Drug packaging device

Abstract

To provide a drug packaging device that drops powder medicine from a drug container containing the powder medicine and directly puts the powder medicine into a packaging material. [Solution] A drug packaging device (1) comprising a plurality of drug containers (21) capable of supplying powder via a supply port, a moving unit that selectively moves the drug containers (21) to a supply position (P1) where the powder is supplied, a supply operating mechanism that operates the drug containers (21) that have moved to the supply position (P1) to supply the powder from the drug containers (21), and a packaging unit (3) that packages the powder in a packaging material (S), wherein at the supply position (P1), the supply port is located above the opening of the packaging material (S) or inside the packaging material (S) so that the powder supplied from the drug containers (21) is directly poured into the packaging material (S).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical packaging device used when packaging granular or powdered drugs.

Background Art

[0002] As an example of a drug supply device in a pharmaceutical packaging device, there is a device described in Patent Document 1. This device is configured to be able to supply a single dose of drug by scraping out the drug discharged from a vibratory feeder onto a disk in the radially outward direction while rotating the disk. Also, although not described in Patent Document 1, there is also a drug supply device configured to be able to supply a single dose of drug by transferring the drug from a charging hopper having a substantially V-shaped side cross-section to a distribution hopper arranged in a row below the charging hopper and dividing it into small portions.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An object of the present invention with respect to such a device is to provide a pharmaceutical packaging device that directly inputs the powder dropped from a drug container containing powder into a packaging material.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The present invention relates to a drug packaging device comprising: a plurality of drug containers capable of supplying powder through a supply port; a moving unit that selectively moves the drug containers to a supply position for supplying powder; a supply operation mechanism that operates the drug containers moved to the supply position to supply powder from the drug containers; and a packaging unit that packages the powder with packaging material, wherein at the supply position, the supply port is located above the opening of the packaging material or inside the packaging material so that the powder supplied from the drug containers is directly poured into the packaging material.

[0006] Furthermore, the device may be equipped with a weight detection unit, which detects the weight of the drug container supplied from the drug container by detecting the weight of the drug container moved to the supply position by the moving unit.

[0007] Furthermore, multiple drug containers can be arranged horizontally above the packaging section and kept awaited.

[0008] Furthermore, after supplying powder from the aforementioned drug container, powder can be supplied from another drug container that has moved to the supply position, and different types of powder can be packaged using the same packaging material. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] Based on the above, the present invention provides a drug supply device that drops powder from a drug container containing powder and directly dispenses it into a packaging material. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing some of the necessary components for explaining a drug packaging device, including a drug supply device, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing the side of the drug container used in the drug supply device that has an opening (partition) for the packaging material. [Figure 3] These are front and top perspective views showing the drug container (excluding the opening (partition) of the packaging) used in the drug supply device. [Figure 4]This is a perspective view of the back and bottom of the aforementioned drug container (excluding the opening (partition) of the packaging). [Figure 5] This is a disassembled perspective view of the aforementioned drug container. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view illustrating the state in which the drug container is located at the supply position in the drug supply device according to the same embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a schematic plan view diagram showing the relationship between the first supply port, the second supply port, and the lower transport body in the drug supply device according to the same embodiment, with each component extracted. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view of the bottom side (shown in an upright position) of the drug supply device according to the same embodiment, showing the relationship between the partition and the lower transport body, with each component extracted. [Figure 9] The diagram shows a schematic bottom view of the drug supply device according to the same embodiment, illustrating the relationship between the first supply port, the second supply port and the opening / closing body, where (a) shows the first open state in which both the first and second supply ports are open, (b) shows the second open state in which only the second supply port is open, and (c) shows the fully closed state in which both the first and second supply ports are closed. [Figure 10] This is a block diagram showing the configuration related to the control of the drug supply device according to the same embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a flowchart illustrating an example of control related to drug supply in a drug supply device according to the same embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Hereinafter, a drug supply device 1A and a drug packaging device 1 equipped therewith, according to one embodiment of the present invention, will be described with reference to the drawings. The directions indicated in the following description correspond to the directions shown in Figure 1.

[0012] The drug to be supplied by the drug supply device 1A according to the present invention is a powdered or granular drug. This drug is an amorphous drug in its aggregated state, for example, a powdered or granular drug, i.e., a powder M.

[0013] [Summary] The drug packaging device 1 of the present embodiment is a device used when wrapping drugs with a packaging material. Specifically, the drug packaging device 1 of the present embodiment is installed at the site (such as a dispensing pharmacy) where dispensing is performed according to a prescription, and is used when sub-packaging a powder-like drug, a powder M, with a packaging sheet S as a packaging material.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, the drug packaging device 1 of the present embodiment mainly includes a drug supply unit 2a that supplies the powder M from a plurality of drug containers 21 that store the powder M by type to the packaging sheet S, a packaging unit 3 for wrapping the powder M in the packaging sheet S, a moving unit 4 that moves the drug container 21 that stores the powder M, a weight detection unit 5 that detects the weight of the powder M supplied from the drug container 21, and a control unit 6 that controls each part of the drug packaging device 1. The drug supply device 1A refers to the part excluding a part of the packaging unit 3 from the above-described configuration. In the following, the main configurations of each part will be described.

[0015] [Drug Container] The drug container 21 stores the powder M. The plurality of drug containers 21 are provided, for example, in the horizontal direction as shown in FIG. 1, and are waiting at a waiting position P0 shown in the figure for supplying the powder M. The waiting positions P0 of the plurality of drug containers 21... 21 can be, for example, above the packaging unit 3 as shown in the figure, but are not limited thereto. The drug container 21 is moved to a supply position P1 for supplying the powder M to the packaging sheet S by a moving mechanism 41 provided in the moving unit 4. The powder supplied by the drug supply unit 2a falls from the drug container 21 and is accommodated in the packaging sheet S as shown in FIG. 6. In each drug container 21 of the present embodiment, usually, the powder M is stored by type. That is, one type of powder M is stored in one drug container 21. However, for example, for a powder M with a large usage amount, one type of powder M can also be stored separately in two or more drug containers 21.

[0016] As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the drug container 21 has a cylindrical body portion 211, a bottom member 212 provided at the bottom (lower end) of one end of the body portion 211, and a lid portion 213 provided at the other end (upper end) of the body portion 211. The bottom member 212 is composed of a bottom upper member 212a and a bottom lower member 212b. The drug container 21 defines a space for accommodating the powder M by the body portion 211 and the bottom member 212, and closes the other end of the body portion 211 with the lid portion 213 to store the accommodated powder M in the drug container 21. And, based on the detected weight value in the weight detection unit 5 described later, a certain amount of the powder M is configured to be taken out onto the packaging sheet S. Hereinafter, the axial direction of the body portion 211 is defined as the vertical direction. The drug container 21 of the present embodiment is arranged such that the axial direction substantially coincides with the vertical direction and stands upright on the horizontal plane.

[0017] The body portion 211 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape. The body portion 211 of the present embodiment is formed of, for example, a transparent material. Therefore, the powder M accommodated in the body portion 211 can be visually recognized from the outside of the body portion 211. Thereby, the amount of the powder M in the drug container 21 can be grasped from the outside. The transparent material may occupy the entire body portion 211 or only a part thereof as a viewing window. Further, an RFID tag 214 is provided on the back side of the body portion 211 in a state of being housed in a case. Necessary information for taking out the powder M, such as unique information described later, is written in this RFID tag 214.

[0018] The bottom member 212 has a supply port for dispensing the powder M by dropping it. This supply port is open to the outside, and the dropped powder M can be supplied to the packaging sheet S from here. As shown in Figure 5, this supply port is formed in the bottom upper member 212a and has a first supply port 2121 and a second supply port 2122 that open separately at the bottom of the drug container 21. The presence of two separate supply ports 2121 and 2122 allows the powder M to be dropped in a distributed manner onto the packaging sheet S. In the bottom lower member 212b, a bottom passage 2123 is formed further below the first supply port 2121 and the second supply port 2122. This reduces the possibility of the powder M scattering outside the packaging sheet S, enabling a stable supply of the powder M. As shown in Figure 4, this bottom passage 2123 opens to the bottom surface of the drug container 21. The supply port for supplying the powder M to the packaging sheet S in the drug container 21 also includes this bottom passage 2123. In the drug container 21 at the supply position P1, the bottom passage 2123 is positioned above the opening Sa of the packaging sheet S, as shown in Figure 6, so that the dropped powder M enters the inside of the folded packaging sheet. This is advantageous because it allows the powder M stored in each drug container 21 to be directly supplied to the packaging sheet S. Furthermore, the bottom passage 2123 can be made into a cylindrical shape that extends downwards (not shown), for example, from the one shown in Figure 4, and positioned so as to be inserted into the inside of the folded packaging sheet. This allows the powder M to be supplied to the packaging sheet S more reliably. When the bottom passage 2123 is cylindrical, it may be a straight tube or, for example, a tapered tube that widens at the top or bottom.

[0019] The first supply port 2121 communicates with the outer peripheral hole 2181 of the partition body 218, which will be described later, and is open so that the powder M can be dropped through this outer peripheral hole 2181. The first supply port 2121 is located below the outer peripheral hole 2181. In this embodiment, the first supply port 2121 is located directly below the outer peripheral hole 2181. Therefore, the powder M stored in the drug container 21 falls directly down.

[0020] The second supply port 2122 is located at a position offset in the circumferential direction from the inner circumferential hole 2182 of the partition body 218, which will be described later. In this embodiment, the offset is approximately 180°. Furthermore, the second supply port 2122 is located at a position offset in the circumferential direction from the first supply port 2121, and overlaps in the radial direction. By positioning the second supply port 2122 at a position offset in the circumferential direction from the first supply port 2121 (a position where they do not overlap), the opening area of ​​the second supply port 2122 can be increased by the amount of radial overlap. Therefore, as shown in Figure 7, the radial outer edge of the second supply port 2122 can be moved radially outward with respect to the transport area 219a between each transport piece 2191 of the lower transport body 219, which will be described later. Furthermore, the outer peripheral partition portion 2183 (see Figure 8) of the partition body 218 can be positioned radially outward from the transfer area 219a between each transfer piece 2191 of the lower transfer body 219, at the same circumferential position as the second supply port 2122. This allows the second supply port 2122 to open with sufficient radial clearance. As a result, the powder M transferred by the lower transfer body 219 can be dropped from the second supply port 2122 and reliably supplied to the packaging sheet S. The powder M that has been transferred by the lower transfer body 219 (transferred by approximately 180° in this embodiment) falls from the inner circumferential hole 2182 of the partition body 218 into the second supply port 2122. The powder M is supplied to the packaging sheet S by dropping it from both the first supply port 2121 and the second supply port 2122, or from only the second supply port 2122 (in which case the first supply port 2121 is closed).

[0021] The first supply port 2121 and the second supply port 2122 are located in close proximity at the bottom of the drug container 21. Specifically, the first supply port 2121 and the second supply port 2122 are located adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction. This positional relationship allows the flow of the powder M falling from each supply port 2121 and 2122 to partially overlap or at least be adjacent to each other. As a result, the point from which the powder M falls from each supply port 2121 and 2122 can be brought close together.

[0022] The bottom lower member 212b is provided with a rotating shaft 21B for rotating the components that rotate inside the drug container 21 (stirring body 215, upper transfer body 217, lower transfer body 219), a drive input shaft 21C for receiving driving force from the supply operation mechanism 24, and a mechanism for moving the opening / closing body 21A, etc.

[0023] The lid portion 213 is the part that closes one end of the body portion 211. The lid portion 213 is rotatably attached to the body portion 211 around an axis parallel to the radial direction of the body portion 211. The structure for supplying one dose of powder M in the drug container 21 will be explained later.

[0024] As shown in Figure 2, each drug container 21 is provided with a packaging opening section 7 on its exterior. In other words, there is a one-to-one correspondence between the drug container 21 and the packaging opening section 7, and each drug container 21 has its own dedicated packaging opening section 7. This packaging opening section 7 comprises a container-compatible section 71 located at an outer diameter position of the body 211 of the drug container 21, and an opening operation section 72 extending downward from the end of the container-compatible section 71. The container-compatible section 71 in this embodiment is a plate-like body extending horizontally and has a through-hole 711 through which the body 211 passes. The diameter of the through-hole 711 is larger than the outer diameter of the body 211. This allows the packaging opening section 7 to move up and down relative to the body 211. The up and down movement of the packaging opening section 7 is performed by a moving mechanism (not shown). Various configurations can be used to move the packaging opening section 7 up and down relative to the body 211, for example, a configuration using a driving gear, belt, arm, hook, etc. The opening operation section 72 is a plate-shaped part that extends in the vertical direction. The tip 721 is roughly triangular in shape, similar to what is commonly called a "triangular plate". When each drug container 21 is in the supply position P1, the tip 721 of the opening operation section 72 is located upstream of the supply opening of each drug container 21 in the transport direction of the packaging sheet S, and inside the packaging sheet S which is folded in half in the width direction.

[0025] When each drug container 21 is in the supply position P1, the packaging material opening portion 7 provided on the drug container 21 opens the upper edge side of the packaging sheet S. Specifically, when the drug container 21 is in the supply position P1, the packaging material opening portion 7 (more specifically, the tip portion 721 of the opening operation portion 72) provided on the drug container 21 is inserted into the packaging sheet S upstream of the position where the powder M is supplied to the packaging sheet S being transported in the longitudinal direction, and the edge of the packaging material opening portion 7 comes into contact with the inner surface of the folded packaging sheet S. As a result, the packaging sheet S being transported in the longitudinal direction is separated by the packaging material opening portion 7 along the fold line in the width direction, opening on the downstream side in the transport direction and forming an opening Sa (see Figures 1 and 6). Furthermore, when moving the drug container 21 to the supply position P1, it is preferable to keep the opening Sa open by suctioning the outer surface of the folded packaging sheet S on the downstream side of the packaging material opening section 7 in the transport direction.

[0026] Since each drug container 21 is equipped with a dedicated packaging opening 7, the packaging opening 7 is also provided in accordance with the type of powder M. Therefore, if the type of powder M to be supplied is changed, the packaging opening 7 of the drug container 21 at the supply position P1 is changed to a different one corresponding to the changed powder M. Thus, it is possible to avoid the powder M adhering to the packaging opening 7 causing cross-contamination.

[0027] Furthermore, each drug container 21 is provided with a partition that divides the packaging sheet S in its longitudinal direction. In this embodiment, the partition is also used as the opening operation part 72 of the packaging material opening part 7. In other words, in this embodiment, the partition is the same as the opening operation part 72. When the drug container 21 is at the supply position P1, the partition provided on the drug container 21 (more specifically, the tip 721 of the opening operation part 72 which is also used as the partition) is inserted into the packaging sheet S through the opening Sa at an upstream position in the transport direction of the packaging sheet S from the position where the powder M is supplied to the packaging sheet S. This prevents the powder M of each drug container 21 from being supplied beyond the correct supply position and to an upstream position beyond the partition.

[0028] Similar to the opening operation section 72 (which is used for both purposes in this embodiment), each drug container 21 is equipped with a dedicated partition, so the partitions are also provided in accordance with the type of powder M. Therefore, when the type of powder M to be supplied is changed, the partition of the drug container 21 at the supply position P1 is changed to a different one corresponding to the changed powder M. Thus, it is possible to avoid the powder M adhering to the partition causing cross-contamination.

[0029] [Packaging Department] The packaging section 3 is the part that transports the elongated packaging sheet S used as packaging material in this embodiment in the longitudinal direction, holds the packaging sheet S at the supply position P1, and seals and packages the packaging sheet S with the powder M supplied inside. The packaging section 3 in this embodiment mainly comprises a packaging material transport section 31 and a sealing section 32.

[0030] (Packaging material conveyance department) The packaging material conveying section 31 is the part that conveys a long packaging sheet S in its longitudinal direction, and comprises a packaging material supply section 311, a guide bar 312, and a conveying roller (not shown). In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, a roll on which a packaging sheet S folded in half at the center in the width direction is wound is set in advance in the packaging material supply section 311. The packaging sheet S pulled out from this roll is then conveyed to the supply position P1 by the packaging material conveying section 31, including the rotating conveying roller. The packaging material conveying section 31 conveys the packaging sheet S in a state where it is folded in half at the center in the width direction. In addition, the packaging material conveying section 31 ensures that the opening Sa is facing upward at least at the supply position P1. As shown in Figure 1, in this embodiment, the opening Sa is facing diagonally upward. The packaging material conveying section 31 in this embodiment also includes the function of a packaging material holding section that holds the packaging sheet S in a predetermined position at the supply position P1.

[0031] (Seal part) The sealing portion 32 is the part that seals the packaging sheet S in order to package the powder M supplied to the packaging sheet S. In this embodiment, the packaging sheet S is heat-sealed at the supply position P1 to package it into single doses.

[0032] (others) In addition to these, the packaging section 3 may also be equipped with, for example, a cutter for cutting the packaging sheet S, a perforation forming mechanism for forming perforations in the packaging sheet S, and a printer for printing formulation information and information regarding the packaging results on the surface of the packaging sheet S.

[0033] [Moving part] The moving unit 4 selectively moves multiple drug containers 21 to a supply position P1 where powder M is supplied from the drug containers 21 to the packaging sheet S. In other words, one drug container 21 containing the powder M to be supplied is selected from among multiple containers and moved to the supply position P1 by the moving unit 4. The moving unit 4 is equipped with a moving mechanism 41 (see Figure 10) that actually moves the drug containers 21. The specific configuration of the moving mechanism 41 is not shown, but for example, an arm, a conveyor belt, a movable platform, etc., can be used. When a drug container 21 is at the supply position P1, the moving unit 4 positions the supply opening (bottom passage 2123 in this embodiment) of the drug container 21 above the opening Sa of the packaging sheet S. This allows the powder M dropped from the drug container 21 to be directly supplied to the packaging sheet S. The supply opening can also be positioned inside the packaging sheet S. In this case as well, the powder M stored in each drug container 21 can be directly supplied to the packaging sheet S. Furthermore, splashing of the supplied drug can be suppressed.

[0034] [Weight detection unit] The weight detection unit 5 detects the weight of the powder M contained in the drug container 21 at the supply position P1, along with the weight of the drug container 21 itself. The weight detection unit 5 detects the weight of each drug container 21 during the supply of the powder (specifically, the weight decrease). This allows the weight of the powder M supplied from the drug container 21 to be detected. While detecting the weight of the supplied powder M using the weight detection unit 5, the drug supply unit 2a supplies the powder M from the drug container 21 to the packaging sheet S.

[0035] Here, when detecting the weight of the powder M, if the drug container 21 is in the supply position P1, the packaging opening (or partition) 7 provided on the drug container 21 moves upward relative to the body 211 of the drug container 21, thereby separating it from the drug container 21. In this state, the weight of the moved packaging opening (partition) 7 does not act on the drug container 21, but rather on the device outside the drug container 21. In this state, the weight detection unit 5 detects the weight of the powder M, and the drug supply unit 2a supplies the powder M from the drug container 21 to the packaging sheet S. In other words, the packaging opening (partition) 7 is configured to be positioned higher relative to the body 211 of the drug container 21 when it is in the supply position P1 and the weight detection unit 5 is detecting the weight, compared to when it is in the standby position P0. In this way, the packaging opening (partition) 7 separates from the drug container 21. With the above configuration, weight detection using the weight detection unit 5 can be performed without the weight of the packaging opening (partition) 7 affecting the weight detection unit 5. Therefore, accurate detection of the weight of the powder M is possible.

[0036] [Drug supply section (internal structure of drug container)] The following describes the internal structure of the drug container 21 for supplying one dose of powdered medicine M. As shown in Figure 5, the lower part of the interior of the drug container 21 is arranged from top to bottom as follows: a stirring body 215, a shielding body 216, a transfer body (upper transfer body) 217, a partition body 218, a transfer body (lower transfer body) 219, and an opening / closing body 21A. The drug supply unit 2a is configured to have at least the upper transfer body 217 and the lower transfer body 219. The drug supply unit 2a functions to supply powdered medicine M from the drug container 21 to the packaging sheet S. The drug supply unit 2a is driven by a supply operation mechanism 24. The driving force of the supply operation mechanism 24 is transmitted to the rotating shaft 21B, causing the stirring body 215, the upper transfer body 217, and the lower transfer body 219 to rotate coaxially and integrally. This rotation is around a central axis (vertical axis in this embodiment) that intersects the bottom of the drug container 21. Furthermore, in order to ensure that the transfer of the powder by the lower transfer body 219 is intermittent, the rotation may be intermittent.

[0037] The rotating shaft 21B receives a driving force for rotation from the drive input shaft 21C. As shown in Figure 4, the drive input shaft 21C is provided with an input fitting portion 21C1 at its rear end. The input fitting portion 21C1 has a shape that allows it to fit, for example, with the drive output shaft 241 located at the supply position P1, as shown in Figure 6.

[0038] The agitator 215 has a radially extending and then rising blade 2151 and a radially extending horizontal blade 2152. As the agitator 215 rotates, the radial blade 2151 comes into contact with the powder M adhering to the inner surface of the body 211, causing the powder M to fall. The horizontal blade 2152 can move the powder M that is above the shielding body 216. Therefore, the rotation of the radial blade 2151 suppresses the discharge of the powder M contained in the drug container 21 in a funnel flow manner (where the powder M near the inner surface of the body 211 remains, and only the powder M further away from the inner surface of the body 211 falls), and allows it to be extracted in a mass flow manner (where the powder M inside the body 211 falls uniformly). In addition, the rotation of the horizontal blade 2152 prevents the powder M from remaining above the shielding body 216.

[0039] The shielding body 216 is fixed inside the drug container 21 and integrally comprises an outer perimeter hole shielding body 2161, an inner perimeter hole shielding body 2162, and a connecting ring 2163. The outer perimeter hole shielding body 2161 is located above the outer perimeter hole 2181 of the partition body 218 and shields the outer perimeter hole 2181 from above. In this embodiment, "shielding" means covering the outer perimeter hole 2181 above the upper transfer body 217 to the extent that it does not obstruct the falling of the powder M from the outer perimeter hole 2181 due to the rotation of the upper transfer body 217. This outer perimeter hole shielding body 2161 prevents the pressure of the powder M stored in the drug container 21 from acting on the powder M transferred to the outer perimeter hole 2181 by the upper transfer body 217. Similarly, the inner circumferential hole shield 2162 is located above the inner circumferential hole 2182 of the partition body 218, shielding the inner circumferential hole 2182 from above. This inner circumferential hole shield 2162 prevents the pressure of the powder M stored in the drug container 21 from being applied to the powder M transferred to the lower transfer body 219. The connecting ring 2163 connects the outer circumferential hole shield 2161 and the inner circumferential hole shield 2162.

[0040] The upper transfer body 217 has a plurality of transfer pieces 2171 extending radially outward, arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, the transfer pieces 2171 are shaped to be offset circumferentially with respect to the radial direction, but the shape of the transfer pieces 2171 is not particularly limited. By rotating, the upper transfer body 217 transfers the powder M located in the transfer area 217a between each transfer piece 2171 in the rotational direction. As a result, the upper transfer body 217 can transfer the powder M placed on the partition body 218. The outer edge of the upper transfer body 217 (the radial end edge of the transfer piece 2171) rotates radially outward from the outer circumferential hole 2181 and the inner circumferential hole 2182 of the partition body 218. Therefore, the transferred powder M falls out from the outer circumferential hole 2181 and the inner circumferential hole 2182. Furthermore, since multiple transfer pieces 2171 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction, the amount of powder M located in the transfer region 217a between each transfer piece 2171 is approximately the same, resulting in a uniform transfer rate of powder M per unit rotation of the upper transfer body 217. This stabilizes the flow rate of powder M flowing out from the first supply port 2121 through the outer peripheral hole 2181. It also stabilizes the flow rate of powder M falling from the inner peripheral hole 2182.

[0041] The partition 218 divides the inside of the drug container 21 vertically. The partition 218 has an outer peripheral hole 2181 and an inner peripheral hole 2182 that penetrate vertically, as well as an outer peripheral partition portion 2183. The outer peripheral hole 2181 and the inner peripheral hole 2182 are located approximately opposite each other with the center of the partition 218 in between. The outer peripheral hole 2181 is located radially outward, and the inner peripheral hole 2182 is located radially inward. As shown in Figure 8, the outer peripheral partition portion 2183 is arranged to surround the outer edge of the lower transport body 219 (the radial end edge of the transport piece 2191) radially outward, and partitions the area in which the lower transport body 219 rotates from the radially outward area of ​​that area. This outer peripheral partition portion 2183 can guide the powder M being transported by the lower transport body 219 so that it does not escape radially outward. The outer peripheral partition 2183 is located on the outer diameter of each supply port 2121 and 2122 at the same circumferential position as the first supply port 2121 and the second supply port 2122. In this embodiment, the outer peripheral partition 2183 is integrally provided with the partition body 218 and extends downward from the lower surface of the partition body 218.

[0042] The lower transport body 219 is formed with a smaller diameter than the upper transport body 217. The transport region 219a of the lower transport body 219 is located on the inner diameter side than the transport region 217a of the upper transport body 217. The lower transport body 219 has a plurality of transport pieces 2191 extending radially outward, arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. Between each transport piece 2191, for example, a semicircular transport region 219a is formed. It is desirable that the transport region 219a is formed by a plurality of transport pieces 2191 and is an open region in the radially outward direction. By rotating, the lower transport body 219 transports the powder M located in the transport region 219a between each transport piece 2191 in the rotational direction. In this way, the lower transport body 219 can transport the powder M that has fallen from the inner circumferential hole 2182 of the partition body 218 by the upper transport body 217. As shown in Figure 5, the transport region 219a of the lower transporter 219 is configured such that the volume of powder M that can be transported is smaller than that of the transport region 217a of the upper transporter 217. Therefore, the lower transporter 219 can supply a relatively smaller amount of powder M compared to the upper transporter 217. In addition, since the multiple transport pieces 2191 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction, the amount of powder M located in the transport region 219a between each transport piece 2191 is approximately the same, resulting in a uniform amount of powder M transported per unit rotation of the upper transporter 217. This stabilizes the flow rate of powder M flowing out from the second supply port 2122.

[0043] The opening / closing body 21A has a circumferentially open opening 21A1 and a closing portion 21A2 adjacent to the opening 21A1 in the circumferential direction. By rotation, the opening / closing body 21A can be set to a first open state in which both the first supply port 2121 and the second supply port 2122 at the bottom of the drug container 21 are opened (see Figure 9(a)). The opening / closing body 21A can also be set to a second open state in which the first supply port 2121 is closed and only the second supply port 2122 is open (see Figure 9(b)). The opening / closing body 21A can also be set to a fully closed state in which both the first supply port 2121 and the second supply port 2122 are closed (see Figure 9(c)).

[0044] (Supply operation mechanism) The supply operation mechanism 24 is a mechanism for driving the drug supply unit 2a, which supplies powder M from the drug container 21 that has moved to the supply position P1. The supply operation mechanism 24 is configured to supply a predetermined amount of powder M to the supply port (first supply port 2121 and / or second supply port 2122) by driving it.

[0045] As described above, the drug supply unit 2a supplies powder M from individual drug containers 21 to the packaging sheet S. In other words, in this embodiment, powder M is supplied from the drug container 21 at the supply position P1 to the packaging sheet S without passing through a common passage for each of the multiple drug containers 21...21. By supplying the powder M from the drug container 21 moved to the supply position P1 by the moving unit 4 to the packaging sheet S by the drug supply unit 2a, it is not necessary to provide some or all of the drug passages, such as a splitting mechanism, that are shared by multiple powders M. Therefore, the occurrence of cross-contamination can be prevented.

[0046] [Control Unit] The control unit 6 controls the overall operation of the drug packaging device 1. The main parts connected to the control unit 6 are shown in Figure 10. The control unit 6 supplies the powder M via the drug supply unit 2a while detecting the weight of the drug with the weight detection unit 5, according to the target value of the amount of powder (specifically, the amount for one dose for a patient) related to the supply instruction input via the connected instruction input unit 6a. The supply instruction includes, for example, the type of powder M to be supplied by the drug supply unit 2a, the amount to be supplied for each powder, and the target value for supply. The instruction input unit 6a can take various forms, such as an input unit that receives prescription information from a host system installed in a dispensing pharmacy, a barcode reader, an RFID reader, a keyboard, or a touch panel.

[0047] The memory unit 6b is the part that stores information necessary for control by the control unit 6. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 10, the memory unit 6b is physically provided separately from the control unit 6 and connected to the control unit 6. However, for example, the memory unit 6b can also be configured as part of the control unit 6, and its arrangement within the drug packaging device 1 is not particularly limited.

[0048] The control unit 6 moves the drug container 21 from the standby position P0 (see Figure 1) to the supply position P1. The control unit 6 then drives the supply operation mechanism 24 to supply powder from the drug container 21. The control unit 6 controls the operation of the supply operation mechanism 24 according to the detected weight value input from the weight detection unit 5, and supplies the amount of powder specified in the supply order.

[0049] [Instructions for use] The following outlines the method of use of the drug packaging device 1 and drug supply device 1A according to this embodiment, which are configured as described above. Note that the following method of use is merely an example and is not limited to this. Prior to use, the operator (pharmacist, etc.) places powdered drugs M into each of the multiple drug containers 21. At this time, different types of powdered drugs M can be placed in each drug container 21, or two or more drug containers 21 can be filled with the same type of powdered drug M. Next, the operator places the drug containers 21 containing the powdered drugs M into the standby position P0.

[0050] Next, prescription information is input to the drug packaging device 1 via the instruction input unit 6a. The control unit 6 then activates the moving mechanism 41 to move the drug container 21. When the drug container 21 containing the powder M to be supplied arrives at the supply position P1, the control unit 6 stops the moving mechanism 41.

[0051] Next, the control unit 6 activates the supply operation mechanism 24 to start supplying the powder. Based on the detected weight value sent from the weight detection unit 5, the control unit 6 controls the supply operation mechanism 24, and when the amount of powder M corresponding to the prescription information (specifically, the amount for one dose for the patient) is supplied to the packaging sheet S, it stops driving the supply operation mechanism 24.

[0052] Next, the control unit 6 controls the packaging unit 3 to transport the packaging sheet S containing the powdered drug M in the longitudinal direction and perform heat sealing. When supplying the same type of powdered drug M to the packaging sheet consecutively, the operation of supplying the powdered drug M from the drug container 21 to the packaging sheet S, transporting the packaging sheet S in the longitudinal direction, and performing heat sealing is repeated. The control unit 6 performs these operations the necessary number of times according to the prescription information. This completes the packaging of the powdered drug M. After use, the drug container 21 moves from the supply position P1 to the standby position P0. For example, between moving from the supply position P1 to the standby position P0, a cleaning unit (not shown) can remove any powdered drug M adhering to the opening operation unit (partition) 72. This suppresses the occurrence of cross-contamination caused by the powdered drug M unexpectedly falling from the opening operation unit (partition) 72 of the drug container 21 at the standby position P0. The removal of powdered drug M by the cleaning unit can be done by suction or brushing.

[0053] Furthermore, when supplying different types of powders M to the same packaging sheet S and heat-sealing them, the powders M are supplied from the drug container 21 to the packaging sheet S, but the packaging sheet S is kept in a waiting position without being transported in the longitudinal direction. The transport mechanism 41 then moves the drug container 21 that has been supplied from the supply position P1 to the waiting position P0, and moves the drug container 21 containing the other powder to be supplied to the supply position. After supplying the powders M from the drug container 21 that has moved to the supply position to the packaging sheet S, the packaging sheet S is transported in the longitudinal direction and heat-sealed.

[0054] [Supply control details] Next, regarding the control of powder supply, we will explain three perspectives, Controls A to C, as examples below. These Controls A to C can be carried out separately or simultaneously.

[0055] (Control A) Control A aims to supply powder M with small errors in a short time, and is a control that reduces the amount of powder M supplied midway through the process. The control unit 6 performs the supply operation. The supply operation involves rotating the transport body (upper transport body 217, lower transport body 219) with the supply ports (specifically the first supply port 2121 and the second supply port 2122) open. The supply operation in this embodiment includes a pre-supply operation as the first supply operation and a post-supply operation as the second supply operation. After performing the pre-supply operation as the first supply operation, the control unit 6 performs the post-supply operation as the second supply operation.

[0056] The pre-supply operation involves rotating the upper transporter 217 and the lower transporter 219 with the first supply port 2121 and the second supply port 2122 open. This operation allows the upper transporter 217 to transport the powder M, causing it to fall from the outer peripheral hole 2181 and be supplied from the first supply port 2121, while simultaneously allowing the lower transporter 219 to transport the powder M by causing it to fall from the inner peripheral hole 2182 and be supplied from the second supply port 2122. Since the powder M can be supplied simultaneously from both supply ports 2121 and 2122, the supply amount per unit rotation of each transporter 217 and 219 can be increased.

[0057] The post-supply operation is performed after the pre-supply operation by closing the first supply port 2121, transferring the powder M by the upper transporter 217, dropping the powder M from the inner circumference hole 2182, transporting the powder M by the lower transporter 219, and supplying the powder M from the second supply port 2122. Since the first supply port 2121 is closed and the powder M is supplied from the second supply port 2122, the amount supplied per unit rotation of each transporter 217, 219 can be reduced compared to the pre-supply operation. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the number of rotations per unit time of each transporter 217, 219 is reduced compared to the pre-supply operation. As a result, the amount supplied is less compared to when they rotate for the same amount of time as the pre-supply operation. This combination of pre-supply operation and post-supply operation allows for the supply of one dose of medication.

[0058] In this control A, the control unit 6 controls the drug supply unit 2a based on a target weight value (a preset value) related to the weight of the powder M to be supplied and a detected weight value (a value that changes moment by moment) obtained from the weight detection unit 5. This control is such that the control unit 6 intermittently rotates the transport body (specifically the lower transport body 219) until the detected weight value obtained from the weight detection unit 5 reaches the target weight value. In other words, when the control unit 6 reaches an intermediate weight value set to be smaller than the target weight value during the pre-supply operation, it switches to the post-supply operation. In the post-supply operation, the control unit 6 intermittently rotates the lower transport body 219 until the detected weight value obtained from the weight detection unit 5 reaches the target weight value. The intermittent rotation of the lower transport body 219 is performed by an angle corresponding to the transport region 219a between each transport piece 2191 in the lower transport body 219.

[0059] In order to perform the post-supply operation, the memory unit 6b stores the weight value of the powder M corresponding to the transport area 219a between each transport piece 2191 of the transport body, specifically the lower transport body 219. The control unit 6 then intermittently rotates the lower transport body 219 by an angle corresponding to the transport area 219a between each transport piece 2191 that corresponds to the weight deficit of the detected weight value obtained from the weight detection unit 5 (that is, an angle obtained by dividing the weight deficit by the weight value of the powder M transported by one transport area 219a and multiplying that by the angle between each transport piece 2191). This allows the powder M to be supplied in a way that reaches the target weight value.

[0060] (Control B) Control B is a control mechanism aimed at providing an appropriate supply of powder M according to its properties (for example, powder M that is prone to scattering).

[0061] In performing control B, the drug container 21 is assigned unique information associated with the driving conditions of the drug supply unit 2a for each type of stored powder M. Specifically, this unique information is written to the RFID tag 214.

[0062] The information reading unit (for example, an RFID reader / writer (not shown)) acquires the unique information from the RFID tag 214 of the drug container 21. The control unit 6 sets the driving conditions for the drug supply unit 2a based on the unique information acquired by the information reading unit, and controls the drug supply unit 2a to supply the powdered drug M in accordance with the driving conditions.

[0063] The aforementioned unique information includes information on the surplus supply weight value related to the amount of powder M actually supplied after the instruction to stop supply is given. The surplus supply occurs due to the time lag between the instruction to stop supply being given and the powder M actually finishing falling (finishing falling). Specifically, this is due to the time required for the opening / closing body 21A to close each supply port 2121, 2122, and the presence of falling powder M below the opening / closing body 21A. The control unit 6 controls the drug supply unit 2a to supply the powder M based on the target weight value and the surplus supply weight value related to the weight of powder M to be supplied.

[0064] The unique information can include information on the rotational speed of each transporter 217, 219. Using this information, for example, with regard to powders M that are prone to scattering, the control unit 6 can control the rotational speed of each transporter 217, 219 to be slower. This suppresses scattering of the powder M during supply and ensures reliable supply to the packaging sheet S. The rotational speed may be either peripheral speed or angular speed.

[0065] Furthermore, the unique information can include information on the amount of powder M supplied corresponding to the rotation amount of each transporter 217, 219. Using this information, each transporter 217, 219 can be controlled according to the relationship between the rotation amount of each transporter 217, 219 and the amount of powder M supplied. Here, the transport area 219a of the lower transporter 219 is configured such that the volume of powder M that can be transported is smaller than that of the transport area 217a of the upper transporter 217, so that the powder M can be supplied more frequently. Therefore, by including information on the amount of powder M supplied corresponding to the rotation amount of the lower transporter 219 in the unique information, the supply accuracy can be improved when supplying powder M to bridge the difference between the target weight value and the surplus supply weight value related to the weight of powder M to be supplied.

[0066] Furthermore, the unique information includes information on the maximum amount of powder M that can be supplied to the packaging material (in this embodiment, the area of ​​one section that can be divided into packages on the packaging sheet S). This information can be used to control the amount of powder M so that it does not overflow from the packaging sheet S.

[0067] (Control C) Control C is a control system that sequentially switches between multiple supply operations, each set to have a different supply rate per unit time and supply accuracy, with the aim of rapidly completing the supply of powder M.

[0068] In this embodiment, the aforementioned multiple supply operations are set as a large supply operation as the first supply operation, a medium supply operation as the second supply operation, and a small supply operation as the third supply operation. The control unit 6 controls the supply operations by the drug supply unit 2a in the order of large supply operation, medium supply operation, and small supply operation. The medium supply operation is an operation in which the amount of powder M supplied per unit time is smaller and the supply accuracy is higher than that of the large supply operation. The small supply operation is an operation in which the amount of powder M supplied per unit time is smaller and the supply accuracy is higher than that of the medium supply operation. In this embodiment, the large supply operation is an operation in which the upper transporter 217 and lower transporter 219 that rotate continuously with the first supply port 2121 and the second supply port 2122 open are used for supply. The medium supply operation is an operation in which the lower transporter 219 that rotates continuously with only the second supply port 2122 open is used for supply. The rotation rate per unit time for the medium supply operation is set to be smaller than the rotation rate per unit time for the large supply operation. The small supply operation is performed by the lower transfer body 219, which rotates intermittently with only the second supply port 2122 open. During the medium and small supply operations, the upper transfer body 217 also rotates, but since the first supply port 2121 is closed, the upper transfer body 217 functions to send the powder M downwards through the partition body 218, and the lower transfer body 219 functions directly for the supply of the powder M (i.e., the upper transfer body 217 functions indirectly for the supply of the powder M).

[0069] In other words, the "supply accuracy" refers to the degree to which the actual supply amount (cumulative amount) approaches the target value of the supply amount of powder M. In this embodiment, in the medium supply operation, the powder M transported by the upper transporter 217 is not supplied from the first supply port 2121, and the powder M transported by the lower transporter 219 is supplied through the region 219a between the transport pieces 2191 of the lower transporter 219, which is narrower than the region 217a between the transport pieces 2171 of the upper transporter 217. Therefore, the supply accuracy is improved compared to the large supply operation, in which the powder M transported by the upper transporter 217 is supplied from the first supply port 2121. Furthermore, in the small supply operation, the lower transporter 219 is rotated intermittently, and supply is performed in the individual transport regions 219a of the lower transporter 219, thereby improving the supply accuracy compared to continuous rotation (medium supply operation). In short, the small supply operation improves the supply accuracy by changing the rotation pattern of the lower transporter 219.

[0070] Furthermore, the control unit 6 sets a first intermediate weight value and a second intermediate weight value for the amount of powder M supplied, based on a target value specified by the user of the drug packaging device 1 via the instruction input unit 6a. The first intermediate weight value is smaller than the target value. The first intermediate weight value is set so that even if excess powder M is supplied by a large supply operation, the value detected by the weight detection unit 5 does not exceed the second intermediate weight value. The second intermediate weight value is smaller than the target value and larger than the first intermediate weight value. The second intermediate weight value is set so that even if excess powder M is supplied by a medium supply operation, the value detected by the weight detection unit 5 does not exceed the target value. The "excess powder M" refers to the powder M that is actually supplied after a supply stop instruction has been given. The amount of excess powder M varies depending on the specific gravity and fluidity of the powder, and is therefore determined for each powder M. With the above settings, the medium supply operation is always performed without being omitted until the second intermediate weight value is reached. By ensuring that a medium supply operation is always performed, it becomes possible to start a small supply operation when the target value is approaching, compared to, for example, suddenly transitioning from a large supply operation to a small supply operation with a smaller supply amount. This makes it possible to reach the target value in a shorter time.

[0071] Next, the flow of control C will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 11. First, the operation of the supply operation mechanism 24 when connecting the drive output shaft 241 and the drive input shaft 21C will be explained. The drive output shaft 241 moves forward to connect to the drug container 21 which has moved to the supply position P1 (S1 in Figure 11). In this case, if the drive output shaft 241 can be properly fitted into the input fitting portion 21C1 of the drive input shaft 21C, the connection between the drive output shaft 241 and the drive input shaft 21C is completed (S9, S10 in Figure 11).

[0072] However, for example, a protrusion on the input fitting portion 21C1 of the drive input shaft 21C and a protrusion on the drive output shaft 241 may come into contact, preventing proper interlocking. In this case, the forward movement of the drive output shaft 241 may stop midway, causing it to be pushed back, for example. This behavior can be detected by a limit sensor or the like (S2 in Figure 11), allowing for reconnection. For reconnection, the drive output shaft 241 first stops moving forward (S3 in Figure 11) and then moves backward (S4 in Figure 11). This causes the drive output shaft 241 to move away from the drive input shaft 21C, releasing the contact between the protrusions. This backward movement continues until the limit sensor or the like no longer detects anything (S5, S6 in Figure 11). After that, the drive output shaft 241 is rotated by a predetermined angle (S7, S8 in Figure 11). Specifically, the drive output shaft 241 is rotated by an angle sufficient to change the relative positions of the protrusions and indentations in the mating portion. Then, the drive output shaft 241 moves forward (S1 in Figure 11). This completes the connection between the drive output shaft 241 and the drive input shaft 21C. The completion of the connection is detected by another sensor (not shown) that detects the correct connection position (S9 in Figure 11), and the forward movement of the drive output shaft 241 stops (S10 in Figure 11). If the connection fails again, the above operation is repeated (returning to S1 in Figure 11).

[0073] As shown in Figure 11, in this control C, the control unit 6 first drives the supply operation mechanism 24 continuously to perform a large supply operation (S11 in Figure 11). At the same time, the control unit 6 rotates the opening / closing body 21A in the opening direction (S12 in Figure 11). When the state in which the first supply port 2121 and the second supply port 2122 are open (first open state) is detected by a sensor (not shown) (S13 in Figure 11), the rotation of the opening / closing body 21A stops (S14 in Figure 11).

[0074] When the weight detection unit 5 detects a value exceeding the first intermediate weight value, the control unit 6 terminates the large supply operation and instructs the supply operation mechanism 24 to perform a medium supply operation (S15 in Figure 11). In the medium supply operation, the supply operation mechanism 24 is driven continuously, similar to the large supply operation (S16 in Figure 11). Simultaneously, the control unit 6 rotates the opening / closing body 21A (S17 in Figure 11). When the first supply port 2121 is closed and the second supply port 2122 is open (second open state) is detected by a sensor (not shown) (S18 in Figure 11), the rotation of the opening / closing body 21A stops (S19 in Figure 11).

[0075] Next, when the weight detection unit 5 detects a value exceeding the second intermediate weight value, the control unit 6 terminates the medium supply operation and instructs the supply operation mechanism 24 to perform a small supply operation (S20 in Figure 11). In the small supply operation, the continuous drive of the supply operation mechanism 24 stops (S21 in Figure 11) and becomes intermittently driven (S22 in Figure 11). This intermittent drive is repeated until the weight detection unit 5 detects a value that reaches the target value (S23 in Figure 11). When the weight detection unit 5 detects a value that reaches the target value, the control unit 6 rotates the opening / closing body 21A (S24 in Figure 11). When the sensor (not shown) detects that the first supply port 2121 and the second supply port 2122 are closed (fully closed state) (S25 in Figure 11), the rotation of the opening / closing body 21A stops (S26 in Figure 11). Control C ends here.

[0076] After control C, the drive output shaft 241 of the supply operation mechanism 24 moves away from the drive input shaft 21C of the drug container 21 (for example, backward) so that the used drug container 21 can be removed from the supply position P1 (S27 in Figure 11). When a sensor (not shown) detects that the drive output shaft 241 of the supply operation mechanism 24 has moved away from the drive input shaft 21C of the drug container 21 (S28 in Figure 11), the movement of the supply operation mechanism 24 stops (S29 in Figure 11).

[0077] In this embodiment, the control unit 6 temporarily stops the supply operation of the powder M by the drug supply unit 2a during a small supply operation, and in that state, the weight detection unit 5 can detect the weight of the powder M supplied from the drug supply unit 2a (S21 to S23 in Figure 11). Since weight detection can be performed with the supply operation temporarily stopped, the current status of the supply of powder M can be accurately grasped. In this case, if the value detected by the weight detection unit 5 is less than the target value, the control unit 6 restarts the supply operation (S22 in Figure 11), and if the value detected by the weight detection unit 5 reaches the target value (S23 in Figure 11), the control unit 6 terminates the supply operation (proceeds to S24 in Figure 11).

[0078] [Possibility of modifying the embodiment] It should be noted that the drug packaging device 1 (including the drug supply device 1A) of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. In other words, even configurations not explicitly stated in the embodiments described above can be modified within the scope of the present invention if they perform the same function as the explicitly stated configurations, and their absence from explicit mention does not mean they are intentionally excluded.

[0079] For example, the drug to be supplied in the drug packaging device 1 or drug supply device 1A of the present invention is not limited to powders, but may also be tablets or capsules.

[0080] Furthermore, the packaging material is not limited to the packaging sheet S as in the above embodiment, but may be, for example, a bottle with a lid, such as a vial. In this case, the bottle may be made of glass or resin. When the packaging material is a bottle, the bottle is held in the packaging material holding part. The packaging material opening part can also be configured to remove the lid from the bottle body (for example, in the case of a screw-type lid, to rotate the lid relative to the bottle body).

[0081] Furthermore, if the packaging material is a sheet-like body such as a packaging sheet S, it is not limited to being pre-folded in half and wound into a roll as in the above embodiment, but may be wound into a roll in a flat state, and then folded in half during transport after being pulled out from the roll.

[0082] Furthermore, the sealing of the packaging material is not limited to heat sealing as in the above embodiment, but may be various types of seals.

[0083] Furthermore, although the amount of medication supplied from the medication container 21 to the packaging material at one time was one dose in the above embodiment, it is not limited to this, and for example, multiple doses may be supplied at once. Alternatively, one dose of medication may be supplied in multiple doses.

[0084] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the drug supply unit 2a was provided inside the drug container 21 (integrally with the drug container 21). However, the invention is not limited to this, and the drug supply unit 2a can also be provided outside the drug container 21, and it is not necessary for it to be provided integrally with the drug container 21.

[0085] Incidentally, when using conventional drug dispensing devices, the operator puts the total amount of drug to be administered into a vibrating feeder (or input container). Different types of drugs are put into the drug dispensing device according to the prescription. The drug dispensing device is configured to transfer the drug to a disc (or distribution container) to distribute the drug and supply one dose of drug to the packaging device. In other words, conventional drug dispensing devices involve a distribution process prior to supply. The total amount of drug to be administered is distributed into one dose by the distribution mechanism and supplied. Therefore, it was necessary to clean the distribution mechanism and other drug passages each time a prescription's worth of drug was supplied to prevent cross-contamination by drug adhering to the distribution mechanism. For this reason, a configuration that supplies one dose of drug from each drug container was desired.

[0086] The objective of the following embodiment is to provide a drug supply device that supplies one dose of drug from each drug container without requiring the use of a distribution mechanism such as a vibrating feeder or a disc (or input container or distribution container).

[0087] The drug supply device of this embodiment is a drug supply device used when packaging powdered or granular drugs, and comprises a drug container for storing drugs and having a supply port at the bottom for dropping the drugs, a drug supply unit for supplying drugs from the drug container, and a control unit for controlling the drug supply unit, wherein the drug supply unit has a transport body that rotates around a central axis intersecting the bottom of the drug container and has a plurality of transport pieces extending radially outward arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction, and transports drugs located in the area between each transport piece by rotating, and the control unit rotates the transport body and transports drugs by the transport body and supplies drugs from the supply port to supply one dose of drugs.

[0088] According to the above configuration, a transport body is used in which a plurality of transport pieces extending radially outward are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. By rotating the transport body, the drug located in the region between each transport piece is transported, thereby stabilizing the supply amount of the drug. Therefore, the supply amount of the drug can be adjusted according to the amount of rotation, and a single dose of drug can be supplied with high precision.

[0089] The system further includes a weight detection unit for detecting the weight of the drug supplied from the drug container, and the control unit controls the drug supply unit based on a target weight value for the weight of the drug to be supplied and the detected weight value obtained from the weight detection unit, and the control unit may intermittently rotate the transport body until the detected weight value obtained from the weight detection unit reaches the target weight value.

[0090] According to the above configuration, the amount of drug supplied can be adjusted by intermittently rotating the transporter until the detected weight value obtained from the weight detection unit reaches the target weight value for one dose of drug. Therefore, one dose of drug can be supplied with high accuracy.

[0091] Furthermore, the intermittent rotation may be performed by an angle corresponding to the region between each of the transport pieces in the transport body.

[0092] According to the above configuration, the intermittent rotation of the transporter allows for the supply of medication while gradually approaching the target weight value for one dose. Furthermore, since the amount supplied with each intermittent rotation corresponds to the amount of medication located in the region between each transport piece of the transporter, it is easy to control the supply to approach the target weight value.

[0093] Furthermore, the transporter may be equipped with a storage unit that stores the weight value of the drug corresponding to the region between each of the transport pieces of the transporter, and the control unit may rotate the transporter by an angle corresponding to the region between each of the transport pieces that corresponds to the weight difference between the detected weight value obtained from the weight detection unit and the target weight value.

[0094] According to the above configuration, it is easy to determine the amount of rotation of the transporter in relation to the weight deficit.

[0095] Furthermore, the drug supply unit has an opening / closing body for opening and closing the supply port, and a partition body that divides the inside of the drug container vertically and has an outer peripheral hole and an inner peripheral hole that penetrate vertically. The transport body is an upper transport body positioned above the partition body and transporting the drug placed on the partition body, and the transported drug falls from the outer peripheral hole and the inner peripheral hole. The lower transport body is positioned below the partition body and rotates coaxially with the upper transport body, and transports the drug that has fallen from the inner peripheral hole, and the area between each transport piece of the lower transport body is narrower than that of the upper transport body. The supply port has a first supply port and a second supply port, the first supply port is in communication with the outer peripheral hole and allows the drug to fall from the outer peripheral hole, and the second supply port is provided at a position offset in the circumferential direction from the inner peripheral hole and allows the drug to fall from the inner peripheral hole and be transported by the lower transport body. The transported drug is dropped, and the opening / closing body can open both the first supply port and the second supply port, or close the first supply port and open only the second supply port. The control unit may, with the first supply port and the second supply port open, rotate the upper transport body and the lower transport body, transport the drug with the upper transport body to drop the drug from the outer peripheral hole and supply the drug from the first supply port, and drop the drug from the inner peripheral hole and transport the drug with the lower transport body to supply the drug from the second supply port in a first supply operation, and then close the first supply port and transport the drug with the upper transport body to drop the drug from the inner peripheral hole and transport the drug with the lower transport body to supply the drug from the second supply port in a second supply operation.

[0096] According to the above configuration, at the start of drug supply, the first supply operation increases the amount supplied per unit rotation, and as the target amount approaches, the second supply operation decreases the amount supplied per unit rotation. Therefore, it is possible to supply the target amount, which is the amount of drug for one dose, in a short time with high accuracy.

[0097] According to the above embodiment, a drug supply device that supplies one dose of medication can be provided without requiring the use of a distribution mechanism such as a vibrating feeder or a disc (input container or distribution container). [Explanation of Symbols]

[0098] 1...Pharmaceutical packaging device, 1A...Pharmaceutical supply device, 2a...Pharmaceutical supply section, 21...Pharmaceutical container, 21A...Opening / closing body, 21A1...Opening, 21A2...Closing section, 21B...Rotating shaft, 21C...Drive input shaft, 21C1...Input fitting section, 211...Body section, 212...Bottom member, 212a...Bottom upper member, 212b...Bottom lower member, 2121...Supply port (first supply port), 2122...Supply port (second supply port), 2123...Bottom passage, 213...Lid section, 214...Tag, 215...Agitator, 2151...Raising blade, 2152...Horizontal blade, 216...Shielding body, 2161...Outer circumference hole shielding body, 2162...Inner circumference hole shielding body, 2163...Connecting ring, 217...Upper transfer body, 217a...Transfer area, 2171...Transfer piece, 218...Partition, 2181...Outer circumference hole, 2182...Inner circumference hole, 2183...Outer circumference partition, 219...Lower transfer body, 219a...Transfer area, 2191...Transfer piece, 24...Supply operation mechanism, 241...Drive output shaft, 3...Packaging section, 31...Packaging material transport section, 311...Packaging material supply section, 312...Guide bar, 32...Sealing section, 4...Moving section, 41...Moving mechanism, 5...Weight detection section, 6...Control unit, 6a...Instruction input section, 6b...Storage section, 7...Packaging material opening section (partition), 71...Container corresponding section, 711...Through hole, 72...Opening operation section, 721...Tip section, P0...Standby position, P1...Supply position, M...Medicine (powder), S...Packaging material (packaging sheet), Sa...Opening (of packaging sheet)

Claims

1. Multiple drug containers capable of supplying powdered drugs through a supply port, The aforementioned drug container is provided with a moving unit that selectively moves it to a supply position for supplying powder, A weight detection unit for detecting the weight of the drug container at the supply position, A supply operation mechanism is connected to the drug container at the supply position, and operates the connected drug container to transfer the powder to the supply port, thereby supplying the powder from the drug container. The system includes a packaging section that packages the powder supplied from the aforementioned drug container with packaging material, When the drug container is in the supply position, the supply port is located above the opening of the packaging material or inside the packaging material so that the powder supplied from the drug container is directly poured into the packaging material. A drug packaging device that dispenses powder from a drug container one dose at a time by detecting the weight of the drug container with the weight detection unit and supplying the powder from the drug container with the supply operation mechanism.

2. The drug packaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of drug containers are arranged horizontally above the packaging section and kept awaited.

3. The pharmaceutical packaging apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein after supplying powder from the pharmaceutical container, powder is supplied from another pharmaceutical container that has moved to the supply position, thereby packaging different types of powder in the same packaging material.

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