JP7458634B2 - Drug measuring device - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to drug metering devices.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2016-130972 (Patent Document 1) discloses a plurality of drug containers for accommodating powdered drugs of each type, a dispensing unit that distributes the powdered drugs discharged from the drug containers, and a device that individually packages the powdered drugs. A powder medicine packaging device is disclosed, which includes a medicine packaging device that performs a packaging operation.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-130972

Medication dispensing devices are required to accurately dispense medicines according to dispensing data in order to improve the quality and accuracy of packaging.

This disclosure provides a drug dispensing device that can perform accurate dispensing according to dispensing data.

In accordance with the present disclosure, there is provided a drug weighing device including a weighing unit and a control unit that controls the weighing unit. The weighing unit has a drug storage unit that stores the drug, and a weighing unit that weighs the drug taken out of the drug storage unit and placed in a container. The control unit stores the weight of the container. The control unit controls the weighing unit to weigh the container before taking out the drug from the drug storage unit, and determines whether the container is empty based on the stored weight of the container.

According to the medicine measuring device according to the present disclosure, it is possible to accurately measure according to the dispensing data.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a dispensing system. 1 is a schematic diagram of a medicine packaging device according to an embodiment; FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a plan view of the packet section. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the drug packaging device. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an intermediate container (outer drug container). FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a weighing device. FIG. 2 is a first flowchart showing the flow of medicine supply and packaging processing. FIG. 7 is a second flowchart showing the flow of drug supply and packaging processing. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating setting values for determining whether or not packaging can be performed. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a determination as to whether or not packaging can be performed for the entire prescription data when the prescription data includes a plurality of drugs and these drugs are packaged in a single package. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of medicine measurement processing. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a first example of print output. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a second example of print output.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below based on the drawings. In addition, in the following drawings, the same reference numerals are given to the same or corresponding parts, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a dispensing system 100. FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of the drug packaging device 1 according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view of the packaging section 33. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the drug packaging device 1. As shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 1, the dispensing system 100 includes a medicine packaging device 1 and a measuring device 80.

The drug packaging device 1 supplies and packages drugs. To supply drugs, the drug packaging device 1 can measure out one or more drugs. In this specification, measuring out a drug means taking out the required amount of drug stored in a drug storage facility or the like. The drug packaging device 1 measures out powdered medicine (powdered, finely divided, or granular medicine) as the drug. The drug packaging device 1 may also be capable of packaging tablets in addition to powdered medicine.

The measuring device 80 is installed outside the drug packaging device 1. The measuring device 80 can measure out the medicine instead of the medicine packaging device 1. The medicine packaging device 1 and the weighing device 80 are installed at a pharmacy or a hospital, for example.

The drug packaging device 1 supplies and packages drugs based on prescription data entered by the operator.

The drug packaging device 1 can also only package drugs. In this case, a measuring device 80 or the like is used to measure out the medicine. The measuring device 80 measures the medicine taken out from a medicine bottle or the like by an operator. The medicine packaging device 1 can also only measure the medicine. In this case, the weighed medicine is delivered to the outside of the medicine packaging device 1 without being packaged. The medicine packaging device 1 stores measured medicine in a container, and allows an operator to take out the container.

In the following explanation, the fact that the drug packaging device 1 packages the drug is referred to as the first operation, and the fact that the drug packaging device 1 measures the drug and does not package it thereafter is referred to as the second operation. . In the first operation, the medicine packaging device 1 may weigh out the amount, or the medicine packaging device 1 does not need to weigh out the amount. The first operation also includes a case where the medicine packaging device 1 packages a medicine that has been weighed (measured) by the measuring device 80 or the like outside the medicine packaging device 1.

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

The first storage unit 11 can store a plurality of intermediate containers 91 that do not contain medicine. The intermediate container 91 is prepared for storing medicines to be supplied and packaged and conveying them to each part of the medicine packaging device 1 . The configuration of the intermediate container 91 will be described later.

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

The second storage unit 12 can store a plurality of external drug containers 92 that do not contain drugs. The external drug container 92 is used as a container that stores a drug prepared by an operator outside the drug packaging device 1 and is introduced into the drug packaging device 1 for packaging the drug. The external medicine container 92 stores the medicine to be measured by the measuring device 80 when the measuring device 80 of FIG. It is prepared in the drug packaging device 1 for introduction into the packaging device 1. The configuration of the external drug container 92 will be described later.

The third storage unit 13 can store a plurality of delivery containers 93 that do not contain medicines. The carry-out container 93 is for storing the weighed medicine and transporting the medicine from the medicine dispensing apparatus 1 to another medicine packaging apparatus 95 when the medicine dispensing apparatus 1 does not package it after weighing. , are prepared in the drug packaging device 1.

The second storage section 12 and the third storage section 13 can be configured to support the bottom surface of the external drug container 92 or the discharge container 93, for example, in the same manner as the first storage section 11.

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

The storage portion 91a is a portion of the intermediate container 91 that substantially stores the medicine. The housing portion 91a is formed in a hollow shape with an open upper part.

The discharge path section 91b is configured as a narrow passageway that connects the internal space and the external space of the housing section 91a. The discharge path portion 91b is formed to communicate with an end portion of the storage portion 91a.

The opening/closing part 91c is configured as a shutter-like movable member. The opening/closing section 91c can open and close the connecting portion between the storage section 91a and the discharge path section 91b.

The information display section 91d is a display capable of displaying prescription data and information regarding the prescription. The information display section 91d can be configured as, for example, microcapsule type or electrophoretic type electronic paper.

The information recording section 91e includes, for example, a nonvolatile memory, and can record container-specific information. The container unique information includes container identification information. Note that the container-specific information may include information indicating the type of container (intermediate container 91, external drug container 92, and delivery container 93). The information recording section 91e can be configured as, for example, an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag.

In the drug packaging device 1 of this embodiment, multiple intermediate containers 91 of the same shape are prepared. Multiple types of intermediate containers 91 with different sizes of the storage portion 91a may be prepared. In this case, it is possible to respond to various situations in which weighing is required, such as weighing out multiple types of drugs.

The external drug container 92 will be explained. External drug container 92 is of substantially similar construction to intermediate container 91, as shown in FIG. The external drug container 92 includes a storage section 92a, a discharge path section 92b, an opening/closing section 92c, an information display section 92d, and an information recording section 92e.

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

In the medicine packaging device 1 of this embodiment, a plurality of external medicine containers 92 having the same shape are prepared. Note that a plurality of types of external drug containers 92 may be prepared, each having a different size of the storage portion 92a. In this case, it is possible to cope with various situations in which external measurement is performed, such as external measurement of various drugs.

The carry-out container 93 will be explained. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the delivery container 93. As shown in FIG. 6, the carry-out container 93 corresponds to the intermediate container 91 without the discharge path section 91b and the opening/closing section 91c. The carry-out container 93 includes a storage section 93a, an information display section 93d, and an information recording section 93e.

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

In the drug packaging device 1 of this embodiment, multiple output containers 93 of the same shape are prepared. Multiple types of output containers 93 with different sizes of storage section 93a may be prepared. In this case, it is possible to respond to various situations in which weighing is required, such as weighing out various types of drugs.

The transport unit 14 can transport an intermediate container 91, an external drug container 92, and a delivery container 93. As shown in FIG. 2, the transport section 14 includes a first transport section 14a and a second transport section 14b.

The respective operations of the first transport section 14a and the second transport section 14b are controlled by the control section 50. The first conveyance section 14a and the second conveyance section 14b differ only in the range of conveyance, and have substantially the same configuration for conveyance. do.

The first transport section 14a includes a container holding section for holding an intermediate container 91, an external medicine container 92, or a delivery container 93. The container holding section is configured to be movable along a route defined in the medicine packaging device 1. The first conveyance section 14a moves the container holding section while holding the intermediate container 91, the external drug container 92, or the carrying out container 93, thereby transporting the intermediate container 91, the external drug container 92, or the carrying out container. Container 93 is transported.

In this way, in this embodiment, the intermediate container 91, the external drug container 92, and the delivery container 93 are transported by the common first transport section 14a. Therefore, in each of the three types of containers, it is preferable that the portions attached to the first conveyance section 14a (container holding section) have the same configuration because the configuration of the first conveyance section 14a can be simplified.

The intermediate container 91, the external drug container 92, and the delivery container 93 are similar to each other in terms of construction and function. Therefore, the intermediate container 91 can also be used as an external drug container 92 used in the first operation. Further, the intermediate container 91 can also be used as a carry-out container 93 used in the second operation. The external drug container 92 can also be used as an intermediate container 91 used in the first operation. Furthermore, the external drug container 92 can also be used as a delivery container 93 used in the second operation. By reducing the number of types of containers, the configuration can be simplified.

In FIG. 2, the path of the first conveying unit 14a is shown by a dashed line, and the path of the second conveying unit 14b is shown by a two-dot chain line. The first conveying unit 14a and the second conveying unit 14b are equipped with separate drive sources and can each operate independently. Therefore, the medicine packaging device 1 can simultaneously transport containers by the first conveying unit 14a and by the second conveying unit 14b in parallel.

There are various configurations in which the conveyance unit 14 holds containers. For example, a container holding portion is provided at the tip of an extendable or rotatable arm, and the position of the container holding portion is changed by extending/contracting or rotating the arm. It may also be a configuration. Further, for example, the container may be gripped with a zipper, or the container may be held by suction.

The drug storage 15 stores drugs to be measured. Each medicine storage 15 is formed with an opening for discharging and taking out the medicine outside the container.

In principle, each of the multiple drug storage containers 15 contains a different type of drug. However, for example, the same drug may be stored in multiple drug storage containers 15, for example, for drugs that are used frequently.

The drug packaging device 1 can also handle excipients in addition to drugs. An excipient may be stored in any one of the plurality of drug storages 15. The drug packaging device 1 takes out the excipient from the drug storage 15 when it is necessary to shape the drug (powder). In this case, excipients can be supplied in the same way as drugs. A cleaning material may be stored in any one of the plurality of medicine storages 15. In this case, the cleaning material can be supplied in the same way as the medicine. The cleaning material is taken out from the medicine storage 15 and packaged while contacting the medicine path of the medicine packaging device 1, thereby cleaning the medicine path that the cleaning material comes into contact with. An excipient may be used in the cleaning material. The excipient and/or cleaning agent may be lactose.

An information recording section 71 is provided on the outer surface of the drug storage 15. The information recording unit 71 can be, for example, an RFID tag. The information recording unit 71 can store information regarding drugs stored in the drug storage 15 (accommodated drug information). The stored drug information includes the name of the drug, the remaining amount of the drug in the drug storage 15, the expiration date of the drug, the last replenishment date, the operating conditions of the weighing unit 30, and the like. The drug packaging device 1 can obtain stored drug information by reading the information recording section 71. Note that even if only the identification information of the drug storage 15 is stored in the information recording section 71 and this is read by the drug packaging device 1, the above-mentioned stored drug information is called from the storage section 61, which will be described later. good.

The first information processing section 16 can read the stored drug information from the information recording section 71. The first information processing unit 16 can be configured as, for example, an RFID reader/writer. The first information processing section 16 is provided at an arbitrary position of the drug packaging device 1.

The weighing section 30 includes a drug extraction section 17 and a measuring section 18. The medicine take-out unit 17 takes out medicine from the medicine storage 15. The measuring unit 18 measures the medicine taken out from the medicine storage 15.

The medicine extractor 17 removably holds a plurality of medicine storages 15. The medicine extractor 17 moves the held medicine storage 15 to a predetermined position, and at the predetermined position takes out the medicine stored in the medicine storage 15 downward through the opening. The operation of the drug extraction section 17 is controlled by the control section 50 based on the stored drug information read by the first information processing section 16.

The measuring section 18 includes a mounting table 18a and a detecting section 18b. The mounting table 18a is arranged below the above-mentioned predetermined position of the drug extraction section 17. An intermediate container 91 or a carry-out container 93 can be placed on the mounting table 18a. The first transport section 14a can transport the intermediate container 91 or the carry-out container 93 held in the container holding section, and can place it on the mounting table 18a or remove it from the mounting table 18a.

The detection unit 18b can measure the medicine inside the container while the intermediate container 91 or the delivery container 93 is placed on the mounting table 18a. The detection unit 18b can weigh each container before the medicine is taken out from the medicine storage 15. The weighing section 18 is configured as an electronic balance, and the mounting table 18a corresponds to a weighing pan in the electronic balance. The detection unit 18b can be configured as, for example, an electromagnetic or load cell type load sensor.

The measuring unit 30 is controlled by the control unit 50 so as to measure out the entire dose of each drug indicated by the drug information. The control unit 50 causes the medicine retrieval unit 17 to appropriately move the medicine storage 15 containing the medicine indicated by the medicine information to a position directly above the mounting table 18a. Thereafter, the control unit 50 takes out the medicine downward from the medicine storage 15, stores the taken out medicine in the intermediate container 91 or the carry-out container 93 placed on the mounting table 18a, and detects the stored medicine. Weighing is carried out using 18b.

The second information processing section 19 acquires container-specific information stored in the information recording section 91e of the intermediate container 91 or the information recording section 93e of the carrying-out container 93 set in the measuring section 18. Further, the second information processing section 19 can change the display content of the information display section 91d of the intermediate container 91 or the information display section 93d of the carry-out container 93 set in the weighing section 18. The second information processing unit 19 is configured as, for example, an RFID reader/writer.

The third information processing section 20 acquires container-specific information stored in the information recording section 91e of the intermediate container 91 stored in the first storage section 11. Acquisition of container-specific information by the third information processing unit 20 is similarly performed for the external medicine container 92 stored in the second storage unit 12 or the delivery container 93 stored in the third storage unit 13.

The third information processing unit 20 may change the display content of the intermediate container 91 or the export container 93. In this case, the second information processing section 19 may change the display contents only regarding the weighing results for the intermediate container 91 or the delivery container 93 set in the weighing section 18.

The display unit 21 is a device that has a display screen that can display various information regarding the medicine packaging device 1. The display unit 21 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display. The display section 21 is arranged at an appropriate position on the medicine packaging device 1.

The operation unit 22 is operated by an operator to give various instructions to the drug packaging device 1 . The operation unit 22 is arranged at an appropriate position of the medicine packaging device 1 (for example, near the display unit 21). The operating section 22 may include a keyboard, or the display section 21 may be a touch panel and the operating section 22 may be incorporated into the display section 21.

The printing unit 24 prints information regarding the medicine to be measured, supplied, and packaged by the medicine packaging device 1 . The printing unit 24 is controlled by a control unit 50. The printing unit 24 may print out the weight of the medicine taken out from the medicine storage 15 by the medicine take-out unit 17 of the weighing unit 30 and weighed by the weighing unit 18. The printing unit 24 may print out the weight of the medicine to be taken out from the medicine storage 15 by the weighing unit 30. The printing unit 24 may be a printer of any type such as a thermal type or an inkjet type.

The intermediate container 91 or the external drug container 92 transported by the second transport section 14b is set in the medicine discharge section 32. The medicine discharge section 32 can discharge the medicine in the set intermediate container 91 or the external medicine container 92. It is also possible to manually set the intermediate container 91 or the external drug container 92 in the drug discharge section 32.

The medicine discharge section 32 includes a container attachment section 32a. The container attachment part 32a is configured to be able to attach an intermediate container 91 or an external medicine container 92. Attachment of the intermediate container 91 or the external drug container 92 to the container attachment section 32a is performed automatically or manually by the second conveyance section 14b.

The container attachment part 32a includes an operating part that moves the opening/closing parts 91c and 92c of the container from a closed state to an open state. Before being attached to the container attachment part 32a, the connection parts between the storage parts 91a, 92a and the discharge path parts 91b, 92b are in a closed state.When the container is attached to the container attachment part 32a, the operating part moves the opening/closing parts 91c and 92c. As a result, the connecting portions between the accommodating parts 91a, 92a and the discharge path parts 91b, 92b are opened, and the medicine is allowed to be discharged from the container.

The medicine discharge section 32 includes a vibration device 32b. The vibration device 32b includes a motor and the like that generate vibrations. The vibration device 32b is controlled by the control section 50. The vibration device 32b generates vibrations in response to a control signal from the control unit 50. The vibration generated by the vibration device 32b is transmitted to the intermediate container 91 or the external drug container 92 attached to the container attachment part 32a.

The packaging unit 33 is configured to be able to package the medicine measured by the weighing unit 30. The packaging unit 33 is controlled by the control unit 50 so as to package the medicine measured by the weighing unit 30 into individual doses. The packaging section 33 includes a distribution section 34 and a packaging section 35.

The dispensing unit 34 distributes the medicine discharged from the container by the medicine discharging unit 32 into doses. The distribution section 34 includes a distribution plate 34a and a feeding section 34b. The distribution plate 34a is configured to be rotatable about a vertical axis. The medicine discharge section 32 discharges the medicine from the container and supplies the discharged medicine onto the rotating distribution plate 34a. The sending unit 34b causes the medicine supplied to the distribution plate 34a to fall downward in predetermined amounts.

The measuring unit 30 that takes out the medicine from the medicine storage 15 into the intermediate container 91, the transport unit 14 that transports the intermediate container 91, and the medicine discharge unit 32 that discharges the medicine from the intermediate container 91 and supplies it to the distribution tray 34a. , has the function of a supply section. The packaging unit 33 packages the medicine supplied by the supply unit.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the drug packaging device 1 includes a plurality of (specifically, two) dispensing sections 34. Each distribution section 34 includes a plurality (specifically, two) of drug discharge sections 32. A medicine is supplied onto one distribution tray 34a from either one or both of the two medicine discharge parts 32. The same kind of medicine may be supplied to one distribution tray 34a from the two medicine discharge parts 32, or different kinds of medicines may be supplied to one distribution tray 34a, and the medicine and excipient may be supplied to one distribution tray 34a. It may be supplied to two distribution pans 34a.

The packaging unit 35 packages the medicine distributed by the distribution unit 34 using a packaging material 40 . The packaging section 35 includes a hopper 35a and a heater 35b. The packaging unit 35 repeats the operation of dropping the drug dispensed into doses by the dispensing unit 34 onto the packaging material 40 through the hopper 35a, and the operation of welding the packaging material 40 with heat using the heater 35b. By repeating these operations, each dose of medicine is encapsulated in the packaging material 40. The packaging material 40 containing the medicine is delivered to the storage section outside or inside the medicine packaging device 1 .

The supply standby section 23 is provided between the measuring section 30, which measures the medicine, and the medicine discharge section 32, which discharges the medicine. An intermediate container 91 that contains the medicine or an external medicine container 92 can be placed in the supply standby section 23 and kept on standby as necessary.

The cleaning unit 38 can clean the intermediate container 91 or the external drug container 92. Cleaning may be performed by any means such as, for example, blowing compressed air on the inner surface of the intermediate container 91 or the outer drug container 92, suctioning, wiping with a brush or the like. By cleaning, the drug remaining on the inner surface of the container is removed.

A cleaning standby section 37 is provided near the cleaning section 38 . The intermediate container 91 or the external drug container 92 before being cleaned can be placed in the cleaning standby section 37 and kept on standby, if necessary.

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

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

To explain in detail, the control unit 50 is configured as a known computer, and includes an arithmetic unit such as a CPU, a storage device such as a flash memory or a hard disk, and an input/output unit for communicating with the outside. The storage device stores various programs and setting values. The arithmetic device reads various programs etc. from the storage device and operates the medicine packaging device 1 based on the detection values of the sensors provided in each part of the medicine packaging device 1 and various setting values stored in the storage device. Controls the operation of each part. The control unit 50 cooperates with the software and hardware described above to perform processing in the storage unit 61, weighing selection unit 62, and guide unit 65 shown in FIG. 4, and outputs a command signal as a result of the processing. By outputting the output, the medicine packaging device 1 can be operated.

The memory unit 61 can store dispensing data input from the outside as described above. The memory unit 61 also stores information about the medicine contained in the medicine storage unit 15 read by the first information processing unit 16 as placement information for the medicine storage unit 15 placed in the medicine packaging device 1. The memory unit 61 can also store various setting values necessary to operate the medicine packaging device 1.

The storage unit 61 also stores various data such as drug master information, which is unique information about drugs. This master information includes, for example, drug code, drug name, JAN code (or RSS), medicine bottle (drug container) code, category (dosage form: powder, tablet, external medicine, etc.), specific gravity, drug type (regular drug , poisonous drugs, narcotics, powerful drugs, antipsychotics, therapeutic drugs, etc.), combination changes, precautions, regular dosage, and information on prohibition of simultaneous use.

The memory unit 61 can also store container-specific information (container identification number, container type, etc.) as container master information.

When at least one of the drugs included in the dispensing data cannot be packaged due to the capacity of the packaging section 33, the weighing selection section 62 selects a drug that can be weighed out by the weighing section 30 among the drugs. The operator can select whether or not to perform a weighing operation using the weighing section 30. There are various configurations for realizing the selection, but for example, the weighing selection section 62 may display options (for example, execute/not execute buttons) on the display section 21 and allow the operator to select using the operation section 22. good.

The guide section 65 can provide guidance (instructions) to the operator. For example, when at least one of the drugs included in the dispensing data cannot be packaged due to the capacity of the packaging section 33, the guide section 65 transfers the drug measured by the weighing section 30 to other drugs. The operator can be informed that the packaging device 95 is to be used for packaging. Further, the guide unit 65 enables the packaging unit 33 to perform a packaging operation when the medicine supplied from the medicine storage 15 to the intermediate container 91 is insufficient for the total dose based on the dispensing data. As a response to this, the operator can be informed that external weighing is possible.

External metering is a method in which an operator prepares an external drug container 92 that holds a predetermined amount of medicine (all doses) outside the drug packaging device 1 and introduces the external drug container 92 into the drug packaging device 1. It is. At this time, it is also possible to inform the operator that replenishment or introduction of medicine storage is possible. The replenishment response is a response to replenish the medicine storage 15 with medicine. The introduction of a drug storage is a step in which the drug storage 15 containing the required amount of drugs is introduced into the drug packaging device 1.

There are various ways in which the guidance unit 65 can provide guidance to the operator, but one possible method is to display an appropriate message on the display unit 21. The guidance may be provided by voice, a notification lamp, or the like, for example.

Next, various positions set in the medicine packaging device 1 will be explained with reference to FIG. 2. Any of these positions can be a source and a destination for the container to be transported by the transport unit 14.

The first standby position P1 is a position in the first storage section 11 where the intermediate container 91 that does not contain medicine can stand by. The first standby position P1 can also be called a storage position where a plurality of intermediate containers 91 are stored in the first storage section 11.

The second waiting position P2 is a position in the second storage section 12 where an external drug container 92 that does not contain a drug can wait. The second waiting position P2 can also be said to be a storage position in the second storage section 12 where multiple external drug containers 92 are stored.

The third standby position P3 is a position in the third storage section 13 where the delivery container 93 that does not contain medicine can stand by. The third standby position P3 can also be called a storage position where a plurality of carry-out containers 93 are stored in the third storage section 13.

The measuring position P4 is a position where the measuring section 18 measures the medicine contained in the intermediate container 91 or the carry-out container 93.

The first removal position P5 is a position for removing the intermediate container 91 or the output container 93 to the outside of the drug packaging device 1. For example, when the drug is measured from the drug storage 15 to the intermediate container 91 or the output container 93 in the measuring unit 30, and the amount of drug removed (measured amount) is insufficient for the total amount of the target dose because the amount of drug stored in the drug storage 15 is insufficient, the first removal position P5 is used to remove the intermediate container 91 or the output container 93 that contains less than the target amount of drug to the outside of the drug packaging device 1. This removal is performed via the first removal unit 25 provided in the drug packaging device 1.

In this embodiment, the first take-out position P5 is set to a different position from the measuring position P4. The present invention is not limited to this, and, for example, the measurement position P4 may also be set to serve as the first take-out position P5.

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

The third take-out position P7 is a position for taking out the carry-out container 93 to the outside of the medicine packaging device 1. For example, when the drug is measured but not packaged in the drug dispensing device 1, the delivery container 93 containing the drug measured by the weighing section 30 is taken out of the drug dispensing device 1. In this case, the third extraction position P7 is used. This extraction is performed via the third extraction section 27 provided in the drug packaging device 1.

The supply standby position P8 is a position where the intermediate container 91 is kept on standby after the measuring unit 30 completes measuring the medicine and before the dispensing unit 33 discharges the medicine from the container and supplies it to the distribution tray 34a. It is. The supply standby position P8 is also a position (introduction position) where the external medicine container 92 or the intermediate container 91 containing the medicine measured by the measuring device 80 is set to be introduced into the medicine packaging device 1. The supply standby position P8 is set at the supply standby section 23 described above. The supply standby position P8 may also serve as the first take-out position P5, the second take-out position P6, or the third take-out position P7.

The supply positions P9-L1, P9-L2, P9-R1, and P9-R2 are the positions of the intermediate container 91 or the external drug container 92 when the drug is supplied to the distribution tray 34a in the drug discharge section 32. The second transport unit 14b transports the intermediate container 91 from the supply standby position P8 to any one of the supply positions P9-L1, P9-L2, P9-R1, and P9-R2. When introducing the external drug container 92 or intermediate container 91 containing a drug into the drug packaging device 1 from outside the drug packaging device 1, the introduction position of the container is the supply position P9-L1, P9-L2, It may be set to either P9-R1 or P9-R2 so that the operator directly sets the container in the medicine discharge section 32.

As described above, the medicine packaging device 1 is equipped with a plurality of (specifically, four) medicine discharge parts 32, and the four medicine discharge parts 32 have supply positions P9-L1, P9-L2, P9- R1, P9-R2 are assigned. As shown in FIG. 3, supply positions P9-L1 and P9-L2 are positions for discharging medicine into the left distribution pan 34a, and supply positions P9-R1 and P9-R2 are positions for discharging medicine into the right distribution pan 34a. This is the position where the medicine is discharged. In FIG. 3, the lower side of the figure is the front side of the medicine packaging device 1. The supply positions P9-L1 and P9-R1 are arranged in front of the supply positions P9-L2 and P9-R2. The supply positions P9-L2 and P9-R2 are located further back in the apparatus than the supply positions P9-L1 and P9-R1.

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

The cleaning standby position P10 is a position where the intermediate container 91 or the external drug container 92 waits for cleaning in the cleaning section 38. The cleaning standby position P10 is set at the cleaning standby section 37 described above.

The cleaning position P11 is a position where the intermediate container 91 or the external drug container 92 is cleaned by the cleaning section 38.

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

Specifically, the first conveying section 14a has the above-mentioned first standby position P1, second standby position P2, third standby position P3, weighing position P4, first take-out position P5, second take-out position P6, and The container is configured to be transportable between three take-out positions P7, a supply standby position P8, and a cleaning standby position P10. On the other hand, the second transport section 14b is configured to be able to transport containers between the supply standby position P8, the supply positions P9-L1, P9-L2, P9-R1, P9-R2, and the cleaning standby position P10.

Therefore, after the control unit 50 transports the intermediate container 91 etc. to the supply standby position P8 by the first transport unit 14a, the transported intermediate container 91 etc. is transported from the supply standby position P8 by the second transport unit 14b at an appropriate timing. can do. Further, after the intermediate container 91 and the like are transported to the cleaning standby position P10 by the second transport section 14b, the transported intermediate container 91 and the like can be transported from the cleaning standby position P10 by the first transport section 14a at an appropriate timing. .

In this embodiment, the configuration is such that the external drug container 92 stored in the second storage section 12 can be transported to the second take-out position P6 by the first transport section 14a and taken out to the outside of the drug packaging device 1. However, the external drug container 92 stored in the second storage section 12 may be taken out by the operator. In this case, the second storage section 12 may be provided outside the medicine packaging device 1.

Next, the weighing device 80 will be explained. FIG. 7 is a schematic configuration diagram of the weighing device 80. As shown in FIG. 7, the weighing device 80 includes a control section 81, a weighing section 82, an information processing section 83, and a display section 84. The measuring section 82, the information processing section 83, and the display section 84 are each electrically connected to the control section 81. The metering device 80 is capable of metering the medication contained in the external medication container 92 . When the intermediate container 91 is used for external metering, the metering device 80 measures the drug contained in the intermediate container 91.

The control unit 81 can communicate with the control unit 50 of the medicine packaging device 1 and can receive the dispensing data stored in the storage unit 61 of the medicine packaging device 1. The weighing device 80 transmits the weighing result to the drug packaging device 1 when measurement (such as measuring a drug that is insufficient to a target amount) is completed.

The measuring section 82 has substantially the same configuration as the measuring section 18 of the medicine packaging device 1, so a description thereof will be omitted. The weighing device 80 weighs the medicine that the operator takes out from an appropriate medicine bottle or the like into a weighing pan or the like. Note that the measuring device 80 may measure the medicine for each external medicine container 92 while storing the medicine in the external medicine container 92.

The information processing section 83 is arranged near the measuring section 82. The information processing unit 83 includes a barcode reader and an RFID reader/writer. The barcode reader can read barcodes provided on the medicine bottles and the like. The RFID reader/writer can read the contents of the information recording section 92e of the external medicine container 92.

The information processing section 83 performs a process of reading information stored in the barcode of the medicine bottle or the like and the information recording section 92e of the external medicine container 92, respectively. Specifically, the information processing unit 83 reads medicine identification information of the medicine bottle or the like from a barcode provided on the medicine bottle or the like, and causes the control unit 81 to specify the medicine contained in the medicine bottle or the like. Further, the information processing section 83 reads container specific information stored in the information recording section 92e of the external medicine container 92. The weighing device 80 acquires the dispensing data corresponding to the read container specific information from the control unit 50 of the medicine packaging device 1 . At this time, the measuring device 80 also acquires information on the drug to be measured (including the target amount of the drug).

Then, the control unit 81 determines which of the drugs indicated by the drug information included in the dispensing data acquired from the control unit 50 of the drug packaging device 1 the drug identified based on the drug identification information corresponds to. Identify. When the control unit 81 determines that the medicine specified based on the medicine identification information matches any of the medicines indicated by the medicine information included in the dispensing data, the control unit 81 selects the medicine indicated by the matched medicine information as a measurement target. When the measurement of the drug selected as a measurement target is completed, the weighing device 80 sends the measurement results including the measured amount of the drug together with the dispensing data acquired from the control section 50 of the drug packaging device 1 via the control section 81. , is transmitted to the control unit 50 of the drug packaging device 1. The control unit 50 of the drug packaging device 1 receives the measurement results and updates the dispensing data stored in the storage unit 61.

The information processing section 83 can change the display content of the information display section 92d of the external drug container 92. When the measuring device 80 finishes measuring the medicine, the information processing section 83 displays the measured amount (measurement result) on the information display section 92d of the external medicine container 92. Further, as information regarding the dispensing, the information display section 92d may display that the amount of medicine corresponding to the target amount is contained and that preparations are made to introduce it into the medicine packaging device 1.

The display unit 84 is a device having a display screen capable of displaying characters and the like. The display section 84 is placed at an appropriate position on the weighing device 80. The display unit 84 can be configured as a display with a touch panel, for example. The display unit 84 can display, for example, the name of the drug, the target amount of the drug, the measured amount, and the like. Further, the display unit 84 can display the result of the determination made by the control unit 81 regarding whether or not the medicine in the medicine bottle or the like matches the medicine to be weighed out. This makes it possible to confirm that the medicine in the medicine bottle or the like is the required medicine based on the dispensing data.

Next, the processing of supplying and packaging drugs using the drug packaging device 1 will be described. FIGS. 8 and 9 are flowcharts showing the flow of drug supply and packaging processing.

First, dispensing data is input to the drug packaging device 1 (step S101 in FIG. 8). The control unit 50 displays a dispensing data input screen on the display unit 21. The dispensing data includes, for example, the recipient, drug information, target amount, measurement result (measured amount or amount that is insufficient or surplus to the target amount), and identification information (dispensing data number, etc.) that identifies each dispensing data. The drug information includes one or more drug names, dosage form (powders/tablets/capsules/liquid/external medicine), dosage method, and dosage. The dosage method includes the number of times a drug is taken per day, the timing of taking the drug, and the number of days it is taken, and the dosage amount includes the total amount taken (e.g., weight), the amount taken per day (weight), the amount taken per dose (weight), etc. If an excipient is included in the drug indicated by the drug information, the excipient is treated as one of the drugs indicated by the drug information.

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

When the operator inputs dispensing data using the operation unit 22, the operation unit 22 functions as a reception unit that accepts the input of dispensing data. When dispensing data is input to the medicine packaging device 1 through communication, a receiving device that receives a signal including the dispensing data functions as a reception unit that accepts the input of dispensing data.

When input of the dispensing data is completed, a dispensing instruction is issued (step S102). The dispensing instruction includes an instruction to supply and package the medicine stored in the medicine storage 15 (the first operation described above), and an instruction to measure the medicine stored in the medicine storage 15 and transport it outside the medicine packaging device 1 without packaging it (the second operation described above). The operator inputs the dispensing instruction to the control unit 50 using the operation unit 22.

Next, the control unit 50 determines whether the dispensing instruction in the previous step S102 is for sachets (step S103). If it is determined that packaging has been instructed (YES in step S103), the process proceeds to step S104, where the control unit 50 determines whether packaging is executable based on the dosage of the drug included in the dispensing data. Execute judgment.

Here, with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, details regarding the determination of whether or not packaging can be performed will be described. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing setting values for determining whether or not packaging can be performed.

The first set value shown in FIG. 10 is the lower limit of the weight of the medicine that can be packaged as the weight for the entire dose according to the capacity of the packaging unit 33. If the weight of all doses of the drug to be packaged included in the dispensing data is less than the first set value, the packaging section 33 cannot package the drug to be packaged. The first set value is stored in the storage unit 61. The first setting value is necessary, for example, in order for the medicine discharged from the container in the medicine discharge part 32 and supplied to the distribution tray 34a to be evenly distributed over the distribution tray 34a and deposited uniformly on the distribution tray 34a. It is set as a certain amount. The first condition shown in FIG. 10 is that the weight of all doses of the drug to be packaged included in the dispensing data is equal to or greater than the first set value.

The second set value shown in FIG. 10 is the lower limit of the weight of the medicine that can be packaged as a single dose according to the capacity of the packaging unit 33. The second set value is stored in the storage section 61. The second set value is set, for example, as the amount necessary to equalize the amount of medicine deposited uniformly on the distribution plate 34a and sent from the distribution plate 34a by the sending unit 34b. The second condition shown in FIG. 10 is that the weight of one dose of the drug to be packaged included in the dispensing data is equal to or greater than the second set value.

The first set value and the second set value may be arbitrarily set by the operator based on the internal regulations of the hospital or pharmacy where the medicine packaging device 1 is installed. In this case, the first set value and the second set value may be set on the condition that the weight of the drug that can be packaged in the packaging section 33 is equal to or greater than the lower limit value. Further, the first set value and the second set value may be set for each type of medicine.

The third set value shown in FIG. 10 is the lower limit of the weight of the medicine that can be measured according to the capacity of the measuring section 30. The third setting value is a value smaller than the first setting value. The third set value is stored in the storage section 61. The third set value may be set, for example, in consideration of the minimum measured value of the measuring unit 18. The third condition shown in FIG. 10 is that the weight of all doses of the drug to be packaged included in the dispensing data is equal to or greater than the third set value.

The drug storage registration shown in FIG. 10 is a condition as to whether the drug storage 15 that stores the drug to be packaged included in the dispensing data is registered in the drug packaging device 1. Information about the registered drug storage 15 is stored in the storage unit 61. The medicine storage 15 without registration is not stored in the storage unit 61. Note that in order to determine that the drug storage 15 is registered in the drug packaging device 1, the registered drug storage 15 must be registered in the drug packaging device 1 at the time of determining whether or not packaging can be performed. It does not necessarily have to be contained.

If the first condition is satisfied, the control unit 50 determines that packaging by the medicine packaging device 1 is executable. More specifically, if the first condition is met and the medicine storage 15 is registered, "cassette packaging" shown in FIG. It is determined that the package is possible. If the first condition is met but the medicine storage 15 is not registered, the "manual packaging" shown in FIG. It is determined that the process of introducing the container 92 into the medicine packaging device 1 and packaging the medicine supplied from the external medicine container 92 is possible.

If the first condition is not met, the control unit 50 determines that the medicine packaging device 1 is unable to perform packaging. In this case, if the medicine storage 15 is registered, the "cup removal" shown in FIG. , it is determined that the process of transporting the transport container 93 to the outside of the medicine packaging device 1 is possible. The discharged medicine is, for example, introduced into another medicine packaging device 95 and packaged in the other medicine packaging device 95.

If the first condition is not met and the medicine storage 15 is not registered, the control unit 50 determines "not possible" as shown in FIG. 10, that is, the medicine packaging device 1 does not perform any processing. It is determined that it does not.

If the second condition is not met, the control unit 50 determines that the drug packaging device 1 is unable to perform packaging. Even if the weight of the entire dose of the drug to be packaged satisfies the condition of being equal to or greater than the first set value, packaging is determined to be impossible if the weight of one dose of the drug to be packaged is less than the second set value. In this case, if a drug storage warehouse 15 is registered, it is determined that "cup dispensing" is possible, and if a drug storage warehouse 15 is not registered, it is determined that "not possible."

If the third condition is not satisfied, the control unit 50 determines that the registration is "impossible" regardless of whether or not the drug storage 15 is registered.

It is determined whether or not to carry out the packaging based on the weight of the entire dose of the drug to be packaged, and if the weight of the entire dose of the drug is so small that it cannot be distributed evenly on the distribution tray 34a, the packaging is is judged to be unfeasible. Thereby, the drug packaging device 1 can evenly package drugs according to the dispensing data.

It is determined whether or not to carry out packaging based on the weight of one dose of the drug to be packaged, and when the weight of one dose of the drug is so small that the drug cannot be evenly distributed from the distribution tray 34a to the hopper 35a. , it is determined that packaging is not practicable. Thereby, the drug packaging device 1 can evenly package drugs according to the dispensing data.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a determination as to whether or not the entire dispensing data can be packaged in a case where the dispensing data includes a plurality of drugs and the plurality of drugs are packaged together. The first to fifteenth prescription data shown in FIG. 11 include one or more of four types of drugs: drug A, drug B, drug C, and drug D. According to the determination for each drug shown in Figure 10, drug A can be packaged in a cassette, drug B can be packaged manually, drug C can be dispensed from a cup, and drug D cannot be packaged. It has been judged.

In the case of the first to third prescription data that include only drugs A and B that are determined to be packageable, the drug packaging device 1 can package the drugs included in the preparation data all at once, so the control unit 50 , it is determined that the drug packaging device 1 will package the drug.

In the case of the 4th to 7th and 12th to 15th dispensing data that include the drug C that has been determined to be able to be "cupped," the drug packaging device 1 cannot package the drugs included in the dispensing data all at once. The control unit 50 determines that the drug packaging device 1 dispenses the cup. In this case, the medicine dispensing device 1 dispenses the cup for the medicine C determined to be capable of being "cupped." If the medicine A that has been determined to be able to be packaged in a cassette is included, the medicine packaging device 1 dispenses the cup for the medicine A as well. On the other hand, if a drug B that has been determined to be able to be manually packaged is included, the drug packaging device 1 does nothing with respect to the drug B. If a drug D determined to be "impossible" is included, the drug packaging device 1 does nothing with respect to that drug D as well. That is, the medicine packaging device 1 dispenses the medicines that can be taken out from the medicine storage 15, the operator manually weighs the other medicines, and the other medicine packaging equipment 95 collects these medicines. It will be divided into packages.

In the case of the ninth and eleventh dispensing data including drug A determined to be capable of "cassette packaging" and drug D determined to be "not capable," the control unit 50 determines that the drug packaging device 1 will dispense the cup because the drug packaging device 1 cannot package the drugs included in the dispensing data together. In this case, the drug packaging device 1 dispenses the cup for drug A determined to be capable of "cassette packaging." On the other hand, the drug packaging device 1 does nothing for drug D determined to be "not capable." Furthermore, if the data includes drug B determined to be capable of "manual packaging," the drug packaging device 1 does nothing for drug B either. In other words, the drug packaging device 1 dispenses the cup for drugs that can be taken out of the drug storage 15, and the operator manually weighs the other drugs, and these drugs are packaged together by another drug packaging device 95.

In the case of the eighth dispensing data that includes only the drug D that was determined to be unacceptable, and the tenth dispensing data that includes the drug B and the drug D that were determined to be "manual packaging", the control unit 50 It is determined that the packaging device 1 does not do anything. All the drugs included in the dispensing data are manually weighed by the operator and packaged together using another drug packaging device 95.

Therefore, in the judgment at step S104 in FIG. 8, the control unit 50 judges that packaging can be performed for the first to third dispensing data (YES), and judges that packaging cannot be performed for the fourth to fifteenth dispensing data (NO).

If it is determined in step S104 that packaging can be performed, then the control unit 50 determines whether all drug storages 15 are registered (step S105). In this determination, it is determined whether or not the drug storage 15 is registered, and in order to determine that the drug storage 15 is registered, the registered drug storage 15 must be introduced into the drug packaging device 1. It's not necessarily necessary.

In the case of dispensing data that does not include the drug B determined to be a "manual package", that is, the first dispensing data in the example shown in FIG. It is determined that all of the drugs contained in the drug can be supplied and packaged by the drug packaging device 1.

When the dispensing data includes drug B that is determined to be "manually packaged," i.e., in the example shown in FIG. 11, the second and third dispensing data, any of the drug storage containers is not registered in the control unit 50, and it is determined that not all of the drugs included in the dispensing data can be supplied by the drug packaging device 1.

If it is determined that all medicine storages are registered (YES in step S105), the medicines are weighed out from the medicine storage 15 (step S106). In the process of step S106, if the necessary drug storage 15 has not been introduced into the drug packaging device 1, weighing can be continued by taking the above-mentioned drug storage introduction response. Alternatively, instead of supporting the introduction of a drug storage, it is also possible to proceed to step S109, which will be described later, and to support external metering, as in the case where the drug storage 15 is not registered.

Here, the details of the medicine weighing process will be explained. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of the drug measuring process.

To measure out the medicine from the medicine storage 15, first, the intermediate container 91 is transported (step S121). The control unit 50 selects one of the multiple intermediate containers 91 stored in the first storage unit 11. The control unit 50 outputs a control signal to the first transport unit 14a to operate the selected intermediate container 91 to move from the first standby position P1 to the weighing position P4. The first transport unit 14a, which has received the control signal, transports the intermediate container 91 from the first standby position P1 to the weighing position P4.

When the intermediate container 91 is transported to the weighing position P4, the intermediate container 91 transported to the weighing position P4 is weighed before the drug is removed from the drug storage 15 (step S122). The control unit 50 outputs a control signal to the weighing unit 30, specifically the weighing unit 18, to weigh the intermediate container 91. The weighing unit 18 receives the control signal and weighs the intermediate container 91. The weighing unit 18 has the function of an empty state detection unit that detects whether the intermediate container 91 is empty. The empty state detection unit may be composed of a weighing unit different from the weighing unit 18.

Subsequently, it is determined whether the intermediate container 91 is empty (step S123). The control unit 50 stores the weight value of each container in the empty state in the storage unit 61 in association with the container specific information as a container registered weight. The registered container weight may be a common weight value for each type of container, or may be a different weight value for each container. The container registered weight may be set to a value within a predetermined range, taking into consideration the measurement error of the detection unit 18b.

The second information processing section 19 acquires container specific information of the intermediate container 91 set in the measuring section 18 . The control unit 50 reads the container registered weight of the intermediate container 91 from the storage unit 61 based on the container specific information acquired by the second information processing unit 19 . The control unit 50 compares the weight value of the intermediate container 91 weighed in step S122 with the container registered weight.

If the measured value and the registered weight of the container do not match (if the measured value is larger than the registered weight of the container), the control unit 50 determines that the intermediate container 91 is not empty (NO in step S123). ). In this case, there is a possibility that residual medicine may be attached to the intermediate container 91 or foreign matter may be mixed in the intermediate container 91. It is also conceivable that the operator returned the intermediate container 91 that still contained the previously stored medicine to the first storage section 11 . Therefore, the control unit 50 controls the weighing unit 30 to wait for taking out the medicine without starting to take out the medicine from the medicine storage 15.

Subsequently, it is determined whether or not to replace the intermediate container 91 that has been determined not to be empty (step S128). The operator may preset whether to replace the container or clean the container when it is not empty, and the setting may be stored in the storage unit 61. In this case, the determination in step S128 is made by reading the settings from the storage unit 61. Alternatively, the determination in step S128 may be made by displaying a selection screen on the display unit 21 and having the operator manually select whether or not to replace the container.

If it is determined that the container is not to be replaced (NO in step S128), cleaning of the intermediate container 91 is performed (step S129). The control unit 50 controls the transport unit 14 to transport the intermediate container 91 from the weighing position P4 to the cleaning position P11. The control unit 50 controls the cleaning unit 38 to clean the intermediate container 91 that has been transported to the cleaning position P11. The control unit 50 controls the transport unit 14 to transport the cleaned intermediate container 91 from the cleaning position P11 to the weighing position P4. Then, the weighing in step S122 and the determination as to whether the container is empty in step S123 are performed again.

If it is determined that the container is to be replaced (YES in step S128), the control unit 50 controls the transport unit 14 to transport the substitute intermediate container 91 from the first standby position P1 to the weighing position P4.

At this time, the control unit 50 may notify the operator that the intermediate container 91 at the weighing position P4 is not empty and needs to be replaced, while the intermediate container 91 to be replaced that is determined to be not empty remains at the weighing position P4. After the operator removes the intermediate container 91 to be replaced from the weighing position P4, the transport unit 14 transports a replacement intermediate container 91 to the weighing position P4.

Alternatively, the control unit 50 transports the intermediate container 91 to be replaced, which is determined to be not empty, from the weighing position P4 to a position different from the weighing position P4, for example, the first take-out position P5, and then transports the intermediate container 91 to be replaced to the first take-out position P5. The operator may be informed that the intermediate container 91 at P5 is not empty and needs to be taken out of the medicine packaging device 1. In this case, the transport unit 14 transports the substitute intermediate container 91 to the weighing position P4 without waiting for the operator to take out the intermediate container 91 to be replaced from the first take-out position P5 to the outside of the medicine packaging device 1. can.

When the substitute intermediate container 91 is transported to the weighing position P4, the weighing in step S122 and the determination as to whether the container is empty in step S123 are performed again.

In the determination of step S123, if the measured value and the container registered weight match, it is determined that the intermediate container 91 is empty (YES in step S123). The control unit 50 controls the weighing unit 30 to take out the medicine from the medicine storage 15 (step S124). After taking out the medicine, the control unit 50 controls the measuring unit 18 to measure the medicine contained in the intermediate container 91 (step S125).

Subsequently, it is determined whether the amount of the drug taken out from the drug storage 15 and stored in the intermediate container 91 is a predetermined amount according to the dispensing data (step S126). If it is the predetermined amount (YES in step S126), the weighing process ends (END in FIG. 12).

In the judgment in step S126, if the predetermined amount is not measured (NO in step S126), the control unit 50 (guidance unit 65) outputs an error and notifies the operator that the predetermined amount of medicine has not been measured. (Step S127). This notification is performed, for example, by displaying a message on the display unit 21. In this case, the control unit 50 controls the transport unit 14 to transport the intermediate container 91 from the weighing position P4 to the first take-out position P5, and the operator who recognizes the notification moves the intermediate container 91 from the first take-out position P5 to dispense the medicine. The intermediate container 91 may be taken out of the packaging device 1, and the operator may replenish the intermediate container 91 with the insufficient medicine outside the medicine packaging device 1. By reintroducing the intermediate container 91 refilled with the medicine into the medicine packaging device 1, the packaging operation by the packaging section 33 becomes possible. Then, the process ends (END in FIG. 12).

By weighing the intermediate container 91 and determining whether or not the intermediate container 91 is empty before taking out the medicine from the medicine storage 15, it is possible to detect the presence of residual medicine or foreign matter in the intermediate container 91. It is possible to prevent the remaining medicine in the intermediate container 91 from accidentally being mixed with the medicine to be measured out, and it is possible to accurately measure out the medicine according to the dispensing data. Therefore, the quality and accuracy of packaging by the medicine packaging device 1 can be improved.

When it is determined that the intermediate container 91 is empty, the removal of the medicine from the medicine storage 15 is automatically started, so that the medicine can be measured out efficiently in a short time.

If it is determined that the intermediate container 91 is not empty, the system waits until the medicine is removed from the medicine storage 15, thereby reliably preventing any remaining medicine in the intermediate container 91 from being mixed in with the medicine being measured out.

If it is determined that the intermediate container 91 is not empty, an alternative intermediate container 91 is transported to the weighing position P4, thereby reliably avoiding the drug removed from the drug storage facility 15 being stored in the intermediate container 91 that is determined to be not empty.

When it is determined that the intermediate container 91 is not empty, the intermediate container 91 that has been determined to be not empty is transported to the cleaning position P11, thereby ensuring that the remaining medicine and foreign matter in the intermediate container 91 are cleaned. can be removed.

By returning the cleaned intermediate container 91 from the cleaning position P11 to the measuring position P4, it becomes possible to store the medicine taken out from the medicine storage 15 in the cleaned and empty intermediate container 91.

Instead of the above-described configuration in which the weighing section 18 determines whether or not the intermediate container 91 is empty based on the result of weighing the intermediate container 91, a photographing section for photographing the inside of the intermediate container 91 may be provided at the weighing position P4. good. The photographing section has the function of an empty state detection section that detects whether the intermediate container 91 is empty. The control unit 50 may determine whether the intermediate container 91 is empty based on an image taken by the imaging unit of the inside of the intermediate container 91.

Returning to FIG. 8, when the measurement of the medicine is completed, the medicine is supplied from the intermediate container 91 containing the weighed medicine to the distribution tray 34a (step S107), and the medicine is packaged in the packaging section 35. It is executed (step S108). When the control unit 50 determines that the drug to be packaged included in the dispensing data can be packaged by the drug packaging device 1, it automatically supplies and packages the drug to be packaged. Then, the process ends (END).

The control unit 50 determines whether the drug to be packaged can be packaged based on the dispensing data input to the drug packaging device 1, and automatically supplies the drug if it is determined that the drug can be packaged. and packaging is performed. Thereby, it is possible to shorten the time required from receiving the input of the dispensing data to completing packaging of the drug to be packaged.

If it is determined in step S105 that all of the drug storage units have not been registered (NO in step S105), the control unit 50 determines whether or not some of the drug storage units have been registered (step S109).

Among the second and third dispensing data, in the case of the third dispensing data that includes drug A determined to be "cassette packaging," all drug storages are not registered, but some drug storages are registered. is considered to be registered. In the case of the second dispensing data that includes only medicine B determined to be a "manual package", it is determined that all medicine storages are not registered.

If it is determined that some drug storages are registered (YES in step S109), the registered drugs are weighed out from the drug storage 15 in the same manner as in step S106 (steps S121 to S130). This is executed (step S110), and the medicine is supplied from the intermediate container 91 containing the weighed medicine to the distribution tray 34a (step S111). The medicine packets supplied to the distribution tray 34a are put on standby.

When the medicine is supplied from the intermediate container 91 to the distribution tray 34a, the control unit 50 transports the intermediate container 91 to the supply position P9-L2 if the left distribution tray 34a is used, and transfers the medicine to the right distribution tray 34a. 34a, the second transport section 14b is controlled to transport the intermediate container 91 to the supply position P9-R2. The control unit 50 assigns the intermediate container 91 to the supply position P9-L2 or P9-R2, where attachment of the external drug container 92 is more difficult.

Next, the control unit 50 executes guidance for external measurement, which involves introducing into the drug packaging device 1 an external drug container 92 that accommodates all doses according to the dispensing data for drugs for which no drug storage is registered. (Step S112).

If it is determined in step S109 that all drug storages are not registered (NO in step S109), the processes in steps S110 and S111 are skipped, and the guidance for external metering in step S112 is executed. .

When performing external weighing response, the control unit 50 may provide a display on the display unit 21 or the like to guide the user to perform external weighing response.

Alternatively, the control unit 50 may guide the user to perform external measurement by printing out information regarding the medicine from the printing unit 24. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a first example of print output. As shown in FIG. 13, the year, month, day, hour and minute, the name of the drug taken out from the drug storage 15 (drug A in FIG. 13), the weighed value, and the external measurement correspondence are all set. The printing unit 24 may output a sheet 240 on which the name of the drug to be measured (drug B in FIG. 13) and the amount to be measured are printed.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a second example of print output. In the example shown in FIG. 14, no drug has been taken out from the drug storage 15, and the drug name and amount to be measured of each of a plurality of drugs (drugs A and B in FIG. 14) that should be externally measured. is printed on the paper 240.

The operator who sees the paper 240 output from the printing unit 24 stores a predetermined type and amount of medicine in the external medicine container 92 outside the medicine packaging device 1 according to the description on the paper 240. The operator unlocks the external drug container 92 containing the drug into the drug packaging device 1 by operating the operating section 22 . The operator introduces the external drug container 92 into the drug packaging device 1 . The operator uses the operation unit 22 to input that the external drug container 92 has been introduced.

When introducing the external drug container 92 into the drug discharge section 32, if the left distribution pan 34a is used, the external drug container 92 is introduced into the supply position P9-L1, and if the right distribution pan 34a is used, the external medicine container 92 is introduced into the supply position P9-L1. The external drug container 92 is guided to the delivery position P9-R1. The control unit 50 assigns the external drug container 92 to the supply position P9-L1 or P9-R1, where attachment of the external drug container 92 is easier. This allows for easy introduction of the external drug container 92.

The control unit 50 determines whether the external drug container 92 has been introduced (step S113 in FIG. 9). If it is determined that the external drug container 92 has not been introduced (NO in step S113), the determination of step S113 is repeated. The control unit 50 receives input from the operator, and determines that the external drug container 92 has been introduced. The drug packaging device 1 may be relocked by the operator performing an operation for relocking. Alternatively, the drug packaging device 1 may be automatically relocked when it is determined that the external drug container 92 has been introduced.

If it is determined that the external drug container 92 has been introduced (YES in step S113), the drug contained in the external drug container 92 is supplied to the distribution tray 34a (step S114). Thereafter, the medicine supplied to the distribution tray 34a is packaged (step S108 in FIG. 8). Then, the process ends (END).

If it is determined that the drug to be packaged can be packaged, but the drug storage 15 corresponding to the drug is not registered, the supply and packaging of the drug is put on hold. Packaging can be performed by storing the drug in an external drug container 92 outside the drug packaging device 1 and introducing the external drug container 92 into the drug packaging device 1. When external weighing is required, the operator can quickly handle external weighing, eliminating the need for long wait times for packaging, reducing the time required for packaging. .

If it is determined that the drug to be packaged can be packaged, but a drug storage 15 corresponding to only a part of the drug to be packaged is registered, the registered drug storage The supply of the drug measured from 15 is carried out. After that, guidance on how to support external metering will be provided. As a result, the operation of the medicine packaging device 1 to supply medicines is not hindered by the manual operation of the operator trying to introduce the external medicine container 92 into the medicine packaging device 1, so multiple types of medicines can be efficiently handled. can be supplied and distributed.

After the medicine weighed from the registered medicine storage 15 is supplied to the distribution tray 34a, a guide for external weighing is provided, so that the manual action of the operator to introduce the external medicine container 92 into the medicine packaging device 1 does not interfere with the supply of medicine to the distribution tray 34a. Therefore, multiple types of medicine can be efficiently supplied and distributed.

By the control unit 50 outputting information regarding the medicine to be externally metered, the operator can store the correct type and amount of medicine in the external medicine container 92 according to the output.

By outputting the actual measured value of the medicine measured out from the medicine storage 15, the control unit 50 can keep a record of the amount of medicine actually measured out.

The control unit 50 causes the printing unit 24 to output information about the drug, so that the operator can refer to the printed recording medium to handle external weighing. The printed recording medium can also be used as a record of the actual measured value of the drug weighed out from the drug storage unit 15.

If it is determined in step S104 that packaging is not possible (NO in step S104), measuring the medicine is not automatically performed. In this case, the operator selects whether or not to measure out the medicine using the medicine packaging device 1 (step S115). The control unit 50 displays on the display unit 21 a target drug and a selection screen that allows the operator to select whether or not to measure out the drug. By operating the operation unit 22, the operator inputs into the control unit 50 a selection as to whether or not to perform weighing.

If it is determined that the operator has selected not to perform weighing (NO in step S115), the medicine packaging device 1 immediately ends the process (END).

If it is determined that the operator has selected to perform weighing (YES in step S115), weighing is performed and the medicine is stored in the carry-out container 93 (step S116). Weighing in step S116 is performed by the same process as step S106 (steps S121 to S130) described above, except that the container containing the medicine is the delivery container 93 instead of the intermediate container 91.

In the judgment in step S103, even if it is determined that the dispensing instruction in the previous step S102 is not a sachet, that is, it is a weighing instruction (NO in step S103), weighing is performed in step S116 and the dispensing instruction is carried out. The container 93 contains medicine. The carry-out container 93 after being measured is transported to a position such as the third take-out position P7 where the carry-out container 93 can be taken out to the outside of the medicine packaging device 1. Thereafter, the process ends (END).

If the control unit 50 determines that the drug to be packaged cannot be packaged by the drug packaging device 1, the supply and packaging of the drug to be packaged is put on hold and is not performed. If selected by the operator, only the measurement of the drug is performed. During the wait, the next dispensing data is input to the drug packaging device 1, and if it is determined that the drug to be packaged included in that next dispensing data can be packaged, the supply and packaging of the drug to be packaged included in that next dispensing data is automatically performed.

When the control unit 50 determines that all drug storages 15 are not registered (NO in step S109), the supply and packaging of the drug to be packaged is put on standby, and the supply and packaging are not executed. You can do it like this. During standby, the next dispensing data is input to the drug packaging device 1, and it is determined that the drug to be packaged included in the next dispensing data can be packaged, and all drug storages 15 are registered. If it is determined that the drug is present, the next drug to be packaged included in the dispensing data is automatically supplied and packaged. As a result, it is possible to preferentially supply and package prescription data that does not require external measurement.

For drugs that are determined to be unpackable, the drug packaging device 1 waits to supply them and the packaging is not executed. High-quality packaging can be achieved without causing variations in the amount of packaging. If the next prescription data containing a drug that can be packaged is entered while waiting, the next drug can be packaged first and there is no waiting time for the package. The time required for packaging processing can be shortened.

Although the embodiments have been described above, the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and should not be considered restrictive. The scope of this invention is indicated by the claims rather than the above description, and it is intended that equivalent meanings to the claims and all changes within the scope are included.

Reference Signs List 1 drug packaging device, 14 transport section, 14a first transport section, 14b second transport section, 15 drug storage, 17 drug take-out section, 18 measuring section, 18a mounting table, 18b detection section, 21 display section, 22 operation part, 23 supply standby part, 24 printing part, 30 weighing part, 32 medicine discharge part, 32a container attachment part, 32b vibration device, 33 sachet part, 34 distribution part, 34a distribution plate, 34b feeding part, 35 packaging part , 35a hopper, 35b heater, 37 cleaning standby section, 38 cleaning section, 40 packaging material, 50 control section, 61 storage section, 62 weighing selection section, 65 guide section, 91 intermediate container, 92 external drug container, 93 delivery container , 100 Dispensing system, 240 Paper, P1 First standby position, P2 Second standby position, P3 Third standby position, P4 Measuring position, P5 First takeout position, P6 Second takeout position, P7 Third takeout position, P8 Supply Standby position, P9 supply position, P10 cleaning standby position, P11 cleaning position.

Claims (6)

a measuring section having a medicine storage for storing medicine; and a measuring part for weighing the medicine taken out from the medicine storage and stored in a container;
a storage section for storing the container;
a transport unit that transports the container;
comprising a control unit that controls the weighing unit and the transport unit ,
The control unit stores the weight of the container,
The control unit controls the transport unit to transport the container from the storage unit to a measuring position where the measuring unit measures the medicine contained in the container, and then transports the medicine from the medicine storage. controlling the weighing unit to weigh the container before taking it out into the container located at the weighing position , and determining whether the container is empty based on the stored weight of the container. A drug measuring device. The medicine measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the measuring unit to take out the medicine from the medicine storage when determining that the container is empty. The measuring unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit controls the measuring unit to wait for removal of the medicine from the medicine storage when determining that the container is not empty. Medicine measuring device. The medicine measuring unit according to claim 3, wherein the control unit controls the transport unit to transport a substitute container from the storage unit to the measuring unit when determining that the container is not empty. Removal device. comprising a cleaning section that cleans the container,
The drug measuring device according to claim 3, wherein the control unit controls the transport unit to transport the container from the measuring unit to the cleaning unit when determining that the container is not empty. . The control unit controls the cleaning unit to clean the container transported to the cleaning unit, and controls the transport unit to transport the cleaned container from the cleaning unit to the weighing unit. The drug measuring device according to claim 5.

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