JP7345179B2 - Drug dispensing and metering devices - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to drug dispensing devices and 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

The above document describes that while the powder is being supplied from the drug container to the dispensing unit, the amount of powder to be supplied is constantly calculated by constantly detecting the weight of the drug container.

The total amount of each type of drug to be packaged, which is included in the dispensing data, may exceed the maximum amount of drug that can be accommodated in a container. In this case, the entire amount of the drug is distributed by dividing the total amount of the drug into multiple doses and performing the dispensing operation multiple times.

The present disclosure provides a drug dispensing device and a drug measuring device that can automatically perform a weighing operation when the total amount of each type of drug to be distributed in dispensing data exceeds the maximum possible storage capacity of a container.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a supply unit that supplies a medicine, a distribution unit that dispenses the medicine supplied by the supply unit, and a control unit that controls the supply unit and the distribution unit based on input dispensing data. A drug dispensing device is provided. The supply section has a measuring section. The measuring section measures and takes out the medicine from the medicine container containing the medicine, and stores it in the intermediate container. The control unit controls the measuring unit to measure out the drug to be distributed in multiple doses when the total amount of the drug to be distributed included in the dispensing data is larger than the maximum possible storage capacity of the drug in the intermediate container. do.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a drug measuring device is provided that includes a measuring section and a control section. The weighing unit measures and takes out the medicine from the medicine container containing the medicine, and stores it in the delivery container. The control unit controls the weighing unit based on the input prescription data. When the total amount of the drug to be measured included in the dispensing data is larger than the maximum possible storage capacity of the drug in the delivery container, the control unit controls the measuring unit to measure the drug to be weighed in multiple doses. control.

According to the drug dispensing device and the drug measuring device according to the present disclosure, when the total amount of each type of drug to be distributed in the dispensing data exceeds the maximum possible storage capacity of the container, it is possible to automatically perform a measuring operation. .

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a dispensing system. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a drug packaging device according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the drug packaging device. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an intermediate container (external drug container). It is a perspective view of a carrying out container. It is a schematic block diagram of a measuring device. FIG. 2 is a flow diagram showing the flow of drug supply and packaging processing. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing for dividing the weighing and dispensing operations based on the required number of dispensed drugs to be dispensed. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing packaging materials packaged in a packaging pattern of "order of administration." FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing packaging materials packaged in a packaging pattern "in order of time of administration." It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process which divides measuring operation based on the total quantity of the medicine to be measured.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below based on the drawings. In the following drawings, the same or corresponding parts are given the same reference numerals, 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 block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the medicine packaging device 1. As shown in FIG.

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

The drug packaging device 1 supplies and packages drugs. The medicine packaging device 1 can weigh out one or more medicines, respectively, in order to supply medicines. In this specification, the term "measuring a drug" refers to measuring and taking out a necessary amount of a drug contained in a drug container or the like. The drug packaging device 1 weighs out a powder (powdery, fine granular, or granular drug) as a drug. The drug packaging device 1 may be capable of packaging tablets in addition to powders.

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 medicine dispensing and packaging device 1 performs the supply and packaging of medicines based on the dispensing data input 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 3, the drug packaging device 1 includes a transport section 14, a drug container 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 medicine discharge 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 delivery container 93, for example, similarly to the first storage section 11.

The intermediate container 91 will be explained. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the intermediate container 91 (external drug container 92). As shown in FIG. 4, 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 medicine packaging device 1 of this embodiment, a plurality of intermediate containers 91 having the same shape are prepared. Note that a plurality of types of intermediate containers 91 having different sizes of accommodating portions 91a may be prepared. In this case, it is possible to cope with various situations in which weighing is performed, such as weighing out various kinds of medicines.

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, the discharge path section 92b, the opening/closing section 92c, the information display section 92d, and the information recording section 92e are the storage section 91a, the discharge path section 91b, the opening/closing section 91c, the information display section 91d, and the information recording section in the intermediate container 91. Since it has the same configuration as the section 91e, the 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. 5 is a perspective view of the delivery container 93. As shown in FIG. 5, 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 medicine packaging device 1 of this embodiment, a plurality of delivery containers 93 having the same shape are prepared. Note that a plurality of types of carry-out containers 93 may be prepared, each having a different size of the accommodating portion 93a. In this case, it is possible to cope with various situations in which weighing is performed, such as weighing out various kinds of medicines.

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 transport section 14a is shown by a broken line, and the path of the second transport section 14b is shown by a two-dot chain line. The first transport section 14a and the second transport section 14b are provided with separate drive sources, and each can operate independently. Therefore, the drug packaging device 1 can transport containers by the first transport section 14a and transport containers by the second transport section 14b simultaneously and 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 container 15 stores a drug to be measured. Each drug container 15 is formed with an opening for discharging and taking out the drug outside the container.

In principle, the plurality of drug containers 15 contain different types of drugs. However, for example, for frequently used drugs, the same drug may be stored in a plurality of drug containers 15.

The drug packaging device 1 can also handle excipients in addition to drugs. An excipient may be accommodated in any one of the plurality of drug containers 15. The drug packaging device 1 takes out the excipient from the drug container 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 drug containers 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 container 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 medicine container 15. The information recording section 71 can be, for example, an RFID tag. The information recording unit 71 can store information regarding the medicine contained in the medicine container 15 (accommodated medicine information). The stored drug information includes the name of the drug, the remaining amount of the drug in the drug container 15, the expiration date of the drug, the previous replenishment date, the operating conditions of the measuring section 30, and the like. The drug packaging device 1 can obtain stored drug information by reading the information recording section 71. Note that the information recording section 71 may store only the identification information of the drug container 15, and when this is read by the drug packaging device 1, the above-mentioned stored drug information may be called up from the storage section 61, which will be described later. .

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 extraction unit 17 takes out medicine from the medicine container 15. The measuring unit 18 measures the medicine taken out from the medicine container 15.

The drug takeout section 17 removably holds a plurality of drug containers 15. The medicine extractor 17 moves the held medicine container 15 to a predetermined position, and takes out the medicine contained in the medicine container 15 downward through the opening at the predetermined position. 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. In other words, 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 extraction unit 17 to appropriately move the medicine container 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 container 15, stores the medicine taken out in the intermediate container 91 or the carry-out container 93 placed on the mounting table 18a, and detects the stored medicine in the detection unit 18b. Weigh by.

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 content 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 of the medicine packaging device 1.

The operation unit 22 is operated by an operator to give various instructions to the medicine packaging device 1. The operation section 22 is arranged at an appropriate position of the medicine packaging device 1 (for example, near the display section 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 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.

A weighing unit 30 that takes out and weighs the medicine from the medicine container 15 into the intermediate container 91, a transport unit 14 that transports the intermediate container 91, and a medicine discharge unit 32 that discharges the medicine from the intermediate container 91 and supplies it to the distribution tray 34a. constitutes the supply section of the embodiment. The packaging unit 33 packages the medicine supplied by the supply unit. The distribution unit 34 distributes the medicine supplied by the supply unit.

As shown in FIG. 2, 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 hopper 35a receives the drug supplied from the container to the distribution pan 34a and falling from the distribution pan 34a. The hopper 35a forms a drug path through which the drug falling from the distribution plate 34a toward the packaging material 40 passes. 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 a measuring section 30 that measures out the medicine and a medicine discharge section 32 that discharges the medicine. An intermediate container 91 or an external drug container 92 containing a drug 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 onto 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 section 50 controls each section of the drug dispensing device 1 (specifically, the conveying section 14, the weighing section 30, the drug discharging section 32, and the dispensing section 32) based on the dispensing data input to the drug dispensing device 1. 33 etc.) can be controlled. 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 (Central Processing Unit), a storage device such as a flash memory or a hard disk, and an input/output unit for communicating with the outside. and. 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. 3, and outputs a command signal as a result of the processing. By outputting the output, the medicine packaging device 1 can be operated.

The storage unit 61 can store prescription data input from the outside as described above. Furthermore, the storage unit 61 stores the medicine information stored in the medicine container 15 read by the first information processing unit 16 as the arrangement information of the medicine container 15 arranged in the medicine packaging device 1 . Furthermore, the storage unit 61 can store various setting values necessary for operating the medicine packaging device 1. For example, the storage unit 61 can store the maximum number of distributions that the medicine packaging device 1 can distribute in one dispensing operation by the distribution unit 34 (hereinafter referred to as the maximum possible distribution number).

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.

Furthermore, the storage unit 61 can 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 container 15 to the intermediate container 91 is insufficient for the total dose based on the dispensing data. In 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 notify the operator that replenishment or drug container introduction is possible. The replenishment response is a response to replenish the medicine container 15 with medicine. The drug container introduction response is a response to introduce the drug container 15 containing the required amount of drug into the drug packaging device 1.

There are various ways for the guide unit 65 to provide guidance to the operator, but for example, it may be possible to display an appropriate message on the display unit 21. The guidance may be provided by, for example, audio or a notification lamp.

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 standby position P2 is a position in the second storage section 12 where the external medicine container 92 that does not contain medicine can stand by. The second standby position P2 can also be called a storage position where a plurality of external medicine containers 92 are stored in the second storage section 12.

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 take-out position P5 is a position for taking out the intermediate container 91 or the carry-out container 93 to the outside of the medicine packaging device 1. For example, when measuring a drug from the drug container 15 to the intermediate container 91 or the delivery container 93 in the weighing unit 30, the amount to be taken out may be due to an insufficient amount of drug stored in the drug container 15, etc. To take out the intermediate container 91 or delivery container 93 containing the drug that does not meet the target amount to the outside of the drug dispensing device 1 when the measured amount is insufficient for the target amount for all doses. In this case, the first extraction position P5 is used. This extraction is performed via the first extraction section 25 provided in the medicine 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 take-out position P6 is for taking out the external drug container 92 before storing the drug to the outside of the drug packaging device 1 when measuring the drug using the measuring device 80 instead of the drug packaging device 1. It's the location. This extraction is performed via the second extraction section 26 provided in the medicine packaging device 1. The second take-out position P6 may also serve as a setting position (introduction position) for introducing the external medicine container 92 or intermediate container 91 containing the medicine measured by the measuring device 80 into the medicine 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 position P9 is the position of the intermediate container 91 or the external medicine container 92 when the medicine is supplied to the distribution tray 34a in the medicine discharge section 32. The second transport unit 14b transports the intermediate container 91 from the supply standby position P8 to the supply position P9. When introducing an external drug container 92 or an 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 set to the supply position P9, and the operator It is also possible to set the container directly to the medicine discharge section 32. As described above, the medicine packaging device 1 includes a plurality of (specifically, four) medicine discharge parts 32, and the four medicine discharge parts 32 are assigned the supply position P9.

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 transporting 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 a supply standby position P8, a supply position P9, and a 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 drug packaging device 1.

Next, the weighing device 80 will be explained. FIG. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram of the weighing device 80. As shown in FIG. 6, 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 medicine 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 for introduction 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, processing performed using the medicine packaging device 1 will be explained. In preparation for processing performed using the drug packaging device 1, drug information is registered in the drug packaging device 1. Specifically, information regarding the medicines packaged by the medicine packaging device 1 is stored in the storage unit 61 for each type of medicine. The display unit 50 may display a drug information registration screen on the display unit 21, and the operator may input drug information to this registration screen using the operation unit 22. Alternatively, drug information may be input to the drug packaging device 1 through communication from an external device. The storage unit 61 stores the maximum amount of medicine that can be stored in the intermediate container 91 (hereinafter referred to as the maximum possible storage amount) for each type of medicine.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram showing the flow of drug supply and packaging processing. First, dispensing data is input to the medicine packaging device 1 (step S101). The control unit 50 displays a prescription data input screen on the display unit 21. The prescription data includes, for example, the name of one or more drugs to be taken, dosage form (powder/tablet/capsule/liquid/external medicine), administration method, dosage, and the like. Dosage method refers to the number of doses per day, time of administration, and number of days of administration.Dose refers to the amount of the entire dose (e.g., weight), the amount of the daily dose (weight), the amount of one dose ( weight) etc. The dispensing data also includes the person taking the drug, the target amount, the measurement result (the measured amount or the amount of deficiency or surplus with respect to the target amount), and identification information for identifying each dispensing data (such as a dispensing data number).

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 input of the dispensing data is completed, a command to start packaging is issued (step S102). The operator uses the operation unit 22 to input a packaging start command to the control unit 50 . On the other hand, if the input dispensing data specifies that only the drug is to be weighed out, the operator uses the operation section 22 to input a measurement start command to the control section 50 .

When a packaging start command is input, it is determined whether or not it is necessary to perform the dispensing operation multiple times in order to perform the dispensing operation of the designated amount of medicine (step S103). This determination is made based on the required number of drugs to be dispensed by the dispensing unit 34, which is included in the dispensing data. Next, in order to measure out the specified amount of medicine, it is determined whether or not it is necessary to perform the measuring operation in multiple steps (step S104). This determination is made based on the total amount of the drug to be measured included in the dispensing data. Details of these determinations will be described later.

Next, the medicine is measured out from the medicine container 15 (step S105). In the process of step S105, if the necessary drug container 15 has not been introduced into the drug packaging device 1, weighing can be continued by taking the above-mentioned drug container introduction response. Alternatively, instead of supporting the introduction of drug containers, it is also possible to support external metering.

Subsequently, the medicine is supplied from the container containing the weighed medicine to the distribution tray 34a (step S106), and the medicine is packaged in the packaging section (step S107). In the process of step S107, distribution of the medicine in the distribution section 34 and packaging of the medicine in the packaging section 35 are executed.

After packaging of medicines is executed in step S107, it is determined whether packaging of all medicines is completed (step S108). In cases where it is necessary to perform the dispensing operation in multiple steps, when the drug dispensed in the first dispensing operation is packaged, the packaging of the drugs dispensed in the second and subsequent dispensing operations is This has not been done yet, and this means that the packaging of all drugs to be distributed has not been completed (NO in step S108). In this case, weighing in step S105, supplying in step S106, and packaging in step S107 are performed again.

At this time, the second weighing may be started before the first packaging is completed. If one of the plurality of distribution plates 34a is not used in the first dispensing operation and is available for use, before the first packaging is completed, the available distribution plate 34a is A second supply operation may be performed.

When it is determined that all the medicines have been packaged (YES in step S108), the container and medicine path (hopper 35a) after the medicines have been discharged are cleaned (step S109). Then, the process ends (END).

The details of the process of dividing the distribution operation into multiple times will be described below. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a process of performing weighing and dispensing operations in multiple steps based on the required number of dispensed drugs.

Here, the terms used in this specification are defined.

The “necessary number of distributions” refers to the number of packages distributed by the dispensing unit 34 based on the number of packages required to package all doses of the drug included in the dispensing data input to the drug packaging device 1. This refers to the necessary number of

"Number of daily doses" refers to the number of times a person, such as a patient, who takes a drug packaged by the drug packaging device 1 takes the drug per day. For example, if a user takes the drug after breakfast and dinner, the number of times the drug is taken each day is 2. If the user takes the drug with three meals and before going to bed, the number of daily doses is four.

"Total number of days on which a drug is taken" refers to the total number of days on which a patient takes the drug. Therefore, the required number of doses mentioned above is the product of the number of daily doses and the total number of days of doses.

As described above, the "maximum possible distribution number" refers to the maximum number of distributions that the drug packaging device 1 can distribute in one dispensing operation by the dispensing unit 34. The maximum possible number of distributions is information specific to the drug packaging device 1, which is determined as the capacity of the distribution unit 34. In the distribution section 34, the feeding section 34b drops the medicine supplied to the distribution tray 34a into the lower packaging section 35 (hopper 35a) one dose at a time. The feeding unit 34b scrapes the medicine within a predetermined angle obtained by dividing the 360° angle of one rotation of the rotating distribution plate 34a from the distribution plate 34a and drops it into the hopper 35a, thereby distributing the medicine into single doses. distributed separately. The maximum number of times the drug supplied to the dispensing pan 34a can be divided is the maximum number of times that the drug supplied to the dispensing pan 34a can be divided to the extent that the variation in the amount of medicine fed into the hopper 35a from the dispensing pan 34a as a single dose can be sufficiently reduced. This is the possible distribution number.

"One package amount" refers to the weight of a certain drug included in the dispensing data that is packaged per package in a sachet.

"Daily dose" refers to the weight of a certain drug included in the dispensing data that is packaged per day. The daily dose is therefore the product of the packet size and the number of daily doses.

“Total amount” refers to the total weight of a certain drug included in the dispensing data. The total amount is therefore the product of the daily dose and the total number of days of administration.

The "maximum possible storage capacity" refers to the maximum amount of medicine that can be stored in a container, which is defined as the capacity of a container (for example, intermediate container 91 or delivery container 93) that stores medicine. In other words, the maximum possible capacity refers to the maximum weight of medicine that can be measured in one weighing operation.

As shown in FIG. 8, first, a determination (first determination) is made as to whether the required number of distributions is greater than the maximum possible number of distributions (step S201). The maximum possible distribution number is stored in the storage unit 61 in advance. The control unit 50 refers to or calculates the required number of dispenses based on the input dispensing data. The control unit 50 compares the required number of distributions with the maximum possible number of distributions read from the storage unit 61 and determines whether the required number of distributions is larger than the maximum possible number of distributions.

If it is determined that the required number of dispenses is larger than the maximum possible number of dispenses (YES in step S201), the required number of drugs cannot be dispensed in one dispensing operation, so the dispensing operation is divided into multiple times. I will do it. For this reason, the control unit 50 divides the prescription data and creates prescription divided data. As the dispensing data is divided, the measurement unit 30 performs a measurement operation of the medicine, the operation of supplying the medicine to the distribution tray 34a, the operation of dispensing the medicine by the distribution unit 34, and the packaging operation of the packaging unit 35. (Steps S105 to S107) will also be performed multiple times.

In this case, next, the packaging pattern is determined (step S202). The packaging pattern indicates the order in which drugs included in the dispensing data are packaged by the packaging unit 33 (distributed by the distribution unit 34 and packaged by the packaging unit 35). Based on the input dispensing data, the control unit 50 determines whether the order in which the medicines are packaged in the packaging unit 33 is specified as “order of administration” or “order of time of administration”. , to judge.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the packaging material 40 packaged in a packaging pattern of "order of administration." In FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, which will be described later, drugs A, B, and C are packaged as drugs that the user takes in the morning, and drugs A and B are packaged as drugs that the user takes in the evening. An example is shown.

The package 40A shown in FIG. 9 includes sachets containing the first to fourth medicine packages. The first sachet contains the medicine to be taken on the morning of the first day. The second sachet contains the medicine to be taken in the evening of the first day. The third sachet contains medicine to be taken on the morning of the second day. The fourth sachet contains medicine to be taken in the evening of the second day.

The package 40B includes sachets containing the fifth to eighth medicine packages. The fifth sachet (the first sachet for the package 40B) contains the medicine to be taken on the morning of the third day. The sixth sachet contains medicine to be taken in the evening of the third day. The seventh sachet contains medicine to be taken on the morning of the fourth day. The eighth sachet contains medicine to be taken on the evening of the fourth day.

Each package 40A, 40B may be an integral package or may be a separate package. In the case of an integrated package, the packages 40A and 40B may be made to be continuous without forming empty packages in which no medicine is accommodated between the packages 40A and 40B. Alternatively, in the case of an integrated package, an empty package in which no drug is accommodated may be formed between each package 40A, 40B.

In this manner, in the "order of administration" packaging pattern, medicines are packaged in the order in which they are to be taken by the recipient. At this time, the medicines are set to be packaged in such a way that the medicines to be taken on a given day are not housed in multiple packages. The first sachet of the package contains the medication to be taken at the first dose of the day. The last sachet of the package contains the medication to be taken at the last dose of the day.

In the example shown in FIG. 9, the last sachet of package 40A contains the drug to be taken on the evening of the second day, which is the last dosing point on the second day. The first sachet of package 40B contains the medication to be taken on the morning of the third day, which is the first dosing time of the third day. The medication to be taken at all dosing points on the second day is contained in package 40A. The medication to be taken at all dosing points on day 3 is contained in package 40B. Medications to be taken on a given day are not packaged across both packages 40A and 40B. A packaging pattern is set so that all the medicines to be taken on a given day are included in each package 40A, 40B.

In this embodiment, each of the packages 40A and 40B is sequentially packaged in the packaging section 33. In this way, even if the dispensing data is divided, each package 40A, 40B that is divided and made based on one dispensing data is continuous, so all the packages containing the medicine to be taken are The packets can be arranged in the order in which they are taken.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing packaging materials divided into packages according to a packaging pattern "in order of time of administration." The package 40C shown in FIG. 10 includes sachets containing the first to fourth medicine packages. The first sachet contains the medicine to be taken on the morning of the first day. The second sachet contains the medicine to be taken on the morning of the second day. The third sachet contains medicine to be taken on the morning of the third day. The fourth sachet contains medicine to be taken on the morning of the fourth day. The package 40C includes only sachets containing medicines to be taken at one point in time, specifically in the morning.

The package 40D shown in FIG. 10 includes sachets containing fifth to eighth medicine packages. The fifth package (the first package in package 40D) contains a medicine to be taken in the evening of the first day. The second sachet contains medicine to be taken in the evening of the second day. The third sachet contains medicine to be taken in the evening of the third day. The fourth sachet contains medicine to be taken in the evening of the fourth day. The package 40C includes only sachets containing medicines to be taken at one point in time, specifically in the evening.

Each package 40C, 40D may be an integral package or may be a separate package. In the case of forming an integral package, the packages 40C and 40D may be continuous without forming empty packages in which no medicine is stored between the packages 40C and 40D. Alternatively, in the case of an integrated package, an empty package in which no medicine is accommodated may be formed between each package 40C, 40D.

In this way, in the packaging pattern "in order of time of administration", medicines are packaged in the order of the time of administration. At this time, the medicines are set to be packaged in separate packages so that medicines to be taken at different times are not collectively housed in one package.

In this embodiment, each of the packages 40C and 40D is sequentially packaged in the packaging section 33. In this way, even if the dispensing data is divided, each package 40C, 40D that is divided and made based on one dispensing data is continuous, so all the packages containing the medicine to be taken are Packets can be arranged in ``order of time of administration.''

Returning to FIG. 8, if it is determined in step S202 that the packaging pattern is "in order of administration," first, the maximum possible number of days is calculated (step S203). The maximum possible number of days calculated here is a value representing how many days out of the number of days the recipient takes the medicine, the medicine that can be distributed in one dispensing operation corresponds to the number of days that the patient takes the medicine.

The control unit 50 refers to the number of daily doses based on the input dispensing data. The control unit 50 reads the maximum possible distribution number from the storage unit 61. The control unit 50 divides the maximum possible number of doses by the number of daily doses, rounds down the quotient below the decimal point, and sets the value calculated by this process as the maximum possible number of days. The number of daily doses is calculated based on the daily number of doses, which indicates the number of doses per day.

Next, the number of times the prescription data is divided is calculated (step S204). The number of divisions calculated here refers to how many times the dispensing operation is divided in order to complete the dispensing of the required number of medicines. This value indicates how many times the dispensing operation can be performed to complete the dispensing of the required number of drugs in a setting where the drugs are packaged so that they are not stacked.

The control unit 50 divides the required number of distributions by the product of the maximum possible number of days and the number of daily doses, rounds the calculated quotient to the nearest whole number, and divides the value calculated by this process. Number of times.

Next, the number of days is calculated (step S205). The number of days calculated here is a value representing how many days out of the number of days the recipient takes the medicine, the medicine distributed in a certain divided dispensing operation corresponds to.

The control unit 50 divides the total number of dosing days by the number of divisions, rounds up the quotient below the decimal point, and sets the value calculated by this process as the number of days of the first division. Note that the number of medicines dispensed in the first division dispensing operation is calculated by multiplying the number of days of the first division by the daily number of doses.

Next, a target weight value is calculated (step S206). The target weight value calculated here is the target value of the weight of the drug to be dispensed in a certain divided dispensing operation, and is the target value of the weight of the drug to be weighed for that dispensing operation.

The control unit 50 performs a process of multiplying the number of days of the first division calculated in step S205 by the daily dose (or the product of the one-package amount and the number of daily doses) (or performs a process of multiplying the number of days of the first division calculated in step S205 by A process of multiplying the number of medicines to be distributed by the amount per package) is performed, and the value calculated by this process is set as the target measured value for the first division. In this way, the control unit 50 creates the first division of dispensing division data.

Regarding the distribution operation after the second division, the process of calculating the number of days in step S205 and the process of calculating the target weight value in step S206 are repeated.

Regarding the dispensing operation for the second division, the control unit 50 divides the value obtained by subtracting the number of days for the first division from the total number of days of administration by the value obtained by subtracting 1 from the number of divisions calculated in step S204. A process of rounding up the decimal part of the quotient is performed, and the value calculated by this process is set as the number of days of the second division. The number of medicines distributed in the second division distribution process is calculated by multiplying the number of days of the second division by the daily number of doses. The control unit 50 performs a process of multiplying the number of days of the second division by the daily amount, and sets the value calculated by this process as the target metric value of the second division. In this way, the control unit 50 creates the second division of dispensing division data.

Regarding the dispensing operation for the nth division (n is an integer of 2 or more), the control unit 50 subtracts the sum of the days from the first division to the number of days at the (n-1) division from the total number of dosing days. The number of divisions calculated in step S204 is divided by the value obtained by subtracting (n-1), the calculated quotient is rounded up to the nearest whole number, and the value calculated by this process is calculated as the number of days in the n-th division. shall be. The number of medicines to be dispensed in the n-th division distribution process is calculated by multiplying the number of days in the n-th division by the daily number of doses. The control unit 50 performs a process of multiplying the number of days in the n-th division by the daily amount, and sets the value calculated by this process as the target metric value for the n-th division. In this way, the control unit 50 creates the nth division data of the dispensing division.

By dividing the prescription data in such a manner that the target measured values of the 1st to nth divisions are equal, variations in the amount of medicine measured in the weighing operation in each division of the prescription data are reduced. The control unit 50 calculates a target measured value for each measurement so as to equalize the amount of medicine measured in each measurement operation.

Then, the process ends (END). In this way, based on the number of times of dividing the dispensing data, the number of times performed by dividing the distribution operation, the number of times performed by dividing the operation, and the amount of each distribution operation are reduced by each distribution operation. The target measured value of the drug can be obtained. In the process of step S105 shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 50 controls the measuring unit 30 according to the result of calculation of the target measured value to remove the drug of the target measured value from the drug container 15 in each measuring operation. You will have to measure it.

In addition, since drugs are divided into packages in this way so that drugs to be taken on a given day are not accommodated in multiple packages, printing data for packages is created for each dispensing division data. becomes easier to handle. That is, since the printing data for the day's dosing time does not span multiple dispensing division data, the printing data may be data for each dosing time.

If it is determined in step S202 that the packaging pattern is "in order of dosing time," first, the number of times the dispensing data is divided for each dosing time point is calculated (step S207). The number of divisions per dosing point calculated here refers to the number of times the dispensing operation should be performed to complete dispensing for all days of dosing for a drug to be taken at a certain dosing time (for example, in the morning). This value indicates whether to perform the process separately. In other words, in a setting where medicines are packaged in such a way that medicines to be taken at different times are not all packed together in one package, how many times is the dispensing operation required to complete the dispensing of the required number of medicines? This is a value that indicates whether it is possible.

The control unit 50 refers to the total number of days of dosing based on the input dispensing data. The control unit 50 reads the maximum possible distribution number from the storage unit 61. The control unit 50 divides the total number of dosing days by the maximum possible number of distributions, rounds up the quotient below the decimal point, and sets the value calculated by this process as the number of times of division at each dosing point. The number of divided doses per dosing time point is calculated based on the total number of days of dosing.

Next, the number of days is calculated (step S208). The number of days calculated here is a value that represents how many days out of the number of days the patient takes the drug, the drug dispensed in a certain divided dispensing operation corresponds to a certain point of administration. be.

The control unit 50 divides the total number of dosing days by the number of divisions at each dosing point, rounds up the quotient below the decimal point, and converts the value calculated by this process into the first division at the first dosing point. Number of days.

Next, a target weight value is calculated (step S209). The target weight value calculated here is the target value of the weight of the drug to be dispensed in a certain divided dispensing operation, and is the target value of the weight of the drug to be weighed for that dispensing operation.

The control unit 50 performs a process of multiplying the number of days of the first division calculated in step S208 by the amount of one package, and uses the value calculated by this process as the target weight value of the first division at the time of first administration. shall be. In this way, the control unit 50 creates the first prescription division data at the time of the first administration.

Regarding the dispensing operation after the second division at the time of first administration, the process of calculating the number of doses to be distributed in step S208 and the process of calculating the target weight value in step S209 are repeated.

Regarding the dispensing operation for the second division at the first dosing time, the control unit 50 subtracts the value obtained by subtracting the number of days for the first division from the total number of dosing days, and subtracts 1 from the number of divisions at each dosing time calculated in step S207. The value is divided by the value, the calculated quotient is rounded up to the nearest whole number, and the value calculated by this process is set as the number of days for the second division. The control unit 50 performs a process of multiplying the number of days of the second division by the amount of one package, and sets the value calculated by this process as the target weight value of the second division. In this way, the control unit 50 creates the second prescription division data at the time of first administration.

Regarding the dispensing operation for the nth division (n is an integer of 2 or more) at the time of the first administration, the control unit 50 calculates the sum of the total number of days from the first division to the number of days at the (n-1) division from the total number of days of administration. is divided by the value obtained by subtracting (n-1) from the number of divisions per dosing point calculated in step S207, and the calculated quotient is rounded up to the nearest whole number. The value obtained is the number of days of the n-th division. The control unit 50 performs a process of multiplying the number of days of the n-th division by the amount of one package, and sets the value calculated by this process as the target weight value of the n-th division. In this way, the control unit 50 creates the n-th dispensing division data at the time of the first administration.

Regarding the dispensing operation after the second dosing time, the process of calculating the number of divisions per dosing time in step S207, the process of calculating the number of distributions in step S208, and the process of calculating the target weight value in step S209 are repeated. In this way, the control unit 50 creates each dispensing division data at the time of the second administration.

In this manner, by calculating the target measured values for the 1st to nth divisions at each dosing time point, variations in the amount of medicine measured in the measuring operation in each dispensing division data are reduced. The control unit 50 calculates a target measured value for each measurement so as to equalize the amount of medicine measured in each measurement operation.

Then, the process ends (END). In this way, based on the number of times the dispensing data is divided for each dosing point, the number of times the dispensing operation is performed separately for each dosing point, the number of times that the weighing operation is performed separately for each dosing point, and the number of times that the dispensing operation is performed separately for each dosing point, and the number of times that the dispensing operation for each dosing point is divided, Therefore, the target measured value of the drug to be weighed out in each weighing operation is obtained. In the process of step S105 shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 50 controls the measuring unit 30 according to the result of calculation of the target measured value to remove the drug of the target measured value from the drug container 15 in each measuring operation. You will have to measure it.

In addition, in this way, since drugs are packaged in such a way that drugs to be taken at different times are not all packed together in one package, printing data for the package created for each dispensing data is Easy to handle. That is, since print data for different dosing times cannot be combined into one dispensing division data, the print data may be data for each dosing time.

In the judgment in step S201, if the required number of dispensed doses is less than or equal to the maximum possible number of dispensed doses (NO in step S201), the required number of drugs can be dispensed in one dispensing operation, and the weighing and dispensing operations are separated. There is no need to do it. Therefore, the process of creating the dispensing division data is not performed, and the process ends (END).

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of a process in which the weighing operation is divided into a plurality of times based on the total amount of the drug to be weighed out.

As shown in FIG. 11, first, a determination (second determination) is made as to whether the total amount of each type of medicine included in the dispensing data is larger than the maximum possible capacity (step S301). This determination is made for each type of drug included in the prescription data. If the dispensing division data has been created, it is determined for each dispensing division data whether the total amount of medicine included in each dispensing division data is larger than the maximum possible capacity. The maximum possible capacity is stored in the storage unit 61 in advance. The maximum possible storage capacity stored in the information recording section 91e of the intermediate container 91 or the information recording section 93e of the export container 93 may be acquired by the third information processing section 20. The control unit 50 acquires the maximum possible storage capacity by reading it from the storage unit 61 or by acquiring it by the third information processing unit 20. The control unit 50 refers to or calculates the total amount for each type of drug based on the input dispensing data. The control unit 50 compares the total amount with the maximum possible storage capacity and determines whether the total amount is larger than the maximum possible storage capacity.

If it is determined that the total amount is larger than the maximum possible storage capacity (YES in step S301), the entire amount of medicine cannot be measured in one measuring operation, so the measuring operation is performed in multiple steps. become. For this reason, the control unit 50 divides the drug information of the drug whose total amount is determined to be larger than the maximum possible capacity, and creates weighing division data. When the weighed medicine is packaged in the packaging section 33, the medicine weighed out through multiple weighing operations is collectively supplied to the dispensing section 34, and the dispensing operation by the dispensing section 34 and the packaging section The packaging is performed by the wrapping operation of 35.

In this case, next, the number of divisions is calculated (step S302). The number of divisions calculated here refers to how many times the weighing operation must be divided to complete measuring the entire amount of the drug. This value indicates whether the transaction can be completed.

The control unit 50 divides the total amount by the maximum possible accommodation value, rounds up the quotient below the decimal point, and sets the value calculated by this process as the number of divisions.

Next, a target weight value is calculated (step S303). The target weight value calculated here is the target value of the weight of the medicine to be weighed out from the medicine container 15 in one divided weighing operation.

The control unit 50 divides the total amount by the number of divisions calculated in step S302, rounds up the quotient below the decimal point, and uses the value calculated by this process as the value of the weighing operation for the first division. Set as target measurement value. In this way, the control unit 50 creates the weighing division data for the first division.

For the weighing operation after the second division, the process of calculating the target measured value in step S303 is repeated.

Regarding the weighing operation for the second division, the control unit 50 calculates a value obtained by subtracting the target measurement value for the first division from the total amount by a value obtained by subtracting 1 from the number of divisions calculated in step S302. The quotient is rounded up to the nearest whole number, and the value calculated by this process is set as the target measured value for the second division. In this way, the control unit 50 creates the weighing division data for the second division.

Regarding the weighing operation for nth division (n is an integer of 2 or more), the control unit 50 subtracts the sum from the target measured value of the first division to the target measured value of the (n-1)th division from the total amount. The calculated value is divided by the value obtained by subtracting (n-1) from the number of divisions calculated in step S302, the calculated quotient is rounded up to the nearest whole number, and the value calculated by this process is set to n. This is the target measurement value for each division. In this way, the control unit 50 creates the n-th divided weighing division data.

By dividing the drug information so that the target measured values of the 1st to nth divisions are equal in this way, variations in the amount of medicine measured in the weighing operation in each weighing division data are reduced. The control unit 50 calculates a target measured value for each measurement so as to equalize the amount of medicine measured in each measurement operation.

Then, the process ends (END). In this way, based on the number of times the drug information is divided, the number of times the weighing operation is divided and the target measured value of the drug to be measured in each weighing operation can be obtained. In the process of step S105 shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 50 controls the measuring unit 30 according to the result of calculation of the target measured value to remove the drug of the target measured value from the drug container 15 in each measuring operation. You will have to measure it.

In the judgment in step S301, if the total amount is less than or equal to the maximum possible storage capacity (NO in step S301), the entire amount of medicine can be measured in one measuring operation, and there is no need to perform separate measuring operations. . Therefore, the process of creating weighing division data is not performed, and the process ends (END).

As described above, after the input of the dispensing data is completed in step S102, if it is specified that only the drug is to be weighed out based on the input dispensing data, the operator can issue an instruction to start packaging in step S103. , a weighing start command can be input to the control unit 50 using the operation unit 22. When a weighing command is input, the medicine packaging device 1 does not pack the medicine but only weighs it based on the input prescription data.

When a measurement start command is input, in order to measure out the designated amount of medicine, first, it is determined whether or not it is necessary to divide the dispensing operation into multiple times using other medicine packaging devices 95. is judged. This determination is made based on the required number of drugs to be distributed included in the dispensing data. In this case, the required number to be distributed refers to the required number to be distributed by the dispensing section of the other medicine packaging device 95. Next, it is determined whether the weighing operation needs to be performed in multiple steps. This determination is made based on the total amount of each type of drug to be measured, which is included in the dispensing data. Details of these determinations will be described later.

Next, the medicine is measured out from the medicine container 15, and the container containing the measured medicine is transported to the third take-out position P7.

After the container containing the weighed medicines is transported to the third take-out position, it is determined whether all the medicines have been weighed and transported. If the weighing of all the drugs to be weighed has not been completed, weighing is performed again.

Hereinafter, details of the process performed in the medicine packaging device 1 when the dispensing operation in the other medicine packaging device 95 is divided into multiple times will be explained.

First, a determination (third determination) is made as to whether the required number of distributions is greater than the maximum possible number of distributions of other drug packaging devices 95. The maximum possible number of distributions in other medicine packaging devices 95 is stored in the storage unit 61 in advance. The control unit 50 refers to or calculates the required number of dispenses based on the input dispensing data. The control unit 50 compares the required number of distributions with the maximum possible number of distributions of other drug packaging devices 95 read from the storage unit 61, and determines whether the required number of distributions is the maximum possible number of distributions of the other drug packaging devices 95. Determine whether it is greater than or not.

If it is determined that the required number of medicines to be distributed is larger than the maximum possible number of medicines to be distributed by another medicine packaging device 95, the required number of medicines cannot be distributed in one dispensing operation in the other medicine packaging device 95. Therefore, the dispensing operation in the other medicine packaging device 95 is performed in multiple steps. For this reason, the control unit 50 divides the dispensing data based on the required number of dispenses and the maximum possible number of dispenses of the other drug packaging devices 95, and creates dispensing divided data. As the dispensing data is divided, the operation of measuring the medicine by the measuring unit 30 will be performed multiple times. Thereby, the other drug packaging device 95 can perform the dispensing operation in multiple steps.

In this case, next, the packaging pattern is determined. Then, similarly to the example shown in FIG. 8 or 9, prescription division data is created according to the packaging pattern.

If the required distribution number is less than or equal to the maximum possible distribution number of the other medicine packaging devices 95, the required number of medicines can be dispensed in one dispensing operation, and there is no need to perform separate dispensing operations. There is no need to perform the weighing operation in the drug packaging device 1 in multiple steps. Therefore, the process of creating the dispensing division data is not performed, and the process ends.

Next, a determination (fourth determination) is made as to whether the total amount of medicine included in the dispensing data is greater than the maximum possible capacity. This determination is made for each type of drug included in the prescription data. If the dispensing division data has been created, it is determined whether the total amount of medicine included in the dispensing division data is larger than the maximum possible capacity.

If it is determined that the total amount is larger than the maximum possible storage capacity, the entire amount of medicine cannot be measured in one measuring operation, so the measuring operation is performed in multiple steps. For this reason, the control unit 50 divides the drug information whose total amount is determined to be larger than the maximum possible capacity, and creates weighing division data. When the measured medicine is packaged by another medicine packaging device 95, the medicines weighed out by multiple measuring operations are supplied to the other medicine packaging device 95 all at once. .

In this way, based on the number of times the drug information is divided, the number of times the weighing operation is divided and the target measured value of the drug to be measured in each weighing operation can be obtained. The control section 50 controls the measuring section 30 according to the result of calculating the target measured value, and measures out the drug having the target measured value from the drug container 15 in each weighing operation.

If the total amount is less than the maximum possible storage capacity, the entire amount of medicine can be measured out in one measuring operation, and there is no need to perform separate measuring operations. Therefore, the process of creating weighing division data is not performed, and the process ends.

In the drug dispensing device 1 of the embodiment described above, the control unit 50 determines that the required number of dispensed drugs included in the dispensing data is one-time distribution by the dispensing unit 34, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. When the number of dispenses is larger than the maximum possible number of dispenses in the operation, the measuring section 30 is controlled so that the medicine to be dispensed is weighed out in multiple doses. By controlling the weighing unit 30 by the control unit 50 in this manner, when the required number of dispenses in the dispensing data exceeds the maximum possible number of dispenses, a weighing operation can be performed automatically.

As shown in FIG. 2, the dispensing section 34 has a dispensing tray 34a to which the medicine to be distributed is measured by the measuring section 30. The dispensing unit 34 dispenses the drug to be distributed, which is supplied to the dispensing plate 34a, into individual doses. The control unit 50 sets the maximum number of drugs to be distributed that can be distributed by the distribution unit 34 that are supplied to the distribution tray 34a as the maximum possible distribution number. In this way, since the maximum possible number of distributions is set as information unique to the medicine packaging device 1, it is possible to set an appropriate maximum possible number of distributions for each model of the medicine packaging device 1. The control unit 50 can appropriately control the weighing unit 30 according to the set maximum possible distribution number.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 11, when the total amount of each type of drug to be distributed included in the dispensing data is larger than the maximum possible storage amount of the drug in the intermediate container 91 or the delivery container 93, , controls the weighing section 30 so as to weigh out the drug to be distributed in multiple doses. By controlling the measuring unit 30 by the control unit 50 in this manner, it is possible to automatically perform a measuring operation when the total amount of each type of drug to be distributed in the dispensing data exceeds the maximum possible capacity.

As shown in FIG. 3, the control section 50 has a storage section 61. The storage unit 61 stores information regarding drugs for each type of drug. Information regarding the drug includes the maximum possible capacity. Since the maximum possible storage capacity for each type of medicine is stored in the storage unit 61, the control unit 50 reads out the maximum storage capacity corresponding to the medicine to be weighed and dispensed from the storage unit 61, and stores the maximum storage capacity for each type of medicine. The weighing section 30 can be appropriately controlled according to the maximum possible capacity.

The storage unit 61 stores the maximum possible number of distributions in one distribution operation by the distribution unit 34. The control unit 50 can read the maximum possible distribution number from the storage unit 61 and appropriately control the weighing unit 30 according to the maximum possible distribution number.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 11, the control unit 50 calculates the amount of the drug to be distributed that is measured in each measuring operation. The control section 50 controls the weighing section 30 according to the result of the calculation. By controlling the weighing section 30 by the control section 50 in this way, an appropriate amount of medicine can be weighed out in each measuring operation divided into a plurality of times.

As shown in FIG. 8, when the order in which the drugs to be distributed included in the dispensing data are to be dispensed is specified as the order of administration, the control unit 50 determines the maximum possible number of days, the number of divisions, Calculate the target weight values in order. By controlling the measuring unit 30 by the control unit 50 according to the calculated target measured value, an appropriate amount of medicine can be measured in each measuring operation divided into multiple times.

As shown in FIG. 8, when the order of dispensing target drugs included in the dispensing data is specified in the order of groups of dosing points, the control unit 50 determines the number of divided doses for each dosing point based on the total number of days of dosing, Calculate the distribution number and target weight value in order. By controlling the measuring unit 30 by the control unit 50 according to the calculated target measured value, an appropriate amount of medicine can be measured in each measuring operation divided into multiple times.

By calculating the target measurement value so that the control unit 50 equalizes the amount of medicine measured in each measurement operation, fluctuations in the amount of medicine measured in each divided operation are reduced. ing. Thereby, the control section 50 can easily control the weighing section 30.

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 container, 17 drug take-out section, 18 measuring section, 18a mounting table, 18b detection section, 21 display section, 22 operation section , 23 supply standby section, 30 weighing section, 32 medicine discharge section, 32a container attachment section, 32b vibration device, 33 sachet section, 34 distribution section, 34a distribution plate, 34b feeding section, 35 packaging section, 35a hopper, 35b Heater, 37 Cleaning standby section, 38 Cleaning section, 40 Packaging material, 40A, 40B, 40C, 40D Package, 50 Control section, 61 Storage section, 62 Weighing selection section, 65 Guide section, 91 Intermediate container, 92 External medicine Container, 93 Carrying out container, 100 Dispensing system, 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 (10)

a supply unit that supplies a drug;
a dispensing unit that dispenses the drug supplied by the supply unit;
a control unit that controls the supply unit and the distribution unit based on input dispensing data;
The supply unit includes a measuring unit that measures and takes out the medicine from a medicine container containing the medicine and stores it in an intermediate container,
The control unit measures the drug to be distributed in multiple doses when the total amount of the drug to be distributed included in the dispensing data is larger than the maximum possible storage capacity of the drug in the intermediate container. A drug dispensing device that controls the measuring section. The medicine dispensing device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit calculates the amount of the medicine to be distributed that is measured in each measuring operation, and controls the measuring unit according to the result of the calculation. When the order of dispensing the drug to be distributed included in the dispensing data is specified as the order of administration, the control unit calculates the amount of the drug to be distributed measured in each measuring operation based on the number of doses per day. 3. The medicine dispensing device according to claim 2, wherein the medicine is calculated based on the medicine dispensing device according to claim 2, and the medicine is set to be divided and packaged so that the medicine to be taken on a certain day is not housed in a plurality of packages. When the order of dispensing the drug to be distributed included in the dispensing data is specified in the order of grouping at the time of administration, the control unit may control the amount of the drug to be distributed measured in each measuring operation to ensure that all doses are taken . The medicine dispensing device according to claim 2, wherein the medicine is calculated based on the number of days and the medicine is set to be divided into packages so that the medicine to be taken at one time is not stored across multiple packages. . The drug dispensing device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the control unit calculates to equalize the amount of the drug to be distributed measured in each measuring operation. The control unit includes a storage unit that stores information regarding the drug for each type of drug,
The drug dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the information regarding the drug includes the maximum possible capacity. a weighing unit that measures and takes out the medicine from a medicine container containing the medicine and stores it in a carry-out container;
and a control unit that controls the measuring unit based on input dispensing data,
When the total amount of the drug to be measured included in the dispensing data is larger than the maximum possible storage capacity of the drug in the delivery container, the control unit is configured to measure the drug to be measured in multiple doses. A drug measuring device that controls the measuring section. The drug measuring device according to claim 7, wherein the control section calculates the amount of the drug to be weighed out in each weighing operation, and controls the measuring section according to the result of the calculation. The drug measuring device is used to measure the drug to be distributed in the dispensing section of the drug packaging machine into the delivery container,
When the order in which the medicines to be weighed included in the dispensing data are dispensed by the medicine packaging machine is designated as the order in which they are taken, the control unit controls the distribution of the medicines to be weighed out in each weighing operation. According to claim 8, the amount is calculated based on the number of doses taken in a day , and the medicine is divided into packages so that the medicine to be taken in a given day is not stored across multiple packages. Medicine measuring device. The drug measuring device is used to measure the drug to be distributed in the dispensing section of the drug packaging machine into the delivery container,
When the order in which the drugs to be weighed included in the dispensing data are dispensed by the drug packaging machine is specified in the order in which they are taken at the time of administration, the control unit controls the weighing amount to be measured in each weighing operation. Claim 8: The amount of the target drug is calculated based on the total number of days the drug is taken, and the drug is set to be packaged in portions so that the drug to be taken at one time is not housed in multiple packages. The drug measuring device described in .

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