JP7367968B2 - drug packaging equipment - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD This disclosure relates to drug packaging 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

In a drug packaging device, after packaging one drug, the drug path through which the drug passes is cleaned. There is a demand for an operator using a drug packaging device to check the status within the drug path from outside the drug packaging device.

The present disclosure provides a drug packaging device in which conditions within the drug path can be checked from outside the device.

According to the present disclosure, there is provided a supply section that supplies a drug from a drug container that stores the drug, a drug path through which the drug supplied by the supply section passes, a packaging section that packages the drug that has passed through the drug path, and an inside of the drug path. A drug packaging device is provided, which includes an imaging device that captures an image.

According to the drug packaging device according to the present disclosure, the situation within the drug path can be checked from outside the device.

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 flowchart showing the flow of drug supply and packaging processing. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process of cleaning an intermediate container. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process of cleaning an intermediate container. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a display section that displays a captured image of the inner surface of the intermediate container. It is a figure which shows the display part which displays the selection screen of the additional cleaning of an intermediate container. FIG. 3 is a flow diagram showing the flow of processing for cleaning a hopper. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a display unit that displays a captured image of the inner surface of the hopper. It is a figure which shows the display part which displays the selection screen of the additional cleaning of a hopper. FIG. 2 is a flow diagram showing a first example of a process for additionally cleaning a hopper. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the 2nd example of the process of additionally cleaning a hopper.

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, measuring out a drug refers to 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. , the third information processing section 20, the display section 21, the operation section 22, the drug discharging section 32, the packaging section 33, the cleaning section 38, the control section 50, the locking mechanism 52, the imaging device 54, 56.

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.

The weighing unit 30 that takes out the medicine from the medicine container 15 to the intermediate container 91, the transport unit 14 that transports the intermediate container 91, and the medicine discharge unit 32 that discharges the medicine from the intermediate container 91 and supplies it to the distribution plate 34a. It constitutes the supply section of the embodiment. The packaging unit 33 packages 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 unit 50 can control each part of the drug packaging device 1 (specifically, the transport unit 14, the weighing unit 30, the medicine discharge unit 32, the packaging unit 33, etc.) based on the dispensing data. . The control unit 50 may be configured as a part of the drug packaging device 1, or may be configured as a part of a dispensing device control device that controls other dispensing devices such as another drug packaging device 95.

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

The 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.

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.

The hopper 35a is removable from the housing of the medicine packaging device 1. The locking mechanism 52 locks the hopper 35a and prevents it from being removed from the medicine packaging device 1. By unlocking the locking mechanism 52, the hopper 35a can be removed from the medicine packaging device 1, and can be moved to the outside of the housing of the medicine packaging device 1. Locking and unlocking of the hopper 35a by the locking mechanism 52 are controlled by the control unit 50.

The imaging device 54 is arranged above the hopper 35a. The imaging device 54 is capable of imaging the inside of the hopper 35a. The imaging device 54 may be able to reciprocate between a position directly above the hopper 35a and a position away from directly above the hopper 35a. The imaging device 56 is attached to the top of the cleaning section 56. The imaging device 56 can take an image of the container accommodated in the cleaning section 38. The imaging devices 54 and 56 are controlled by a control section 50. Images captured by the imaging devices 54 and 56 are displayed on the display unit 21. The control unit 50 receives images captured by the imaging devices 54 and 56, and outputs a control command to display the images to the display unit 21.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The information processing section 83 can change the display content of the information display section 92d of the external drug container 92. When the measuring device 80 finishes measuring the medicine, the information processing section 83 displays the measured amount (measurement result) on the information display section 92d of the external medicine container 92. Further, as information regarding the dispensing, the information display section 92d may display that the amount of medicine corresponding to the target amount is contained and that preparations are made 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, the processing of supplying and packaging drugs using the drug packaging device 1 will be described. FIG. 7 is a flow diagram showing the flow of drug supply and packaging processing.

First, as preparation, drug information is registered in the drug packaging device 1 (step S101). 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 a determination flag indicating whether or not the medicine tends to remain in the contact area in association with the medicine information.

Next, dispensing data is input to the drug packaging device 1 (step S102). 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, timing 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), and 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 S103). The operator uses the operation unit 22 to input a packaging start command to the control unit 50 .

Next, the medicine is measured out from the medicine container 15 (step S104). In the process of step S104, 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.

Next, it is determined whether cleaning of the drug path (hopper 35a) after the previous drug packaging is completed (step S105). The determination in step S105 is repeated until the cleaning of the hopper 35a after the previous drug packaging is completed, and in the meantime, the supply of the drug measured in the previous step S104 to the distribution tray 34a and the start of packaging are on standby. . Details of cleaning the hopper 35a will be described later.

When it is determined that the cleaning of the hopper 35a after the previous drug packaging is completed (YES in step S105), the drug is supplied from the container containing the measured drug in step S104 to the distribution tray 34a. (Step S106), and packaging of the medicine in the packaging section 35 is executed (Step S107). After the packaging is completed, the container and the medicine path (hopper 35a) after the medicine has been discharged are cleaned (step S108). Then, the process ends (END).

The details of the cleaning will be explained below. 8 and 9 are flowcharts showing the flow of processing for cleaning the intermediate container 91.

To clean the intermediate container 91, first, it is determined whether the operation of supplying the medicine contained in the intermediate container 91 to the distribution tray 34a has been completed (step S201 in FIG. 8). The determination in step S201 is repeated until the operation of supplying the medicine to the distribution tray 34a is completed.

When it is determined that the supply operation is completed (YES in step S201), the control unit 50 moves the intermediate container 91 from the supply position P9 to the cleaning standby position P10 (step S202). The control unit 50 holds the intermediate container 91 after discharging the medicine at the supply position P9, and sends a control signal to the second transport unit 14b to operate the held intermediate container 91 to move to the cleaning standby position P10. Output to. The second transport unit 14b that has received the control signal transports the intermediate container 91 from the supply position P9 to the cleaning standby position P10.

Subsequently, the intermediate container 91 is moved from the cleaning standby position P10 to the cleaning position P11 (step S203), and the intermediate container 91 is cleaned at the cleaning position P11 (step S204). As described above, cleaning of the intermediate container 91 can be performed by blowing compressed air onto the inner surface of the intermediate container 91, suctioning, wiping with a brush or the like, or a combination thereof.

After cleaning the intermediate container 91, the determination flag is checked for the medicine contained in the intermediate container 91 (step S205). This determination flag indicates whether or not the drug is likely to remain in the contact area, and indicates whether or not the intermediate container 91 needs to be cleaned after the drug is discharged by the drug discharging section 32. Based on the confirmation result of the determination flag, it is determined whether or not the intermediate container 91 requires cleaning (step S206).

If it is determined that the medicine contained in the intermediate container 91 is a medicine that does not require cleaning of the intermediate container 91 (NO in step S206), the inner surface of the intermediate container 91 has been sufficiently cleaned by the cleaning process in the previous step S204. considered to be cleaned. In that case, the control unit 50 moves the intermediate container 91 cleaned by the cleaning unit 38 to the first standby position P1 (step S207). The control unit 50 controls the transport unit 14 to move the intermediate container 91 from the cleaning position P11 to the cleaning standby position P10, and further to move the intermediate container 91 from the cleaning standby position P10 to the first standby position P1. When the movement of the intermediate container 91 to the first standby position P1 is completed, the process ends (END).

If it is determined that the medicine contained in the intermediate container 91 is a medicine that requires cleaning of the intermediate container 91 (YES in step S206), then the intermediate container 91 is imaged (step S208). The resulting image is displayed on the display unit 21 (step S209). The control unit 50 outputs a control signal to the imaging device 56 attached to the cleaning unit 38 to image the inner surface of the intermediate container 91 at the cleaning position P11. The imaging device 56 that has received the control signal executes imaging. Specifically, the imaging device 56 images the inner surface of the storage section 91a and the inner surface of the discharge path section 91b shown in FIG. 4. The imaging device 56 transmits the captured image to the control unit 50. The control unit 50 that has received the image causes the display unit 21 to display the received image.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the display unit 21 that displays a captured image of the inner surface of the intermediate container 91. The display section 21 shown in FIG. 10 displays a leading edge image 201 that is an image taken by the imaging device 56 of the ejection path section 91b of the intermediate container 91, and a center image 202 that is an image taken of the storage section 91a. . The operator using the medicine packaging device 1 looks at the captured image shown in FIG. 10 and determines whether additional cleaning of the intermediate container 91 is necessary (step S210).

Even when it is determined that the medicine contained in the intermediate container 91 is not a medicine that tends to remain in the contact area and does not require cleaning of the intermediate container 91 after being discharged from the intermediate container 91, the intermediate container 91 Alternatively, the image may be taken. In this case, the captured image is not displayed on the display unit 21. The imaging device 56 transmits the captured image to the control unit 50. The control unit 50 that has received the image stores the received image so that it can be recalled as needed.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the display section 21 that displays a selection screen for additional cleaning of the intermediate container 91. When the operator operates the operation unit 22 while the display unit 21 is displaying the screen shown in FIG. 10, the selection screen 210 shown in FIG. 11 is displayed. When the operator determines that additional cleaning of the intermediate container 91 is necessary, the operator operates the selection unit 211. When the operator determines that additional cleaning of the intermediate container 91 is not necessary, the operator operates the selection unit 212.

The selection units 211 and 212 correspond to input units in the embodiment that receive input regarding whether cleaning of the intermediate container 91 is necessary. The operator who visually checks the screen shown in FIG. 10 and determines whether additional cleaning of the intermediate container 91 is necessary can decide whether additional cleaning of the intermediate container 91 is necessary or not by operating one of the selection sections 211 and 212. The results can be input to the control unit 50.

If it is determined that additional cleaning of the intermediate container 91 is not necessary (NO in step S210), the intermediate container 91 is moved to the first standby position P1 in step S207, and the process ends (END).

If it is determined that additional cleaning of the intermediate container 91 is necessary (YES in step S210), the intermediate container 91 is moved to the first removal position P5 (step S211). The control unit 50 controls the transport unit 14 to move the intermediate container 91 from the cleaning position P11 to the cleaning standby position P10, and further to move the intermediate container 91 from the cleaning standby position P10 to the first take-out position P5.

The operator takes out the intermediate container 91 transported to the first take-out position P5 to the outside of the medicine packaging device 1 and manually performs additional cleaning. This additional cleaning may be any type of cleaning such as suction, blowing with compressed air, wiping with a brush or the like, washing with water, or a combination thereof.

The control unit 50 determines whether additional cleaning has been completed (step S212). If it is determined that the additional cleaning has not been completed (NO in step S212), the determination in step S212 is repeated. When the control unit 50 receives the input from the operator, it is determined that the additional cleaning has been completed.

If it is determined that the additional cleaning has been completed (YES in step S212), the intermediate container 91 is moved to the first standby position (step S213). The control unit 50 controls the transport unit 14 to move the intermediate container 91 after additional cleaning from the first take-out position P5 to the first standby position P1. When the movement of the intermediate container 91 to the first standby position P1 is completed, the process ends (END).

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing for cleaning the hopper 35a. To clean the hopper 35a, first, it is determined whether the packaging operation is completed (step S301). The determination in step S301 is repeated until the packaging operation is completed.

When it is determined that the packaging operation is completed (YES in step S301), cleaning of the inner surface of the hopper 35a is performed (step S302). Cleaning may be performed by any means such as, for example, blowing compressed air on the inner surface of the hopper 35a, suctioning, wiping with a brush or the like, or a combination thereof. By cleaning, the chemicals remaining on the inner surface of the hopper 35a are removed.

After cleaning the hopper 35a, the determination flag is checked for the medicine packaged in the previous process (step S303). This determination flag indicates whether or not the drug tends to remain in the contact area, and indicates whether or not it is necessary to clean the drug path (hopper 35a) through which the drug passed after packaging the drug. It is. Based on the confirmation result of the determination flag, it is determined whether the medicine requires cleaning of the medicine path (hopper 35a) (step S304).

If it is determined that the packaged medicine is a medicine that does not require cleaning of the medicine path (NO in step S304), it is determined that the inner surface of the hopper 35a has been sufficiently cleaned by the cleaning process in step S302. The process is then terminated (END).

If it is determined that the packaged medicine requires cleaning of the medicine path (YES in step S304), then the inside of the hopper 35a is imaged (step S305), and the taken image is displayed. section 21 (step S306). The control unit 50 outputs a control signal for imaging the inner surface of the hopper 35a to an imaging device 54 arranged above the hopper 35a. The imaging device 54 that has received the control signal executes imaging. The imaging device 54 transmits the captured image to the control unit 50. The control unit 50 that has received the image causes the display unit 21 to display the received image.

Even when it is determined that the packaged medicine is not a medicine that tends to remain in the contact area and does not require cleaning of the medicine route after packaging, the medicine route may be imaged. In this case, the captured image is not displayed on the display unit 21. The imaging device 54 transmits the captured image to the control unit 50. The control unit 50 that has received the image stores the received image so that it can be recalled as needed.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the display section 21 that displays a captured image of the inner surface of the hopper 35a. The display unit 21 shown in FIG. 13 displays a hopper inner surface image 220, which is an image captured by the imaging device 54 of the inner surface of the hopper 35a. The operator using the drug packaging device 1 looks at the captured image shown in FIG. 13 and determines whether additional cleaning of the hopper 35a is necessary.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the display section 21 that displays a selection screen for additional cleaning of the hopper 35a. When the operator operates the operating section 22 while the display section 21 is displaying the screen shown in FIG. 13, a selection screen 230 shown in FIG. 14 is displayed. When the operator determines that additional cleaning of the hopper 35a is necessary, the operator operates the selection unit 231. When the operator determines that additional cleaning of the hopper 35a is not necessary, the operator operates the selection unit 232.

The selection units 231 and 232 correspond to input units in the embodiment that receive input regarding whether cleaning of the hopper 35a is necessary. The operator who has determined whether additional cleaning of the hopper 35a is necessary by visually checking the screen shown in FIG. It can be input to the control unit 50.

If it is determined that additional cleaning of the hopper 35a is not necessary (NO in step S307), the process is ended (END).

If it is determined that additional cleaning of the hopper 35a is necessary (YES in step S307), additional cleaning of the hopper 35a is performed (step S308). Details of the additional cleaning of the hopper 35a will be described later.

The control unit 50 determines whether additional cleaning has been completed (step S309). If it is determined that the additional cleaning has not been completed (NO in step S309), the determination in step S309 is repeated. It is determined that the additional cleaning has been completed when the control unit 50 receives an input from the operator or when the control unit 50 finishes a series of additional cleaning processes. When the additional cleaning of the hopper 35a is completed, the process ends (END).

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a first example of the process of additionally cleaning the hopper 35a. In the additional cleaning of the hopper 35a shown in FIG. 15, the hopper 35a is first unlocked (step S311).

The operator who has determined that additional cleaning of the hopper 35a is necessary in step S307 of FIG. 12 controls the determination result that additional cleaning of the hopper 35a is necessary by operating the selection section 231 displayed on the display section 21. The information is input to the section 50. Upon receiving this input, the control unit 50 outputs a control signal instructing the locking mechanism 52 (FIGS. 2 and 3) to unlock the hopper 35a. Upon receiving the control signal, the locking mechanism 52 unlocks the hopper 35a, making it possible to remove the hopper 35a from the medicine packaging device 1.

Subsequently, the hopper 35a is removed from the drug packaging device 1 (step S312). The removed hopper 35a is cleaned (step S313). The cleaned hopper 35a is reattached to the drug packaging device 1 (step S314). The removal, additional cleaning, and reinstallation of these hoppers 35a are performed manually by an operator using the drug packaging device 1. The additional cleaning in step S313 may be any type of cleaning such as suction, blowing compressed air, wiping with a brush, washing with water, or a combination thereof.

After the reinstallation in step S314, the control unit 50 receives the operator's input, and thereby the control unit 50 determines that the hopper 35a that has undergone additional cleaning has been installed. After that, the control unit 50 relocks the hopper 35a (step S315). The control unit 50 outputs a control signal instructing the locking mechanism 52 to lock the hopper 35a. Upon receiving the control signal, the locking mechanism 52 locks the hopper 35a so that the hopper 35a cannot be removed from the medicine packaging device 1. In this way, the additional cleaning of the hopper 35a is completed (END).

In the first example of the process of additionally cleaning the hopper 35a, the next supply of the medicine to the distribution tray 34a is waited until the cleaning of the hopper 35a after the previous medicine packaging is completed.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a second example of the process for additionally cleaning the hopper 35a. In the additional cleaning of the hopper 35a shown in FIG. 16, data on the cleaning material is first input to the medicine packaging device 1 (step S321). The control unit 50 displays an input screen for cleaning material data on the display unit 21. The cleaning material data includes, for example, the type of cleaning material, the amount of cleaning material to be packaged, the number of packages, the number of empty packages, the packaging speed, the length (paper width) of the packaging material 40 per package, and the supply of cleaning material. This includes the distribution parts (left side, right side, both left and right sides), various conditions for supplying the cleaning material to the distribution pan 34a, etc. The operator inputs cleaning material data into this input screen using the operation unit 22. Instead of the configuration in which the operator manually inputs the cleaning material data, the cleaning material data may be inputted into the drug packaging device 1 from the outside via communication.

When the input of the cleaning material data is completed, a cleaning start command is issued (step S322). The operator uses the operating section 22 to input a cleaning start command to the control section 50 .

Next, the cleaning material is measured from the medicine container 15 (step S323). The control unit 50 controls the weighing unit 30 to take out a required amount of cleaning material from the medicine container 15 containing the cleaning material into the intermediate container 91. Instead of measuring the cleaning material from the drug container 15, the necessary amount of cleaning material is stored in the external drug container 92 outside the drug packaging device 1, and the external drug container 92 is introduced into the drug packaging device 1. It's okay.

The cleaning agent may be lactose. The cleaning agent may be the type of lactose used as an excipient, or it may be other types of lactose. Alternatively, the cleaning material may be other types of powdered compounds such as starch, sodium bicarbonate, etc.

Subsequently, the cleaning material is supplied from the containers accommodating the cleaning material (intermediate container 91, external drug container 92) to the distribution plate 34a (step S324), and the cleaning material is packaged in the packaging section 35 (step S324). Step S325). When the cleaning material passes through the same route as the route through which the medicine is packaged, the cleaning material collides with the residual medicine adhering to the inner surface of the route (distribution tray 34a, hopper 35a) and is peeled off from the inner surface. As a result, the path is cleaned with the cleaning material. When the packaging of the cleaning material is completed, the additional cleaning of the hopper 35a ends (END).

In the second example of the process of additionally cleaning the hopper 35a, when the cleaning material is supplied from the medicine container 15 containing the cleaning material to the distribution tray 34a, the hopper 35a is cleaned after the previous medicine distribution. Measurement of the medicine from the medicine container 15 is on standby until the completion of the measurement.

In the second example of the process of additionally cleaning the hopper 35a, when the cleaning material is supplied from the external medicine container 92 to the distribution tray 34a, the intermediate container 91 containing the weighed medicine is not transported. will be put on standby. The drug packaging device 1 includes two dispensing sections 34. If the previous drug packaging uses only one distribution section 34, there is no need to clean the other distribution section 34 (distribution plate 34a). For this reason, the medicine may be supplied to the distribution tray 34a in the other distribution section 34 and wait for the start of packaging. During this time, one distribution section 34 and the hopper 35a are cleaned by the cleaning material supplied from the external drug container 92.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 12, for drugs that require cleaning of the hopper 35a after packaging, after packaging is completed in step S301, packaging of the next drug is not started until cleaning of the hopper 35a is completed in step S309. It is put on standby (steps S105, S107). By optimizing the timing of cleaning the hopper 35a and packaging the medicine in this manner, the hopper 35a can be reliably cleaned. Additionally, it is conceivable that residual medicine adhering to the inner surface of the hopper 35a may be peeled off from the inner surface by cleaning, but since packaging of the next medicine does not start until cleaning is completed, contamination of the medicine may occur when packaging the next medicine. Never occurs. Therefore, the quality of drug packaging can be improved.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 12, for drugs that require cleaning of the hopper 35a after packaging, after packaging is completed in step S301, until the cleaning of the hopper 35a is completed in step S309, the dispensing tray 34a of the next drug is Supply to is awaited (steps S105, S106). If the medicine has already been supplied to the distribution tray 34a when the hopper 35a is suction-cleaned, there is a possibility that the medicine on the distribution tray 34a will also be suctioned. By not starting the supply of the next drug to the distribution plate 34a until the cleaning is completed, it is possible to reliably avoid sucking the next drug during cleaning.

As described with reference to FIG. 2, the first transport section 14a and the second transport section 14b can operate independently. After the second transport unit 14b moves the container from the supply standby position P8 so that there is no container at the supply standby position P8, the intermediate container 91 for storing the medicine measured from the medicine container 15 is moved. The first transport section 14a can transport it to the supply standby position P8. By taking out the next drug from the drug container 15 before the packaging of the drug is completed, and by overlapping the time for packaging the drug and measuring the next drug, the time required for measuring and packaging the drug can be reduced. can be shortened.

As shown in FIG. 2, the drug packaging device 1 includes an imaging device 54 that images the inside of the hopper 35a. The operator using the medicine packaging device 1 can select whether or not to perform additional cleaning of the hopper 35a after checking the situation inside the hopper 35a by looking at the image taken by the imaging device 54. . As a result of checking the image, if it is confirmed that the hopper 35a has been sufficiently cleaned by normal cleaning, it can be selected that additional cleaning is not necessary, and in this case, the time required to package the medicine is shortened. be able to.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 13, the drug packaging device 1 includes a display section 21 that displays images captured by the imaging device 54. An operator using the medicine packaging device 1 can check the situation inside the hopper 35a by looking at the hopper inner surface image 220 displayed on the display unit 21.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 12, for drugs that require cleaning of the hopper 35a after packaging, after packaging is completed in step S301 and before the packaging operation for the next drug is started in step S107, in step S306. The image captured by the imaging device 54 is displayed on the display unit 21. In this way, when the operator who sees the hopper inner surface image 220 displayed on the display section 21 selects that additional cleaning of the hopper 35a is necessary, the additional cleaning of the hopper 35a will affect the packaging of the next drug. I have nothing to give. When packaging the next drug, it is possible to prevent the drug from passing through the hopper 35a with residual drug adhered to the inner surface, and to avoid contamination of the drug, improving the quality of drug packaging. can do.

As shown in FIG. 14, the display unit 21 displays selection units 231 and 232 that receive input regarding whether or not additional cleaning of the hopper 35a is necessary. Select 231 and 232. Thereby, the operator can reliably input into the medicine packaging device 1 whether or not additional cleaning of the hopper 35a is necessary.

As shown in FIG. 2, the drug packaging device 1 includes a locking mechanism 52 that locks the hopper 35a, and by unlocking the hopper 35a by the locking mechanism 52, the hopper 35a locks the hopper 35a. It is removable from the An operator using the drug packaging device 1 can remove the hopper 35a from the drug packaging device 1 and easily clean the hopper 35a manually.

As shown in FIGS. 12 and 15, if it is determined in step S307 that additional cleaning of the hopper 35a is necessary, the lock mechanism 52 unlocks the hopper 35a in step S311, and the hopper 35a is made removable. Ru. When an operator using the drug packaging device 1 determines that additional cleaning is necessary, he can easily remove the hopper 35a from the drug packaging device 1 and manually perform additional cleaning of the hopper 35a.

As shown in FIGS. 12 and 15, for drugs that require cleaning of the hopper 35a after packaging, after packaging is completed in step S301, cleaning material is supplied from the drug container 15 to the distribution tray 34a in steps S323 and 324. . By using the cleaning material to clean the residual medicine adhering to the inner surface of the drug path, the drug path can be reliably cleaned. Cleaning materials are supplied before the next drug is packaged, and the timing between cleaning and drug packaging is optimized to prevent drug contamination when the next drug is packaged. Never. Therefore, the quality of drug packaging can be improved.

If the excipient contained in the drug container 15 can be used as a cleaning material, there is no need to separately store the excipient and the cleaning material in the drug container 15, and more types of drugs can be stored in the drug container 15. Since it becomes possible to accommodate more types of medicines, the medicine packaging device 1 can be used to measure out more types of medicines.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, in step S206, it is determined whether the medicine discharged from the intermediate container 91 is a medicine that requires cleaning of the intermediate container 91 after discharge. If the medicine does not require cleaning, in step S207, the intermediate container 91 after discharging the medicine is transported to the first standby position P1.

If the drug requires cleaning, the intermediate container 91 is moved to a position different from the first standby position P1 during steps S208 to S212, specifically, the cleaning position P11, the first take-out position P5, or the drug packaging device 1. It will be outside of. If cleaning is not necessary, the intermediate container 91 is quickly returned to the first standby position P1 so that it can be used for the next weighing. If cleaning is necessary, the intermediate container 91 is additionally cleaned at a position different from the first standby position P1 and then returned to the first standby position P1, so that the next medicine is stored in the intermediate container 91. No contamination occurs. Therefore, the quality of drug packaging can be improved.

As shown in FIG. 8, in step S203, the intermediate container 91 after discharging the medicine is transported to the cleaning position P11. In this way, the intermediate container 91 transported to the cleaning position P11 can be reliably cleaned by the cleaning section 38.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the intermediate container 91 after discharging the medicine that requires cleaning of the intermediate container 91 is cleaned in step S204, and then transported to the first extraction position P5 in step S211. Ru. The operator using the medicine packaging device 1 can take out the intermediate container 91 transported to the first take-out position P5 to the outside of the medicine packaging device 1 and easily clean the intermediate container 91 manually.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 10, the drug packaging device 1 includes an imaging device 56 that images the intermediate container 91, and a display unit 21 that displays the image captured by the imaging device 56. An operator using the drug packaging device 1 views the tip image 201 and the center image 202 captured by the imaging device 56 and displayed on the display unit 21, confirms the internal situation of the intermediate container 91, and then removes the intermediate container. It is possible to select whether or not to perform the additional cleaning of 91. As a result of checking the image, if it is confirmed that the intermediate container 91 has been sufficiently cleaned by normal cleaning, it can be selected that additional cleaning is not necessary, and in this case, the time required for packaging the medicine can be reduced. can do.

As shown in FIG. 11, the display unit 21 displays selection units 211 and 212 that receive input regarding whether or not additional cleaning of the intermediate container 91 is necessary, and the operator can select either one by operating the operation unit 22. 211 and 212 are selected. Thereby, the operator can reliably input into the medicine packaging device 1 whether or not additional cleaning of the intermediate container 91 is necessary. If the selection unit 211 is selected and it is determined that additional cleaning is necessary in step S210 shown in FIG. 9, the intermediate container 91 is transported to the first removal position P5 in step S211. The operator using the medicine packaging device 1 can take out the intermediate container 91 transported to the first take-out position P5 to the outside of the medicine packaging device 1, and can easily perform additional manual cleaning of the intermediate container 91.

In the explanation so far, an example has been described in which images captured by the imaging devices 54 and 56 are displayed on the display unit 21, and the operator who views the images determines whether additional cleaning is necessary. It is not limited to. The control unit 50 or another computer may automatically determine whether additional cleaning is necessary by analyzing images captured by the imaging devices 54 and 56. In this case, if additional cleaning is not required, the next drug is automatically supplied and packaged, and if additional cleaning is required, the drug dispensing device 1 is put on standby and a notification is sent that additional cleaning is necessary. The operator may be notified.

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, 50 Control section, 52 Lock mechanism, 54, 56 Imaging device, 61 Storage section, 62 Weighing selection section, 65 Guide section, 91 Intermediate container, 92 External medicine Container, 93 Export container, 100 Dispensing system, 201 Tip image, 202 Center image, 210, 230 Selection screen, 211, 212, 231, 232 Selection section, 220 Hopper inner surface image, 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 (4)

a supply unit that supplies the drug from a drug container containing the drug;
a drug path through which the drug supplied by the supply section passes, the drug path having a hopper that receives the drug supplied from the supply section and drops it onto a packaging material ;
a packaging unit that packages the drug that has passed through the drug route;
an imaging device that images the inner surface of the hopper ;
A cleaning device that cleans the inner surface of the hopper ,
A drug packaging device, wherein the packaging unit packages the drug and the cleaning device cleans the inner surface of the hopper, and then the imaging device captures an image of the inner surface of the hopper. The drug packaging device according to claim 1, further comprising a display unit that displays an image captured by the imaging device. The medicine packaging device according to claim 2, further comprising an input section that is operated by an operator who visually recognizes the image displayed on the display section and receives input related to cleaning of the hopper . The drug packaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the hopper is removable from a housing of the drug packaging device.

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