Medicine packaging equipment

Abstract

To provide a medicine packaging apparatus which can efficiently package a medicine.SOLUTION: A medicine individually packaging apparatus 1 includes medicine containers 5, a plurality of weighing containers 33, a first medicine supply part, a second medicine supply part, and a packaging part 51. The medicine container 5 stores the medicines for each type. To the weighing container 33, the medicine is supplied from the medicine container 5. The first medicine supply part supplies the medicine for one dosage to the weighing container 33 from the medicine containers 5, in a state in which the weighing container 33 is selectively moved to the medicine containers 5. The second medicine supply part supplies all the medicines stored by the weighing container 33. When the medicine is supplied by the second medicine supply part, the packaging part 51 packages the medicine as one dosage.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a medicine packaging device that packages and dispenses powdered medicine in single doses. The medicine dispensing device in Patent Document 1 includes a medicine container, a discharge device, and a packaging device. The discharge device discharges the powdered medicine from the medicine container. The discharge device includes a discharge-side measuring means.

[0003] The medicine dispensing device of Patent Document 1 has a temporary storage container that temporarily stores powdered medicine discharged from a medicine container. When one dose of powdered medicine is stored in the temporary storage container, the powdered medicine in the temporary storage container is transferred to a packaging device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-56221 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The medicine dispensing device of Patent Document 1 cannot measure the next powder medicine until the powder medicine has been discharged from the main hopper serving as a temporary storage container. Therefore, it is difficult for the medicine dispensing device of Patent Document 1 to package medicines efficiently, and there is still room for improvement in this regard.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a medicine packaging device that can efficiently package medicines.

[0007] 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.

[0008] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a medicine packaging device having the following configuration: The medicine packaging device includes a first container, a plurality of second containers, a first medicine supply unit, A measuring section; The device includes a second medicine supply unit and a packaging unit. The first containers store medicines by type. Medicines are supplied from the first containers to the second containers. The first medicine supply unit selectively moves the second container relative to the first container and supplies one dose of medicine from the first container to the second container. The measuring unit is capable of detecting the weight of the medicine supplied from the first container to the second container. The second medicine supply unit supplies all of the medicine contained in the second container, and the packaging unit packages the medicines supplied by the second medicine supply unit into a single dose. The first medicine supply unit measures the medicine from the first container while measuring it with the measuring unit and supplies it to the second container. .

[0009] This allows the medicine in the first container to be supplied to another second container without waiting for the operation of supplying the medicine supplied to the second container to the packaging section to finish, thereby enabling efficient packaging of medicines. The amount of drug packaged can be accurate for each dose and for each delivery from each first container using a measuring unit.

[0010] The above-described medicine packaging device is preferably configured as follows: the second container moves along a predetermined path; at least a portion of the path is located below the first container; and the location where the second medicine supply unit supplies medicine from the second container is located midway along the path.

[0011] This allows the medicine in the first container to be supplied to another second container without waiting for the operation of supplying the medicine supplied to the second container to the packaging section to finish, thereby enabling efficient packaging of medicines.

[0014] In the above-mentioned drug packaging device, if the weighing value detected by the weighing unit exceeds one dose as a result of supplying the drug from the first container to the second container, it is preferable that the packaging unit skips packaging the drug in the second container.

[0015] This prevents the packaging of more medicine than is prescribed for a single dose.

[0016] The medicine packaging device is preferably configured as follows: the second container moves along a predetermined path, and medicines skipped from packaging are collected from the second container along the path.

[0017] This allows the drug to be collected from the second container and automatically tried again even if the drug is not measured out correctly.

[0018] In the above-mentioned drug packaging device, it is preferable to have an output unit that outputs at least one of the measured value of one dose measured by the measuring unit and the weight value of the total dose, which is the sum of the measured values ​​of the one dose, for each type of drug.

[0019] This allows the user to easily check the amount of medicine actually packaged.

[0020] In the above-mentioned medicine packaging device, it is preferable that the output unit outputs at least one of an indication value for one dose and an indication value for the total dose, which is the sum of the indication values ​​for the single doses, for each type of medicine.

[0021] This allows the user to easily compare the amount of medicine actually packaged with the indicated value.

[0022] The above-mentioned drug packaging device is preferably configured as follows. That is, the drug packaging device includes a holding table that supports a plurality of the second containers. The weighing unit is capable of detecting the weight of the drug supplied from the first container to the second container by placing the second container on the holding table. The holding table is capable of switching between a holding state and a holding release state for each of the second containers. When the second container is placed on the weighing unit, the holding table changes from the holding state to the holding release state for the second container.

[0023] This allows the weight of the second container to be obtained accurately by the weighing unit.

[0024] The above-mentioned drug packaging device is preferably configured as follows: That is, the drug packaging device includes a drive unit that raises and lowers the holding table. The holding table has an opening formed therein for holding the second container. When the holding table is lowered, the second container held in the opening is placed on the weighing unit.

[0025] This makes it possible to switch between a state in which the second container is suspended above the weighing unit for transportation and a state in which the weight of the second container is obtained by the weighing unit, with a simple configuration in which the holder is raised and lowered.

[0026] The medicine packaging device may be configured to include a plurality of first containers.

[0027] In this case, by supplying medicines from a plurality of first containers in parallel, the operation time can be significantly reduced.

[0028] The medicine packaging device may be configured as follows: That is, the second container to be used is associated with each type of medicine, and the second container associated with the medicine contained in the first container is moved relative to the first container.

[0029] In this case, contamination of the drug can be effectively prevented.

[0030] The medicine packaging device may be configured so that the same type of medicine is contained in a plurality of the first containers.

[0031] In this case, the operation time can be reduced by supplying the medicine from the plurality of first containers in parallel. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0032] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a medicine dispensing and packaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. [Figure 3] 5A to 5C are schematic diagrams illustrating an example of the operation of the medicine packaging device. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the medicine supply unit as viewed from below. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a medicine supply unit viewed from above in a medicine dispensing and packaging device according to a modified example. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams illustrating an example of the operation of a modified example. [Figure 7] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams illustrating an example of the operation of a modified example. [Figure 8] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams illustrating another example of the operation of the medicine packaging device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a medicine dispensing and packaging device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] A medicine dispensing and packaging device (medicine packaging device) 1 shown in Figure 1 is installed in a pharmacy or a hospital. The medicine dispensing and packaging device 1 weighs and packages one or more medicines. The medicine dispensing and packaging performed by the medicine dispensing and packaging device 1 is performed based on prescription data input by an operator or prescription data received from an external source.

[0035] Measuring out a medicine means taking out only the required amount of medicine contained in a medicine container. In this embodiment, measuring out is performed by weighing the medicine to be supplied from the medicine container. The medicine packaging device 1 of this embodiment measures out powder medicine (powder, fine granules, or granular medicine) as the medicine. The medicine packaging device 1 packages the measured powder medicine. However, the medicine packaging device 1 may also be configured to be able to package tablets in addition to powder medicine.

[0036] The medicine packaging device 1 can store a plurality of medicine containers (first containers) 5 containing medicines. The medicine packaging device 1 can use the powder medicine in the medicine container 5 to perform a dispensing process of packaging the powder medicine for each dose.

[0037] The drug packaging device 1 includes a drug container storage section 11, a drug container transport section 15, a drug feeder (first drug supply section) 21, a measuring container transport section 31, a drug removal section (second drug supply section) 41, a packaging section 51, and a control device (control section) 95.

[0038] The medicine container storage unit 11 can store a plurality of medicine containers 5. The medicine container storage unit 11 includes a rotating member 12 and a medicine container arrangement unit 13.

[0039] The rotating member 12 is a substantially cylindrical member that is provided in an upright position and can rotate about a vertical axis by the driving force of a motor.

[0040] A plurality of drug container placement sections 13 are arranged side by side on the outer periphery of rotating member 12. A drug container 5 can be placed in each drug container placement section 13. Drug container placement section 13 can be, for example, a mounting plate capable of storing drug containers 5. Drug container placement section 13 rotates integrally with rotating member 12 as rotating member 12 rotates.

[0041] The drug container 5 is configured, for example, as a known drug cassette. Although not shown, the drug container 5 is formed with an outlet for discharging and supplying the drug outside the container. The drug containers 5 store drugs by type. In other words, different types of drugs are stored in different drug containers 5. In principle, drugs of the same type are stored in one drug container 5, but they may also be stored in multiple drug containers 5.

[0042] The drug container storage unit 11 is not limited to a configuration including a cylindrical rotating member 12. For example, the drug container storage unit 11 can be configured to include a storage shelf in which drug container arrangement units 13 are arranged in a matrix in the vertical and horizontal directions.

[0043] The medicine container transport unit 15 transports the medicine containers 5 between the medicine container storage unit 11 and the medicine feeder 21. The configuration of the medicine container transport unit 15 is arbitrary, and it can be configured as a transport robot, for example.

[0044] The drug container transport unit 15 can take out a drug container 5 from one of the drug container arrangement units 13 of the drug container storage unit 11, and transport it to and attach it to any one of three drug feeders 21 described below. The drug container transport unit 15 can remove a drug container 5 from the drug feeder 21, and transport it back to one of the drug container arrangement units 13.

[0045] Three drug feeders 21 are arranged side by side along measuring container transport path 34 that transports drugs. Measuring container transport path 34 is a circular transport path for measuring containers 33 in measuring container transport section 31, and will be described in detail below. A drug container 5 can be detachably attached to each drug feeder 21. Drug feeder 21 can measure the drug inside a drug container 5 set in that drug feeder 21 and deposit it into a measuring container 33 transported along measuring container transport path 34.

[0046] Each drug feeder 21 includes a vibration device 22 and a measuring unit 23.

[0047] Vibration device 22 vibrates medicine container 5 set in medicine feeder 21. When medicine container 5 set in medicine feeder 21 vibrates while the discharge outlet of medicine container 5 is open, the powder medicine in medicine container 5 is shaken out. The powder medicine that comes out from the discharge outlet falls into measuring container 33 located directly below the discharge outlet.

[0048] The weighing unit 23 can measure the weight of the weighing container 33, including the weight of the medicine contained in the weighing container 33. The weighing unit 23 is located below the weighing container transport path 34. The weighing unit 23 is configured as an electronic balance using a weight sensor such as a load cell, for example.

[0049] When medicine falls from the upper medicine container 5 while measuring container 33 is placed on measuring unit 23, the measured value detected by measuring unit 23 increases by the weight of the medicine. When the weight of the increased amount reaches one dose, medicine feeder 21 completes measuring the medicine.

[0050] The measuring container transport section 31 includes a rotary table (holding table, circulating transport member) 32 and four measuring containers (second containers) 33. The measuring containers 33 can also be called weighing containers.

[0051] The four measuring containers 33 are transported by the measuring container transport unit 31 so as to pass below the vibration device 22 that constitutes the medicine feeder 21 and above the measuring unit 23. Each measuring container 33 functions as a container for receiving medicine dispensed from the medicine container 5. The medicine contained in one measuring container 33 corresponds to one dose.

[0052] Each measuring container 33 is configured as a container that is open at the top. The bottom of each measuring container 33 can be switched between a closed state and a state that is open downward. In other words, an openable and closable valve mechanism is provided at the bottom of the measuring container 33. In this embodiment, an opening and closing plate is provided at the bottom of the measuring container 33, and the bottom is opened by rotating the opening and closing plate downward. However, the configuration in which the measuring container 33 is opened to discharge the medicine inside is optional.

[0053] The bottom of the measuring container 33 is normally closed, so that the medicine can be held inside. The bottom of the measuring container 33 can be opened by the medicine removal unit 41, which will be described later.

[0054] The four measuring containers 33 are supported by a circularly formed turntable 32. The turntable 32 is supported by the medicine packaging device 1 so as to be rotatable about a vertical axis. In a plan view, the rotation axis of the turntable 32 is located at the center of the circular turntable 32.

[0055] The turntable 32 can be rotated by the driving force of a motor. This allows the medicine placed in the measuring container 33 to be transported in the circumferential direction of the turntable 32. The turntable 32 can be raised and lowered by the driving force of a motor. This allows switching between a state in which the measuring container 33 is lifted by the turntable 32 and separated upward from the measuring unit 23, and a state in which the lifting is released and the measuring container 33 is placed on the measuring unit 23. The turntable 32 can also be driven by an actuator other than a motor, for example, a fluid pressure cylinder.

[0056] Four holding portions (open portions) are formed on the outer periphery of the turntable 32. Each holding portion supports a measuring container 33. The holding portions can be configured as, for example, through-holes that penetrate the turntable 32 in the thickness direction, or as notches that open radially outward.

[0057] Each weighing container 33 is provided so as to be movable up and down relative to the turntable 32. As will be described in detail later, as shown in FIG. 4, a tapered portion 35a is formed on the outer side of the sidewall of the weighing container 33. Corresponding to this tapered portion 35a, a tapered inner wall portion 32a is formed in a penetrating holder of the turntable 32 that supports the weighing container 33. When the turntable 32 is raised, the turntable 32 lifts the weighing container 33 via the tapered inner wall portion 32a, creating a gap between the underside of the weighing container 33 and the weighing unit 23. Therefore, the turntable 32 can rotate without dragging the weighing container 33 relative to the weighing unit 23. When the turntable 32 is lowered, the bottom of the weighing container 33 comes into contact with the weighing unit 23, eliminating the lifting caused by the tapered inner wall portion 32a. Therefore, the weight of the weighing container 33 can be properly detected by the weighing unit 23. The structure for switching between lifting and releasing the measuring container 33 can also be realized by means other than the tapered portion.

[0058] The four weighing containers 33 can be moved up and down independently of one another relative to the rotary table 32. Therefore, the weight of each weighing container 33 can be accurately obtained by the three weighing units 23.

[0059] Hereinafter, the path along which the measuring containers 33 and the medicines held inside the measuring containers 33 move as the turntable 32 rotates may be referred to as the measuring container transport path 34. The measuring container transport path 34 is formed in a loop shape. The three medicine feeders 21 are all arranged side by side along the measuring container transport path 34. The three medicine feeders 21 are arranged above three of the four locations to which the respective measuring containers 33 are selectively transported.

[0060] The drug removal unit 41 is provided midway along the measuring container transport path 34. The drug removal unit 41 is disposed downstream of the feeding position where the drugs are fed from the three drug feeders 21 into the measuring container 33 in the transport direction of the measuring container 33 caused by the rotation of the turntable 32 (in other words, the transport direction of the drug).

[0061] The drug removal unit 41 is equipped with a mechanism for opening the opening / closing plate at the bottom of the measuring container 33. In this embodiment, the drug removal unit 41 is equipped with an opening / closing arm and an actuator (not shown). Under normal circumstances, the opening / closing plate of the measuring container 33 is held in a closed state, for example, by a magnet. The opening / closing arm of the drug removal unit 41 is driven by the actuator to contact the opening / closing plate of the measuring container 33 and push it downward, opening the opening / closing plate. This causes the drug contained in the measuring container 33 to fall downward under its own weight. When the drug has been discharged, the opening / closing arm of the drug removal unit 41 is driven by the actuator to contact the opening / closing plate of the measuring container 33 and return the opening / closing plate to a closed state.

[0062] 1 is drawn as an exploded view for convenience of illustration, but in reality, as shown in Fig. 2, the four measuring containers 33 are arranged at positions that divide the circular turntable 32 into four equal parts in the circumferential direction. In other words, the four measuring containers 33 are arranged so as to divide the outer periphery of the turntable 32 into 90° intervals.

[0063] Corresponding to the arrangement of the measuring containers 33, the three drug feeders 21 and one drug removal unit 41 are arranged so as to divide the loop-shaped measuring container transport path 34 along which the measuring containers 33 are transported at 90° intervals in the circumferential direction. The three drug feeders 21 are arranged side by side at 90° intervals, and the drug removal unit 41 is arranged at a position 90° downstream of the most downstream drug feeder 21.

[0064] Therefore, when one of the four measuring containers 33 is in a position corresponding to one of the three drug feeders 21, the other two measuring containers 33 are in positions corresponding to the remaining two drug feeders 21, and the remaining measuring container 33 is in a position corresponding to the drug take-out unit 41. By rotating the turntable 32 by 90° from this state, the rotation phases of all four measuring containers 33 change. Therefore, the drug feeders 21 and drug take-out units 41 corresponding to each measuring container 33 are selectively changed.

[0065] Hereinafter, in order to identify each of the three drug feeders 21, the drug feeder 21 located most upstream in the conveyance direction of the measuring container 33 will be referred to as the first drug feeder, and the drug feeders 21 located further downstream will be referred to as the second drug feeder, the third drug feeder, and so on.

[0066] Focus on the single measuring container 33 depicted on the far left in Figure 2. In the state of Figure 2, this measuring container 33 corresponds to the first drug feeder 21. When the turntable 32 rotates 90° from this state, the measuring container 33 moves to a position corresponding to the second drug feeder 21. When the turntable 32 rotates another 90°, the measuring container 33 moves to a position corresponding to the third drug feeder 21. When the turntable 32 rotates another 90°, the measuring container 33 moves to a position corresponding to the drug take-out section 41. When the turntable 32 rotates another 90°, the measuring container 33 returns to the position corresponding to the first drug feeder 21.

[0067] In this way, the measuring container 33 is cyclically transported by driving the rotary table 32. The same is true for the other measuring containers 33. The measuring containers 33 are transported intermittently at predetermined angular intervals (every 90° in this embodiment).

[0068] Packaging unit 51 can package medicines. As shown in FIG. 1 , packaging unit 51 includes hopper 52. Hopper 52 is disposed directly below the position of measuring container 33 corresponding to medicine removal unit 41. When medicine removal unit 41 drops one dose of medicine into hopper 52, packaging unit 51 packages the medicine in packaging paper (packaging body) 54. The packaged medicine is supplied to the outside of medicine packaging device 1.

[0069] Packaging unit 51 includes printing unit 53. Printing unit 53 can print various information on packaging paper 54. The configuration of printing unit 53 is arbitrary, but it can be, for example, a known ink ribbon printer.

[0070] The medicine packing device 1 includes an interface unit 91. The interface unit 91 realizes a user interface function. The interface unit 91 can include, for example, a display device that displays the status of the dispensing process and information input by the user, and an operation device that allows the user to input instructions.

[0071] 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 medicine container storage unit 11, the medicine container transport unit 15, the medicine feeder 21, the turntable 32, the medicine removal unit 41, the packaging unit 51, and the interface unit 91 are controlled by the control device 95.

[0072] The control device 95 can control each part of the medicine packaging device 1 (specifically, the medicine container storage part 11, the medicine container transport part 15, the medicine feeder 21, the measuring container transport part 31, the medicine removal part 41, the packaging part 51, etc.) based on the dispensing data. The control device 95 is configured as a known computer and includes an arithmetic unit such as a CPU, a storage device such as a flash memory or a hard disk, and an input / output part for communicating with the outside. The storage device stores various programs and setting values. The arithmetic unit reads out the various programs, etc. from the storage device and controls the operation of each part of the medicine packaging device 1 based on the detection values ​​of sensors provided in each part of the medicine packaging device 1 and the various setting values, etc. stored in the storage device.

[0073] A medicine container 5 containing a different medicine can be set in each of the three medicine feeders 21. Here, it is assumed that a medicine container 5 containing a medicine named "Drug A" is set in the first medicine feeder 21, a medicine container 5 containing a medicine named "Drug B" is set in the second medicine feeder 21, and a medicine container 5 containing a medicine named "Drug C" is set in the third medicine feeder 21.

[0074] Focus on the single measuring container 33 depicted on the far left in FIG. 3(a). As shown in FIGS. 3(a) to 3(c), as this measuring container 33 is transported from the first, second, and third drug feeders 21 to the drug loading positions, a single dose of drug A, drug B, and drug C is extracted and sequentially loaded into this measuring container 33. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 3(d), the measuring container 33 is transported to the drug extraction unit 41, where the single doses of drug A, drug B, and drug C contained in the measuring container 33 are discharged into the packaging unit 51. At this time, each of the subsequent measuring containers 33 receives a drug from the first to third drug feeders 21. In this way, the weighing of each of the three types of drug and the discharge of the single dose are performed simultaneously in parallel.

[0075] In this way, according to this embodiment, multiple types of medicine can be packaged together in single doses using measuring container 33 as a unit. The configuration of this embodiment is particularly advantageous in that it allows for quick packaging of a small number of medicines, compared to configurations that use distribution trays like conventional medicine packaging devices.

[0076] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the weights of drugs A, B, and C can be acquired for each packet by the weighing unit 23 while they are packaged. The measured weight of one dose is output by an appropriate method. Possible output methods include printing on journal paper using a printing device, displaying on a display device provided in the interface unit 91, or printing on packaging paper 54 by the printing unit 53. In other words, the printing device, display device, and printing unit 53 described above can correspond to an output unit for outputting the measured weight of the drugs.

[0077] Consider a case where the prescribed amounts per dose given to the medicine packaging device 1 are 0.5 g of medicine A, 1.0 g of medicine B, and 0.3 g of medicine C. These prescribed amounts are included in the aforementioned dispensing data. In this embodiment, for example, for the first package, the amounts are 0.50 g of medicine A, 0.99 g of medicine B, and 0.31 g of medicine C, and for the second package, the amounts are 0.51 g of medicine A, 1.00 g of medicine B, and 0.31 g of medicine C, and so on, are output. The output format is arbitrary, and can be, for example, output as text or a table.

[0078] The output may include an indication amount in addition to the measurement value, in which case the user can easily compare the measurement value and the indication amount.

[0079] Instead of or in addition to the measured value of the weight of one dose, the measured value of the total dose can also be output. For example, if the drug packaging device 1 is instructed to package a seven-day supply of drugs to be taken twice a day, the measured values ​​of the total doses will be output, for example, 7.02 g of drug A, 14.05 g of drug B, and 4.17 g of drug C. In this case, the output format is also optional. To allow the user to easily compare the measured values, the output content may include the indicated amount of the total dose in addition to the measured values ​​of the total dose.

[0080] As shown in Figure 3(b), Figure 3(c), or Figure 3(d), when a certain measuring container 33 receives a supply of drug B from the second drug feeder 21, the measuring container 33 immediately succeeding this measuring container 33 simultaneously receives a supply of drug A from the first drug feeder 21. Also, as shown in Figure 3(c) or Figure 3(d), when a certain measuring container 33 receives a supply of drug C from the third drug feeder 21, the measuring container 33 immediately succeeding this measuring container 33 simultaneously receives a supply of drug B from the second drug feeder 21, and the measuring container 33 immediately succeeding this measuring container 33 simultaneously receives a supply of drug A from the first drug feeder 21. In this way, multiple drugs can be measured out simultaneously in parallel, which can significantly improve work efficiency.

[0081] Next, the specific configuration of the measuring container 33 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 shows the measuring container transport section 31 viewed from below with the turntable 32 partially cut away. Since the four measuring containers 33 have substantially the same configuration, the following description will be directed to the measuring container 33 depicted in the upper left corner of Fig. 4 as a representative.

[0082] The measuring container 33 includes a main body 35 and an opening / closing plate 36 .

[0083] The main body 35 is configured in the shape of a hollow square tube that is open at the top and bottom. The main body 35 has a rectangular shape in a plan view.

[0084] The tapered portions 35a described above are formed on the outer peripheral surfaces of the four side walls of the main body 35. The taper angle of the tapered portions 35a is equal to the taper angle of the inner wall tapered portion 32a of the rotary table 32.

[0085] An opening / closing plate 36 is attached to the bottom surface of the main body 35. The opening / closing plate 36 is supported by the main body 35 via a support shaft 37 disposed at its end. The opening / closing plate 36 is rotatable around the horizontal support shaft 37. This allows the bottom of the main body 35 to be switched between a closed state and an open state.

[0086] An operating protrusion 38 is integrally formed on the opening / closing plate 36. This operating protrusion 38 protrudes radially outward from the main body 35 of the turntable 32. When the measuring container 33 is positioned so as to correspond to the medicine extracting unit 41, the opening / closing arm of the medicine extracting unit 41 presses the operating protrusion 38. This allows the opening and closing operation of the opening / closing plate 36 to be realized. The upper right side of Figure 4 shows the measuring container 33 with the opening / closing plate 36 open.

[0087] Ribs 39 are integrally formed on the bottom surface of the main body 35 around the opening / closing plate 36. The ribs 39 are arranged at positions corresponding to three of the four sides of the main body 35, which is rectangular in plan view. The ribs 39 may be arranged on only two opposing sides, or on all four sides. Furthermore, instead of the ribs 39, for example, round bar-shaped protrusions may be formed.

[0088] Each rib 39 protrudes downward below the opening / closing plate 36 in the closed state. As a result, when the turntable 32 descends, the lower ends of the ribs 39, rather than the opening / closing plate 36, come into contact with the measuring unit 23. This makes it easier to place the measuring container 33 on the measuring unit 23, and the measuring container 33 can be stabilized when placed on the measuring unit 23. Furthermore, since the opening / closing plate 36 comes into contact with the measuring unit 23, it is possible to prevent the medicine adhering to the opening / closing plate 36 from adhering to the measuring unit 23.

[0089] In this embodiment, the main body 35 is made of synthetic resin, and the opening and closing plate 36 is made of a metal plate, but the main body 35 and the opening and closing plate 36 may also be made of different materials.

[0090] As described above, the medicine dispensing and packaging device 1 of this embodiment includes a medicine container 5, a plurality of measuring containers 33, a medicine feeder 21, a medicine removal unit 41, and a packaging unit 51. The medicine containers 5 contain medicines by type. Medicines are supplied from the measuring containers 33. Each of the plurality of medicine feeders 21 selectively moves the measuring container 33 relative to the attached medicine container 5, and supplies one dose of medicine from the medicine container 5 to the measuring container 33. The medicine removal unit 41 supplies all of the medicine contained in the measuring container 33. All of the medicine contained in the measuring container 33 is supplied to the packaging unit 51. When the medicines are supplied by the medicine removal unit 41, the packaging unit 51 packages them as one dose.

[0091] This allows the medicine in the medicine container 5 to be supplied to another measuring container 33 without waiting for the operation of supplying the medicine supplied to the measuring container 33 to the packaging unit 51 to be completed. Therefore, the medicine can be packaged efficiently.

[0092] In the drug dispensing and packaging device 1 of this embodiment, the measuring container 33 moves along the measuring container transport path 34. The entire measuring container transport path 34 is located below the drug container 5 set in the drug feeder 21. The location where the drug is supplied from the measuring container 33 by the drug removal unit 41 is located midway along the measuring container transport path 34.

[0093] This allows the medicine in the medicine container 5 to be supplied to another measuring container 33 without waiting for the operation of supplying the medicine supplied to the measuring container 33 to the packaging unit 51 to be completed. Therefore, the medicine can be packaged efficiently.

[0094] Medicine packaging device 1 of the present embodiment includes weighing unit 23 that can detect the weight of medicine supplied from medicine container 5 to measuring container 33. Medicine feeder 21 measures medicine from medicine container 5 while measuring it with weighing unit 23, and supplies it to measuring container 33.

[0095] This allows the amount of medicine to be packaged accurately for each dose and for each supply from each medicine container 5 using the measuring unit 23.

[0096] In the drug packaging device 1 of this embodiment, the weight value of one dose measured by the measuring unit 23 and the weight value of the total dose, which is the sum of the weight values ​​of the one dose, can be output for each type of drug to, for example, a display device provided in the interface unit 91.

[0097] This allows the user, a pharmacist, to easily check the amount of medicine packaged.

[0098] In the medicine dispensing and packaging device 1 of this embodiment, the display device outputs, for each type of medicine, an indication value for one dose and an indication value for the total dose, which is the sum of the indication values ​​for the single doses.

[0099] This allows the user, a pharmacist, to easily compare the amount of medicine actually packaged with the indicated value.

[0100] The medicine dispensing and packaging device 1 of this embodiment includes a turntable 32 that supports a plurality of measuring containers 33. When the measuring containers 33 are placed on the weighing unit 23, the weighing unit 23 can detect the weight of the medicine supplied from the medicine container 5 to the measuring containers 33. The turntable 32 can switch between a holding state and a holding release state for each measuring container 33. When the measuring container 33 is placed on the weighing unit 23, the holding table changes from the holding state to the holding release state for the measuring container 33.

[0101] This allows the weight of each measuring container 33 to be accurately obtained by the weighing unit 23 while supporting the plurality of measuring containers 33 with a simple configuration.

[0102] The medicine dispensing and packaging device 1 of this embodiment includes a drive unit (e.g., an electric motor) that raises and lowers the turntable 32. The turntable 32 is formed with a holder for holding the measuring container 33. When the turntable 32 is lowered, the measuring container 33 held in the holder is placed on the weighing unit 23.

[0103] This allows the state in which the weighing container 33 is floating above the weighing unit 23 for transportation to be switched to a state in which the weight of the weighing container 33 is obtained by the weighing unit 23, with a simple configuration in which the rotary table 32 is raised and lowered.

[0104] The medicine dispensing and packaging device 1 of this embodiment includes a plurality of medicine containers 5, each set in a medicine feeder 21.

[0105] This allows drugs to be supplied from a plurality of drug containers 5 in parallel, thereby significantly reducing the operation time.

[0106] Next, a modified medicine dispensing and packaging device will be described with reference to Fig. 5. In the description of this modified example, the same or similar components as those in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings, and their description may be omitted.

[0107] In the modified medicine packaging device shown in Figure 5, the measuring container transport section 31 has eight measuring containers 33. The measuring containers 33 are arranged so as to divide the circumference of the turntable 32 at 45° intervals. In this modified example, the eight measuring containers 33 are transported intermittently at 45° intervals.

[0108] In this modified example, three drug feeders 21 are arranged side by side, with their phases shifted by 90°. A drug removal unit 41 is arranged 45° downstream of the third drug feeder 21 in the conveying direction of the measuring container 33. A waste unit 61 and a waste tank 62 are arranged 45° downstream of the drug removal unit 41. Furthermore, a cleaning unit 71 is arranged 45° downstream of the waste unit 61.

[0109] The operation of this modified example is shown in Figures 6 and 7. In this modified example, for a certain measuring container 33, after the medicine is measured out by the first medicine feeder 21 and before the medicine is measured out by the second medicine feeder 21, the measuring container 33 stops at an intermediate position (a position between two medicine feeders 21) and waits for the time required for one measuring session. Similarly, for a certain measuring container 33, after the medicine is measured out by the second medicine feeder 21 and before the medicine is measured out by the third medicine feeder 21, the measuring container 33 stops at an intermediate position and waits for the time required for one measuring session. With regard to measuring out medicines, except for the above, the operation of the medicine dispensing device 1 of this modified example is substantially the same as the configuration of Figure 2. In this modified example, multiple medicines can also be measured out simultaneously in parallel.

[0110] Like the drug removal unit 41, the disposal unit 61 includes an opening / closing arm and an actuator (not shown). When the opening / closing arm is driven, the opening / closing plate of the measuring container 33 rotates downward, causing the drug contained in the measuring container 33 to fall downward. The waste tank 62 is disposed directly below the measuring container 33 at a position corresponding to the disposal unit 61. The drug that falls from the measuring container 33 is stored in the waste tank 62.

[0111] Some powder medicines tend to form clumps in medicine container 5. If medicine A, medicine B, or medicine C in medicine container 5 is discharged in clumps from any of three medicine feeders 21, the amount of medicine dispensed into measuring container 33 may exceed one dose.

[0112] The measuring unit 23 can detect that the amount of medicine placed in the measuring container 33 exceeds one dose. When such a measuring container 33 occurs, even if the measuring container 33 is transported to the medicine removal unit 41, the control device 95 controls the operation of the medicine removal unit 41 and the packaging operation in the packaging unit 51 to be skipped. When a measuring container 33 containing an amount of medicine A, medicine B, or medicine C that exceeds one dose is transported to the disposal unit 61, the opening and closing plate is opened, thereby discharging the medicine inside into the waste tank 62. When a measuring container 33 fails to measure out medicine during a series of operations for dispensing multiple doses, it is preferable that additional dispensing operations be automatically performed in succession to make up for the amount discarded.

[0113] If the amount of any of drug A, drug B, and drug C does not exceed one dose, the bottom plate of measuring container 33 is opened in drug removal section 41, and the drugs inside are supplied to packaging section 51. When empty measuring container 33 is transported to disposal section 61, the bottom plate may be opened by disposal section 61, or the operation of disposal section 61 may be skipped.

[0114] Cleaning unit 71 cleans measuring container 33 that has passed a position corresponding to drug removal unit 41 and further passed a position corresponding to disposal unit 61. Cleaning is performed before measuring container 33 is transported to the first drug feeder 21. Cleaning unit 71 can be configured by, for example, a suction nozzle or a cleaning brush, etc., but is not limited to these.

[0115] As described above, in this modified drug packaging device 1, if the amount of drug supplied from the drug container 5 to the measuring container 33 exceeds one dose as a result of the supply of drug from the drug container 5 to the measuring container 33, the packaging unit 51 skips packaging the drug in the measuring container 33.

[0116] This prevents the packaging of more medicine than is prescribed for a single dose.

[0117] In the medicine packaging device 1 of this modified example, the measuring container 33 moves along the measuring container transport path 34. Medicines that are skipped from packaging by the packaging unit 51 are collected from the measuring container 33 at a disposal unit 61 located midway along the measuring container transport path 34.

[0118] This allows the user to recover the medicine from the measuring container 33 and automatically try again even if the medicine fails to be measured out.

[0119] The preferred embodiment and modifications of the present invention have been described above, but the above configurations can be modified, for example, as follows. Each modification may be made alone, or multiple modifications may be made in any combination.

[0120] In the configuration of FIG. 2, the first, second, and third drug feeders 21 may all be equipped with drug containers 5 containing the same type of drug. In this case, the turntable 32 is rotated so that the three empty measuring containers 33 are positioned corresponding to the first, second, and third drug feeders 21, respectively. Then, as shown in FIG. 8(a), the three drug feeders 21 simultaneously measure out a single dose. Then, as shown in FIGS. 8(b) to 8(d), the three measuring containers 33 are sequentially transported one by one to the drug removal unit 41, where the drugs are supplied to the packaging unit 51 for packaging. When all measuring containers 33 have discharged and become empty, the system returns to FIG. 8(a) and the same operation is repeated. Even when packaging only one type of drug, the parallel weighing of the three drug feeders 21 can shorten the operation time. In this way, it may not be necessary to sequentially transport the measuring containers 33 to the three drug feeders 21 to measure out the drugs.

[0121] It is also possible to associate in advance the type of drug with the measuring container 33 used for that drug. In this case, the measuring container transport unit 31 moves the measuring container 33 associated with the drug contained in the drug feeder 21 to the drug feeder 21 in which the drug container 5 is set, and the drug is measured into the measuring container 33. With this configuration, although there is a possibility that the flexibility in using the measuring container 33 may be reduced, contamination can be effectively prevented.

[0122] The configuration for transporting the measuring containers 33 along the loop-shaped circulation path is not limited to the turntable 32. For example, the measuring containers 33 can be transported using a circulation belt conveyor. Furthermore, the shape of the measuring container transport path 34 is not limited to a circular shape and can be formed, for example, into a rectangular shape. The circulation path does not need to be arranged along a horizontal plane. For example, a portion of the measuring container transport path 34 can be configured to be above the medicine containers 5 set in the medicine feeder 21.

[0123] The measuring container transport path 34 may be formed in an end shape instead of a loop shape, in which case the plurality of measuring containers 33 are configured to move back and forth along the measuring container transport path.

[0124] The measuring unit 23 may measure the medicine container 5 instead of the measuring container 33, thereby measuring the medicine. In this configuration, the measuring unit 23 is disposed on the vibration device 22 side, so a mechanism for raising and lowering the turntable 32 can be omitted. Also, in this configuration, it is not necessary to support the measuring container 33 on the turntable 32 so that it can move up and down. Therefore, for example, multiple measuring containers 33 can be fixed to the turntable 32 or configured integrally with the turntable 32.

[0125] The structure for holding the bottom of the measuring container 33 in the closed state can be realized by a structure other than a magnet, for example, a spring.

[0126] The number of drug feeders 21 is not limited to three, but may be two or four or more. Similarly, the number of measuring containers 33 in the measuring container transport section 31 may be changed as appropriate.

[0127] Drug feeder 21 is not limited to a configuration including vibration device 22. For example, when a transporter that transports the powder medicine contained in drug container 5 toward the discharge port is provided inside drug container 5, drug feeder 21 may be configured to drive the transporter and discharge the powder medicine contained in drug container 5 from the discharge port. [Explanation of symbols]

[0128] 1. Drug packaging device (drug packaging device) 5. Drug container (first container) 21 Drug feeder (first drug supply unit) 23 Measuring section 32 Rotating table (holding table) 33 Measuring container (second container) 41 drug removal section (second drug supply section) 51 Packaging Department

Claims

1. a first container for storing medicines by type; a plurality of second containers to which the drug is supplied from the first container; a first medicine supply unit that supplies one dose of medicine from the first container to the second container while selectively moving the second container relative to the first container; a weighing unit capable of detecting the weight of the medicine supplied from the first container to the second container; a second drug supply unit that supplies all of the drugs contained in the second container; a packaging unit that packages the medicine supplied by the second medicine supply unit into a single dose; Equipped with The medicine packaging device, characterized in that the first medicine supply unit measures the medicine from the first container while measuring it with the measuring unit, and supplies it to the second container.

2. The drug packaging device according to claim 1, the second container moves along a predetermined path; At least a portion of the path is located below the first container; A medicine packaging device, characterized in that the location where the medicine is supplied from the second container by the second medicine supply unit is located midway along the path.

3. The drug packaging device according to claim 1, A drug packaging device characterized in that, when the measured value detected by the measuring unit exceeds one dose as a result of supplying the drug from the first container to the second container, the packaging unit skips packaging the drug in the second container.

4. The drug packaging device according to claim 3, the second container moves along a predetermined path; A medicine packaging device, characterized in that medicines whose packaging has been skipped are collected from the second container midway along the path.

5. The drug packaging device according to claim 1, A drug packaging device characterized by having an output unit that outputs at least one of the measured value of one dose measured by the measuring unit and the weight value of the total dose, which is the sum of the measured values ​​of the one dose, for each type of drug.

6. The drug packaging device according to claim 5, A drug packaging device characterized in that the output unit outputs at least one of an indication value for one dose and an indication value for all doses, which is the sum of the indication values ​​for the single doses, for each type of drug.

7. The drug packaging device according to claim 1, a holder for supporting a plurality of the second containers; the measuring unit is capable of detecting a weight of the medicine supplied from the first container to the second container by placing the second container thereon; the holding table is capable of switching between a holding state and a holding release state with respect to each of the second containers; A drug packaging device characterized in that, when the second container is placed on the weighing unit, the holding stage changes from the holding state to the holding release state with respect to the second container.

8. The drug packaging device according to claim 7, a drive unit that raises and lowers the support table, an opening for holding the second container is formed in the holding table; A drug packaging device characterized in that the second container held in the open section is placed on the weighing section by the holding table being lowered.

9. The drug packaging device according to claim 1, A medicine packaging device comprising a plurality of first containers.

10. The drug packaging device according to claim 9, The second container to be used is associated with each type of medicine, A medicine packaging device characterized in that the second container corresponding to the medicine contained in the first container moves relative to the first container.

11. The drug packaging device according to claim 9, A medicine packaging device, characterized in that the same type of medicine is contained in a plurality of the first containers.

12. A drug packaging device as described in claim 1, a holder for supporting a plurality of the second containers; the support table is rotatable about an axis in the vertical direction, The medicine packaging device, characterized in that the second container moves along a loop-shaped circulation path by rotation of the holding table.

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