Drug supply device

Abstract

To provide a medicine supply device which can determine that a total amount of medicines is discharged from an introduction chemical container that stores the total amount of medicines used for dispensing processing.SOLUTION: A medicine supply device comprises an introduction chemical container, a medicine discharge part, a first measurement part and a control device. The total amount of medicines to be used for dispensing processing is stored in the introduction chemical container. The medicine discharge part can set the introduction chemical container introduced from the outside and can execute the discharge operation of medicines stored in the set introduction chemical container. The first measurement part measures the weight of the medicines stored in the introduction chemical container set in the medicine discharge part. The control device causes the medicine discharge part to execute the discharge operation of the medicines in the introduction chemical container. The control device causes the first measurement part to measure the weight of the medicines stored in the introduction chemical container set in the medicine discharge part after the discharge operation of the medicines in the introduction chemical container is executed. The control device determines whether or not all of the medicines stored in the introduction chemical container is discharged.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention primarily relates to a medicine supply device. BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known a medicine supply device capable of storing medicine containers and automatically supplying medicine accommodated in the medicine containers. Patent Document 1 discloses this type of medicine supply device.

[0003] The powder medicine packaging device of Patent Document 1 includes a container storage unit, a container moving device, a container holding table, and a weight measuring means. The container storage unit holds a plurality of automatic medicine containers. The container moving device is capable of holding an automatic medicine container, and can perform an operation of taking out a predetermined automatic medicine container from the container storage unit and placing it on the container holding table. The container holding table can carry an automatic medicine container, and can also carry a manual medicine container (introduced medicine container) filled with powder medicine (medicine) weighed by a medicine weighing device. The container holding table can vibrate the placed automatic medicine container or manual medicine container, and discharge the powder medicine accommodated in the corresponding medicine container to a distribution dish. The weight measuring means is provided on the container holding table, and measures the weight of the automatic medicine container placed on the container holding table. PRIOR ART DOCUMENT PATENT DOCUMENT

[0004] Patent Document 1 Japanese Patent No. 5953471 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the configuration described in Patent Document 1, a manual drug container is filled with a specified amount of powdered drug (the amount ultimately discharged into the dispensing dish) using a drug weighing device. When this manual drug container is placed on the container holder, the powdered drug is then discharged from the manual drug container into the dispensing dish. At this time, the weight of the manual drug container (the amount of drug it contains) placed on the container holder is not measured. Furthermore, after the powdered drug has been discharged from the manual drug container into the dispensing dish, the weight of the manual drug container placed on the container holder is not measured.

[0006] When manual dispensing containers containing powdered medication are used in this manner, the entire contents of the container may not be dispensed at once due to reasons such as the powder adhering to the container. However, even in such cases, since the dispensing of the powder from the manual dispensing container is stopped, there is a problem in that it is not possible to confirm that the required amount of medication has been dispensed.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a drug supply device that can determine when the required amount of drug has been discharged from an introduction drug container that holds the entire amount of drug used in the dispensing process. Means and effects for solving the problem

[0008] The problems that this invention aims to solve are as described above, and next, the means for solving these problems and their effects will be explained.

[0009] According to the aspects of the present invention, a drug supply device having the following configuration is provided. That is, this drug supply device comprises an introduction drug container, a drug discharge unit, a measurement unit, and a control unit. The introduction drug container contains the total amount of drug to be used in the dispensing process. an amount equal toThe drug is contained within. The drug discharge unit can accommodate the introduction drug container introduced from the outside and performs a discharge operation of the drug contained in the introduced drug container that has been set. The measuring unit measures the weight of the drug contained in the introduction drug container set in the drug discharge unit. The control unit controls the drug discharge unit and the measuring unit. The control unit causes the drug discharge unit to perform a discharge operation of the drug in the introduction drug container. The control unit, By the aforementioned drug discharge unit The drug in the aforementioned introduction drug container In the process of discharge The measurement unit is instructed to measure the weight of the drug contained in the drug introduction container set in the drug discharge unit. Continue The control unit, Based on the measurement results from the aforementioned measurement unit, Determine whether all of the drug contained in the aforementioned drug container has been discharged. The discharge operation is terminated when it is determined that all of the drug contained in the introduction drug container has been discharged, and the discharge operation is continued when it is determined that not all of the drug contained in the introduction drug container has been discharged. do.

[0010] As a result, the drug supply device can dispense the entire amount of drugs used in the dispensing process. an amount equal to This allows for the determination of whether the entire amount of medication has been discharged from the container in which it was stored. As a result, it can be confirmed that the entire amount of medication to be used in the dispensing process has been discharged. In the aforementioned drug supply device, it is preferable that the control unit monitors the change in the weight of the drug in the introduction drug container during the discharge operation by the drug discharge unit, based on the measurement results of the measurement unit.

[0011] In the aforementioned drug supply device, it is preferable that the control unit stores the weight of the drug discharged from the introduction drug container when it determines that all of the drug in the introduction drug container has been discharged.

[0012] This makes it possible to determine the actual amount of drug discharged from the drug container.

[0013] According to another aspect of the present invention, a drug supply device comprising the introduction drug container is provided. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] A schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a drug packaging device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] A timing chart showing the relationship between the operating timings of each part of a drug packaging device during the dispensing process. [Figure 3] Flowchart of processing an introduced drug container. Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a drug packaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The drug packaging apparatus includes a drug supply apparatus 1 and a packaging unit 41.

[0017] The drug supply apparatus 1 shown in Figure 1 can store a plurality of drug containers each containing a drug (which is a powder in the present embodiment). This drug supply apparatus 1 can perform dispensing processing using the drug in the drug container. The dispensed drug is supplied to the outside from the drug packaging apparatus.

[0018] A magnetic member is provided on the outer surface of each drug container stored by the drug supply apparatus 1. This magnetic member is used for conveying the drug container by the container conveying unit 15 described later. Further, an information tag is attached to the outer surface of each stored drug container. This information tag stores unique identification information, information on the contained drug, and data relating to the weight of the drug in the drug container.

[0019] The drug supply apparatus 1 includes a container storage unit 11, a container conveying unit 15, a drug discharging unit 21, a distribution plate 31, a drug taking-out unit 35, a first cleaning unit 52, a measurement processing unit, a first reader-writer unit 71, a second reader-writer unit 75, a temporary container placement unit 81, a container taking-out unit 82, an interface unit 91, and a control device (control unit) 95. The interface unit 91 and the control device 95 also function as the interface unit and the control device of the drug packaging apparatus.

[0020] The drug packaging apparatus includes a housing. This housing accommodates each part of the drug supply apparatus 1 (for example, the container storage unit 11, the drug discharging unit 21, etc.) and the packaging unit 41.

[0021] The container storage unit 11 is capable of storing a plurality of drug containers. The container storage unit 11 includes a rotating member 12 and a container placement unit 13.

[0022] The rotating member 12 is provided in an upright posture. The rotating member 12 can rotate about a vertical axis by the driving force of a motor.

[0023] A plurality of container placement units 13 are provided side by side on the outer periphery of the rotating member 12. A drug container can be placed in each container placement unit 13. The container placement unit 13 can be, for example, a mounting plate capable of accommodating a drug container. The container placement unit 13 rotates integrally with the rotating member 12 as the rotating member 12 rotates.

[0024] Only one corresponding drug container is placed in one container placement unit 13. The container placement unit 13 where a drug container is placed is predetermined according to the drug container, and the drug container is not placed in any other container placement unit 13. Note that the container placement unit 13 may be configured such that different drug containers can be placed in one container placement unit 13. In this case, the drug container placed in the container placement unit 13 is specified by reading data stored in an information tag attached to the drug container.

[0025] The container transport unit 15 transports drug containers between the container storage unit 11 and a drug discharge unit 21. The container transport unit 15 can perform at least the following three operations on a drug container. The first is an operation of moving between the container storage unit 11 and the drug discharge unit 21 (first operation). The second is an operation of taking out a drug container from one of the container placement units 13 of the container storage unit 11 (second operation). The third is an operation of returning a drug container to one of the container placement units 13 (third operation).

[0026] The container transport unit 15 includes a holding arm unit 16 and a transport operation mechanism 17.

[0027] The holding arm portion 16 can hold and release the drug container. In this embodiment, the tip of the holding arm portion 16 is provided with an electromagnet that can be attached to and detached from the magnetic member on the outer surface of the drug container. Therefore, the holding arm portion 16 can hold and release the drug container using the electromagnet. The base end of the holding arm portion 16 is connected to the transport mechanism 17.

[0028] The transport mechanism 17 can move the holding arm 16 between the container storage section 11 and the drug dispensing section 21 using the driving force of the motor.

[0029] With the above configuration, the holding arm 16 can retrieve a drug container placed in the container placement section 13 while its tip is close to the outer periphery of the container storage section 11 due to the transport mechanism 17. Also, while its tip is close to the outer periphery of the container storage section 11, the holding arm 16 can return the drug container it is holding to the container placement section 13.

[0030] On the other hand, with the tip of the holding arm 16 approaching the drug dispensing section 21 due to the transport mechanism 17, the holding arm 16 can set a drug container in the drug dispensing section 21. Also, with the tip of the holding arm 16 approaching the drug dispensing section 21, the holding arm 16 can release the set drug container and remove it from the drug dispensing section 21.

[0031] The drug discharge unit 21 is capable of discharging the drug from the drug container that is set in it. The drug discharge unit 21 is equipped with a vibrator 22 for vibrating the drug discharge unit 21. When the drug container set in the drug discharge unit 21 vibrates, the drug inside the drug container is shaken out.

[0032] The drug discharge unit 21 can be equipped with introduction drug containers that hold different types of drugs used in the dispensing process. The introduction drug containers are introduced into the drug supply device 1 from the outside. The introduction drug containers hold the total amount of drugs used in the dispensing process. The drug discharge unit 21 can perform a discharge operation at least once to discharge all of the drugs contained in the introduction drug containers.

[0033] Similar to drug containers, information tags are attached to the outer surface of the drug container. These information tags store data (unique information) that includes unique identification information.

[0034] Furthermore, the drug container may be set in the drug discharge section 21 by the container transport section 15 (the drug container is transported between the temporary container storage section 81 and the drug discharge section 21). In this case, a magnetic member is provided on the outer surface of the drug container and used for transport by the container transport section 15.

[0035] The drug supply device 1 is equipped with a plurality (two in this embodiment) of drug discharge units 21. One drug container or introduction drug container can be set in one drug discharge unit 21. Therefore, if a drug container or introduction drug container is set in any of the plurality of drug discharge units 21, drugs may be discharged simultaneously from the plurality of drug discharge units 21.

[0036] The dispensing tray 31 is located near the drug discharge section 21. The dispensing tray 31 functions as a receiving tray for the drug shaken out of the drug container.

[0037] The distribution plate 31 comprises a plate portion 32 and a rotation drive unit 33.

[0038] The dish portion 32 is formed in the shape of a horizontal disc. The dish portion 32 is supported so as to be rotatable about an axis in the vertical direction. The drug discharged from the drug discharge portion 21 can be placed on top of the dish portion 32.

[0039] The rotary drive unit 33 can rotate the dish portion 32 in the circumferential direction using the driving force of the motor. As the dish portion 32 rotates and receives the drug from the drug discharge portion 21, the drug is evenly distributed on the dish portion 32 in the circumferential direction.

[0040] The drug dispensing unit 35 is located near the dispensing tray 31. The drug dispensing unit 35 uses the driving force of a motor to scoop up the drug from a portion of the circumferential region of the tray 32 (dispensing operation). The drug dispensing unit 35 can supply the scooped-up drug to the packaging unit 41.

[0041] The packaging unit 41 can package the drug. The packaging unit 41 is equipped with a hopper 42 which serves as the drug input port. When the drug dispensing unit 35 puts a single dose of drug into the hopper 42, the packaging unit 41 packages the drug. The packaged drug is then supplied to the outside of the drug packaging device.

[0042] The cleaning processing unit comprises a first cleaning unit 52 and a second cleaning unit 53.

[0043] The first cleaning unit 52 is located near the dispensing tray 31. The first cleaning unit 52 can clean the dispensing tray 31 and the drug dispensing unit 35.

[0044] The second cleaning unit 53 is located near the packaging unit 41. The second cleaning unit 53 can clean the packaging unit 41 (in this embodiment, the inside of the hopper 42).

[0045] The configurations of the first cleaning unit 52 and the second cleaning unit 53 are arbitrary, but for example, they can be configured to suck in chemicals adhering to each part using negative pressure.

[0046] The measurement processing unit comprises a first measurement unit (measurement unit) 62 and a second measurement unit 63.

[0047] The first measuring unit 62 is a device that measures the weight of the drug in the drug container or introduction drug container set in the drug dispensing unit 21. The first measuring unit 62 is provided in the drug dispensing unit 21. Specifically, the first measuring unit 62 measures the weight of the drug dispensing unit 21 in which the drug container or introduction drug container is set, and calculates the weight of the drug in the drug container or introduction drug container. In this embodiment, one first measuring unit 62 is provided in each drug dispensing unit 21.

[0048] The second measuring unit 63 is a device that measures the weight of the drug in the drug introduction container before it is set in the drug dispensing unit 21. The second measuring unit 63 is located in the container temporary storage unit 81, which will be described later. Specifically, the second measuring unit 63 measures the weight of the drug introduction container and calculates the weight of the drug inside the drug introduction container.

[0049] The second measurement unit 63 may be configured together with the second reader / writer unit 75 as part of a measurement device separate from the drug supply device 1.

[0050] The first reader / writer unit 71 can read data stored in an information tag attached to a drug container or introduction drug container set in the drug dispensing unit 21. The first reader / writer unit 71 can also write data to the information tag. A first reader / writer unit 71 is provided in each drug dispensing unit 21.

[0051] The second reader / writer unit 75 can read data stored in an information tag attached to the drug container before it is set in the drug dispensing unit 21. The second reader / writer unit 75 is located in the container temporary storage unit 81.

[0052] The container temporary storage section 81 can temporarily hold the drug containers to be introduced into the drug supply device 1 from the outside. The container temporary storage section 81 can be configured in various ways, but for example, it can be configured as a platform on which the drug containers can be placed.

[0053] The interface unit 91 implements user interface functions. The interface unit 91 can be configured to include, for example, a display device that displays the status of the dispensing process and user input information, and an operating device for the user to input instructions.

[0054] The control device 95 is a computer equipped with a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. The ROM stores a control program for operating the drug packaging device. The operation of the container storage unit 11, container transport unit 15, drug discharge unit 21, dispensing tray 31, drug removal unit 35, packaging unit 41, cleaning unit, first reader / writer unit 71, second reader / writer unit 75, and interface unit 91 is controlled by the control device 95.

[0055] Next, an example of the processing performed by the control device 95 will be described in detail. This example shows a case where dispensing is performed for two types of drugs using a drug container and an introduction drug container.

[0056] Dispensing data related to the dispensing process is input via the interface unit 91 according to the prescription information and stored in the control device 95. Dispensing data may include, for example, the type of drug to be used in the dispensing process, the daily dose, the number of doses per day, and the number of days of administration. Once the dispensing data is input, the drug packaging device starts the dispensing process.

[0057] When the dispensing process begins, the control device 95 moves the tip of the holding arm 16 close to the container placement section 13 where the drug container containing the drug to be used for dispensing is located, in order to remove the drug container from the container storage section 11. In the following description, this drug container may be referred to as the first drug container.

[0058] The control device 95 rotates the rotating member 12 to adjust the position of the container placement section 13 where the first drug container is located. This makes it possible to remove the first drug container from the container placement section 13 using the tip of the holding arm 16 of the container transport section 15. At timing T1 shown in Figure 2, the control device 95 rotates the container storage section 11 while moving the holding arm 16. By moving the holding arm 16 and adjusting the position of the container placement section 13 simultaneously, the transport operation of the drug container becomes smoother.

[0059] The control device 95 controls the container transport unit 15 so that the first drug container is removed from the container placement unit 13.

[0060] When the tip of the holding arm 16 holds the first drug container, the control device 95 controls the container transport unit 15 to transport and set the first drug container in the drug discharge unit 21, which does not currently have a drug container set in it. Hereinafter, the two drug discharge units 21 may be referred to as the first drug discharge unit and the second drug discharge unit to identify them. In this embodiment, the first drug container is set in the first drug discharge unit 21.

[0061] When the first drug container is set in the first drug dispensing unit 21, the control device 95 causes the first reader / writer unit 71 of the first drug dispensing unit 21 to read the data stored in the information tag of the first drug container. The data read at this time includes, for example, data relating to unique identification information, drug information, and weight information.

[0062] The control device 95 determines, based on the unique identification information or drug information acquired by the first reader / writer unit 71, whether the first drug container set in the first drug dispensing unit 21 matches the drug container containing the drug to be used in the dispensing process. The control device 95 also determines, based on the drug weight information acquired by the first reader / writer unit 71, whether the drug container contains more than the amount of drug required for the current dispensing process.

[0063] When the control device 95 confirms that the drug container set in the first drug discharge unit 21 is correct and that the drug container contains more than the amount of drug required for dispensing, the control device 95 starts the vibration device 22 of the first drug discharge unit 21 to vibrate and rotates the dispensing tray 31 (end of timing T2). As a result, the drug is shaken out of the first drug container.

[0064] The drug shaken out of the first drug container is discharged onto the rotating dispensing tray 31. Therefore, the drug is placed on the dispensing tray 31 so that its thickness is uniform.

[0065] During the process in which the first drug discharge unit 21 discharges the drug from the first drug container, the first measuring unit 62 continuously measures the weight of the drug in the first drug container. As the drug is shaken out of the first drug container, the weight of the drug in the first drug container gradually decreases. When the decrease in the weight of the drug in the first drug container becomes equal to the weight of the drug to be used in the dispensing process, the control device 95 stops the vibration device 22 of the first drug discharge unit 21 and terminates the discharge of the drug from the first drug discharge unit 21. In this way, the control device 95 monitors the change in the weight of the drug in the first drug container during the discharge operation. This makes it possible to accurately discharge the amount of drug required for the current dispensing process from the first drug container.

[0066] There are cases where the medication to be used in the dispensing process is not contained in the medication container. Also, the amount of medication contained in the medication container may be insufficient for the amount required for dispensing. In such cases, when the dispensing process starts, the control device 95 will guide the user to place the medication in the introduction medication container and introduce it into the medication supply device 1.

[0067] In the following explanation, the introduction drug container containing the drug in question may be referred to as the second drug container.

[0068] The second drug container is placed in the temporary container storage section 81. The drug is then poured into the second drug container placed in the temporary container storage section 81. At this point, the user performs a measurement operation.

[0069] The second measurement unit 63 measures the weight of the drug in the second drug container placed in the temporary container storage unit 81. The measurement is completed when the weight of the drug in the second drug container equals the weight of the drug to be used in the dispensing process. Upon completion of the measurement, the second measurement unit 63 transmits the measurement result to the control device 95. The control device 95 stores the weight of the drug in the second drug container in association with the dispensing data related to the current dispensing process.

[0070] The control device 95 informs the user that it is permissible to introduce the drug into the drug supply device 1.

[0071] The second drug container is set in the drug dispensing section (second drug dispensing section 21) that does not contain the first drug container.

[0072] The setting of the second drug container into the second drug discharge unit 21 may be performed manually by the user. Alternatively, the container transport unit 15 shown in Figure 1 can be used to transport the second drug container, which has been manually set in the container temporary storage unit 81, to the second drug discharge unit 21. In this case, when the tip of the holding arm unit 16 holds the second drug container, the control device 95 controls the container transport unit 15 to transport and set the second drug container in the drug discharge unit 21, where no drug container is currently set.

[0073] When the second drug container is placed in the temporary container storage unit 81, the control device 95 causes the second reader / writer unit 75 to read the unique identification information stored in the information tag of the second drug container (timing T3). Upon completion of the measurement work by the second measurement unit 63, the second reader / writer unit 75 transmits the unique identification information to the control device 95. The control device 95 stores the unique identification information in association with the dispensing data related to the current dispensing process.

[0074] When the second drug container is set in the second drug dispensing unit 21, the control device 95 performs the following processing in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3. Specifically, first, the control device 95 causes the first reader / writer unit 71 of the second drug dispensing unit 21 to read the unique identification information stored in the information tag of the second drug container (timing T4) (step S1). The control device 95 also causes the first measurement unit 62 to measure the weight of the drug in the second drug container (step S2).

[0075] The control device 95 determines, based on the unique identification information acquired by the first reader / writer unit 71, whether the second drug container set in the second drug discharge unit 21 matches the introduction drug container containing the drug to be used in the dispensing process (step S3). The control device 95 also determines, based on the weight of the drug measured by the first measurement unit 62, whether the second drug container contains the amount of drug required for the current dispensing process (step S4).

[0076] In this embodiment, if the total amount of drug shown in the dispensing data matches the measurement result of the first measurement unit 62, it is determined that the amount of drug required for the current dispensing process is contained in the second drug container. On the other hand, if the total amount of drug shown in the dispensing data does not match the measurement result of the first measurement unit 62, it is determined that the amount of drug required for the current dispensing process is not contained in the second drug container.

[0077] The control device 95 may determine whether there has been an increase or decrease in the amount of medication contained in the second medication container based on whether the measurement results from the first measurement unit 62 and the second measurement unit 63 match. This determination can be achieved, for example, as follows: When the second reader / writer unit 75 acquires unique information of the introduced medication container and the second measurement unit 63 measures the weight of the medication, the control device 95 associates the obtained unique information and the weight of the medication with identification information (ID) that uniquely indicates the dispensing data and stores them, for example, in a table format. Subsequently, when the first reader / writer unit 71 acquires unique information of the introduced medication container, the control device 95 can refer to the above table based on this unique information to retrieve the weight of the medication previously measured by the second measurement unit 63 for that medication container, as well as the ID of the dispensing data. The measurement results from the first measurement unit 62 and the second measurement unit 63 are compared, and if they match, the control device 95 determines that there has been no increase or decrease in the amount of medication contained in the second medication container. If they do not match, the control device 95 determines that there has been an increase or decrease in the amount of drug contained in the second drug container.

[0078] If the weight measured by the first measuring unit 62 is greater than the weight measured by the second measuring unit 63, there is a possibility that foreign matter has been mixed into the second drug container when the drug was introduced. On the other hand, if the weight measured by the first measuring unit 62 is less than the weight measured by the second measuring unit 63, there is a possibility that the drug spilled from the second drug container when the drug was introduced. By comparing the measurement results of the first measuring unit 62 and the second measuring unit 63, it becomes easier to detect small changes in weight.

[0079] When the control device 95 confirms that the second drug container set in the second drug discharge unit 21 is correct and that the amount of drug required for dispensing is contained in the second drug container, it causes the vibration device 22 of the second drug discharge unit 21 to start vibrating (end of timing T4). This causes the drug to be shaken out of the introduction drug container. In this way, the drug discharge operation of the second drug discharge unit 21 is performed (step S5). In the example in Figure 2, the drug discharge timings of the first drug discharge unit 21 and the second drug discharge unit 21 overlap.

[0080] Next, when the amount of drug required for dispensing is discharged from the first drug container, the control device 95 stops the vibration device 22 of the first drug discharge unit 21 and causes the first measurement unit 62 to measure the weight of the drug in the first drug container. In this way, the shaking of the drug from the first drug container is completed. After that, the control device 95 causes the first reader / writer unit 71 of the first drug discharge unit 21 to perform a writing process. That is, the control device 95 stores the weight data of the drug in the first drug container at the end of the drug shaking process in the information tag of the first drug container (timing T5). The control device 95 also stores the weight of the drug discharged from the first drug container based on the amount of drug lost from the first drug container.

[0081] After the weight data is written to the information tag of the first drug container, the control device 95 controls the container transport unit 15 to return the first drug container to the container storage unit 11.

[0082] As shown in Figure 2, the drug supply device 1 can transport the drug container (first drug container) that has finished discharging (second drug container in this example) back to its original position while another drug container (second drug container in this example) is discharging the drug. In this way, drug discharge and drug container movement can be performed simultaneously, allowing the entire operation to be carried out quickly.

[0083] As described above, the drug supply device 1 can open the drug discharge section 21 while the drug container is discharging the drug. Furthermore, even while the drug container (second drug container) is discharging the drug, the drug supply device 1 can pre-set the drug container to be used for the next dispensing process in the now-empty drug discharge section 21 (first drug discharge section 21). In this sense as well, the drug supply device 1 is able to perform dispensing processes efficiently.

[0084] Furthermore, similar to the case when removing a drug container from the container storage unit 11, the control device 95 rotates the rotating member 12 to adjust the position of the container placement unit 13 to which the first drug container should be returned. This allows the tip of the holding arm 16 to return the first drug container to the container placement unit 13. The rotation of the container storage unit 11 is performed by the time the holding arm 16 has finished moving (timing T6), similar to the case described above (timing T1). This ensures smooth transport of the drug containers.

[0085] Next, when the drug discharge operation is performed on the second drug container, the control device 95 stops the vibration device 22 of the second drug discharge unit 21 and causes the first measuring unit 62 to measure the weight of the drug in the second drug container (step S6). At this time, when the sensor (not shown) that detects the drug being discharged from the second drug container no longer detects the drug, the control device 95 stops the vibration device 22 of the second drug discharge unit 21. In this way, the shaking of the drug from the second drug container is completed. After that, the control device 95 determines whether or not all of the drug in the second drug container has been discharged based on the measurement result of the first measuring unit 62 (step S7).

[0086] In this embodiment, if the measurement result of the first measurement unit 62 after the drug discharge operation is 0, the control device 95 determines that all of the drug in the second drug container has been discharged. On the other hand, if the measurement result of the first measurement unit 62 after the drug discharge is greater than 0, the control device 95 determines that not all of the drug in the second drug container has been discharged.

[0087] If the control device 95 determines that all of the drug in the second drug container has been discharged, it stores the weight of the drug discharged from the second drug container based on the amount of drug lost from the second drug container (step S8).

[0088] On the other hand, if the control device 95 determines that not all of the drug in the second drug container has been discharged, there is a possibility that some drug remains in the second drug container. Therefore, if the control device 95 determines that not all of the drug in the second drug container has been discharged, it starts the vibration device 22 of the second drug discharge unit 21 to vibrate and rotates the distribution plate 31. In this way, the drug discharge operation is performed so that the drug is shaken out of the second drug container again (step S9). As a result, at least a portion of the drug remaining in the second drug container is discharged. Then, returning to step S6, the control device 95 has the first measuring unit 62 measure the weight of the drug in the second drug container. Based on the measurement result of the first measuring unit 62, the control device 95 determines whether or not all of the drug in the second drug container has been discharged (in this embodiment, whether or not the measurement result of the first measuring unit 62 is 0).

[0089] In this embodiment, when the control device 95 determines that not all of the drug in the second drug container has been discharged, it starts vibrating the vibration device 22 of the second drug discharge unit 21 again, and controls the vibration device 22 to apply a stronger vibration to the second drug container set in the second drug discharge unit 21 compared to the previous vibration.

[0090] When the dispensing process from the first and second drug containers is complete and the necessary drugs for dispensing are placed on the dispensing tray 31, the control device 95 causes the drug dispensing unit 35 to scoop up the drugs from the dispensing tray 31 and put the drugs into the hopper 42 of the packaging unit 41 (timing T7). The control device 95 also causes the drug dispensing unit 35 to package the drugs in the packaging unit 41 (timing T7). In Figure 2, the timing of the packaging unit 41's operation is omitted, but the packaging unit 41 operates at approximately the same timing as the drug dispensing unit 35. As shown in Figure 2, the drug supply device 1 can transport drug containers while the drug dispensing unit 35 is performing the drug dispensing operation. In this way, drug dispensing and drug container movement can be performed simultaneously, allowing the entire operation to be completed quickly.

[0091] When the process of scooping the drug out of the dispensing tray 31 is complete, the dispensing tray 31 stops. Then, the first cleaning unit 52 cleans the dispensing tray 31 and the drug dispensing unit 35 (timing T8). As shown in Figure 2, the drug supply device 1 can perform the drug container transport operation while the first cleaning unit 52 is performing the cleaning operation (first cleaning operation). In this way, the cleaning operation and the movement of drug containers can be performed simultaneously, so the entire operation can be carried out quickly.

[0092] After the packaging unit 41 has finished processing (in other words, after the supply of the drug from the first drug container and the drug from the second drug container has finished), the second cleaning unit 53 cleans the packaging unit 41 (timing T9). The drug supply device 1 can transport the drug containers while the second cleaning unit 53 is performing the cleaning operation (second cleaning operation). In this way, the cleaning operation and the movement of drug containers can be performed simultaneously, so the entire operation can be carried out quickly.

[0093] Incidentally, after the current dispensing process using the first and second drug containers, there are cases where the next dispensing process is to be carried out immediately. In the drug supply device 1 of this embodiment, if the same drug container is to be used again in the next dispensing process, the control device 95 can control the device so as not to return the drug container from the drug discharge unit 21 to the container storage unit 11.

[0094] Thus, since the drug supply device 1 does not return the drug containers that are to be reused from the drug discharge unit 21 to the container storage unit 11, the drug supply device 1 does not need to transport the drug containers from the container storage unit 11 when performing the next dispensing process. As a result, the drug packaging device can perform the next dispensing process smoothly and shorten its operating time.

[0095] When a new drug container to be used in the next dispensing process is to be taken from the container storage unit 11, the control device 95 rotates the rotating member 12 to adjust the position of the container placement unit 13. This makes it possible to take the drug container from the container placement unit 13 using the tip of the holding arm 16 of the container transport unit 15. Since the tip of the holding arm 16 is already positioned near the container storage unit 11, the rotation of the container storage unit 11 is performed while the holding arm 16 is stationary (timing T10 in Figure 2). However, the rotation of the container storage unit 11 may also be performed while moving the holding arm 16.

[0096] As described above, the drug supply device 1 of this embodiment comprises a drug discharge unit 21, a first measurement unit 62, and a control device 95. The drug discharge unit 21 can set an introduction drug container introduced from the outside and performs a drug discharge operation for the drug contained in the set introduction drug container. The first measurement unit 62 measures the weight of the drug contained in the introduction drug container set in the drug discharge unit 21. The control device 95 controls the drug discharge unit 21 and the first measurement unit 62. When an introduction drug container containing drug is set in the drug discharge unit 21, the control device 95 causes the drug discharge unit 21 to perform a drug discharge operation for the drug in the introduction drug container. After the drug discharge operation for the drug in the introduction drug container is performed, the control device 95 causes the first measurement unit 62 to measure the weight of the drug contained in the introduction drug container set in the drug discharge unit 21. The control device 95 determines whether or not all of the drug contained in the introduction drug container has been discharged.

[0097] This allows the drug supply device 1 to determine when the drug introduction container is used and when the required amount of drug has been dispensed from the drug introduction container. As a result, it becomes possible to confirm that the required amount of drug has been dispensed.

[0098] Furthermore, in the drug supply device 1 of this embodiment, when the control device 95 determines that all of the drug in the introduction drug container has been discharged, it stores the weight of the drug discharged from the introduction drug container.

[0099] This makes it possible to determine the actual amount of drug discharged from the drug container.

[0100] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the drug supply device 1, when the control device 95 determines that not all of the drug in the introduction drug container has been discharged, causes the drug discharge unit 21 to perform a drug discharge operation in the introduction drug container.

[0101] This allows for repeated discharging of the drug from the drug container, ensuring that all of the drug in the container is reliably removed.

[0102] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the above configuration can be modified as follows, for example.

[0103] The drug dispensing units 21 are not limited to two, but may be three or more. If all or part of the drug containers set in each of the multiple drug dispensing units 21 are to be used not only this time but also in the next dispensing, the drug containers should not be returned to the container storage unit 11, but the drug should be dispensed at the next dispensing.

[0104] The number of drug discharge units 21 may be one.

[0105] There does not need to be any time overlap between the rotation of the container storage unit 11 and the movement of the container transport unit 15 between the container storage unit 11 and the drug discharge unit 21 (hereinafter referred to as the movement operation).

[0106] There does not need to be any time overlap between the cleaning operation of the first cleaning unit 52 and the cleaning operation of the second cleaning unit 53 and the movement operation of the container transport unit 15. Furthermore, at least one of the first cleaning unit 52 and the second cleaning unit 53 can be omitted.

[0107] There does not need to be any time overlap between the dispensing operation of the drug dispensing unit 35 and the movement operation of the container transport unit 15.

[0108] The container storage section 11, the drug dispensing section 21, the temporary container storage section 81, etc., can be configured so that users can easily access them from the outside. For example, the drug supply device 1 can be provided with an opening and closing door. This makes it easier for users to place drug containers in each section or to remove drug containers from each section.

[0109] In the above embodiment, the holding arm 16 uses electromagnetic force to hold and release the drug container. However, a hand may be provided at the tip of the holding arm 16, and the drug container may be mechanically held and released by this hand.

[0110] If it is not necessary to move the holding arm portion 16, the control device 95 may perform control to keep the holding arm portion 16 in a predetermined standby position.

[0111] The number of dispensing trays 31 can be changed as appropriate, taking into account the number of drug discharge units 21. For example, if 4 to 6 drug discharge units 21 are provided, two dispensing trays can be provided to receive the drugs discharged from 2 to 3 drug discharge units 21.

[0112] The drug packaging device may be equipped with a notification unit to inform the user of any abnormalities in the dispensing process. If the drug container set in the drug dispensing unit 21 cannot be confirmed to be a drug container containing the drug to be used in the dispensing process, the control device 95 may notify the user of this fact via the notification unit. The notification unit can also be activated if the amount of drug required for dispensing cannot be confirmed, or if the measurement results of the first measurement unit 62 and the second measurement unit 63 do not match. The configuration of the notification unit is not particularly limited and can be, for example, a buzzer or a lamp.

[0113] If the drug container set in the drug dispensing unit 21 cannot be confirmed to be a drug container containing drugs to be used in the dispensing process, the control device 95 may instruct the container transport unit 15 to transport the drug container to the container storage unit 11. The same applies if the amount of drugs contained in the drug container is insufficient for the amount required for the dispensing process.

[0114] In the above embodiment, the control device 95 determines whether the drug container set in the drug dispensing unit 21 contains the amount of drug necessary for dispensing based on the weight data stored in the information tag. However, the control device 95 may also make the determination based on the measurement results of the first measurement unit 62.

[0115] The second reader / writer unit 75 may be changed to a read-only device (reader device).

[0116] From the above disclosure, the means and their effects can be understood as follows.

[0117] [1] An introduction drug container that holds the entire amount of the drug to be used in the dispensing process, A drug discharge unit that can set the drug introduction container introduced from the outside and performs a drug discharge operation for the drug contained in the set drug introduction container, A measuring unit for measuring the weight of the drug contained in the drug introduction container set in the drug discharge unit, A control unit that controls the drug discharge unit and the measurement unit, Equipped with, The control unit, The drug discharge unit is made to perform a drug discharge operation in the drug introduction container. After the drug discharge operation in the drug introduction container is performed, the measuring unit is instructed to measure the weight of the drug contained in the drug introduction container set in the drug discharge unit. A drug supply device characterized by determining whether or not all of the drug contained in the introduction drug container has been discharged.

[0118] This allows the drug supply device to determine when the entire amount of drug to be used in the dispensing process has been discharged from the introduction drug container. As a result, it becomes possible to confirm that the entire amount of drug to be used in the dispensing process has been discharged.

[0119] [2] [1] The drug supply device described above, The drug supply device is characterized in that, when the control unit determines that all of the drug in the drug supply container has been discharged, it stores the weight of the drug discharged from the drug supply container.

[0120] This makes it possible to determine the actual amount of drug discharged from the drug container.

[0121] [3] A drug supply device as described in [1] or [2], A drug supply device characterized in that, when the control unit determines that not all of the drug in the introduction drug container has been discharged, it causes the drug discharge unit to perform a drug discharge operation in the introduction drug container.

[0122] This allows for repeated discharging of the drug from the drug container, ensuring that all of the drug in the container is reliably removed. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0123] 1. Drug supply device 21 Drug discharge section 62 First Measurement Unit (Measurement Unit) 95 Control device (control unit)

Claims

1. A drug introduction container can be set up that contains an amount equal to the total amount of drug used in the dispensing process and is introduced from the outside, and a drug discharge unit performs the operation of discharging the drug contained in the set drug introduction container, A measuring unit for measuring the weight of the drug contained in the drug introduction container set in the drug discharge unit, A control unit that controls the drug discharge unit and the measurement unit, Equipped with, The control unit, The drug discharge unit is made to perform a drug discharge operation in the drug introduction container. During the process in which the drug in the introduction drug container is discharged by the drug discharge unit, the measuring unit is continuously instructed to measure the weight of the drug contained in the introduction drug container set in the drug discharge unit. A drug supply device characterized by determining whether all of the drug contained in the introduction drug container has been discharged based on the measurement results of the measurement unit, terminating the discharge operation if it is determined that all of the drug contained in the introduction drug container has been discharged, and continuing the discharge operation if it is determined that not all of the drug contained in the introduction drug container has been discharged.

2. A drug supply device according to Claim 1, The drug supply device is characterized in that the control unit monitors the change in the weight of the drug in the drug introduction container during the drug discharge operation by the drug discharge unit, based on the measurement results of the measurement unit.

3. A drug supply device according to Claim 1, The drug supply device is characterized in that, when the control unit determines that all of the drug in the drug supply container has been discharged, it stores the weight of the drug discharged from the drug supply container.

4. A drug supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, A drug supply device characterized by being equipped with the aforementioned drug introduction container.

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