JP6911160B2 - Drug audit support system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a drug audit support system including a packaging machine and an auditing machine.

In recent years, packaging machines and auditing machines have been introduced in hospitals and pharmacies. The packaging operation of storing the drug in the packaging bag based on the prescription data is automated by the packaging machine. In addition, the audit work for inspecting whether the drug is stored in the sachet according to the prescription data is automated by the audit machine.

Patent Document 1 discloses a packaged drug dispensing unit having a discharge unit, a post-process unit having a transport unit and a packaged drug inspection unit, and a control unit. The control unit associates the transport speed of the transport unit with the discharge speed of the discharge unit, and controls at least one of the transport unit and the discharge unit so that the post-process can proceed without damaging the bundle of packaged medicines. do.

JP-A-2017-209499

However, even when the transport speed of the transport unit and the discharge speed of the discharge unit are associated with each other, there is a concern that the speed difference cannot be absorbed, such as when the change between the transport speed and the discharge speed is large.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a drug audit support system capable of adjusting a difference in processing speed between a packaging machine and an auditing machine.

The drug audit support system of the first aspect accepts and continues a packaging machine that packages a drug based on prescription data and discharges a continuous packaging bag and a continuous packaging bag discharged from the packaging machine. A carrier that sends out the bag in the longitudinal direction, an audit machine that accepts the continuous bag sent from the bag and audits the medicines packaged in the bag based on the prescription data, and the bag. , A transport machine, and a controller for controlling an audit machine, and the transport machine includes a buffer unit for storing continuous packaging bags.

In the drug audit support system of the second aspect, the controller temporarily stops the operation of the packaging machine when the amount of the packaging bag stored in the buffer unit reaches the maximum allowable range.

In the drug audit support system of the third aspect, the buffer unit is composed of a dancer roller mechanism.

In the drug audit support system of the fourth aspect, the buffer unit is a turret mechanism having a plurality of rotation axes and switching the positions of the plurality of rotation axes, and the packaging bag discharged from the packaging machine by one rotation axis. It is composed of a turret mechanism that winds up and sends another packaging bag to the auditing machine by another rotating shaft.

In the drug audit support system of the fifth aspect, the transporter accepts the packaging bag in synchronization with the discharge of the packaging bag from the packaging machine.

In the drug audit support system of the sixth aspect, the transporter applies a constant tension to the continuous packaging bags and accepts only the packaging bags discharged from the packaging machine.

In the drug audit support system of the seventh aspect, the drug audit support system includes a detector that detects the movement of one package of continuous packaging bags discharged from the packaging machine, and the transporter performs packaging based on the result of the detector. Accept one bag.

In the drug audit support system of the eighth aspect, the controller instructs the packaging machine to package the drug based on the audit result of the auditing machine.

In the drug audit support system of the ninth aspect, a perforation forming machine for forming perforations in a continuous packaging bag that has been audited by the auditing machine is provided.

In the drug audit support system of the tenth aspect, the packaging machine includes a switching mechanism for switching between a route for sending the packaging bag to the auditing machine and a route for sending the packaging bag to other than the auditing machine.

According to the present invention, since the buffer unit is provided, the difference in processing speed between the packaging machine and the auditing machine can be adjusted.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing the configuration of the drug audit support system of the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the drug audit support system. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a packaging mechanism provided in the packaging machine. FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the controller. FIG. 5 is a partially enlarged view of the audit machine. FIG. 6 is a partially enlarged view of the packaging machine and the transporter. FIG. 7 is a schematic configuration diagram of the conveyor of the second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a schematic configuration diagram of a carrier of a modified example of the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of the modified example of the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing another operation of the modified example of the second embodiment. Figure 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of the third embodiment.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present invention will be described in the following preferred embodiments. Changes can be made by many methods without departing from the scope of the present invention, and other embodiments other than the present embodiment can be used. Therefore, all modifications within the scope of the present invention are included in the claims.

Here, in the figure, the parts indicated by the same symbols are similar elements having the same functions. In addition, when the numerical range is expressed by using "~" in the present specification, the numerical values of the upper limit and the lower limit indicated by "~" are also included in the numerical range.

[First Embodiment]
The drug prescription work performed in hospitals and pharmacies is roughly divided into prescription data input work, picking work, automatic packaging work, dispensing audit work, medication guidance and prescription work. In the medication instruction and prescription work, the pharmacist gives the patient medication instruction and prescription of the packaged drug after the dispensing audit.

In the prescription data input work, the pharmacist inputs the prescription data described in the prescription into a receipt computer (not shown). Examples of prescription data include patient name, age, drug type or drug name, drug dosage, drug usage, or drug dose. In the present specification, the term of a drug type of a drug is synonymous with the type of drug or the type of drug.

The pharmacist then operates a receipt computer to print prescription data from a printer connected to the receipt computer.

In the picking operation, the pharmacist picks the medicine corresponding to the prescription data from the medicine rack based on the prescription data described in the printed matter output from the printer. Examples of the drug include tablets, capsules and the like. For the picking operation, for example, an automatic picking device that automatically picks the drug based on the prescription data input to the receipt computer may be used.

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a drug audit support system. As shown in FIG. 1, the drug audit support system 10 includes a packaging machine 100, a transporting machine 200, an auditing machine 300, a packaging machine 100, a transporting machine 200, and a controller 500 for controlling the auditing machine 300. ing.

In the present specification, "upper" and "lower" indicating the direction mean "upper" and "lower" when the drug audit support system is installed in a normally used state. "Vertical" and "horizontal" mean "vertical" in the direction perpendicular to the bi-folded part, and "horizontal" in the direction parallel to the bi-folded part, based on the bi-folded part of the long packing paper. means. Vertical includes substantially vertical, and parallel includes approximately parallel. "Upstream" and "downstream" are related to the transport direction of the packing paper or the packing bag, and the transport destination side in the transport direction is "downstream" and the transport source side in the transport direction is "downstream" with respect to a certain standard. It means "upstream".

<Control device>
As the controller 500, for example, a personal computer can be mentioned. Prescription data is input to the controller 500 online from a receipt computer. The controller 500 includes, for example, a display unit 502 composed of a display device and an operation unit 504 composed of a keyboard.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the drug audit support system 10. As shown in FIG. 2, the controller 500 is electrically connected to the packaging machine 100, the conveyor 200, the auditing machine 300, the display unit 502, and the operation unit 504. The controller 500 includes a processing unit 506 that performs various controls, a storage unit 508 that stores various data, and a communication interface 510 that performs data communication between an external network. The controller 500 is connected to the receipt computer via the communication interface 510.

<Packing machine>
As shown in FIG. 1, the packaging machine 100 has a housing 102. The packaging machine 100 includes a plurality of feeders 104 for storing a plurality of drugs. The plurality of feeders 104 are arranged vertically and horizontally. The plurality of feeders 104 can be arranged on the back side when viewed from the front. The feeder 104 can drop the stored drug one tablet at a time.

Controller 500, based on the prescription data, select the feeders 104 necessary, Ru is dropped off Ida 104 or al one package worth of drug to the lower. The feeder 104 can be composed of a cassette for accommodating the drug, a shooter for guiding the drug downward from the cassette, and the like.

The packing machine 100 includes a hopper 106 under the feeder 104. The hopper 106 is a tubular member having a wide opening on the upper side and a narrower opening on the lower side than the upper side. The hopper 106 collects the drug that falls from the upper feeder 104 and collects the drug in one place on the lower side. A charging pipe 108 is provided below the hopper 106.

The packaging machine 100 includes a packaging mechanism 110 under the input pipe 108. The tablets collected by the hopper 106 are guided to the packaging mechanism 110 by the input pipe 108. The input pipe 108 is a tubular member that penetrates vertically. The input pipe 108 may have a circular cross section or an elliptical cross section. Further, the input pipe 108 may have a cylindrical shape or a frustum shape. The shape of the input pipe 108 is not particularly limited as long as the tablet can be guided to the packaging mechanism 110.

As shown in FIG. 3, the packaging mechanism 110 includes a supply mechanism 114 for sending out the packing paper 112 and a heat sealing mechanism 116 for heat-sealing the packing paper 112. The packing paper 112 is made of a heat-sealing material. The packing paper 112 is a state in which a long sheet is folded in half in the lateral direction and rolled into a roll.

The heat seal mechanism 116 has, for example, a vertically arranged vertical heat head 116A and a horizontally arranged horizontal heat head 116B. The heat seal mechanism 116 can form a vertical seal portion and a horizontal seal portion on the packaged paper 112 to be conveyed.

The supply mechanism 114 is composed of, for example, a shaft that holds the roll-shaped packing paper 112, a drive motor that rotates the shaft, and the like. The controller 500 can rotate and drive the drive motor intermittently and continuously.

The packing paper 112 is conveyed with the folded portion positioned on the lower side. For example, the vertical heat head 116A of the heat seal mechanism 116 forms a vertical seal portion on the packing paper 112. The packing paper 112 is in a half-closed state. Next, the semi-closed packing paper 112 passes through the input pipe 108. One packet of the drug is supplied from the input tube 108 to the semi-closed packing paper 112. Next, the lateral heat head 116B of the heat seal mechanism 116 forms the lateral seal portion. The packaging paper 112 is a packaging bag 118 for packaging the drug by the heat sealing mechanism 116. The packing machine 100 discharges the continuous packing bag 118 from the discharge port 120.

A perforation forming machine (not shown) can be provided on the vertical heat head 116A of the heat sealing mechanism 116. The perforation forming machine includes, for example, a plurality of blades capable of penetrating the packing paper 112. When the vertical heat head 116A heat-seals the packing paper 112 from both sides, the perforation forming machine can form perforations in the vertical seal portion. By separating the continuous packaging bags 118 along the perforations, the continuous packaging bags 118 are separated into individual packaging bags 118.

The packaging mechanism 110 can include a print head 122. The print head 122 prints on the packing paper 112 in an area that becomes a packing bag after passing through the heat sealing mechanism 116. The printed information includes, for example, patient names, drug names, usage, and the like.

<Audit machine>
The auditing machine 300 has a housing 301. The housing 301 includes an introduction port 302 that receives the continuous packaging bag 118 and an discharge port 334 that discharges the continuous packaging bag 118. The auditing machine 300 includes a pair of upstream first transport rollers 304 and a pair of downstream second transport rollers 306. The first transport roller 304 and the second transport roller 306 sandwich the continuous packaging bag 118 from the vertical direction and the horizontal seal portion. By sandwiching the lateral seal portion, it is possible to prevent the drug from being sandwiched between the first transport roller 304 and the second transport roller 306 and being damaged.

An imaging region is provided in the transport path between the first transport roller 304 and the second transport roller 306. In the imaging region, the first camera 308 is arranged on the upper side of the transport path, and the second camera 310 is arranged on the lower side of the transport path. The first camera 308 and the second camera 310 are, for example, digital cameras.

A plurality of light sources 312 are arranged on the upper side and the lower side of the transport path. On the upper side of the transport path, four light sources 312 are arranged at equal intervals on the same circumference around the imaging optical axis of the first camera 308. Similarly, four light sources 312 are arranged at equal intervals on the same circumference around the imaging optical axis of the second camera 310 on the lower side of the transport path.

The imaging region of the transport path is composed of transparent members. The first camera 308 and the second camera 310 take images of the packaged drug in the packaged bag 118 to be transported from the vertical direction. In the imaging region, the packaging bag 118 is in a horizontal state. The horizontal state means that the surface of the packaging bag 118 surrounded by the vertical seal portion, the horizontal seal portion, and the folded portion is horizontal.

It is preferable to provide a spreading mechanism (not shown) in the imaging region. The spreading mechanism eliminates the overlap of the drugs in the sachet 118. By operating the spreading mechanism, the first camera 308 and the second camera 310 can accurately image the drug in the sachet 118.

A guide 314 is arranged downstream of the imaging region. The guide 314 guides the packing bag 118 to the lower transport path.

The audit machine 300 is provided with a label printer mechanism 316. The third camera 330 is arranged at a position facing the label printer mechanism 316 with the transport path in between. The third camera 330 captures the perforations formed in the vertical seal portion of the packaging bag 118 and detects the position. The label affixing position is adjusted based on the perforation detection position.

The label printer mechanism 316 includes a supply mechanism 320 that sends out a label mount 318, a label printer 322, a label peeling mechanism 324, and a winding mechanism 326 that winds up the mount. The supply mechanism 320 is composed of, for example, a shaft that holds a roll-shaped label mount 318, a drive motor that rotates the shaft, and the like. The label printer 322 is composed of, for example, a thermal head printer. The winding mechanism 326 is composed of a shaft for winding the unlabeled mount 318, a drive motor for rotating the shaft, and the like. The label peeling mechanism 324 is composed of a pair of belt transport mechanisms. The printed label is peeled off from the mount by passing the label mount 318 between the pair of belt transport mechanisms and bending the label mount 318. The peeled label is attached to the packaging bag 118.

The print head 122 of the packaging mechanism 110 and the label printer mechanism 316 of the auditing machine 300 can be used together or only one of them can be used.

A pair of third transport rollers 332 are arranged downstream of the label printer mechanism 316. The third transport roller 332 discharges the continuous packaging bag 118 to which the label is attached from the discharge port 334. The sachet bag 118 discharged from the discharge port 334 is housed in the storage box 400. In the embodiment, the storage box 400 is shown, but a winding device may be arranged instead of the storage box 400. The take-up device is composed of a take-up shaft, a drive motor for driving the take-up shaft, and the like.

<Conveyor>
The carrier 200 has a housing 201. The housing 201 includes an introduction port 202 that receives the continuous packaging bag 118 and an discharge port 224 that discharges the continuous packaging bag 118. The transfer machine 200 includes a pair of first transfer rollers 204, a turret mechanism 208, and a pair of second transfer rollers 206 from the upstream side to the downstream side.

The turret mechanism 208 includes a disk-shaped turntable 210 and a table rotation shaft 212 that rotatably supports the turntable 210. The table rotation shaft 212 is connected to a drive motor (not shown).

As shown in FIG. 1, the turntable 210 includes a plurality of rotation shafts (winding rotation shaft 214 and delivery rotation shaft 216). The take-up rotation shaft 214 and the delivery rotation shaft 216 are arranged point-symmetrically with respect to the table rotation shaft 212.

The take-up rotation shaft 214 and the delivery rotation shaft 216 are each connected to a drive motor (not shown). The take-up rotation shaft 214 and the delivery rotation shaft 216 can be rotated clockwise and counterclockwise by a drive motor.

The turret mechanism 208 is a mechanism for switching the positions of the take-up rotation shaft 214 and the delivery rotation shaft 216 by rotating the turntable 210.

Although the disk-shaped turntable 210 is shown in FIG. 1, the structure is not limited as long as the position can be switched. For example, the turret mechanism has a structure including a linear arm, an arm rotating shaft that rotatably supports the center of the arm, and a rotating shaft that winds up and sends out a bag at both ends of the linear arm. There may be.

As shown in FIG. 1, the take-up rotation shaft 214 is located on the side closer to the packing machine 100. For convenience, it is referred to as the winding position. The winding rotation shaft 214 rotates clockwise, and the packaging bag 118 discharged from the packaging machine 100 can be wound in a roll shape via the first transport roller 204. That is, among the plurality of rotation shafts (winding rotation shaft 214 and delivery rotation shaft 216), the packing bag 118 discharged from the packing machine 100 is wound from the winding rotation shaft 214 corresponding to one rotation shaft. ..

On the other hand, the delivery rotation shaft 216 is located on the side closer to the auditing machine 300. For convenience, it is referred to as the delivery position. The delivery rotation shaft 216 rotates counterclockwise, and another wound roll-shaped packaging bag 118 can be sent to the auditing machine 300 via the second transport roller 206 and the discharge port 224. That is, among the plurality of rotation shafts (winding rotation shaft 214 and delivery rotation shaft 216), the packing bag 118 discharged from the packing machine 100 is wound by the delivery rotation shaft 216 corresponding to one rotation shaft.

The first transfer roller 204 and the second transfer roller 206 may be composed of members (sponge, brush, etc.) having a soft outer periphery so as not to damage the chemicals packaged in the packaging bag 118. preferable.

All of the packaging bag 118 is delivered from the delivery rotation shaft 216 at the delivery position. The packaging bag 118 wound around the winding rotation shaft 214 at the winding position is the target of the next delivery.

Waiting for the packaging bag 118 to be wound on the winding rotation shaft 214 to a constant diameter, or ending the winding in a state where the packaging bag 118 is not wound to a constant diameter. The turntable 210 is rotated 180 ° around the table rotation shaft 212. The take-up rotary shaft 214 moves to the feed-out position, and the feed-out rotary shaft 216 moves to the take-up position. When the take-up rotation shaft 214 moves to the delivery position, it becomes the delivery rotation shaft 216. On the other hand, when the feed rotation shaft 216 is moved to the take-up position, it becomes the take-up rotation shaft 214.

By rotating the delivery rotation shaft 216 counterclockwise, the already wound packaging bag 118 is unwound and sent to the inspection machine 300. On the other hand, the winding rotation shaft that has finished sending out the packaging bag 118 rotates clockwise to wind the packaging bag 118 discharged from the packaging machine 100.

The conveyor 200 can be provided with a diameter detection sensor 220 for the take-up roll at the take-up position and a diameter detection sensor 222 for the take-out roll at the take-out position. The roll diameter of the packaging bag 118 at the winding position is acquired by the diameter detection sensor 220. The winding amount of the sachet bag 118 is calculated.

The roll diameter of the packaging bag 118 at the delivery position is acquired by the diameter detection sensor 222. The delivery amount of the sachet bag 118 is calculated. The timing of driving the turntable 210 can be controlled based on the winding amount and the feeding amount of the packing bag 118. The diameter detection sensors 220 and 222 are, for example, non-contact ultrasonic sensors, laser sensors, and the like.

The processing speed differs between the packaging machine 100 and the auditing machine 300. Here, the processing speed is the length of the packing bag 118 discharged from the packing machine 100 and the auditing machine 300 per hour. Generally, when the packaging machine 100 and the auditing machine 300 are compared, the processing speed of the auditing machine 300 is slower than the processing speed of the packaging machine 100. The conveyor 200 shown in FIG. 1 has a plurality of rotation shafts (winding rotation shaft 214 and delivery rotation shaft 216) to wind the packaging bag 118 at a speed suitable for the processing speed of the packaging machine 100. And the packaging bag 118 can be sent to the auditing machine 300 at the processing speed of the auditing machine 300. In the embodiment, the turret mechanism 208 functions as a buffer unit. The buffer unit has a function of temporarily storing the packaging bag 118, and the structure is not limited as long as the function can be realized.

In particular, the perforated packaging bag 118 is liable to cause unintended separation at the perforations due to the speed difference during transportation. Therefore, it is effective to adjust the difference in processing speed between the packaging machine 100 and the auditing machine 300 during transportation by providing the buffer unit.

From the winding amount of the packaging bag 118, it can be determined whether the amount of the packaging bag 118 at the winding position is within the maximum allowable range. The maximum permissible range means the maximum value of the accumulated amount of the packaging bag 118, and the maximum permissible range can be arbitrarily determined in advance by the structure of the conveyor 200.

When the amount of the packaging bag 118 reaches the maximum permissible range, it is preferable to temporarily stop the operation of the packaging machine 100. The temporary stop of operation can prevent the packing bag 118 from being clogged in the packing machine 100.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the controller 500. The controller 500 includes a processing unit 506 and a storage unit 508. The processing unit 506 includes a packaging machine control unit 512 that controls the packaging machine 100 (not shown), a transporter control unit 520 that controls the transporter 200 (not shown), and an audit that controls the auditing machine 300 (not shown). It is provided with a machine control unit 530.

These functions are realized by a device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and various electronic circuits with reference to data stored in an EEPROM (Electronically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory) or the like. Further, these functions are performed by executing a drug test support program stored in a ROM (Read Only Memory: non-temporary recording medium) or the like. During processing, RAM (Random Access Memory) or the like is used as a temporary storage area or a work area. Note that in FIG. 4, the illustration of a device such as a CPU is omitted.

The packaging machine control unit 512 includes, for example, a feeder unit 512A and a packaging unit 512B. The feeder unit 512A controls the operation of the feeder 104 of the packaging machine 100 based on the prescription data. The packaging unit 512B controls the operations of the supply mechanism 114 of the packaging mechanism 110 and the heat sealing mechanism 116.

The transporter control unit 520 includes, for example, a buffer control unit 520A, a transport unit 520B, and an alarm unit 520C. The buffer control unit 520A controls the operation of the turret mechanism 208. The transport unit 520B controls the operations of the first transport roller 204 and the second transport roller 206. When the packing bag 118 stored in the turret mechanism 208 reaches the maximum allowable range, the alarm unit 520C issues a stop signal to the packing machine control unit 512.

The auditing machine control unit 530 includes an imaging unit 530A, an auditing unit 530B, a printing unit 530C, and a transport unit 530D. The imaging unit 530A controls the first camera 308 and the second camera 310 to photograph the drug to be audited packaged in the packaging bag 118, and acquires the captured image. The audit unit 530B outputs information indicating whether or not the drug to be audited shown in the captured image is the same as the drug shown in the image obtained based on the prescription data. The printing unit 530C controls the label printer mechanism 316, prints on the label, and attaches the printing label to the packaging bag 118. The transport unit 530D controls the operations of the first transport roller 304, the second transport roller 306, and the third transport roller 332.

The function of the processing unit 506 can be realized by using various processors. Various processors include, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), which is a general-purpose processor that executes software (programs) to realize various functions. In addition, the various processors described above include a programmable logic device (PLD), which is a processor whose circuit configuration can be changed after manufacturing, such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). Further, the above-mentioned various processors also include a dedicated electric circuit, which is a processor having a circuit configuration specially designed for executing a specific process such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

The functions of each part may be realized by one processor, or may be realized by combining a plurality of processors. Further, a plurality of functions may be realized by one processor. As an example of configuring a plurality of functions with one processor, first, one processor is configured by a combination of one or more CPUs and software, as represented by a computer such as a client and a server, and this processor is configured. Is realized as a plurality of functions. Secondly, as typified by System On Chip (SoC), there is a form in which a processor that realizes the functions of the entire system with one IC (Integrated Circuit) chip is used. As described above, the functions of each part are configured by using one or more of the above-mentioned various processors as a hardware structure. Further, in order to operate these processors, the computer-readable code of the program for causing the dispensing audit support device (computer) to execute the dispensing audit support method according to the present invention is not shown in a ROM (Read Only Memory) or the like (not shown). Recorded on a temporary recording medium.

The storage unit 508 is composed of a non-temporary recording medium such as a CD (Compact Disk), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), a hard disk (Hard Disk), various semiconductor memories, and a control unit thereof. The storage unit 508 can store, for example, prescription data 508A, drug data 508B, drug image 508C, audit result 508D, and the like. Prescription data 508A is information related to the prescription, including, for example, patient name, drug name, usage, and dosage. Drug data 508B includes a visual image of the drug, the type, shape, and size of the drug. The drug image 508C is an image of the drug to be audited. The audit result 508D is information indicating the audit result created by the processing unit 506.

The operation of the drug audit support system 10 of the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. The medicine is prepared in the plurality of feeders 104, and the packing paper 112 is prepared in the supply mechanism 114. The feeder unit 512A controls the feeder 104 based on the prescription data 508A, and the feeder 104 supplies one packet of the drug to the packaging mechanism 110. The packaging unit 512B controls the packaging mechanism 110. The packing paper 112 is intermittently conveyed from the feeding mechanism 114, and the heat sealing mechanism 116 forms a vertical sealing portion and a perforation on the packing paper 112. The medicine is supplied from the charging pipe 108 to the packing paper 112. The packing paper 112 is intermittently conveyed, and the heat sealing mechanism 116 forms a horizontal sealing portion on the packing paper 112. The packing machine 100 discharges the packing bag 118.

The carrier 200 receives the packaging bag 118 from the introduction port 202. The transport unit 520B controls the first transport roller 204 and transports the packaging bag 118 to the turret mechanism 208. The buffer control unit 520A controls the turret mechanism 208. The take-up rotation shaft 214 is rotated to the take-up position, and the packing bag 118 is taken up at a speed suitable for the processing speed of the packing machine 100. Rotate the turntable 210. The wound sachet bag 118 is moved to the delivery position. It is unwound by the feed rotation shaft 216 at a speed suitable for the processing speed of the auditing machine 300. The transport unit 520B controls the second transport roller 206 and sends the packaging bag 118 to the audit machine 300 at a speed suitable for the audit machine 300. Send to the audit machine 300. While the packaging bag 118 is being sent out, the packaging bag 118 is wound by the take-up rotation shaft 214.

The alarm unit 520C calculates the accumulated amount of the packaging bag 118 from the signal of the diameter detection sensor 220. If necessary, the alarm unit 520C issues a stop signal.

The auditing machine 300 receives the packaging bag 118 from the introduction port 302. The transport unit 530D controls the first transport roller 304 and the second transport roller 306, and transports the packaging bag 118 to the imaging region. The imaging unit 530A controls the light source 312, the first camera 308, and the second camera 310, images the drug in the packaging bag 118 from above and below, and acquires the drug image 508C.

The audit unit 530B acquires drug data 508B including an image from the prescription data 508A. The audit unit 530B determines from the drug data 508B and the drug image 508C whether or not the drug to be audited is the same as the drug shown in the prescription data 508A, and outputs the information of the audit result 508D. The printing unit 530C controls the label printer mechanism 316, and attaches a label on which the prescription data and the information obtained by the auditing unit 530B are printed to the packaging bag 118. The transport unit 530D controls the third transport roller 332. The third transport roller 332 discharges the labeled packaging bag 118 to the storage box 400 via the discharge port 334.

As described above, the transporter 200 adjusts the difference in processing speed between the packaging machine 100 and the auditing machine 300.

Next, a preferable form of the drug audit support system 10 will be described. It is preferable that the controller 500 instructs the packaging machine 100 to package the drug based on the audit result 508D of the auditing machine 300.

For example, if the audit result 508D is "the drug in the sachet 118 and the prescription data 508A do not match", the sachet 118 (referred to as an indivisible bag) determined to be inconsistent is not used. As a result, the required sachet bag 118 is in short supply. Based on the audit result 508D, the controller 500 controls the packing machine 100, and the packing machine 100 newly adds a drug to the packing paper 112 based on the prescription data of the indivisible packing bag in order to make up for the insufficient packing bag 118. Package in. According to the drug audit support system 10, the shortage of sachets 118 is automatically replenished.

FIG. 5 is a partially enlarged view of the auditing machine 300. The same configuration as that of the auditing machine 300 shown in FIG. 1 is designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 5, the audit machine 300 includes a passage detection sensor 342 and a perforation forming machine 344 between the discharge port 334 and the third transfer roller 332 from upstream to downstream.

Generally, the packaging machine 100 is provided with a perforation forming machine. However, there is a concern that the perforations of the packaging bag 118 may lead to unintentional cutting of the packaging bag 118 during transportation of the packaging machine 100, the conveyor 200, and the auditing machine 300. Cutting the packaging bag 118 during transportation causes clogging of the packaging bag 118 in the packaging machine 100, the transport machine 200, and the auditing machine 300. The clogging also causes a failure of the packing machine 100, the conveyor 200, and the auditing machine 300. Further, in order to clear the clogging, it is necessary to stop any one of the packing machine 100, the conveyor 200, and the auditing machine 300. The throughput of the drug audit support system 10 decreases.

The auditing machine 300 shown in FIG. 5 includes a perforating machine 344 that forms a perforation in the continuous packaging bag 118 that has been audited. The perforation machine 344 of the inspection machine 300 can prevent the sachet bag 118 from being cut due to the perforation during transportation. The perforation forming machine 344 is preferably arranged upstream or downstream of the third transport roller 332, which is a discharge roller. Since the perforated packaging bag 118 is discharged from the downstream discharge port 334, the tension applied to the perforations of the packaging bag 118 can be reduced. As a result, unintended cutting of the sachet 118 can be suppressed.

The third camera 330 detects the vertical seal portion. Since the packaging bag 118 is transported to the transport unit 530D based on the position of the vertical seal portion, the packaging bag 118 can be aligned with the label sticking position and the perforation forming position.

The perforation forming machine 344 is composed of a first perforation blade (not shown) having a plurality of protruding blades and a second perforation blade (not shown) having a hole for receiving the protruding blades of the first perforation blade. NS. By sandwiching the vertical seal portion of the packing bag 118 and the first perforation blade and the second perforated blade, perforations are formed in the vertical seal portion.

The passage detection sensor 342 shown in FIG. 5 is a detector that detects the movement of one package of the packaging bag 118. For example, the passage detection sensor 342 can detect the label attached to the packaging bag 118 and confirm the passage of one package of the packaging bag 118. As the passage detection sensor 342, a reflection type sensor and a transmission type sensor can be applied. For example, a reflective sensor and a transmissive sensor include a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit.

When the auditor control unit 530 detects the passage of one package of the sachet bag 118, the information is transmitted to the transporter control unit 520. The conveyor control unit 520 controls the conveyor 200 based on the result of the passage detection sensor 342. The transporter 200 receives the packaging bag 118 for one package from the packaging machine 100. The difference in processing speed can be adjusted by making the speed of the packing bag 118 discharged from the inspection machine 300 substantially the same as the speed discharged from the packing machine 100.

FIG. 6 is a partially enlarged view of the packaging machine 100 and the conveyor 200. As shown in FIG. 6, the packing machine 100 includes a switching mechanism 130 for switching the path of the packing bag 118. The switching mechanism 130 includes an introduction port 132 of the packaging bag 118, an discharge port 134 of the packaging bag 118, and a movable transport path 136 between the introduction port 132 and the discharge port 134. The movable transport path 136 has a fulcrum 138 on the side of the packaging machine 100. The movable transport path 136 can move up and down within a predetermined range around the fulcrum 138.

In FIG. 6, when the movable transport path 136 is in the horizontal position, the packing bag 118 discharged from the packing machine 100 passes through the movable transport path 136 and is received by the transport machine 200 via the introduction port 202. The packing bag 118 is sent from the transport machine 200 to the audit machine 300. Therefore, the packaging bag 118 is switched to the route to be sent to the auditing machine 300.

When the movable transport path 136 is tilted diagonally downward from the horizontal position about the fulcrum 138, the packing bag 118 discharged from the packing machine 100 passes through the movable transport path 136 and is stored in the storage box 400. NS. Therefore, the packaging bag 118 can be switched to a route for sending out to a route other than the auditing machine 300.

When the auditing machine 300 cannot be used due to a failure or the like, the user can use only the packing machine 100.

[Second Embodiment]
The second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 10. By assigning the same reference numerals to the portions that perform the same operations as those of the first embodiment, detailed description of the portions will be omitted, and the configuration of the buffer portion different from that of the other embodiments will be mainly described.

FIG. 7 is a schematic configuration diagram of the conveyor 200 of the drug audit support system 10. In FIG. 7, the packaging machine 100, the auditing machine 300, and the controller 500 are omitted.

As shown in FIG. 7, the transporter 200 includes a housing 201 having an introduction port 202 and a discharge port 224, a pair of first transport rollers 204 and a pair of second transport rollers from the upstream side to the downstream side. It includes 206, a dancer roller mechanism 230, and a pair of third transfer rollers 240.

The dancer roller mechanism 230 includes two guide rollers 232 and a dancer roller 234 arranged between the two guide rollers 232.

The dancer roller mechanism 230 is a mechanism for changing the relative distance between the guide roller 232 and the dancer roller 234, and is a mechanism in which the dancer roller 234 is movable. In the embodiment, the two guide rollers 232 are fixed and the dancer roller 234 can move in the vertical direction. For example, the rotation shaft that supports the dancer roller 234 can be fixed to a frame or the like in a state in which it can move up and down and can rotate.

By increasing the distance between the two guide rollers 232 and the dancer roller 234, the amount of the packaging bag 118 stored in the dancer roller mechanism 230 can be increased. In the second embodiment, the dancer roller mechanism 230 functions as a buffer unit. By adjusting the amount of the packaging bag 118 stored in the dancer roller mechanism 230, the difference in processing speed between the packaging machine 100 (not shown) and the auditing machine 300 can be adjusted.

For example, when the processing speed of the packaging machine 100 is high, the dancer roller 234 is lowered to increase the accumulated amount of the packaging bag 118. The third transfer roller 240 can send out the packaging bag 118 at a transfer speed suitable for the processing speed of the auditing machine 300.

The buffer control unit 520A shown in FIG. 4 controls the operation of the dancer roller mechanism 230. When the dancer roller 234 reaches the lowest point, it is determined that the maximum allowable range has been reached, and the packing machine control unit 512 can stop the packing machine 100. However, when the dancer roller 234 reaches the lowest point, the packaging machine 100 may not be stopped if necessary.

FIG. 8 is a schematic configuration diagram of a carrier 200 of a modified example of the second embodiment. The dancer roller mechanism 230 of the conveyor 200 includes four guide rollers 232 and three dancer rollers 234.

When the processing speed of the packaging machine 100 is high, it is preferable that the dancer roller mechanism 230 can accumulate a larger amount of the packaging bag 118 in relation to the operation of the packaging machine 100. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8, it is preferable to arrange the guide roller 232 and the dancer roller 234 in multiple stages. Multi-stage means that the dancer roller mechanism 230 includes two or more dancer rollers 234. In FIG. 8, four guide rollers 232 and three dancer rollers 234 are shown, but are not limited to this number. The number of guide rollers 232 and dancer rollers 234 can be determined in consideration of the processing speeds of the packaging machine 100 and the auditing machine 300.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of the dancer roller mechanism 230 of the modified example of the second embodiment. 901 in the figure is a state in which all three dancer rollers 234 are located at the highest points. The sachet bag 118 is not transported.

Reference numeral 902 in the figure indicates a state in which the packaging bag 118 has been transferred from the packaging machine 100 (not shown) to the dancer roller mechanism 230 of the transporter 200 (not shown). When the packaging bag 118 is conveyed to the dancer roller mechanism 230, the dancer roller 234 close to the auditing machine 300 (not shown) is moved downward. Accumulation of the sachet bag 118 is started.

Reference numeral 903 in the figure indicates a state in which the packaging bag 118 is continuously conveyed to the dancer roller mechanism 230. When the dancer roller 234 closest to the audit machine 300 reaches the lowest point, the dancer roller 234 in the middle is moved downward. The sachet bag 118 is further accumulated in the dancer roller mechanism 230.

Reference numeral 904 in the figure indicates a state in which the packaging bag 118 is continuously conveyed to the dancer roller mechanism 230. When the dancer roller 234 close to the audit machine 300 and the dancer roller 234 in the middle reach the lowest point, the dancer roller 234 close to the packing machine 100 is moved downward. The dancer roller mechanism 230 stores a packaging bag 118 having a maximum allowable range.

Reference numeral 905 in the figure indicates a state in which the transportation of the packaging bag 118 from the packaging machine 100 is stopped and the transportation of the packaging bag 118 accumulated in the dancer roller mechanism 230 to the auditing machine 300 is started. The dancer roller 234 close to the auditing machine 300 is moved upward, and the accumulated packaging bag 118 is transported to the auditing machine 300.

Reference numeral 906 in the figure indicates a state in which the packaging bag 118 is continuously conveyed to the auditing machine 300. When the dancer roller 234 close to the auditing machine 300 reaches the highest point, the dancer roller 234 in N true is moved upward, the stored packing bag 118 is transported to the audit unit 300.

By operating the dancer roller mechanism 230, the difference in processing speed between the packaging machine 100 and the auditing machine 300 can be adjusted. If the difference in processing speed between the packaging machine 100 and the auditing machine 300 can be adjusted, the operation is not limited to the operation shown in FIG.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing another operation of the modified example of the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, the dancer roller 234 close to the audit machine 300 (not shown) is moved upward, and the packaging bag 118 stored in the dancer roller mechanism 230 is conveyed to the audit machine 300. At the same time, by moving the dancer roller 234 close to the packaging machine 100 downward, the packaging bag 118 conveyed from the packaging machine 100 is accumulated in the dancer roller mechanism 230.

It is preferable to control the operation of the dancer roller 234 in consideration of the difference in processing speed between the packaging machine 100 and the auditing machine 300.

[Third Embodiment]
The third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. It should be noted that the parts that perform the same functions as those of the first embodiment and the second embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, so that detailed description of the parts is omitted, and the buffer portion that is different from the other embodiments is mainly used. The configuration will be described.

FIG. 11 is a schematic configuration diagram of the conveyor 200 of the drug audit support system 10. In FIG. 11, the packaging machine 100, the auditing machine 300, and the controller 500 are omitted.

As shown in FIG. 11, the transporter 200 includes a housing 201 having an introduction port 202 and a discharge port 224, a pair of first transport rollers 204 and a pair of second transport rollers from the upstream side to the downstream side. It includes 206, a folding mechanism 250, a pair of third transfer rollers 240, and a pair of fourth transfer rollers 246.

The folding mechanism 250 includes a pair of movable transfer rollers 252 and a position detection sensor 254. The folding mechanism 250 functions as a buffer unit. The folding mechanism 250 is a mechanism for forming a folding edge on the packaging bag 118 for each predetermined length and stacking the bag. The predetermined length can be appropriately set according to the size of the conveyor 200 and the like.

As shown in FIG. 11, the pair of movable transport rollers 252 can reciprocate in the horizontal direction.

The packaging bag 118 transported from the packaging machine 100 passes through a pair of movable transport rollers 252 that continuously reciprocate in the horizontal direction, and is sent to the lower side of the transport machine 200. As a result, the packaging bag 118 is accumulated in the folding mechanism 250 while being stacked in a zigzag shape by the pair of movable transport rollers 252.

From the lower side of the folding mechanism 250, the packaging bag 118 is conveyed to the inspection machine 300 (not shown) by the third transfer roller 240 and the fourth transfer roller 246.

By accumulating the packaging bag 118 in the folding mechanism 250 in a zigzag shape, it is possible to adjust the difference in processing speed between the packaging machine 100 (not shown) and the auditing machine 300. The position detection sensor 254 can detect whether or not the sachet 118 has reached the maximum permissible range.

In the first to third embodiments, it is preferable that the conveyor 200 is provided with a tension adjusting mechanism (not shown) to apply a constant tension to the packaging bag 118. When the packaging bag 118 is sent out from the packaging machine 100, the packaging bag 118 sags. The tension adjusting mechanism operates to apply a constant tension to the packaging bag 118. The packaging bag 118 is pulled by the transporter 200 and accepted by the transporter 200. Therefore, the transporter 200 can accept the packaging bag 118 in synchronization with the discharge of the packaging bag 118 from the packaging machine 100.

As the tension adjusting mechanism, for example, a dancer roller can be applied. By applying a load to the rotating shaft that supports the dancer roller, the tension of the packaging bag 118 is determined.

In the above-described embodiment, the case where the packaging machine 100, the conveyor 200, and the auditing machine 300 have different housings has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the packaging machine 100, the conveyor 200, and the auditing machine 300 may be housed in one housing.

10 Drug audit support system 100 Packing machine 102 Housing 104 Feeder 106 Hopper 108 Input pipe 110 Packaging mechanism 112 Packing paper 114 Supply mechanism 116 Heat seal mechanism 116A Vertical heat head 116B Horizontal heat head 118 Packing bag 120 Discharge port 122 Print head 130 Switching mechanism 132 Introductory port 134 Outlet port 136 Movable transport path 138 Supporting point 200 Conveyor 201 Housing 202 Introducing port 204 1st transport roller 206 2nd transport roller 208 Turret mechanism 210 Turntable 212 Table rotation shaft 214 Winding rotation shaft 216 Feeding rotary shaft 220 Diameter detection sensor 222 Diameter detection sensor 224 Discharge port 230 Dancer roller mechanism 232 Guide roller 234 Dancer roller 240 Third transfer roller 246 Fourth transfer roller 250 Folding mechanism 252 Movable transfer roller 254 Position detection sensor 300 Auditor 301 Box Body 302 Introductory port 304 1st transfer roller 306 2nd transfer roller 308 1st camera 310 2nd camera 312 Light source 314 Guide 316 Label printer mechanism 318 Mount 320 Supply mechanism 322 Label printer 324 Label peeling mechanism 326 Winding mechanism 330 3rd camera 332 Third transport roller 334 Discharge port 342 Passage detection sensor 344 Perforation forming machine 400 Storage box 500 Controller 502 Display unit 504 Operation unit 506 Processing unit 508 Storage unit 508A Prescription data 508B Drug data 508C Drug image 508D Audit result 510 Communication interface 512 Packing machine control unit 512A Feeder unit 512B Packaging unit 520 Transporter control unit 520A Buffer control unit 520B Transport unit 520C Alarm unit 530 Audit machine control unit 530A Imaging unit 530B Audit unit 530C Printing unit 530D Transport unit

Claims (8)

A packaging machine that packages drugs based on prescription data and discharges continuous packaging bags,
A transporter that receives the continuous packaging bag discharged from the packaging machine and sends out the continuous packaging bag.
An auditing machine that accepts the continuous packaging bags sent from the carrier and audits the drug packaged in the packaging bag based on the prescription data.
A controller that controls the packaging machine, the transporting machine, and the auditing machine,
It is a drug audit support system equipped with
The transport machine includes a buffer unit for storing the continuous packaging bag.
The controller temporarily stops the operation of the packaging machine when the amount of the packaging bag stored in the buffer unit reaches the maximum permissible range.
A drug audit support system,
The buffer unit is a drug audit support system composed of a dancer roller mechanism . A packaging machine that packages drugs based on prescription data and discharges continuous packaging bags,
A transporter that receives the continuous packaging bag discharged from the packaging machine and sends out the continuous packaging bag.
An auditing machine that accepts the continuous packaging bags sent from the carrier and audits the drug packaged in the packaging bag based on the prescription data.
A controller that controls the packaging machine, the transporting machine, and the auditing machine,
It is a drug audit support system equipped with
The transport machine includes a buffer unit for storing the continuous packaging bag.
The controller temporarily stops the operation of the packaging machine when the amount of the packaging bag stored in the buffer unit reaches the maximum permissible range.
It is a drug audit support system
The buffer unit is a turret mechanism having a plurality of rotation shafts and switching the positions of the plurality of rotation shafts, and one rotation shaft winds up the packing bag discharged from the packing machine and another. A drug audit support system composed of a turret mechanism that sends another packaging bag to the auditing machine by one of the rotating shafts. The drug audit support system according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the carrier receives the package bag in synchronization with the discharge of the package bag from the package machine. The transporter applies a constant tension to the continuous packaging bag and accepts only the packaging bag discharged from the packaging machine.
The drug audit support system according to claim 3. A detector is provided for detecting the continuous movement of one package of the packaging bag discharged from the packaging machine, and the transporter detects one package of the packaging bag based on the result of the detector. accept,
The drug audit support system according to claim 4. The controller instructs the packaging machine to package the drug based on the audit result of the auditing machine.
The drug audit support system according to any one of claims 1 to 5. A perforation machine for forming perforations in the continuous packaging bag that has been audited by the audit machine is provided.
The drug audit support system according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The packaging machine includes a switching mechanism for switching between a path for sending the packaging bag to the auditing machine and a route for sending the packaging bag to a path other than the auditing machine.
The drug audit support system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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