Drug dispensing device

Abstract

To provide a medicine sub-packaging device that has achieved high work efficiency by weighing out medicines in an appropriate order.SOLUTION: A medicine sub-packaging device includes a weighing-out part, a plurality of discharge parts, a conveyance part, and sub-packaging part. The weighing-out part weighs out medicines stored in a medicine container in a supply container. The discharge parts to which the supply container can be set discharge the medicines in the set supply container to a distribution tray. The conveyance part conveys the supply container from the weighing-out part to the discharge parts. The sub-packaging part subpackages the medicines discharged to the distribution tray. When executing weighing-out of at least first medicines and second medicines of a smaller target amount than that of the first medicines, the weighing-out part starts weighing-out of the first medicines earlier than the weighing-out of the second medicines.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention mainly relates to a drug packaging device that measures and packages drugs contained in a drug container.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a drug packaging device for packaging drugs. The drug packaging device includes a measuring unit, a conveying unit, a discharging unit, and a packaging unit. The measuring unit measures drugs into an intermediate container. The conveying unit conveys the intermediate container to the discharging unit. The discharging unit discharges the drugs contained in the intermediate container onto a dispensing tray. The packaging unit distributes the drugs discharged onto the dispensing tray and packages them with packaging materials. Also, when mixing and packaging a plurality of drugs, the measurement is sequentially performed for each drug.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In Patent Document 1, the order of measuring a plurality of drugs is not mentioned. Therefore, when the order of measuring drugs is inappropriate, the time until the discharge of all drugs is completed may become long, and the working efficiency may be low.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its main object is to provide a drug packaging device that realizes high working efficiency by measuring drugs in an appropriate order. Means and Effects for Solving the Problems

[0006] The problems to be solved by the present invention are as described above. Next, the means for solving this problem and its effects will be described.

[0007] According to the aspects of the present invention, a drug packaging device having the following configuration is provided. That is, the drug packaging device comprises a weighing unit, a plurality of discharge units, a transport unit, and a packaging unit. The weighing unit weighs the drug contained in a drug container into a supply container. The discharge unit is capable of setting the supply container and discharges the drug from the set supply container into a dispensing tray. The transport unit transports the supply container from the weighing unit to the discharge unit. The packaging unit packages the drug discharged into the dispensing tray. When the weighing unit weighs at least a first drug and a second drug in a smaller target amount than the first drug, it starts weighing the first drug before weighing the second drug.

[0008] This allows for faster dispensing by first measuring out larger quantities of medication, thus increasing work efficiency.

[0009] In the aforementioned drug packaging device, the following configuration is preferable. That is, the weighing unit is capable of weighing multiple drugs in parallel. Weighing of the second drug is started before the weighing of the first drug is completed.

[0010] This allows for weighing in parallel in the correct order, further increasing work efficiency.

[0011] In the aforementioned drug packaging device, the following configuration is preferable. That is, if the weighing of the second drug is completed before the weighing of the first drug, the device waits for the transport of the supply container containing the second drug. After the weighing of the first drug and the transport of the supply container containing the first drug to the discharge section are completed, the supply container containing the second drug is transported to the discharge section.

[0012] This prioritizes the excretion of the first drug, which takes longer to excrete, thus shortening the time it takes for all drugs to be excreted.

[0013] In the aforementioned drug packaging device, if the weighing of the second drug is completed before the weighing of the first drug, it is preferable to transport the supply container containing the second drug to the discharge section before transporting the supply container containing the first drug.

[0014] This allows the supply container to be moved from the weighing unit earlier, enabling the weighing of the next drug to begin sooner. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] A schematic diagram showing a drug packaging device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Perspective view of the supply container. [Figure 3] A flowchart illustrating the process of weighing and packaging in the correct order. [Figure 4] A table showing an example of determining the weighing order based on the target quantity in the dispensing data. [Figure 5] Timing charts for comparative examples and the first embodiment. [Figure 6] Schematic diagrams showing drug packaging devices of the second and third embodiments. [Figure 7] Timing charts for the second and third embodiments. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0016] Next, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a drug packaging device 1 of the first embodiment.

[0017] The drug packaging device 1 is installed in a pharmacy or hospital. The drug packaging device 1 weighs and packages one or more drugs individually. The weighing and packaging of drugs performed by the drug packaging device 1 is based on dispensing data entered by the operator or received from an external source.

[0018] The weighing of the drug means taking out only the necessary amount of the drug contained in a drug container or the like. The weighing in the present embodiment is performed by weighing the drug supplied from the drug container. The drug packaging device 1 of the present embodiment weighs a powder (powdered, fine-grained, or granular drug) as the drug. Further, the drug packaging device 1 of the present embodiment packages the weighed powder. However, the drug packaging device 1 may be configured to be able to package tablets in addition to the powder.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 1, the drug packaging device 1 includes a container storage unit 11, a transport unit 14, a drug container 15, a weighing unit 30, a discharge unit 32, a packaging unit 33, and a control unit 50.

[0020] The container storage unit 11 stores a plurality of supply containers 91 that do not contain drugs. The drug to be weighed is stored in the supply container 91. The container storage unit 11 has, for example, a plurality of supports for waiting for a plurality of supply containers 91, and supports the bottom surface of each supply container 91 with each support. However, as long as the supply container 91 can be substantially stored, the configuration of the container storage unit 11 can be arbitrarily changed.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 2, the supply container 91 includes a storage unit 91a, a discharge path unit 91b, an opening / closing unit 91c, and an information display unit (display unit) 91d.

[0022] The storage unit 91a is a part where the supply container 91 substantially stores the drug. The storage unit 91a is formed in a hollow shape with an open top.

[0023] The discharge path unit 91b is configured as a thin passage connecting the internal space and the external space of the storage unit 91a. The discharge path unit 91b is formed to communicate with an end of the storage unit 91a.

[0024] The opening / closing unit 91c is configured as a shutter-like movable member. The opening / closing unit 91c can open and close the connection portion between the storage unit 91a and the discharge path unit 91b.

[0025] The information display unit 91d is a display capable of displaying dispensing data and information related to dispensing. The information display unit 91d displays information using, for example, microcapsule-type or electrophoretic-type electronic paper.

[0026] In the drug packaging device 1 of this embodiment, multiple supply containers 91 of the same shape are provided. Alternatively, multiple types of supply containers 91 with different sizes of their storage compartments 91a may be provided. In this case, it is possible to accommodate various situations in which weighing is performed, such as weighing out multiple types of drugs.

[0027] The transport unit 14 transports the supply container 91. As shown in Figure 1, the transport unit 14 comprises a first transport unit 14a and a second transport unit 14b.

[0028] The operation of the first transport unit 14a and the second transport unit 14b are controlled by the control unit 50. The first transport unit 14a and the second transport unit 14b differ only in the range of transport they perform, and their transport configurations are substantially the same. Therefore, the first transport unit 14a will be used as an example in the following explanation.

[0029] The first transport unit 14a is equipped with a container holding unit for holding the supply container 91. The container holding unit moves along a rail provided on the drug packaging device 1. The first transport unit 14a transports the supply container 91 by moving the container holding unit along the rail while the supply container 91 is held in the container holding unit.

[0030] In Figure 1, the path (rail) of the first transport unit 14a is shown by a dashed line, and the path (rail) of the second transport unit 14b is shown by a dotted line. The first transport unit 14a and the second transport unit 14b are equipped with separate drive sources and operate independently of each other. Therefore, the drug packaging device 1 can transport containers by the first transport unit 14a and transport containers by the second transport unit 14b in parallel.

[0031] The container holding mechanism of the transport unit 14 can vary; for example, the container may be gripped with a chuck or held by suction. Alternatively, for example, a container holding mechanism may be provided at the tip of an extendable or rotatable arm, and the position of the container holding mechanism may be changed by extending or rotating the arm. In this case, the rail can be omitted.

[0032] Each drug container 15 contains a drug. Each drug container 15 has an opening for discharging and supplying the drug to the outside of the container. Multiple drug containers 15 each contain different drugs. However, for drugs that are used frequently, for example, the same drug may be contained in multiple drug containers 15. An information storage unit, such as an RFID tag, is provided on the outer surface of each drug container 15. The information storage unit stores information about the drug contained in the drug container 15 (drug name, remaining amount of drug, etc.). The information stored in the information storage unit can be read by an information reading unit, such as an RFID reader / writer.

[0033] The weighing unit 30 comprises a drug supply mechanism 17 and a weighing unit 18.

[0034] The drug supply mechanism 17 can supply drugs from drug containers 15 to supply container 91. The drug supply mechanism 17 comprises a holder, a moving mechanism, and a supply mechanism. Multiple drug containers 15 are detachably held in the holder. The moving mechanism moves the drug containers 15 held in the holder to predetermined positions. The supply mechanism acts on the drug containers 15 that have been moved to predetermined positions, supplying the contained drugs downward through the openings of the drug containers 15.

[0035] The weighing unit 18 can weigh the amount of drug to be supplied from the drug container 15 to the supply container 91. The weighing unit 18 comprises a mounting platform 18a and a detection unit 18b.

[0036] The mounting platform 18a is located below the holder provided by the drug supply mechanism 17. The supply container 91 is placed on the mounting platform 18a. The first transport unit 14a can transport the supply container 91 held by the container holder to place it on the mounting platform 18a or remove it from the mounting platform 18a.

[0037] The detection unit 18b weighs the amount of drug inside the container when the supply container 91 is placed on the mounting platform 18a. Specifically, the weighing unit 18 is an electronic balance, and the mounting platform 18a corresponds to the weighing pan part of the electronic balance. The detection unit 18b is, for example, an electromagnetic or load cell type load sensor.

[0038] The weighing unit 30 is controlled by the control unit 50 to weigh out the total dose for each drug indicated in the drug information. The control unit 50 appropriately moves the drug container 15 containing the drug indicated in the drug information directly above the mounting platform 18a using the drug supply mechanism 17. Subsequently, the control unit 50 supplies the drug from the drug container 15 to the supply container 91 placed on the mounting platform 18a, and the detection unit 18b weighs the supplied drug.

[0039] The weighing unit 30 of the first embodiment cannot weigh out drugs contained in two or more drug containers 15 simultaneously. However, as will be described later, it may be possible to weigh out drugs contained in two or more drug containers 15 simultaneously.

[0040] The discharge unit 32 can accommodate a supply container 91 and discharges the drug contained within the set supply container 91. The supply container 91, transported by the second transport unit 14b, is set in the discharge unit 32. It is also possible to manually set the supply container 91 in the discharge unit 32. Multiple discharge units 32 are provided for each distribution unit 34, which will be described later. Each discharge unit 32 is equipped with a container mounting section 32a and a vibration device 32b.

[0041] The container mounting section 32a is capable of holding the supply container 91. The supply container 91 is attached to the container mounting section 32a by the second transport section 14b. The container mounting section 32a moves the opening / closing section 91c of the container from a closed state to an open state. Until the container is attached to the container mounting section 32a, the connection between the storage section 91a and the discharge path section 91b is closed by the opening / closing section 91c. When the supply container 91 is attached to the container mounting section 32a, the container mounting section 32a moves the opening / closing section 91c. As a result, the connection between the storage section 91a and the discharge path section 91b becomes open, allowing the drug to be discharged.

[0042] The vibration device 32b is composed of a motor and other components that generate vibrations. The vibration device 32b is controlled by the control unit 50. The vibration device 32b generates vibrations in response to control signals from the control unit 50. The vibrations generated by the vibration device 32b are transmitted to the supply container 91 attached to the container mounting section 32a.

[0043] In the first embodiment, the discharge unit 32 can discharge the drug from two supply containers 91 simultaneously, but it may also be capable of simultaneously discharging the drug from three or more supply containers 91. Furthermore, since the discharge unit 32, the first transport unit 14a, and the second transport unit 14b can operate independently, the transport of the supply containers 91 and the discharge from the discharge unit 32 can be performed in parallel.

[0044] The packaging unit 33 packages the medicine measured by the weighing unit 30. The packaging unit 33 is controlled by the control unit 50 to package the medicine measured by the weighing unit 30 into single doses. The packaging unit 33 comprises a dispensing unit 34 and a packaging unit 35.

[0045] The distribution unit 34 distributes the drug discharged by the discharge unit 32. In this embodiment of the drug packaging device 1, there is one distribution unit 34, but there may be multiple distribution units 34. The distribution unit 34 is provided with two discharge units 32. The distribution unit 34 comprises a distribution tray 34a and a feeding unit 34b. The distribution tray 34a is configured to rotate about a vertical axis. The discharge unit 32 discharges the drug onto the rotating distribution tray 34a. The feeding unit 34b drops the drug discharged onto the distribution tray 34a downwards in predetermined amounts.

[0046] The packaging unit 35 packages the drug distributed by the distribution unit 34 with packaging material 40. The packaging unit 35 includes a hopper 35a and a heater 35b. The packaging unit 35 repeatedly drops the drug distributed from the distribution unit 34 onto the packaging material 40 through the hopper 35a, while simultaneously using the heater 35b to heat-seal the packaging material 40. This separates the drug supplied in predetermined amounts and seals each portion into the packaging material 40. The packaging material 40 containing the drug is then sent to a storage area outside or inside the drug packaging device 1.

[0047] In the drug packaging device 1, a discharge standby section 23 is provided at the boundary between the weighing section and the packaging section. A supply container 91 for containing the drug can be placed in the discharge standby section 23 as needed and kept on standby.

[0048] By providing a discharge standby unit 23, even if the supply container 91 cannot be transported from the weighing unit 18 to the discharge unit 22, the supply container 91 can be kept in the discharge standby unit 23. As a result, weighing can be performed on another supply container 91 using the weighing unit 30.

[0049] Furthermore, the discharge waiting section 23 also functions as a relay point between the first transport section 14a and the second transport section 14b. That is, after the first transport section 14a moves the supply container 91 to the discharge waiting section 23, the supply container 91 is transported by the second transport section 14b at an appropriate timing.

[0050] The control unit 50 can control each part of the drug packaging device 1 (specifically, the weighing unit 30 and the packaging unit 33, etc.) based on dispensing data. The control unit 50 is configured as a known computer and includes an arithmetic unit such as a CPU, a storage device such as 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 arithmetic unit reads various programs from the storage device and controls the operation of each part of the drug packaging device 1 based on the detected values ​​of sensors provided in each part of the drug packaging device 1 and various setting values ​​stored in the storage device.

[0051] Next, referring to Figures 3 and 4, we will explain the process of weighing out medications in the appropriate order based on the dispensing data.

[0052] First, the control unit 50 acquires dispensing data (S101). The operator inputs dispensing data by, for example, operating the control unit provided on the drug packaging device 1. As a result, the control unit 50 acquires the dispensing data. Alternatively, the drug packaging device 1 may acquire dispensing data by communicating with an external device. The dispensing data includes, for example, the patient, drug information, and target amount. Drug information includes information such as the names of one or more drugs to be taken, how to take them, and the dosage.

[0053] Next, the control unit 50 determines the weighing order based on the target amount for each drug included in the dispensing data (S102). The control unit 50 determines the weighing order so that drugs with larger target amounts are weighed first. By weighing drugs with larger target amounts first, the time until dispensing is completed can be shortened (details will be described later).

[0054] Figure 4 shows three examples of determining the weighing order. The dispensing data in Figure 4(1) includes two drugs (drug 1 and drug 2). The target amount of drug 1 is greater than the target amount of drug 2. The control unit 50 prioritizes weighing drug 1, which has a larger target amount, first (as the first drug).

[0055] The dispensing data in Figure 4(2) includes three medications (the first, second, and third medications). In descending order of target quantity, they are the first, third, and second medications. The control unit 50 determines the order of dispensing in descending order of target quantity.

[0056] The dispensing data in Figure 4(3) is the same as in Figure 4(2), but the method of determining the order is different. In Figure 4(3), drugs are grouped based on the target amount. Specifically, drug 1, which has a large target amount (greater than the reference value), is determined to be in Group 1, and drugs 2 and 3, which have small target amounts (below the reference value), are determined to be in Group 2 (in this case, the reference value is set to, for example, 10.0g). The control unit 50 first weighs out the drugs belonging to Group 1, and after all drugs belonging to Group 1 have been weighed out, it starts weighing out the drugs belonging to Group 2. The order in which drugs belonging to the same group are weighed out is arbitrary. Also, the method of grouping is not limited to using a reference value. For example, a predetermined number of drugs may be determined to be in Group 1 in order of the largest target amount, and the remaining drugs may be determined to be in Group 2. Also, the number of groups is not limited to 2, but may be 3 or more.

[0057] Next, the control unit 50 controls the first transport unit 14a to transport the supply container 91 in the container storage unit 11 to the weighing unit 30 (S103). Next, the control unit 50 controls the drug supply mechanism 17 to weigh the first drug to be weighed (S104). Specifically, the control unit 50 controls the movement mechanism of the drug supply mechanism 17 to move the drug container 15 containing the drug to be weighed above the supply container 91. Next, the control unit 50 controls the supply mechanism of the drug supply mechanism 17 to supply the drug from the opening of the drug container 15 to the supply container 91. When the measured value by the detection unit 18b reaches the target amount, the control unit 50 controls the supply mechanism of the drug supply mechanism 17 to stop the supply of the drug.

[0058] Next, the control unit 50 controls the first transport unit 14a and the second transport unit 14b to transport the supply container 91 to the discharge unit 32 (S105). The supply container 91 transported to the discharge unit 32 is attached to the container mounting unit 32a. Next, the control unit 50 controls the vibration device 32b to generate vibrations, thereby discharging the drug to the distribution unit 34 (S106).

[0059] Next, the control unit 50 determines whether or not there are any drugs listed in the dispensing data that have not yet been dispensed (S107). If there are drugs that have not yet been dispensed, the control unit 50 determines which drug to dispense next based on the weighing order determined in step S102 (S108). Note that the processes in steps S107 to S108 can be executed between the time the dispensing data is acquired in step S101 and the completion of the process in step S106. The control unit 50 then performs the processes in steps S103 to S106 described above for the drug to be dispensed next. These processes are carried out until all drugs listed in the dispensing data have been dispensed. Note that the processes in steps S103 to S104 for the drug to be dispensed next can be executed at the time of the process in step S105 for the previously dispensed drug (specifically, when the supply container 91 is transported to the discharge waiting unit 23 by the first transport unit 14a).

[0060] When the control unit 50 determines that all medications listed in the dispensing data have been dispensed, it controls the packaging unit 33 to package the dispensed medications (S109). This completes the packaging of the medications listed in one dispensing data. If there are any unprocessed dispensing data remaining, the control unit 50 performs the same processing on those data as well.

[0061] Next, referring to Figure 5, we will explain the advantages of weighing out the drug in larger quantities first. In the following explanation, we may simplify the explanation of how the control unit 50 controls and operates other devices.

[0062] The timing chart in Figure 5 shows the timing for weighing and dispensing each drug. In the example in Figure 5, the dispensing data includes both the first and second drugs, with the target amount of the first drug being greater than the target amount of the second drug. The comparative example shows the procedure when the second drug, which has a smaller target amount, is weighed first. In the first embodiment, the procedure when the first drug, which has a larger target amount, is weighed first is shown.

[0063] In the comparative example, after transporting the supply container 91 and weighing out the second agent, the supply container 91 is transported to the discharge section 32 to discharge the second agent. Subsequently, while the second agent is being discharged, the supply container 91 is transported again to weigh out the first agent, and then the supply container 91 is transported to the discharge section 32 to discharge the first agent. Because the target amount of the first agent is large, the time required for weighing and discharge is longer than that for the second agent. In other words, in the comparative example, despite the long processing time for the first agent, processing for the first agent cannot begin until the weighing of the second agent is complete. As a result, the time required to complete the discharge of all agents is long, so there is room for improvement in terms of work efficiency.

[0064] In contrast, in the first embodiment, after transporting the supply container 91 and measuring out the first drug, the supply container 91 is transported to the discharge section 32 to discharge the first drug. Then, while the first drug is being discharged, the supply container 91 is transported again to measure out the second drug, and then the supply container 91 is transported to the discharge section 32 to discharge the second drug. In other words, in the first embodiment, considering that the processing time for the first drug is long, the processing for the first drug is given priority over the processing for the second drug. As a result, the time required to complete the discharge of all drugs is shorter than in the comparative example.

[0065] The timing chart shown in the first embodiment is an example and may be modified as follows. For example, if the configuration allows for the transport from the weighing unit 30 to the discharge unit 32 (processing related to the first drug) and the transport from the container storage unit 11 to the weighing unit 30 (processing related to the second drug) to be performed in parallel, these transports may be performed in parallel. Similarly, if the dispensing data contains three or more types of drugs, the processing will be carried out in the same manner. That is, after the weighing and transport of the Nth drug to the discharge unit 32 is completed, the weighing and transport of the N+1th drug to the discharge unit 32 will be performed next.

[0066] Next, the second and third embodiments will be described with reference to Figures 6 and 7. Note that in the following description, components identical or similar to those in the first embodiment will not be described.

[0067] In the first embodiment, the weighing unit 30 has only one weighing unit 18, so it can only weigh one drug at a time. In contrast, the weighing unit 30 in the second and third embodiments has two weighing units 18, so it can weigh two drugs at the same time.

[0068] As shown in Figure 6, the weighing unit 30 comprises a drug supply mechanism 17 and two weighing units 18. The drug supply mechanism 17 comprises a drug storage unit 17a and a drug transport unit 17b. Multiple drug containers 15 are stored in the drug storage unit 17a. The drug transport unit 17b holds the drug containers 15 stored in the drug storage unit 17a and transports them to the weighing units 18. The drug transport unit 17b is, for example, a robotic arm including a hand that grips the side of the drug container 15. However, the drug transport unit 17b may have a configuration other than the robotic arm.

[0069] The drug storage section 17a is used in common by both weighing sections 18. In other words, all drug containers 15 stored in the drug storage section 17a can be transported to either of the two weighing sections 18. Therefore, if at least one weighing section 18 is not in use, the drugs contained in all drug containers 15 can be weighed. As a result, waiting time can be reduced.

[0070] In the second and third embodiments, the weighing unit 30 can weigh drugs contained in two drug containers 15 in parallel by using two weighing units 18. The weighing unit 30 may also be capable of weighing drugs contained in three or more drug containers 15 in parallel.

[0071] By utilizing this feature, the drug dispensing device 1 can measure, dispense, and package the drug according to the timing chart shown in Figure 7. The timing charts of the second and third embodiments will be described in detail below.

[0072] In the second and third embodiments as well, the dispensing data includes both a first drug and a second drug, with the target amount of the first drug being greater than the target amount of the second drug. In the second and third embodiments as well, the first drug, which has a larger target amount, is weighed first, followed by the weighing of the second drug. Furthermore, the timing chart of the third embodiment also describes the processing related to the third drug included in the subsequent dispensing data. In the following description, the supply container 91 that contains the drug for weighing and dispensing the first drug will be referred to as the supply container 91 for the first drug (the same applies to the second and third drugs).

[0073] In the second embodiment, first, the supply container 91 for the first drug is transported from the container storage unit 11 to the first weighing unit 18. Next, after the supply container 91 for the first drug is placed on the first weighing unit 18, the supply container 91 for the second drug is removed from the container storage unit 11 and transported to the second weighing unit 18. Therefore, in the second embodiment, the weighing of the first drug and the transport of the supply container 91 for the second drug to the weighing unit 18 are performed in parallel.

[0074] Here, let's assume that the weighing of the second drug is completed first. In the second embodiment, even after the weighing of the second drug is completed, the supply container 91 of the second drug will not be transported to the discharge section 32 until the weighing of the first drug is completed. In other words, regardless of whether the weighing of one drug is completed first or not, the transport of the supply container 91 of the second drug to the discharge section 32 will occur after the transport of the supply container 91 of the first drug to the discharge section 32 is completed. Therefore, the discharge of the first drug and the transport of the supply container 91 of the second drug to the discharge section 32 will occur in parallel.

[0075] In the second embodiment, the weighing unit 30 can weigh the drugs contained in the two drug containers 15 in parallel, and by utilizing this function, packaging can be completed even earlier compared to the first embodiment.

[0076] In the third embodiment, first, the supply container 91 for the first drug is transported from the container storage unit 11 to the first weighing unit 18. Next, after the supply container 91 for the first drug is placed on the first weighing unit 18, the supply container 91 for the second drug is removed from the container storage unit 11 and transported to the second weighing unit 18.

[0077] In the third embodiment, after the weighing of the second drug is completed, the second drug is transported to the discharge section 32 of the supply container 91 without waiting for the weighing of the first drug to be completed. This allows the transport of the second drug to be completed earlier compared to the processing in the second embodiment. Therefore, in the third embodiment, by transporting the second drug while the weighing of the first drug is being performed, the transport of the current dispensing data (transport of the first and second drugs) can be completed earlier compared to the second embodiment. As a result, in the third embodiment, as shown in Figure 7, processing of the next dispensing data can be started earlier. Consequently, the total processing time for multiple dispensing data can be shortened.

[0078] The second and third embodiments are identical in configuration to the drug packaging device 1, differing only in the order of processing performed by the control unit 50. Therefore, a drug packaging device 1 that allows selection of whether to perform the processing of the second embodiment or the processing of the third embodiment may be realized. In this case, the drug packaging device 1 selects whether to perform the processing of the second embodiment or the processing of the third embodiment according to the user's prior settings. Alternatively, instead of user prior settings, the control unit 50 may select whether to perform the processing of the second embodiment or the processing of the third embodiment depending on the situation. For example, the control unit 50 decides to perform the processing of the second embodiment if the following dispensing data is not set.

[0079] As described above, the drug packaging device 1 of this embodiment comprises a weighing unit 30, a plurality of discharge units 32, a transport unit 14, and a packaging unit 33. The weighing unit 30 weighs the drug contained in the drug container 15 into the supply container 91. The discharge unit 32 can set the supply container 91 and discharges the drug from the set supply container 91 into the distribution tray 34a. The transport unit 14 transports the supply container 91 from the weighing unit 30 to the discharge unit 32. The packaging unit 33 packages the drug discharged into the distribution tray 34a. When the weighing unit 30 weighs at least a first drug and a second drug with a smaller target amount than the first drug, it starts weighing the first drug before weighing the second drug.

[0080] This allows for faster dispensing by first measuring out larger quantities of medication, thus increasing work efficiency.

[0081] In the drug packaging device 1 of this embodiment, the weighing unit 30 is capable of weighing multiple drugs in parallel. Weighing of the second drug is started before the weighing of the first drug is completed.

[0082] This allows for weighing in parallel in the correct order, further increasing work efficiency.

[0083] In the drug packaging device 1 of this embodiment, if the weighing of the second drug is completed before the weighing of the first drug, the device waits for the transport of the supply container 91 containing the second drug. After the weighing of the first drug and the transport of the supply container 91 containing the first drug to the discharge section 32 are completed, the supply container 91 containing the second drug is transported to the discharge section 32.

[0084] This prioritizes the excretion of the first drug, which takes longer to excrete, thus shortening the time it takes for all drugs to be excreted.

[0085] In the drug packaging device 1 of this embodiment, if the weighing of the second drug is completed before the weighing of the first drug, the supply container 91 containing the second drug is transported to the discharge section 32 before the supply container 91 containing the first drug is transported.

[0086] This allows the supply container 91 to be moved from the weighing unit 30 earlier, so that the weighing of the next drug can be started earlier.

[0087] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the above configuration can be modified as follows, for example.

[0088] The flowchart shown in the above embodiment is just one example, and some processes may be omitted, some processes may be modified, or new processes may be added. For example, a process for cleaning the supply container 91 may be added.

[0089] The timing chart shown in the above embodiment is an example and can be modified as appropriate. For example, transport related to the cleaning of the supply container 91 may be added.

[0090] In the second and third embodiments, one drug storage section 17a is provided, but two drug storage sections 17a may be provided, corresponding to two measuring sections 18. [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] 1. Drug packaging device 14 Conveying section 30 Weighing section 32 Discharge section 33 Packaging section 34 Distribution section 34a distribution pan 34b Feed section 91 Supply container

Claims

[Claim 1] A container storage section for storing supply containers that do not contain pharmaceuticals, A weighing unit that measures the drug contained in the drug container into the supply container, The supply container can be set, and there are multiple discharge units that discharge the drug from the set supply container to a rotating dispensing tray, A transport unit that transports the supply container from the container storage unit to the weighing unit, and transports the supply container from the weighing unit to the discharge unit, A dispensing unit for dispensing the drug discharged into the aforementioned dispensing tray, In a drug packaging device equipped with, The weighing unit is capable of simultaneously weighing up to two of the supply containers. The transport unit is unable to transport the two supply containers from the weighing unit to the discharge unit in parallel. The discharge unit is capable of discharging the drugs from the two supply containers in parallel. The weighing unit starts weighing the first drug before weighing the second drug, which has a smaller target amount than the first drug. The drug packaging device is configured to execute a first process when the weighing of the second drug is completed faster than the weighing of the first drug while the next dispensing data has not been set, and to execute a second process when the weighing of the second drug is completed faster than the weighing of the first drug while the next dispensing data has been set. The first process is, After the weighing of the second drug is completed, the transport unit waits for the transport of the supply container containing the second drug. The transport unit, after completing the weighing of the first drug and the transport of the supply container containing the first drug to the discharge unit, then transports the supply container containing the second drug to the discharge unit. The second process described above is: After the weighing of the second drug is completed, the transport unit transports the supply container containing the second drug to the discharge unit before the transport of the supply container containing the first drug. A drug packaging apparatus characterized in that, after the transport of the supply container containing the first drug to the discharge section is completed, the transport section transports the supply container from the container storage section to the weighing section for weighing of the third drug included in the next dispensing data.

Images