JP2023143826A - Medicine put-out device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a user-friendly medicine put-out device having no robot mechanism.SOLUTION: There is provided a medicine put-out device 1. A plurality of loading tables 32 equipped with a powder medicine put-out function are provided in the vicinity of a distribution plate 20. Prescription data is stored and/or received, and a specific loading table 32 is driven on the basis of the prescription data. An operator installs a medicine container 31 on the loading table 32 manually, puts out powder medicine from the medicine container 31 by the powder medicine put-out function, and feeds the powder medicine onto the distribution plate 20. It is possible to install the medicine containers 31 necessary for executing one subpackaging operation on the loading table 32, and it is also possible to install the medicine containers 31 necessary for executing a subpackaging operation at another time on the loading table 32. It is possible to execute the one subpackaging operation by driving one or a group of loading tables 32, and successively execute the subpackaging operation at the other time by driving another one or another group of loading tables 32.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

The present invention relates to a medicine dispensing device having a function of packaging powder medicine.

In recent years, large hospitals and large-scale pharmacies have introduced drug dispensing devices with a powder medicine packaging function.
The conventional medicine dispensing device disclosed in Patent Document 1 manually takes out the original container such as a medicine bottle containing prescribed powder medicine from the medicine cabinet and uses a scale such as a balance to weigh the prescribed powder medicine. It is necessary to calculate the total weight.
In order to deal with this problem, the present applicant has put into practical use the drug dispensing devices disclosed in Patent Documents 2 and 3.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2000-85703 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-35001 WO2015/076267/A1 publication

Patent Documents 2 and 3 disclose drug dispensing devices in which a robot transports a drug container and opens and closes the lid of the drug container, but such drug dispensing devices are often large in size as a whole. However, there was a problem that it was difficult to introduce it to small-scale pharmacies.

The present invention has focused on the above-mentioned problems and has an object to provide a drug dispensing device that does not include a robot mechanism and is easy to use.

A mode for solving the above-mentioned problems has a dispensing plate provided with an annular drug input groove and rotated by power, and divides the powder dispensed into the dispensing plate into a predetermined number and further individually packages the dispensing plate. In a drug dispensing device that performs a dispensing operation for discharging powdered medicines, a plurality of mounting tables each having a powder dispensing function are installed near the dispensing tray, and store and/or receive prescription data, and store and/or receive prescription data. The operator manually places a drug container on the mounting table, uses the powder dispensing function to dispense the powder from the drug container, and puts the powder into the distribution tray. Yes, it is possible to install the drug containers necessary for one packaging operation on the mounting table, and then install the drug containers necessary for carrying out another packaging operation on the mounting table. The one packaging operation is performed by driving one or one group of mounting tables, and the other packaging operation is performed by driving another one or another group of mounting tables. This drug dispensing device is capable of

Hereinafter, when the above-mentioned packaging operation is performed once and then another packaging operation is performed, this will be referred to as a continuous packaging operation.
In the drug dispensing device of this embodiment, the drug container is manually installed, but a plurality of packaging operations can be performed by one operation of mounting the drug device.

In the above aspect, the display device is provided, and in a state where all the drug containers required for the one time packaging operation are placed on the mounting table, all the drug containers required for the other time packaging operation are placed. If it is possible to place the item on the stand, it is desirable to display a display indicating this.

According to the drug dispensing device of this aspect, it is possible to know whether or not continuous packaging operation is possible.

In each of the above embodiments, a display device is provided, information on drug containers required for the one-time packaging operation is displayed on the display device, and all the drug containers required for the one-time packaging operation are placed on the mounting table. If it is possible to place all drug containers required for the other time's packaging operation on the mounting table, the display device displays a message for the other time's packaging operation. It is desirable to be able to display the required drug container information.

According to this aspect, it is possible to know which medicine containers are to be stocked.

In each of the above embodiments, when information regarding the type of powdered medicine such as powder, fine granules, and granules is held or input, and multiple types of medicines are put into a dispensing tray and mixed medicines are divided, the powdered medicine is It is desirable to be able to determine the type of powder medicine to start dispensing first according to the type information.

Further, it is preferable that the information on the type of powdered medicine includes information related to splashing of the powdered medicine.

For example, a drug that does not easily splash is placed in the dispensing pan first, followed by a drug that tends to bounce. Therefore, the drug that is put in first and does not easily splash becomes a cushion layer, and the drug that is put in later and is easy to splash can be prevented from splashing.

According to the drug dispensing device of the present invention, it is possible to carry out a plurality of packaging operations in a single operation of attaching the drug device, making it easy to use.

1 is a perspective view of a medicine dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which the top lid is opened. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the vicinity of a dispensing plate of the medicine dispensing device of FIG. 1; FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the drug container and the mounting table, with the drug container removed from the mounting table. FIG. 2 is a side view showing a model of the drug container and the mounting table, with the drug container removed from the mounting table. FIG. 1 is a front view of a structure that is one form of a medicine dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present invention and includes a first shelf device that accommodates medicine containers and a second device shelf. 1 is a perspective view of a structure that is one form of a medicine dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present invention and includes a medicine feeder that discharges a solid medicine. This is one of the display screens of the display device, and is a display at the packaging preparation stage. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram added to FIG. 7 to explain the display area of the display screen. It is an explanatory view schematically explaining the state of the dispensing tray and the mounting table of the drug dispensing device, (a) shows the state before operation, and (b) shows the drug container required for the first prescription attached to the mounting table. (c) shows the state in which the drug container required for the second prescription is mounted on the mounting table, and (d) shows the state in which the drug container required for the third prescription is mounted on the mounting table. This is one of the display screens of the display device, and is a display at the preparation stage of packaging the first prescription, and (a) is the display screen before the drug container required for the first prescription is placed on the mounting table. b) is the display screen after the drug container required for the first prescription is placed on the mounting table. This is one of the display screens of the display device, and is a display at the preparation stage for the second prescription, and (a) is the display screen before the drug container required for the second prescription is placed on the mounting table. b) is the display screen after the drug container required for the second prescription is placed on the mounting table. This is one of the display screens of the display device, and is a display at the stage of preparation for dispensing the third prescription, and (a) is the display screen before placing the drug container required for the third prescription on the mounting table. b) is the display screen after the drug container required for the third prescription is placed on the mounting table. It is a graph showing the relationship between the change in the vibration intensity of the mounting table and the amount of powder discharged per unit time.

Hereinafter, a medicine dispensing device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.
The medicine dispensing device 1 of this embodiment is surrounded by a housing 8, and the inside thereof is divided into a manual tablet dispensing area 300, a powder dividing area 301, and a medicine packaging area 302. Note that in the present invention, the manual tablet dispensing area 300 is not essential, and the manual tablet distributing area 300 may not be provided.
The housing 8 has a top cover (feeder cover) 5 as shown in FIG. The upper lid 5 is attached to the main body of the casing 8 with a hinge (not shown). The upper lid 5 is provided with an operating device 3. The operating device 3 includes a display device 10. Display device 10 is a touch panel.

A manual tablet dispensing device 13 is provided in the manual tablet dispensing area 300 . Note that in the present invention, the manual tablet distributing device 13 is not essential, and the manual tablet distributing device 13 may not be provided.
Since the manual tablet dispensing device 13 is well known, it will be briefly explained. In the manual tablet distribution area 300, the cells 25 are arranged in a matrix on the upper surface. Then, the pharmacist manually puts the solid medicine into the box 25 while referring to the prescription.
The solid medicine placed in the cell 25 is discharged at a predetermined timing and packaged together with the powder medicine.

The drug packaging area 302 has a built-in packaging device 12 as conceptually shown in FIG. The packaging device 12 is a machine that packages drugs into individual doses, and includes a packaging paper supply device 15 (packaging paper supply section) and a packaging device 16 (sealing section). Further, the packaging device 12 is provided with a powder medicine introduction hopper 17 above the packaging device 16 into which medicine is introduced.

Due to the drawing, the powder medicine input hopper 17 is shown at a position away from the distribution tray 20 in the diagram using the broken line in FIG. 2, but in reality, the square number 17 shown by the solid line in FIG. This is the upper end of the hopper 17.

In the packaging device 12, the packaged paper unrolled from the roll paper is introduced into a printing mechanism, and information such as the patient's name, drug name, date and time of administration (information related to the prescription, and information related to the drug to be provided) is printed. Then, medicine is introduced from the powder medicine introduction hopper 17.
Furthermore, the packaging paper that has received the medicine is introduced into the sealing section (packaging device 16), and is sealed in the vertical and horizontal directions at the sealing section, so that the received medicines are sequentially packaged. Through these operations, a drug package containing one dose of drug is formed, and the drug package is transported to the outside of the device.

As shown in FIG. 2, the powder distribution area 301 is an area in which the distribution plate 20 is installed, and a mounting table 32 and an automatic cleaning device 7 are placed around the area. In FIG. 2, a state in which the drug container 31 is placed on the mounting table 32 is shown.
The automatic cleaning device 7 has a cleaning arm that moves up and down by power, and a cleaning brush 27 is provided at the tip of the cleaning arm.

A scraping device 21 is provided in the powder division area 301 .
The distribution pan 20 and scraping device 21 are well known and will be briefly described.
The distribution plate 20 is a disc-shaped member provided with a drug input groove 22 (input groove) also called a "concave groove." The drug input groove 22 annularly surrounds the outer edge of the distribution plate 20 . The distribution plate 20 is provided with an equipment storage opening 11 in the center. In addition, in FIG. 2, most of it is covered with a lid.
The powder medicine input hopper 17 described above is installed in the equipment storage opening 11.
Distribution pan 20 can be rotated at a constant speed. The distribution plate 20 can also be rotated by a predetermined angle.

The scraping device 21 includes a rotating plate (raking member) 23 provided at the tip of a scraping arm.

As described above, six mounting tables 32 are arranged around the distribution plate 20. For convenience of explanation, they may be referred to as a first mounting table 32a, a second mounting table 32b, a third mounting table 32c, a fourth mounting table 32d, a fifth mounting table 32e, and a sixth mounting table 32f from the left side.
The mounting table 32 has a powder medicine dispensing function. In this embodiment, the powder medicine dispensing function is performed by the vibration means that vibrates the medicine container 31.
As shown in FIG. 4, the mounting table 32 is mechanically divided into a container support section 33, a weight measurement section 35, and a base section 38.
The container support section 33 has a support base 37, a vibration member 40 (container holding section), and vibration means 41a and 41b. The vibrating means 41a and 41b are piezoelectric elements and have a plate shape. The vibrating member 40 and the vibrating means 41a, 41b are also vibrating devices that vibrate the medicine container 31, and are members that perform a powder medicine dispensing function.

The support stand 37 and the vibrating member 40 are both members having an "L"-shaped side surface, and have a horizontal portion and a vertical wall portion.
That is, the support stand 37 has a support side horizontal part 43 and a support side vertical wall part 45, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.
The vibrating member 40 also functions as a container holding portion, and has a vibrating horizontal portion 50 and a vibrating vertical wall portion 51 (vertical wall). The vibration-side vertical wall portion 51 is provided with an engaging portion that engages with the drug container 31 .

The support base 37 and the vibrating member 40 are connected by two vibrating means 41a and 41b.
There is substantially no contact between the vibration side horizontal portion 50 and the support side horizontal portion 43. Therefore, when the vibration means 41a, 41b are energized, the vibration member 40 vibrates.

As shown in FIG. 4, a weight measuring section 35 is disposed at the bottom of the container support section 33. The weight measuring section 35 includes a weight measuring means 52 and a vibration isolating means 53. The weight measuring means 52 is a known load cell. The vibration isolating means 53 has a vibration isolating member 55.
A container support section 33 (support stand 37, vibrating member 40, vibrating means 41a, 41b) is connected to the weight measuring means 52. Furthermore, the base portion 38 supports the upper members (the support base 37, the vibrating member 40, and the vibrating means 41a and 41b) via the vibration isolating member 55 of the weight measuring portion 35.
The weight of the container support part 33 is detected by the weight measuring means 52. The weight of the vibration isolating means 53 is applied to the base portion 38 but not to the weight measuring means 52. Therefore, the weight of the container support section 33 (support stand 37, vibrating member 40, vibrating means 41a, 41b) is detected by the weight measuring means 52.
As shown in FIG. 4, the mounting table 32 is provided with an information reading means 66 that can read and write information to and from the information storage means 65 of the drug container 31.
Further, the mounting table 32 is provided with a lamp 67.

The drug container 31 is a container filled with powdered medicine, and has a rectangular parallelepiped shape with substantially square side surfaces.
The drug container 31 is surrounded by a front wall 60, a back wall 61, left and right side walls 62, a top wall 63, and a bottom wall 70.
On the bottom wall 70 of the medicine container 31, in the vicinity of the front wall 60, there is a powder discharge part 71 that can be opened and closed.
Furthermore, there are engaging portions on the vertical sides of the back wall 61 and at the bottom.

The medicine container 31 is filled with powder medicine and is fixed to a mounting table (vibration means) 32 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. That is, the back wall 61 of the drug container 31 is in contact with the vibration-side vertical wall portion 51 (vertical wall) of the vibration member 40 serving as a container holding portion, and a portion of the bottom wall 70 of the drug container 31 is in contact with the vibration-side horizontal portion 50. Most of the drug container 31 is fixed to the mounting table 32 in a cantilevered state.
Further, the engaging portions of the drug container 31 are respectively engaged with the vibrating member 40. Therefore, the medicine container 31 is integrated with the vibrating member 40 and vibrates together with the vibrating member 40.

The medicine container 31 is provided with an information storage means 65. The information storage means 65 stores information regarding the medicine container 31 (information regarding the powder contained in the medicine container 31). For example, identification information for identifying the stored medicine (information such as medicine name and various codes, identification number, etc.) and remaining amount information regarding the current remaining amount of the stored medicine are stored. The information stored in the information storage means 65 is information that can be used in association with prescription data, etc., and by acquiring the information stored in the information storage means 65, the type of powder medicine stored in the medicine container 31 can be determined. It becomes possible to perform specific actions. This information storage means 65 may be a memory such as an IC tag. Further, it may be a code such as a one-dimensional code (bar code) or a two-dimensional code, and if a code is used, it may be attached to a label. In this embodiment, an RFID tag is employed as the information storage means 65.
Further, a JAN code is attached to the medicine container 31.

Note that, as described above, the mounting table 32 has an information reading/writing means 66 (see FIG. 4) that can read and write information to and from the information storage means 65. In this embodiment, an RFID reader/writer is employed as the information reading means 66, and information can be read from the information storage means 65 by wireless communication. The operation of reading the cassette information from the information storage means 65 and the operation of writing (rewriting) the remaining amount after dispensing the powder from the medicine container 31 are possible. Note that the cassette information is information regarding the medicine container 31 described above, and includes, for example, the name of the medicine contained in the medicine container 31 and the remaining amount. The cassette information also includes an identification number for identifying the medicine container 31.

In this embodiment, six mounting tables 32 are fixed around the distribution plate 20. The front wall 60 side of the drug container 31 protrudes toward the distribution plate 20 , and the powder discharge portion 71 is located directly above the drug input groove 22 .

The control device 6 is built into the medicine dispensing device 1.
The control device 6 is a computer having a CPU and a memory, and the memory has a built-in computer program for realizing each means.

In this embodiment, under the control of the control device 6, vibration of the mounting table 32, rotation of the distribution plate 20, constant monitoring of the weight of the drug container 31, etc. are performed. Further, under the control of the control device 6, a series of operations of the scraping device 21 and a series of operations of the packaging device 12 are executed. Further, an image signal is outputted from the control device 6 to the display device 10.
The control device 6 has a communication function and can communicate with an external server, a drug weighing device 120, and container storage members (shelf devices) 75 and 76, which will be described later.

In addition, the medicine dispensing device 1 of this embodiment includes a manual cleaning device 46 in addition to the automatic cleaning device 7. The manual cleaning device 46 has a structure similar to a vacuum cleaner and has a nozzle 47 that is manually held. The manual cleaning device 46 is activated by operating a switch, and sucks chemical residue and dust from the nozzle 47.

Further, inside the housing 8, a camera and an LED light (both not shown) are provided for recording the state in which the powder medicine is being discharged from the medicine container 31 to the distribution tray 20.
The LED light is provided to photograph the discharge status of powdered medicine, and for that purpose, it is sufficient to turn it on only when photographing, but in this embodiment, the medicine container 31 is placed on the mounting table 32. It also lights up.
Specifically, the above-described manual tablet dispensing device 13 has a switch for turning on and off the LED light, and when the manual tablet dispensing device 13 is raised to place the drug container 31 on the mounting table 32, the switch is turned on. status, and the LED light turns on. Conversely, when the manual tablet dispensing device 13 is lowered, the LED light is turned off.
According to this embodiment, the powder divided area 301 becomes brighter, making it easier to place the medicine container 31 on the mounting table 32.
It is also easy to check if the distribution plate 20 is dirty.

When packaging medicine using the medicine dispensing device 1 of this embodiment, a medicine container 31 filled with a predetermined powder medicine is placed on each mounting table 32. This operation is performed manually by an operator. Specifically, the prescription is checked, the necessary medicine is recognized, and the medicine is transferred from the original container such as a medicine bottle containing the medicine to the medicine container 31.

When the drug container 31 is manually attached to the mounting table 32, in order to prevent mistakes in the target drug, the code representing the drug information on the drug bottle is checked against the prescription information using a barcode reader, etc., and then the drug container 31 is Fill with medicine.
Then, the medicine container 31 filled with the medicine is mounted on the mounting table 32 by the operator's hands.
In reality, predetermined medicines are individually filled into medicine containers 31, and the medicine containers 31 in this state are stored on a shelf or the like. The operator takes out the medicine container 31 filled with the necessary medicine from a shelf or the like and places it on the mounting table 32.

By operating the operating device 3, a series of packaging operations are automatically performed, and medicine packaging is performed in accordance with the prescription data.

By using the medicine dispensing device 1 to discharge medicines from different medicine containers 31 into the dispensing dish 20, medicines can be mixed. Since the drug dispensing device 1 of this embodiment includes six mounting tables 32, a maximum of six drug containers 31 can be installed, and a maximum of six types of drugs can be mixed.
If it is necessary to mix more than six types of medicines, this can be done by temporarily interrupting the packaging operation and replacing the medicine container 31.

In the medicine dispensing device 1 of this embodiment, automatic packaging mode, continuous packaging mode, and manual packaging mode can be selected.
(Automatic packaging mode)
The packaging operation in the automatic packaging mode is as follows.
As a preparation step, the drug container 31 filled with a drug is mounted on the mounting table 32. The drug container 31 is filled with a sufficient amount to package the drug according to the prescription data.
In addition, the information in the information storage means 65 attached to the drug container 31 is read out by the information reading means 66 near the mounting table 32, and the control device 6 determines which drug container 31 is attached to which mounting table 32. be judged.
In the automatic packaging mode, the mounting table 32 on which the drug container 31 filled with the drug necessary for the prescription is mounted is driven, and powdered medicine is put into the dispensing tray 20. Specifically, a current of a constant frequency is applied to the vibrating means 41a, 41b of a specific mounting table 32 to generate vibration, and the vibrating member 40 (container holder) is vibrated by this vibration.
Further, the distribution plate 20 is rotated before and after the start of vibration.

The weight of the drug container 31 is measured before and after the start of vibration. The weight of the drug container 31 is obtained by subtracting a certain value from the weight detected by the weight measuring means 52. More specifically, the weight of the drug container 31 is the weight detected by the weight measuring means 52 minus the weight of the container support 33.
The weight of the drug container 31 before the powder is discharged is stored as the original weight G. Further, the weight of the drug container 31 is constantly monitored. That is, the current weight of the drug container 31 is monitored as the current weight g.

When the vibrating member 40 starts vibrating, the drug container 31 also vibrates. As a result, the powdered medicine stored in the medicine container 31 slowly moves toward the powdered medicine discharge section 71 side. That is, the powder medicine dispensing function is performed by the vibration, and the powder medicine moves toward the powder medicine discharge section 71 side.

Then, the powder drops from the powder discharge section 71 and enters the drug input groove 22 of the lower distribution tray 20.
In this embodiment, even while the powder medicine is falling from the medicine container 31, the current weight of the medicine container 31 continues to be monitored as the current weight g. The original weight G of the medicine container 31 immediately after being installed on the vibrating member 40 is compared with the current weight g, and the falling amount H (G minus g) of the powder medicine is constantly calculated.
Then, when the total falling amount H of the powder reaches a desired weight, the vibration of the vibrating member 40 is stopped. As a result, the drug discharge from the drug container 31 is stopped, and the drug discharge is completed.
When the vibration of the vibrating member 40 stops (ejection is completed), a rotation stop instruction is issued to the distribution plate 20, and the rotation of the distribution plate 20 is stopped.

Thereafter, the rotary plate 23 of the scraping device 21 is dropped into the drug input groove 22 of the distribution plate 20. Furthermore, after that, the distribution plate 20 is rotated by an angle corresponding to the number of doses to be distributed, and the powder for one dose is collected on the front side of the rotary plate 23. Then, the rotary plate 23 is rotated to scrape the powder out of the distribution tray 20 and put it into the powder injection hopper 17. The powdered medicine that has fallen from the powdered medicine input hopper 17 is packaged into single doses by the packaging device 12.

Further, when all the medicine in the distribution tray 20 is completely discharged, an automatic groove cleaning operation is executed. That is, the cleaning brush 27 of the automatic cleaning device 7 is lowered, and the cleaning brush 27 is placed into the drug input groove 22 of the distribution tray 20.
Then, while rotating the cleaning brush 27, the distribution plate 20 is rotated to clean the inside of the drug input groove 22. Furthermore, the scraping device 21 is also automatically cleaned.

(Continuous packaging mode)
The continuous packaging mode is an operation mode in which a packaging operation is performed based on one prescription, and then a packaging operation is continuously performed based on the next prescription. be.
The packaging operation in the continuous packaging mode is as follows.
As a preparatory step, a drug container 31 filled with a drug necessary for processing the first prescription (first prescription) is mounted on the mounting table 32. For example, if two types of drugs are required to process the first prescription (first prescription), the first drug container 31a filled with the first drug is placed on the mounting table 32, and the second drug is filled with the first drug container 31a. The second drug container 31b thus prepared is placed on another mounting table 32.
Here, the medicine dispensing device of this embodiment is as follows. Since there are six mounting tables 32, there are four mounting tables 32 left.
If there are two other types of drugs required to process the next prescription (second prescription), place the third drug container 31c filled with the third drug on another empty mounting table 32, The fourth drug container 31d filled with the fourth drug is placed on another empty mounting table 32.
As mentioned above, the drug dispensing device. Since there are six mounting tables 32, there are two more mounting tables 32 left.
Furthermore, if one other type of drug is required to process the next prescription (third prescription), the fifth drug container 31e filled with the fifth drug is placed on another empty mounting table 32. .
In this way, the drug containers 31a to 31e required for multiple prescriptions are placed on different mounting tables 32.

Then, by performing a predetermined starting operation, a continuous packaging operation is performed.
That is, an automatic packaging operation corresponding to the first prescription is performed. Specifically, the mounting table 32 on which the drug containers 31a and 31b necessary for the first prescription are installed is driven, powdered medicine is put into the dispensing tray 20, and the weights of the drug containers 31a and 31b are monitored. The distribution plate 20 is rotated before and after the start of vibration. That is, a group of mounting tables 32 on which medicine containers 31a and 31b necessary for the first prescription are installed are driven.
When the required amount of powder medicine is discharged from the medicine containers 31a, 31b, the vibration of the vibrating member 40 is stopped. As a result, the drug discharge from the drug containers 31a, 31b is stopped, the drug discharge is completed, and the rotation of the distribution plate 20 is stopped.

Thereafter, the powder medicine is scraped out from the dispensing plate 20 by the scraping device 21 and packaged into individual doses by the packaging device 12.
Further, when all the medicine in the distribution tray 20 is completely discharged, an automatic groove cleaning operation is executed.

Subsequently, an automatic packaging operation corresponding to the second prescription is performed. That is, the mounting table 32 on which the drug containers 31c and 31d necessary for the second prescription are installed is driven, powdered medicine is put into the dispensing tray 20, and the weights of the drug containers 31c and 31d are monitored. The distribution plate 20 is rotated before and after the start of vibration. Thereafter, the same operations as in the first prescription are performed.
When the second prescription is completed, an automatic packaging operation corresponding to the third prescription is performed. That is, the mounting table 32 on which the medicine container 31e necessary for the third prescription is installed is driven, the powder medicine is put into the distribution tray 20, and the weight of the medicine container 31e is monitored. The distribution plate 20 is rotated before and after the start of vibration. Thereafter, the same operations as in the first prescription are performed.
When only one drug container 31 is required for prescription, one mounting table 32 is driven.
In this way, in the continuous packaging mode, the drug containers 31 necessary for performing one packaging operation are placed on the mounting table 32, and the medicine containers 31 necessary for performing another packaging operation are placed on the mounting table 32. It is possible to install the medicine container 31 on the mounting table 32, and one dispensing operation is performed by driving one or one group of the mounting tables 32, and then the other one or another group of the loading tables 32 is driven. to carry out the other subsequent packaging operations.

(Manual packaging mode)
Conventional powder medicine dispensing equipment, as described above, places pre-weighed powder into a hopper, rotates the distribution plate and vibrates the vibration device, and introduces the powder from the hopper into the distribution plate via the trough. However, the medicine dispensing device 1 of this embodiment also has similar functions. The manual dispensing mode is an operating mode in which the drug delivery device 1 is used in a manner similar to traditional methods.

That is, in the manual packaging mode, the required amount of medicine is weighed outside the medicine dispensing device 1, stored in the medicine container 31, and manually mounted on the mounting table 32 by the operator.
Then, the mounting table 32 is driven to vibrate the drug container 31, and the entire amount of the drug in the drug container 31 is introduced into the distribution plate 20. Note that the drug container 31 used in the manual packaging mode may be referred to as a manual cassette to distinguish it from a normal drug container 31.
In the manual packaging mode, when all the powders in the drug container 31 are dispensed and there is no change in the weight of the drug container 31, it is determined that dispensing is complete, and a rotation stop instruction is issued to the dispensing tray 20 to stop the dispensing tray. 20 stops rotating.
The subsequent operation is the same as in the automatic packaging mode described above.

In the medicine dispensing device 1 of this embodiment, medicine can be packaged using a group of medicine containers 31 called parent-child cassettes. Medicines that are consumed in large quantities are placed in a plurality of medicine containers 31 and grouped together, and parent-child cassettes are medicine containers 31 filled with the same medicine.
When the amount of powdered medicine in one medicine container 31 is insufficient for the prescribed amount, the medicine containers 31 of the parent and child cassettes are respectively installed on a plurality of mounting tables 32 to carry out packaging.
Here, the order in which powder medicines are dispensed from the drug container 31 includes a transition dispensing method and a simultaneous dispensing method, and in this embodiment, both methods can be selectively used.
The transition dispensing method is a dispensing method in which when one drug container 31 becomes empty, the powder is discharged from the next drug container 31 (parent-child cassette). The simultaneous dispensing method is a dispensing method in which the amount to be discharged from each drug container 31 is determined in advance and medicine is dispensed from a plurality of drug containers 31 (parent and child cassettes) at the same time.
However, if there is a medicine whose expiration date is near, the entire amount is dispensed from the drug container 31 containing the expiry date, and the remainder is dispensed from the other medicine container.

When the simultaneous dispensing method is adopted, the total discharge amount is divided in advance by the number of medicine containers 31 attached, and control is performed so that the same amount of medicine is discharged.
Even when the same amount of medicine is discharged from each medicine container 31, the time required for the discharge differs in reality, but when the set amount of medicine is discharged from each medicine container 31, the vibrations are stopped.
If there is a difference in the medicines filled in the medicine containers 31, and there is a medicine container 31 that would run out of medicines if they were allotted evenly, the simultaneous dispensing method will automatically shift to the transition dispensing method, and the small amount will be dispensed first. The medicine is discharged from one medicine container 31, and the insufficient amount is discharged from other medicine containers 31.

Here, if three or more drug containers 31 are attached and one drug container 31 is empty, divide the required remaining amount by the number of drug containers 31 that still have the drug, and then calculate the same amount. The drug is controlled so that it is excreted.
For example, when A1, A2, and A3 are three drug containers 31 containing the same drug, and these three drug containers 31 are used for packaging, the simultaneous dispensing method from the three drug containers 31 as described above is used. When executing , it is instructed to dispense an equal amount of the entire prescription amount divided by 3 to each drug container, but there is no remaining amount after dividing the total amount by 3 in A1 and A2, and it is said to be out of stock. If the amount is divided evenly, the amount can be dispensed evenly, and the undisbursed amounts of A1 and A2 are added up for the A3 drug container that has been dispensed, and the amount is dispensed to the A3 drug container. You can give instructions to transition and pay out.
As an alternative method, a method may be considered in which parent and child cassettes are sequentially transferred, such as A2 when A1 is out of stock, and A3 when A2 is out of stock, and the parent and child cassettes are taken out and dispensed. The method of discharging the same amount of medicine by dividing the quantity by the number of medicine containers 31 in stock can also reduce the time it takes to determine that each medicine container is out of stock, and can improve the dispensing speed as a whole.

Although the drug dispensing device 1 can be used alone as shown in FIG. 1, shelf devices 75 and 76 for accommodating drug containers may be added as shown in FIG. In FIG. 5, two shelf devices 75 and 76 are included. The first shelf device 75 is an accessory of the drug dispensing device 1, and is integrally attached to the back surface of the drug dispensing device 1. The second shelf device 76 is independent from the medicine dispensing device 1.
The shelf devices 75 and 76 have compartments 78 partitioned into a matrix, and each medicine container 31 is stored in each compartment 78.
Each compartment 78 has an information reading device (not shown) such as an RFID reader, which obtains information from the RFID of the drug container 31 contained therein and recognizes what drug container 31 in the compartment 78 is. be able to.
Information about which drug containers 31 are stored in which partitions 78 of which shelf devices 75 and 76 is then transmitted to the drug dispensing device 1 by means of communication or the like.
Further, a lamp 82 is provided in each section 78 of the shelf devices 75 and 76.

Note that, as an example of the shelf devices 75 and 76, there is a structure having a shutter on the front surface of the shelf devices 75 and 76. With this type of shelving device, the shutter can be set so that it does not open during business hours. Conversely, the shutter may be opened when the medicine dispensing device 1 is in operation, and not open while the medicine dispensing device 1 is at rest.
Since the drug dispensing device 1 of this embodiment has a high frequency of replacing the drug containers 31 during use, the shutters of the shelf devices 75 and 76 are set to be opened during work, as in the latter case, and the shutters of the shelf devices 75 and 76 are It is desirable to raise the shutter to the top.

Further, as shown in FIG. 6, a tablet discharging unit 80 for discharging solid drugs may be added.
The tablet discharging unit 80 has a group of tablet feeders 81. The tablet feeder 81 is capable of storing solid medicines such as tablets and capsules, and dispensing the required amount.
The solid medicine discharged from the tablet feeder 81 passes through a path (not shown), enters the medicine dispensing device 1, and is packaged together with the powdered medicine in the medicine packaging area 302.

In the medicine dispensing device 1 of this embodiment, prescription data is input from the outside, and the prescription data is stored and accumulated in the memory of the control device 6. Then, the stored prescription data is read out and the medicine is packaged based on the prescription data.
That is, a specific table 32 is driven based on the prescription data, vibrates the table 32, and introduces powdered medicine from the drug container 31 into the distribution plate 20.
Alternatively, prescription data may be directly input into the drug dispensing device 1 to perform the packaging operation.

In the medicine dispensing device 1 of this embodiment, a unique image can be displayed on the display device 10.
The display screen will be explained below.
(Powder preparation screen)
FIG. 7 is a powder medicine preparation screen when implementing the automatic packaging mode.
The preparation screen is divided into six display areas as shown in FIG.
Specifically, it is divided into a current status display area 100, a bibliographic item display area 101, a next prescription display area 102, a table information display area 103, a medicine container information display area 105, and an operation area 106.

The current status display area 100 is a long and narrow area provided at the top of the screen, and text indicating the current operating status of the medicine dispensing device 1 and text encouraging the operator to perform the work are displayed in text.
In FIGS. 7 and 8, the message "Please set the following powder medicine cassettes in the feeder, close the feeder cover, and press the start button" is displayed to prompt the operator to perform the work. Note that the feeder cover refers to the upper lid 5. A powder medicine cassette means a medicine container 31, and a feeder means a mounting table 32.
The displayed words are not limited, but include, for example, the following:
(Condition 1)
When the distribution pan 20 is being cleaned.
(Display wording 1)
"The feeder cover cannot be opened as the R disk is being cleaned. Please wait for a while until the cleaning is complete."
(Condition 2)
When powder medicine is being discharged from the medicine container 31.
(Display wording 1)
"The feeder cover cannot be opened because the powder is being weighed. Please wait for a while until the weighing is complete."

(Condition 3, Condition 4)
When the estimated operation completion is less than the time during which machine operation cannot be stopped.
When it is inappropriate to open the top lid 5 for reasons other than during weighing or cleaning (display statement 3)
"The feeder cover cannot be opened because the machine is operating. Please wait for a while until the machine completes operation."

In the drug dispensing device 1 of this embodiment, text indicating the current operating status and text prompting the operator to perform the operation are displayed in the current status display area 100, which confuses even an operator who is not familiar with the operation. You can proceed with your work without any problems.

The bibliographic item display area 101 is a nearly square area provided on the left side of the screen, and specifies which prescription the displayed screen corresponds to.
The bibliographical items display area 101 displays bibliographical items for the current prescription.
Bibliographical items include prescription target, patient name, patient identification number, number of packages, medical department, and usage.
In the illustrated display screen, "current prescription (division 1/3)" is displayed as a prescription target.
This display indicates that this is the morning prescription, which is divided into divided prescriptions (breakfast, lunch, and after dinner).
If it is not a split prescription, "current prescription" is simply displayed.
By performing a predetermined operation, it is also possible to display information regarding future prescriptions. In this case, a message such as "Next Prescription" is displayed, for example.

In the illustrated display screen, the patient name is "Taro Yuyama," the number of packages is "Number of packages: 9," the patient identification number is "Patient ID: 9999999999," the clinical department is "Clinical department:," and the usage is "Usage:" "After breakfast, lunch, and dinner" is displayed.

The next prescription display area 102 is a rectangular area provided below the bibliographic item display area 101.
This message is displayed when all of the drug containers 31 for the designated drug have been attached to the mounting tables 32, and if there is a next prescription and the drug containers 31 filled with the drug can be attached to the remaining mounting tables 32.
For example, if there are six mounting tables 32 and two types of drugs are required for prescription, even if the drug containers 31 necessary for the current packaging are attached to the mounting tables 32, four empty mounting tables 32 remain. .
When there is a prescription to be processed next time and the drug container 31 required for the prescription can be placed in advance on the empty mounting table 32, "Next prescription available" is displayed.

The mounting table information display area 103 is a schematic representation of the distribution plate 30 and the surrounding mounting table 32.
In the mounting table information display area 103, a circle representing the distribution plate 20 is displayed, and six rectangles representing the mounting table 32 are drawn around the circle.
The position of each rectangle corresponds to the actual position of the mounting table 32. The number assigned to each rectangle corresponds to the number of the actual mounting table 32. That is, the numbers 1 to 6 attached to the rectangles correspond to the first mounting table 32a, the second mounting table 32b, the third mounting table 32c, the fourth mounting table 32d, the fifth mounting table 32e, and the sixth mounting table 32f. ing.

Furthermore, each rectangle is displayed differently depending on the usage situation.
In this embodiment, the following colors are used depending on the usage status.
Yellow: Mounting table 32 on which medicine containers 31 necessary for prescription are attached.
Colorless: Mounting table 32 that can be used but no drug container 31 is attached.
Green: Mounting table 32 on which other drug containers 31 are mounted.
Gray: Unusable mounting table 32.
The combination of colors is arbitrary and not limited. Further, instead of color display, other identification methods such as number display or symbol display can also be adopted.

In the medicine dispensing device 1 of this embodiment, the usage status of the mounting table 32 is displayed in different colors on the display device 10, and the usage status includes the following information.
(1) Whether or not the drug container 31 is installed on the mounting table 32.
(2) Whether or not the drug container 31 installed on the mounting table 32 is used for the current prescription processing.
(3) Whether or not the mounting table 32 can be used.

Further, the yellow display and the colorless display indicate the mounting table 32 on which the drug container 31 is to be installed. When the medicine container 31 is mounted on the display stage 32 which is displayed as colorless, the color changes from colorless to yellow.
Therefore, in the medicine dispensing device 1 of this embodiment, the display device 10 shows the mounting table 32 on which the medicine container 31 is to be placed.

The display device 10 adopted in this embodiment is easy to use because the layout of the mounting table 32 is illustrated, and the usage status of the mounting table 32 and the mounting table 32 on which the drug container 31 should be installed can be clearly seen. .

The drug container information display area 105 is a wide area that occupies the center of the display screen. In this embodiment, the drug container 31 filled with the prescribed drug is specified based on the prescription data, and the drug container 31 is filled with the drug. It is listed in the container information display area 105.
Information regarding the locations of the listed drug containers 31 and information regarding the status of the drugs in the drug containers 31 are then displayed directly or indirectly.

The drug container information display area 105 is a table with the following items listed as titles.
"Storage location", "Expiration date", "Prescription amount", "Inventory amount", "Details".

“Storage location” indicates where the drug container 31 is located. Here, "suggesting" includes cases where the location of the drug container 31 is directly indicated and cases where the approximate location is indicated.
In any case, the "storage location" is a column that displays information regarding the location where the drug container 31 is placed.
In this embodiment, the displayed candidates are the characters "No. 1" and "square shapes," the characters "No. 2" and "square shapes," the characters "manual feed," and the characters "OK." There are the characters ``feeder'', ``feeder number'', ``unmanaged'', ``distributed'', and ``divided''.
The meaning of each is as follows. Note that the words "allocated" are not shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, but are words that are displayed when the conditions described later are satisfied.

(1) The letters “No. 1” and “square shapes”
The characters "No. 1" indicate that the target drug container 31 is on the first shelf device 75 in FIG. 5. Furthermore, the grid figures roughly represent the position of the first shelf device 75, and the different colored parts roughly represent the positions of the medicine containers 31. That is, while the grid figure has nine sections, the number of sections 78 of the first shelf device 75 is larger than that, and they do not match. The different colored parts roughly indicate where on the first shelf device 75 the target drug container 31 is located.

As described above, each section of the first shelf device 75 has an information reading device (not shown) such as an RFID reader, so that it is possible to recognize the medicine containers 31 contained therein. Information about which drug containers 31 are stored in which partitions 78 of which shelf devices 75 and 76 is then transmitted to the drug dispensing device 1 by means of communication or the like.
The control device 6 of the drug dispensing device 1 selects the necessary drug container 31 from the prescription data, compares it with the arrangement data of the drug container 31 transmitted from the first shelf device 75, and completes the grid shape. Display in the "Storage location" column.

(2) The letters “No. 2” and “square shapes”
The characters "No. 2" indicate that the target drug container 31 is on the second shelf device 76 in FIG. 5. Also, the meaning of the square shape is the same as the "square shape" of "No. 1".

(3) The word "manual feed",
These characters are displayed when operating in manual packaging mode.
As described above, in the manual packaging mode, the required amount of medicine is weighed externally, stored in the medicine container 31, and the entire amount is introduced into the distribution tray 20, so there is no dedicated medicine container 31.

(4) “OK” characters, “feeder” characters, and “feeder number”
These characters are displayed when the drug container 31 used for sacheting is attached to the mounting table 32. Here, the feeder number is an identification number that identifies the mounting table 32.
As described above, the information storage means 65 is attached to the medicine container 31, and the information storage means 65 contains identification information for specifying the medicine. Further, the mounting table 32 on which the drug container 31 is installed has an RFID reader/writer, so that the name of the drug contained in the drug container 31 can be known.
In this embodiment, when the medicine in the medicine container 31 mounted on the mounting table 32 matches the prescription data, the characters "OK", the characters "feeder", and the "feeder number (of the medicine container 31)" are displayed. identification number) will be displayed.

(5) “Unmanaged” text This is a text that is displayed when the location of the drug container 31 cannot be determined.
In many cases, it is displayed when it does not exist on the shelf devices 75 and 76 and is not installed on the mounting table 32.

(6) Characters “allocated” As mentioned above, the characters “allocated” are not present in FIGS. 7 and 8. “Distributed” is a character displayed when the target drug container 31 contains a drug that has already been distributed.
(7) The word "divided" For example, there are cases where the medicine taken in the morning and the medicine taken in the afternoon are different. For the same prescription, "separate characters" are displayed for drugs that contain the necessary drugs but will not be used in the current packaging operation.

The expiration date of the medicine filled in the medicine container 31 or the date of filling the medicine container 31 is displayed in the "expiration date" column.
When the medicine container 31 is filled with medicines with different expiration dates, the value closest to the expiration date of the filled powder medicines is displayed.

In this embodiment, the image diagram of the shelf devices 75 and 76 is used to indicate the storage location of the drug container 31, but in addition to or in place of this, the number of the section 78 of the shelf device 75 and 76 is shown. It may also be displayed on the display device 10. Further, in accordance with this, the lamps 82 provided in the compartments 78 of the shelf devices 75 and 76 may be turned on.

Further, when the drug container 31 is removed from the mounting table 32 and returned to the shelf devices 75, 76 after the dispensing operation is completed, the lamp 82 provided in the section 78 of the shelf device 75, 76 to be returned may be turned on. At this time, images of the shelf devices 75 and 76 may be displayed on the display screen to indicate the position to return the drug container 31 to, and the number of the section 78 of the shelf devices 75 and 76 may be displayed on the display screen. desirable.

Further, if the drug container 31 has not been returned to the shelf devices 75, 76 even after a certain period of time has passed after the drug container 31 has been removed from the mounting table 32, a warning message is displayed on the display device 10. It is also recommended to notify the user by voice.

The "prescription amount" column displays the prescription amount of the target drug.

The “inventory amount” column displays the inventory amount of the target drug in the drug container 31.
For example, "-" is displayed on a drug container used in manual feed mode.

In principle, the name of the target drug is displayed in the "Details" column.
If there are other drug containers 31 (parent-child cassettes) filled with the same drug, the name of the target drug is displayed for one drug container, and only the identification number of the drug container 31 is displayed for the parent-child cassette. be done.

In this way, the following information can be displayed in the medicine container information display area 105.
(1) Expiry date of the drug filled in the drug container.
(2) The prescribed amount of the drug filled in the drug container.
(3) The remaining amount of the drug filled in the drug container.
(4) Name of the drug filled in the drug container.
(5) Information on whether the same drug is filled in multiple drug containers.

Furthermore, each column is color-coded depending on the degree of alert to the user. If there is a matter that the user must be informed about, it is color-coded in a conspicuous color.
The first column of drug display on the display screen is "Manual feed", "2021/06/04", "10.00g", "-" in the order of "Storage location", "Expiration date", "Prescription amount", "Stock amount", "Details" It is labeled as "Tsumura Hochuekkito Extract Granules (Medical Use)."
This medicine container 31 is used in manual feeding mode, and requires little attention. Therefore, this column is displayed in light blue, for example.

The following second column displays the characters "No. 1" and "square shape,""2021/06/04,""10.00g,""5.00g," and "Attock Dry Syrup 40?".
For drugs in this column, there are matters that must be informed to the user, and special indications are given in the table.
In this embodiment, this column is displayed in red, for example, and is color-coded to make it stand out.
Although the amount of drug required for prescription of Attock Dry Syrup 40? in this column is 10.00 grams, only 5.00 grams are in stock in the drug container 31.
This column of medicine containers 31 is colored in a different color, for example red, to remind the user to fill the medicine container 31 with additional medicine, for example. The user is alerted by this display and takes necessary measures such as additional filling.

The following third column displays "OK Feeder 1", "2021/06/04", "10.00g", "50.00g", and "SM Mixture".
This medicine container 31 does not require much attention. Since the drug container 31 has already been mounted on the mounting table 32, it is displayed in yellow, for example.
The combination of colors is arbitrary and not limited. For example, the color may be changed depending on whether the expiration date has expired or not. Furthermore, regarding the presence or absence of "filling" display, it can be displayed only when there is a stockout in advance or it can be displayed all the time, and the situation can be understood by different background colors such as the expiration date and whether or not the amount in stock exceeds the prescribed amount. You can change it. Further, instead of color display, other identification methods such as number display or symbol display can also be adopted.

The following fourth column displays "Parent-child cassette,""Insufficient amount: 20.00 g," and "PL granules for infants."
This display indicates that the drug container 31 filled with "PL granules for infants" is mounted on the mounting table 32, but the amount of drug is insufficient, and other drug containers 31 are filled with the same drug. The figure shows a case where there is a parent-child cassette (referred to as a parent-child cassette).
Information about the parent and child cassettes is displayed in the column below.

The operation area 106 is an area at the bottom of the display screen.
The operation area 106 includes displays for next prescription, feeder cover unlock, start, and prescription cancellation. The display "Next prescription available" is a display indicating the fact that there is a next prescription. These displays are touch switches, and when touched, the operation according to each display is executed. That is, when "feeder cover unlock" is touched, the top lid 5 is unlocked. Touching "Start" starts the packaging operation. Touching "Prescription Cancel" will cancel the displayed prescription.

(Example of continuous packaging mode)
Next, the display screen when implementing the continuous packaging mode and the actual situation of the mounting table 32 will be explained.
When the continuous packaging mode is possible, "next prescription available" is displayed in the next prescription display area 102, as shown in FIG. 10(a).
The prescription shown in FIG. 10(a) is a screen corresponding to the first prescription (first prescription), and drugs A and B are prescribed.
Therefore, drugs A and B are displayed in the details column of the drug container information display area 105.
The actual state of the mounting tables 32 is as shown in FIG. 9(a), and all the mounting tables 32 are in an empty state. Note that the lamp 67 of the empty mounting table 32 is lit in white, clearly indicating that the drug container 31 can be installed.
Furthermore, when looking at the mounting table information display area 103 on the display screen, all rectangles are displayed in a colorless manner, corresponding to the actual mounting table 32.

The operator prepares the first drug container 31a filled with the first drug A and the second drug container 31b filled with the second drug B by referring to the "storage location" column, and As shown in (b), for example, the first drug container 31a is placed on the mounting table 32a, and the second drug container 31b filled with the second drug is placed on the mounting table 32b.
As a result, the powder medicine preparation screen is updated as shown in FIG. 10(b), and the rectangles numbered 1 and 2 in the mounting table information display area 103 are colored yellow.
The powder medicine preparation screen is updated as shown in FIG. 10(b), and the "Storage location" column changes to "OK", "Feeder", "Feeder 1", and "Feeder 2", respectively. Furthermore, the rows of medicine A and medicine B are colored yellow.

In this state, the attachment of the drug container 31 necessary for the first prescription is completed. When the operator touches the "next prescription available" portion of the operation area 106, the powder medicine preparation screen switches to a screen corresponding to the next prescription (second prescription) as shown in FIG. 11(a).
In the second prescription, drugs C and D are prescribed. Therefore, drugs C and D are displayed in the details column of the drug container information display area 105.
The actual state of the mounting table 32 is as shown in FIG. 9(b), in which drug containers 31a and 31b are installed on the mounting table 32a and the mounting table 32b, and the other mounting tables 32 are in an empty state.
Also, when looking at the mounting table information display area 103 on the display screen, the rectangles numbered 1 and 2 are colored yellow, corresponding to the actual mounting table 32, and the other rectangles are displayed colorless.

The operator prepares the third drug container 31c filled with the third drug C and the fourth drug container 31d filled with the fourth drug D, and as shown in FIG. The medicine container 31c is installed on the mounting table 32c, and the fourth medicine container 31d filled with the fourth medicine is installed on the mounting table 32d.
As a result, the powder medicine preparation screen is updated as shown in FIG. 11(b), and the rectangles numbered 3 and 4 in the table information display area 103 are colored yellow.
In addition, the powder medicine preparation screen is updated as shown in FIG. 11(b), and the "storage location" column changes to "OK", "feeder", "feeder 3", and "feeder 4", respectively. Furthermore, the rows of medicine C and medicine D are colored yellow.

In this state, the attachment of the drug container 31 necessary for the second prescription is completed. When the operator touches the "next prescription available" portion of the operation area 106 again, the powder medicine preparation screen switches to a screen corresponding to the next prescription (third prescription) as shown in FIG. 12(a).
In the third prescription, drugs E and F are prescribed. Therefore, drugs E and F are displayed in the details column of the drug container information display area 105.
The actual state of the mounting table 32 is as shown in FIG. 9(c), in which drug containers 31a to 31d are installed on the mounting tables 32a to 32d, and the other mounting tables 32 are in an empty state.
Further, when looking at the mounting table information display area 103 on the display screen, as shown in FIG. 12(a), rectangles numbered 1 to 4 are colored yellow, corresponding to the actual mounting table 32, and other rectangles are displayed colorless. It becomes.

The operator prepares a fifth drug container 31e filled with the fifth drug E and a sixth drug container 31f filled with the sixth drug F, and as shown in FIG. The medicine container 31e is installed on the mounting table 32e, and the sixth medicine container 31f filled with the sixth medicine is installed on the mounting table 32d.
As a result, the powder medicine preparation screen is updated as shown in FIG. 12(b), and the rectangles numbered 5 and 6 in the table information display area 103 are colored yellow.
Further, the powder medicine preparation screen is updated as shown in FIG. 12(b), and the "storage location" column changes to "OK", "feeder", "feeder 5", and "feeder 6", respectively. Furthermore, the rows of medicine A and medicine B are colored yellow.
The rows of drugs E and F are also colored yellow.

In this state, when the operator touches "start" in the operation area 106, the continuous packaging operation is started. That is, an automatic packaging operation corresponding to the first prescription is performed, followed by an automatic packaging operation corresponding to the second prescription, and then an automatic packaging operation corresponding to the third prescription. .

In the embodiment described above, the drugs in the first prescription are drugs A and B, the drugs in the second prescription are drugs C and D, and the drugs in the third prescription are drugs E and F. There is no duplication of drugs required, but there may be duplication of drugs. For example, the drugs in the first prescription may be drugs A, B, and D, the drugs in the second prescription may be drugs C and D, and the drugs in the third prescription may be drugs C, E, and F. .
In this case, first, the drug container 31 filled with drugs A, B, and D of the first prescription is placed on the mounting table 32, and then the drug container 31 filled with the drug C that is insufficient for processing the second prescription is placed. The container 31 is placed on the mounting table 32, and finally the drug container 31 filled with the drugs E and F that are insufficient to process the third prescription is placed on the placing table 32.

In addition to or in place of the above-described configuration, a configuration may be adopted in which a lamp 67 attached to the mounting table 32 is used to indicate the mounting table 32 to be placed.
For example, when the mounting table 32 is in an empty state, the lamp 67 is turned on in a specific color (for example, white). When a predetermined drug container 31 is mounted on the mounting table 32, the color and lighting state of the lamp 67 change. All the drug containers 31 necessary for the prescription are attached, and the light emitting states of all the drug containers 31 further change. For example, changes occur such as changing colors or blinking. This indicates that all drug containers 31 necessary for prescription have been attached.
Further, the lamp 67 corresponding to the mounting table on which the drug container 31 necessary for carrying out the second or other packaging operation is set in a predetermined display state.

Next, other functions provided in the medicine dispensing device 1 of this embodiment will be explained.
The medicine dispensing device 1 of this embodiment retains or receives information regarding types of powdered medicines, such as powdered medicines, fine granules, and granules, as information related to medicines. Based on this information, it is possible to obtain information related to the ease or difficulty of splashing of powdered medicines.
For example, powders with large particle diameters and hard particles tend to bounce when dropped from the medicine container 31 onto the distribution tray 20.
Further, as information related to medicines, information related to splashing, such as how easily powdered medicines bounce or how hard they bounce, may be directly stored or input.
Here, drugs that tend to splash tend to be difficult to be evenly distributed on the distribution plate 20.
As described above, the medicine dispensing device 1 of this embodiment can mix medicines by discharging medicines from different medicine containers 31 into the distribution tray 20.
In the medicine dispensing device 1 of this embodiment, the control device 6 determines the order of discharging medicines based on information related to the ease or difficulty of splashing of powdered medicines, and drives the mounting table 32 in accordance with the order.
Specifically, when a plurality of types of medicines are put into the dispensing tray 20 and the mixed medicines are packaged, if some of the mixed medicines have a tendency to splash, the medicines that are difficult to splash are Control is performed to start discharging a drug from the drug container 31 that is accommodated therein, and then to start discharging the drug from the drug container 31 that accommodates a drug that is likely to splash.

In the medicine dispensing device 1 of this embodiment, the information related to the medicine includes information about how easily the powdered medicine bounces or how difficult it is to splash. In this embodiment, the drug container 31 that starts dispensing first from among the plurality of drug containers 32 to the distribution tray 20 is the drug container 31 filled with a drug that does not easily splash, and the drug that does not easily splash is rotated. After dispensing at least one revolution to the dispensing plate 20, dispensing of the powder that tends to jump is started.
Such a dispensing order instruction may be transmitted to the drug dispensing device 1 from a system that transmits prescription information, and may also be displayed on a screen for instructing an operator to manually place the drug container 31 on the drug dispensing device 1.

According to this embodiment, a drug that is difficult to splash enters the drug input groove 22 first, and a drug that is easy to splash falls onto it. At that time, the lower part of the medicine that does not splash easily acts as a cushion and prevents the medicine that is put in later from splashing.
Therefore, even the medicine that tends to splash is evenly distributed on the distribution plate 20.
It is desirable to discharge drugs that bounce easily after the drugs that do not bounce easily finish, but a considerable effect can be expected by simply shifting the timing of the start of discharge.

(Separate placement mode)
In principle, the medicine dispensing device 1 of this embodiment discharges powder medicine from the medicine container 31 while continuously rotating the distribution plate 20 and uniformly distributes the medicine on the distribution plate 20. Medication can also be injected while the device is in the same position or slightly moved.
For example, if the dose per dose is small and the number of doses is small, one dose of medicine is put into the dispensing plate 20 with the dispensing plate 20 stopped, making a pile of doses, and the dispensing plate 20 is rotated a little, and a dose of medicine is put into the dispensing tray 20 at another position to form another pile of doses.
Then, each pile of medicine is scraped out and packaged.
Here, when operating in the separate placement mode and when the prescription requires mixing multiple drugs, the mounting table 32 on which the drug container 31 is placed on the display device 10 etc. is specified. , the user is guided to place the drug container 31 at an adjacent position.
As a result, the drugs to be mixed are placed in adjacent areas.

When mixing multiple types of drugs for one dose to make one pile, move the dispensing tray from the position where the first drug was dispensed to the discharge position of the next drug to be mixed, and stack it on top of the first drug pile. However, in order to shorten the time, it is possible to place different types of medicine containers 31 to be mixed in adjacent positions, simultaneously discharge the prescribed amount, and then scrape out the medicine in one package at a time. By doing so, time can be reduced.

In the medicine dispensing device 1 of this embodiment, the mounting table 32 is vibrated to discharge powdered medicine from the medicine container 31. That is, by vibrating the medicine container 31, the powder medicine is moved toward the powder medicine discharge section 71 and discharged.
In this embodiment, immediately after the vibration starts, the vibration intensity is set to be strong to shorten the time required for the medicine to reach the powdered medicine discharge section 71, and when the medicine starts to fall, the vibration strength is set to be strong. A control system is adopted in which the intensity is fixed at the current intensity, and the vibration is then made to vibrate at that intensity. Specifically, if the weight of the drug container 31 changes even slightly, it is determined that the drug has started to be discharged, and the vibration intensity is weakened.
However, the weight measuring means 52 may determine that it has detected a slight change in weight due to vibration and malfunction.
For example, there are cases where the medicine is deep inside the medicine container 31 and does not reach the powder medicine discharge section 71 even if the vibration is continued. In such a case, it may be erroneously determined that the medicine in the medicine container 31 is insufficient.
This problem often occurs when the dosage of the drug in the prescription is low.
Therefore, in this embodiment, when the detected value of the weight measuring means 52 changes, the vibration intensity is reduced as a general rule, but if no change in weight is observed after a certain period of time has passed, the vibration intensity is reduced. A control system that strengthens the power level again is adopted.

This control is particularly effective when allocating extremely small amounts. Since a very small amount is discharged from the drug container 31, the initial discharge amount at which it is determined that the drug has been discharged from the drug container 31 is also set to a very small amount. For example, the vibration intensity is increased until discharge starts, and when it is detected that 0.02g has been discharged, it is determined that the medicine has started to flow from the medicine container 31, and the vibration strength is stopped to maintain the vibration strength. However, the minute amount of 0.02g may correspond to the amount spilled due to shaking of the weighing device or slight vibration, and even in such cases, even though the drug has not yet reached the outlet. , they may stop increasing the vibration intensity, and as a result, it may be determined that the product is out of stock. In order to prevent this, in the case of this example, when 0.02g is discharged, it is determined that the drug has started to flow for discharge, and then, for example, after 20 seconds, the weight change is checked again to confirm that 0.02g has been discharged. For example, control is performed to return to the initial operation and return to the stage of increasing the vibration intensity.

(Determination of usage priority of parent and child cassettes)
As described above, there is a group of drug containers 31 called a parent-child cassette, and the drug containers 31 belonging to the group are filled with the same drug.
In this embodiment, information regarding the expiration date (expiration date) and filling time of the filled medicine is linked to the medicine container 31 belonging to the parent-child cassette.
For example, a main number and a branch number are assigned to the medicine containers 31 belonging to the parent and child cassettes, and the priority of the medicine containers 31 belonging to the parent and child cassettes is set.
Then, the information is stored in the control device 6 of the drug dispensing device 1 and the storage means of other devices. Further, the information storage means 65 of the drug container 31 stores information regarding the expiration date and filling time of the filled drug.
The system of the drug dispensing device 1 sets the priority of the drug containers 31 to be used based on such information, and then assigns the drug containers 31 to the drug dispensing device 1 based on the priority. Specify priority.

When using the medicine containers 31 belonging to the parent-child cassette, the medicine containers set on the mounting table are discharged in descending order of priority based on the above-mentioned priority. For example, information such as the expiration date is read from the control device 6 of the medicine dispensing device 1 or the storage means of other devices, and the above-mentioned display is displayed so that the medicine with the closest expiration date or the one with the quickest filling time is used preferentially. Display on screen.
In addition, when a plurality of drug containers 31 belonging to a parent-child cassette are placed on the mounting table 32 at the same time, the drug is discharged from the one whose expiration date is near or the one whose filling time is early, and the insufficient amount is discharged from the other drug containers 31. let
In addition to the above-mentioned conditions, other priority settings may be considered, such as preferentially dispensing medicine from the medicine container 31 with the least amount filled or the medicine container 31 with the most filling amount.

(Setting of vibration stop time)
As described above, in this embodiment, the weight of the drug container 31 is monitored while the drug container 31 is vibrated, and when the required amount of powder is discharged from the drug container 31, the vibration of the vibrating member 40 is stopped.
This is the timing to stop the vibration, but even after the vibration stops, the medicine moves due to inertia etc., and the medicine is discharged even after the vibration stops, so the vibration stops just before the required amount of medicine is discharged. .

The amount of drug discharged after the vibration stops is determined by the properties of the drug and the vibration intensity immediately after the vibration stops. In this embodiment, the vibration intensity is determined by the drug.
In the medicine dispensing device 1 of this embodiment, control is adopted in which the amount of medicine to be dispensed after the vibration stops is detected, and the subsequent vibration stop timing is changed based on this detected value.
Specifically, there is a concept of discharge weight that determines the timing to stop vibration, and the timing to stop vibration is determined at the timing when the weight is measured by subtracting a predetermined weight (for example, 0.3 g) from the dispensed weight based on the prescription. do. That is, the stop timing is set after the time when the above-mentioned 0.3g is subtracted from the required discharge amount. Then, we monitor the change in the flow rate of the powder from the time when 0.3g is subtracted to the stop timing, and if the flow rate is the originally planned, if it is stopped at the stop timing, excess discharge from the cassette discharge part will be eliminated. Not done. However, for example, if the flow rate of the powder medicines described above becomes slow, the planned remaining amount cannot be dispensed from the stop timing, resulting in a shortage in the total amount of powder medicines dispensed. Therefore, when the flow rate changes, the stop timing is updated each time, and control is performed to bring a little more powder closer to the powder discharge part 71 of the drug container 31, thereby preventing the amount dispensed from being smaller than the original amount. can.
According to this embodiment, the vibration stop timing is updated, and the accuracy of the emission amount is improved.

(Vibration damping time)
As described above, in this embodiment, the weight of the drug container 31 is monitored while the drug container 31 is vibrated, and when the required amount of powder is discharged from the drug container 31, the vibration of the vibrating member 40 is stopped.
In this embodiment, the vibration intensity is gradually increased, and when the flow rate of the powder reaches a certain value, the vibration intensity is maintained.
When the amount of powder discharged approaches the required amount, the vibration intensity is reduced to reduce the flow rate of the powder. When the flow rate of the powder drops to a certain level, the weak vibration intensity is maintained, and when the required amount of powder is discharged from the drug container 31, the vibration of the vibrating member 40 is stopped. The time to maintain the weak vibration intensity is relatively short.
Therefore, the discharge amount (flow rate) of the powder per unit time from the start of vibration of the mounting table 32 to the stop of vibration draws a line as shown in the graph of FIG. The area surrounded by the solid line in the graph of FIG. 13 corresponds to the total amount of powder discharged. Furthermore, the area surrounded by the broken line corresponds to the amount of powder discharged from the time when the vibration intensity begins to decrease until the vibration stops.

There is no limit to the timing of reducing the vibration intensity, but candidates for such timing include, for example, when the remaining emissions reach a certain value, or when the remaining emissions reach a certain percentage of the total emissions. It will be done.
In this embodiment, the timing to reduce the vibration intensity in order to reduce the flow rate is determined by a predetermined calculation.
If we start reducing the vibration intensity (reducing the flow rate) right now, we can calculate the time when the powder can be finished discharging by drawing a line like the graph in Figure 13 by reducing the vibration intensity. When that period is reached, the vibration intensity is reduced.
Specifically, the expected flow rate when the vibration intensity is reduced from now on is oscillated for a certain period of time at the current flow rate per unit time (emission amount when the vibration intensity is strong) and the target weak vibration intensity. The sum of the predicted flow rate in that case and the predicted flow rate in the process of reducing the vibration is calculated, and when the value exceeds the required payout amount, the vibration intensity is reduced. Alternatively, when the above-mentioned total reaches the required dispensing amount, the vibration intensity is lowered to lower the flow rate. In other words, the sum of the area of area A, the area of area B, and the area of area C in FIG. start.
This makes it possible to delay the timing of lowering the flow rate, thereby lengthening the time for discharging powdered medicine at a high flow rate, and as a result, it is possible to discharge a large amount of powdered medicine in a short period of time.

(Checking the posture of the drug container)
The drug container 31 must be correctly attached to the mounting table 32. The following method can be considered as a simple method for detecting whether or not the drug container 31 is correctly attached.
One way to check the posture of the drug container is to check if the drug container 31 is installed in an inappropriate position and is floating, and when the top cover (feeder cover) 5 is closed, a portion of the top cover 5 may be , designed in a dimensional relationship corresponding to the drug container 31. For example, a protrusion is provided on the inside of the top lid 5 or on the upper surface of the medicine container 31, and the protrusion is brought into contact with the other member. It is desirable that the protrusions be soft so as not to damage other members.
When the drug container 31 is in a floating state and the top lid 5 hits the drug container 31, the load of the top lid 5 is applied to the weight measuring means 52, and an abnormal value is detected. Based on this abnormal value, it is determined that the posture of the medicine container 31 is inappropriate.

(Advance notification of failure)
The following method can be considered as a measure for detecting a failure of the drug dispensing device 1 in advance.
One possible method for detecting failure in advance is to continue detecting the weight measuring means 52 even when the drug dispensing device 1 is inactive.
For example, if something collides with the medicine dispensing device 1 while the device is at rest, the detected value of the weight measuring means 52 changes.
If a situation occurs in which the detected value of the weight measuring means 52 changes during the rest period, this fact is displayed on the display device 10 to call the user's attention. This display may be displayed after the power is turned on, or even when the system is inactive, if an abnormality is detected, the electron microscope may be temporarily turned on and displayed on the screen.

(Checking the amount of drug remaining in the drug container)
In the medicine dispensing device 1 of this embodiment, the remaining amount of medicine in the medicine container 31 is checked immediately after the medicine container 31 is placed on the mounting table 32.
Specifically, when the drug container 31 is mounted on the mounting table 32, the information in the information storage means 65 attached to the drug container 31 is read out by the information reading means 66 near the mounting table 32, The control device 6 determines which drug container 31 is attached.
Further, the display device 10 displays a message indicating that the remaining amount is being checked. Specifically, the words "Measuring" are displayed.
The remaining amount of the drug is calculated from the weight of the drug container 31, and the remaining amount of the drug is displayed. The identification number of the drug container 31 is also displayed.

This is the timing to display the remaining amount of medicine and the identification number of the medicine container 31. In this embodiment, the medicine container 31 is identified from the information storage means 65 attached to the medicine container 31, and the identification number of the medicine container 31 is displayed immediately. The information is sent to a control device or the like, and the identification number of the drug container 31 is immediately displayed. Then, when the remaining amount of the drug in the drug container 31 is confirmed, the remaining amount of the drug is displayed.
In the display order, the identification number of the drug container 31 is displayed first, and then the calculated remaining amount of the drug is displayed. Until the remaining amount of the drug is displayed, the identification number of the drug container 31 and the words "Measuring" are displayed.
In this way, by immediately displaying the identification number of the drug container 31, it is possible to give the user a sense of security.
Although this display order is recommended, it is not particularly limited, and the identification number of the drug container 31 and the remaining amount of the drug may be displayed simultaneously.

(Warning display on weight measuring means)
As described above, in the medicine dispensing device 1 of this embodiment, the remaining amount of medicine in the medicine container 31 is checked immediately after the medicine container 31 is placed on the mounting table 32. It is necessary to start measuring the weight of the drug container 31 when the weight measuring means 52 of the mounting table 32 is stable. Therefore, if the weight measuring means 52 remains unstable, a display indicating that the weight measuring means 52 is unstable is displayed on the display screen (warning display). Furthermore, if it is detected that the weight measuring means 52 is unstable, work is required to release the instability.

By the way, in the medicine dispensing device 1 of this embodiment, a plurality of mounting tables 32 are installed around the distribution plate 20. Furthermore, in the drug dispensing device 1 of this embodiment, the worker manually attaches and detaches the drug container 31 to and from the mounting table 32. Therefore, when attaching and detaching the drug container 31, the drug dispensing device 1 may shake. There is a fear that vibrations during attachment/detachment may be detected by the mounting table 32, on which the drug container 31 has been attached first and weight measurement is about to begin, and a warning display may be displayed.
Therefore, in this embodiment, when the work of attaching and detaching the drug container 31 to and from another mounting table 32 is performed, control is adopted to delay the detection of the stability of the weight measuring means 52 until a predetermined time has elapsed. ing.
For the same reason, even when the upper lid 5 is opened or closed, control is employed to delay detection of the stability of the weight measuring means 52 until a predetermined period of time has elapsed.

The present invention is a drug dispensing device that achieves the third goal of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to "ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all people of all ages."It's something you get.
The drug dispensing device of the present invention is a device that can be performed even by a non-pharmacist such as a technician by eliminating the powder drug inspection work such as powder drug weighing that should be performed by a qualified person such as a pharmacist. This will allow qualified pharmacists to shift from the physical work of dispensing medicines to the interpersonal work of dealing with patients, and will also allow non-pharmacists to carry out the necessary dispensing work, making it possible to improve the health of all people of all ages. This will help achieve the third goal of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which is to ensure a healthy lifestyle and promote well-being.
Furthermore, the present invention can reduce personnel costs and improve economic productivity. This will also contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

1: Drug dispensing device, 6: Control device, 7: Automatic cleaning device, 10: Display device 16: Packaging device, 20: Distribution plate, 21: Scraping device, 22: Drug input groove, 31: Drug container 32: Placement table, 100: Current status display area, 101: Bibliographic matter display area, 102: Next prescription display area, 103: Placement table information display area, 105: Drug container information display area,
106: Operation area

Claims (5)

A drug dispensing device that has a dispensing plate provided with an annular drug input groove and rotated by power, and performs a packaging operation in which the powder introduced into the dispensing plate is divided into a predetermined number of pieces, each individually packaged, and then discharged. In the device,
A plurality of mounting tables each having a powder dispensing function are installed near the distribution tray,
A device that stores and/or receives prescription data and drives a specific mounting table based on the prescription data,
An operator manually places a drug container on a mounting table, and uses the powder dispensing function to dispense the powder from the drug container and deposit the powder into the distribution tray;
It is possible to install the drug containers necessary for carrying out one packing operation on the mounting table, and further set the drug containers necessary for carrying out another packing operation on the mounting table. ,
One or one group of mounting tables may be driven to perform the one packaging operation, and subsequently another one or another group of mounting tables may be driven to perform the other packaging operation. Possible drug dispensing device. has a display device, and in a state where all the drug containers required for the one packaging operation are placed on the mounting table, all the medicine containers required for the other packaging operation are placed on the mounting table. 2. The drug dispensing device according to claim 1, wherein if the drug is available, a display indicating this is displayed. The display device has a display device, and the display device displays information on drug containers required for the one-time packaging operation, and when all the drug containers required for the one-time packaging operation are placed on the mounting table. , if it is possible to place all drug containers required for the other time of packaging operation on the mounting table, information on the drug containers required for the other time of packaging operation is displayed on the display device. The drug dispensing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the drug dispensing device is capable of displaying a message. In a case where a plurality of types of medicines are put into a dispensing tray and mixed medicines are packaged, it is possible to determine the type of powder medicine to start dispensing first according to the information on the powder medicine type. 2. The drug dispensing device according to 1 or 2. The medicine dispensing device according to claim 4, wherein the information on the powder medicine type includes information related to splashing of the powder medicine.

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