JP2022018402A - Drug packaging equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] To optimize the timing between cleaning of a medicine path and packaging of medicine. [Solution] A medicine packaging device includes a supply unit that supplies medicine from a medicine container that contains medicine, a medicine path through which the medicine supplied from the supply unit passes, a packaging unit that packages the medicine that has passed through the medicine path, and a control unit that controls the supply unit and the packaging unit. The control unit has a memory unit that stores a determination flag indicating whether or not cleaning of the medicine path is necessary after packaging of the medicine, in association with medicine information. The medicine container further contains a cleaning material. When the dispensing data includes a medicine that requires cleaning of the medicine path after packaging, the control unit waits for the supply of the medicine included in the next dispensing data to the medicine path after packaging according to the dispensing data is completed, and supplies the cleaning material from the medicine container to the medicine path. [Selected Figure] Figure 7

Description

The present disclosure relates to drug packaging equipment.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-130972 (Patent Document 1) describes a plurality of drug containers for accommodating powders for each type, a distribution unit for distributing powders discharged from the drug containers, and individual packages of powders. Disclosed is a powder packaging device comprising a drug packaging device that performs a packaging operation.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2016-130972

The above document describes that a cleaning device is provided around the distribution unit. The above document does not describe the timing of cleaning the drug route through which the drug passes and packaging the drug.

The present disclosure provides a drug packaging device capable of optimizing the timing of cleaning the drug route and packaging the drug.

According to the present disclosure, a supply unit that supplies a drug from a drug container that houses the drug, a drug route through which the drug supplied from the supply unit passes, a packaging unit that packages the drug that has passed through the drug route, a packaging unit, and a supply unit A drug packaging device is provided that includes a control unit that controls the packaging unit. The control unit has a storage unit that stores a determination flag indicating whether or not the drug route needs to be cleaned after packaging the drug in association with the drug information. The drug container further houses the cleaning material. When the dispensing data contains a drug that requires cleaning of the drug route after packaging, the control unit waits for the drug included in the next dispensing data to be supplied to the drug route after the packaging according to the dispensing data is completed. , Supply cleaning material from the drug container to the drug path.

According to the drug packaging device according to the present disclosure, the timing of cleaning the drug route and packaging the drug can be optimized.

It is a schematic diagram which shows the dispensing system. It is a schematic block diagram of the drug packaging apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the electric structure of the medicine packaging apparatus. It is a perspective view of an intermediate container (external drug container). It is a perspective view of the carry-out container. It is a schematic block diagram of a weighing device. It is a flow chart which shows the flow of the supply of a drug and the processing of a sachet. It is a flow chart which shows the flow of the process of cleaning an intermediate container. It is a flow chart which shows the flow of the process of cleaning an intermediate container. It is a figure which shows the display part which displays the captured image of the inner surface of an intermediate container. It is a figure which shows the display part which displays the selection screen of the additional cleaning of an intermediate container. It is a flow chart which shows the flow of the process of cleaning a hopper and a distribution part. It is a flow chart which shows the flow of the example of the process of supplying a cleaning material to a drug path. It is a flow chart which shows the flow of the example of the process of manually cleaning a hopper. It is a figure which shows the display part which displays the captured image of the inner surface of a hopper. It is a figure which shows the display part which displays the selection screen of additional cleaning of a hopper.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following drawings, the same or corresponding parts are given the same reference numbers, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view 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 an electrical configuration of the drug packaging device 1.

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

The drug packaging device 1 supplies and packages the drug. The drug packaging device 1 can weigh one or more drugs in order to supply the drug. In the present specification, weighing a drug means taking out a necessary amount of the drug contained in a drug container or the like. The drug packaging device 1 weighs a powder (powder-like, fine-grained, or granular drug) as a drug. The drug packaging device 1 may be capable of packaging tablets in addition to the powder.

The weighing device 80 is installed outside the drug packaging device 1. The weighing device 80 can weigh the drug in place of the drug packaging device 1. The drug packaging device 1 and the measuring device 80 are installed in, for example, a pharmacy or a hospital.

The supply and packaging of the drug performed by the drug packaging device 1 is performed based on the dispensing data input by the operator.

The drug packaging device 1 may also package only the drug. In this case, a measuring device 80 or the like is used for weighing the drug. The weighing device 80 weighs the medicine taken out from the medicine bottle or the like by the operator. The drug packaging device 1 can also only weigh the drug. In this case, the weighed drug is taken out of the drug packaging device 1 without being packaged. The drug packaging device 1 stores the weighed drug in a container so that the operator can take out the container.

In the following description, the drug packaging device 1 packaging the drug is referred to as a first operation, and the drug packaging device 1 weighing the drug and then not packaging the drug is referred to as a second operation. .. In the first operation, the drug packaging device 1 may perform weighing, and the drug packaging device 1 may not perform weighing. The case where the drug packaging device 1 packages the drug weighed (weighed) by the measuring device 80 or the like outside the drug packaging device 1 is also included in the first operation.

As shown in FIG. 2, the drug packaging device 1 includes a first storage unit 11, a second storage unit 12, and a third storage unit 13. Further, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the drug packaging device 1 includes a transport unit 14, a drug container 15, a first information processing unit 16, a weighing unit 30, and a second information processing unit 19. , Third information processing unit 20, display unit 21, operation unit 22, drug discharge unit 32, packaging unit 33, cleaning unit 38, control unit 50, lock mechanism 52, image pickup device 54, 56 is provided.

The first storage unit 11 can store a plurality of intermediate containers 91 in which the drug is not stored. The intermediate container 91 is prepared for accommodating the drug to be supplied and packaged and transporting the drug to each part of the drug 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 supports for allowing the plurality of intermediate containers 91 to stand by, and each support may support the bottom surface of each intermediate container 91. However, the configuration of the first storage unit 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 in which the drug is not stored. The external drug container 92 is used as a container for accommodating a drug prepared outside the drug packaging device 1 by the operator and being introduced into the drug packaging device 1 for packaging the drug. The external drug container 92 contains the drug to be weighed by the weighing device 80 when the weighing device 80 or the like shown in FIG. 1 is used for weighing instead of the drug packaging device 1, and the drug content is contained in the weighed drug. 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 in which the drug is not stored. The carry-out container 93 is for accommodating the weighed drug and carrying out the drug from the drug packaging device 1 to another drug packaging device 95 when the drug packaging device 1 does not package after weighing. , Prepared in the drug packaging device 1.

The second storage unit 12 and the third storage unit 13 may be configured to support the bottom surface of the external drug container 92 or the carry-out container 93, as in the case of the first storage unit 11, for example.

The intermediate container 91 will be described. 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 unit 91a, a discharge path unit 91b, an opening / closing unit 91c, an information display unit (display unit) 91d, and an information recording unit (information recording member) 91e. Be prepared.

The accommodating portion 91a is a portion in which the intermediate container 91 substantially accommodates the drug. The accommodating portion 91a is formed in a hollow shape with the upper side open.

The discharge path portion 91b is configured as a narrow passage connecting the internal space and the external space of the accommodating portion 91a. The discharge path portion 91b is formed so as to communicate with the end portion of the accommodating portion 91a.

The opening / closing portion 91c is configured as a shutter-shaped movable member. The opening / closing portion 91c can open / close the connection portion between the accommodating portion 91a and the discharge path portion 91b.

The information display unit 91d is a display capable of displaying dispensing data and information related to dispensing. The information display unit 91d can be configured as, for example, a microcapsule type or an electrophoresis type electronic paper.

The information recording unit 91e has, for example, a non-volatile memory, and can record container-specific information. The container-specific information includes container identification information. The container-specific information may include information indicating the type of container (intermediate container 91, external drug container 92, carry-out container 93). The information recording unit 91e can be configured as, for example, an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag.

In the drug packaging device 1 of the present embodiment, a plurality of intermediate containers 91 having the same shape are prepared. It should be noted that a plurality of types of intermediate containers 91 having different sizes of the 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 of various drugs.

The external drug container 92 will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, the external drug container 92 has substantially the same configuration as the intermediate container 91. The external drug container 92 includes a storage unit 92a, a discharge path unit 92b, an opening / closing unit 92c, an information display unit 92d, and an information recording unit 92e.

The accommodating unit 92a, the discharge path unit 92b, the opening / closing unit 92c, the information display unit 92d, and the information recording unit 92e include the accommodating unit 91a, the discharge path unit 91b, the opening / closing unit 91c, the information display unit 91d, and the information recording unit in the intermediate container 91. Since the configuration is the same as that of the unit 91e, the description thereof will be omitted.

In the drug packaging device 1 of the present embodiment, a plurality of external drug containers 92 having the same shape are prepared. It should be noted that a plurality of types of external drug containers 92 having different sizes of the accommodating portions 92a may be prepared. In this case, it is possible to deal with various situations in which external weighing is performed, such as external weighing of various drugs.

The carry-out container 93 will be described. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the carry-out container 93. As shown in FIG. 5, the carry-out container 93 corresponds to a container 91 in which the discharge path portion 91b and the opening / closing portion 91c are omitted. The carry-out container 93 includes a storage unit 93a, an information display unit 93d, and an information recording unit 93e.

Since the accommodating unit 93a, the information display unit 93d, and the information recording unit 93e have the same configuration as the accommodating unit 91a, the information display unit 91d, and the information recording unit 91e in the intermediate container 91, the description thereof will be omitted.

In the drug packaging device 1 of the present embodiment, a plurality of carry-out containers 93 having the same shape are prepared. It should be noted that a plurality of types of carry-out containers 93 having different sizes of the accommodating portions 93a may be prepared. In this case, it is possible to cope with various situations in which weighing is performed, such as weighing of various drugs.

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

The operation of each of the first transport unit 14a and the second transport unit 14b is controlled by the control unit 50. The first transport section 14a and the second transport section 14b differ only in the range in which the transport is performed, and the configurations for transporting are substantially the same. Therefore, the first transport section 14a will be described below as an example. do.

The first transport section 14a includes a container holding section for holding the intermediate container 91, the external drug container 92, or the carry-out container 93. The container holding portion is configured to be movable along a path defined in the drug packaging device 1. The first transport section 14a moves the container holding section while holding the intermediate container 91, the external drug container 92, or the carry-out container 93 in the container holding section, whereby the intermediate container 91, the external drug container 92, or the carry-out container is carried out. Transport the container 93.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the intermediate container 91, the external drug container 92, and the carry-out container 93 are transported by the common first transport unit 14a. Therefore, in each of the three types of containers, it is preferable that the portion attached to the first transport portion 14a (container holding portion) has the same configuration because the configuration of the first transport portion 14a can be simplified.

The intermediate container 91, the external drug container 92 and the carry-out container 93 are similar to each other in terms of configuration and function. Therefore, the intermediate container 91 can also be used as the external drug container 92 used for the first operation. Further, the intermediate container 91 can also be used as the carry-out container 93 used for the second operation. The external drug container 92 can also be used as an intermediate container 91 used for the first operation. Further, the external drug container 92 can also be used as the carry-out container 93 used for the second operation. By reducing the types of containers, it is possible to realize simplification of the configuration.

In FIG. 2, the route of the first transport unit 14a is shown by a broken line, and the route of the second transport unit 14b is shown by a two-dot chain line. The first transport unit 14a and the second transport unit 14b are provided with separate drive sources, and each can operate independently. Therefore, the drug packaging device 1 can simultaneously transport the container by the first transport unit 14a and the container by the second transport unit 14b in parallel.

There are various configurations in which the transport unit 14 holds the container. For example, a container holding portion is provided at the tip of a stretchable or rotatable arm, and the position of the container holding portion is changed by expanding and contracting or rotating the arm. It may be configured. Further, for example, the container may be grasped by a chuck, or the container may be sucked and held.

The drug container 15 contains the drug to be weighed. Each drug container 15 is formed with an opening for discharging and taking out the drug from the container.

As a general rule, a plurality of drug containers 15 contain different types of drugs. However, for example, for a drug that is frequently used, the same drug may be contained in a plurality of drug containers 15.

The drug packaging device 1 can also handle excipients in addition to drugs. Excipients may be contained in any 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, the excipient can be supplied in the same manner as the drug. Cleaning material may be contained in any of the plurality of drug containers 15. In this case, the cleaning material can be supplied in the same manner as the chemical. The cleaning material is taken out from the drug container 15 and packaged while contacting the drug path of the drug packaging device 1, whereby the drug path to which the cleaning material comes into contact is cleaned. Excipients may be used as the cleaning material. The excipient and / or cleaning material may be lactose.

An information recording unit 71 is provided on the outer surface of the drug container 15. The information recording unit 71 may be, for example, an RFID tag. The information recording unit 71 can store information (contained drug information) regarding the drug contained in the drug container 15. The contained drug information includes the drug name, 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 weighing unit 30, and the like. The drug packaging device 1 can obtain information on contained drugs by reading the information recording unit 71. If only the identification information of the drug container 15 is stored in the information recording unit 71 and read by the drug packaging device 1, the above-mentioned contained drug information may be recalled from the storage unit 61 described later. ..

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

The weighing unit 30 includes a drug taking-out unit 17 and a measuring unit 18. The drug taking-out unit 17 takes out the drug from the drug container 15. The measuring unit 18 weighs the medicine taken out from the medicine container 15.

The drug take-out unit 17 holds a plurality of drug containers 15 in a detachable manner. The drug taking-out unit 17 moves the held drug container 15 to a predetermined position, and at the predetermined position, the drug contained in the drug container 15 is taken out downward through the opening. The operation of the drug taking-out unit 17 is controlled by the control unit 50 based on the contained drug information read by the first information processing unit 16.

The measuring unit 18 includes a mounting table 18a and a detection unit 18b. The mounting table 18a is arranged below the above-mentioned predetermined position of the drug taking-out unit 17. An intermediate container 91 or a carry-out container 93 can be placed on the mounting table 18a. The first transport unit 14a can transport the intermediate container 91 or the carry-out container 93 held in the container holding portion and 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 with the intermediate container 91 or the unloading container 93 mounted on the mounting table 18a. In other words, the measuring unit 18 is configured as an electronic balance, and the mounting table 18a corresponds to a portion of the measuring plate in the electronic balance. The detection unit 18b can be configured as, for example, an electromagnetic type or load cell type load sensor.

The weighing unit 30 is controlled by the control unit 50 so as to weigh the entire dose for each of the drugs indicated by the drug information. The control unit 50 appropriately moves the drug container 15 containing the drug indicated by the drug information directly above the mounting table 18a by the drug take-out unit 17. After that, the control unit 50 takes out the drug downward from the drug container 15, stores the taken-out drug in the intermediate container 91 or the carry-out container 93 placed on the loading table 18a, and detects the housed drug in the detection unit 18b. Weigh by.

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

The third information processing unit 20 acquires the container-specific information stored in the information recording unit 91e of the intermediate container 91 stored in the first storage unit 11. The acquisition of the container-specific information by the third information processing unit 20 is also performed for the external drug container 92 stored in the second storage unit 12 or the carry-out container 93 stored in the third storage unit 13.

The third information processing unit 20 may change the display contents for the intermediate container 91 or the unloading container 93. In this case, the second information processing unit 19 may change the display content of the intermediate container 91 or the unloading container 93 set in the measuring unit 18 only with respect to the weighing result.

The display unit 21 is a device having a display screen capable of displaying various information about the drug packaging device 1. As the display unit 21, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display, or the like can be considered. The display unit 21 is arranged at an appropriate position of the drug packaging device 1.

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

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

The drug discharging section 32 includes a container mounting section 32a. The container mounting portion 32a is configured so that the intermediate container 91 or the external drug container 92 can be mounted. The intermediate container 91 or the external drug container 92 is attached to the container attachment portion 32a automatically or manually by the second transport portion 14b.

The container mounting portion 32a includes an operating portion that moves the opening / closing portions 91c and 92c of the container from the closed state to the open state. Before being attached to the container mounting portion 32a, the connection portion between the accommodating portions 91a, 92a and the discharge path portions 91b, 92b is in a closed state. Moves the opening / closing portions 91c and 92c. As a result, the connection portion between the accommodating portions 91a and 92a and the discharge path portions 91b and 92b is opened, and the discharge of the drug from the container is permitted.

The drug discharge unit 32 includes a vibration device 32b. The vibration device 32b is configured to include a motor or the like that generates vibration. The vibrating device 32b is controlled by the control unit 50. The vibration device 32b generates vibration in response to a control signal from the control unit 50. The vibration generated by the vibrating device 32b is transmitted to the intermediate container 91 or the external drug container 92 attached to the container mounting portion 32a.

The packaging unit 33 is configured to be capable of packaging the drug weighed by the weighing unit 30. The packaging unit 33 is controlled by the control unit 50 so as to package the drug weighed by the weighing unit 30 for each dose. The packaging unit 33 includes a distribution unit 34 and a packaging unit 35.

The distribution unit 34 distributes the drug discharged from the container by the drug discharge unit 32 to each dose. The distribution unit 34 includes a distribution plate 34a and a feeding unit 34b. The distribution plate 34a is configured to be rotatable about an axis in the vertical direction. The drug discharge unit 32 discharges the drug from the container and supplies the discharged drug onto the rotating distribution dish 34a. The feeding unit 34b drops the medicine supplied to the distribution plate 34a downward by a predetermined amount.

A weighing section 30 for taking out the drug from the drug container 15 for accommodating the drug to the intermediate container 91, a transport section 14 for transporting the intermediate container 91, and a drug discharging section for discharging the drug from the intermediate container 91 and supplying the drug to the distribution plate 34a. 32 constitutes the supply unit 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) distribution units 34. Each distribution unit 34 includes a plurality of (specifically, two) drug discharge units 32. The drug is supplied onto one distribution dish 34a from either or both of the two drug dischargers 32. The same type of drug may be supplied to one distribution dish 34a, or different types of drugs may be supplied to one distribution dish 34a from the two drug discharge units 32, and the drug and the excipient are one. It may be supplied to one distribution dish 34a.

The packaging unit 35 packages the drug distributed by the distribution unit 34 with the packaging material 40. The packaging unit 35 includes a hopper 35a and a heater 35b. The hopper 35a receives the medicine supplied from the container to the distribution plate 34a and dropped from the distribution plate 34a. The hopper 35a forms a drug path through which the drug falling from the distribution dish 34a toward the packaging material 40 passes. The packaging unit 35 repeats an operation of dropping the drug distributed in each dose by the distribution unit 34 onto the packaging material 40 through the hopper 35a and an operation of heat-welding the packaging material 40 by the heater 35b. By repeating these operations, each dose of the drug is sealed in the packaging material 40. The packaging material 40 containing the drug is sent out to a storage portion outside or inside the drug packaging device 1.

The distribution dish 34a and the hopper 35a form a drug route of the embodiment through which the drug supplied from the drug discharge unit 32 passes. The packaging unit 35 packages the drug that has passed through the drug route.

The supply standby unit 23 is provided between the weighing unit 30 for weighing the drug and the drug discharging unit 32 for discharging the drug. The intermediate container 91 or the external drug container 92 for accommodating the drug can be placed on the supply standby unit 23 as needed to stand by.

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 blowing compressed air, suctioning, or wiping with a brush or the like on the inner surface of the intermediate container 91 or the external drug container 92. By cleaning, the chemicals remaining on the inner surface of the container are removed.

A cleaning standby unit 37 is provided in the vicinity of the cleaning unit 38. The intermediate container 91 or the external chemical container 92 before being cleaned can be placed on the cleaning standby unit 37 as needed to stand by.

The supply standby unit 23 and the cleaning standby unit 37 can be configured as, for example, a plate-shaped member on which a container can be placed, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

The control unit 50 can control each unit of the drug packaging device 1 (specifically, the transport unit 14, the weighing unit 30, the drug discharging 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 another dispensing device such as another drug packaging device 95.

More specifically, 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. Various programs and setting values are stored in the storage device. The arithmetic unit reads various programs and the like from the storage device, and based on the detection values of the sensors provided in each part of the drug packaging device 1 and various set values stored in the storage device, the drug packaging device 1 is used. Control the operation of each part. The control unit 50 cooperates with the above-mentioned software and hardware to perform processing in the storage unit 61, the weighing selection unit 62, and the guide unit 65 shown in FIG. 4, and the command signal as a result of the processing is processed. By outputting, the drug packaging device 1 can be operated.

The storage unit 61 can store the dispensing data input from the outside as described above. Further, the storage unit 61 stores the stored drug information of the drug container 15 read by the first information processing unit 16 as the arrangement information of the drug container 15 arranged in the drug packaging device 1. Further, the storage unit 61 can store various set values necessary for operating the drug packaging device 1.

Further, the storage unit 61 stores various data such as drug master information which is unique information about the drug. This master information includes, for example, drug code, drug name, JAN code (or RSS), drug bottle (drug container) code, classification (dosage form: powder, tablet, external drug, etc.), specific gravity, drug type (ordinary drug). , Poisonous drugs, drugs, powerful drugs, anti-psychiatric drugs, therapeutic drugs, etc.), formulation changes, precautions, regular doses, information on prohibition of simultaneous administration, etc. are included.

Further, 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 ability of the packaging unit 33, the weighing selection unit 62 can measure the drug in the weighing unit 30. The operator can select whether or not to execute the weighing operation by the weighing unit 30. There are various configurations for realizing the selection, but for example, even if the weighing selection unit 62 displays the options (for example, the execute / not button) on the display unit 21, and causes the operator to select the options using the operation unit 22. good.

The guide unit 65 can provide guidance (instruction) to the operator. For example, when at least one of the drugs included in the dispensing data cannot be packaged due to the ability of the packaging unit 33, the guide unit 65 uses the drug weighed by the weighing unit 30 as the other drug. The packaging device 95 can be used to inform the operator that packaging should be performed. Further, the guide unit 65 enables the packaging operation by the packaging unit 33 to be executed when the drug supplied from the drug container 15 to the intermediate container 91 is insufficient for the total dose based on the dispensing data. As a response to this, it is possible to inform the operator that it is possible to perform external weighing.

External weighing means that the operator prepares an external drug container 92 that stores a predetermined amount (for all doses) of the drug outside the drug packaging device 1, and introduces the external drug container 92 into the drug packaging device 1. Is. At this time, it is also possible to inform the operator that it is possible to carry out replenishment support or drug container introduction support. The replenishment response is a response to replenish the drug in the drug container 15. The response to the introduction of a drug container is a response to the introduction of a drug container 15 containing a required amount of drug into the drug packaging device 1.

There are various methods for the guide unit 65 to realize guidance to the operator, and for example, it is conceivable to display an appropriate message on the display unit 21. Guidance may be performed by voice, notification lamp, or the like, for example.

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

The image pickup apparatus 54 is arranged above the hopper 35a. The image pickup device 54 can take an image of the inside of the hopper 35a. The image pickup apparatus 54 may be reciprocating between a position directly above the hopper 35a and a position away from directly above the hopper 35a. The image pickup apparatus 56 is attached to the upper part of the cleaning unit 56. The image pickup device 56 can take an image of the container housed in the cleaning unit 38. The image pickup devices 54 and 56 are controlled by the control unit 50. The images captured by the image pickup devices 54 and 56 are displayed on the display unit 21. The control unit 50 receives the images captured from the image pickup devices 54 and 56, and outputs a control command for displaying the images to the display unit 21.

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

The first standby position P1 is a position in the first storage unit 11 where the intermediate container 91 that does not contain the drug can stand by. The first standby position P1 can also be said to be a storage position in which a plurality of intermediate containers 91 are stored in the first storage unit 11.

The second standby position P2 is a position in the second storage unit 12 where the external drug container 92 that does not contain the drug can stand by. The second standby position P2 can also be said to be a storage position in which a plurality of external drug containers 92 are stored in the second storage unit 12.

The third standby position P3 is a position in the third storage unit 13 where the carry-out container 93 that does not contain the drug can stand by. The third standby position P3 can also be said to be a storage position in which a plurality of carry-out containers 93 are stored in the third storage unit 13.

The measuring position P4 is a position where the measuring unit 18 measures the medicine contained in the intermediate container 91 or the carrying-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 drug packaging device 1. For example, in the case where the medicine is weighed from the medicine container 15 to the intermediate container 91 or the carry-out container 93 in the weighing unit 30, the amount of the medicine contained in the medicine container 15 is insufficient, and so on. To take out the intermediate container 91 or the carry-out container 93 containing the medicine less than the target amount to the outside of the medicine packaging device 1 when the (measured amount) is insufficient for the total dose which is the target amount. The first take-out position P5 is used. This removal is performed via the first take-out unit 25 provided in the drug packaging device 1.

In the present embodiment, the first take-out position P5 is set to a position different from the weighing position P4. Not limited to this, for example, the weighing position P4 may be set to also serve as the first extraction position P5.

The second take-out position P6 is for taking out the external drug container 92 before accommodating the drug to the outside of the drug packaging device 1 when the drug is weighed using the measuring device 80 instead of the drug packaging device 1. The position. This removal is performed via the second take-out unit 26 provided in the drug packaging device 1. The second take-out position P6 may also serve as a position (introduction position) for introducing the external drug container 92 or the intermediate container 91 containing the drug measured by the measuring device 80 into the drug packaging device 1.

The third take-out position P7 is a position for taking out the carry-out container 93 to the outside of the drug packaging device 1. For example, in order to take out the carry-out container 93 containing the drug weighed by the weighing unit 30 to the outside of the drug packaging device 1 when the drug is weighed by the drug packaging device 1 but not packaged. The third take-out position P7 is used. This removal is performed via the third take-out unit 27 provided in the drug packaging device 1.

The supply standby position P8 is a position in which the intermediate container 91 is made to stand by after the medicine is weighed by the weighing unit 30 and before the medicine is discharged from the container by the packaging unit 33 and supplied to the distribution plate 34a. Is. The supply standby position P8 is also a position (introduction position) for introducing the external drug container 92 or the intermediate container 91 containing the drug measured by the measuring device 80 into the drug packaging device 1. The supply standby position P8 is set in the supply standby unit 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 drug container 92 when the drug is supplied to the distribution dish 34a in the drug discharge unit 32. The second transport unit 14b transports the intermediate container 91 from the supply standby position P8 to the supply position P9. When an external drug container 92 or an intermediate container 91 for accommodating a drug is introduced into the drug packaging device 1 from the outside of the drug packaging device 1, the introduction position of the container is set to the supply position P9, and the operator The container may be set directly in the drug discharging unit 32. As described above, the drug packaging device 1 includes a plurality of (specifically, four) drug discharging units 32, and supply positions P9 are assigned to the four drug discharging units 32.

The cleaning standby position P10 is a position where the intermediate container 91 or the external chemical container 92 waits for cleaning in the cleaning unit 38. The cleaning standby position P10 is set in the cleaning standby unit 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 unit 38.

In the present embodiment, the supply standby position P8 and the cleaning standby position P10 function as relay points for transporting the container by the transport unit 14.

Specifically, the first transport unit 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 first. 3 The container can be transported between the take-out position P7, the supply standby position P8, and the cleaning standby position P10. On the other hand, the second transport unit 14b is configured to be capable of transporting the container between the supply standby position P8, the supply position P9, and the cleaning standby position P10.

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

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

Next, the weighing device 80 will be described. FIG. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram of the weighing device 80. As shown in FIG. 7, the weighing device 80 includes a control unit 81, a measuring unit 82, an information processing unit 83, and a display unit 84. The measuring unit 82, the information processing unit 83, and the display unit 84 are electrically connected to the control unit 81, respectively. The weighing device 80 can weigh the medicine contained in the external medicine container 92. When the intermediate container 91 is used for external weighing, the weighing device 80 weighs the medicine contained in the intermediate container 91.

The control unit 81 can communicate with the control unit 50 of the drug packaging device 1 and can receive the dispensing data stored in the storage unit 61 of the drug packaging device 1. When the weighing device 80 completes weighing (weighing of the drug insufficient with respect to the target amount, etc.), the weighing device 80 transmits the weighing result to the drug packaging device 1.

Since the measuring unit 82 has substantially the same configuration as the measuring unit 18 of the drug packaging device 1, the description thereof will be omitted. The weighing device 80 weighs the medicine taken out from an appropriate medicine bottle or the like into a weighing dish or the like by the operator. The measuring device 80 may weigh the medicine together with the external medicine container 92 in a state where the medicine is housed in the external medicine container 92.

The information processing unit 83 is arranged in the vicinity of the measuring unit 82. The information processing unit 83 has a barcode reader and an RFID reader / writer. The barcode reader can read the barcode provided on the above-mentioned medicine bottle or the like. The RFID reader / writer can read the contents of the information recording unit 92e of the external drug container 92.

The information processing unit 83 performs a process of reading information stored in each of a barcode such as a medicine bottle and an information recording unit 92e of the external medicine container 92. Specifically, the information processing unit 83 reads the drug identification information of the drug bottle or the like from the barcode provided on the drug bottle or the like, and the control unit 81 identifies the drug contained in the drug bottle or the like. Further, the information processing unit 83 reads the container-specific information stored in the information recording unit 92e of the external drug container 92. The weighing device 80 acquires dispensing data corresponding to the read container-specific information from the control unit 50 of the drug packaging device 1. At that time, the measuring device 80 also acquires information on the drug to be weighed (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 corresponds to the drug specified based on the drug identification information. Identify. When the control unit 81 determines that the drug specified based on the drug identification information matches any of the drugs indicated by the drug information included in the dispensing data, the control unit 81 selects the drug indicated by the matching drug information as the measurement target. When the weighing of the drug selected as the weighing target is completed, the weighing device 80 transmits the weighing result including the measured amount of the drug together with the dispensing data acquired from the control unit 50 of the drug packaging device 1 via the control unit 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 result and updates the dispensing data stored in the storage unit 61.

The information processing unit 83 can change the display content of the information display unit 92d of the external drug container 92. When the weighing of the drug by the measuring device 80 is completed, the information processing unit 83 causes the information display unit 92d of the external drug container 92 to display the measured amount (measurement result). Further, as information on dispensing, the information display unit 92d may be made to indicate that an amount of a drug corresponding to a target amount is stored and that the drug is ready to be introduced into the drug packaging device 1.

The display unit 84 is a device having a display screen capable of displaying characters and the like. The display unit 84 is arranged at an appropriate position of the weighing device 80. The display unit 84 can be configured as, for example, a display with a touch panel. On the display unit 84, for example, the name of the drug, the target amount of the drug, the measured amount, and the like can be displayed. Further, the display unit 84 can display the result determined by the control unit 81 as to whether or not the drug such as a medicine bottle and the drug to be weighed match. This makes it possible to confirm that the drug such as a drug bottle is definitely a necessary drug based on the dispensing data.

Next, the supply of the drug and the processing of the package performed by using the drug packaging device 1 will be described. FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing the flow of drug supply and packaging processing.

First, as a preparation, the drug information is registered in the drug packaging device 1 (step S101). Specifically, regarding the drug packaged by the drug packaging device 1, information about the drug is stored in the storage unit 61 for each type of drug. The display unit 50 may display the drug information registration screen on the display unit 21, and the operator may input the drug information to the registration screen using the operation unit 22. Alternatively, the drug information may be input to the drug packaging device 1 by communication from an external device.

The storage unit 61 stores the determination flag in association with the drug information. The determination flag indicates whether or not the drug easily remains in the intermediate container 91 and the drug path (hopper 35a, distribution dish 34a) where the drug comes into contact, and it is necessary to clean the drug path after packaging the drug. It indicates whether or not there is. The presence / absence of the determination flag can be changed by the operator. In addition to drugs that easily remain in the drug route, poisonous drugs, narcotics, psychotropic drugs, powerful drugs, and colored drugs are set to have the determination flag.

Next, the dispensing data is input to the drug packaging device 1 by communication from an external information processing device such as a dispensing device control device (step S102). The control unit 50 displays the input dispensing data on the display unit 21. The dispensing data includes, for example, the name of one or more drugs to be taken, the dosage form (powder / tablet / capsule / liquid / external drug), the method of administration, the dose, and the like. The dosage method is the number of doses per day, the timing of administration, and the number of days of administration, and the dosage is the amount of the total dose (for example, weight), the amount of daily dose (weight), and the amount of one dose (weight). Weight) etc. Dispensing data also includes the recipient, target amount, weighing result (measured amount or shortage amount with respect to the target amount, surplus amount), and identification information (dispensing data number, etc.) for identifying each dispensing data.

In addition to the configuration in which the dispensing data is input from the information processing device to the drug packaging device 1 by communication, the operator may manually input the dispensing data. In this case, the control unit 50 displays the dispensing data input screen on the display unit 21. The operator inputs dispensing data to this input screen using the operation unit 22. The dispensing data input by the operator is stored in the storage unit 61 of the control unit 50.

When the input of the dispensing data is completed, the packaging start command is issued (step S103). When the operator manually inputs the dispensing data, the operator uses the operation unit 22 to input the packaging start command to the control unit 50.

Next, the drug is weighed from the drug container 15 (step S104). In the process of step S104, when the necessary drug container 15 is not introduced into the drug packaging device 1, the weighing can be continued by taking the above-mentioned measures for introducing the drug container. Alternatively, it is also possible to support external weighing instead of supporting the introduction of a drug container.

Next, it is determined whether or not the cleaning of the drug route (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 packaging of the drug is completed, and during that time, the supply of the drug weighed in the previous step S104 to the distribution dish 34a and the start of packaging are awaited. .. Details of cleaning the hopper 35a will be described later.

When it is determined that the cleaning of the hopper 35a after the previous packaging of the drug is completed (YES in step S105), the drug is supplied from the container containing the drug weighed in step S104 to the distribution dish 34a. (Step S106), packaging of the drug in the packaging section 35 is executed (step S107). After the packaging is completed, the container and the drug route (hopper 35a) after discharging the drug are cleaned (step S108). Then, the process is terminated (END).

The details of cleaning will be described below. 8 and 9 are flow charts showing the flow of the process of cleaning the intermediate container 91.

In order to clean the intermediate container 91, first, it is determined whether or not the operation of supplying the drug contained in the intermediate container 91 to the distribution dish 34a is completed (step S201 in FIG. 8). The determination in step S201 is repeated until the operation of supplying the drug to the distribution dish 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 the drug has been discharged at the supply position P9, and sends a control signal for operating the held intermediate container 91 to move to the cleaning standby position P10 by the second transport unit 14b. Output to. The second transport unit 14b that receives 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, the 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 a combination thereof.

After cleaning the intermediate container 91 is completed, the determination flag is confirmed for the drug contained in the intermediate container 91 (step S205). This determination flag indicates whether or not the drug tends to remain in the intermediate container 91, and indicates whether or not additional cleaning of the intermediate container 91 is necessary after the drug is discharged by the drug discharging unit 32. .. Based on the confirmation result of the determination flag, it is determined whether or not the agent requires additional cleaning of the intermediate container 91 (step S206).

Addition of the intermediate container 91 instead of the configuration for determining whether or not the drug requires additional cleaning of the intermediate container 91 based on the confirmation result of the determination flag indicating whether or not the drug is likely to remain in the intermediate container 91. An individual determination flag (first determination flag) indicating whether or not the drug needs cleaning is stored in the storage unit 61 in association with the drug information, and an intermediate container is stored based on the confirmation result of the first determination flag. It may be determined whether or not the agent requires additional cleaning of 91.

When it is determined that the drug contained in the intermediate container 91 is a drug that does not require additional cleaning of the intermediate container 91 (NO in step S206), the cleaning process in the previous step S204 is sufficient for the inner surface of the intermediate container 91. It is considered to have been 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 so as to move the intermediate container 91 from the cleaning position P11 to the cleaning standby position P10 and further 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 drug contained in the intermediate container 91 is a drug that requires additional cleaning of the intermediate container 91 (YES in step S206), then the image of the intermediate container 91 is performed (step S208). The captured image is displayed on the display unit 21 (step S209). The control unit 50 outputs a control signal for imaging the inner surface of the intermediate container 91 at the cleaning position P11 to the image pickup device 56 attached to the cleaning unit 38. The image pickup apparatus 56 that receives the control signal executes the image pickup. Specifically, the image pickup apparatus 56 takes an image of the inner surface of the accommodating portion 91a and the inner surface of the discharge path portion 91b shown in FIG. The image pickup apparatus 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 a display unit 21 that displays a captured image of the inner surface of the intermediate container 91. The display unit 21 shown in FIG. 10 displays a tip image 201, which is an image captured by the discharge path unit 91b of the intermediate container 91 by the image pickup device 56, and a central image 202, which is an image captured by the storage unit 91a. .. The operator using the drug packaging device 1 determines whether or not additional cleaning of the intermediate container 91 is necessary by looking at the captured image shown in FIG. 10 (step S210).

Even if it is determined that the drug contained in the intermediate container 91 is not a drug that easily remains in the intermediate container 91 and does not require additional cleaning of the intermediate container 91 after being discharged from the intermediate container 91, the intermediate container 91 is also intermediate. The container 91 may be imaged. In this case, the captured image is not displayed on the display unit 21. The image pickup apparatus 56 transmits the captured image to the control unit 50. The control unit 50 that has received the image saves the received image so that it can be called up as needed.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a display unit 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 have a function as an input unit for receiving an input relating to the necessity of cleaning the intermediate container 91. The operator who visually recognizes the screen shown in FIG. 10 and determines the necessity of additional cleaning of the intermediate container 91 determines the necessity of cleaning the intermediate container 91 by operating one of the selection units 211 and 212. The result can be input to the control unit 50.

When 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).

When 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 take-out position P5 (step S211). The control unit 50 controls the transport unit 14 so as to move the intermediate container 91 from the cleaning position P11 to the cleaning standby position P10 and further 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 conveyed to the first take-out position P5 to the outside of the drug packaging device 1 and manually performs additional cleaning. This additional cleaning may be any form of cleaning, such as suction, blowing compressed air, wiping with a brush, washing with water, or a combination thereof.

The control unit 50 determines whether or not the additional cleaning is 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 of the operator, it is determined that the additional cleaning is completed.

When it is determined that the additional cleaning is 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 so as to move the intermediate container 91 after the 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 in FIG. 8).

Alternatively, when it is determined that additional cleaning of the intermediate container 91 is necessary (YES in step S210), the control unit 50 cleans the intermediate container 91 without moving the intermediate container 91 from the cleaning position P11. It may be left in the position of P11, and the cleaning of the intermediate container 91 may be repeated at the cleaning position P11. After cleaning the intermediate container 91, the control unit 50 causes the image pickup device 56 to image the inner surface of the intermediate container 91, and displays the captured image on the display unit 21. The operator using the drug packaging device 1 looks at the captured image and determines whether or not further additional cleaning of the intermediate container 91 is necessary. These processes are repeated until it is determined that further cleaning of the intermediate container 91 is not necessary.

When it is determined that further additional cleaning of the intermediate container 91 is not necessary, the intermediate container 91 is moved to the first standby position P1 in step S207, and the process ends (END in FIG. 8).
FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing a flow of processing for cleaning the hopper 35a and the distribution unit 34. In order to clean the hopper 35a and the distribution unit 34, it is first determined whether or not 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 is executed (step S302). Cleaning may be performed by any means such as blowing compressed air, suctioning, wiping with a brush, or a combination thereof on the inner surface of the hopper 35a. By cleaning, the chemicals remaining on the inner surface of the hopper 35a are removed. The distribution unit 34 is also cleaned by any means such as blowing compressed air, suctioning, wiping with a brush, or a combination thereof, and the medicine remaining in the distribution unit 34 is removed.

After the cleaning is completed, the determination flag is confirmed for the medicine packaged in the process of the previous step S301 (step S303). This determination flag indicates whether or not the drug tends to remain in the drug path, and indicates whether or not additional cleaning of the hopper 35a and the distribution dish 34a through which the drug has passed after packaging the drug is necessary. It is a thing. Based on the confirmation result of the determination flag, it is determined whether or not the agent requires additional cleaning of the agent route (hopper 35a) (step S304).

The hopper 35a and the hopper 35a and An individual determination flag (second determination flag) indicating whether or not the agent requires additional cleaning of the distribution plate 34a is stored in the storage unit 61 in association with the agent information, and the confirmation result of the second determination flag is used. Based on this, it may be determined whether or not the agent requires additional cleaning of the hopper 35a and the distribution dish 34a.

When it is determined that the drug does not require additional cleaning of the drug path (hopper 35a, distribution dish 34a) (NO in step S304), the inner surface of the hopper 35a is sufficiently cleaned by the cleaning process in the previous step S302. The process is terminated as it is (END in FIG. 12).

When it is determined that the drug requires additional cleaning of the drug route (hopper 35a, distribution dish 34a) (YES in step S304), the next dispensing data contains the drug requiring additional cleaning, and the drug is not included. It is determined whether or not the drug is of the same type as the drug requiring additional cleaning (drug determined to require additional cleaning in the process of step S304) in the current dispensing data (step S305).

If it is determined that the same drug is contained in the next dispensing data (YES in step S305), additional cleaning cannot be performed and the process ends as it is (END in FIG. 12).

If additional cleaning is performed every time a drug that requires cleaning is packaged, the dispensing processing efficiency is reduced. On the other hand, in the case of packaging the same drug by two consecutive packaging operations, even if the residual drug adhering to the drug route during the previous packaging operation is mixed during the subsequent packaging operation, the drug Since the contamination does not occur, it is not always necessary to perform additional cleaning between the two packaging operations.

Therefore, even if a drug that is set to require additional cleaning of the drug route is packaged, when the same drug is included in the next dispensing data, the drug route should not be cleaned every time the drug is packaged. do. By minimizing the frequency of cleaning the drug route, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the dispensing processing efficiency of the drug packaging device 1.

If it is determined that the same drug is not included in the next dispensing data (NO in step S305), the dispensing data that has already been input to the drug packaging device 1 and is waiting to be packaged one after another will be added to the waiting dispensing data. It is determined whether or not a drug that requires additional cleaning of the drug route is included and the drug is of the same type as the drug included in the current dispensing data (step S306).

If it is determined that the waiting dispensing data contains the same drug (YES in step S306), the dispensing data is rearranged (step S307). Specifically, the dispensing data is rearranged so that the dispensing data containing the same type of drug as the drug requiring additional cleaning in the current dispensing data is used as the next dispensing data. Then, the process is terminated as it is without performing additional cleaning (END in FIG. 12).

By rearranging the dispensing data, the same drug requiring additional cleaning will be included in the next dispensing data, as in the determination in step S305. Therefore, additional cleaning can be omitted. By reducing the frequency of cleaning the drug route, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the dispensing processing efficiency of the drug packaging device 1.

When it is determined that the same drug is not included in the waiting dispensing data (NO in step S306), the cleaning material is supplied from the drug container 15 to the drug route (hopper 35a, distribution dish 34a) to obtain the drug route. Additional cleaning is performed (step S308).

When additionally cleaning the drug route (hopper 35a, distribution dish 34a), go to the next drug distribution dish 34a until the cleaning of the drug path (hopper 35a, distribution dish 34a) after the previous drug packaging is completed. Supply is on standby.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing an example of a process of supplying a cleaning material to a drug path (hopper 35a, distribution dish 34a). The control unit 50 can set a cleaning operation using a cleaning material. As a preparation, the operator sets the cleaning operation in advance (step S321). For this operation setting, for example, the type of cleaning material used for cleaning, the chemical container 15 for supplying the cleaning material, the amount for supplying the cleaning material, the number of packages, the number of blank packages, the packing speed, and the packaging material per package. Length of 40 (paper width), maximum capacity per package (g / package), distribution unit 34 that supplies cleaning materials (only the distribution unit that distributes the medicine that needs cleaning, the distribution unit that distributes the medicine, all Distributor), various conditions for supplying the cleaning material to the distribution pan 34a, and the like are included. The number of packages may be calculated based on the amount of cleaning material supplied and the maximum capacity per package. By setting the maximum storage capacity of the cleaning material per package, the number of packages can be minimized and the packaging material 40 consumed can be minimized, so that the packaging material 40 used for supplying the cleaning material can be saved. ..

In the supply of the cleaning material, first, the intermediate container 91 to which the cleaning material is supplied is conveyed to the measuring position P4 (step S322). The intermediate container 91 transported at this time may be the intermediate container 91 after accommodating the drug requiring cleaning in the operation related to the previous dispensing data (packaging operation in step S301) and discharging the drug. .. In this case, the intermediate container 91 is conveyed from the supply position P9 to the measurement position P4, and is supplied with the cleaning material taken out from the drug container 15 at the measurement position P4. By doing so, the inside of the intermediate container 91 is cleaned with the cleaning material, so that the efficiency of cleaning the intermediate container 91 can be improved.

Next, the cleaning material is weighed from the drug container 15 (step S323). The control unit 50 controls the weighing unit 30 so as to take out a required amount of cleaning material from the drug container 15 containing the cleaning material to the intermediate container 91. Instead of the configuration in which the control unit 50 controls the weighing unit 30 to take out the cleaning material from the drug container 15 to the intermediate container 91, the operator operates the operation unit 22 to take out the cleaning material from the drug container 15. May be good.

The cleaning material may be lactose. The cleaning material may be a type of lactose used as an excipient, or may be another type of lactose. Alternatively, the cleaning material may be another kind of powdery compound such as starch and sodium hydrogen carbonate.

Subsequently, based on the setting of the cleaning operation, the cleaning material is supplied from the intermediate container 91 accommodating the cleaning material to the distribution plate 34a (step S324), and the cleaning material is packaged in the packaging unit 35 (step S324). Step S325). When the cleaning material passes through the same route as the route when the medicine is packaged, the cleaning material collides with the residual medicine adhering to the inner surface of the medicine route (hopper 35a, distribution dish 34a) and is peeled off from the inner surface. As a result, the route is cleaned by the cleaning material. When the packaging of the cleaning material is completed, the additional cleaning of the hopper 35a and the distribution unit 34 is completed (END in FIG. 13).

If the distribution unit 34 that supplies the cleaning material is set to "only the distribution unit that distributes the medicine that needs cleaning" in the cleaning operation setting, only the part of the medicine route through which the medicine that needs cleaning has passed is selected. It will be cleaned, and it is possible to clean the parts that need cleaning with a small amount of cleaning material. Instead of packaging the drug supplied from the drug container 15 in the packaging section 35, the cleaning material supplied to the hopper 35a may be sucked and collected without packaging in the packaging section 35. Alternatively, the drug supplied from the drug container 15 may be supplied to the hopper 35a and then collected in the cleaning material container. In this case, if the cleaning material container is configured to be able to supply the cleaning material to be stored in the same manner as the drug container 15, the collected cleaning material can be reused.

The drug packaging device 1 includes two distribution units 34. If the previous drug package uses only one distribution unit 34, the other distribution unit 34 (distribution dish 34a) does not need to be cleaned. Therefore, the medicine may be supplied to the distribution plate 34a in the other distribution unit 34 to wait for the start of packaging. During that time, a required amount of cleaning material is housed 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, so that one of the distribution units 34 and the hopper 35a can be obtained. , Can be cleaned with the cleaning material supplied from the external drug container 92.

The additional cleaning of the drug passage can be performed by combining the cleaning with the cleaning material described above and the manual cleaning. An individual determination flag (third determination flag) indicating whether or not additional cleaning of the hopper 35a and the distribution plate 34a is performed by manual cleaning is stored in the storage unit 61 in association with the drug information, and the third determination flag is confirmed. Based on the results, perform both cleaning with cleaning material and manual cleaning, perform only cleaning with cleaning material and omit manual cleaning, or perform only manual cleaning and omit cleaning with cleaning material. May be possible.

Manual cleaning will be described. FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing a flow of an example of a process of manually cleaning the hopper 35a. In order to manually clean the hopper 35a, first, an image is taken in the hopper 35a (step S331), and the captured image is displayed on the display unit 21 (step S332). The control unit 50 outputs a control signal for imaging the inner surface of the hopper 35a to the image pickup device 54 arranged above the hopper 35a. The image pickup apparatus 54 that has received the control signal executes imaging. The image pickup apparatus 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 drug packaged in the process of the previous step S301 is not a drug that easily remains in the drug path and does not require additional cleaning of the hopper 35a after packaging, imaging of the hopper 35a is performed. You may do it. In this case, the captured image is not displayed on the display unit 21. The image pickup apparatus 54 transmits the captured image to the control unit 50. The control unit 50 that has received the image saves the received image so that it can be called up as needed.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a display unit 21 that displays a captured image of the inner surface of the hopper 35a. The display unit 21 shown in FIG. 15 displays a hopper inner surface image 220, which is an image captured by the image pickup device 54 on the inner surface of the hopper 35a. The operator using the drug packaging device 1 looks at the captured image shown in FIG. 15 and determines whether or not additional cleaning of the hopper 35a is necessary.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a display unit 21 that displays a selection screen for additional cleaning of the hopper 35a. When the operator operates the operation unit 22 while the display unit 21 is displaying the screen shown in FIG. 15, the selection screen 230 shown in FIG. 16 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 have a function as an input unit for receiving an input relating to the necessity of cleaning the hopper 35a. The operator who visually recognizes the screen shown in FIG. 15 and determines the necessity of additional cleaning of the hopper 35a can operate one of the selection units 231 and 232 to determine the result of the determination of the necessity of cleaning the hopper 35a. It can be input to the control unit 50.

When it is determined that additional cleaning of the hopper 35a is not necessary (NO in step S333), the process is terminated as it is (END in FIG. 14).

When it is determined that additional cleaning of the hopper 35a is necessary (YES in step S333), the lock of the hopper 35a is released (step S334).

The operator who determines in step S333 that additional cleaning of the hopper 35a is necessary operates the selection unit 231 displayed on the display unit 21 to inform the control unit 50 of the determination result that additional cleaning of the hopper 35a is necessary. Enter for. Upon receiving this input, the control unit 50 outputs a control signal instructing the lock mechanism 52 (FIGS. 2 and 3) to release the lock of the hopper 35a. Upon receiving the control signal, the lock mechanism 52 unlocks the hopper 35a and makes the hopper 35a removable from the drug packaging device 1.

Subsequently, the hopper 35a is removed from the drug packaging device 1 (step S335). The removed hopper 35a is cleaned (step S336). The hopper 35a after cleaning is reattached to the drug packaging device 1 (step S337). The removal, additional cleaning and reattachment of these hoppers 35a are manually performed by an operator using the drug packaging device 1. The additional cleaning in step S336 may be any mode of cleaning, such as suction, blowing compressed air, wiping with a brush, washing with water, or a combination thereof.

After the reattachment of step S337, the control unit 50 receives the input of the operator, and the control unit 50 determines that the hopper 35a for which the additional cleaning has been completed has been attached. After that, the control unit 50 relocks the hopper 35a (step S338). The control unit 50 outputs a control signal instructing the lock mechanism 52 to lock the hopper 35a. The lock mechanism 52 that receives the control signal locks the hopper 35a so that the hopper 35a cannot be removed from the drug packaging device 1. In this way, the additional cleaning of the hopper 35a is completed (END in FIG. 14).

The distribution plate 34a can also be manually cleaned in the same manner as the hopper 35a by using a lock mechanism and an image pickup device (not shown).

Returning to FIG. 12, the control unit 50 determines whether or not the additional cleaning is 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 is completed when the control unit 50 completes a series of additional cleaning processes or the control unit 50 accepts the operator's input. When the additional cleaning is completed, the process ends (END in FIG. 12).

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 12, for the drug requiring additional cleaning of the drug path (hopper 35a, distribution dish 34a) after packaging, the additional cleaning of the drug path is completed in step S309 after the packaging is completed in step S301. Until this is done, the start of packaging of the next drug is awaited (steps S105 and S107). By optimizing the timing between cleaning the drug route and packaging the drug in this way, the drug route can be reliably cleaned. In addition, it is conceivable that the residual drug adhering to the drug path will be peeled off from the inner surface by cleaning, but since the packaging of the next drug is not started until the cleaning is completed, contamination of the drug occurs when packaging the next drug. Never. Therefore, the quality of drug packaging can be improved.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 12, for a drug that requires cleaning of the drug path after packaging, after packaging is completed in step S301, until the cleaning of the drug path is completed in step S309, the next drug distribution dish 34a Is waited for (steps S105, S106). If the medicine is already supplied to the distribution plate 34a when the hopper 35a is sucked and cleaned, the medicine on the distribution plate 34a may also be sucked. If the supply of the next drug to the distribution dish 34a is not started until the cleaning is completed, it is possible to surely avoid sucking the next drug at the time of cleaning.

As described with reference to FIG. 2, the first transport unit 14a and the second transport unit 14b can operate independently. After the second transport unit 14b moves the container from the supply standby position P8 so that the container does not exist in the supply standby position P8, the intermediate container 91 for accommodating the drug weighed from the drug container 15 is provided. The first transport unit 14a can transport to the supply standby position P8. The time required for drug weighing and packaging by taking the next drug out of the drug container 15 before the drug packaging is complete and adding time to package the drug and weigh the next drug. Can be shortened.

As shown in FIG. 2, the drug packaging device 1 includes an image pickup device 54 that images the inside of the hopper 35a. The operator using the drug 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 captured image captured by the image pickup device 54. .. As a result of checking the image, if it can be confirmed that the hopper 35a is sufficiently cleaned by normal cleaning, it can be selected that additional cleaning is unnecessary, and in this case, the time required for packaging the drug is shortened. be able to.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 15, the drug packaging device 1 includes a display unit 21 that displays an image captured by the image pickup device 54. The operator using the drug packaging device 1 can confirm 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, 12 and 14, for a drug that requires additional cleaning of the hopper 35a after packaging, after the packaging is completed in step S301 and before the packaging operation of the next drug is started in step S107. The image captured by the image pickup apparatus 54 in step S332 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 unit 21 selects that additional cleaning of the hopper 35a is necessary, the additional cleaning of the hopper 35a affects the packaging of the next drug. Never give. When packaging the next drug, it is possible to prevent the drug from passing through the hopper 35a with the residual drug adhering to the inner surface, and it is possible to prevent contamination of the drug, thus improving the quality of the drug packaging. can do.

As shown in FIG. 16, the display unit 21 displays the selection units 231 and 232 for receiving the input regarding the necessity of additional cleaning of the hopper 35a, and the operator operates the operation unit 22 to display one of the selection units. Select 231 and 232. This allows the operator to reliably input to the drug 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 lock mechanism 52 that locks the hopper 35a, and by unlocking the hopper 35a by the lock mechanism 52, the hopper 35a becomes the drug packaging device 1 It is removable from. The operator using the drug packaging device 1 can easily manually clean the hopper 35a by removing the hopper 35a from the drug packaging device 1.

As shown in FIG. 14, when it is determined in step S333 that additional cleaning of the hopper 35a is necessary, the hopper 35a is unlocked by the lock mechanism 52 in step S334, and the hopper 35a is made removable. When the operator using the drug packaging device 1 determines that additional cleaning is necessary, the hopper 35a can be removed from the drug packaging device 1 and the hopper 35a can be easily additionally cleaned manually.

As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, for the medicine that requires cleaning of the hopper 35a after packaging, the cleaning material is supplied from the medicine container 15 to the distribution plate 34a in steps S323 and 324 after the packaging is completed in step S301. .. By cleaning the residual drug adhering to the inner surface of the drug path with the cleaning material, the drug path can be reliably cleaned. Since the cleaning material is supplied prior to the packaging of the next drug and the timing between cleaning and packaging of the drug is optimized, contamination of the drug occurs when packaging the next drug. Never. Therefore, the quality of drug packaging can be improved.

When the excipient contained in the drug container 15 can be used as a cleaning material, it is not necessary to separately house the excipient and the cleaning material in the drug container 15, and the drug container 15 can be used with more kinds of drugs. Since it can be accommodated, the drug packaging device 1 can be used to weigh more types of drugs.

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

If the drug requires additional cleaning, during steps S208 to S212, the intermediate container 91 is located at a position different from the first standby position P1, specifically, the cleaning position P11, the first take-out position P5, or the drug packaging device. It will be outside of 1. When additional cleaning is not required, the intermediate container 91 is promptly returned to the first standby position P1 so that it can be used for the next weighing. When additional cleaning is required, 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 to accommodate the next drug in the intermediate container 91. No drug 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 drug is conveyed to the cleaning position P11. By doing so, the intermediate container 91 conveyed to the cleaning position P11 can be reliably cleaned by the cleaning unit 38.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the intermediate container 91 after discharging the drug requiring additional cleaning of the intermediate container 91 after discharge is cleaned in step S204 and then conveyed to the first take-out position P5 in step S211. Will be done. The operator using the drug packaging device 1 can take out the intermediate container 91 conveyed to the first take-out position P5 to the outside of the drug packaging device 1 and easily perform additional cleaning of the intermediate container 91 manually.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 10, the drug packaging device 1 includes an image pickup device 56 that captures an image of the intermediate container 91, and a display unit 21 that displays an image captured by the image pickup device 56. The operator using the drug packaging device 1 looks at the tip image 201 and the center image 202 imaged by the image pickup device 56 and displayed on the display unit 21, confirms the internal condition of the intermediate container 91, and then confirms the internal condition of the intermediate container 91. It is possible to select whether or not to perform additional cleaning of 91. As a result of checking the image, if it can be confirmed that the intermediate container 91 is sufficiently cleaned by normal cleaning, it can be selected that additional cleaning is unnecessary, and in this case, the time required for packaging the drug is shortened. can do.

As shown in FIG. 11, the display unit 21 displays the selection units 211 and 212 for receiving the input regarding the necessity of additional cleaning of the intermediate container 91, and the operator operates the operation unit 22 to select one of them. Select units 211 and 212. As a result, the operator can reliably input to the drug packaging device 1 whether or not additional cleaning of the intermediate container 91 is necessary. When the selection unit 211 is selected and it is determined in step S210 shown in FIG. 9 that additional cleaning is necessary, the intermediate container 91 is conveyed to the first take-out position P5 in step S211. The operator using the drug packaging device 1 can take out the intermediate container 91 conveyed to the first take-out position P5 to the outside of the drug packaging device 1 and easily perform additional cleaning of the intermediate container 91 manually.

In the description so far, an example in which the images captured by the image pickup devices 54 and 56 are displayed on the display unit 21 and the operator who sees the images determines the necessity of additional cleaning has been described. It is not limited to. The control unit 50 or another computer may be configured to automatically determine the necessity of additional cleaning by analyzing the images captured by the image pickup 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, additional cleaning may be automatically performed. The operation may be put on standby to notify the operator that additional cleaning is required.

Although the embodiments have been described above, the embodiments disclosed this time should be considered to be exemplary in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown by the scope of claims rather than the above description, and is intended to include the meaning equivalent to the scope of claims and all modifications within the scope.

1 Drug packaging device, 14 Transport section, 14a 1st transport section, 14b 2nd 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 part, 30 Weighing part, 32 Drug discharge part, 32a Container mounting part, 32b Vibration device, 33 Dividing part, 34 Distributing part, 34a Distributing dish, 34b Feeding part, 35 Packaging part, 35a Hopper, 35b Heater, 37 Cleaning standby unit, 38 Cleaning unit, 40 Packaging material, 50 Control unit, 52 Lock mechanism, 54,56 Imaging device, 61 Storage unit, 62 Weighing selection unit, 65 Guide unit, 91 Intermediate container, 92 External chemicals Container, 93 unloading container, 100 dispensing system, 201 tip image, 202 center image, 210, 230 selection screen, 211,212,231,232 selection part, 220 hopper inner surface image, P1 first standby position, P2 second standby position , P3 3rd standby position, P4 weighing position, P5 1st extraction position, P6 2nd extraction position, P7 3rd extraction position, P8 supply standby position, P9 supply position, P10 cleaning standby position, P11 cleaning position.

Claims (7)

A supply unit that supplies the drug from a drug container that houses the drug,
The drug route through which the drug supplied from the supply unit passes, and
A packaging unit for packaging the drug that has passed through the drug path,
A control unit for controlling the supply unit and the packaging unit is provided.
The control unit has a storage unit that stores a determination flag indicating whether or not the drug route needs to be cleaned after packaging the drug in association with the drug information.
The drug container further houses the cleaning material and
When the dispensing data contains a drug that requires cleaning of the drug path after packaging, the control unit transfers the drug contained in the next dispensing data to the drug path after the packaging according to the dispensing data is completed. A drug packaging device that waits for supply and supplies the cleaning material from the drug container to the drug path. The next dispensing data includes a drug that requires cleaning of the drug route after packaging, the drug that requires cleaning of the drug path after packaging included in the next dispensing data, and the drug that is included in the dispensing data after packaging. When the drug that requires cleaning of the route is of the same type, the control unit does not supply the cleaning material from the drug container to the drug route after the packaging according to the dispensing data is completed, and the next time. The drug packaging device according to claim 1, wherein the packaging according to the dispensing data of the above is started. The next dispensing data does not include the drug requiring cleaning of the drug route after packaging, and the dispensing data of the next and subsequent times includes the drug requiring cleaning of the drug route after packaging, and is included in the dispensing data of the next and subsequent times. When the drug that requires cleaning of the drug path after packaging and the drug that requires cleaning of the drug path after packaging included in the dispensing data are of the same type, the control unit performs the post-packaging included in the dispensing data. The drug packaging device according to claim 2, wherein the dispensing data of the next and subsequent times containing the same drug as the drug requiring cleaning of the drug route is set as the next dispensing data. The drug route has a plurality of distribution sections for distributing the drug supplied from the supply section to each dose.
3. The drug packaging device described in. The packaging unit packages the cleaning material that has passed through the drug path.
The one according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control unit determines the number of packages of the cleaning material to be packaged by the packaging unit according to the amount of the cleaning material supplied to the drug route. Drug packaging equipment. A container for containing the drug taken out from the drug container is provided.
The item according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the cleaning material taken out from the drug container is stored in the container after the drug requiring cleaning of the drug path is discharged from the container after packaging. Drug packaging equipment. The supply unit has a transport unit for transporting the container.
The drug packaging device according to claim 6, wherein the transport unit transports the container after discharging the drug requiring cleaning of the drug path after packaging to a position where the cleaning material taken out from the drug container is received. ..

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