Drug dispensing device

Abstract

To provide a medicine folding device capable of shortening a time for folding.SOLUTION: The medicine folding device comprises: a feeding part for feeding a medicine from a medicine container containing the medicine; a folding part for folding the medicine fed by the feeding part; and a control part for controlling the feeding part and the folding part. The control part determines whether or not to perform folding using the medicine folding device, on the basis of a required time for folding using the medicine folding device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2016-130972 (Patent Document 1) discloses a powder medicine packaging device including a plurality of medicine containers for storing powder medicine for each type, a dispensing unit for dispensing the powder medicine discharged from the medicine containers, and a medicine packaging device that executes a packaging operation for individually packaging the powder medicine.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Depending on the dispensing data, the required time for packaging varies. In a medicine packaging device, it is required to suppress the variation in the required time for packaging.

[0005] The present disclosure provides a medicine packaging device that suppresses the variation in the required time for packaging for a plurality of dispensing data.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] According to the present disclosure, there is provided a medicine packaging device including a supply unit that supplies medicine from a medicine container that stores the medicine, a packaging unit that packages the medicine supplied by the supply unit, and a control unit that controls the supply unit and the packaging unit. The control unit determines whether to execute packaging using the medicine packaging device based on the required time for packaging using the medicine packaging device.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to the drug packaging device in accordance with this disclosure, it is possible to reduce variations in the time required for packaging. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing a dispensing system. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram of a drug packaging device according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram of the distribution section viewed from above. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a drug dispensing device. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view of the intermediate container (outer drug container). [Figure 6] This is a perspective view of the shipping container. [Figure 7] This is a schematic diagram of the weighing device. [Figure 8] This is the first flowchart illustrating the flow of drug supply and packaging. [Figure 9] This is the second flowchart illustrating the flow of drug supply and packaging. [Figure 10] This diagram shows the settings used to determine whether or not to perform the packaging process. [Figure 11] This diagram illustrates how to determine whether or not to perform the packaging of multiple medications when the dispensing data includes multiple medications and these medications are to be packaged together. [Figure 12] This figure shows the first example of print output. [Figure 13] This figure shows a second example of print output. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following drawings, the same or corresponding parts will be given the same reference numeral, and their descriptions will not be repeated.

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

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

[0012] The drug packaging device 1 supplies and packages drugs. The drug packaging device 1 can weigh one or more drugs respectively in order to supply the drugs. In this specification, weighing of a drug means taking out only the necessary amount of the drug contained in a drug container or the like. The drug packaging device 1 weighs a powder (powdered, fine-grained, or granular drug) as a drug. The drug packaging device 1 may be able to package tablets in addition to the powder.

[0013] The weighing device 80 is installed outside the drug packaging device 1. The weighing device 80 can weigh drugs in place of the drug packaging device 1. The drug packaging device 1 and the weighing device 80 are installed, for example, in a pharmacy or a hospital.

[0014] The supply and packaging of drugs performed by the drug packaging device 1 are carried out based on dispensing data input by an operator.

[0015] The drug packaging device 1 can also perform only the packaging of drugs. In this case, for weighing the drugs, a weighing device 80 or the like is used. The weighing device 80 weighs the drugs taken out by the operator from a medicine bottle or the like. The drug packaging device 1 can also perform only the weighing of drugs. In this case, the weighed drugs are taken out of the drug packaging device 1 without being packaged. The drug packaging device 1 accommodates the weighed drugs in a container so that the operator can take out the container.

[0016] In the following description, the operation in which the drug packaging device 1 packages drugs is referred to as the first operation, and the operation in which the drug packaging device 1 measures the amount of drugs and then does not perform packaging is referred to as the second operation. In the first operation, the drug packaging device 1 may perform measurement, or the drug packaging device 1 may not perform measurement. Even when the drug packaging device 1 packages drugs that have been measured (weighed) by a weighing device 80 or the like outside the drug packaging device 1, this is also included in the first operation.

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

[0018] The first storage unit 11 can store a plurality of intermediate containers 91 that do not contain drugs. The intermediate container 91 is prepared to store the drugs to be supplied and packaged and transport them to each part of the drug packaging device 1. The configuration of the intermediate container 91 will be described later.

[0019] The first storage unit 11 may have, for example, a plurality of support bases for waiting for a plurality of intermediate containers 91, and be configured to support the bottom surface of each intermediate container 91 with each support base. However, as long as the intermediate container 91 can be substantially stored, the configuration of the first storage unit 11 can be arbitrarily changed.

[0020] The second storage section 12 can store multiple external drug containers 92 that do not contain drug. The external drug containers 92 are used to contain drug prepared by the operator outside the drug packaging device 1 and are introduced into the drug packaging device 1 for drug packaging. The external drug containers 92 are provided in the drug packaging device 1 to contain the drug to be weighed by the weighing device 80, etc., when weighing is performed by the weighing device 80, etc., as shown in Figure 1, rather than the drug packaging device 1, and to introduce the weighed drug into the drug packaging device 1. The configuration of the external drug containers 92 will be described later.

[0021] The third storage section 13 can store multiple unloaded containers 93 that do not contain any drugs. The unloaded containers 93 are provided in the drug packaging device 1 to contain the weighed drugs and to transport the drugs from the drug packaging device 1 to other drug packaging devices 95 when the drug packaging device 1 does not package the drugs after weighing them.

[0022] The second storage section 12 and the third storage section 13 can be configured to support the bottom surface of the external drug container 92 or the discharge container 93, for example, similar to the first storage section 11.

[0023] The intermediate container 91 will now be described. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the intermediate container 91 (external drug container 92). As shown in Figure 5, the intermediate container 91 includes a storage section 91a, a discharge path section 91b, an opening / closing section 91c, an information display section (display section) 91d, and an information recording section (information recording member) 91e.

[0024] The containment section 91a is the part of the intermediate container 91 that substantially contains the drug. The containment section 91a is formed in a hollow shape with the top open.

[0025] The discharge path section 91b is configured as a narrow passage connecting the internal space and the external space of the containment section 91a. The discharge path section 91b is formed to communicate with the end of the containment section 91a.

[0026] The opening / closing section 91c is configured as a shutter-shaped movable member. The opening / closing section 91c can open and close the connection between the storage section 91a and the discharge path section 91b.

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

[0028] The information recording unit 91e has, for example, a non-volatile memory and can record container-specific information. The container-specific information includes container identification information. The container-specific information may also include information indicating the type of container (intermediate container 91, external drug container 92, discharge container 93). The information recording unit 91e can be configured, for example, as an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag.

[0029] In the drug packaging device 1 of this embodiment, multiple intermediate containers 91 of the same shape are provided. Alternatively, multiple types of intermediate containers 91 with different sizes of their storage sections 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.

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

[0031] The storage section 92a, discharge path section 92b, opening / closing section 92c, information display section 92d, and information recording section 92e have the same configuration as the storage section 91a, discharge path section 91b, opening / closing section 91c, information display section 91d, and information recording section 91e in the intermediate container 91, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0032] In the drug packaging device 1 of this embodiment, multiple external drug containers 92 of the same shape are provided. Alternatively, multiple types of external drug containers 92 with different sizes of their storage compartments 92a may be provided. In this case, it is possible to accommodate various situations in which external weighing is performed, such as external weighing of various types of drugs.

[0033] The discharge container 93 will now be described. Figure 6 is a perspective view of the discharge container 93. As shown in Figure 6, the discharge container 93 is equivalent to the intermediate container 91 with the discharge path section 91b and opening / closing section 91c omitted. The discharge container 93 includes a storage section 93a, an information display section 93d, and an information recording section 93e.

[0034] The storage section 93a, the information display section 93d, and the information recording section 93e have the same configuration as the storage section 91a, the information display section 91d, and the information recording section 91e in the intermediate container 91, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0035] In the drug packaging device 1 of this embodiment, multiple dispensing containers 93 of the same shape are provided. Alternatively, multiple types of dispensing containers 93 with different sizes of their storage sections 93a 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.

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

[0037] 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.

[0038] The first transport unit 14a is equipped with a container holding unit for holding the intermediate container 91, the external drug container 92, or the discharge container 93. The container holding unit is configured to be movable along a path defined in the drug packaging device 1. The first transport unit 14a transports the intermediate container 91, the external drug container 92, or the discharge container 93 by moving the container holding unit while the intermediate container 91, the external drug container 92, or the discharge container 93 is held in the container holding unit.

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

[0040] The intermediate container 91, the external drug container 92, and the discharge container 93 are similar in their structure and function. Therefore, the intermediate container 91 can also be used as the external drug container 92 used in the first operation. Furthermore, the intermediate container 91 can also be used as the discharge container 93 used in the second operation. The external drug container 92 can also be used as the intermediate container 91 used in the first operation. Furthermore, the external drug container 92 can also be used as the discharge container 93 used in the second operation. By reducing the number of container types, the structure can be simplified.

[0041] In Figure 2, the path of the first transport unit 14a is shown by a dashed line, and the path 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 can operate independently. Therefore, the drug packaging device 1 can transport containers by the first transport unit 14a and transport containers by the second transport unit 14b simultaneously and in parallel.

[0042] The configuration in which the transport unit 14 holds the container can vary. For example, a container holding part may be provided at the tip of an extendable or rotatable arm, and the position of the container holding part may be changed by extending or rotating the arm. Alternatively, the container may be gripped with a chuck or held by suction.

[0043] The drug container 15 contains the drug to be measured. Each drug container 15 has an opening for discharging and removing the drug from the container.

[0044] As a general rule, each of the multiple drug containers 15 contains a different type of drug. However, for example, drugs that are used frequently may be contained in multiple drug containers 15.

[0045] The drug packaging device 1 can also handle excipients in addition to drugs. An excipient may be contained in one of the multiple drug containers 15. When excipients are needed for the drug (powder), the drug packaging device 1 removes the excipient from the drug container 15. In this case, the excipient can be supplied in the same way as the drug. A cleaning material may be contained in one of the multiple drug containers 15. In this case, the cleaning material can be supplied in the same way as the drug. The cleaning material is removed from the drug container 15 and packaged while in contact with the drug pathway of the drug packaging device 1, thereby cleaning the drug pathway in contact with the cleaning material. An excipient may be used as the cleaning material. The excipient and / or cleaning material may be lactose.

[0046] An information recording unit 71 is provided on the outer surface of the drug container 15. The information recording unit 71 can be, for example, an RFID tag. The information recording unit 71 can store information about the drug contained in the drug container 15 (contained drug information). The contained drug information includes the drug name, the amount of drug remaining in the drug container 15, the expiration date of the drug, the date of the last replenishment, the operating conditions of the weighing unit 30, etc. The drug dispensing device 1 can obtain the contained drug information by reading the information recording unit 71. Alternatively, only the identification information of the drug container 15 may be stored in the information recording unit 71, and when this is read by the drug dispensing device 1, the aforementioned contained drug information may be retrieved from the storage unit 61 described later.

[0047] The first information processing unit 16 can read the contained drug information from the information recording unit 71. The first information processing unit 16 can be configured, for example, as an RFID reader / writer. The first information processing unit 16 is located at any position in the drug packaging device 1.

[0048] The weighing unit 30 comprises a drug dispensing unit 17 and a weighing unit 18. The drug dispensing unit 17 dispenses the drug from the drug container 15. The weighing unit 18 weighs the drug dispensed from the drug container 15.

[0049] The drug dispensing unit 17 detachably holds multiple drug containers 15. The drug dispensing unit 17 moves the held drug containers 15 to a predetermined position, and at that predetermined position, it dispenses the drug contained in the drug containers 15 downward through the opening. The operation of the drug dispensing unit 17 is controlled by the control unit 50 based on the contained drug information read by the first information processing unit 16.

[0050] The weighing unit 18 comprises a mounting platform 18a and a detection unit 18b. The mounting platform 18a is located below the predetermined position of the drug dispensing unit 17. An intermediate container 91 or a discharge container 93 can be placed on the mounting platform 18a. The first transport unit 14a can transport the intermediate container 91 or discharge container 93 held by the container holding unit to place it on the mounting platform 18a or remove it from the mounting platform 18a.

[0051] The detection unit 18b can weigh the drug inside the container when the intermediate container 91 or the discharge container 93 is placed on the mounting platform 18a. In other words, the weighing unit 18 is configured as an electronic balance, and the mounting platform 18a corresponds to the weighing pan part of the electronic balance. The detection unit 18b can be configured as, for example, an electromagnetic or load cell type load sensor.

[0052] 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 moves the drug container 15 containing the drug indicated in the drug information to directly above the mounting platform 18a using the drug dispensing unit 17 as appropriate. Then, the control unit 50 removes the drug from the drug container 15 downwards, places the removed drug into the intermediate container 91 or discharge container 93 placed on the mounting platform 18a, and weighs the contained drug using the detection unit 18b.

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

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

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

[0056] The display unit 21 is a device having a display screen capable of displaying various information related to the drug packaging device 1. The display unit 21 could be, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display. The display unit 21 is positioned at an appropriate location on the drug packaging device 1.

[0057] The control unit 22 is operated by an operator to give various instructions to the drug packaging device 1. The control unit 22 is located at an appropriate position on the drug packaging device 1 (for example, near the display unit 21). The control unit 22 may include a keyboard, or the display unit 21 may be a touch panel and the control unit 22 may be integrated into the display unit 21.

[0058] The printing unit 24 prints information about the drug to be weighed, supplied, and packaged by the drug packaging device 1. The printing unit 24 is controlled by the control unit 50. The printing unit 24 may also print the weight of the drug that has been removed from the drug container 15 by the drug dispensing unit 17 of the weighing unit 30 and weighed by the weighing unit 18. The printing unit 24 may also print the weight of the drug to be removed from the drug container 15 by the weighing unit 30. The printing unit 24 may be any type of printer, such as a thermal printer or an inkjet printer.

[0059] The intermediate container 91 or external drug container 92, which has been transported by the second transport unit 14b, is set in the drug discharge unit 32. The drug discharge unit 32 can discharge the drug from the set intermediate container 91 or external drug container 92. The intermediate container 91 or external drug container 92 can also be manually set in the drug discharge unit 32.

[0060] The drug discharge section 32 includes a container attachment section 32a. The container attachment section 32a is configured to accommodate an intermediate container 91 or an external drug container 92. The intermediate container 91 or external drug container 92 is attached to the container attachment section 32a automatically or manually by the second transport section 14b.

[0061] The container mounting section 32a is equipped with an operating mechanism that moves the container's opening / closing sections 91c and 92c from a closed state to an open state. Before the container is attached to the container mounting section 32a, the connection between the storage sections 91a and 92a and the discharge passage sections 91b and 92b is in a closed state. When the container is attached to the container mounting section 32a, the operating mechanism moves the opening / closing sections 91c and 92c. This opens the connection between the storage sections 91a and 92a and the discharge passage sections 91b and 92b, allowing the discharge of the drug from the container.

[0062] The drug dispensing section 32 is equipped with a vibrator 32b. The vibrator 32b is composed of a motor and the like that which generates vibrations. The vibrator 32b is controlled by the control unit 50. The vibrator 32b generates vibrations in response to a control signal from the control unit 50. The vibrations generated by the vibrator 32b are transmitted to the intermediate container 91 or the external drug container 92 attached to the container mounting section 32a.

[0063] The packaging unit 33 is configured to be able to package the medicine measured out by the weighing unit 30. The packaging unit 33 is controlled by the control unit 50 to package the medicine measured out by the weighing unit 30 into single doses. The packaging unit 33 comprises a dispensing unit 34 and a packaging unit 35.

[0064] The dispensing unit 34 distributes the drug discharged from the container by the drug discharge unit 32 into single-dose portions. The dispensing unit 34 comprises a dispensing tray 34a and a feeding unit 34b. The dispensing tray 34a is configured to rotate about a vertical axis. The drug discharge unit 32 discharges the drug from the container and supplies the discharged drug onto the rotating dispensing tray 34a. The feeding unit 34b drops the drug supplied to the dispensing tray 34a downwards in predetermined amounts.

[0065] The intermediate container 91 or the external drug container 92 corresponds to the container of the embodiment that contains the drug. The drug discharge unit 32, which discharges the drug from the intermediate container 91 or the external drug container 92 that contains the drug and supplies it to the dispensing tray 34a, corresponds to the supply unit of the embodiment. The packaging unit 33 packages the drug supplied by the supply unit.

[0066] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the drug packaging device 1 is equipped with a plurality (specifically, two) of dispensing units 34. Each dispensing unit 34 is equipped with a plurality (specifically, two) of drug discharge units 32. Drugs are supplied onto one dispensing tray 34a from either or both of the two drug discharge units 32. The same type of drug may be supplied to one dispensing tray 34a from the two drug discharge units 32, different types of drugs may be supplied to one dispensing tray 34a, or a drug and an excipient may be supplied to one dispensing tray 34a.

[0067] The packaging unit 35 packages the medicine distributed by the dispensing unit 34 with packaging material 40. The packaging unit 35 includes a hopper 35a and a heater 35b. The packaging unit 35 repeatedly performs the operations of dropping the medicine, which has been distributed in single doses by the dispensing unit 34, into the packaging material 40 through the hopper 35a, and then heat-sealing the packaging material 40 with the heater 35b. Through the repetition of these operations, single doses of medicine are sealed in the packaging material 40. The packaging material 40 containing the medicine is then sent to a storage unit outside or inside the medicine dispensing device 1.

[0068] The supply standby unit 23 is located between the weighing unit 30, which weighs the drug, and the drug discharge unit 32, which discharges the drug. An intermediate container 91 or an external drug container 92 for containing the drug can be placed in the supply standby unit 23 and kept on standby as needed.

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

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

[0071] The supply standby section 23 and the cleaning standby section 37 can be configured, for example, as plate-shaped members on which containers can be placed, but are not limited thereto.

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

[0073] More specifically, 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 and the like from the storage device and controls the operation of each part of the drug packaging device 1 based on the detection values ​​of sensors provided in each part of the drug packaging device 1 and the various setting values ​​stored in the storage device. The control unit 50 works in cooperation with the above-described software and hardware to perform processing in the storage unit 61, weighing selection unit 62, and guidance unit 65 shown in Figure 4, and operates the drug packaging device 1 by outputting command signals as a result of that processing.

[0074] As described above, the storage unit 61 can store dispensing data input from an external source. The storage unit 61 also stores the drug information contained in the drug containers 15, read by the first information processing unit 16, as placement information for the drug containers 15 within the drug packaging device 1. Furthermore, the storage unit 61 can store various setting values ​​necessary for operating the drug packaging device 1.

[0075] Furthermore, the memory unit 61 stores various data, such as drug master information, which is unique information about the drug. This master information includes, for example, drug code, drug name, JAN code (or RSS), drug bottle (drug container) code, classification (dosage form: powder, tablet, topical drug, etc.), specific gravity, drug type (ordinary drug, poison, narcotic, potent drug, antipsychotic, therapeutic drug, etc.), compatibility, precautions, usual dosage, and information on drugs that should not be taken simultaneously.

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

[0077] The weighing selection unit 62 allows the operator to choose whether or not to perform a weighing operation by the weighing unit 30 for at least one of the drugs included in the dispensing data that cannot be packaged due to the capacity of the packaging unit 33, for the drugs that can be weighed by the weighing unit 30. There are various configurations to realize this selection, but for example, the weighing selection unit 62 may display options (for example, buttons to execute / not execute) on the display unit 21 and allow the operator to make a selection using the operation unit 22.

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

[0079] External weighing is a procedure in which the operator prepares an external drug container 92 containing a predetermined amount (total dose) of drug outside the drug packaging device 1, and then introduces the external drug container 92 into the drug packaging device 1. At this time, the operator may also be informed that it is possible to perform either replenishment or drug container introduction. Replenishment is the procedure of refilling the drug container 15 with drug. Drug container introduction is the procedure of introducing the drug container 15 containing the required amount of drug into the drug packaging device 1.

[0080] There are various ways in which the guidance unit 65 can provide guidance to the operator, but for example, it can display an appropriate message on the display unit 21. Guidance may also be provided by voice, notification lights, etc.

[0081] Other drug packaging devices 95 are similar to those shown in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2013-099480, and include a drug introduction unit (powder supply unit 21 in the above patent document) and a distribution unit (powder division unit 22 in the above patent document) for introducing drugs into the device, and are capable of distributing and packaging the drugs introduced into the drug introduction unit into single doses. Other drug packaging devices 95 do not have a weighing unit. Other drug packaging devices 95 are used by an operator who introduces the entire dose of drugs.

[0082] Next, with reference to Figure 2, the various positions that can be set on the drug packaging device 1 will be described. Any of these positions can serve as the source and destination for containers transported by the transport unit 14.

[0083] The first standby position P1 is a position in the first storage unit 11 where intermediate containers 91 that do not contain any drugs can be kept in standby. The first standby position P1 can also be described as a storage position in the first storage unit 11 where multiple intermediate containers 91 are stored.

[0084] The second standby position P2 is a position in the second storage unit 12 where external drug containers 92 that do not contain drug can be kept in standby. The second standby position P2 can also be described as a storage position in the second storage unit 12 where multiple external drug containers 92 are stored.

[0085] The third standby position P3 is a position in the third storage unit 13 where unloaded containers 93 that do not contain any drugs can be kept in standby. The third standby position P3 can also be described as a storage position in the third storage unit 13 where multiple unloaded containers 93 are stored.

[0086] The weighing position P4 is the position where the weighing unit 18 weighs the drug to be contained in the intermediate container 91 or the discharge container 93.

[0087] The first dispensing position P5 is the position for removing the intermediate container 91 or the discharge container 93 from the drug packaging device 1. For example, when the weighing unit 30 weighs out drug from the drug container 15 to the intermediate container 91 or the discharge container 93, if the amount dispensed (measured amount) is insufficient for the target amount, such as when the amount of drug contained in the drug container 15 is insufficient, the first dispensing position P5 is used to remove the intermediate container 91 or the discharge container 93 containing the drug that is insufficient to reach the target amount, from the drug packaging device 1. This dispensing is performed via the first dispensing unit 25 provided in the drug packaging device 1.

[0088] In this embodiment, the first dispensing position P5 is set to a different position from the weighing position P4. However, it is not limited to this, and for example, the weighing position P4 may also serve as the first dispensing position P5.

[0089] The second dispensing position P6 is the position for removing the external drug container 92, before it contains the drug, from the drug packaging device 1 when the drug is weighed using the weighing device 80 instead of the drug packaging device 1. This removal is performed via a second dispensing section 26 provided in the drug packaging device 1. The second dispensing position P6 may also serve as the position (introduction position) for setting the external drug container 92 or intermediate container 91 containing the drug weighed by the weighing device 80 into the drug packaging device 1.

[0090] The third dispensing position P7 is the position for removing the discharge container 93 to the outside of the drug packaging device 1. For example, when the drug packaging device 1 weighs out the drug but does not package it, the third dispensing position P7 is used to remove the discharge container 93 containing the drug weighed out by the weighing unit 30 to the outside of the drug packaging device 1. This removal is performed via the third dispensing unit 27 provided in the drug packaging device 1.

[0091] The supply standby position P8 is the position where the intermediate container 91 is kept in standby after the weighing of the drug is completed in the weighing unit 30, but before the drug is discharged from the container in the packaging unit 33 and supplied to the distribution tray 34a. The supply standby position P8 is also the position (introduction position) where the external drug container 92 or intermediate container 91 containing the drug weighed by the weighing device 80 is set for introduction into the drug packaging device 1. The supply standby position P8 is set in the aforementioned supply standby unit 23. The supply standby position P8 may also serve as the first extraction position P5, the second extraction position P6, or the third extraction position P7.

[0092] Supply positions P9-L1, P9-L2, P9-R1, and P9-R2 are the positions of the intermediate container 91 or external drug container 92 when the drug is supplied to the distribution tray 34a at the drug discharge unit 32. The second transport unit 14b transports the intermediate container 91 from the supply standby position P8 to one of the supply positions P9-L1, P9-L2, P9-R1, or P9-R2. When an external drug container 92 or intermediate container 91 containing the drug is introduced into the drug packaging device 1 from outside the drug packaging device 1, the introduction position of the container may be set to one of the supply positions P9-L1, P9-L2, P9-R1, or P9-R2, and the operator may set the container directly into the drug discharge unit 32.

[0093] As mentioned above, the drug packaging device 1 is equipped with multiple (specifically, four) drug dispensing units 32, and the supply positions P9-L1, P9-L2, P9-R1, and P9-R2 are assigned to the four drug dispensing units 32. As shown in Figure 3, supply positions P9-L1 and P9-L2 are positions for dispensing the drug to the left-hand dispensing tray 34a, and supply positions P9-R1 and P9-R2 are positions for dispensing the drug to the right-hand dispensing tray 34a. In Figure 3, the lower side of the figure is the front side of the drug packaging device 1. Supply positions P9-L1 and P9-R1 are located in front of supply positions P9-L2 and P9-R2. Supply positions P9-L2 and P9-R2 are located further back in the device than supply positions P9-L1 and P9-R1.

[0094] Therefore, when an operator sets a container in the drug dispensing section 32 from outside the drug packaging device 1, it is easier to attach the container to supply positions P9-L1 and P9-R1 located at the front of the device, while it is more difficult to attach the container to supply positions P9-L2 and P9-R2 located at the rear of the device.

[0095] The cleaning standby position P10 is the position where the intermediate container 91 or the external drug container 92 waits for cleaning in the cleaning unit 38. The cleaning standby position P10 is set in the aforementioned cleaning standby unit 37.

[0096] The cleaning position P11 is the position where the intermediate container 91 or the external drug container 92 is cleaned by the cleaning unit 38.

[0097] In this embodiment, the supply standby position P8 and the cleaning standby position P10 function as relay points for the transport of containers by the transport unit 14.

[0098] Specifically, the first transport unit 14a is configured to transport containers between the first standby position P1, the second standby position P2, the third standby position P3, the weighing position P4, the first dispensing position P5, the second dispensing position P6, the third dispensing position P7, the supply standby position P8, and the cleaning standby position P10. On the other hand, the second transport unit 14b is configured to transport containers between the supply standby position P8, the supply positions P9-L1, P9-L2, P9-R1, P9-R2, and the cleaning standby position P10.

[0099] Therefore, after the control unit 50 transports the intermediate container 91 etc. to the supply standby position P8 using the first transport unit 14a, the transported intermediate container 91 etc. can be transported from the supply standby position P8 by the second transport unit 14b at an appropriate timing. Furthermore, after the intermediate container 91 etc. is transported to the cleaning standby position P10 by the second transport unit 14b, the transported intermediate container 91 etc. can be transported from the cleaning standby position P10 by the first transport unit 14a at an appropriate timing.

[0100] In this embodiment, the external drug container 92 stored in the second storage unit 12 is transported to the second retrieval position P6 by the first transport unit 14a and can be taken out of the drug packaging device 1. However, the external drug container 92 stored in the second storage unit 12 may be taken out by an operator. In this case, the second storage unit 12 may be located outside the drug packaging device 1.

[0101] Next, the weighing device 80 will be described. Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the weighing device 80. As shown in Figure 7, the weighing device 80 comprises a control unit 81, a weighing unit 82, an information processing unit 83, and a display unit 84. The weighing unit 82, the information processing unit 83, and the display unit 84 are each electrically connected to the control unit 81. The weighing device 80 can weigh the drug to be contained in the external drug container 92. When the intermediate container 91 is used for external weighing, the weighing device 80 weighs the drug to be contained in the intermediate container 91.

[0102] The control unit 81 can communicate with the control unit 50 of the drug packaging device 1 and can receive dispensing data stored in the storage unit 61 of the drug packaging device 1. When weighing (such as weighing any drug that is insufficient to reach the target amount) is completed, the weighing device 80 transmits the weighing result to the drug packaging device 1.

[0103] The weighing unit 82 has substantially the same configuration as the weighing unit 18 of the drug packaging device 1, so its description is omitted. The weighing device 80 weighs the drug that the operator has taken out from an appropriate drug bottle or the like into a weighing pan. The weighing device 80 may also weigh the drug together with the external drug container 92 while the drug is contained in the external drug container 92.

[0104] The information processing unit 83 is located near the weighing unit 82. The information processing unit 83 includes a barcode reader and an RFID reader / writer. The barcode reader can read barcodes provided on the medicine bottles, etc. The RFID reader / writer can read the contents of the information recording unit 92e of the external medicine container 92.

[0105] The information processing unit 83 reads the information stored in the barcode of the medicine bottle and the information recording unit 92e of the external medicine container 92. Specifically, the information processing unit 83 reads the drug identification information of the medicine bottle from the barcode provided on the medicine bottle, and the control unit 81 identifies the drug contained in the medicine bottle. The information processing unit 83 also reads the container-specific information stored in the information recording unit 92e of the external medicine container 92. The weighing device 80 obtains dispensing data corresponding to the read container-specific information from the control unit 50 of the drug packaging device 1. At that time, the weighing device 80 also obtains information about the drug to be weighed (including the target amount of the drug).

[0106] The control unit 81 then determines which of the drugs indicated by the drug information included in the dispensing data acquired from the control unit 50 of the drug packaging device 1 corresponds to the drug identified based on the drug identification information. If the control unit 81 determines that the drug identified based on the drug identification information matches one of the drugs indicated by the drug information included in the dispensing data, it selects the drug indicated by the matching drug information as the drug to be weighed. After weighing the selected drug, the weighing device 80 transmits the weighing results, including the measured amount of drug, along with the dispensing data acquired from the control unit 50 of the drug packaging device 1, to the control unit 50 of the drug packaging device 1 via the control unit 81. The control unit 50 of the drug packaging device 1 receives the weighing results and updates the dispensing data stored in the storage unit 61.

[0107] The information processing unit 83 can change the display content of the information display unit 92d of the external drug container 92. After the weighing of the drug by the weighing device 80 is complete, the information processing unit 83 displays the measured amount (weighing result) on the information display unit 92d of the external drug container 92. In addition, as information related to dispensing, the information display unit 92d may also display that the container contains an amount of drug equivalent to the target amount and is ready to be introduced into the drug packaging device 1.

[0108] The display unit 84 is a device having a display screen capable of displaying characters and the like. The display unit 84 is positioned at an appropriate location on the weighing device 80. The display unit 84 can be configured, for example, as a touch panel display. The display unit 84 can display, for example, the name of the drug, the target amount of the drug, the measured amount, etc. The display unit 84 can also display the result of the control unit 81's determination as to whether the drug in the medicine bottle, etc., matches the drug to be weighed. This allows for confirmation that the drug in the medicine bottle, etc., is indeed the required drug based on the dispensing data.

[0109] Next, we will describe the drug supply and packaging process using the drug packaging device 1. Figures 8 and 9 are flowcharts showing the flow of drug supply and packaging.

[0110] First, dispensing data is entered into the drug packaging device 1 (step S101 in Figure 8). The control unit 50 displays the dispensing data input screen on the display unit 21. The dispensing data includes, for example, the patient, drug information, target amount, weighing results (measured amount or amount of shortage or surplus relative to the target amount), and identification information (dispensing data number, etc.) to identify each dispensing data. Drug information includes the names of one or more drugs to be taken, dosage form (powder / tablet / capsule / liquid / topical drug), method of administration, and dosage. Method of administration includes the number of times to be taken per day, the timing of administration, and the number of days to be taken, and dosage includes the total amount to be taken (e.g., weight), the amount to be taken per day (weight), the amount to be taken in one dose (weight), etc. If the drug indicated by the drug information includes excipients, the excipients are treated as one of the drugs indicated by the drug information.

[0111] The operator inputs dispensing data to this input screen using the operation unit 22. The dispensing data entered by the operator is stored in the storage unit 61 of the control unit 50. In addition to the configuration in which the operator manually inputs dispensing data, dispensing data may also be input to the drug packaging device 1 via communication from an information processing device such as an external dispensing equipment control device.

[0112] When an operator inputs dispensing data using the control unit 22, the control unit 22 accepts the input of dispensing data. When dispensing data is input to the drug packaging device 1 via communication, the receiving device that receives the signal containing the dispensing data accepts the input of dispensing data.

[0113] Once the dispensing data has been entered, a dispensing instruction is issued (step S102). The dispensing instruction includes an instruction to package the medication contained in the medication container 15 (the first operation described above) and an instruction to weigh out the medication contained in the medication container 15 and remove it from the medication packaging device 1 without packaging it (the second operation described above). The operator inputs the dispensing instruction to the control unit 50 using the operation unit 22.

[0114] Next, the control unit 50 determines whether the dispensing instruction in the previous step S102 is for individual packaging (step S103). If it is determined that individual packaging is the instruction (YES in step S103), the process proceeds to step S104, where the control unit 50 determines whether individual packaging is possible based on the dosage of the drug included in the dispensing data.

[0115] Here, we will explain in detail how to determine whether or not to perform the dispensing process, referring to Figures 10 and 11. Figure 10 is a diagram showing the settings used to determine whether or not to perform the dispensing process.

[0116] The first setting value shown in Figure 10 is the lower limit of the weight of the drug that can be packaged as the total dose, according to the capacity of the packaging unit 33. If the total dose weight of the drug to be packaged included in the dispensing data is less than the first setting value, the packaging unit 33 cannot package that drug. The first setting value is stored in the storage unit 61. The first setting value is set, for example, as the amount necessary for the drug discharged from the container in the drug discharge unit 32 and supplied to the dispensing tray 34a to be evenly distributed on the dispensing tray 34a and uniformly accumulated on the dispensing tray 34a. The first condition shown in Figure 10 is that the total dose weight of the drug to be packaged included in the dispensing data is equal to or greater than the first setting value.

[0117] The second setting value shown in Figure 10 is the lower limit of the weight of the drug that can be packaged as a single dose, according to the capacity of the packaging unit 33. The second setting value is stored in the memory unit 61. The second setting value is set, for example, as the amount necessary to ensure that the amount of drug uniformly accumulated in the dispensing tray 34a is evenly distributed from the dispensing tray 34a by the feeding unit 34b. The second condition shown in Figure 10 is that the weight of a single dose of the drug to be packaged, as included in the dispensing data, is equal to or greater than the second setting value.

[0118] The first and second setting values ​​may be arbitrarily set by the operator based on the internal regulations of the hospital or pharmacy where the drug packaging device 1 is installed. In this case, the first and second setting values ​​may be set on the condition that they are equal to or greater than the lower limit of the weight of the drug that can be packaged in the packaging unit 33. Furthermore, the first and second setting values ​​may be set for each type of drug.

[0119] The third setting value shown in Figure 10 is the lower limit of the weight of the drug that can be weighed, according to the capacity of the weighing unit 30. The third setting value is smaller than the first setting value. The third setting value is stored in the storage unit 61. The third setting value may be set, for example, by considering the minimum weighing value of the weighing unit 18. The third condition shown in Figure 10 is that the total weight of the packaged drug included in the dispensing data is equal to or greater than the third setting value.

[0120] The drug container registration shown in Figure 10 is a condition that determines whether or not a drug container 15 containing a drug to be packaged, as included in the dispensing data, is registered in the drug packaging device 1. Information on registered drug containers 15 is stored in the storage unit 61. Drug containers 15 that are not registered are not stored in the storage unit 61. In order to determine that a drug container 15 is registered in the drug packaging device 1, it is not necessarily required that the registered drug container 15 be contained within the drug packaging device 1 at the time the feasibility of packaging is determined.

[0121] The control unit 50 determines that dispensing by the drug dispensing device 1 is possible if the first condition is met. More specifically, if the first condition is met and the drug container 15 is registered, it is determined that "cassette dispensing" as shown in Figure 10, that is, supply and dispensing using the drug dispensing device 1, is possible. If the first condition is met but the drug container 15 is not registered, it is determined that "manual dispensing" as shown in Figure 10, that is, an external drug container 92 containing the drug outside the drug dispensing device 1 through external weighing is introduced into the drug dispensing device 1, and the drug supplied from the external drug container 92 is dispensed.

[0122] If the first condition is not met, the control unit 50 determines that the drug packaging device 1 is unable to perform packaging. In this case, if the drug container 15 is registered, it is determined that the "cup dispensing" process shown in Figure 10 is possible, that is, the weighing unit 30 takes the drug from the drug container 15 into the discharge container 93, weighs the taken drug, and discharges the discharge container 93 to the outside of the drug packaging device 1. The discharged drug is then introduced, for example, into another drug packaging device 95 and packaged in the other drug packaging device 95.

[0123] If the first condition is not met and the drug container 15 is not registered, the control unit 50 determines "Not possible" as shown in Figure 10, that is, the drug packaging device 1 cannot perform any processing.

[0124] The control unit 50 determines that the drug packaging device 1 is unable to perform packaging if the second condition is not met. Even if the condition is met that the total weight of the drug to be packaged is equal to or greater than the first set value, if the weight of one dose of the drug to be packaged is less than the second set value, packaging is determined to be impossible. In this case, if the drug container 15 is registered, it is determined that "cup dispensing" is possible, and if the drug container 15 is not registered, it is determined that "dispensing is not possible".

[0125] If the third condition is not met, the control unit 50 determines that it is "not possible," regardless of whether the drug container 15 is registered or not.

[0126] The system determines whether or not to perform the dispensing based on the total weight of the medication to be dispensed. If the total weight of the medication is too small to be evenly distributed onto the dispensing tray 34a, the system determines that dispensing is not possible. This allows the medication dispensing device 1 to evenly dispense the medication according to the dispensing data.

[0127] The device determines whether or not to perform dispensing based on the weight of one dose of the drug to be packaged. If the weight of one dose of the drug is too small to evenly distribute the drug from the dispensing tray 34a to the hopper 35a, it is determined that dispensing is not possible. This allows the drug dispensing device 1 to evenly package the drug according to the dispensing data.

[0128] Figure 11 illustrates the determination of whether or not packaging is possible for the entire dispensing data when dispensing data includes multiple drugs and these drugs are combined into a single dispensing bag. Dispensing data 1 to 15 shown in Figure 11 include one or more of four types of drugs: drug A, drug B, drug C, and drug D. Based on the drug-specific determination shown in Figure 10, drug A is determined to be "cassette dispensing," drug B is determined to be "manual dispensing," drug C is determined to be "cup dispensing," and drug D is determined to be "not possible."

[0129] In the case of the first to third dispensing data, which include only drugs A and B that have been determined to be able to be packaged, the drug packaging device 1 can package all the drugs included in the dispensing data together, so the control unit 50 determines that the drug packaging device 1 is able to package.

[0130] In the case of dispensing data 4-7 and 12-15, which include drug C, which has been determined to be capable of "cup dispensing," the drug packaging device 1 cannot package all the drugs included in the dispensing data together, so the control unit 50 determines that the drug packaging device 1 is capable of cup dispensing. In this case, the drug packaging device 1 is capable of cup dispensing drug C, which has been determined to be capable of "cup dispensing." If drug A, which has been determined to be capable of "cassette packaging," is included, the drug packaging device 1 is also capable of cup dispensing drug A. On the other hand, if drug B, which has been determined to be capable of "manual dispensing," is included, the drug packaging device 1 can do nothing for drug B. If drug D, which has been determined to be "not possible," is included, the drug packaging device 1 can also do nothing for drug D. In other words, the drug packaging device 1 will cup-dispense drugs that can be taken out of the drug container 15, and the operator will manually weigh the remaining drugs, and these drugs will be packaged together by another drug packaging device 95.

[0131] In the case of dispensing data for the 9th and 11th prescriptions, which include drug A, which is determined to be possible to "package in cassettes," and drug D, which is determined to be "not possible," the drug packaging device 1 cannot package all the drugs included in the dispensing data together. Therefore, the control unit 50 determines that the drug packaging device 1 is capable of dispensing in cups. In this case, the drug packaging device 1 is capable of dispensing drug A, which is determined to be possible to "package in cassettes." On the other hand, the drug packaging device 1 can do nothing with drug D, which is determined to be "not possible." Also, if the data includes drug B, which is determined to be possible to "package by hand," the drug packaging device 1 can do nothing with drug B as well. In other words, the drug packaging device 1 dispenses drugs that can be taken out of the drug container 15 into cups, while the operator manually weighs the remaining drugs, and these drugs are then packaged together by another drug packaging device 95.

[0132] In the case of the eighth dispensing data, which includes only drug D, which has been determined to be unacceptable, and the tenth dispensing data, which includes drug B and drug D, which have been determined to be "manually dispensed," the control unit 50 determines that there is nothing the drug packaging device 1 can do. All drugs included in the dispensing data will be weighed manually by the operator and packaged together by another drug packaging device 95.

[0133] Therefore, in the determination in step S104 of Figure 8, the control unit 50 determines that dispensing is possible for the 1st to 3rd dispensing data (YES), and that dispensing is not possible for the 4th to 15th dispensing data (NO).

[0134] If it is determined in step S104 that dispensing is possible, then in step S105, the control unit 50 determines whether or not to perform dispensing using the drug dispensing device 1.

[0135] The control unit 50 determines whether or not to perform packaging using the drug packaging device 1 based on the time required for packaging using the drug packaging device 1. In this case, the time required for packaging may be the time required for the supply unit to supply the drug. That is, the time required for packaging may be the time required from the start of drug supply by the supply unit to the completion of supply. Alternatively, the time required for packaging may be the time required for packaging by the packaging unit 33. That is, the time required for packaging may be the time required from the start of packaging by the packaging unit 33 to the completion of packaging. Alternatively, the time required for packaging may include the time required for drug supply by the supply unit and the time required for packaging by the packaging unit 33. That is, the time required for packaging may be the time required from the start of drug supply by the supply unit to the completion of packaging by the packaging unit 33.

[0136] The control unit 50 determines to perform dispensing using the drug dispensing device 1 if the time required for dispensing is short, and determines not to perform dispensing using the drug dispensing device 1 if the time required for dispensing is long.

[0137] The time required for dispensing can be determined, for example, based on the number of drugs to be packaged and a set value. If the number of drugs to be packaged is greater than the set value, the time required for dispensing will be longer, and if the number of drugs to be packaged is less than or equal to the set value, the time required for dispensing will be shorter. The set value may be arbitrarily set by the operator based on the internal regulations of the hospital or pharmacy where the drug dispensing device 1 is installed. Alternatively, the number of drug dispensing units 32 may be set as the set value. In other words, the set value may be matched to the number of drug dispensing units 32.

[0138] If the number of drugs to be packaged is less than or equal to the number of drug dispensing units 32, the drugs can be supplied to the dispensing tray 34a as soon as the intermediate container 91 and the external drug container 92 containing the drugs to be packaged are set in the drug dispensing unit 32. At this time, the operation of supplying drugs from each intermediate container 91 and the external drug container 92 to the dispensing tray 34a can be performed simultaneously, so the time required for packaging is relatively short.

[0139] If the number of drugs to be packaged exceeds the number of drug dispensing units 32, the same operation is performed, but it is necessary to set the intermediate container 91 or external drug container 92 multiple times for each drug dispensing unit 32. The operation of supplying drugs from the intermediate container 91 and external drug container 92 to the dispensing tray 34a cannot be performed simultaneously and in parallel, but must be performed multiple times. Therefore, it takes time to supply drugs to the dispensing tray 34a, and the time required for packaging increases. In addition, in order to set the next container, it is necessary to wait for the previous container to be removed from the drug dispensing unit 32. This waiting time also delays the supply of drugs to the dispensing tray 34a, and the time required for packaging increases.

[0140] If it is decided not to use drug packaging device 1 for packaging, all drugs included in the dispensing data will be packaged together using another drug packaging device 95.

[0141] If it is determined that dispensing should not be performed using the drug packaging device 1, the drug packaging device 1 will proceed with dispensing for subsequent dispensing data. The drug packaging device 1 will perform dispensing for subsequent dispensing data with a short dispensing time, without performing dispensing for dispensing data with a long dispensing time. The drug packaging device 1 is used as a dedicated device for dispensing with a short dispensing time. This reduces variability in the dispensing time for each dispensing data, and prevents stress on the operator using the drug packaging device 1. In addition, since the start of dispensing for subsequent dispensing with a short dispensing time is not delayed, the time required from receiving dispensing data to completing the dispensing of the target drug can be shortened for multiple dispensing data.

[0142] In addition, while dispensing using drug packaging device 1, dispensing of prescription data requiring a longer dispensing time is performed using another drug packaging device 95. In this case, it is desirable to use another drug packaging device 95 with a configuration suitable for dispensing prescription data requiring a longer dispensing time. For example, if the dispensing time is long due to the large number of drugs to be packaged, it is desirable to use another drug packaging device 95 equipped with multiple drug introduction units (for example, four) for introducing drugs into the device. This allows the drugs, each type of drug placed in the drug introduction unit, to be simultaneously supplied to the drug distribution unit that distributes the drugs from each drug introduction unit, enabling efficient dispensing.

[0143] Dispensing data for which dispensing using the drug dispensing device 1 is not performed corresponds to any of the first to third dispensing data shown in Figure 11 for which dispensing is deemed possible in step S104, and includes drugs for which "cassette dispensing" is deemed possible. The control unit 50 may decide that for drugs for which "cassette dispensing" is determined to be possible, the drug dispensing device 1 will dispense the contents into a cup. For example, for drugs for which "cassette dispensing" is determined to be possible, the drug dispensing device 1 will dispense the contents into a cup, while for drugs for which "manual dispensing" is determined to be possible, the drug dispensing device 1 does nothing. In other words, the drug dispensing device 1 will dispense the contents into a cup for drugs that can be taken out of the drug container 15, and the operator will weigh the remaining drugs manually, and these drugs will be packaged together by another drug dispensing device 95.

[0144] The time required for dispensing may be determined based on the total number of dispensing units for the entire dose. If the total number of dispensing units exceeds a set value, the dispensing time may be considered long, and if the total number of dispensing units is less than or equal to the set value, the dispensing time may be considered short. The set value may be matched to the upper limit (maximum number of units) of the number of units dispensed by the drug dispensing device 1. The maximum number of units dispensed is determined according to the configuration of the dispensing unit 34 of the drug dispensing device 1. In addition, the maximum number of units dispensed by the other drug dispensing devices 95 is determined according to the configuration of the dispensing unit.

[0145] If the total number of doses based on the dispensing data is less than or equal to the maximum dispensing capacity of the drug dispensing device 1, all the medication for all doses can be dispensed at once, thus shortening the time required for individual packaging. If the total number of doses based on the dispensing data exceeds the maximum dispensing capacity of the drug dispensing device 1, all the medication for all doses must be dispensed in multiple batches, thus increasing the time required for individual packaging.

[0146] The time required for dispensing may be determined based on the number of times the dispensing dish 34a is used. If the number of times the dispensing dish 34a is used is greater than the set value, the time required for dispensing may be considered longer, and if the number of times the dispensing dish 34a is used is less than or equal to the set value, the time required for dispensing may be considered shorter. The set value may be equal to the number of dispensing dishes 34a.

[0147] The time required for dispensing may be determined based on the number of times the intermediate container 91 or the external drug container 92 is used. If the number of times the intermediate container 91 or the external drug container 92 is used is greater than the set value, the time required for dispensing may be considered longer, and if the number of times the intermediate container 91 or the external drug container 92 is used is less than or equal to the set value, the time required for dispensing may be considered shorter. The set value may be matched to the number of drug dispensing units 32.

[0148] The control unit 50 may decide to perform packaging using the drug packaging device 1 when the time required for packaging is long, and decide not to perform packaging using the drug packaging device 1 when the time required for packaging is short. The drug packaging device 1 will perform packaging for subsequent dispensing data that requires a long time for packaging, without performing packaging for dispensing data that requires a short time for packaging. The drug packaging device 1 is used as a dedicated device for performing packaging that requires a long time for packaging. This reduces the variation in the time required for packaging for each dispensing data and prevents stress on the operator using the drug packaging device 1. In addition, since the start of packaging for subsequent dispensing that requires a long time for packaging is not delayed, the time required from receiving the input of dispensing data to completing the packaging of the target drug can be shortened for multiple dispensing data.

[0149] In addition, while dispensing using drug packaging device 1, dispensing of prescription data with a short dispensing time is performed using another drug packaging device 95. For example, if the dispensing time is short due to the small number of drugs to be packaged, dispensing may be performed using another drug packaging device 95 equipped with one drug introduction unit for introducing drugs into the device.

[0150] If it is determined in step S105 to perform dispensing (YES in step S105), the control unit 50 then determines whether all drug containers 15 are registered (step S106). This determination determines whether the drug containers 15 are registered, and it is not necessary for the registered drug containers 15 to be introduced into the drug dispensing device 1 in order to determine that the drug containers 15 are registered.

[0151] In the case of dispensing data that does not include drug B, which is determined to be "manually dispensed," i.e., the first dispensing data as shown in Figure 11, all drug containers are registered in the control unit 50, and it is determined that all drugs included in the dispensing data can be supplied and dispensed by the drug dispensing device 1.

[0152] In the case of dispensing data including drug B, which is determined to be "manually dispensed," i.e., in the second and third dispensing data shown in Figure 11, it is determined that one of the drug containers is not registered in the control unit 50, and therefore not all of the drugs included in the dispensing data can be supplied by the drug dispensing device 1.

[0153] If it is determined that all drug containers are registered (YES in step S106), the drug is weighed from the drug containers 15 (step S107). If, during the process in step S107, the required drug containers 15 are not introduced into the drug packaging device 1, weighing can be continued by performing the drug container introduction procedure described above. Alternatively, instead of performing the drug container introduction procedure, it is possible to proceed to step S110 described later, as in the case where drug containers 15 are not registered, and perform an external weighing procedure.

[0154] Once the required amount of drug is placed in the intermediate container 91, the intermediate container 91 is set in the drug discharge unit 32. At this time, if another intermediate container 91 is set in all of the drug discharge units 32, the supply of drug from the set intermediate container 91 to the distribution tray 34a is completed, and the drug discharge unit 32 is left empty before the next intermediate container 91 is set in the drug discharge unit 32.

[0155] Next, the drug is supplied from the intermediate container 91, which holds the measured drug, to the dispensing tray 34a (step S108). This process is repeated until all of the drug to be packaged has been supplied to the dispensing tray 34a. Subsequently, the drug is packaged in the packaging unit 35 (step S109). When the control unit 50 determines that the drug to be packaged, as included in the dispensing data, can be packaged by the drug packaging device 1, it automatically supplies and packages the drug to be packaged. Then, the process ends (END).

[0156] Based on the dispensing data entered into the drug packaging device 1, the control unit 50 determines whether or not the drug to be packaged can be packaged. If it determines that packaging is possible, the control unit 50 determines whether or not to perform packaging using the drug packaging device 1 based on the time required for packaging. If it decides to perform packaging, the supply and packaging of the drug to be packaged are automatically performed. This reduces the time required from receiving the dispensing data to completing the packaging of the drug to be packaged.

[0157] If, in the determination in step S106, it is determined that not all drug containers are registered (NO in step S106), the control unit 50 determines whether some drug containers are registered or not (step S110).

[0158] In the case of the third dispensing data, which includes drug A that was determined to be "cassette-packaged," it is determined that not all drug containers are registered, but some drug containers are registered. In the case of the second dispensing data, which includes only drug B that was determined to be "manual-dispensed," it is determined that not all drug containers are registered.

[0159] If it is determined that some of the drug containers are registered (YES in step S110), the registered drugs are weighed from the drug container 15 in the same manner as in steps S107 to S108 (step S111), and the drugs are supplied from the intermediate container 91 containing the weighed drugs to the dispensing tray 34a (step S112). The drugs supplied to the dispensing tray 34a are then left to be packaged.

[0160] When supplying the drug from the intermediate container 91 to the dispensing tray 34a, the control unit 50 controls the second transport unit 14b so that if the left dispensing tray 34a is to be used, the intermediate container 91 is transported to the supply position P9-L2, and if the right dispensing tray 34a is to be used, the intermediate container 91 is transported to the supply position P9-R2. The control unit 50 assigns the intermediate container 91 to the supply position P9-L2 or P9-R2, where it is more difficult to attach the external drug container 92.

[0161] Next, the control unit 50, for drugs for which no drug container is registered, performs guidance for external weighing by introducing an external drug container 92 containing the entire dose according to the dispensing data into the drug packaging device 1 (step S113).

[0162] If, in step S110, it is determined that not all drug containers are registered (NO in step S110), then steps S111 and S112 are skipped, and the guidance for external weighing in step S113 is executed.

[0163] When performing external weighing, the control unit 50 may provide guidance to the user by displaying information on the display unit 21 or otherwise indicating that external weighing will be performed.

[0164] Alternatively, the control unit 50 may guide the user to perform external weighing by printing information about the drug from the printing unit 24. Figure 12 shows a first example of print output. As shown in Figure 12, a sheet of paper 240 printed with the date and time, the name of the drug (drug A in Figure 12) taken out of the drug container 15 and the weighed value, and the name of the drug (drug B in Figure 12) and the amount to be weighed, may be printed from the printing unit 24.

[0165] Figure 13 shows a second example of the print output. In the example shown in Figure 13, no drugs have been taken out of the drug container 15, and the names of each of the drugs that should be measured externally (drug A and drug B in Figure 13) and the amount to be measured are printed on the paper 240.

[0166] Upon viewing the paper 240 output from the printing unit 24, the operator places the specified type and amount of medication into the external medication container 92 outside the medication packaging device 1, according to the instructions on the paper 240. The operator unlocks the external medication container 92 containing the medication by operating the control unit 22 to allow it to be introduced into the medication packaging device 1. The operator then introduces the external medication container 92 into the medication packaging device 1. The operator inputs the information that the external medication container 92 has been introduced using the control unit 22.

[0167] When introducing the external drug container 92 to the drug discharge unit 32, the system guides the user to introduce the external drug container 92 to supply position P9-L1 if using the left-side dispensing tray 34a, and to introduce the external drug container 92 to supply position P9-R1 if using the right-side dispensing tray 34a. The control unit 50 assigns the external drug container 92 to supply position P9-L1 or P9-R1, whichever is easier to install. This makes it easier to introduce the external drug container 92.

[0168] When introducing the external drug container 92, if all drug discharge sections 32 are already set with other containers, the external drug container 92 is set in the drug discharge section 32 only after the supply of drug from the set containers to the distribution tray 34a is complete and the drug discharge section 32 is free.

[0169] The control unit 50 determines whether or not the external drug container 92 has been introduced (step S114 in Figure 9). If it is determined that the external drug container 92 has not been introduced (NO in step S114), the determination in step S114 is repeated. The control unit 50 determines that the external drug container 92 has been introduced when it receives input from the operator. The drug packaging device 1 may be relocked by the operator performing a relock operation. Alternatively, the drug packaging device 1 may be automatically relocked when it is determined that the external drug container 92 has been introduced.

[0170] If it is determined that the external drug container 92 has been introduced (YES in step S114), the drug contained in the external drug container 92 is supplied to the dispensing tray 34a (step S115). Subsequently, the drug supplied to the dispensing tray 34a is packaged (step S109 in Figure 8). Then, the process is terminated (END).

[0171] If it is determined that a drug to be packaged can be packaged and that packaging using the drug packaging device 1 should be performed, but the corresponding drug container 15 is not registered, the supply and packaging of that drug will be put on hold. The drug can be placed in an external drug container 92 outside the drug packaging device 1, and then the external drug container 92 can be introduced into the drug packaging device 1 to perform the packaging. When external weighing is required, the operator can quickly perform the external weighing, which prevents long waiting times for packaging and thus shortens the time required for packaging.

[0172] If it is determined that the drug to be packaged can be packaged and that packaging using the drug packaging device 1 should be performed, but only a portion of the drug to be packaged is registered as a drug container 15, then the drug measured from that registered drug container 15 will be supplied first. After that, instructions for external weighing will be given. As a result, the drug packaging device 1's operation to supply the drug will not be interrupted by the operator's manual action of trying to introduce an external drug container 92 into the drug packaging device 1, thus enabling the efficient supply and distribution of multiple types of drugs.

[0173] After the drug measured from the registered drug container 15 is supplied to the dispensing tray 34a, guidance for external weighing is provided, so that the operator's manual action of introducing the external drug container 92 into the drug packaging device 1 does not interfere with the supply of drug to the dispensing tray 34a. Therefore, multiple types of drugs can be supplied and distributed efficiently.

[0174] The control unit 50 outputs information regarding the drug to be weighed externally, allowing the operator to place the correct type and quantity of drug into the external drug container 92 according to that output.

[0175] The control unit 50 outputs the measured value of the drug measured from the drug container 15, thereby allowing a record to be kept regarding the actual amount of drug measured.

[0176] The control unit 50 outputs information about the drug to the printing unit 24, allowing the operator to refer to the printed recording medium and perform external weighing. The printed recording medium can also be used to record the actual measured value of the drug weighed out from the drug container 15.

[0177] If it is determined in step S104 that dispensing is not possible (NO in step S104), and if it is determined in step S105 that dispensing using the drug dispensing device 1 will not be performed (NO in step S105), the drug weighing will not be performed automatically. In this case, the operator makes a selection as to whether or not to perform drug weighing using the drug dispensing device 1 (step S116). The control unit 50 displays the target drug and a selection screen on the display unit 21 that allows the operator to choose whether or not to perform weighing of that drug. The operator inputs the selection as to whether or not to perform weighing to the control unit 50 by operating the operation unit 22.

[0178] If it is determined that the operator has chosen not to perform weighing (NO in step S116), the drug packaging device 1 terminates the process (END).

[0179] If it is determined that the operator has chosen to perform weighing (YES in step S116), weighing is performed and the drug is placed in the discharge container 93 (step S117).

[0180] In step S103, if it is determined that the dispensing instruction in the previous step S102 is not for individual packaging, i.e., for weighing (NO in step S103), weighing is performed in step S117 and the drug is placed in the discharge container 93. After weighing is performed, the discharge container 93 is transported to a position where it can be removed from the drug packaging device 1, such as the third retrieval position P7. The process is then terminated (END).

[0181] If the control unit 50 determines that the drug to be packaged cannot be packaged by the drug packaging device 1, or if it determines that the drug to be packaged should not be packaged using the drug packaging device 1, the supply and packaging of the drug to be packaged will be put on hold, and the supply and packaging will not be performed. If the operator selects otherwise, only the weighing of the drug will be performed. If, during the waiting period, the next dispensing data is entered into the drug packaging device 1, and it is determined that the drug to be packaged included in the next dispensing data can be packaged, the supply and packaging of the drug to be packaged included in the next dispensing data will be performed automatically.

[0182] If the control unit 50 determines that not all drug containers 15 are registered (NO in step S110), it may put the supply and packaging of the drug to be packaged on hold and not perform the supply and packaging. If, during the waiting period, the next dispensing data is input to the drug packaging device 1, and it is determined that the drug to be packaged included in the next dispensing data is packageable, and it is determined that all drug containers 15 are registered, then the supply and packaging of the drug to be packaged included in the next dispensing data will be performed automatically. This allows for priority execution of supply and packaging for dispensing data that does not require external weighing.

[0183] For medications that are deemed unsuitable for packaging, the supply from the medication packaging device 1 is put on hold and packaging is not performed. This prevents variations in the amount of medication packaged from occurring when the medication packaging device 1 attempts to package unsuitable medications, thus ensuring high-quality packaging. If the next dispensing data, including a medication that can be packaged, is entered during the waiting period, the next medication can be packaged first, eliminating any waiting time for packaging. This reduces the time required from receiving the dispensing data to completing the packaging of the target medication.

[0184] In the above explanation, we have described an example in which the drug dispensed from the drug container 15 is placed in an intermediate container 91, the intermediate container 91 is set in the drug dispensing unit 32, and the drug in the set intermediate container 91 is dispensed and supplied to the dispensing tray 34a. However, we are not limited to this example, and the drug container 15 may be removed from the drug dispensing unit 17 and set in the drug dispensing unit 32, and the drug may be supplied directly from the drug container 15 to the dispensing tray 34a. In other words, the drug container 15 may constitute the container of the embodiment. In this case, a weighing unit 18 may be provided in the drug dispensing unit 32, and the weight of the drug dispensed from the drug container 15 may be measured while supplying the total amount of drug to the dispensing tray 34a.

[0185] The control unit 50 may decide whether or not to perform dispensing using the drug dispensing device 1 based on the time required until dispensing using the drug dispensing device 1 begins. In this case, the time required until dispensing begins is the time required from the dispensing data entered into the drug dispensing device 1 until dispensing using the drug dispensing device 1 begins. That is, it is the time required from the time dispensing data is entered into the drug dispensing device 1 until the processing of all dispensing data entered into the drug dispensing device 1 is completed (END in Figure 8).

[0186] The control unit 50 determines to perform dispensing using the drug dispensing device 1 if the time until dispensing begins is short, and determines not to perform dispensing using the drug dispensing device 1 if the time until dispensing begins is long.

[0187] The time required until dispensing begins can be determined, for example, based on the number of unprocessed dispensing data entries that have been previously entered into the drug dispensing device 1 and whose processing has not yet been completed (END in Figure 8), and the set value. If the number of unprocessed dispensing data entries is greater than the set value, the time required until dispensing begins will be longer, and if the number of unprocessed dispensing data entries is less than or equal to the set value, the time required until dispensing begins will be shorter.

[0188] If it is determined that dispensing should not be performed using drug dispensing device 1, dispensing will be performed using another drug dispensing device 95. This allows dispensing using the other drug dispensing device 95 to be performed in parallel with dispensing using drug dispensing device 1, enabling efficient dispensing of multiple dispensing data.

[0189] While embodiments have been described above, the embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of this invention is indicated not by the above description but by the claims, and all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims are intended to be included. [Explanation of symbols]

[0190] 1 Drug packaging device, 14 Conveying unit, 14a First conveying unit, 14b Second conveying unit, 15 Drug container, 17 Drug dispensing unit, 18 Weighing unit, 18a Placement platform, 18b Detection unit, 21 Display unit, 22 Operation unit, 23 Supply standby unit, 24 Printing unit, 30 Weighing unit, 32 Drug discharge unit, 32a Container mounting unit, 32b Vibration device, 33 Packaging unit, 34 Dispensing unit, 34a Dispensing tray, 34b Feeding unit, 35 Packaging unit, 35a Hopper, 35b Heater, 37 Cleaning standby unit, 38 Cleaning unit, 40 Packaging material, 50 Control unit, 61 Memory unit, 62 Weighing selection unit, 65 Guide unit, 91 Intermediate container, 92 External drug container, 93 Dispensing container, 100 Dispensing system, 240 Paper, P1 1st standby position, P2 2nd standby position, P3 3rd standby position, P4 Measuring position, P5 1st takeout position, P6 2nd takeout position, P7 3rd takeout position, P8 Supply standby position, P9 Supply position, P10 Cleaning standby position, P11 Cleaning position.

Claims

1. A supply unit that supplies the drug from a container containing the drug, which is in the form of a powder or tablet, A packaging unit for packaging the drug supplied by the supply unit, A drug packaging device comprising a supply unit and a control unit for controlling the packaging unit, The control unit includes a guidance unit that provides various types of guidance, The control unit determines whether or not to perform dispensing using the drug dispensing device based on the time required for dispensing using the drug dispensing device. The control unit determines whether to perform packaging if the time required for packaging is long, and whether to perform packaging if the time required for packaging is short. If the control unit determines that it will not perform packaging using the drug packaging device, the guide unit will guide the user to use another drug packaging device to package the drug.

2. The drug packaging device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit determines the time required for packaging based on the number of drugs to be packaged and a set value.

3. A supply unit that supplies a drug from a container containing a drug in the form of a powder or tablet, A packaging unit for packaging the drug supplied by the supply unit, A drug packaging device comprising a supply unit and a control unit for controlling the packaging unit, The control unit includes a guidance unit that provides various types of guidance, The control unit determines the time required for packaging based on the number of drugs to be packaged and the set value. The control unit determines whether or not to perform dispensing using the drug dispensing device based on the time required for dispensing using the drug dispensing device. If the control unit determines that it will not perform packaging using the drug packaging device, the guide unit will guide the user to use another drug packaging device to package the drug.

4. The drug packaging device according to claim 3, wherein the control unit determines to perform packaging when the time required for packaging is short, and determines not to perform packaging when the time required for packaging is long.

5. The supply unit includes a drug discharge unit into which the container is set and which discharges the drug from the set container. The drug packaging device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the control unit matches the set value to the number of drug dispensing units.

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