Drug supply device

Abstract

To provide a medicine supply device which can determine that a total amount of medicines is discharged from an introduction chemical container that stores the total amount of medicines used for dispensing processing.SOLUTION: A medicine supply device comprises an introduction chemical container, a medicine discharge part, a first measurement part and a control device. The total amount of medicines to be used for dispensing processing is stored in the introduction chemical container. The medicine discharge part can set the introduction chemical container introduced from the outside and can execute the discharge operation of medicines stored in the set introduction chemical container. The first measurement part measures the weight of the medicines stored in the introduction chemical container set in the medicine discharge part. The control device causes the medicine discharge part to execute the discharge operation of the medicines in the introduction chemical container. The control device causes the first measurement part to measure the weight of the medicines stored in the introduction chemical container set in the medicine discharge part after the discharge operation of the medicines in the introduction chemical container is executed. The control device determines whether or not all of the medicines stored in the introduction chemical container is discharged.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates generally to drug delivery devices. [Background technology]

[0002]

[0003] Conventionally, there has been known a medicine supplying device that can store medicine containers and automatically supply medicines contained in the medicine containers. Patent Document 1 discloses this type of medicine supplying device.

[0003] The powder medicine packaging device of Patent Document 1 includes a container storage unit, a container moving device, a container holding table, and a weight measuring means. The container storage unit holds a plurality of automatic medicine containers. The container moving device is capable of holding the automatic medicine containers and is capable of removing a predetermined automatic medicine container from the container storage unit and placing it on the container holding table. The container holding table can hold not only automatic medicine containers but also manual medicine containers (introducing medicine containers) filled with powder medicine (medicine) weighed by a medicine weighing device. The container holding table can vibrate the placed automatic medicine container or manual medicine container and discharge the powder medicine contained in the corresponding medicine container onto a distribution tray. The weight measuring means is provided on the container holding table and measures the weight of the automatic medicine container placed on the container holding table. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

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

[0005] In the configuration of Patent Document 1, a manual medicine container is filled with a specified amount of powdered medicine (the amount ultimately discharged onto the distribution tray) using a medicine weighing device. Then, when this manual medicine container is placed on a container holder, the powdered medicine is discharged from the manual medicine container onto the distribution tray. At this time, the weight of the manual medicine container placed on the container holder (the amount of medicine contained therein) is not measured. Furthermore, after the powdered medicine is discharged from the manual medicine container onto the distribution tray, the weight of the manual medicine container placed on the container holder is not measured.

[0006] When a manual medicine container containing powdered medicine is used in this way, it is possible that not all of the powdered medicine contained in the manual medicine container is dispensed at once due to reasons such as the powdered medicine adhering to the manual medicine container. However, even in such cases, the dispense of powdered medicine from the manual medicine container is stopped, so there is a problem in that it is not possible to confirm that the required amount of medicine has been dispensed.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a medicine supply device that can determine whether a required amount of medicine has been discharged from an introduction medicine container that contains the entire amount of medicine used in a dispensing process.

[0008] The problem to be solved by the present invention is as described above. Next, the means for solving this problem and the effects thereof will be explained.

[0009] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a medicine supplying device having the following configuration: That is, this medicine supplying device includes an introduction medicine container, a medicine discharge unit, a measuring unit, and a control unit. The introduction medicine container contains a total amount of medicine to be used in a dispensing process. an amount equal tois contained in the introduced drug container. The drug discharge unit is capable of setting the introduced drug container introduced from outside, and executes a discharge operation of the drug contained in the set introduced drug container. The measurement unit measures the weight of the drug contained in the introduced drug container set in the drug discharge unit. The control unit controls the drug discharge unit and the measurement unit. The control unit causes the drug discharge unit to execute a discharge operation of the drug in the introduced drug container. After the discharge operation of the drug in the introduced drug container has been executed, when the drug is no longer being discharged from the introduced drug container, the control unit causes the measurement unit to measure the weight of the drug contained in the introduced drug container set in the drug discharge unit. The control unit Based on the measurement result of the measurement unit, The control unit determines whether all of the drug contained in the introduced drug container has been discharged. When the control unit determines that all of the drug contained in the introduced drug container has been discharged, the control unit terminates the discharge operation, and when the control unit determines that all of the drug contained in the introduced drug container has not been discharged, the control unit continues the discharge operation.

[0010] This allows the medicine supply device to determine whether the entire amount of medicine to be used in the dispensing process has been discharged from the medicine container containing the entire amount of medicine to be used in the dispensing process, thereby making it possible to confirm that the entire amount of medicine to be used in the dispensing process has been discharged. Furthermore, when the drug is no longer being discharged from the drug introduction container, and it is determined that not all of the drug contained in the drug introduction container has been discharged, it is possible to confirm the possibility that drug remains in the drug introduction container.

[0011] In the medicine supply device, it is preferable that the control unit stores the weight of the medicine discharged from the introduction medicine container when it is determined that all of the medicine in the introduction medicine container has been discharged.

[0012] This makes it possible to know the amount of medicine actually discharged from the introduced medicine container. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a medicine dispensing and packaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 4 is a timing chart showing the relationship between the operation timings of the various parts of the medicine packaging device in the dispensing process. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart illustrating the processing of an introduced drug container. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a medicine packing device according to one embodiment of the present invention. The medicine packing device includes a medicine supply device 1 and a packaging unit 41.

[0017] The medicine supply device 1 shown in Fig. 1 can store a plurality of medicine containers containing medicines (powder medicines in this embodiment). The medicine supply device 1 can perform a dispensing process using the medicines in the medicine containers. The dispensed medicines are supplied to the outside from the medicine packaging device.

[0018] A magnetic member is provided on the outer surface of each medicine container stored in the medicine supply device 1. This magnetic member is used for transporting the medicine container by the container transport unit 15, which will be described later. In addition, an information tag is attached to the outer surface of each medicine container stored. This information tag stores unique identification information, information about the medicine contained therein, and data related to the weight of the medicine in the medicine container.

[0019] Medicine supply device 1 includes container storage unit 11, container transport unit 15, medicine discharge unit 21, distribution tray 31, medicine removal unit 35, first cleaning unit 52, measurement processing unit, first reader / writer unit 71, second reader / writer unit 75, temporary container placement unit 81, container removal unit 82, interface unit 91, and control device (control unit) 95. Interface unit 91 and control device 95 also function as the interface unit and control device of the medicine packaging device.

[0020] The medicine dispensing and packaging device includes a housing in which the components of the medicine supply device 1 (for example, the container storage unit 11 and the medicine discharge unit 21) and the packaging unit 41 are housed.

[0021] The container storage unit 11 can store a plurality of drug containers. The container storage unit 11 includes a rotating member 12 and a container arrangement unit 13.

[0022] The rotating member 12 is provided in an upright position and can rotate about an axis extending in the vertical direction by the driving force of a motor.

[0023] A plurality of container placement sections 13 are arranged side by side on the outer periphery of rotating member 12. A drug container can be placed in each container placement section 13. Container placement section 13 can be, for example, a mounting plate capable of accommodating drug containers. Container placement section 13 rotates integrally with rotating member 12 as rotating member 12 rotates.

[0024] Only one corresponding drug container is placed in one container placement section 13. The container placement section 13 in which a drug container is placed is predetermined according to the drug container, and the drug container is not placed in another container placement section 13. Note that one container placement section 13 may be configured to allow different drug containers to be placed therein. In this case, the drug container placed in the container placement section 13 is identified by reading the data stored in the information tag attached to the drug container.

[0025] The container transport unit 15 transports the medicine container between the container storage unit 11 and the medicine discharge unit 21. The container transport unit 15 can perform at least the following three operations on the medicine container. The first is an operation of moving the medicine container between the container storage unit 11 and the medicine discharge unit 21 (first operation). The second is an operation of removing the medicine container from one of the container placement units 13 of the container storage unit 11 (second operation). The third is an operation of returning the medicine container to one of the container placement units 13 (third operation).

[0026] The container conveying unit 15 includes a holding arm unit 16 and a conveying operation mechanism 17 .

[0027] The holding arm unit 16 can hold / release the medicine container. In this embodiment, an electromagnet that can be attached / detached to a magnetic member on the outer surface of the medicine container is provided at the tip of the holding arm unit 16. Therefore, the holding arm unit 16 can hold / release the medicine container using the electromagnet. The base end of the holding arm unit 16 is connected to a transport operation mechanism 17.

[0028] The transport operation mechanism 17 can move the holding arm part 16 between the container storage part 11 and the medicine discharge part 21 by the driving force of the motor.

[0029] With the above configuration, when the tip of holding arm unit 16 is approaching the outer periphery of container storage unit 11 by transport operation mechanism 17, holding arm unit 16 can remove a drug container that is arranged in container placement unit 13. Furthermore, when the tip of holding arm unit 16 is approaching the outer periphery of container storage unit 11, holding arm unit 16 can return the drug container that it is holding to container placement unit 13.

[0030] On the other hand, when the tip of holding arm unit 16 is brought close to medicine discharge unit 21 by transport operation mechanism 17, holding arm unit 16 can set a medicine container in medicine discharge unit 21. Furthermore, when the tip of holding arm unit 16 is brought close to medicine discharge unit 21, holding arm unit 16 can release the set medicine container and remove it from medicine discharge unit 21.

[0031] Medicine discharge unit 21 can perform a process of discharging medicine from a medicine container that has been set in it. Medicine discharge unit 21 includes a vibration device 22 for vibrating medicine discharge unit 21. When a medicine container set in medicine discharge unit 21 is vibrated, the medicine in the medicine container is shaken out.

[0032] Drug delivery containers that contain drugs to be used in the dispensing process by type can be set in the drug delivery unit 21. The drug delivery containers are introduced into the drug supply device 1 from outside. The drug delivery containers contain the entire amount of drugs to be used in the dispensing process. The drug delivery unit 21 can perform a delivery operation at least once so as to deliver all of the drugs contained in the drug delivery containers.

[0033] As with the drug container, an information tag is attached to the outer surface of the drug container to be introduced, and data (unique information) including unique identification information is stored in the information tag.

[0034] Furthermore, an introduction drug container may be set in the drug discharge section 21 by the container transport section 15 (the introduction drug container is transported between the temporary container placement section 81 and the drug discharge section 21). In this case, a magnetic member is provided on the outer surface of the introduction drug container, and is used for transport by the container transport section 15.

[0035] The drug supply device 1 includes multiple (two in this embodiment) drug discharge units 21. One drug container or one introduced drug container can be set in one drug discharge unit 21. Therefore, when a drug container or an introduced drug container is set in any of the multiple drug discharge units 21, drugs may be discharged from the multiple drug discharge units 21 simultaneously.

[0036] The distribution tray 31 is provided near the medicine discharge portion 21. The distribution tray 31 functions as a tray for receiving the medicine shaken out from the medicine container.

[0037] The distribution tray 31 includes a tray portion 32 and a rotation drive portion 33 .

[0038] The dish portion 32 is formed in a horizontal disk shape. The dish portion 32 is supported so as to be rotatable about a vertical axis. The medicine discharged from the medicine discharge portion 21 can be placed on the dish portion 32.

[0039] Rotation drive unit 33 can rotate dish portion 32 in the circumferential direction by the driving force of the motor. As dish portion 32 receives the medicine from medicine discharge portion 21 while rotating, the medicine is evenly distributed on dish portion 32 in the circumferential direction.

[0040] The medicine removal unit 35 is provided near the distribution tray 31. The medicine removal unit 35 performs an operation of scooping medicines (removal operation) by using the driving force of a motor, targeting a partial area in the circumferential direction of the tray unit 32. The medicine removal unit 35 can supply the scooped medicines to the packaging unit 41.

[0041] The packaging unit 41 can package medicines. The packaging unit 41 includes a hopper 42 that serves as a medicine inlet. When the medicine removal unit 35 puts a single dose of medicine into the hopper 42, the packaging unit 41 packages the medicine. The packaged medicine is then supplied to the outside of the medicine dispensing and packaging device.

[0042] The cleaning unit includes a first cleaning unit 52 and a second cleaning unit 53.

[0043] The first cleaning unit 52 is provided near the distribution tray 31. The first cleaning unit 52 can clean the top of the distribution tray 31 and the medicine extraction unit .

[0044] The second cleaning unit 53 is provided in the vicinity of the packaging unit 41. The second cleaning unit 53 can clean the packaging unit 41 (inside the hopper 42 in this embodiment).

[0045] The first cleaning unit 52 and the second cleaning unit 53 may be configured in any way, but may be configured, for example, to suck in the medicine adhering to each unit by negative pressure.

[0046] The measurement processing section includes a first measurement section (measurement section) 62 and a second measurement section 63.

[0047] The first measuring unit 62 is a device that measures the weight of the drug in the drug container or introduced drug container set in the drug discharging unit 21. The first measuring unit 62 is provided in the drug discharging unit 21. Specifically, the first measuring unit 62 measures the weight of the drug discharging unit 21 in which the drug container or introduced drug container is set, and calculates the weight of the drug in the drug container or introduced drug container. In this embodiment, one first measuring unit 62 is provided for each drug discharging unit 21.

[0048] The second measuring unit 63 is a device that measures the weight of the drug in the introduced drug container before it is set in the drug discharge unit 21. The second measuring unit 63 is provided in the temporary container placement unit 81, which will be described later. Specifically, the second measuring unit 63 measures the weight of the introduced drug container and calculates the weight of the drug in the introduced drug container.

[0049] The second measuring unit 63 may be configured together with the second reader / writer unit 75 as part of a measuring device separate from the medicine supply device 1.

[0050] The first reader / writer unit 71 can read data stored in an information tag attached to a medicine container or an introduced medicine container set in the medicine discharge unit 21. The first reader / writer unit 71 can also write data to the information tag. The first reader / writer unit 71 is provided in each medicine discharge unit 21.

[0051] The second reader / writer unit 75 can read data stored in an information tag attached to the introduced drug container before it is set in the drug discharge unit 21. The second reader / writer unit 75 is provided in the temporary container placement unit 81.

[0052] The temporary container placement unit 81 can temporarily place an introduction drug container that is introduced from outside into the drug supply device 1. The temporary container placement unit 81 can be configured in various ways, for example, it can be configured as a placement table on which an introduction drug container can be placed.

[0053] The interface unit 91 realizes a user interface function and can be configured to include, for example, a display device that displays the status of dispensing processing and user input information, and an operation device that allows the user to input instructions.

[0054] The control device 95 is a computer equipped with a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. The ROM stores a control program for operating the medicine packaging device. The operations of the container storage unit 11, container transport unit 15, medicine discharge unit 21, distribution tray 31, medicine removal unit 35, packaging unit 41, cleaning unit, first reader / writer unit 71, second reader / writer unit 75, and interface unit 91 are controlled by the control device 95.

[0055] Next, a detailed description will be given of an example of the processing of the control device 95. This example shows a case where a dispensing process is performed for two types of medicine using a medicine container and an introduced medicine container.

[0056] Dispensing data related to the dispensing process is input via interface unit 91 according to prescription information and stored in control device 95. Examples of dispensing data include the type of drug used in the dispensing process, the daily dose, the number of times the drug is taken per day, and the number of days for which the drug is taken. Once the dispensing data is input, the drug packaging device starts the dispensing process.

[0057] When the dispensing process starts, control device 95 moves the tip of holding arm 16 close to container placement section 13 where the drug container containing the drug to be used in the dispensing process is placed, in order to remove the drug container from container storage section 11. In the following description, this drug container may be referred to as the first drug container.

[0058] The control device 95 rotates the rotating member 12 to adjust the position of the container placement unit 13 in which the first drug container is placed. This allows the first drug container to be removed from the container placement unit 13 at the tip of the holding arm unit 16 provided in the container transport unit 15. At timing T1 shown in FIG. 2, the control device 95 rotates the container storage unit 11 while moving the holding arm unit 16. In this way, by simultaneously moving the holding arm unit 16 and adjusting the position of the container placement unit 13, the drug container transport operation becomes smoother.

[0059] The control device 95 controls the container transport unit 15 to remove the first drug container from the container placement unit 13.

[0060] When the tip of holding arm portion 16 holds the first drug container, control device 95 controls container transport portion 15 to transport and set the first drug container to drug discharge portion 21 where no drug container is set. Hereinafter, in order to identify each of the two drug discharge portions 21, they may be referred to as the first drug discharge portion and the second drug discharge portion. In this embodiment, the first drug container is set in first drug discharge portion 21.

[0061] When the first medicine container is set in first medicine discharging section 21, control device 95 causes first reader / writer section 71 of first medicine discharging section 21 to read the data stored in the information tag of the first medicine container. The data read at this time includes, for example, data relating to unique identification information, medicine information, and weight information.

[0062] Control device 95 determines whether the first medicine container set in first medicine discharge unit 21 matches the medicine container containing the medicine to be used in the dispensing process, based on the unique identification information or medicine information acquired by first reader / writer unit 71. Control device 95 also determines whether the medicine container contains more medicine than is necessary for the current dispensing process, based on the medicine weight information acquired by first reader / writer unit 71.

[0063] When it is confirmed that the medicine container set in first medicine discharging section 21 is correct and that the medicine container contains an amount of medicine greater than or equal to the amount required for dispensing, control device 95 causes vibration device 22 of first medicine discharging section 21 to start vibration and rotates distribution tray 31 (end of timing T2), which shakes out the medicine from the first medicine container.

[0064] The medicine shaken out of the first medicine container is discharged onto the rotating distribution dish 31. Therefore, the medicine is placed on the distribution dish 31 so that the thickness of the medicine is uniform on the distribution dish 31.

[0065] While first medicine discharging unit 21 is discharging the medicine from the first medicine container, first measuring unit 62 continues to measure the weight of the medicine in the first medicine container. As the shaking of the medicine from the first medicine container progresses, the weight of the medicine in the first medicine container gradually decreases. When the decrease in the weight of the medicine in the first medicine container becomes equal to the weight of the medicine to be used in the dispensing process, control device 95 stops vibration device 22 of first medicine discharging unit 21 and terminates the discharge of the medicine from first medicine discharging unit 21. In this way, control device 95 monitors the change in the weight of the medicine in the first medicine container during the discharging operation. This makes it possible to accurately discharge the amount of medicine required for the current dispensing process from the first medicine container.

[0066] There are cases where the medicine used for the dispensing process is not contained in the medicine container. Also, there are cases where the amount of medicine contained in the medicine container is insufficient for the amount required for the dispensing process. In such cases, when the dispensing process starts, the control device 95 notifies the user that the medicine should be contained in an introduction medicine container and introduced into the medicine supply device 1.

[0067] In the following description, the delivery drug container that contains the drug may be referred to as the second drug container.

[0068] A second medicine container is placed in temporary container placing section 81. A medicine is poured into the second medicine container placed in temporary container placing section 81. Here, the user performs a measurement operation.

[0069] Second measuring unit 63 measures the weight of the medicine in the second medicine container placed in temporary container placement unit 81. When the weight value of the medicine in the second medicine container becomes equal to the weight value of the medicine to be used in the dispensing process, the measurement work is completed. Upon completion of the measurement work, second measuring unit 63 transmits the measurement result to control device 95. Control device 95 stores the weight value of the medicine in the second medicine container in association with the dispensing data related to the current dispensing process.

[0070] The control device 95 prompts the user to allow the drug delivery device 1 to introduce the drug.

[0071] The second medicine container is set in one of the two medicine discharge units 21 (second medicine discharge unit 21) on the side where the first medicine container is not set.

[0072] The second medicine container may be manually set in second medicine discharge section 21 by the user. Alternatively, the second medicine container manually set in temporary container placement section 81 by the user may be transported to second medicine discharge section 21 by container transport section 15 shown in Fig. 1. In this case, when the tip of holding arm section 16 holds the second medicine container, control device 95 controls container transport section 15 to transport and set the second medicine container in medicine discharge section 21 where no medicine container has been set.

[0073] When the second medicine container is placed in temporary container placement section 81, control device 95 causes second reader / writer unit 75 to read the unique identification information stored in the information tag of the second medicine container (timing T3). Upon completion of the measurement work by second measurement unit 63, second reader / writer unit 75 transmits the unique identification information to control device 95. Control device 95 stores the unique identification information in association with the dispensing data related to the current dispensing process.

[0074] When a second medicine container is set in second medicine discharging section 21, control device 95 performs processing as shown in Fig. 3 in this embodiment. That is, first, the unique identification information stored in the information tag of the second medicine container is read by first reader / writer section 71 of second medicine discharging section 21 (timing T4) (step S1). Control device 95 also causes first measuring section 62 to measure the weight of the medicine in the second medicine container (step S2).

[0075] Control device 95 determines whether the second medicine container set in second medicine discharge unit 21 matches the introduced medicine container containing the medicine to be used in the dispensing process, based on the unique identification information acquired by first reader / writer unit 71 (step S3). Control device 95 also determines whether the amount of medicine required for the current dispensing process is contained in the second medicine container, based on the weight of the medicine measured by first measuring unit 62 (step S4).

[0076] In this embodiment, if the total amount of medicine indicated in the dispensing data matches the measurement result of first measuring unit 62, it is determined that the amount of medicine required for the current dispensing process is contained in the second medicine container. On the other hand, if the total amount of medicine indicated in the dispensing data does not match the measurement result of first measuring unit 62, it is determined that the amount of medicine required for the current dispensing process is not contained in the second medicine container.

[0077] The control device 95 may determine whether an increase or decrease has occurred in the amount of the drug contained in the second drug container based on whether the measurement results from the first measurement unit 62 and the second measurement unit 63 match. This determination can be realized, for example, as follows. When the second reader / writer unit 75 acquires the unique information of the introduced drug container and the second measurement unit 63 measures the weight of the drug, the control device 95 associates the acquired unique information and drug weight with identification information (ID) that uniquely indicates the dispensing data and stores them, for example, in table format. Thereafter, when the first reader / writer unit 71 acquires the unique information of the introduced drug container, the control device 95 can call up the weight of the drug previously measured by the second measurement unit 63 in the introduced drug container of the unique information and the ID of the dispensing data by referring to the above table based on this unique information. The measurement results from the first measurement unit 62 and the second measurement unit 63 are compared, and if they match, the control device 95 determines that no increase or decrease has occurred in the amount of the drug contained in the second drug container. If they do not match, the control device 95 determines that an increase or decrease has occurred in the amount of medicine contained in the second medicine container.

[0078] If the weight measured by first measuring unit 62 is greater than the weight measured by second measuring unit 63, there is a possibility that foreign matter has been mixed into the second drug container when the drug was introduced. On the other hand, if the weight measured by first measuring unit 62 is less than the weight measured by second measuring unit 63, there is a possibility that the drug has spilled from the second drug container when the drug was introduced. By comparing the measurement results of first measuring unit 62 and second measuring unit 63, it becomes easier to detect small changes in weight.

[0079] When it is confirmed that the second medicine container set in second medicine discharging unit 21 is correct and that the amount of medicine required for dispensing processing is contained in the second medicine container, control device 95 causes vibration device 22 of second medicine discharging unit 21 to start vibration (end of timing T4). This causes the medicine to be shaken out of the introduced medicine container. In this way, second medicine discharging unit 21 executes the medicine discharging operation (step S5). In the example of FIG. 2, the medicine discharge timings of first medicine discharging unit 21 and second medicine discharging unit 21 overlap each other.

[0080] Next, when the amount of medicine required for dispensing has been discharged from the first medicine container, control device 95 stops vibration device 22 of first medicine discharging unit 21 and causes first measuring unit 62 to measure the weight of the medicine in the first medicine container. In this way, shaking of the medicine from the first medicine container is completed. Thereafter, control device 95 causes first reader / writer unit 71 of first medicine discharging unit 21 to perform a writing process. That is, control device 95 stores weight data of the medicine in the first medicine container at the end of shaking of the medicine in the information tag of the first medicine container (timing T5). Control device 95 also stores the weight of the medicine discharged from the first medicine container based on the amount of medicine reduced in the first medicine container.

[0081] After the weight data is written to the information tag of the first medicine container, the control device 95 controls the container transport unit 15 to return the first medicine container to the container storage unit 11.

[0082] 2, while another medicine container (in this example, the second medicine container) is discharging medicine, the medicine supply device 1 can transport the medicine container (first medicine container) that has finished discharging medicine to its original position. In this way, the medicine can be discharged and the medicine container can be moved simultaneously, so the entire operation can be performed quickly.

[0083] As described above, the medicine supply device 1 can empty the medicine discharge portion 21 while the medicine container is discharging the medicine. Furthermore, even while the medicine container (second medicine container) is discharging the medicine, the medicine supply device 1 can set a medicine container to be used for the next dispensing process in the empty medicine discharge portion 21 (first medicine discharge portion 21) in advance. In this sense, the medicine supply device 1 can perform the dispensing process efficiently.

[0084] As in the case of removing the drug container from container storage unit 11, control device 95 rotates rotating member 12 to adjust the position of container placement unit 13 to which the first drug container should be returned. This allows the tip of holding arm unit 16 to return the first drug container to container placement unit 13. As in the case described above (timing T1), container storage unit 11 is rotated by the time the movement of holding arm unit 16 finishes (timing T6). This allows for smooth transport of the drug container.

[0085] Next, when the drug discharge operation for the second drug container is executed, control device 95 stops vibration device 22 of second drug discharge unit 21 and causes first measuring unit 62 to measure the weight of the drug in the second drug container (step S6). At this time, when a sensor (not shown) that detects the drug being discharged from the second drug container no longer detects the drug, control device 95 stops vibration device 22 of second drug discharge unit 21. In this way, shaking of the drug from the second drug container is terminated. Thereafter, control device 95 determines whether all of the drug in the second drug container has been discharged based on the measurement result of first measuring unit 62 (step S7).

[0086] In this embodiment, if the measurement result of first measuring unit 62 after execution of the medicine discharging operation is 0, control device 95 determines that all of the medicine in the second medicine container has been discharged. On the other hand, if the measurement result of first measuring unit 62 after discharging the medicine is greater than 0, control device 95 determines that all of the medicine in the second medicine container has not been discharged.

[0087] When it is determined that all of the medicine in the second medicine container has been discharged, control device 95 stores the weight of the medicine discharged from the second medicine container based on the amount of medicine reduced in the second medicine container (step S8).

[0088] On the other hand, if control device 95 determines that not all of the medicine in the second medicine container has been discharged, there is a possibility that some medicine remains in the second medicine container. Therefore, if control device 95 determines that not all of the medicine in the second medicine container has been discharged, control device 95 causes vibration device 22 of second medicine discharge unit 21 to start vibration and rotates distribution plate 31. In this way, the medicine discharge operation is again performed so that the medicine is shaken out of the second medicine container (step S9). As a result, at least a portion of the medicine remaining in the second medicine container is discharged. Then, returning to step S6, control device 95 causes first measuring unit 62 to measure the weight of the medicine in the second medicine container. Based on the measurement result of first measuring unit 62, control device 95 determines whether all of the medicine in the second medicine container has been discharged (in this embodiment, whether the measurement result of first measuring unit 62 is 0).

[0089] In this embodiment, when the control device 95 determines that not all of the drug in the second drug container has been discharged, it controls the vibration device 22 of the second drug discharge section 21 to start vibrating again, so that the vibration device 22 applies a stronger vibration to the second drug container set in the second drug discharge section 21 than the previous vibration.

[0090] When the drug discharge process from the first drug container and the second drug container is completed and the drugs required for dispensing are placed on distribution tray 31, control device 95 causes drug take-out unit 35 to scoop up the drugs on distribution tray 31 and deposit the drugs into hopper 42 of packaging unit 41 (timing T7). Control device 95 also causes packaging unit 41 to package the drugs scooped by drug take-out unit 35 (timing T7). Although the operation timing of packaging unit 41 is omitted in FIG. 2, packaging unit 41 operates at approximately the same timing as drug take-out unit 35. As shown in FIG. 2, drug supply device 1 can transport the drug containers while drug take-out unit 35 is scooping up the drugs (taking-out operation). In this way, the scooping of drugs and the movement of the drug containers can be performed simultaneously in parallel, allowing the entire operation to be performed quickly.

[0091] When the process of scooping medicines from distribution tray 31 is completed, distribution tray 31 stops. Then, first cleaning unit 52 cleans distribution tray 31 and medicine removal unit 35 (timing T8). As shown in FIG. 2, medicine supply device 1 can transport medicine containers while first cleaning unit 52 is performing the cleaning operation (first cleaning operation). In this way, the cleaning operation and the movement of medicine containers can be performed simultaneously, so the entire operation can be completed quickly.

[0092] After packaging unit 41 has completed processing (in other words, after the supply of the medicine in the first medicine container and the medicine in the second medicine container has been completed), second cleaning unit 53 cleans packaging unit 41 (timing T9). Medicine supply device 1 can transport the medicine containers while second cleaning unit 53 is performing the cleaning operation (second cleaning operation). In this way, the cleaning operation and the movement of the medicine containers can be performed simultaneously, allowing the entire operation to be completed quickly.

[0093] Incidentally, there are cases where the next dispensing process is executed immediately after the current dispensing process using the first and second drug containers. In the drug supply device 1 of the present embodiment, when the same drug container is to be used in the next dispensing process, the control device 95 can control the drug container not to be returned from the drug discharge unit 21 to the container storage unit 11.

[0094] In this way, medicine supply device 1 does not return a repeatedly used medicine container from medicine discharge unit 21 to container storage unit 11, so when performing the next dispensing process, medicine supply device 1 does not need to transport the medicine container from container storage unit 11. As a result, the medicine packaging device can smoothly perform the next dispensing process and reduce the operating time.

[0095] When a new drug container to be used in the next dispensing process is to be removed from the container storage unit 11, the control device 95 rotates the rotating member 12 to adjust the position of the container placement unit 13. This makes it possible to remove the drug container from the container placement unit 13 using the tip of the holding arm unit 16 provided in the container transport unit 15. Because the tip of the holding arm unit 16 is already positioned near the container storage unit 11, the rotation of the container storage unit 11 is performed while the holding arm unit 16 is stopped (timing T10 in FIG. 2). However, the rotation of the container storage unit 11 may also be performed while the holding arm unit 16 is moving.

[0096] As described above, the drug supply device 1 of this embodiment includes a drug discharging unit 21, a first measuring unit 62, and a control device 95. The drug discharging unit 21 can set an introduced drug container introduced from the outside, and executes a discharging operation of the drug contained in the set introduced drug container. The first measuring unit 62 measures the weight of the drug contained in the introduced drug container set in the drug discharging unit 21. The control device 95 controls the drug discharging unit 21 and the first measuring unit 62. When an introduced drug container containing a drug is set in the drug discharging unit 21, the control device 95 causes the drug discharging unit 21 to execute a discharging operation of the drug in the introduced drug container. After the discharging operation of the drug in the introduced drug container is executed, the control device 95 causes the first measuring unit 62 to measure the weight of the drug contained in the introduced drug container set in the drug discharging unit 21. The control device 95 determines whether all of the drug contained in the introduced drug container has been discharged.

[0097] This makes it possible to determine whether the required amount of medicine has been discharged from the introduced medicine container when the introduced medicine container is used in the medicine supply device 1. As a result, it becomes possible to confirm that the required amount of medicine has been discharged.

[0098] Furthermore, in the medicine supply device 1 of this embodiment, when the control device 95 determines that all of the medicine in the introduced medicine container has been discharged, it stores the weight of the medicine discharged from the introduced medicine container.

[0099] This makes it possible to know the amount of medicine actually discharged from the introduced medicine container.

[0100] Furthermore, in the medicine supply device 1 of this embodiment, when the control device 95 determines that not all of the medicine in the introduced medicine container has been discharged, it causes the medicine discharging section 21 to perform an operation of discharging the medicine in the introduced medicine container.

[0101] This allows the operation of discharging the medicine from the introduced medicine container to be repeatedly performed, thereby ensuring that all of the medicine from the introduced medicine container is discharged.

[0102] The preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but the above configuration can be modified, for example, as follows.

[0103] The number of drug discharge units 21 is not limited to two, and three or more may be provided. When all or some of the drug containers set in each of the multiple drug discharge units 21 are to be used not only for the current dispensing but also for the next dispensing, the drug containers may be discharged for the next dispensing without being returned to container storage unit 11.

[0104] The number of medicine discharge portions 21 may be one.

[0105] There may be no time overlap between the operation of rotating the container storage unit 11 and the operation of the container transport unit 15 moving between the container storage unit 11 and the medicine discharge unit 21 (hereinafter referred to as the moving operation).

[0106] There may be no time overlap between at least one of the cleaning operation of the first cleaning unit 52 and the cleaning operation of the second cleaning unit 53 and the movement operation of the container conveying unit 15. Also, at least one of the first cleaning unit 52 and the second cleaning unit 53 may be omitted.

[0107] There may be no time overlap between the take-out operation of the medicine take-out section 35 and the movement operation of the container transport section 15.

[0108] The container storage unit 11, the medicine discharge unit 21, the temporary container placement unit 81, etc. may be configured so that the user can easily access them from the outside. For example, it is conceivable to provide an opening / closing door to the medicine supply device 1. This makes it easy for the user to place the medicine containers in each unit and to remove the medicine containers from each unit, for example.

[0109] In the above embodiment, the holding arm unit 16 uses electromagnetic force to hold / release the medicine container. However, for example, a hand may be provided at the tip of the holding arm unit 16, and the medicine container may be mechanically held / released by the hand.

[0110] When there is no need to move the holding arm portion 16, the control device 95 may perform control to keep the holding arm portion 16 positioned at a predetermined standby position.

[0111] The number of distribution trays 31 can be changed as appropriate, taking into consideration the number of medicine discharge portions 21. For example, if four to six medicine discharge portions 21 are provided, two distribution trays can be provided to receive medicines discharged from two or three medicine discharge portions 21.

[0112] The medicine packaging device may be provided with an alarm unit for notifying the user of an abnormality in the dispensing process. If it cannot be confirmed that the medicine container set in the medicine discharge unit 21 is the medicine container containing the medicine to be used in the dispensing process, the control device 95 may notify the user of this via the alarm unit. The alarm unit can also be operated when it cannot be confirmed that the amount of medicine required for the dispensing process is sufficient, or when the measurement results of the first measurement unit 62 and the second measurement unit 63 do not match. The configuration of the alarm unit is not particularly limited, and can be, for example, a buzzer or a lamp.

[0113] When it cannot be confirmed that the medicine container set in medicine discharge unit 21 is a medicine container containing the medicine to be used for the dispensing process, control device 95 may cause container transport unit 15 to transport the medicine container to container storage unit 11. The same applies when the amount of medicine contained in the medicine container is insufficient for the amount required for the dispensing process.

[0114] In the above embodiment, the control device 95 determines whether the amount of medicine required for dispensing is contained in the medicine container set in the medicine discharge unit 21 based on the weight data stored in the information tag. However, the control device 95 may also make the determination based on the measurement result of the first measuring unit 62.

[0115] The second reader / writer unit 75 may be changed to a read-only device (reader device). [Explanation of symbols]

[0116] 1. Drug supply device 21 Drug discharge section 62 First Measurement Unit (Measurement Unit) 95 Control device (control unit)

Claims

1. an introduction drug container containing an amount of drug equal to the total amount of drug used in the dispensing process; a medicine discharge unit that can set the introduction medicine container introduced from the outside and executes a discharge operation of the medicine contained in the set introduction medicine container; a measuring unit that measures the weight of the drug contained in the introduced drug container set in the drug discharge unit; a control unit that controls the medicine discharge unit and the measurement unit; Equipped with The control unit The medicine discharge unit executes a discharge operation of the medicine in the introduced medicine container, After the discharge operation of the drug in the introduced drug container is executed, when the drug is no longer discharged from the introduced drug container, the measuring unit is caused to measure the weight of the drug contained in the introduced drug container set in the drug discharge unit, A drug supply device characterized by determining whether all of the drug contained in the introduced drug container has been discharged based on the measurement results of the measuring unit, terminating the discharge operation if it is determined that all of the drug contained in the introduced drug container has been discharged, and continuing the discharge operation if it is determined that not all of the drug contained in the introduced drug container has been discharged.

2. The drug delivery device of claim 1, A drug supply device characterized in that the control unit stores the weight of the drug discharged from the drug container when it is determined that all of the drug in the drug container has been discharged.

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