Medicine packaging device

Abstract

To provide a device for separately packaging medicine which can separately package a plurality of types of medicine in an efficient manner.SOLUTION: A device for separately packaging medicine comprises: a supply unit for supplying medicine from a medicine container that stores the medicine; a separately-packaging unit for separately packaging the medicine supplied by the supply unit; a reception unit for receiving an input of pharmacy data including information on pharmacy; a memory unit for memorizing registration information on the medicine container; and a controlling unit for controlling the supply unit and the separately-packaging unit. The controlling unit determines whether the memory unit memorizes the registration information on the medicine container for storing medicine to be separately packaged, which is included in the pharmacy data. If, as a result of such determination, it is determined that the medicine to be separately packaged includes registered medicine whose registration information is memorized by the memory unit and unregistered medicine whose registration information is not memorized by the memory unit, the controlling unit performs supply of the registered medicine, and then guides an introduction of an external medicine container which stores all the dosage of the unregistered medicine from the outside of the device for separately packaging medicine into the device for separately packaging medicine.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-130972 (Patent Document 1) discloses a powder medicine packaging device that includes a plurality of medicine containers for storing powder medicine by type, a distribution unit that distributes the powder medicine discharged from the medicine containers, and a medicine packaging device that performs a packaging operation to individually package the powder medicine. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-130972 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The dispensing data input to the medicine packaging device may include multiple types of medicines. For the medicines included in the dispensing data, information about the medicine containers that contain the medicines may or may not be registered in the medicine packaging device. Even when the dispensing data includes medicines with registered medicine containers and medicines with unregistered medicine containers, it is required to efficiently package the medicines according to the dispensing data.

[0005] The present disclosure provides a medicine packaging device that enables efficient packaging according to prescription data including multiple types of medicine. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to the present disclosure, there is provided a medicine packaging device including a supply unit that supplies medicines from medicine containers that contain medicines, a packaging unit that packages the medicines supplied by the supply unit, a receiving unit that receives input of dispensing data including information related to dispensing, and a control unit that has a memory unit that stores registration information related to the medicine containers and controls the supply unit and the packaging unit. The control unit determines whether registration information related to the medicine containers that contain the medicines to be packaged, which is included in the dispensing data, is stored in the memory unit. If the control unit determines, as a result of the determination, that the medicines to be packaged include registered medicines whose registration information is stored in the memory unit and unregistered medicines whose registration information is not stored in the memory unit, it executes the supply of the registered medicines and then prompts the introduction of an external medicine container that contains a full dose of the unregistered medicine into the medicine packaging device from outside the medicine packaging device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the medicine packaging device according to the present disclosure, multiple types of medicines can be efficiently packaged. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a dispensing system. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of a medicine packaging device according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of a distribution section. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the medicine packaging device. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an intermediate container (external drug container). [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a weighing device. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a first flow chart showing the flow of drug supply and packaging processes. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a second flow chart showing the flow of drug supply and packaging processes. [Figure 10]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing setting values ​​for determining whether packaging can be performed. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a determination as to whether or not packaging is possible for the entire prescription data when prescription data includes multiple drugs and these drugs are packaged in a single package. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a first example of a printout. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second example of a printout. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0010] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a dispensing system 100. Fig. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of a medicine packaging device 1 according to an embodiment. Fig. 3 is a schematic plan view of a packaging section 33. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the medicine packaging device 1.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, the dispensing system 100 includes a medicine packaging device 1 and a measuring device 80.

[0012] The medicine packaging device 1 supplies and packages medicines. To supply medicines, the medicine packaging device 1 can measure out one or more medicines. In this specification, measuring out medicine means taking out only the required amount of medicine contained in a medicine container or the like. The medicine packaging device 1 measures out powder medicine (powdered, granular, or granular medicine) as medicine. The medicine packaging device 1 may also be capable of packaging tablets in addition to powder medicine.

[0013] The weighing device 80 is installed outside the medicine packing device 1. The weighing device 80 can measure out medicines in place of the medicine packing device 1. The medicine packing device 1 and the weighing device 80 are installed in, for example, a pharmacy or a hospital.

[0014] The medicine supply and packaging performed by the medicine packaging device 1 is performed based on prescription data input by an operator.

[0015] 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 measures 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 discharged outside the medicine packaging device 1 without being packaged. The medicine packaging device 1 stores the measured medicine in a container so that the operator can remove the container.

[0016] In the following description, the act of packaging a medicine by the medicine packaging device 1 will be referred to as the first operation, and the act of the medicine packaging device 1 measuring the medicine without subsequently packaging it will be referred to as the second operation. In the first operation, the medicine packaging device 1 may or may not measure the medicine. The case where the medicine packaging device 1 packages a medicine that has been measured (weighed) by a weighing device 80 or the like outside the medicine packaging device 1 is also included in the first operation.

[0017] As shown in Fig. 2, the medicine packaging device 1 includes a first storage unit 11, a second storage unit 12, and a third storage unit 13. As shown in Figs. 2 and 4, the medicine packaging device 1 also includes a transport unit 14, a medicine container 15, a first information processing unit 16, a measuring unit 30, a second information processing unit 19, a third information processing unit 20, a display unit 21, an operation unit 22, a printing unit 24, a medicine discharge unit 32, a packaging unit 33, a cleaning unit 38, and a control unit 50.

[0018] The first storage section 11 can store a plurality of intermediate containers 91 that do not contain medicines. The intermediate containers 91 are prepared to contain medicines to be supplied and packaged and to transport them to each section of the medicine packaging device 1. The configuration of the intermediate containers 91 will be described later.

[0019] The first storage unit 11 can be configured, for example, to have a plurality of support stands for storing a plurality of intermediate containers 91, each support stand supporting the bottom surface of each intermediate container 91. However, the configuration of the first storage unit 11 can be changed as desired as long as it is capable of substantially storing the intermediate containers 91.

[0020] Second storage unit 12 can store a plurality of external drug containers 92 that do not contain any drugs. External drug container 92 contains drugs prepared by an operator outside drug packaging device 1, and is used as a container that is introduced into drug packaging device 1 for packaging the drugs. When weighing device 80 or the like in FIG. 1 performs weighing instead of drug packaging device 1, external drug container 92 is prepared in drug packaging device 1 to contain drugs to be weighed by weighing device 80, and to introduce the weighed drugs into drug packaging device 1. The configuration of external drug container 92 will be described later.

[0021] Third storage unit 13 can store a plurality of output containers 93 that do not contain any medicines. Output containers 93 are provided in medicine packaging device 1 to contain weighed medicines and to export the medicines from medicine packaging device 1 to another medicine packaging device 95 when medicine packaging device 1 does not package the medicines after weighing.

[0022] The second storage unit 12 and the third storage unit 13 can be configured to support the bottom surface of the external drug container 92 or the output container 93, for example, in the same manner as the first storage unit 11.

[0023] The intermediate container 91 will now be described. Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the intermediate container 91 (external drug container 92). As shown in Fig. 5, 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.

[0024] The storage section 91a is a portion that substantially stores the medicine in the intermediate container 91. The storage section 91a is formed in a hollow shape with an open top.

[0025] The discharge path portion 91b is configured as a narrow passage that connects the internal space of the storage portion 91a with the external space, and is formed so as to communicate with an end portion of the storage portion 91a.

[0026] 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.

[0027] The information display unit 91d is a display capable of displaying prescription data and information related to prescriptions. The information display unit 91d can be configured as, for example, a microcapsule-type or electrophoretic-type electronic paper.

[0028] The information recording unit 91e has, for example, a nonvolatile memory and can record 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 drug container 92, or output container 93). The information recording unit 91e can be configured, for example, as an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag.

[0029] In the medicine dispensing and 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 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 various types of medicines.

[0030] The following describes external drug container 92. As shown in Fig. 5, external drug container 92 has substantially the same configuration as intermediate container 91. External drug container 92 includes a storage section 92a, a discharge path section 92b, an opening / closing section 92c, an information display section 92d, and an information recording section 92e.

[0031] 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 explanation will be omitted.

[0032] In the medicine dispensing and packaging device 1 of this embodiment, a plurality of external medicine containers 92 of the same shape are prepared. Note that a plurality of types of external medicine containers 92 having different sizes of storage portions 92a may be prepared. In this case, it is possible to respond to various situations in which external metering is performed, such as the external metering of various types of medicines.

[0033] The following describes the output container 93. Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the output container 93. As shown in Fig. 6, the output container 93 corresponds to the intermediate container 91 from which the discharge path section 91b and the opening / closing section 91c have been omitted. The output container 93 includes a storage section 93a, an information display section 93d, and an information recording section 93e.

[0034] The container 93a, the information display section 93d, and the information recording section 93e have the same configuration as the container 91a, the information display section 91d, and the information recording section 91e in the intermediate container 91, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0035] In the medicine dispensing and packaging device 1 of this embodiment, a plurality of output containers 93 of the same shape are prepared. Note that a plurality of types of output containers 93 having different sizes of storage portions 93a may be prepared. In this case, it is possible to respond to various situations in which measuring is required, such as measuring various types of medicines.

[0036] The transport unit 14 can transport the intermediate container 91, the external drug container 92, and the discharge container 93. As shown in Fig. 2, the transport unit 14 includes a first transport unit 14a and a second transport unit 14b.

[0037] 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 of conveying, and are substantially the same in terms of the conveying configuration, so the following description will be given taking the first conveying unit 14a as an example.

[0038] First conveying unit 14a is equipped with a container holding unit for holding intermediate container 91, external drug container 92, or output container 93. The container holding unit is configured to be movable along a path determined by drug packaging device 1. First conveying unit 14a conveys intermediate container 91, external drug container 92, or output container 93 by moving the container holding unit while intermediate container 91, external drug container 92, or output container 93 is held in the container holding unit.

[0039] In this manner, in this embodiment, the intermediate container 91, the external drug container 92, and the discharge container 93 are configured to be transported by the common first transport unit 14a. Therefore, it is preferable to make the parts attached to the first transport unit 14a (container holding unit) of each of the three types of containers have the same configuration, since this simplifies the configuration of the first transport unit 14a.

[0040] The intermediate container 91, the external drug container 92, and the discharge container 93 are similar to one another in terms of configuration and function. Therefore, the intermediate container 91 can also be used as the external drug container 92 used in the first operation. The intermediate container 91 can also be used as the discharge container 93 used in the second operation. The external drug container 92 can also be used as the intermediate container 91 used in the first operation. The external drug container 92 can also be used as the discharge container 93 used in the second operation. By reducing the types of containers, the configuration can be simplified.

[0041] In Figure 2, the path of first conveyor 14a is indicated by a dashed line, and the path of second conveyor 14b is indicated by a two-dot chain line. First conveyor 14a and second conveyor 14b are equipped with separate drive sources and can operate independently. Therefore, medicine packaging device 1 can simultaneously transport containers by first conveyor 14a and second conveyor 14b in parallel.

[0042] The transport unit 14 may have various configurations for holding the containers, for example, a configuration in which a container holding unit is provided at the tip of an extendable or rotatable arm, and the position of the container holding unit is changed by extending or rotating the arm. Also, for example, the container may be gripped with a chuck or held by suction.

[0043] Medicine containers 15 contain medicines to be measured out. Each medicine container 15 has an opening formed therein for discharging and removing the medicine from the container.

[0044] In principle, different types of medicines are stored in each of the plurality of medicine containers 15. However, for example, in the case of a medicine that is used frequently, the same medicine may be stored in multiple medicine containers 15.

[0045] The medicine packaging device 1 can also handle excipients in addition to medicines. Any of the multiple medicine containers 15 may contain an excipient. When it is necessary to form a medicine (powder), the medicine packaging device 1 removes the excipient from the medicine container 15. In this case, the excipient can be supplied in the same way as the medicine. Any of the multiple medicine containers 15 may contain a cleaning material. In this case, the cleaning material can be supplied in the same way as the medicine. The cleaning material is removed from the medicine container 15 and packaged while coming into contact with the medicine path of the medicine packaging device 1, thereby cleaning the medicine path that the cleaning material comes into contact with. The cleaning material may contain an excipient. The excipient and / or cleaning material may be lactose.

[0046] 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 amount of medicine remaining in the medicine container 15, the expiration date of the medicine, the date of the last refill, the operating conditions of the measuring unit 30, etc. 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 be configured to store only the identification information of the medicine container 15, and when this information is read by the medicine packaging device 1, the above-mentioned contained medicine information may be called up from the memory unit 61 described below.

[0047] First information processing unit 16 can read contained medicine information from information recording unit 71. First information processing unit 16 can be configured as, for example, an RFID reader / writer. First information processing unit 16 is provided at any position in medicine packing device 1.

[0048] Measuring unit 30 includes medicine removal unit 17 and measuring unit 18. Medicine removal unit 17 removes medicine from medicine container 15. Measuring unit 18 measures the medicine removed from medicine container 15.

[0049] Medicine removal unit 17 detachably holds a plurality of medicine containers 15. Medicine removal unit 17 moves the held medicine containers 15 to a predetermined position, and at the predetermined position, removes the medicines contained in medicine containers 15 downward through an opening. The operation of medicine removal unit 17 is controlled by control unit 50 based on the contained medicine information read by first information processing unit 16.

[0050] Measuring unit 18 includes mounting table 18a and detection unit 18b. Mounting table 18a is disposed below the above-mentioned predetermined position of drug removal unit 17. An intermediate container 91 or an output container 93 can be placed on mounting table 18a. First transport unit 14a can transport intermediate container 91 or output container 93 held in the container holding unit and place it on mounting table 18a or remove it from mounting table 18a.

[0051] The detector 18b can measure the amount of medicine inside the intermediate container 91 or the output container 93 when the intermediate container 91 or the output container 93 is placed on the mount 18a. In other words, the weighing unit 18 is configured as an electronic balance, and the mount 18a corresponds to the weighing pan of the electronic balance. The detector 18b can be configured as, for example, an electromagnetic or load cell type load sensor.

[0052] Measuring unit 30 is controlled by control unit 50 to measure out the entire dose of each drug indicated by the drug information. Control unit 50 appropriately moves drug container 15 containing the drug indicated by the drug information to directly above mounting table 18a using drug removal unit 17. Control unit 50 then removes the drug downward from drug container 15, stores the removed drug in intermediate container 91 or output container 93 placed on mounting table 18a, and weighs the stored drug using detection unit 18b.

[0053] Second information processing unit 19 acquires container-specific information stored in information recording unit 91e of intermediate container 91 or information recording unit 93e of output container 93, which are set in weighing unit 18. Second information processing unit 19 can also change the display content of information display unit 91d of intermediate container 91 or information display unit 93d of output container 93, which are set in weighing unit 18. Second information processing unit 19 is configured as, for example, an RFID reader / writer.

[0054] The third information processing unit 20 acquires the container-specific information stored in the information recording unit 91e of the intermediate container 91 stored in the first storage unit 11. The acquisition of container-specific information by the third information processing unit 20 is similarly performed for the external drug container 92 stored in the second storage unit 12 or the output container 93 stored in the third storage unit 13.

[0055] The third information processing unit 20 may change the display content for the intermediate container 91 or the output container 93. In this case, the second information processing unit 19 may change the display content for only the weighing result for the intermediate container 91 or the output container 93 set in the weighing unit 18.

[0056] Display unit 21 is a device having a display screen capable of displaying various information related to medicine packing device 1. Display unit 21 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display. Display unit 21 is disposed at an appropriate position on medicine packing device 1.

[0057] Operation unit 22 is operated by an operator to give various instructions to medicine packaging device 1. Operation unit 22 is disposed at an appropriate position (for example, near display unit 21) of medicine packaging device 1. Operation unit 22 may be configured to include a keyboard, or display unit 21 may be a touch panel and operation unit 22 may be incorporated into display unit 21.

[0058] Printing unit 24 prints information related to the medicine to be measured, supplied, and packaged by medicine packaging device 1. Printing unit 24 is controlled by control unit 50. Printing unit 24 may print out the weight of the medicine that has been taken out from medicine container 15 by medicine taking-out unit 17 of measuring unit 30 and weighed by measuring unit 18. Printing unit 24 may also print out the weight of the medicine to be taken out from medicine container 15 by measuring unit 30. Printing unit 24 may be any type of printer, such as a thermal printer or an inkjet printer.

[0059] An intermediate container 91 or an external drug container 92 transported by second transport unit 14b is set in drug discharge unit 32. Drug discharge unit 32 can discharge the drug inside set intermediate container 91 or external drug container 92. It is also possible to set intermediate container 91 or external drug container 92 in drug discharge unit 32 manually.

[0060] The medicine discharge unit 32 includes a container attachment unit 32a. The container attachment unit 32a is configured to be able to attach an intermediate container 91 or an external medicine container 92. The attachment of the intermediate container 91 or the external medicine container 92 to the container attachment unit 32a is performed automatically by the second transport unit 14b or manually.

[0061] The container attachment part 32a includes an actuator that moves the opening / closing parts 91c, 92c of the container from a closed state to an open state. Before the container attachment part 32a is attached, the connection parts between the storage parts 91a, 92a and the discharge path parts 91b, 92b are closed. When the container is attached to the container attachment part 32a, the actuator moves the opening / closing parts 91c, 92c. This opens the connection parts between the storage parts 91a, 92a and the discharge path parts 91b, 92b, allowing the drug to be discharged from the container.

[0062] The medicine discharge unit 32 is equipped with a vibration device 32b. The vibration device 32b is configured to include a motor that generates vibrations, etc. The vibration device 32b is controlled by the control 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 medicine container 92 attached to the container attachment unit 32a.

[0063] Packaging unit 33 is configured to be able to package the medicine measured out by measuring unit 30. Packaging unit 33 is controlled by control unit 50 so as to package the medicine measured out by measuring unit 30 into individual doses. Packaging unit 33 includes distribution unit 34 and packaging unit 35.

[0064] The distribution unit 34 distributes the medicine discharged from the container by the medicine discharge unit 32 into individual doses. The distribution unit 34 includes a distribution tray 34a and a feed unit 34b. The distribution tray 34a is configured to be rotatable around a vertical axis. The medicine discharge unit 32 discharges the medicine from the container and supplies the discharged medicine onto the rotating distribution tray 34a. The feed unit 34b drops the medicine supplied to the distribution tray 34a downward in predetermined amounts.

[0065] The supply unit of this embodiment is made up of measuring unit 30 that extracts the medicine from medicine container 15 into intermediate container 91, transport unit 14 that transports intermediate container 91, and medicine discharge unit 32 that discharges the medicine from intermediate container 91 and supplies it to distribution tray 34a. Packaging unit 33 packages the medicine supplied by the supply unit.

[0066] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the medicine dispensing and packaging device 1 has multiple (specifically, two) distribution units 34. Each distribution unit 34 has multiple (specifically, two) medicine discharge units 32. Medicines are supplied onto one distribution tray 34a from either or both of the two medicine discharge units 32. The two medicine discharge units 32 may supply the same type of medicine to one distribution tray 34a, or may supply different types of medicine to one distribution tray 34a, or may supply a medicine and an excipient to one distribution tray 34a.

[0067] The packaging unit 35 packages the medicines distributed by the distributing unit 34 in packaging material 40. The packaging unit 35 includes a hopper 35a and a heater 35b. The packaging unit 35 repeats the operation of dropping the medicines distributed by the distributing unit 34 into the packaging material 40 through the hopper 35a and the operation of thermally welding the packaging material 40 with the heater 35b. By repeating these operations, the medicines are sealed in the packaging material 40 one dose at a time. The packaging material 40 containing the medicines is sent to a storage unit outside or inside the medicine dispensing and packaging device 1.

[0068] Supply standby section 23 is provided between measuring section 30, which measures the medicine, and medicine discharge section 32, which discharges the medicine. Intermediate container 91 or external medicine container 92 containing the medicine can be placed in supply standby section 23 and kept on standby as needed.

[0069] Cleaning unit 38 can clean intermediate container 91 or external drug container 92. Cleaning may be performed by any means, such as blowing compressed air onto the inner surface of intermediate container 91 or external drug container 92, suction, wiping with a brush, etc. By performing cleaning, drug remaining on the inner surface of the container is removed.

[0070] A cleaning standby section 37 is provided near the cleaning section 38. The intermediate container 91 or the external chemical container 92 before cleaning can be placed in the cleaning standby section 37 and kept on standby as needed.

[0071] The supply standby section 23 and the cleaning standby section 37 can be configured as, for example, a plate-like member on which a container can be placed, but are not limited to this.

[0072] The control unit 50 can control each unit of the medicine packaging device 1 (specifically, the measuring unit 30, the transport unit 14, the medicine discharge unit 32, the packaging unit 33, etc.) based on the dispensing data. The control unit 50 may be configured as a part of the medicine packaging device 1, or may be configured as a part of a dispensing device control device that controls other dispensing devices such as other medicine packaging devices 95.

[0073] More specifically, 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 the various programs from the storage device and controls the operation of each unit of the drug packaging device 1 based on the detection values ​​of sensors provided in each unit of the drug packaging device 1 and the various setting values ​​stored in the storage device. The control unit 50 operates the above-mentioned software and hardware to perform processing in the storage unit 61, measuring selection unit 62, and guidance unit 65 shown in FIG. 4 and output command signals as a result of the processing, thereby operating the drug packaging device 1.

[0074] As described above, storage unit 61 can store dispensing data input from the outside. Storage unit 61 also stores information about the drugs contained in drug containers 15 read by first information processing unit 16 as arrangement information about drug containers 15 arranged in drug packaging device 1. Storage unit 61 can also store various setting values ​​necessary for operating drug packaging device 1.

[0075] The storage unit 61 also stores various data such as drug master information, which is unique information about drugs. This master information includes, for example, drug code, drug name, JAN code (or RSS), medicine bottle (drug container) code, classification (dosage form: powder, tablet, external use medicine, etc.), specific gravity, drug type (ordinary medicine, poison, narcotic, powerful drug, antipsychotic, therapeutic drug, etc.), combination variations, precautions, usual dosage, information on prohibited simultaneous use, etc.

[0076] Furthermore, the storage unit 61 can store container-specific information (container identification number, container type, etc.) as container master information.

[0077] When at least one of the drugs included in the dispensing data cannot be packaged due to the capacity of packaging unit 33, measuring selection unit 62 allows the operator to select whether or not to execute a measuring operation by measuring unit 30 for the drugs that can be measured by measuring unit 30. There are various configurations for realizing the selection, but for example, measuring selection unit 62 may display options (for example, execute / no button) on display unit 21 and allow the operator to select using operation unit 22.

[0078] The guidance unit 65 can provide guidance (instructions) to the operator. For example, when at least one of the drugs included in the dispensing data cannot be packaged due to the capacity of the packaging unit 33, the guidance unit 65 can inform the operator that the drugs measured out by the measuring unit 30 should be packaged using another drug packaging device 95. Furthermore, when the amount of drugs supplied from the drug container 15 to the intermediate container 91 is insufficient for the total dose based on the dispensing data, the guidance unit 65 can inform the operator that external weighing can be performed as a measure to enable the packaging operation by the packaging unit 33.

[0079] External measurement is a procedure in which the operator prepares an external drug container 92 that contains a predetermined amount of drug (full dose) outside of drug packaging device 1 and introduces that external drug container 92 into drug packaging device 1. At this time, the operator can also be notified that a refilling procedure or a drug container introduction procedure is available. Refilling is a procedure in which drug is refilled into drug container 15. Drug container introduction is a procedure in which drug container 15 containing the required amount of drug is introduced into drug packaging device 1.

[0080] There are various methods for the guidance unit 65 to provide guidance to the operator, and one possible method is to display an appropriate message on the display unit 21. The guidance may be provided by voice, a notification lamp, or the like, for example.

[0081] Next, various positions set in the medicine dispensing and packaging 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] The second standby position P2 is a position where an external drug container 92 that does not contain a drug can wait in the second storage section 12. The second standby position P2 can also be said to be a storage position where a plurality of external drug containers 92 are stored in the second storage section 12.

[0084] The third standby position P3 is a position where an output container 93 that does not contain a drug can wait in the third storage section 13. The third standby position P3 can also be said to be a storage position where a plurality of output containers 93 are stored in the third storage section 13.

[0085] The measuring position P4 is a position where the measuring unit 18 measures the medicine contained in the intermediate container 91 or the output container 93.

[0086] First removal position P5 is a position for removing intermediate container 91 or output container 93 from medicine packaging device 1. For example, when measuring medicine from medicine container 15 to intermediate container 91 or output container 93 in measuring unit 30, if the amount removed (measured amount) is insufficient for the total amount of medicine, which is the target amount, due to an insufficient amount of medicine contained in medicine container 15, first removal position P5 is used to remove intermediate container 91 or output container 93 containing medicine less than the target amount from medicine packaging device 1. This removal is performed via first removal unit 25 provided in medicine packaging device 1.

[0087] In this embodiment, the first take-out position P5 is set at a position different from the weighing position P4. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the weighing position P4 may be set to also serve as the first take-out position P5.

[0088] Second removal position P6 is a position for removing external drug container 92 before it contains a drug from drug packaging device 1 when drugs are measured using weighing device 80 instead of drug packaging device 1. This removal is performed via second removal unit 26 provided in drug packaging device 1. Second removal position P6 may also serve as a position (introduction position) for setting external drug container 92 or intermediate container 91 containing drugs measured by weighing device 80 for introduction into drug packaging device 1.

[0089] Third removal position P7 is a position for removing output container 93 to the outside of medicine packaging device 1. For example, when medicine is measured but not packaged in medicine packaging device 1, third removal position P7 is used to remove output container 93 containing the medicine measured by measuring unit 30 to the outside of medicine packaging device 1. This removal is performed via third removal unit 27 provided in medicine packaging device 1.

[0090] Supply standby position P8 is a position where intermediate container 91 is kept on standby after measuring of the medicines in measuring unit 30 is completed and before the medicines are discharged from the containers in packaging unit 33 and supplied to distribution tray 34a. Supply standby position P8 is also a position (introduction position) where external medicine container 92 or intermediate container 91 containing medicines measured by measuring device 80 is set for introduction into medicine packaging device 1. Supply standby position P8 is set in supply standby unit 23 described above. Supply standby position P8 may also serve as first removal position P5, second removal position P6, or third removal position P7.

[0091] Supply positions P9-L1, P9-L2, P9-R1, and P9-R2 are positions of intermediate container 91 or external drug container 92 when drugs are supplied to distribution tray 34a in drug discharge unit 32. Second transport unit 14b transports intermediate container 91 from supply standby position P8 to one of supply positions P9-L1, P9-L2, P9-R1, and P9-R2. When an external drug container 92 or intermediate container 91 containing drugs is introduced into drug packing device 1 from outside drug packing device 1, the introduction position of the container may be set to one of supply positions P9-L1, P9-L2, P9-R1, and P9-R2, and the operator may set the container directly in drug discharge unit 32.

[0092] As described above, the medicine dispensing device 1 has multiple (specifically, four) medicine discharge units 32, and supply positions P9-L1, P9-L2, P9-R1, and P9-R2 are assigned to the four medicine discharge units 32. As shown in FIG. 3, supply positions P9-L1 and P9-L2 are positions where medicines are discharged to the left distribution tray 34a, and supply positions P9-R1 and P9-R2 are positions where medicines are discharged to the right distribution tray 34a. In FIG. 3, the lower side of the drawing is the front side of the medicine dispensing device 1. Supply positions P9-L1 and P9-R1 are located forward of supply positions P9-L2 and P9-R2. Supply positions P9-L2 and P9-R2 are located further back in the device than supply positions P9-L1 and P9-R1.

[0093] Therefore, when an operator sets a container in the drug discharge section 32 from outside the drug packaging device 1, it is easier to attach the container to the supply positions P9-L1 and P9-R1 at the front of the device, and it is more difficult to attach the container to the supply positions P9-L2 and P9-R2 at the back of the device.

[0094] The cleaning standby position P10 is a position where the intermediate container 91 or the external chemical container 92 waits for cleaning in the cleaning unit 38. The cleaning standby position P10 is set in the cleaning standby unit 37 described above.

[0095] The cleaning position P11 is a position where the intermediate container 91 or the external chemical container 92 is cleaned by the cleaning unit .

[0096] In this embodiment, the supply standby position P8 and the cleaning standby position P10 function as relay points for the transport of the containers by the transport unit 14.

[0097] Specifically, the first transport unit 14a is configured to be able to transport containers between the first standby position P1, the second standby position P2, the third standby position P3, the weighing position P4, the first take-out position P5, the second take-out position P6, the third take-out position P7, the supply standby position P8, and the cleaning standby position P10. On the other hand, the second transport unit 14b is configured to be able to transport containers between the supply standby position P8, the supply positions P9-L1, P9-L2, P9-R1, P9-R2, and the cleaning standby position P10.

[0098] Therefore, after control unit 50 has caused first conveying unit 14a to convey intermediate container 91 etc. to supply standby position P8, second conveying unit 14b can convey the conveyed intermediate container 91 etc. from supply standby position P8 at an appropriate timing. Also, after second conveying unit 14b has conveyed intermediate container 91 etc. to cleaning standby position P10, first conveying unit 14a can convey the conveyed intermediate container 91 etc. from cleaning standby position P10 at an appropriate timing.

[0099] In the present embodiment, the external drug container 92 stored in the second storage unit 12 is transported by the first transport unit 14a to the second removal position P6 so that it can be removed to the outside of the drug packaging device 1. However, the external drug container 92 stored in the second storage unit 12 may be removed by an operator. In this case, the second storage unit 12 may be provided outside the drug packaging device 1.

[0100] Next, the metering device 80 will be described. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of the metering device 80. As shown in FIG. 7, the metering device 80 comprises 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 drug 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.

[0101] The control unit 81 can communicate with the control unit 50 of the medicine packaging device 1 and can receive dispensing data stored in the memory unit 61 of the medicine packaging device 1. Upon completion of weighing (e.g., weighing the medicine that is insufficient for the target amount), the measuring device 80 transmits the weighing result to the medicine packaging device 1.

[0102] Measuring unit 82 has substantially the same configuration as measuring unit 18 of medicine packaging device 1, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. Measuring device 80 measures medicines that an operator has removed from an appropriate medicine bottle or the like onto a weighing dish or the like. Note that measuring device 80 may also measure the medicines together with external medicine container 92 while the medicines are contained in external medicine container 92.

[0103] Information processing unit 83 is disposed near weighing unit 82. Information processing unit 83 has a barcode reader and an RFID reader / writer. The barcode reader can read barcodes provided on the medicine bottles and the like. The RFID reader / writer can read the contents of information recording unit 92e of external medicine container 92.

[0104] The information processing unit 83 performs processing to read the information stored in the barcode of the medicine bottle or the like and the information recording unit 92e of the external medicine container 92. Specifically, the information processing unit 83 reads the medicine-identifying 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 container-specific information stored in the information recording unit 92e of the external medicine container 92. The weighing device 80 acquires dispensing data corresponding to the read container-specific information from the control unit 50 of the medicine packaging device 1. At that time, the weighing device 80 also acquires information on the medicine to be metered (including the target amount of the medicine).

[0105] The control unit 81 then identifies which of the drugs indicated by the drug information included in the dispensing data acquired from the control unit 50 of the drug packaging device 1 the drug identified based on the drug identification information corresponds to. If the control unit 81 determines that the drug identified based on the drug identification information matches any of the drugs indicated by the drug information included in the dispensing data, it selects the drug indicated by the matching drug information as the drug to be weighed. After completing 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, to the control unit 50 of the drug packaging device 1 via the control unit 81. 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.

[0106] Information processing unit 83 can change the display content of information display unit 92d of external drug container 92. When measuring device 80 has finished measuring the drug, information processing unit 83 displays the measured amount (measurement result) on information display unit 92d of external drug container 92. In addition, as information related to dispensing, information display unit 92d may display that an amount of drug corresponding to the target amount is contained and that the external drug container is ready to be introduced into drug packaging device 1.

[0107] 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 on the weighing device 80. The display unit 84 can be configured, for example, as a display with a touch panel. The display unit 84 can display, for example, the name of the drug, the target amount of the drug, the measured amount, and the like. The display unit 84 can also display the result of the determination made by the control unit 81 as to whether the drug in the medicine bottle, etc. matches the drug to be measured. This allows confirmation that the drug in the medicine bottle, etc. is the required drug based on the dispensing data.

[0108] Next, there will be described the process of supplying and packaging medicines using the medicine packaging device 1. Figures 8 and 9 are flow charts showing the process of supplying and packaging medicines.

[0109] First, dispensing data is input to the medicine packaging device 1 (step S101 in FIG. 8). The control unit 50 displays a dispensing data input screen on the display unit 21. The dispensing data includes, for example, the recipient, drug information, target amount, measurement result (measured amount or amount that is insufficient or surplus relative to the target amount), and identification information for identifying each dispensing data (such as a dispensing data number). The drug information includes the name of one or more drugs to be taken, the dosage form (powder / tablet / capsule / liquid / topical medicine), dosage method, and dosage. The dosage method includes the number of times a drug is taken per day, the timing of taking the drug, and the number of days it is taken. The dosage amount includes the total amount taken (e.g., weight), the amount taken per day (weight), the amount taken per dose (weight), the amount per dose (weight), etc. If an excipient is included in the drug indicated by the drug information, the excipient is treated as one of the drugs indicated by the drug information.

[0110] The operator inputs the dispensing data into this input screen using the operation unit 22. The dispensing data input by the operator is stored in the memory unit 61 of the control unit 50. In addition to the configuration in which the operator manually inputs the dispensing data, the dispensing data may be input to the medicine packaging device 1 via communication from an information processing device such as an external dispensing equipment control device.

[0111] When the operator inputs the dispensing data using the operation unit 22, the operation unit 22 corresponds to a receiving unit in an embodiment that receives input of the dispensing data. When the dispensing data is input to the medicine packaging device 1 via communication, the receiving device that receives the signal including the dispensing data corresponds to a receiving unit in an embodiment that receives input of the dispensing data.

[0112] When input of the dispensing data is completed, dispensing instructions are issued (step S102). The dispensing instructions include an instruction to supply and package the medicine contained in medicine container 15 (the first operation described above), and an instruction to measure the medicine contained in medicine container 15 and transport it to the outside of medicine packing device 1 without packaging it (the second operation described above). The operator inputs dispensing instructions to control unit 50 using operation unit 22.

[0113] Next, the control unit 50 determines whether or not the dispensing instruction in the previous step S102 is for packaging (step S103). If it is determined that packaging is instructed (YES in step S103), the control unit 50 proceeds to step S104, where it determines whether or not packaging is possible based on the drug dosage included in the dispensing data.

[0114] Here, the determination of whether or not packaging can be carried out will be described in detail with reference to Figures 10 and 11. Figure 10 is a diagram showing setting values ​​for determining whether or not packaging can be carried out.

[0115] The first set value shown in FIG. 10 is the lower limit of the weight of the medicine that can be packaged as the weight of the total dose according to the capacity of the packaging unit 33. If the weight of the total dose of the medicine to be packaged included in the dispensing data is less than the first set value, the packaging unit 33 cannot package the medicine to be packaged. The first set value is stored in the memory unit 61. The first set value is set, for example, as the amount of medicine required to ensure that the medicine discharged from the container in the medicine discharge unit 32 and supplied to the distribution tray 34a is evenly scattered and deposited on the distribution tray 34a. The first condition shown in FIG. 10 is a condition that the weight of the total dose of the medicine to be packaged included in the dispensing data is equal to or greater than the first set value.

[0116] The second set value shown in Fig. 10 is the lower limit of the weight of a drug that can be packaged as a single dose, according to the capacity of the packaging unit 33. The second set value is stored in the memory unit 61. The second set value is set, for example, as the amount of drug that is uniformly piled on the distribution tray 34a so that the amount of drug that is sent from the distribution tray 34a by the sending unit 34b is uniform. The second condition shown in Fig. 10 is that the weight of a single dose of a drug to be packaged, which is included in the dispensing data, must be equal to or greater than the second set value.

[0117] The first set value and the second set value may be arbitrarily set by an operator based on the internal rules 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 may be set on the condition that they are equal to or greater than the lower limit of the weight of medicine that can be packaged in the packaging unit 33. The first set value and the second set value may also be set for each type of medicine.

[0118] The third set value shown in FIG. 10 is the lower limit of the weight of the medicine that can be weighed out according to the capacity of the weighing unit 30. The third set value is a value smaller than the first set value. The third set value is stored in the memory unit 61. The third set value may be set, for example, taking into consideration the minimum weighing value of the weighing unit 18. The third condition shown in FIG. 10 is a condition that the weight of all doses of the medicine to be packaged included in the dispensing data is equal to or greater than the third set value.

[0119] Medicine container registration shown in FIG. 10 is a condition as to whether or not a medicine container 15 containing a medicine to be packaged, which is included in the dispensing data, is registered in the medicine packaging device 1. Information on registered medicine containers 15 is stored in the memory unit 61. Medicine containers 15 that are not registered are not stored in the memory unit 61. Note that, in order to determine that a medicine container 15 is registered in the medicine packaging device 1, the registered medicine container 15 does not necessarily need to be contained in the medicine packaging device 1 at the time when it is determined whether packaging can be performed.

[0120] If the first condition is met, the control unit 50 determines that packaging can be performed by the medicine packaging device 1. More specifically, if the first condition is met and medicine container 15 is registered, the control unit 50 determines that "cassette packaging" shown in Fig. 10, i.e., supply and packaging using the medicine packaging device 1, is possible. If the first condition is met but medicine container 15 is not registered, the control unit 50 determines that "manual packaging" shown in Fig. 10, i.e., introducing an external medicine container 92 containing medicines outside the medicine packaging device 1 using external weighing support into the medicine packaging device 1, and packaging the medicines supplied from the external medicine container 92, is possible.

[0121] If the first condition is not satisfied, control unit 50 determines that medicine packaging device 1 cannot perform packaging. In this case, if medicine container 15 is registered, it is determined that the "cup dispensing" process shown in Fig. 10 is possible, that is, the process of removing medicine from medicine container 15 to output container 93 using measuring unit 30, weighing the removed medicine, and output container 93 being transported outside medicine packaging device 1. The transported medicine is, for example, introduced into another medicine packaging device 95 and packaged therein.

[0122] If the first condition is not satisfied and medicine container 15 is not registered, control unit 50 determines that the result is "impossible" as shown in FIG. 10, that is, that medicine packing device 1 will not execute any processing.

[0123] If the second condition is not met, the control unit 50 determines that the medicine packaging device 1 cannot perform packaging. Even if the condition that the weight of all doses of the medicine to be packaged is equal to or greater than the first set value is met, if the weight of one dose of the medicine to be packaged is less than the second set value, it determines that packaging is not possible. In this case, if the medicine container 15 is registered, it is determined that "cup dispensing" is possible, and if the medicine container 15 is not registered, it is determined that "cup dispensing" is "not possible."

[0124] If the third condition is not satisfied, the control unit 50 determines that the drug container 15 is "not permitted" regardless of whether the drug container 15 is registered or not.

[0125] The drug packaging device 1 determines whether or not to package the drugs based on the weight of the total dose of the drugs to be packaged, and determines that packaging is not possible if the weight of the total dose of the drugs is so small that they cannot be evenly distributed on the distribution tray 34a. This allows the drug packaging device 1 to evenly package drugs according to the dispensing data.

[0126] The system determines whether packaging can be performed based on the weight of one dose of the medicine to be packaged, and determines that packaging cannot be performed if the weight of one dose of the medicine is so small that the medicine cannot be sent evenly from distribution tray 34a to hopper 35a. This allows the medicine packaging device 1 to evenly package medicines in accordance with the dispensing data.

[0127] Fig. 11 is a diagram showing a judgment of whether or not packaging can be performed for the entire dispensing data when the dispensing data includes multiple drugs and these multiple drugs are packaged together. Dispensing data items 1 to 15 shown in Fig. 11 include one or more of four types of drugs: drug A, drug B, drug C, and drug D. Based on the judgment for each drug shown in Fig. 10, it has been determined that drug A can be "cassette packaged," drug B can be "manually packaged," drug C can be "dispensed from a cup," and drug D cannot be "packaged."

[0128] In the case of the first to third dispensing data that include only drugs A and B that are determined to be packageable, the drug packaging device 1 can package all the drugs included in the dispensing data together, so the control unit 50 determines that the drug packaging device 1 will package them.

[0129] In the case of dispensing data Nos. 4 to 7 and 12 to 15, which include drug C determined to be "dispensable in a cup," the control unit 50 determines that the drug packaging device 1 will dispense the drugs in the dispensing data because the drug packaging device 1 cannot package all the drugs included in the dispensing data together. In this case, the drug packaging device 1 dispenses the drugs in a cup for drug C determined to be "dispensable in a cup." If the data includes drug A determined to be "dispensable in a cassette packaging," the drug packaging device 1 also dispenses the drugs in a cup. On the other hand, if the data includes drug B determined to be "dispensable in a manual packaging," the drug packaging device 1 does nothing for drug B. If the data includes drug D determined to be "dispensable," the drug packaging device 1 does nothing for drug D either. In other words, the drug packaging device 1 dispenses the drugs that can be taken out of the drug container 15, and the operator manually weighs the other drugs, and these drugs are packaged together by another drug packaging device 95.

[0130] In the case of the ninth and eleventh dispensing data including drug A determined to be "cassette packaging" possible and drug D determined to be "not" possible, the control unit 50 determines that the drug packaging device 1 will dispense the cups, since the drug packaging device 1 cannot package the drugs included in the dispensing data together. In this case, the drug packaging device 1 dispenses the cups for drug A determined to be "cassette packaging" possible. On the other hand, the drug packaging device 1 does nothing for drug D determined to be "not" possible. Furthermore, if the data includes drug B determined to be "manual packaging" possible, the drug packaging device 1 does nothing for drug B either. In other words, the drug packaging device 1 dispenses the cups for drugs that can be taken out of the drug container 15, and the operator manually weighs the other drugs, and these drugs are packaged together by another drug packaging device 95.

[0131] In the case of the eighth dispensing data including only drug D determined to be unacceptable, and the tenth dispensing data including drug B and drug D determined to be "manually packaged," the control unit 50 determines that no action will be taken by this drug packaging device 1. All drugs included in the dispensing data will be manually weighed by the operator and packaged together by another drug packaging device 95.

[0132] Therefore, in the determination at step S104 in FIG. 8, the control unit 50 determines that packaging is possible for the first to third prescription data (YES), and determines that packaging is not possible for the fourth to fifteenth prescription data (NO).

[0133] If it is determined in step S104 that packaging can be performed, then control unit 50 determines whether all drug containers 15 are registered (step S105). In this determination, it is determined whether drug container 15 is registered, and it is not necessarily required that registered drug container 15 has been introduced into drug packaging device 1 to determine that drug container 15 is registered.

[0134] In the case of dispensing data that does not include drug B determined to be "manually packaged," i.e., in the example shown in Figure 11, the first dispensing data, all drug containers are registered in the control unit 50, and it is determined that all of the drugs included in the dispensing data can be supplied and packaged by the drug packaging device 1.

[0135] In the case of dispensing data including drug B determined to be "manually packaged," i.e., in the example shown in Figure 11, the second and third dispensing data, any of the drug containers is not registered in the control unit 50, and it is determined that not all of the drugs included in the dispensing data can be supplied by the drug packaging device 1.

[0136] If it is determined that all drug containers have been registered (YES in step S105), drug is weighed out from drug container 15 (step S106). If the necessary drug container 15 has not been introduced into drug packaging device 1 in the processing of step S106, the above-described drug container introduction procedure can be performed to continue weighing. Alternatively, instead of the drug container introduction procedure, it is also possible to proceed to step S109 described below and perform external weighing, as in the case where drug container 15 is not registered.

[0137] Next, the medicines are supplied from the intermediate container 91 containing the measured medicines to the distribution tray 34a (step S107), and the medicines are packaged in the packaging unit 35 (step S108). When the control unit 50 determines that the medicines to be packaged included in the dispensing data can be packaged by the medicine packaging device 1, it automatically supplies and packages the medicines to be packaged. Then, the process ends (END).

[0138] The control unit 50 determines whether or not the medicine to be packaged can be packaged based on the dispensing data input to the medicine packaging device 1, and if it determines that packaging is possible, the control unit 50 automatically supplies and packages the medicine to be packaged. This reduces the time required from receiving input of the dispensing data to completing packaging of the medicine to be packaged.

[0139] If it is determined in step S105 that all of the medicine containers have not been registered (NO in step S105), control unit 50 determines whether or not some of the medicine containers have been registered (step S109).

[0140] Of the second and third dispensing data, in the case of the third dispensing data, which includes drug A determined to be "cassette-packaged," it is determined that not all drug containers are registered, but some drug containers are. In the case of the second dispensing data, which includes only drug B determined to be "manually packaged," it is determined that not all drug containers are registered.

[0141] If it is determined that some of the medicine containers have been registered (YES in step S109), the registered medicines are weighed out from medicine container 15 (step S110), and the medicines are supplied from intermediate container 91 containing the weighed medicines to distribution tray 34a (step S111). Packaging of the medicines supplied to distribution tray 34a is kept on hold.

[0142] When supplying the medicine from this intermediate container 91 to the distribution tray 34a, the control unit 50 controls the second transport unit 14b to transport the intermediate container 91 to supply position P9-L2 if the left distribution tray 34a is used, or to supply position P9-R2 if the right distribution tray 34a is used. The control unit 50 assigns the intermediate container 91 to supply position P9-L2 or P9-R2, where it is more difficult to attach the external medicine container 92.

[0143] Next, for drugs for which drug containers are not registered, the control unit 50 executes external measurement support guidance to introduce an external drug container 92 containing the entire dose according to the dispensing data into the drug packaging device 1 (step S112).

[0144] In the determination in step S109, if it is determined that all medicine containers have not been registered (NO in step S109), the processes in steps S110 and S111 are skipped, and guidance for external measurement in step S112 is executed.

[0145] When the external metering response is to be performed, the control unit 50 may notify the user by displaying on the display unit 21 or the like that the external metering response should be performed.

[0146] Alternatively, control unit 50 may guide the user to perform external metering by printing out information about the drug from printing unit 24. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing a first example of the printout. As shown in Fig. 12, printing unit 24 may output paper 240 on which the date, hour, and minute, the name and measured value of the drug taken out from drug container 15 (drug A in Fig. 12), and the name and amount to be measured of the drug to be subjected to external metering (drug B in Fig. 12) are printed.

[0147] Fig. 13 is a diagram showing a second example of the printout. In the example shown in Fig. 13, no medication has been taken out from medication container 15, and the names of each of the medications to be externally measured (medicine A and medication B in Fig. 13) and the amounts to be measured are printed on paper 240.

[0148] The operator, looking at paper 240 output from printing unit 24, places a predetermined type and amount of medicine into external medicine container 92 outside medicine packaging device 1 according to the description on paper 240. The operator operates operation unit 22 to unlock external medicine container 92 containing the medicine so that it can be introduced into medicine packaging device 1. The operator introduces external medicine container 92 into medicine packaging device 1. The operator uses operation unit 22 to input that external medicine container 92 has been introduced.

[0149] When introducing the external drug container 92 into the drug discharge section 32, the user is guided to introduce the external drug container 92 into supply position P9-L1 if the left distribution tray 34a is used, and into supply position P9-R1 if the right distribution tray 34a is used. The control section 50 assigns the external drug container 92 to supply position P9-L1 or P9-R1, which is easier to attach the external drug container 92 to. This makes it easy to introduce the external drug container 92.

[0150] The control unit 50 determines whether the external drug container 92 has been introduced (step S113 in FIG. 9). If it is determined that the external drug container 92 has not been introduced (NO in step S113), the determination of step S113 is repeated. The control unit 50 receives input from the operator, thereby determining that the external drug container 92 has been introduced. The drug packing device 1 may be relocked by the operator performing an operation for relocking. Alternatively, if it is determined that the external drug container 92 has been introduced, the drug packing device 1 may be automatically relocked.

[0151] If it is determined that external drug container 92 has been introduced (YES in step S113), the drugs contained in external drug container 92 are supplied to distribution tray 34a (step S114). Then, the drugs supplied to distribution tray 34a are packaged (step S108 in FIG. 8). Then, the process ends (END).

[0152] If it is determined that the drug to be packaged can be packaged, but a drug container 15 corresponding to that drug is not registered, supply and packaging of that drug will be put on hold. Packaging can be performed by storing the drug in an external drug container 92 outside of drug packaging device 1 and introducing that external drug container 92 into drug packaging device 1. If external weighing is required, the operator can quickly perform external weighing, which prevents long wait times for packaging and shortens the time required for packaging.

[0153] If it is determined that the drugs to be packaged can be packaged, but drug containers 15 corresponding to only some of the drugs to be packaged are registered, the drug will first be weighed out and supplied from the registered drug containers 15. A prompt to enable external weighing is then given. This prevents the drug supply operation of drug packaging device 1 from being interrupted by the operator's manual operation of introducing external drug container 92 into drug packaging device 1, allowing multiple types of drugs to be efficiently supplied and distributed.

[0154] After the medicines measured out from the registered medicine container 15 are supplied to the distribution tray 34a, a guide for external measurement is given, so that the manual operation of the operator to introduce the external medicine container 92 into the medicine dispensing and packaging device 1 does not interfere with the supply of medicines to the distribution tray 34a. Therefore, multiple types of medicines can be efficiently supplied and distributed.

[0155] The control unit 50 outputs information regarding the medicine to be externally measured, so that the operator can fill the external medicine container 92 with the correct type and amount of medicine according to the output.

[0156] Control unit 50 outputs the actual measured value of the amount of medicine weighed out from medicine container 15, so that a record can be kept of the amount of medicine actually weighed out.

[0157] Control unit 50 controls printing unit 24 to output information about the drug, allowing the operator to refer to the printed recording medium for external measurement. The printed recording medium can also be used as a record of the actual measured value of the drug dispensed from drug container 15.

[0158] If it is determined in step S104 that packaging cannot be performed (NO in step S104), the medicine is not automatically measured out. In this case, the operator selects whether or not to measure out the medicine using the medicine packaging device 1 (step S115). The control unit 50 displays on the display unit 21 the target medicine and a selection screen that allows the operator to select whether or not to measure out the medicine. The operator operates the operation unit 22 to input the selection of whether or not to measure out the medicine to the control unit 50.

[0159] If it is determined that the operator has selected not to measure out the medicine (NO in step S115), the medicine dispensing and packaging device 1 ends the process (END).

[0160] If it is determined that the operator has selected to measure out the medicine (YES in step S115), the medicine is measured out and the medicine is stored in the delivery container 93 (step S116).

[0161] In the determination in step S103, even if it is determined that the dispensing instruction in the previous step S102 is not packaging, i.e., is measuring (NO in step S103), measuring is performed in step S116 and the medicine is stored in output container 93. After measuring, output container 93 is transported to a position where output container 93 can be removed from the medicine packaging device 1, such as third removal position P7. Then, the process ends (END).

[0162] If the control unit 50 determines that the drug to be packaged cannot be packaged by the drug packaging device 1, the supply and packaging of the drug to be packaged will be put on hold and will not be executed. If selected by the operator, only the measurement of the drug will be executed. If the next dispensing data is input into the drug packaging device 1 during this wait period and it is determined that the drug to be packaged included in that next dispensing data can be packaged, the supply and packaging of the drug to be packaged included in that next dispensing data will be executed automatically.

[0163] If the control unit 50 determines that all drug containers 15 are not registered (NO in step S109), the supply and packaging of the drugs to be packaged may be put on hold and not executed. During this standby period, if the next dispensing data is input to the drug packaging device 1, and it is determined that the drugs to be packaged included in that next dispensing data can be packaged and that all drug containers 15 are registered, the supply and packaging of the drugs to be packaged included in that next dispensing data is automatically executed. This allows supply and packaging to be executed preferentially for drug dispensing data that does not require external measurement.

[0164] For drugs that are determined to be unpackageable, supply to the drug packaging device 1 is put on hold and packaging is not performed, so there is no risk of variations in the amount of drugs packaged when the drug packaging device 1 attempts to package drugs that cannot be packaged, and high-quality packaging can be achieved. If the next dispensing data including a drug that can be packaged is input during the standby period, the next drug can be packaged first, eliminating waiting time for packaging and shortening the time required for packaging.

[0165] Although the embodiments have been described above, the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and should not be considered to be limiting. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the above description, and is intended to include meanings equivalent to the claims and all modifications within the scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0166] 1 Drug packaging device, 14 Conveying unit, 14a First conveying unit, 14b Second conveying unit, 15 Drug container, 17 Drug removal unit, 18 Measuring unit, 18a Placement table, 18b Detection unit, 21 Display unit, 22 Operation unit, 23 Supply standby unit, 24 Printing unit, 30 Weighing unit, 32 Drug discharge unit, 32a Container mounting unit, 32b Vibration device, 33 Packaging unit, 34 Distribution unit, 34a Distribution tray, 34b Feeding unit, 35 Packaging unit, 35a Hopper, 35b Heater, 37 Cleaning standby unit, 38 Cleaning unit, 40 Packaging material, 50 Control unit, 61 Memory unit, 62 Weighing selection unit, 65 Guidance unit, 91 Intermediate container, 92 External drug container, 93 Discharge container, 100 Dispensing system, 240 Paper, P1 1st standby position, P2 2nd standby position, P3 3rd standby position, P4 Measuring position, P5 1st takeout position, P6 2nd takeout position, P7 3rd takeout position, P8 Supply standby position, P9 Supply position, P10 Cleaning standby position, P11 Cleaning position.

Claims

1. a supply unit that supplies the drug from a drug container that contains the drug; a packaging unit that packages the medicine supplied by the supply unit; a reception unit that receives input of prescription data including information related to prescription; A medicine packaging device including: a storage unit that stores registration information related to the medicine container; and a control unit that controls the supply unit and the packaging unit, The packaging part includes: a dispensing unit having a dispensing tray to which the medicine is supplied from the supply unit and distributing the medicine supplied to the dispensing tray into individual doses; the control unit determines whether the registration information regarding the medicine container containing the medicine to be packaged, which is included in the dispensing data, is stored in the storage unit; If, as a result of the control unit's determination of whether or not the drugs are stored, the control unit determines that the drugs to be packaged include registered drugs whose registration information is stored in the memory unit and unregistered drugs whose registration information is not stored in the memory unit, the control unit supplies the registered drugs to the distribution tray, and after supplying the registered drugs to the distribution tray, waits for the registered drugs supplied to the distribution tray to be packaged, guides the drug packaging device to introduce an external drug container containing the entire dose of the unregistered drugs from outside the drug packaging device into the drug packaging device, and when the unregistered drugs contained in the external drug container are supplied to the distribution tray, packages the registered drugs and the unregistered drugs supplied to the distribution tray together.

2. The medicine dispensing and packaging device according to claim 1 , wherein information regarding the unregistered medicine to be contained in the external medicine container is output.

3. The medicine dispensing and packaging device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein an actual measured value of a measured value of the registered medicine supplied from the medicine container is output.

4. The medicine dispensing and packaging device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the output is a printed output.

5. the supply unit has a plurality of drug discharge units to which either the external drug container or an intermediate container that temporarily stores the drug removed from the drug container can be attached, A drug packaging device as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control unit assigns the external drug container to the drug discharge section on the front side of the drug packaging device among the multiple drug discharge sections, and assigns the intermediate container to the drug discharge section on the back side of the drug packaging device.

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