6 (step S302, (1) in FIG. 15).

[0201] The display contents of the information display unit 92d and the recorded contents of the information recording unit 92e may be updated before the external weighing container 92 is taken out at the second take-out position P6, for example, during transport or after the external weighing container 92 is transported to the second take-out position P6. In this case, an information processing device may be provided in the first transport unit 14a or the second take-out unit 26. The display contents of the information display unit 92d may be updated simultaneously with the update of the recorded contents of the information recording unit 92e.

[0202] When the external measuring container 92 reaches the second removal position P6, the operator removes the external measuring container 92 from the second removal position P6 to the outside of the drug packaging device 1, supplies the drug removed from a medicine bottle or the like to the external measuring container 92, and weighs it using the measuring device 80.

[0203] The operator causes the information processing unit 83 of the weighing device 80 to read the information recording unit 92e of the external weighing container 92 taken out from the second take-out position P6. The weighing device 80 acquires the dispensing data number and the container specific information from the information recording unit 92e. The weighing device 80 acquires the corresponding dispensing data from the control unit 50 of the medicine packaging device 1 based on the information acquired from the information recording unit 92e, and displays the acquired dispensing data on the display unit 84. Next, the operator causes the information processing unit 83 of the weighing device 80 to read the barcode (information recording unit 71) of the medicine bottle or the like. As a result, the control unit 81 of the weighing device 80 acquires the contained medicine information. The control unit 81 collates the medicine identified as the object to be metered with the acquired contained medicine information. If the collation results match, the operator uses the weighing device 80 to weigh the medicine and supplies the weighed medicine to the external weighing container 92. Upon completing the measurement of the medicine, the measuring device 80 transmits the measurement result including the measured amount of the medicine together with the dispensing data acquired from the control unit 50 of the medicine packaging device 1 to the control unit 50 of the medicine packaging device 1 using the control unit 81. The control unit 50 of the medicine packaging device 1 receives the measurement result, and upon confirming that the measurement result received from the measuring device 80 matches the target amount of the dispensing data, updates the dispensing data stored in the memory unit 61.

[0204] When the measurement of the medicine by the measuring device 80 is completed, the measured amount (measurement result) may be displayed on the information display unit 92d of the information recording unit 92e of the external measuring container 92. Also, the information display unit 92d may display that an amount of medicine corresponding to the target amount is contained and that it is ready to be introduced into the medicine packaging device 1.

[0205] Next, the control unit 50 judges whether the external measuring container 92 containing the entire dose of medicine is set to the discharge standby position P8 (step S303). If it is judged that the external measuring container 92 is not set to the discharge standby position P8, the control unit 50 repeats step S303. On the other hand, if it is judged that the external measuring container 92 is set to the discharge standby position P8, the control unit 50 controls the second transport unit 14b to transport the external measuring container 92 from the discharge standby position P8 to the discharge position P9 if the weighing result received from the weighing device 80 matches the dispensing data (step S304). If an information processing device capable of reading the container-specific information of the external measuring container 92 set to the discharge standby position P8 is provided, the external measuring container 92 can be appropriately transported to the discharge unit (discharge position P9) designated for use in the packaging operation. The processes from step S305 to step S310 are the same as those from step S218 to step S223 in FIG. 12, and therefore will not be described.

[0206] Thus, in this embodiment, the external measuring container 92 in which the medicine is measured by the measuring device 80 is first set at the discharge standby position P8, and then transported by the transport unit 14 (second transport unit 14b) and attached to the container attachment unit 32a of the medicine discharge unit 32 (steps S303 to S305). In this embodiment, the external measuring container 92 set by the operator at the discharge standby position P8 is automatically attached to the predetermined (correct) container attachment unit 32a by the transport unit 14. The same applies when performing external measurement using the intermediate container 91 (steps S216 to S208 in FIG. 12). Therefore, the accuracy of dispensing when performing external measurement can be ensured. The operator can also directly attach the external measuring container 92 to the container attachment unit 32a. In this case, by reading the container-specific information of the external measuring container 92 set at the discharge position P9 using an appropriate information processing device, it is possible to confirm whether the external measuring container 92 has been correctly set for the discharge section (discharge position P9) designated for use in the packaging operation for the drug indicated by the drug information to which this container-specific information is assigned.

[0207] Next, the process for the secondary container 93 when the second operation (i.e., an operation in which medicine is measured but not packaged) is performed will be described mainly with reference to Figures 16 and 17. Figure 16 is a flow chart showing this process. Figure 17 is a diagram showing the path of the secondary container 93 when the process of Figure 16 is performed. Note that steps S401 to S406 in Figure 16 are similar to steps S201 to S206 in the process of Figure 10, so they will only be briefly described.

[0208] The second operation is performed when the second operation is set in a presetting process or the like, as shown in step S105 of FIG. 7 or step S126 of FIG. 9. First, the control unit 50 determines the secondary container 93 to be transported from among the secondary containers 93 stored in the third storage unit 13 based on the container specific information and storage information assigned to each of the drugs indicated by the drug information. At this time, the third information processing unit 20 writes the dispensing data (including at least the dispensing data number) in the information recording unit 93e of the secondary container 93. Then, the control unit 50 controls the first transport unit 14a to transport the secondary container 93 from the third waiting position P3 to the measuring position P4 (step S401 of FIG. 16, (1) of FIG. 17). Next, the control unit 50 controls the drug supply mechanism 17 to move the drug container 15 containing the designated drug, which is one of the drugs indicated by the drug information included in the dispensing data, to above the placement table 18a (secondary container 93) (step S402). Next, the control unit 50 starts supplying the medicine to the secondary container 93 by the supply mechanism (step S403). Note that the movement of the medicine container 15 may be performed after the transport of the secondary container 93, or the movement of the medicine container 15 and the transport of the intermediate container 91 may be performed in parallel.

[0209] When it is determined that the drug has been measured out (step S404), the control unit 50 controls the second information processing unit 19 to display the measured amount on the information display unit 92d (step S405). At this time, the information display unit 92d can display, for example, the drug dispensing data number, drug name, recipient, target amount, and measured amount. In addition, information indicating that the drug has been measured out can also be displayed as information related to the drug dispensing. Next, the control unit 50 controls the first transport unit 14a to transport the secondary container 93 from the measuring position P4 to the third take-out position P7 (step S406). The operator transports the secondary container 93 to another location and performs the work of the next process as appropriate. When the medicine weighed out into the secondary container 93 is packaged using another medicine packaging device 95, the other medicine packaging device 95 used can read the container-specific information from the information recording unit 93e of the secondary container using an appropriate information processing device, and receive dispensing data from the control unit 50 of the medicine packaging device 1 based on the obtained container-specific information.

[0210] As described above, the medicine packaging device 1 of this embodiment includes a weighing unit 30, a packaging unit 33, and a control unit 50. The weighing unit 30 weighs out medicine. The packaging unit 33 packages the medicine weighed out by the weighing unit 30. The control unit 50 controls the weighing unit 30 and the packaging unit 33 based on the dispensing data. The control unit 50 controls the weighing unit 30 to weigh out the full dose of each medicine indicated by the medicine information included in the dispensing data. The control unit 50 controls the packaging unit 33 to package the medicine weighed out by the weighing unit 30 for each dose. The medicine packaging device 1 can handle multiple external measuring containers 92 that contain a full dose of medicine and are then introduced into the medicine packaging device 1. When performing external measurement by introducing an external measuring container 92 into the medicine packaging device 1, the control unit 50 selects the external measuring container 92 to be used from the multiple external measuring containers 92 in the medicine packaging device 1.

[0211] As a result, even if it is necessary to externally measure a variety of drugs, this can be flexibly handled by using multiple external measuring containers 92.

[0212] Furthermore, the medicine packing device 1 of the present embodiment allows the selected external measuring container 92 to be removed to the outside of the medicine packing device 1.

[0213] This allows the operator to remove the outer weighing vessel 92.

[0214] Moreover, the medicine packaging device 1 of the present embodiment further includes a transport unit 14 capable of transporting the external measuring container 92. The control unit 50 controls the transport unit 14 to transport a selected external measuring container 92 from a second waiting position P2, in which a plurality of external measuring containers 92 can be stored, to a first removal position P5, from which the selected external measuring container 92 can be removed to the outside of the medicine packaging device 1.

[0215] This makes it possible to transport the external weighing container 92 and remove the external weighing container 92 to the outside.

[0216] Moreover, the medicine packaging device 1 of this embodiment includes a medicine discharge unit 32. The medicine discharge unit 32 can set an external measuring container 92 and discharges medicines inside the set external measuring container 92. The control unit 50 controls the transport unit 14 to transport the external measuring container 92 to the medicine discharge unit 32 from a discharge standby position P8, where the external measuring container containing a full dose of medicines can be set.

[0217] This makes it possible to prevent the external measuring container 92 from being set incorrectly, as compared to a configuration in which the external measuring container 92 can be set directly into the medicine discharge portion 32.

[0218] Furthermore, the drug packaging device 1 of this embodiment includes a third information processing unit 20 that can record information in the information recording unit 92e of the external measuring container 92. When performing external measuring, the third information processing unit 20 records, in the information recording unit 92e of the selected external measuring container 92, the dispensing data and information indicating the drug to be supplied to the external measuring container 92, among the drug information indicated by the dispensing data, in the information recording unit 92e of the selected external measuring container 92.

[0219] This allows information to be exchanged via the external weighing container 92. Also, information required for external weighing can be obtained based on the information recorded in the information recording unit 92e.

[0220] Furthermore, the medicine packaging device 1 of this embodiment includes a third information processing unit 20 that can change the display content on the information display unit 92d of the external measuring container 92. When performing external measuring, the third information processing unit 20 causes the information display unit 92d of the selected external measuring container 92 to display information about the medicine to be supplied to the external measuring container.

[0221] This makes it possible to prevent mistakes such as mistaking the external measuring container 92. Also, the operator etc. can easily understand which medicine should be externally measured.

[0222] Furthermore, in the medicine packing device 1 of the present embodiment, the amount of medicine to be supplied to the external measuring container 92 is displayed on the information display section 92d of the selected external measuring container 92.

[0223] This allows an operator or the like to easily understand the information required for external weighing.

[0224] Furthermore, in medicine packaging device 1 of the present embodiment, external measuring container 92 can also be used as intermediate container 91 which contains the medicine weighed out by measuring unit 30 and is transported to medicine discharge unit 32 by transport unit 14.

[0225] This allows the external measuring container 92 to be used for other purposes, thus simplifying the configuration.

[0226] In addition, in the drug packaging device 1 of this embodiment, the external measuring container 92 can also be used as a secondary container 93 that contains the drug weighed by the weighing section 30 and is transported by the transport section 14 to the first removal position P5 or the third removal position P7 from which the drug can be removed outside the drug packaging device 1.

[0227] This allows the external measuring container 92 to be used for other purposes, thus simplifying the configuration.

[0228] Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the above configuration can be modified, for example, as follows.

[0229] The first removal position P5 and the discharge standby position P8, etc. may be set at positions different from those shown in FIG.

[0230] The display contents of the information display sections 91d, 92d, 93d of the respective containers and the recorded contents of the information recording sections 91e, 92e, 93e are merely examples, and some of them may be omitted or other information may be added.

[0231] The configurations of the first storage section 11, the second storage section 12, and the third storage section 13 can be changed as appropriate, for example, by supporting the containers using pins. The discharge standby section 23, the first removal section 25, the second removal section 26, the third removal section 27, the cleaning standby section 37, etc. have the same configurations.

[0232] When the medicine packing device 1 performs the second operation, the medicine may be contained in the intermediate container 91 or the external measuring container 92 and transported.

[0233] The information recording section 71 provided on the outer surface of the medicine container 15 can be changed to another appropriate configuration (for example, a mark, a character, a bar code, etc.) instead of an RFID tag.

[0234] The update of the display contents of the information display units 91d, 92d, and 93d and the update of the recorded contents of the information recording units 91e, 92e, and 93e may be realized by relatively long-distance communication (e.g., radio wave signals of a wireless LAN) instead of by the close-proximity communication of the second information processing unit 19. In this case, it is possible to read and write information held by a container at any position in the medicine packing device 1.

[0235] There may be provided a plurality of drug supply mechanisms 17. Corresponding to the drug supply mechanisms 17, a plurality of measuring units 18 may also be provided. [Explanation of symbols]

[0236] 1. Drug packaging device 14 Conveyor section 30 Weighing section 32 Drug discharge section 33 Packaging section 50 Control section 92 External weighing container 92d Information display section (display section) 92e Information recording section (information recording member) 93 Secondary container 95 Drug packaging device P5 1st extraction position (temporary position) P8 Discharge standby position (introduction position)

Claims

1. A measuring unit for measuring the medicine; a packaging unit that packages the medicine measured by the measuring unit; A control unit that controls the measuring unit and the packaging unit based on prescription data; Equipped with The control unit is controlling the measuring unit to measure out a full dose of each of the drugs indicated by the drug information included in the prescription data; A medicine packaging device that controls the packaging unit so as to package the medicine measured by the measuring unit into individual doses, It is possible to store a plurality of external measuring containers each containing a full dose of medicine, which are introduced into the medicine packaging device and which discharge medicine into the packaging section; The control unit is A drug packaging device characterized in that, when performing external measuring operation by introducing the external measuring container into the drug packaging device, among the multiple external measuring containers arranged within the drug packaging device, the external measuring container used to discharge drug into the packaging section in the external measuring operation, and the external measuring container before containing drug, is positioned so that it can be removed outside the drug packaging device.

2. The drug packaging device according to claim 1, Further comprising a conveying unit capable of conveying the external measuring container, The control unit controls the transport unit to transport the external measuring container to be used from a storage position where multiple external measuring containers can be stored to a temporary position where the external measuring container can be removed outside the drug packaging device.

3. The drug packaging device according to claim 2, The external measuring container can be set in the external measuring container, and the external measuring container can be further provided with a medicine discharge unit that discharges the medicine in the set external measuring container. A drug packaging device characterized in that the control unit controls the transport unit to transport the external measuring container containing a full dose of drug from an introduction position where the external measuring container can be set to the drug discharge unit.

4. The drug packaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The measuring device further includes an information processing device for recording information that can record information on the information recording member of the external measuring container, A drug packaging device characterized in that, when performing the external measuring operation, the recording information processing device records dispensing data and information indicating the drug to be supplied to the external measuring container, from the drug information indicated by the dispensing data, on the information recording member of the external measuring container used.

5. The drug packaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The measuring device further includes a display information processing device capable of changing the display content on the display unit of the external measuring container, A drug packaging device characterized in that, when the external measuring device is used, the display information processing device displays information about the drug to be supplied to the external measuring container on the display unit of the external measuring container being used.

6. The drug packaging device according to claim 5, A drug packaging device, characterized in that the display unit of the external measuring container used displays the amount of drug to be supplied to the external measuring container.

7. The drug packaging device according to any one of claims 2 to 6, A drug packaging device, characterized in that the external measuring container can also be used as an intermediate container that contains the drug measured by the measuring unit and is transported to the drug discharge unit by the transport unit.

8. The drug packaging device according to any one of claims 2 to 7, A drug packaging device characterized in that the external measuring container contains the drug measured by the measuring unit and can also be used as a secondary container that is transported by the transport unit to a temporary position where it can be removed outside the drug packaging device.

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