JP7612239B2 - Medicine Packaging Equipment - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to a drug packaging device.

JP 2016-130972 A (Patent Document 1) discloses a powder medicine packaging device that includes multiple medicine containers for storing powder medicine by type, a distribution unit that distributes the powder medicine discharged from the medicine containers, and a medicine packaging device that performs a packaging operation to individually package the powder medicine.

JP 2016-130972 A

The above document describes a cleaning device being provided around the dispensing unit. The document does not describe the timing of cleaning the drug path through which the drug passes and packaging the drug.

This disclosure provides a drug packaging device that can optimize the timing between cleaning the drug pathway and packaging the drug.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a medicine packaging device including a supply unit that supplies medicine, a medicine path through which the medicine supplied by 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 storage unit that stores a determination flag indicating whether or not cleaning of the medicine path is required after packaging the medicine in association with medicine information. After packaging of the medicine that requires cleaning of the medicine path after packaging is completed, the control unit waits to start packaging the next medicine.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a drug packaging device is provided that includes a supply unit that supplies drugs from a drug container that contains drugs, a packaging unit that packages the drugs supplied by the supply unit, and a control unit that controls the supply unit and the packaging unit. The supply unit includes a transport unit that transports an intermediate container that contains drugs taken out of the drug container, and a discharge unit that discharges the drugs from the intermediate container transported by the transport unit. The packaging unit includes a distribution unit that distributes the drugs supplied from the supply unit into doses, and a packaging unit that packages the drugs distributed by the distribution unit. The control unit has a storage unit that stores a determination flag that indicates whether or not cleaning of the intermediate container is necessary after the drugs are discharged by the discharge unit, in association with the drug information. The control unit controls the transport unit to transport the intermediate container after discharging the drugs that do not require cleaning of the intermediate container after discharging to a storage position. The intermediate container after discharging the drugs that require cleaning of the intermediate container after discharging is temporarily stored at a position different from the storage position.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a medicine packaging device including a supply unit that supplies medicine supplied from a medicine container that contains medicine and a cleaning material, 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 required after packaging the medicine in association with medicine information. The control unit controls the supply unit to supply cleaning material to the packaging unit after packaging of medicines that require cleaning of the medicine path after packaging is completed.

The drug packaging device according to the present disclosure can optimize the timing between cleaning the drug path and packaging the drug.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a dispensing system. 1 is a schematic diagram of a medicine packaging device according to an embodiment; 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the medicine packaging device. FIG. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an intermediate container (outer drug container). FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a weighing device. FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing the process of supplying and packaging medicines. FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing the flow of a process for cleaning an intermediate container. FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing the flow of a process for cleaning an intermediate container. 13 is a diagram showing a display unit that displays a captured image of the inner surface of the intermediate container. FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a display unit that displays a selection screen for additional cleaning of the intermediate container. FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing the flow of a process for cleaning a hopper. 13 is a diagram showing a display unit that displays a captured image of the inner surface of a hopper. FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a display unit that displays a selection screen for additional cleaning of a hopper. FIG. 11 is a flow diagram showing a first example of a process for additionally cleaning a hopper. FIG. 11 is a flow diagram showing a second example of a process for additionally cleaning a hopper.

The following describes an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings. Note that in the following drawings, the same or corresponding parts are given the same reference numbers and their description will not be repeated.

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a dispensing system 100. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a drug packaging device 1 according to an embodiment. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the 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 measuring device 80.

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

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

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

The drug packaging device 1 can also only package drugs. In this case, a weighing device 80 or the like is used to measure the drugs. The weighing device 80 weighs the drugs that the operator removes from a medicine bottle or the like. The drug packaging device 1 can also only measure the drugs. In this case, the weighed drugs are output from the drug packaging device 1 without being packaged. The drug packaging device 1 stores the weighed drugs in a container and enables the operator to remove the container.

In the following description, the drug packaging device 1 packaging a drug is referred to as the first operation, and the drug packaging device 1 weighing a drug without subsequently packaging it is referred to as the second operation. In the first operation, the drug packaging device 1 may or may not weigh the drug. The first operation also includes the case where the drug packaging device 1 packages a drug that has been weighed (measured) by a weighing device 80 or the like outside the drug packaging device 1.

As shown in Fig. 2, the drug packaging device 1 includes a first storage section 11, a second storage section 12, and a third storage section 13. As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the drug packaging device 1 also includes a transport section 14, a drug container 15, a first information processing section 16, a measuring section 30, a second information processing section 19, a third information processing section 20, a display section 21, an operation section 22, a drug discharge section 32, a packaging section 33, a cleaning section 38, a control section 50, a locking mechanism 52, and imaging devices 54 and 56.

The first storage section 11 can store a number of intermediate containers 91 that do not contain any medicine. The intermediate containers 91 are prepared to contain medicine to be supplied and packaged and to transport them to each part of the medicine packaging device 1. The configuration of the intermediate containers 91 will be described later.

The first storage unit 11 can be configured, for example, to have multiple support tables for storing multiple intermediate containers 91, with each support table supporting the bottom surface of each intermediate container 91. However, the configuration of the first storage unit 11 can be changed as desired as long as it is capable of substantially storing the intermediate containers 91.

The second storage section 12 can store a plurality of external drug containers 92 that do not contain any drug. The external drug containers 92 contain drugs prepared by an operator outside the drug packaging device 1, and are used as containers that are introduced into the drug packaging device 1 for packaging the drugs. When the weighing device 80 or the like in FIG. 1 performs the weighing instead of the drug packaging device 1, the external drug containers 92 are prepared in the drug packaging device 1 to contain the drugs to be weighed by the weighing device 80, and to introduce the weighed drugs into the drug packaging device 1. The configuration of the external drug container 92 will be described later.

The third storage section 13 can store a number of output containers 93 that do not contain any medicine. The output containers 93 are prepared in the medicine packaging device 1 to contain the weighed medicine and to export the medicine from the medicine packaging device 1 to another medicine packaging device 95 when the medicine packaging device 1 does not package the medicine after weighing.

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

The intermediate container 91 will now 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 section 91a, a discharge path section 91b, an opening/closing section 91c, an information display section (display section) 91d, and an information recording section (information recording member) 91e.

The storage section 91a is the portion of the intermediate container 91 that actually stores the medicine. The storage section 91a is formed in a hollow shape with an open top.

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

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

The information display unit 91d is a display capable of displaying prescription data and information related to prescriptions. The information display unit 91d can be configured, for example, as microcapsule-type or electrophoretic-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 also include information indicating the type of container (intermediate container 91, external drug container 92, export container 93). The information recording unit 91e can be configured, for example, as an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag.

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

The external drug container 92 will now 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 section 92a, a discharge path section 92b, an opening/closing section 92c, an information display section 92d, and an information recording section 92e.

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

In the drug packaging device 1 of this embodiment, multiple external drug containers 92 of the same shape are prepared. Multiple types of external drug containers 92 with different sizes of the storage section 92a may be prepared. In this case, it is possible to respond to various situations in which external weighing is performed, such as the external weighing of multiple types of drugs.

The output container 93 will now be described. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the output container 93. As shown in FIG. 5, the output container 93 corresponds to the intermediate container 91 with the discharge path section 91b and the opening/closing section 91c omitted. The output container 93 includes a storage section 93a, an information display section 93d, and an information recording section 93e.

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

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

The transport unit 14 can transport the intermediate container 91, the external drug container 92, and the discharge 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 conveying unit 14a and the second conveying unit 14b is controlled by the control unit 50. The first conveying unit 14a and the second conveying unit 14b differ only in the range of conveying, and the conveying configuration is essentially the same, so the following description will be given using the first conveying unit 14a as an example.

The first transport unit 14a is equipped with a container holding unit for holding the intermediate container 91, the external drug container 92, or the discharge container 93. The container holding unit is configured to be movable along a path determined by the drug packaging device 1. The first transport unit 14a transports the intermediate container 91, the external drug container 92, or the discharge container 93 by moving the container holding unit while the intermediate container 91, the external drug container 92, or the discharge container 93 is held in the container holding unit.

In this manner, in this embodiment, the intermediate container 91, the external drug container 92, and the discharge container 93 are configured to be transported by a common first transport unit 14a. Therefore, it is preferable to make the parts attached to the first transport unit 14a (container holding unit) of each of the three types of containers have the same configuration, since this simplifies the configuration of the first transport unit 14a.

The intermediate container 91, the external drug container 92, and the discharge 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 in the first operation. The intermediate container 91 can also be used as the discharge container 93 used in the second operation. The external drug container 92 can also be used as the intermediate container 91 used in the first operation. The external drug container 92 can also be used as the discharge container 93 used in the second operation. By reducing the types of containers, a simplified configuration can be achieved.

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

The transport unit 14 may have various configurations for holding the container. For example, the transport unit 14 may have a container holding part at the tip of an extendable or rotatable arm, and the position of the container holding part may be changed by extending or rotating the arm. For example, the container may be gripped with a chuck or held by suction.

The drug containers 15 contain the drug to be measured. Each drug container 15 has an opening for discharging and removing the drug from the container.

In principle, each of the multiple drug containers 15 contains a different type of drug. However, for example, in the case of a drug that is used frequently, the same drug may be contained in multiple drug containers 15.

The drug packaging device 1 can handle excipients in addition to drugs. Any of the multiple drug containers 15 may contain an excipient. When drug (powder) formulation is required, the drug packaging device 1 takes out the excipient from the drug container 15. In this case, the excipient can be supplied in the same way as the drug. Any of the multiple drug containers 15 may contain a cleaning material. In this case, the cleaning material can be supplied in the same way as the drug. The cleaning material is taken out of the drug container 15 and packaged while in contact with the drug path of the drug packaging device 1, thereby cleaning the drug path that the cleaning material comes into contact with. The cleaning material may contain an excipient. 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 can be, for example, an RFID tag. The information recording unit 71 can store information about the drug contained in the drug container 15 (contained drug information). The contained drug information includes the name of the drug, the remaining amount of drug in the drug container 15, the expiration date of the drug, the date of the last refill, the operating conditions of the weighing unit 30, etc. The drug packaging device 1 can obtain the contained drug information by reading the information recording unit 71. Note that the information recording unit 71 may store only the identification information of the drug container 15, and when this is read by the drug packaging device 1, the above-mentioned contained drug information may be called up from the memory unit 61 described below.

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 any position in the drug packaging device 1.

The measuring unit 30 includes a drug removal unit 17 and a weighing unit 18. The drug removal unit 17 removes the drug from the drug container 15. The weighing unit 18 weighs the drug removed from the drug container 15.

The drug removal unit 17 removably holds multiple drug containers 15. The drug removal unit 17 moves the held drug containers 15 to a predetermined position, and at the predetermined position, removes the drug contained in the drug containers 15 downward through an opening. The operation of the drug removal unit 17 is controlled by the control unit 50 based on the contained drug information read by the first information processing unit 16.

The weighing unit 18 includes a mounting table 18a and a detection unit 18b. The mounting table 18a is disposed below the above-mentioned predetermined position of the drug removal unit 17. An intermediate container 91 or an output container 93 can be mounted on the mounting table 18a. The first transport unit 14a can transport the intermediate container 91 or the output container 93 held in the container holding unit and place it on or remove it from the mounting table 18a.

The detection unit 18b can weigh the medicine inside the intermediate container 91 or the output container 93 when the container is placed on the placement table 18a. In other words, the weighing unit 18 is configured as an electronic balance, and the placement table 18a corresponds to the weighing dish of the electronic balance. The detection unit 18b can be configured as, for example, an electromagnetic or load cell type load sensor.

The weighing unit 30 is controlled by the control unit 50 so as to weigh out the entire dose of 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 to directly above the mounting table 18a using the drug removal unit 17. The control unit 50 then removes the drug downward from the drug container 15, stores the removed drug in the intermediate container 91 or the discharge container 93 placed on the mounting table 18a, and weighs the contained drug using the detection unit 18b.

The second information processing unit 19 acquires container-specific information stored in the information recording unit 91e of the intermediate container 91 or the information recording unit 93e of the output container 93, which are set in the weighing unit 18. The second information processing unit 19 can also change the display content of the information display unit 91d of the intermediate container 91 or the information display unit 93d of the output container 93, which are set in the weighing unit 18. The second information processing unit 19 is configured, for example, as 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 third information processing unit 20 similarly acquires the container-specific information of the external drug container 92 stored in the second storage unit 12 or the output container 93 stored in the third storage unit 13.

The third information processing unit 20 may change the display content for the intermediate container 91 or the output container 93. In this case, the second information processing unit 19 may change the display content for only the weighing result for the intermediate container 91 or the output container 93 set in the weighing unit 18.

The display unit 21 is a device having a display screen capable of displaying various information related to the drug packaging device 1. The display unit 21 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display. The display unit 21 is disposed at an appropriate position on the drug packaging device 1.

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

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

The drug discharge unit 32 includes a container attachment unit 32a. The container attachment unit 32a is configured to be capable of attaching an intermediate container 91 or an external drug container 92. The intermediate container 91 or the external drug container 92 is attached to the container attachment unit 32a automatically or manually by the second transport unit 14b.

The container attachment section 32a is equipped with an actuating section that moves the opening and closing sections 91c, 92c of the container from a closed state to an open state. Before being attached to the container attachment section 32a, the connection section between the storage section 91a, 92a and the discharge path section 91b, 92b is in a closed state. When the container is attached to the container attachment section 32a, the actuating section moves the opening and closing sections 91c, 92c. This opens the connection section between the storage section 91a, 92a and the discharge path section 91b, 92b, allowing the discharge of the drug from the container.

The drug discharge section 32 is equipped with a vibration device 32b. The vibration device 32b is configured to include a motor that generates vibrations. The vibration device 32b is controlled by the control section 50. The vibration device 32b generates vibrations in response to a control signal from the control section 50. The vibrations generated by the vibration device 32b are transmitted to the intermediate container 91 or the external drug container 92 attached to the container attachment section 32a.

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

The distribution unit 34 distributes the medicine discharged from the container by the medicine discharge unit 32 into individual doses. The distribution unit 34 includes a distribution plate 34a and a feed unit 34b. The distribution plate 34a is configured to be rotatable around a vertical axis. The medicine discharge unit 32 discharges the medicine from the container and supplies the discharged medicine onto the rotating distribution plate 34a. The feed unit 34b drops the medicine supplied to the distribution plate 34a downward in predetermined amounts.

The supply unit of the embodiment is made up of the measuring unit 30 that extracts the medicine from the medicine container 15 into the intermediate container 91, the transport unit 14 that transports the intermediate container 91, and the medicine discharge unit 32 that discharges the medicine from the intermediate container 91 and supplies it to the distribution tray 34a. The packaging unit 33 packages the medicine supplied by the supply unit.

As shown in FIG. 2, the drug packaging device 1 has multiple (specifically, two) distribution sections 34. Each distribution section 34 has multiple (specifically, two) drug discharge sections 32. Drugs are supplied onto one distribution plate 34a from either one or both of the two drug discharge sections 32. The same type of drug may be supplied from the two drug discharge sections 32 to one distribution plate 34a, different types of drug may be supplied to one distribution plate 34a, or a drug and an excipient may be supplied to one distribution plate 34a.

The packaging unit 35 packages the medicine distributed by the distribution unit 34 in the packaging material 40. The packaging unit 35 includes a hopper 35a and a heater 35b. The hopper 35a receives the medicine that is supplied from the container to the distribution tray 34a and drops from the distribution tray 34a. The hopper 35a forms a medicine path through which the medicine that drops from the distribution tray 34a toward the packaging material 40 passes. The packaging unit 35 repeats an operation of dropping the medicine distributed in doses by the distribution unit 34 through the hopper 35a into the packaging material 40, and an operation of heat-sealing the packaging material 40 by the heater 35b. By repeating these operations, the medicine is enclosed in the packaging material 40 for each dose. The packaging material 40 containing the medicine is sent to a storage unit outside or inside the medicine packaging device 1.

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

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

A cleaning standby section 37 is provided near the cleaning section 38. The intermediate container 91 or the external drug container 92 before cleaning can be placed in the cleaning standby section 37 and left on standby as necessary.

The supply standby section 23 and the cleaning standby section 37 can be configured, for example, as a plate-like member on which a container can be placed, but are not limited to this.

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

In more detail, the control unit 50 is configured as a known computer and includes a calculation 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 calculation unit reads out the various programs from the storage device and controls the operation of each part of the drug packaging device 1 based on the detection values of the sensors provided in each part of the drug packaging device 1 and the various setting values stored in the storage device. The control unit 50 operates the drug packaging device 1 by making the above-mentioned software and hardware work together to perform processing in the storage unit 61, the weighing selection unit 62, and the guidance unit 65 shown in FIG. 4 and outputting a command signal as a result of the processing.

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

The storage unit 61 also stores various data such as drug master information, which is unique information about drugs. This master information includes, for example, drug code, drug name, JAN code (or RSS), medicine bottle (medicine container) code, classification (dosage form: powder, tablet, topical medicine, etc.), specific gravity, drug type (ordinary medicine, poison, narcotic, powerful drug, antipsychotic, therapeutic drug, etc.), combination changes, precautions, normal dosage, prohibited simultaneous use information, etc.

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

When at least one of the drugs included in the dispensing data cannot be packaged due to the capacity of the packaging unit 33, the weighing selection unit 62 allows the operator to select whether or not to execute a weighing operation by the weighing unit 30 for the drugs that can be measured by the weighing unit 30. There are various configurations that allow the selection to be realized, but for example, the weighing selection unit 62 may display options (e.g., execute/no button) on the display unit 21 and allow the operator to select using the operation unit 22.

The guidance unit 65 can provide guidance (instructions) to the operator. For example, when at least one of the drugs included in the dispensing data cannot be packaged due to the capacity of the packaging unit 33, the guidance unit 65 can inform the operator that the drug weighed out by the weighing unit 30 should be packaged using another drug packaging device 95. In addition, when the amount of drug supplied from the drug container 15 to the intermediate container 91 is insufficient for the total amount of dose based on the dispensing data, the guidance unit 65 can inform the operator that an external weighing response is possible as a response to enable the packaging operation by the packaging unit 33.

External measurement is when the operator prepares an external drug container 92 that contains a predetermined amount of drug (full dose) outside the drug packaging device 1, and introduces the external drug container 92 into the drug packaging device 1. At this time, the operator can be notified that a refill or drug container introduction is possible. Refill is when the drug container 15 is refilled with drug. Drug container introduction is when the drug container 15 containing the required amount of drug is introduced into the drug packaging device 1.

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

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

The imaging device 54 is disposed above the hopper 35a. The imaging device 54 is capable of capturing an image of the inside of the hopper 35a. The imaging device 54 may be capable of reciprocating between a position directly above the hopper 35a and a position not directly above the hopper 35a. The imaging device 56 is attached to the top of the cleaning unit 56. The imaging device 56 is capable of capturing an image of the containers contained in the cleaning unit 38. The imaging devices 54, 56 are controlled by the control unit 50. Images captured by the imaging devices 54, 56 are displayed on the display unit 21. The control unit 50 receives the captured images from the imaging devices 54, 56, and outputs a control command to the display unit 21 to display the images.

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

The first standby position P1 is a position in the first storage section 11 where an intermediate container 91 that does not contain a drug can wait. The first standby position P1 can also be said to be a storage position in the first storage section 11 where multiple intermediate containers 91 are stored.

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

The third standby position P3 is a position in the third storage section 13 where an output container 93 that does not contain medicine can wait. The third standby position P3 can also be said to be a storage position in the third storage section 13 where multiple output containers 93 are stored.

The weighing position P4 is the position where the weighing unit 18 weighs the medicine contained in the intermediate container 91 or the discharge container 93.

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

In this embodiment, the first removal position P5 is set at a position different from the weighing position P4. This is not limited to this, and for example, the weighing position P4 may be set to double as the first removal position P5.

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

The third removal position P7 is a position for removing the discharge container 93 to the outside of the drug packaging device 1. For example, when the drug packaging device 1 measures drugs but does not package them, the third removal position P7 is used to remove the discharge container 93 containing the drugs measured by the measuring unit 30 to the outside of the drug packaging device 1. This removal is performed via the third removal unit 27 provided on the drug packaging device 1.

The supply standby position P8 is a position where the intermediate container 91 is kept on standby after the weighing unit 30 has completed weighing the medicine and before the packaging unit 33 discharges the medicine from the container and supplies it to the distribution tray 34a. The supply standby position P8 is also a position (introduction position) where the external medicine container 92 or the intermediate container 91 containing the medicine weighed by the weighing device 80 is set for introduction into the medicine 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 removal position P5, the second removal position P6, or the third removal 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 tray 34a in the drug discharge section 32. The second transport section 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 containing a drug is introduced into the drug packaging device 1 from outside the drug packaging device 1, the introduction position of the container may be set to the supply position P9, and the operator may set the container directly in the drug discharge section 32. As described above, the drug packaging device 1 has multiple (specifically, four) drug discharge sections 32, and the supply position P9 is assigned to the four drug discharge sections 32.

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

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

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

Specifically, the first transport unit 14a is configured to transport containers between the first standby position P1, the second standby position P2, the third standby position P3, the weighing position P4, the first removal position P5, the second removal position P6, the third removal 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 transport containers 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, etc. to the supply standby position P8 by the first transport unit 14a, the transported intermediate container 91, etc. can be transported from the supply standby position P8 by the second transport unit 14b at an appropriate timing. Also, after the second transport unit 14b transports the intermediate container 91, etc. to the cleaning standby position P10, the transported intermediate container 91, etc. can be transported from the cleaning standby position P10 by the first transport unit 14a at an appropriate timing.

In this embodiment, the external drug container 92 stored in the second storage unit 12 is transported by the first transport unit 14a to the second removal position P6 so that it can be removed from the drug packaging device 1. However, the external drug container 92 stored in the second storage unit 12 may be removed by an operator. 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 diagram of the weighing device 80. As shown in FIG. 7, the weighing device 80 includes a control unit 81, a weighing unit 82, an information processing unit 83, and a display unit 84. The weighing unit 82, the information processing unit 83, and the display unit 84 are each electrically connected to the control unit 81. The weighing device 80 can weigh the drug contained in the external drug container 92. When the intermediate container 91 is used for external weighing, the weighing device 80 weighs the drug contained in the intermediate container 91.

The control unit 81 can communicate with the control unit 50 of the medicine packaging device 1 and can receive dispensing data stored in the memory unit 61 of the medicine packaging device 1. When the weighing device 80 completes weighing (e.g., weighing the medicine that is insufficient for the target amount), it transmits the weighing result to the medicine packaging device 1.

The weighing unit 82 has substantially the same configuration as the weighing unit 18 of the medicine packaging device 1, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. The weighing device 80 weighs the medicine that the operator has removed from an appropriate medicine bottle or the like onto a weighing dish or the like. Note that the weighing device 80 may also weigh the medicine together with the external medicine container 92 while the medicine is contained in the external medicine container 92.

The information processing unit 83 is disposed near the weighing unit 82. The information processing unit 83 has a barcode reader and an RFID reader/writer. The barcode reader can read the barcodes provided on the above-mentioned medicine bottles, etc. The RFID reader/writer can read the contents of the information recording unit 92e of the external medicine container 92.

The information processing unit 83 performs a process of reading information stored in the barcode of the medicine bottle, etc. and the information recording unit 92e of the external medicine container 92. Specifically, the information processing unit 83 reads medicine-specific information of the medicine bottle, etc. from the barcode provided on the medicine bottle, etc., and the control unit 81 identifies the medicine contained in the medicine bottle, etc. The information processing unit 83 also reads container-specific information stored in the information recording unit 92e of the external medicine container 92. The weighing device 80 obtains dispensing data corresponding to the read container-specific information from the control unit 50 of the medicine packaging device 1. At that time, the weighing device 80 also obtains information on the medicine to be weighed (including the target amount of the medicine).

The control unit 81 then identifies 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 identified based on the drug identification information. If the control unit 81 determines that the drug identified based on the drug identification information matches any of the drugs indicated by the drug information included in the dispensing data, it selects the drug indicated by the matching drug information as the drug to be weighed. Upon completing weighing of the drug selected as the drug to be weighed, 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 to the control unit 50 of the drug packaging device 1. The control unit 50 of the drug packaging device 1 receives the weighing result and updates the dispensing data stored in the memory 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 device 80 finishes weighing the drug, the information processing unit 83 causes the information display unit 92d of the external drug container 92 to display the measured amount (weighing result). In addition, as information regarding dispensing, the information display unit 92d may display a message indicating that the amount of drug equivalent to the target amount is contained 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, etc. The display unit 84 is disposed at an appropriate position of the weighing device 80. The display unit 84 can be configured, for example, as a display with a touch panel. The display unit 84 can display, for example, the name of the drug and the target amount and measured amount of the drug. The display unit 84 can also display the result of the determination made by the control unit 81 as to whether or not the drug in the medicine bottle, etc. and the drug to be measured match. This makes it possible to confirm that the drug in the medicine bottle, etc. is the required drug based on the dispensing data.

Next, we will explain the process of supplying and packaging medicines using the medicine packaging device 1. Figure 7 is a flow diagram showing the process of supplying and packaging medicines.

First, as a preparation, drug information is registered in the drug packaging device 1 (step S101). Specifically, information about the drug to be packaged by the drug packaging device 1 is stored in the memory unit 61 for each type of drug. The display unit 50 may display a drug information registration screen on the display unit 21, and the operator may input drug information to this registration screen using the operation unit 22. Alternatively, drug information may be input to the drug packaging device 1 by communication from an external device. The memory unit 61 stores a determination flag indicating whether the drug is likely to remain at the contact point in association with the drug information.

Next, dispensing data is input to the drug packaging device 1 (step S102). The control unit 50 displays a dispensing data input screen on the display unit 21. The dispensing data includes, for example, one or more names of drugs to be taken, dosage form (powder/tablet/capsule/liquid/topical medicine), method of taking, dosage, etc. The method of taking refers to the number of times per day to take the drug, the timing of taking the drug, and the number of days to take the drug, while the dosage refers to the total amount taken (e.g., weight), the amount taken per day (weight), the amount taken per dose (weight), etc. The dispensing data also includes the recipient, target amount, measurement result (measured amount or amount short of the target amount, surplus amount), and identification information for identifying each dispensing data (dispensing data number, etc.).

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 memory unit 61 of the control unit 50. In addition to a configuration in which the operator manually inputs dispensing data, dispensing data may be input to the medicine packaging device 1 via communication from an information processing device such as an external dispensing equipment control device.

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

Next, the medicine is weighed from the medicine container 15 (step S104). If the necessary medicine container 15 has not been introduced into the medicine packaging device 1 in the process of step S104, the above-mentioned medicine container introduction procedure can be performed to continue the weighing. Alternatively, instead of the medicine container introduction procedure, external weighing can be performed.

Next, it is determined whether cleaning of the drug path (hopper 35a) after the previous drug packaging has been completed (step S105). The determination in step S105 is repeated until cleaning of the hopper 35a after the previous drug packaging has been completed, during which time the supply of the drug weighed out in the previous step S104 to the distribution tray 34a and the start of packaging are put on hold. Details of cleaning of the hopper 35a will be described later.

When it is determined that cleaning of the hopper 35a after the previous drug packaging is complete (YES in step S105), the drug is supplied from the container that contains the drug weighed out in step S104 to the distribution tray 34a (step S106), and the drug is packaged in the packaging unit 35 (step S107). After packaging is complete, the container and drug path (hopper 35a) are cleaned after the drug is discharged (step S108). Then, the process ends (END).

The details of the cleaning are explained below. Figures 8 and 9 are flow diagrams showing the process of cleaning the intermediate container 91.

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

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

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

After the intermediate container 91 has been cleaned, the judgment flag is checked for the medicine contained in the intermediate container 91 (step S205). This judgment flag indicates whether the medicine is likely to remain at the contact point, and indicates whether cleaning of the intermediate container 91 is necessary after the medicine is discharged by the medicine discharge unit 32. Based on the result of checking the judgment flag, it is determined whether cleaning of the intermediate container 91 is necessary for the medicine (step S206).

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

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

Figure 10 is a diagram showing the display unit 21 displaying an image of the inner surface of the intermediate container 91. The display unit 21 shown in Figure 10 displays a tip image 201, which is an image of the discharge path portion 91b of the intermediate container 91 captured by the imaging device 56, and a center image 202, which is an image of the storage portion 91a. The operator using the medicine packaging device 1 looks at the captured image shown in Figure 10 and determines whether additional cleaning of the intermediate container 91 is necessary (step S210).

If it is determined that the drug contained in the intermediate container 91 is not one that is likely to remain at the contact point and that cleaning of the intermediate container 91 is not required after discharge from the intermediate container 91, an image of the intermediate container 91 may also be taken. In this case, the captured image is not displayed on the display unit 21. The imaging device 56 transmits the captured image to the control unit 50. The control unit 50, which receives the image, stores the received image so that it can be called up as necessary.

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

The selection units 211 and 212 correspond to the input unit in the embodiment, which receives input regarding the necessity of cleaning the intermediate container 91. The operator, who visually checks the screen shown in FIG. 10 and determines whether additional cleaning of the intermediate container 91 is necessary, can input the result of the determination of whether cleaning of the intermediate container 91 is necessary to the control unit 50 by operating either of the selection units 211 and 212.

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

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

The operator removes the intermediate container 91 that has been transported to the first removal position P5 from the drug packaging device 1 and manually performs additional cleaning. This additional cleaning may be any type of cleaning, such as suction, blowing compressed air, wiping with a brush, washing with water, or a combination of these.

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

If it is determined that the additional cleaning is complete (YES in step S212), the intermediate container 91 is moved to the first waiting position (step S213). The control unit 50 controls the conveying unit 14 to move the intermediate container 91 after the additional cleaning from the first removal position P5 to the first waiting position P1. When the movement of the intermediate container 91 to the first waiting position P1 is completed, the process ends (END).

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

When it is determined that the packaging operation is complete (YES in step S301), cleaning of the inner surface of the hopper 35a is performed (step S302). The cleaning may be performed by any means, such as blowing compressed air onto the inner surface of the hopper 35a, suction, wiping with a brush, or a combination of these. By performing the cleaning, any medicine remaining on the inner surface of the hopper 35a is removed.

After the hopper 35a has been cleaned, the judgment flag is checked for the medicine packaged in the previous process (step S303). This judgment flag indicates whether the medicine is likely to remain at the contact point, and indicates whether cleaning of the medicine path (hopper 35a) through which the medicine passed after packaging is required. Based on the result of checking the judgment flag, it is determined whether cleaning of the medicine path (hopper 35a) is required for the medicine (step S304).

If it is determined that the packaged medication does not require cleaning of the medication path (NO in step S304), the inner surface of the hopper 35a is deemed to have been sufficiently cleaned by the cleaning process in the previous step S302, and the process ends (END).

If it is determined that the packaged medicine is a medicine that requires cleaning of the medicine path (YES in step S304), then an image of the inside of the hopper 35a is captured (step S305), and the captured image is displayed on the display unit 21 (step S306). The control unit 50 outputs a control signal to the imaging device 54 disposed above the hopper 35a to capture an image of the inner surface of the hopper 35a. Upon receiving the control signal, the imaging device 54 performs imaging. The imaging device 54 transmits the captured image to the control unit 50. Having received the image, the control unit 50 causes the received image to be displayed on the display unit 21.

If it is determined that the packaged medicine is not one that is likely to remain at the contact points and does not require cleaning of the medicine path after packaging, an image of the medicine path may also be taken. In this case, the captured image is not displayed on the display unit 21. The imaging device 54 transmits the captured image to the control unit 50. The control unit 50, which receives the image, stores the received image so that it can be called up as necessary.

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

Figure 14 is a diagram showing the display unit 21 displaying a selection screen for additional cleaning of the hopper 35a. When the display unit 21 is displaying the screen shown in Figure 13, the operator operates the operation unit 22 to display the selection screen 230 shown in Figure 14. If the operator determines that additional cleaning of the hopper 35a is necessary, he operates the selection unit 231. If the operator determines that additional cleaning of the hopper 35a is not necessary, he operates the selection unit 232.

The selection units 231 and 232 correspond to the input unit in the embodiment that receives input regarding the necessity of cleaning the hopper 35a. After visually checking the screen shown in FIG. 13 and determining whether additional cleaning of the hopper 35a is necessary, the operator can input the result of the determination of whether cleaning of the hopper 35a is necessary to the control unit 50 by operating either of the selection units 231 and 232.

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

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

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

Figure 15 is a flow diagram showing a first example of the process for additionally cleaning the hopper 35a. In the additional cleaning of the hopper 35a shown in Figure 15, first, the lock on the hopper 35a is released (step S311).

In step S307 of FIG. 12, the operator determines that additional cleaning of the hopper 35a is necessary, and inputs the determination result that additional cleaning of the hopper 35a is necessary to the control unit 50 by operating the selection unit 231 displayed on the display unit 21. The control unit 50, which receives this input, outputs a control signal to the locking mechanism 52 (FIGS. 2 and 3) to instruct it to unlock the hopper 35a. In response to the control signal, the locking mechanism 52 unlocks the hopper 35a, making it possible to remove the hopper 35a from the medicine packaging device 1.

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

After reattachment in step S314, the control unit 50 receives input from the operator, and determines that the hopper 35a for which additional cleaning has been completed has been attached. The control unit 50 then relocks the hopper 35a (step S315). The control unit 50 outputs a control signal to the locking mechanism 52 to instruct it to lock the hopper 35a. In response to the control signal, the locking mechanism 52 locks the hopper 35a, thereby preventing the hopper 35a from being removed from the medicine packaging device 1. In this way, the additional cleaning of the hopper 35a is completed (END).

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

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

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

Next, the cleaning material is measured out from the drug container 15 (step S323). The control unit 50 controls the measuring unit 30 to take out the required amount of cleaning material from the drug container 15 in which the cleaning material is stored into the intermediate container 91. Instead of measuring out the cleaning material from the drug container 15, the required amount of cleaning material may be stored in an external drug container 92 outside the drug packaging device 1, and the external drug container 92 may be introduced into the drug packaging device 1.

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

The cleaning material is then supplied from the containers (intermediate container 91, external drug container 92) that store the cleaning material to the distribution tray 34a (step S324), and the cleaning material is packaged in the packaging unit 35 (step S325). When the cleaning material passes through the same path that the drug passes through when it is packaged, the cleaning material collides with residual medicine adhering to the inner surface of the path (distribution tray 34a, hopper 35a) and is peeled off from the inner surface, thereby cleaning the path with the cleaning material. When the packaging of the cleaning material is completed, the additional cleaning of the hopper 35a is completed (END).

In the second example of the process for additionally cleaning the hopper 35a, when the supply of cleaning material from the drug container 15 that contains the cleaning material to the distribution tray 34a is performed, the measurement of the drug from the drug container 15 is put on hold until the cleaning of the hopper 35a after the previous drug distribution is completed.

In the second example of the process for additionally cleaning the hopper 35a, when the supply of cleaning material from the external drug container 92 to the distribution tray 34a is executed, the transport of the intermediate container 91 containing the weighed drug is put on hold. The drug packaging device 1 has two distribution units 34. If the previous drug packaging uses only one distribution unit 34, the other distribution unit 34 (distribution tray 34a) does not need to be cleaned. For this reason, the other distribution unit 34 may be supplied with drug to the distribution tray 34a and put on hold until packaging begins. During this time, the one distribution unit 34 and the hopper 35a are cleaned with the cleaning material supplied from the external drug container 92.

As shown in Figures 7 and 12, for drugs that require cleaning of the hopper 35a after packaging, after packaging is completed in step S301, the start of packaging the next drug is put on hold until cleaning of the hopper 35a is completed in step S309 (steps S105, S107). By optimizing the timing of cleaning the hopper 35a and packaging the drugs in this way, the hopper 35a can be cleaned reliably. Also, although it is conceivable that residual drugs adhering to the inner surface of the hopper 35a may peel off from the inner surface due to cleaning, since packaging of the next drug is not started until cleaning is completed, contamination of the drug does not occur when packaging the next drug. Therefore, the quality of drug packaging can be improved.

As shown in Figures 7 and 12, for medicines that require cleaning of the hopper 35a after packaging, after packaging is completed in step S301, the supply of the next medicine to the distribution tray 34a is put on hold until cleaning of the hopper 35a is completed in step S309 (steps S105 and S106). If medicines have already been supplied to the distribution tray 34a when the hopper 35a is suctioned and cleaned, there is a possibility that the medicines on the distribution tray 34a will also be sucked in. By not starting the supply of the next medicine to the distribution tray 34a until cleaning is completed, it is possible to reliably avoid suctioning the next medicine during cleaning.

As described with reference to FIG. 2, the first conveying unit 14a and the second conveying unit 14b can operate independently. After the second conveying unit 14b moves a container from the supply standby position P8 so that there is no container at the supply standby position P8, the first conveying unit 14a can convey the intermediate container 91 containing the medicine weighed out from the medicine container 15 to the supply standby position P8. By removing the next medicine from the medicine container 15 before the medicine packaging is completed and overlapping the time required to package the medicine and package it, the time required to measure and package the medicine can be reduced.

As shown in FIG. 2, the medicine packaging device 1 is equipped with an imaging device 54 that captures images of the inside of the hopper 35a. An operator using the medicine packaging device 1 can view the image captured by the imaging device 54 to confirm the condition inside the hopper 35a, and then select whether or not to perform additional cleaning of the hopper 35a. If, as a result of checking the image, it is determined that the hopper 35a has been sufficiently cleaned by normal cleaning, the operator can select that additional cleaning is not necessary, in which case the time required to package medicines can be shortened.

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

As shown in Figures 7 and 12, for drugs that require cleaning of the hopper 35a after packaging, after packaging is completed in step S301, an image captured by the imaging device 54 in step S306 is displayed on the display unit 21 before the packaging operation for the next drug is started in step S107. In this way, if an 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 does not affect the packaging of the next drug. When the next drug is packaged, it is possible to prevent the drug from passing through the hopper 35a with residual drug adhering to its inner surface, and thus to avoid drug contamination, thereby improving the quality of drug packaging.

As shown in FIG. 14, selection sections 231, 232 that receive input regarding whether or not additional cleaning of the hopper 35a is required are displayed on the display section 21, and the operator selects one of the selection sections 231, 232 by operating the operation section 22. This allows the operator to reliably input to the medicine packaging device 1 whether or not additional cleaning of the hopper 35a is required.

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

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

As shown in Figures 12 and 15, for drugs that require cleaning of the hopper 35a after packaging, after packaging is completed in step S301, a cleaning material is supplied from the drug container 15 to the distribution tray 34a in steps S323 and S324. The cleaning material cleans the remaining drug adhering to the inner surface of the drug path, thereby ensuring that the drug path is cleaned. The supply of the cleaning material is performed prior to packaging of the next drug, and the timing of cleaning and drug packaging is optimized, so that contamination of the drug does not occur when packaging the next drug. This improves the quality of drug packaging.

When the excipient contained in the drug container 15 can be used as a cleaning material, there is no need to separately store the excipient and cleaning material in the drug container 15, and it becomes possible to store a greater variety of drugs in the drug container 15, so that a greater variety of drugs can be measured out using the drug packaging device 1.

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

If the drug requires cleaning, the intermediate container 91 will be in a position other than the first waiting position P1, specifically the cleaning position P11, the first removal position P5, or outside the drug packaging device 1 during steps S208 to S212. If cleaning is not required, the intermediate container 91 is promptly returned to the first waiting position P1 so that it can be used for the next dose. If cleaning is required, the intermediate container 91 is additionally cleaned in a position other than the first waiting position P1 and then returned to the first waiting position P1, so that contamination of the drug does not occur when the next drug is placed in the intermediate container 91. This improves the quality of drug packaging.

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

As shown in Figures 8 and 9, after discharging medicine that requires cleaning of the intermediate container 91 after discharging, the intermediate container 91 is cleaned in step S204 and then transported to the first removal position P5 in step S211. An operator using the medicine packaging device 1 can easily manually clean the intermediate container 91 by removing the intermediate container 91 transported to the first removal position P5 to the outside of the medicine packaging device 1.

As shown in Figures 2 and 10, the drug packaging device 1 includes an imaging device 56 that images the intermediate container 91, and a display unit 21 that displays the image captured by the imaging device 56. An operator using the drug packaging device 1 can check the internal condition of the intermediate container 91 by looking at the tip image 201 and center image 202 captured by the imaging device 56 and displayed on the display unit 21, and then select whether or not to perform additional cleaning of the intermediate container 91. If, as a result of checking the images, it is determined that the intermediate container 91 has been sufficiently cleaned by normal cleaning, the operator can select that additional cleaning is not necessary, in which case the time required for packaging the drug can be shortened.

As shown in FIG. 11, selection units 211, 212 that receive input regarding whether or not additional cleaning of the intermediate container 91 is required are displayed on the display unit 21, and the operator selects one of the selection units 211, 212 by operating the operation unit 22. This allows the operator to reliably input to the drug packaging device 1 whether or not additional cleaning of the intermediate container 91 is required. If the selection unit 211 is selected and additional cleaning is determined to be required in step S210 shown in FIG. 9, the intermediate container 91 is transported to the first removal position P5 in step S211. The operator using the drug packaging device 1 can easily perform additional cleaning of the intermediate container 91 manually by removing the intermediate container 91 transported to the first removal position P5 from the drug packaging device 1.

In the above explanation, an example has been described in which the images captured by the imaging devices 54, 56 are displayed on the display unit 21, and the operator who sees the images determines whether additional cleaning is required; however, this is not a limitation. The control unit 50 or another computer may be configured to automatically determine whether additional cleaning is required by analyzing the images captured by the imaging devices 54, 56. In this case, if additional cleaning is not required, the next medicine may be automatically supplied and packaged, and if additional cleaning is required, the operation of the medicine packaging device 1 may be put on hold to notify the operator that additional cleaning is required.

Although the embodiments have been described above, the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and should not be considered limiting. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than the above description, and is intended to include the meaning equivalent to the claims and all modifications within the scope.

1 Drug packaging device, 14 Conveying section, 14a First conveying section, 14b Second conveying section, 15 Drug container, 17 Drug removal section, 18 Weighing section, 18a Placement table, 18b Detection section, 21 Display section, 22 Operation section, 23 Supply standby section, 30 Weighing section, 32 Drug discharge section, 32a Container mounting section, 32b Vibration device, 33 Packaging section, 34 Distribution section, 34a Distribution plate, 34b Feeding section, 35 Packaging section, 35a Hopper, 35b Heater, 37 Cleaning standby section, 38 Cleaning section, 40 Packaging material, 50 Control section, 52 Locking mechanism, 54, 56 Imaging device, 61 Memory section, 62 Weighing selection section, 65 Guidance section, 91 Intermediate container, 92 External drug container, 93 Discharge container, 100 Dispensing system, 201 tip image, 202 center image, 210, 230 selection screen, 211, 212, 231, 232 selection section, 220 hopper inner surface image, P1 first standby position, P2 second standby position, P3 third standby position, P4 weighing position, P5 first removal position, P6 second removal position, P7 third removal position, P8 supply standby position, P9 supply position, P10 cleaning standby position, P11 cleaning position.

Claims (9)

a supply unit for supplying a drug;
a drug path through which the drug supplied by the supply unit passes;
A packaging unit that packages the medicine that has passed through the medicine path;
A control unit that controls the supply unit and the packaging unit,
The control unit determines whether additional cleaning of the medicine path is required after cleaning the medicine path after packaging the medicine,
When the control unit determines that additional cleaning of the medicine path is necessary, after packaging of the medicine that requires additional cleaning of the medicine path is completed, the control unit waits to start packaging the next medicine until the additional cleaning of the medicine path is completed. A distributing unit that distributes the drug supplied from the supply unit into individual doses,
The drug packaging device of claim 1, wherein the control unit waits to start supplying the next drug from the supply unit to the distribution unit after packaging of the drug that requires additional cleaning of the drug path is completed until the additional cleaning of the drug path is completed. The supply unit supplies the medicine from a medicine container that contains the medicine,
The medicine packaging device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit removes the next medicine from the medicine container before packaging of the medicine that requires the additional cleaning of the medicine path is completed. An imaging device for imaging the inside of the drug pathway;
The drug packaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a display unit that displays an image captured by the imaging device. The medicine packaging device according to claim 4 , wherein the display unit displays the image captured by the imaging device after the packaging of the medicine that requires the additional cleaning of the medicine path is completed and before the start of a packaging operation for the next medicine. The drug packaging device according to claim 4 or 5, further comprising an input unit that is operated by an operator who visually checks the image displayed on the display unit and receives an input regarding whether or not the additional cleaning of the drug path is required. The drug pathway is removable from a housing of the drug packaging device;
Further comprising a locking mechanism to prevent removal of the drug pathway;
The medicine packaging device according to claim 6 , wherein when the input unit receives an input indicating that the additional cleaning of the medicine path is required, the control unit releases the locking mechanism to allow the medicine path to be removed. A supply unit that supplies the chemicals supplied from a chemical container that contains the chemicals and cleaning material;
a drug path through which the drug supplied by the supply unit passes;
A packaging unit that packages the medicine that has passed through the medicine path;
A control unit that controls the supply unit and the packaging unit,
The control unit determines whether additional cleaning of the medicine path is required after cleaning the medicine path after packaging the medicine,
When the control unit determines that additional cleaning of the drug path is necessary, the drug packaging device controls the cleaning material to be supplied from the supply unit to the packaging unit after the packaging of the drug that requires additional cleaning of the drug path is completed and cleaning of the drug path is completed, waiting for the start of packaging of the next drug. The drug packaging device of claim 8, wherein the cleaning material is an excipient.

Images