JP7816810B2 - Powder measuring and packaging device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention primarily relates to a powder measuring and packaging device that measures out powder from a powder container.

Powder measuring devices that measure powder medicine that has been manually or automatically dispensed into a designated container have been known for some time. Patent Document 1 discloses a medicine inspection device that includes this type of powder measuring device (medicine weighing device).

The drug inspection device in Patent Document 1 includes a weighing unit, an RFID reader, and a control unit. An RFID tag is attached to the container that holds the drug. The RFID tag stores the weight and identification information of the container. The weighing unit detects the weight of the drug, including the container. The RFID reader obtains the container's identification information and weight by reading the container's RFID tag. The control unit detects the weight of the drug contained in the container by subtracting the container weight read by the RFID reader from the weight detected by the weighing unit. The control unit determines whether the weight of the drug contained in the container matches the weight specified in the prescription, based on the container's identification information.

JP 2013-238493 A

The primary object of the present invention is to provide a powder dosage and packaging device.

Means to solve the problem and effects

The problem that this invention aims to solve is as described above. Next, we will explain the means for solving this problem and its effects.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a powder measuring and packaging device having the following configuration. Specifically, the powder measuring and packaging device is provided with a plurality of first powder containers each containing a different type of powder. The powder measuring and packaging device includes a supply mechanism, a measuring unit, a discharge unit, a distribution unit, a packaging unit, a cleaning unit, and a conveying unit. The supply mechanism supplies powder from the first powder container to a second powder container. The measuring unit calculates the weight of the powder supplied to the second powder container. The discharge unit is attached to the second powder container and discharges the powder from the second powder container. The distribution unit distributes the powder discharged directly from the second powder container to a distribution tray by the discharge unit. The packaging unit packages a predetermined amount of the powder dispensed by the distribution unit. The cleaning unit cleans the second powder container. The conveying unit conveys the second powder container from the measuring unit to a discharge standby position where the second powder container waits for conveyance to the discharge unit, and then conveys the second powder container to the discharge unit, and conveys the second powder container from the discharge unit to a cleaning standby position where the second powder container waits for conveyance to the cleaning unit, and then conveys the second powder container to the cleaning unit. The discharge standby position and the cleaning standby position are the same position.

The powder measuring and packaging device preferably has the following configuration. That is, the powder measuring and packaging device includes a control device. The control device determines whether the second powder container can be transported to the next position depending on whether another container is present at the next position, and if the second powder container can be transported to the next position, controls the transport unit to transport the second powder container to the next position.

The powder measuring and packaging device preferably has the following configuration. That is, the powder measuring and packaging device includes a control device. The control device determines whether each drug specified in the prescription data can be dispensed by the powder measuring and packaging device, and if it determines that the drugs can be dispensed, controls the transport unit to transport the second powder container to the measuring unit.

1 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of a powder medicine measuring and packaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the powder medicine measuring and packaging device. FIG. FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a presetting process. 10 is a flowchart showing a process related to an intermediate container when a first operation is performed. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the intermediate container and the path of the powder when the first operation is performed. 10 is a flowchart showing a process related to the transport or waiting of intermediate containers and secondary containers. 10 is a flowchart showing the process related to operation and cleaning in the dispensing section and packaging section. 10 is a flowchart showing a process relating to an external weighing vessel. 10 is a flowchart showing a process related to the secondary container when performing a second operation. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the secondary container and the path of the powder when the second operation is performed.

Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of a powder dosage and packaging device 1. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the powder dosage and packaging device 1.

The powder measuring and packaging device (powder measuring device, powder dispensing device) 1 is installed in a pharmacy, hospital, or other facility. It measures out powder (powder, granular, or granular medicine) according to dispensing data entered by an operator and packages (divides) the measured powder into packaging material in predetermined amounts. "Measuring" refers to supplying powder while measuring it. The powder measuring and packaging device 1 can also only measure out powder and provide it to the operator without packaging it. In the following description, both measuring out and packaging powder is referred to as the "first operation," and only measuring out powder is referred to as the "second operation." While the powder measuring and packaging device 1 of this embodiment is configured to handle only powder, it may also be configured to package tablets in addition to powder.

When performing the first operation, the powder measuring and packaging device 1 stores and transports powder in an intermediate container 101. The detailed configuration of the intermediate container 101 will be described later. As shown in FIG. 1, the powder measuring and packaging device 1 has a plurality of first waiting tables 11 for holding the intermediate containers 101 before supplying powder. Each first waiting table 11 supports, for example, the bottom surface of the intermediate container 101. An intermediate container 101 before supplying powder, which is located at a first waiting position P1 (a position where the intermediate container 101 before supplying powder is held), is placed on the first waiting table 11.

The first standby table 11 may further be provided with a pin or the like to restrict horizontal movement of the intermediate container 101. Furthermore, although the first standby table 11 in this embodiment is configured to support the bottom surface of the intermediate container 101, it may also be configured to support other parts of the intermediate container 101. For example, if the intermediate container 101 is flange-shaped, it may be configured to support a radially protruding portion (i.e., a configuration that suspends the intermediate container 101).

When performing the second operation, the powder measuring and packaging device 1 places the powder in a secondary container 102 and transports it. The detailed configuration of the secondary container 102 will be described later. The powder measuring and packaging device 1 is equipped with multiple second waiting tables 12 for holding the secondary containers 102 before supplying powder. Each second waiting table 12 supports, for example, the bottom surface of the secondary container 102. The secondary container 102 before supplying powder, which is located at second waiting position P2 (a position where the secondary container 102 before supplying powder is held), is placed on the second waiting table 12. Note that, as with the first waiting table 11, the second waiting table 12 may have a different configuration from that of this embodiment. Furthermore, even when performing the second operation, the powder may be placed in an intermediate container 101 and transported.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the powder measuring and packaging device 1 includes a control device 50, a conveying unit 13, a powder container 14, a powder supply mechanism 15, a measuring unit 16, and a display processing unit 17 as parts used to dispense powder in the first or second operation.

The control device 50 is configured as a known computer and includes a calculation device such as a CPU (not shown), a storage device such as 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 device reads the various programs from the storage device and controls the operation of each part of the powder measuring and packaging device 1 based on the detection values of sensors provided in each part of the powder measuring and packaging device 1 and the various setting values stored in the storage device.

The conveying unit 13 includes a first conveying unit 13a and a second conveying unit 13b. The first conveying unit 13a and the second conveying unit 13b have the same conveying configuration and only differ in the range of conveying. Therefore, the following description will use the first conveying unit 13a as an example. The first conveying unit 13a is configured to convey the intermediate container 101 and the secondary container 102. The first conveying unit 13a includes a container holding unit that holds the intermediate container 101 or the secondary container 102. The container holding unit may further include a pin or the like that restricts horizontal movement of the intermediate container 101 or the secondary container 102. The container holding unit is configured to be movable along a rail formed on the powder measuring and packaging device 1. The first conveying unit 13a can convey the intermediate container 101 or the secondary container 102 by moving the container holding unit along the rail while the intermediate container 101 or the secondary container 102 is held in the container holding unit.

In Figure 1, the path (rail) of the first conveying unit 13a is shown by a dashed line, and the path (rail) of the second conveying unit 13b is shown by a two-dot chain line. The first conveying unit 13a and the second conveying unit 13b are equipped with, for example, separate drive sources and can operate independently. Therefore, conveying by the first conveying unit 13a and conveying by the second conveying unit 13b can be performed in parallel.

In addition, the conveying unit 13 may be configured to have a chuck that grips the container or a suction unit that sucks and holds the container instead of the container holding unit. The rails of the conveying unit 13 may also be omitted. For example, if the container holding unit is provided at the tip of an extendable or rotatable arm, and the position of the container holding unit is changed by extending or rotating the arm, rails will not be necessary.

The powder container 14 is a container that holds powder. The powder container 14 has an opening for supplying the powder to the outside. The powder measuring and packaging device 1 is arranged with multiple powder containers 14, each containing a different type of powder. Note that two of the multiple powder containers 14 may contain the same type of powder (e.g., a frequently used powder). The powder supply mechanism 15 includes a holder, a movement mechanism, and a supply mechanism. The holder removably holds multiple powder containers 14. The movement mechanism moves the powder containers 14 held by the holder to a predetermined position. The supply mechanism acts on the powder container 14 that has been moved to the predetermined position, supplying the contained powder downward through the opening of the powder container 14.

The weighing unit 16 comprises a mounting table 16a and a detection unit 16b. The mounting table 16a is positioned below the powder container 14 and the holder. An intermediate container 101 or a secondary container 102 can be placed on the mounting table 16a. The transport unit 13 moves towards and away from the mounting table 16a while holding the intermediate container 101 or secondary container 102. The intermediate container 101 or secondary container 102 is placed on or removed from the mounting table 16a in the horizontal direction between the holder and the mounting table 16a. The intermediate container 101 or secondary container 102 located at the weighing position P3 (the position where the intermediate container 101 or secondary container 102 is weighed) is placed on the mounting table 16a. Detection unit 16b is an electromagnetic or load cell load sensor that weighs intermediate container 101 or secondary container 102 placed on mounting base 16a. In other words, weighing unit 16 is configured as an electronic balance, and mounting base 16a corresponds to the weighing pan of the electronic balance. Powder supply mechanism 15 moves powder container 14 containing powder indicated in the dispensing data directly above mounting base 16a and supplies the powder from powder container 14 to intermediate container 101 or secondary container 102 placed on mounting base 16a.

In addition, in this embodiment, multiple powder supply mechanisms 15 are provided, and each supply mechanism is provided with a measuring unit 16, so that powder can be supplied and measured for each supply mechanism. This allows the multiple powder supply mechanisms 15 and measuring units 16 to supply and measure powder in parallel.

Alternatively, only one set of powder supply mechanism 15 and measuring unit 16 may be provided. Furthermore, multiple measuring units 16 may be provided for one powder supply mechanism 15. In this case, multiple mounting tables 16a are provided corresponding to the multiple measuring units 16. Furthermore, rather than the powder container 14, the mounting table 16a or the measuring unit 16 may be movable relative to the powder container 14. Alternatively, the powder container 14 may be transported while being held by a chuck or the like, and brought close to the intermediate container 101 or secondary container 102 on the mounting table 16a, after which the powder may be supplied.

The weighing unit 16 calculates the weight of the supplied powder by subtracting the weight before the supply of powder begins when the intermediate container 101 or secondary container 102 is placed on the mounting base 16a from the weight after the supply of powder begins. Alternatively, the weights of the intermediate container 101 and secondary container 102 may be stored in advance, and the weight of the supplied powder may be calculated by subtracting the pre-stored weight of the placed container from the weight after the supply of powder begins. Alternatively, the weighing unit 16 may calculate the weight of the supplied powder by taring the intermediate container 101 or secondary container 102 while it is placed on the mounting base 16a.

In this embodiment, the weighing unit 16 calculates the weight of the supplied powder by weighing the intermediate container 101 or secondary container 102 on the mounting table 16a. Alternatively, the weighing unit 16 may be configured to calculate the weight of the supplied powder by weighing the powder container 14. In this case, the weighing unit 16 calculates the weight of the supplied powder based on the change in weight of the powder container 14.

Here, we will explain the configuration of the intermediate container 101 into which the powder is supplied. As shown in Figure 3, the intermediate container 101 includes a storage section 101a, a discharge path 101b, an opening/closing section 101c, and a display section 101d.

The storage section 101a is a cylindrical section that stores the powder supplied from the powder container 14. The storage section 101a has a storage space surrounded by a wall to prevent the powder from falling during transport of the intermediate container 101. Note that the storage section 101a is not limited to a cylindrical shape, and may be a rectangular parallelepiped or other shape.

Discharge path 101b is formed at a position horizontally adjacent to storage section 101a. Discharge path 101b is a path for discharging the powder stored in storage section 101a to the outside of intermediate container 101 (to distribution section 24, described below, in this embodiment). Discharge path 101b includes an elongated bottom surface for moving the powder toward the outside, a discharge outlet formed at the end in the longitudinal direction (the direction in which the powder moves), and a side surface formed at the end in the lateral direction.

The opening/closing unit 101c includes a partition plate that separates the storage unit 101a and the discharge path 101b, which are arranged horizontally adjacent to each other. In other words, the partition plate is one of the components that form the storage space of the storage unit 101a. This partition plate is also configured to be movable in the vertical direction, and by moving the partition plate, the storage unit 101a and the discharge path 101b can be connected. In other words, the opening/closing unit 101c can be switched between an open state in which the powder stored in the storage unit 101a can be discharged via the discharge path 101b, and a closed state in which the powder stored in the storage unit 101a cannot be discharged, by moving the partition plate.

The opening/closing unit 101c may be configured to switch between the open and closed states by rotating the partition plate rather than by moving it up and down. The partition plate of the opening/closing unit 101c may also be configured to separate the storage unit 101a and the discharge path 101b, which are arranged adjacent to each other in the vertical direction. Specifically, the partition plate is arranged on part of the bottom surface of the storage unit 101a, and part of the discharge path 101b is arranged below this partition plate. The open and closed states are switched by moving the partition plate.

Display unit 101d displays information such as text. Display unit 101d is configured to be able to change the display content based on a signal received from the outside. Display unit 101d is located on the outer surface of storage unit 101a. In this embodiment, display unit 101d is, for example, microcapsule-type or electrophoretic electronic paper. In addition, while display unit 101d is a dot-matrix display device in this embodiment, it may also be a segment-type display device as long as it is configured to display only numbers.

As shown in FIG. 3, the display unit 101d reflects the information contained in the dispensing data and displays four items: powder name, recipient, target value, and measured value. The powder name is the name of the powder supplied to the intermediate container 101. The recipient is information used to identify the recipient of the powder in the dispensing data, such as the name and age of the recipient. The target value is the target value of the powder supplied to the intermediate container 101. This information is displayed based on the dispensing data entered in advance by the operator. The measured value is the weight (actual measured value) of the powder supplied to the intermediate container 101. The weight (actual measured value) of the powder is calculated by the weighing unit 16.

Instead of electronic paper, the display unit 101d may be a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. Furthermore, the display unit 101d may be located on the outer surface of the discharge path 101b rather than on the storage unit 101a.

Next, the secondary container 102 will be described with reference to Figure 4. As shown in Figure 4, the secondary container 102 includes a storage section 102a and a display section 102d.

Like storage section 101a, storage section 102a is a cylindrical section that stores powder supplied from powder container 14. It is preferable that the shape of storage section 102a be similar to that of storage section 101a.

Specifically, the intermediate container 101 and the secondary container 102 are transported by a common first transport unit 13a. Therefore, at least the portion held by the first transport unit 13a must have the same structure. For example, if the transport unit 13 includes a container holder, it is preferable that the bottom surfaces of the intermediate container 101 and the secondary container 102 have the same structure. Furthermore, if the first transport unit 13a further includes a pin that restricts horizontal container movement, it is preferable that both the intermediate container 101 and the secondary container 102 be able to engage with this pin. Furthermore, the intermediate container 101 and the secondary container 102 are weighed by a common weighing unit 16. In this regard, it is also preferable that the portion (bottom surface) supported by the mounting table 16a have the same structure. Furthermore, the intermediate container 101 and the secondary container 102 receive powder from a common powder supply mechanism 15. Therefore, it is preferable that the height and shape of the upper openings of the intermediate container 101 and the secondary container 102 are the same.

Like display unit 101d, display unit 102d is electronic paper that displays information such as text. Display unit 102d has the same configuration as display unit 101d. Display unit 102d also displays the same information as display unit 101d. Display units 101d and 102d share a common device (display processing unit 17) used to rewrite information. Therefore, it is preferable that the positions of display units 101d and 102d relative to display processing unit 17 are the same so that signals output by display processing unit 17 can be properly received. From this perspective, it is preferable that display units 101d and 102d be provided in storage units 101a and 102a, which have a structure common to both, rather than in discharge path 101b, which is provided only in intermediate container 101.

A display processing unit 17 is also disposed near each mounting base 16a. The display processing unit 17 is, for example, a reader/writer, and performs processing to change the information displayed on the display units 101d and 102d. Specifically, the display processing unit 17 reads the powder name, recipient, and target value based on the dispensing data stored in the control device 50, and displays them on the display units 101d and 102d. The display processing unit 17 also obtains the measurement value from the measurement unit 16 directly or via the control device 50, and performs processing to display it on the display units 101d and 102d.

In this embodiment, a display processing unit 17 is disposed near each of the multiple mounting tables 16a. Therefore, the display processing unit 17 can change the display content of the display units 101d, 102d even while the intermediate container 101 or secondary container 102 is being weighed by the weighing unit 16 (i.e., while the powder is being supplied). Furthermore, even after weighing by the weighing unit 16, the display processing unit 17 can display the weighed value on the display units 101d, 102d without moving the intermediate container 101 or secondary container 102.

In this embodiment, the display processing unit 17 changes the display content of the display units 101d and 102d using short-range communication, but the display content of the display units 101d and 102d may also be changed using a signal that can reach a relatively long distance (e.g., a signal using a wireless LAN). In this case, for example, a single display processing unit 17 can be used to change the display content for any intermediate container 101 or secondary container 102 placed on any of the multiple placement stages 16a.

The process described above, i.e., transporting a container (intermediate container 101 or secondary container 102) in the standby position to the mounting table 16a and dispensing the powder while measuring it, is a process that is performed in common in both the first and second operations. In the second operation, after dispensing, no special processing is required within the device, and the powder is sent out.

Specifically, the powder measuring and packaging device 1 is equipped with a plurality of second removal tables 18 for removing secondary containers 102. Each second removal table 18 supports the bottom surface of a secondary container 102. A secondary container located at a second removal position P9 (a position where an operator can remove a secondary container 102) is placed on the second removal table 18. Note that the second waiting table 12 may have a different configuration from that of this embodiment, as described for the first waiting table 11.

The operator retrieves and uses the secondary container 102 transported to the second removal table 18 at an appropriate time. For example, the operator supplies the secondary container 102 retrieved from the powder measuring and packaging device 1 to another packaging device for packaging. This allows packaging to be performed in parallel by the powder measuring and packaging device 1 and the other packaging device, thereby enabling efficient work. After using the powder contained in the secondary container 102, the operator cleans the secondary container 102 and returns it to the second waiting table 12. This allows the secondary container 102 to be used repeatedly.

In the first operation, the powder supplied to the intermediate container 101 is distributed and packaged. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the powder measuring and packaging device 1 further includes multiple discharge units 22 and a packaging unit 23 as parts used for dispensing and packaging. The packaging unit 23 includes multiple distribution units 24 and a packaging unit 25. In addition, a discharge standby table 21 is located at the boundary between the part where the powder is dispensed and the part where the powder is distributed and packaged.

The discharge standby table 21 supports the bottom surface of the intermediate container 101. An intermediate container 101 positioned at discharge standby position P4 (a position where an intermediate container 101 that has been dispensed but has not yet been dispensed of powder is kept waiting) is placed on the discharge standby table 21. Note that, as described for the first standby table 11, the discharge standby table 21 may have a configuration different from that of this embodiment. Also, although one discharge standby table 21 is provided in this embodiment, multiple discharge standby tables 21 may be provided.

By providing the discharge standby table 21, even if the intermediate container 101 cannot be transported from the loading table 16a to the discharge unit 22, the intermediate container 101 can be placed on standby on the discharge standby table 21. As a result, this weighing unit 16 can be used to measure out another intermediate container 101.

The discharge standby table 21 also functions as a relay point between the first transport unit 13a and the second transport unit 13b. That is, the first transport unit 13a is configured to be able to transport containers between the first standby position P1, the second standby position P2, the weighing position P3, the discharge standby position P4, the cleaning standby position P7 (described later), and the second removal position P9. Meanwhile, the second transport unit 13b is also configured to be able to transport containers at positions including the discharge standby position P4. Therefore, after the first transport unit 13a moves the intermediate container 101 to the discharge standby table 21, the intermediate container 101 is transported by the second transport unit 13b at an appropriate timing. If the first transport unit 13a and the second transport unit 13b directly transferred the intermediate container 101, it would be necessary to synchronize the timing between the first transport unit 13a and the second transport unit 13b. However, by using the discharge standby table 21 as an relay, as in this embodiment, it is not necessary to synchronize the timing between the two.

The discharge standby table 21 is also arranged on the path from the loading table 16a to the discharge section 22. This eliminates the need to detour the intermediate container 101, preventing the intermediate container 101 from having to travel a long transport distance. The discharge standby table 21 may also be arranged somewhere other than on the path from the weighing section 16 to the discharge section 22. When multiple discharge standby tables 21 are provided, the respective discharge standby tables 21 may be arranged adjacent to each other or at separate locations.

The discharge unit 22 performs the operation of discharging the powder supplied to the intermediate container 101 (discharge operation). The discharge unit 22 includes a container attachment unit 22a and a vibration device 22b.

The container mounting portion 22a is configured to allow attachment of an intermediate container 101. The intermediate container 101 is attached to the container mounting portion 22a by the second conveying portion 13b. In other words, the intermediate container 101 is attached to the container mounting portion 22a automatically, not manually. The intermediate container 101 located at the discharge position P5 (the position of the intermediate container 101 when discharge is performed) is placed on the container mounting portion 22a.

The vibration device 22b includes a motor that generates vibrations. The vibration device 22b is controlled by the control device 50. The vibration device 22b generates vibrations of a strength according to the instructions of the control device 50. The vibrations generated by the vibration device 22b are transmitted to the intermediate container 101 attached to the container attachment portion 22a.

In addition, the discharge unit 22 can operate the opening/closing unit 101c of the intermediate container 101 to switch the intermediate container 101 between an open state and a closed state. When the intermediate container 101 is in the open state and the vibration device 22b generates vibrations, the powder contained in the storage unit 101a is discharged via the discharge path 101b.

The distribution unit 24 distributes the powder medicine discharged by each of the multiple discharge units 22. The distribution unit 24 includes a distribution tray 24a and a feed unit 24b. The distribution tray 24a is configured to be rotatable around the vertical direction. The discharge unit 22 discharges the powder medicine onto the rotating distribution tray 24a. The feed unit 24b drops the powder medicine discharged onto the distribution tray 24a downward in predetermined amounts.

The packaging unit 25 packages predetermined amounts of powder medicine dispensed by the dispensing unit 24 into packaging material 40. The packaging unit 25 includes a hopper 25a and a heater 25b. The powder medicine dispensed from the dispensing unit 24 is dropped into the packaging material 40 through the hopper 25a while the heater 25b heat-seals the packaging material 40, repeatedly separating the powder medicine supplied in predetermined amounts. The packaging material containing the predetermined amounts of powder medicine is delivered to a storage unit outside or inside the device. The position from which the delivered packaging material 40 is removed is referred to as the first removal position P6.

The powder measuring and packaging device 1 also includes a cleaning standby table 31, a cleaning unit 32, and a cleaning table 33 as parts for cleaning the intermediate container 101.

The cleaning standby table 31 is arranged on the path of the second transport unit 13b. The intermediate container 101, which has discharged powder in the discharge unit 22, is transported to the cleaning standby table 31 by the second transport unit 13b. The intermediate container 101 located at the cleaning standby position P7 (the position of the intermediate container 101 waiting to be cleaned) is placed on the cleaning standby table 31. Note that, as described for the first standby table 11, the cleaning standby table 31 may have a configuration different from that of this embodiment. Furthermore, although one cleaning standby table 31 is arranged in this embodiment, multiple cleaning standby tables 31 may also be arranged.

The cleaning unit 32 includes a cleaning table 33. An intermediate container 101 is placed on the cleaning table 33 and positioned at cleaning position P8 (the position of the intermediate container 101 when cleaning is performed). Transport between the cleaning standby table 31 and the cleaning table 33 is performed by a transport mechanism (not shown) that is different from the transport unit 13. Note that the first transport unit 13a or the second transport unit 13b may be configured to transport between the cleaning standby table 31 and the cleaning table 33.

The cleaning unit 32 removes trace amounts of powder adhering to the intermediate container 101, for example, by spraying air onto the intermediate container 101. The cleaning unit 32 may also use a cleaning agent such as baking soda. The cleaning agent may be used every time, or may be used only for predetermined powders (powders that have a large impact if contamination occurs). The cleaning unit 32 may also be capable of cleaning multiple intermediate containers 101 in a single cleaning session. After cleaning is complete, the intermediate container 101 is returned from the cleaning table 33 to the cleaning standby table 31.

Like the discharge standby table 21, the cleaning standby table 31 also functions as a relay point between the first transport unit 13a and the second transport unit 13b. Specifically, the second transport unit 13b can transport the intermediate container 101 to the cleaning standby table 31, and the first transport unit 13a can transport the intermediate container 101 from the cleaning standby table 31 to another position. Therefore, there is no need to directly hand over the intermediate container 101.

If the cleaning standby table 31 were not present, for example, when an intermediate container 101 that has already been discharged is present and the cleaning unit 32 is in use, the intermediate container 101 would have to be left on the container attachment unit 22a until cleaning is complete. In this regard, by providing the cleaning standby table 31 as in this embodiment, the intermediate container 101 can be moved from the container attachment unit 22a even in such a situation. As a result, the next discharge of powder can be started using this container attachment unit 22a, thereby improving work efficiency.

The operation unit 51 shown in FIG. 2 is a hardware key or the like for operation by an operator. A setting display unit 52 is provided near the operation unit 51. The setting display unit 52 is a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or the like. The setting display unit 52 displays a setting screen or the like for the powder measuring and packaging device 1. The operator can make various settings for the powder measuring and packaging device 1 by operating the operation unit 51 while checking the setting screen on the setting display unit 52. The operation unit 51 is not limited to a hardware key and may be, for example, a touch panel.

In addition, some container mounting portions 22a can be fitted with not only intermediate containers 101 but also containers that hold powder supplied from outside the device (outside the powder measuring and packaging device 1; the same applies below). Hereinafter, these containers will be referred to as external measuring containers 103. In other words, the external measuring containers 103 contain powder supplied without using the powder supply mechanism 15 of the powder measuring and packaging device 1. Furthermore, the powder supplied to the external measuring containers 103 is measured outside the device. In contrast, the intermediate containers 101 can also be referred to as internal measuring containers because the powder supply mechanism 15 supplies the powder and the measuring unit 16 measures it inside the powder measuring and packaging device 1. The external measuring containers 103 are manually attached to the container mounting portions 22a by an operator, not by the second conveying unit 13b. Therefore, the external measuring containers 103 can also be referred to as manually attached containers. On the other hand, the intermediate container 101 can also be called an automatically attached container, since it is attached to the container attachment part 22a automatically (without human intervention) by the conveying part 13. The external weighing container 103 may also be manually attached by an operator to a member other than the container attachment part 22a (for example, the discharge standby table 21). The external weighing container 103 placed on this member (for example, the discharge standby table 21) is transported by the second conveying part 13b or another transport mechanism and attached to the container attachment part 22a.

In this embodiment, two container mounting portions 22a are provided for each of the two distribution units 24 (four in total). Two of these container mounting portions 22a (specifically, one of the two container mounting portions 22a that supplies powder to the first distribution unit 24 and one of the two container mounting portions 22a that supplies powder to the second distribution unit 24) can be fitted with not only an intermediate container 101 but also an external measuring container 103. In other words, of the multiple container mounting portions 22a arranged in each distribution unit 24, at least one container mounting portion 22a can be fitted with an external measuring container 103. This allows the external measuring container 103 to be fitted to either of the two distribution units 24. Note that, instead of the configuration of this embodiment, all container mounting portions 22a may be fitted with both the intermediate container 101 and the external measuring container 103.

As shown in Figure 3, the external measuring container 103 has a storage section 103a, a discharge path 103b, and an opening/closing section 103c.

After the external weighing container 103 is attached to the container mounting portion 22a, the discharge portion 22 discharges the powder, similar to the intermediate container 101. Therefore, the external weighing container 103 basically has a similar configuration to the intermediate container 101. In particular, it is preferable that the discharge path 103b of the external weighing container 103 have the same shape as the discharge path 101b of the intermediate container 101 so that the powder can be discharged under the same conditions. Note that even if there are manufacturing errors, slight deformations due to use, or slight differences in parts that are not functionally important (in other words, as long as the two have approximately the same shape), discharge paths 101b and 103b are considered to have the "same shape." Furthermore, it is preferable that the opening/closing portion 101c and opening/closing portion 103c also have the same configuration or shape so that the open/closed state of the external weighing container 103 can be automatically switched.

Furthermore, the powder measuring and packaging device 1 does not use the external measuring container 103 for dispensing. Therefore, the external measuring container 103 is not provided with a display unit. However, the external measuring container 103 may be provided with a display unit. The intermediate container 101 can also be used as the external measuring container 103. In this case, the operator removes the intermediate container 101 placed on the first waiting table 11, etc., dispensing outside the device, and then manually attaches this intermediate container 101 to the container attachment part 22a. This has the advantage of reducing the number of types of containers used.

Next, we will explain the pre-setting process when using the powder measuring and packaging device 1, mainly with reference to Figure 6. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the pre-setting process.

First, the control device 50 displays a dispensing data input screen on the setting display unit 52 (S101). Dispensing data includes the recipient, dosage and administration, drug information, etc. The powder measuring and packaging device 1 operates based on the input dispensing data. Dosage and administration include the number of doses per day, the timing of administration, the number of days of administration, and the amount per dose. Drug information includes the name and amount of one or more powders to be used. The operator inputs dispensing data using the operation unit 51 along the input screen. The input dispensing data is stored, for example, in the control device 50. Note that instead of the operator manually entering dispensing data, prescription data or dispensing data may be acquired via communication from an external information processing device. When the powder measuring and packaging device 1 acquires prescription data, the control device 50 determines whether each drug specified in the prescription data can be dispensed by the powder measuring and packaging device 1. The prescription data may include drugs that cannot be dispensed by the powder measuring and packaging device 1. The control device 50 creates dispensing data for powders determined to be dispenseable. When the powder measuring and packaging device 1 acquires dispensing data, it acquires dispensing data created by an external information processing device. The external information processing device (management device), for example, controls multiple dispensing devices and can assign dispensing data to each dispensing device. The external information processing device determines whether each drug specified in the prescription data can be dispensed by the powder measuring and packaging device 1, and creates dispensing data for powders determined to be dispenseable. Whether the powder measuring and packaging device 1 can dispense a drug is determined based on the type of powder by referencing master information stored in the control device 50 or the external information processing device. If a powder container 14 to contain the drug is available, information indicating that the drug can be dispensed is associated with the master information. Even if the powder container 14 is not held by a holder, information indicating that the drug can be dispensed may be associated with the master information for the powder contained therein as long as the powder container 14 can be held by the holder.

Next, the control device 50 displays a selection screen on the setting display unit 52 for selecting whether to perform the first or second operation for each dispensing data (S102). As described above, the first operation is when the powder measuring and packaging device 1 measures and packages the medicine. The second operation is when the powder measuring and packaging device 1 only measures the medicine. The operator uses the operation unit 51 to select either the first or second operation according to this selection screen.

Next, the control device 50 determines whether the operator has selected the first operation (S103). If the control device 50 determines that the operator has selected the first operation, it displays a setting screen for discharge, distribution, and packaging on the setting display unit 52 (S104). The operator operates the operation unit 51 to specify, for example, the strength of vibration when discharging the powder, which distribution unit 24 to use to distribute the specified powder, the characters to be printed on the packaging material 40, etc. The control device 50 registers the settings specified by the operator (S105). The discharge operation, distribution operation, and packaging operation described below are processed based on the information registered here.

Next, the control device 50 displays a setting screen on the setting display unit 52 for specifying whether or not to use the external measuring container 103 (S106). If the external measuring container 103 is to be used, the operator operates the operation unit 51 to specify which of the multiple powders will be supplied by the external measuring container 103. If the external measuring container 103 is not to be used, the operator operates the operation unit 51 to specify this. The control device 50 registers the settings for the external measuring container 103 specified by the operator (S107).

Furthermore, if the control device 50 determines in step S103 that the first operation was not selected (i.e., that the second operation was selected), it displays a setting screen related to dispensing on the setting display unit 52 (S108). For example, if the operator wants the powder measuring and packaging device 1 to measure out only some of the powders included in the dispensing data, the operator sets this. The operator may also set the order in which the powders will be measured out. The control device 50 registers the setting related to dispensing specified by the operator (S109). When dispensing, as described below, processing is performed based on the information registered here.

Next, the processing related to the intermediate container 101 when performing the first operation will be described, mainly with reference to Figures 7 and 8. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing this processing. Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the intermediate container 101 and the path of the powder when performing the first operation.

First, the control device 50 controls the first transport unit 13a to transport the intermediate container 101 from the first standby position P1 to the weighing position P3 (S201, (1) in Figure 8). Next, the control device 50 controls the powder supply mechanism 15 to move the powder container 14 containing the specified powder above the intermediate container 101 (mounting table 16a) (S202). Next, the control device 50 controls the powder supply mechanism 15 to operate the supply mechanism on the powder container 14 moved above the intermediate container 101, thereby starting the supply of powder to the intermediate container 101 (S203). When the supply of powder to the intermediate container 101 starts, the display unit 101d, described below, is updated (S204). The start of powder supply refers to the start of dispensing the powder. The operation of measuring out powder from the powder container 14 into the intermediate container 101 (S201 to S203) is performed for each type of medicine specified in the dispensing data. If the target value exceeds the upper limit of the intermediate container 101, one type of medicine may be divided and supplied to multiple intermediate containers 101.

As described above, because the intermediate container 101 is used repeatedly, the display unit 101d of the intermediate container 101 supplied this time still displays the powder name, recipient, target value, and measurement value used in the previous process. Therefore, at the start of powder supply, the control device 50 controls the display processing unit 17 to reset or erase the measurement value on the display unit 101d and update the powder name, recipient, and target value (S204). The powder name, recipient, and target value are registered in the control device 50 based on the dispensing data described above. Here, the start of powder supply includes the time when powder supply starts and any time around that time. The start of updating the display unit 101d (S204) may be before, simultaneously with, or after the start of powder supply. The start of powder supply may be after, simultaneously with, or before the completion of updating the display unit 101d (S204).

The control device 50 supplies the powder so that the measured value calculated by the measuring unit 16 matches the target value. The control device 50 determines whether the supply of the powder is complete (S205), and if it determines that the supply of the powder is complete (i.e., when the dispensing is complete), it controls the display processing unit 17 to display the final measured value on the display unit 101d (S206). In this way, when the supply of the powder to the intermediate container 101 is complete, the display unit 101d is updated (S206). The completion of the supply of the powder refers to the completion of the dispensing of the powder. Here, the completion of the supply of the powder includes the time when the supply of the powder is completed and a time shortly thereafter. The time at which the update of the display unit 101d (S206) starts may be simultaneous with or after the time when the supply of the powder is completed.

Next, the control device 50 controls the first conveying unit 13a to convey the intermediate container 101 from the weighing position P3 to the discharge standby position P4 (S207, (2) in Figure 8).

Furthermore, the control device 50 performs the process shown in FIG. 9 each time the intermediate container 101 or secondary container 102 is transported to the next position as in step S207. Specifically, the control device 50 determines whether the intermediate container 101 or secondary container 102 can be transported to the next position (S301). Specifically, the control device 50 can determine whether another container is present at the next position (whether it can be transported to the next position) by determining at which position a container is present based on the transport history of the intermediate container 101 and secondary container 102. Note that instead of using the method of using the container transport history, a sensor that detects the presence or absence of a container may be provided at each position, and the presence or absence of a container at each position may be determined based on the detection result of this sensor.

If there is no other container at the next position, the control device 50 determines that the intermediate container 101 or secondary container 102 can be transported to the next position, and transports the intermediate container 101 or secondary container 102 to the next position (S302). If there is another container at the next position, the control device 50 determines that the intermediate container 101 or secondary container 102 cannot be transported to the next position, and waits for transport (S303). If the control device 50 waits for transport, the process of step S301 is repeated, and the intermediate container 101 or secondary container 102 is transported to the next position when it becomes possible to transport it to the next position. As described above, the process of FIG. 9 is performed not only in step S207, but also each time the intermediate container 101 or secondary container 102 is transported.

Next, the control device 50 controls the second conveying unit 13b to convey the intermediate container 101 from the discharge standby position P4 to the discharge position P5 (S208, (3) in Figure 8), and attaches the intermediate container 101 to the container attachment unit 22a (S209).

The control device 50 moves the opening/closing portion 101c of the intermediate container 101 to switch it from a closed state to an open state, and controls the vibration device 22b to generate vibrations, thereby discharging the powder to the dispensing unit 24 (S210, discharge operation).

In conventional technology, only a portion of the powder contained in the powder container is dispensed, so the powder is dispensed while being measured. This increases the time required for dispensing. Furthermore, it is preferable to dispense powder with vibrations of an appropriate strength according to the particle size or clumping ability. However, in conventional technology, to prevent more powder than the target amount being dispensed, it is necessary to reduce the vibration strength midway through the powder dispensing operation (specifically, just before completion) and fine-tune the amount dispensed.

In contrast, in this embodiment, unlike conventional technology, the powder is measured out in advance. Therefore, the discharge unit 22 performs a discharge operation to discharge all of the powder contained in the intermediate container 101. This shortens the time required for discharge. Furthermore, because fine adjustments like those in conventional technology are not required, the discharge operation can be performed from start to finish with vibrations of an appropriate strength according to the particle size or clumping ability of the powder. In other words, no process is performed to weaken the vibration strength during the discharge operation (for example, just before completion).

Note that "the discharge operation to discharge all of the powder" means that no powder contained in the intermediate container 101 is actively left behind, and even if a small amount of powder remains on the intermediate container 101 after the powder has been discharged (in other words, if almost all of the powder has been discharged), the "discharge operation to discharge all of the powder" will be considered to have been performed.

The powder medicine discharged to the dispensing unit 24 is packaged in predetermined amounts by the packaging unit 25 as described above and sent to the first removal position P6 ((4) in Figure 8). The series of paths from (2) to (4) above is a path through which the powder medicine is measured out of the powder container 14, distributed, packaged in packaging material 40, and sent to the first removal position P6; this series of paths is referred to as the first path.

Furthermore, the process of transporting the intermediate container 101 from the weighing position P3 to the discharge standby position P4, where the intermediate container 101 waits to be discharged by the discharge unit 22, is referred to as the first transport. Further, the process of transporting the intermediate container 101 from the discharge standby position P4 to the discharge position P5 is referred to as the second transport. In this embodiment, the first transport is performed by the first transport unit 13a, and the second transport is performed by the second transport unit 13b. Therefore, the first transport and the second transport can be performed in parallel.

Next, the control device 50 controls the second transport unit 13b to move the intermediate container 101 from the discharge position P5 to the cleaning standby position P7 (S211, (5) in Figure 8). The control device 50 then moves the intermediate container 101 to the cleaning position P8 at an appropriate timing (S212, (6) in Figure 8), and controls the cleaning unit 32 to clean the intermediate container 101 (S213).

After cleaning is complete, the control device 50 returns the intermediate container 101 to the cleaning standby position P7 ((7) in Figure 8) and controls the first transport unit 13a to transport the intermediate container 101 to the first standby position P1 (S214, (8) in Figure 8). As a result, the intermediate container 101 returns to its original position. Therefore, if further discharge is required, this intermediate container 101 can be reused.

As such, because the intermediate container 101 is used repeatedly within the powder measuring and packaging device 1, the operator generally does not need to check the display unit 101d. However, by providing the intermediate container 101 with the display unit 101d, the operator can check information about the powder contained in the intermediate container 101 if an abnormality occurs in the powder measuring and packaging device 1 and it stops operating. This allows the operator to, for example, dispose of the powder in a manner appropriate for the type of powder contained therein or clean the intermediate container 101.

Next, referring to Figure 10, we will explain the operation and cleaning process of the distribution unit 24 and packaging unit 25. Figure 10 is a flowchart showing this process.

First, the control device 50 determines whether the dispensing operation has been completed for all powders to be processed (S401). For example, if two types of powders are to be mixed and distributed and packaged, the control device 50 determines whether the dispensing operation for both types of powders has been completed. If the control device 50 determines that the dispensing operation has been completed, it controls the distribution unit 24 and packaging unit 25 to start the dispensing operation and packaging operation (S402).

Next, the control device 50 determines whether the dispensing operation is complete (S403), and if so, cleans the dispensing unit 24 (S404). Cleaning of the dispensing unit 24 is performed using air, as with cleaning of the intermediate container 101, but a cleaning agent may also be used in addition.

The control device 50 determines whether the packaging operation is complete (S405), and if so, cleans the packaging unit 25 (S406). Cleaning of the packaging unit 25 is performed using air, as with cleaning of the intermediate container 101 and the dispensing unit 24, but a cleaning agent may also be used in addition.

Next, referring to Figure 11, the process performed when the external weighing container 103 is used will be described. Figure 11 is a flowchart showing this process. This process is performed after the start of the first operation when the external weighing container 103 is set to be used in the pre-settings.

The control device 50 determines whether it is time to attach the external measuring container 103 (S501). The timing to attach the external measuring container 103 is determined based on the following conditions: the order of discharging the powder associated with the external measuring container 103 has arrived; and no other containers are attached to the container attachment portion 22a to which the external measuring container 103 can be attached.

When the control device 50 determines that it is time to attach the external weighing container 103, it instructs the operator to attach the external weighing container 103 (S502). This instruction is given, for example, by voice, a notification lamp, or a display on the setting display unit 52. Furthermore, if the container attachment portion 22a is covered by a housing and the door for accessing the container attachment portion 22a is locked, this lock is released. The operator attaches the external weighing container 103 to the container attachment portion 22a based on the instructions of the control device 50.

The control device 50 determines whether attachment of the external weighing container 103 is complete (S503). This determination may be made, for example, based on whether a sensor attached to the container attachment section 22a detects the external weighing container 103, or based on whether the operator inputs via the operation section 51 that the external weighing container 103 has been attached.

When the control device 50 determines that installation of the external weighing container 103 is complete, it performs the discharge operation (S504). As described above, the discharge path 101b of the intermediate container 101 and the discharge path 103b of the external weighing container 103 have the same shape. Furthermore, because the powder contained in the external weighing container 103 has already been weighed, all of the powder contained in the external weighing container 103 is discharged to the distribution unit 24. Therefore, in this embodiment, the control of the discharge operation (control of the vibration device 22b) is common to the external weighing container 103 and the intermediate container 101. This simplifies the control of the discharge operation and allows discharge to be performed under the same conditions regardless of whether the powder is contained in the intermediate container 101 or the external weighing container 103.

Next, the processing related to the secondary container 102 when performing the second operation will be described, mainly with reference to Figures 12 and 13. Figure 12 is a flowchart showing this processing. Figure 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the secondary container 102 and the path of the powder when performing the second operation. Note that steps S601 to S606 in Figure 12 are similar to steps S201 to S206 of the processing in Figure 7, so some of the description will be simplified.

First, the control device 50 controls the first conveying unit 13a to transport the secondary container 102 from the second standby position P2 to the weighing position P3 (S601, (1) in Figure 13). Next, the control device 50 controls the powder supply mechanism 15 to move the powder container 14 containing the specified powder above the secondary container 102 (mounting table 16a) (S602). Next, the control device 50 controls the powder supply mechanism 15 to operate the supply mechanism on the powder container 14 moved above the secondary container 102, thereby starting the supply of powder to the secondary container 102 (S603). When the supply of powder to the secondary container 102 starts, the display unit 102d, described below, is updated (S604). The start of powder supply refers to the start of dispensing the powder. The operation of measuring out powder from the powder container 14 into the secondary container 102 (S601 to S603) is performed for each type of drug specified in the dispensing data. If the target value exceeds the upper limit of the capacity of the secondary container 102, one type of drug may be divided and supplied to multiple secondary containers 102.

Next, at the start of powder supply, the control device 50 controls the display processing unit 17 to reset or erase the measurement value on the display unit 102d, and update the powder name, recipient, and target value (S604). Here, the start of powder supply includes the time when powder supply starts and any time around that time. The time when updating the display unit 102d (S604) starts may be before, at the same time as, or after the time when powder supply starts. The time when powder supply starts may be after, at the same time as, or before the time when updating the display unit 102d (S604) is completed.

The control device 50 determines whether the supply of powder is complete (S605). If it determines that the supply of powder is complete, it controls the display processing unit 17 to display the final measurement value on the display unit 102d (S606). Thus, when the supply of powder to the secondary container 102 is complete, the display unit 102d is updated (S606). The completion of the supply of powder refers to the completion of dispensing the powder. Here, the completion of the supply of powder includes the time when the supply of powder is completed and any time thereafter. The time at which the update of the display unit 102d (S606) is started may be simultaneous with or after the time when the supply of powder is completed. Next, the control device 50 controls the first transport unit 13a to transport the secondary container 102 from the weighing position P3 to the second removal position P9 (S607). The above-mentioned path (2) is a path through which the powder from the powder container 14 is measured out into the secondary container 102, and then the powder is sent to the second removal position P9 while still contained in the secondary container 102; this path is referred to as the second path.

In the second operation, unlike the first operation, the operator handles the secondary container 102 himself. Therefore, by providing a display unit 102d on the secondary container 102, the operator can check information about the powder contained in the secondary container 102. In particular, by displaying both the target value and the measured value on the display unit 102d, the operator can grasp information including the error relative to the target value. Therefore, even if it takes time to start packaging using another packaging device after sending the secondary container 102 to the second removal position P9, the operator can check which dispensing data the powder contained in the secondary container 102 corresponds to by looking at the display on the display unit 102d.

In addition, the information displayed on the display unit 102d will not disappear until new powder is supplied and the information is rewritten. Therefore, for example, even when cleaning the secondary container 102 after using it in another packaging device, it is possible to check the name of the powder most recently contained in the secondary container 102. Therefore, cleaning can be performed in a manner appropriate for the type of powder.

In the powder measuring and packaging device 1 of this embodiment, the first and second operations can be performed in parallel. Specifically, dispensing into the secondary container 102 can be performed even while the dispensing operation, packaging operation, or cleaning of the intermediate container 101 of the first operation is being performed. Furthermore, each process of the first operation can be performed in parallel. For example, dispensing in the first operation can be performed in parallel with the dispensing operation, packaging operation, or cleaning of the intermediate container 101 of the first operation. Furthermore, multiple dispensing operations in the first operation can be performed in parallel. Furthermore, multiple dispensing operations in the second operation can be performed in parallel. In this way, the powder measuring and packaging device 1 of this embodiment can perform various processes in parallel, thereby improving work efficiency. Note that in this embodiment, the dispensing operations of the first operation and the dispensing operations of the second operation are configured not to be performed in parallel, but they may also be configured to be performed in parallel.

As described above, the powder measuring and packaging device 1 of this embodiment includes a measuring unit 16 and a display processing unit 17. The measuring unit 16 measures the powder in the powder container 14 and dispenses it into a secondary container 102 having a display unit 102d. The display processing unit 17 can change the display content of the display unit 102d of the secondary container 102, and performs processing to display the measurement value, which is the weight of the powder measured by the measuring unit 16, on the display unit 102d.

This allows the operator to easily grasp the actual measured amount of powder contained in the secondary container 102, rather than the target amount to be contained in the secondary container 102.

In addition, in the powder measuring and packaging device 1 of this embodiment, the display processing unit 17 performs processing to display on the display unit 102d the target value of the powder contained in the secondary container 102 in addition to the measurement value.

By displaying the target value in addition to the measured value, the operator can grasp information including the error relative to the target value.

In addition, in the powder measuring and packaging device 1 of this embodiment, the display processing unit 17 changes the display content of the display unit 102d, which displays the measurement value of the powder previously stored.

As a result, the display content of the display unit 102d of the secondary container 102 is maintained until the display processing unit 17 updates the display content, allowing the operator to check the previous information until the next time powder is supplied to the secondary container 102.

In addition, in the powder measuring and packaging device 1 of this embodiment, the display processing unit 17 further performs processing to display on the display unit 102d at least one of the name of the powder contained in the secondary container 102 and information about the user of the powder.

This allows the operator to obtain more detailed information about the powder contained in the secondary container 102.

In addition, in the powder measuring and packaging device 1 of this embodiment, the display processing unit 17 performs processing to display the name of the powder on the display unit 102d when dispensing of the powder into the secondary container 102 begins. When dispensing of the powder into the secondary container 102 is completed, the display processing unit 17 performs processing to display the measurement value on the display unit 102d.

By displaying the name of the powder when the supply of powder begins, the operator can confirm the name of the powder contained in the secondary container 102 even if the device stops midway through the supply of powder.

In addition, in the powder measuring and packaging device 1 of this embodiment, the display unit 102d of the secondary container 102 is electronic paper.

As a result, the power required to maintain the display of the display unit 102d is zero or very little. As a result, the battery in the secondary container 102 can be omitted or made low-capacity.

The powder measuring and packaging device 1 of this embodiment also includes a packaging unit 25 that packages, in packaging material 40, powder dispensed into an intermediate container 101 having a display unit (intermediate container display unit) 101d. The display processing unit 17 can change the display content of the display unit 101d of the intermediate container 101, and performs processing to display the name of the powder on the display unit 101d.

This allows the operator to know the name of the powder contained in the intermediate container 101, for example, if the device stops between dispensing and discharging into the packaging section 25.

In addition, the secondary container 102 of this embodiment contains the powder dispensed from the powder container 14 of the powder measuring and packaging device 1. The secondary container 102 includes a storage unit 102a and a display unit 102d. The storage unit 102a stores the powder supplied from the powder container 14. The display content of the display unit 102d can be changed under the control of the display processing unit 17 of the powder measuring and packaging device 1, and displays the measurement value, which is the weight of the powder measured by the measuring unit 16 of the powder measuring and packaging device 1, under the control of the display processing unit 17.

This allows the operator to easily grasp the actual measured amount of powder contained in the secondary container 102, rather than the target amount to be contained in the secondary container 102.

The above describes a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the above configuration can be modified, for example, as follows:

In the above embodiment, the first standby position P1 to the second removal position P9 are all different positions, but at least two of them may be the same position. For example, the first removal position P6 and the second removal position P9 may be the same position. Also, at least one of the various standby positions (first standby position P1, second standby position P2, discharge standby position P4, cleaning standby position P7) may be common. For example, if the control device 50 knows whether the intermediate container 101 or the secondary container 102 is waiting at each position, the first standby position P1 and the second standby position P2 can be common.

In the above embodiment, no measuring devices are provided in the discharge unit 22 or the distribution unit 24, and the powder discharged from the intermediate container 101 or the external measuring container 103 to the distribution unit 24 is not measured. Alternatively, the powder discharged to the distribution unit 24 may be further measured. In this case, it is preferable to further display the measured value of the discharged powder on the setting display unit 52 or the display units 101d and 102d.

In the above embodiment, the display unit 101d of the intermediate container 101 and the display unit 102d of the secondary container 102 display the powder name, user, target value, and measured value from the information contained in the dispensing data, but they may also display any of the following: the dispensing data management number, the container identification number for the same dispensing data, the time of measurement, a symbol indicating a highly dangerous drug (poison, powerful drug, etc.), and information indicating the supply status.

In the above embodiment, the information displayed on the display unit 101d of the intermediate container 101 and the display unit 102d of the secondary container 102 is the same, but may be different. Furthermore, the information displayed on the display unit 101d and the information displayed on the display unit 102d are examples, and some of the information may be omitted or other information may be added. For example, since the name of the powder is important for the intermediate container 101 as described above, other information may be omitted.

In the above embodiment, before starting the supply of powder, the control device 50 controls the display processing unit 17 to reset or erase the measurement values on the display units 101d and 102d, and update the powder name, recipient, and target value. The display units 101d and 102d may also display the supply status. Before starting the supply of powder, the control device 50 controls the display processing unit 17 to indicate on the display units 101d and 102d that the supply is incomplete. Then, when the supply of powder is completed, the control device 50 updates the display of the supply status to indicate that the supply is complete, and displays the measurement value on the display unit 102d. At this time, the indication that the supply is incomplete may be erased from the display units 101d and 102d without indicating that the supply is complete. As a result, even if the supply of powder is interrupted due to a power outage or other reason, it is possible to visually check the display units 101d, 102d to confirm whether the intermediate container 101 or the secondary container 102 contains powder that has been completely supplied. Furthermore, if the measured value does not meet the threshold value, the control device 50 may update the supply status display to indicate that supply is incomplete. Here, the threshold value may be the same as the target value, or may be a value that is smaller than the target value by a predetermined value.

In the above embodiment, after the supply of powder is completed, the weighing value is displayed on the display units 101d and 102d. However, the weighing value at the current stage may be displayed on the display units 101d and 102d while the powder is being supplied.

In the above embodiment, the intermediate container 101 and the external measuring container 103 are configured to have discharge paths 101b and 103b, respectively, but the discharge paths may also be provided on the container mounting portion 22a side.

In the above embodiment, the external weighing container 103 has a similar configuration to the intermediate container 101. However, the external weighing container 103 and the intermediate container 101 may each be provided with a switch operating piece at a different position. In this case, the container mounting portion 22a is provided with a switch that is operated by the switch operating piece of each container. When either the external weighing container 103 or the intermediate container 101 is mounted, the switch is operated by the switch operating piece of each container. This makes it possible to determine whether the external weighing container 103 or the intermediate container 101 has been mounted on the container mounting portion 22a. This makes it possible to notify the operator of an error if the operator mistakenly mounts the external weighing container 103 on the container mounting portion 22a where the intermediate container 101 should be mounted by the transport unit 13. Furthermore, if the operator mistakenly mounts the intermediate container 101 on the container mounting portion 22a where the external weighing container 103 should be mounted, the operator can be notified of an error.

In the above embodiment, the powder measuring and packaging device 1 can perform both the first and second operations, but it may also be configured to perform only the second operation. In other words, the present invention can also be applied to powder measuring devices that dispense powder but do not have a packaging function.

1 Powder measuring and packaging device 13 Conveying unit 14 Powder container (first powder container)
15 Powder supply mechanism (supply mechanism)
16 Measuring unit 17 Display processing unit 50 Control device 101 Intermediate container (second powder container)
102 Secondary container 103 External measuring container

Claims (3)

In a powder measuring and packaging device in which a plurality of first powder containers each containing a different type of powder are arranged,
a supply mechanism that supplies powder from the first powder container to the second powder container;
a weighing unit that calculates the weight of the powder supplied to the second powder container;
a discharge section to which the second powder container is attached and which discharges the powder from the second powder container;
a dispensing unit that dispenses the powder directly discharged from the second powder container to a dispensing tray by the dispensing unit;
a packaging unit that packages a predetermined amount of the powder medicine dispensed by the dispensing unit;
a cleaning unit that cleans the second powder container;
a transport unit that transports the second powder container from the measuring unit to a discharge standby position where the second powder container is on standby for transport to the discharge unit, and then transports the second powder container to the discharge unit , and transports the second powder container from the discharge unit to a cleaning standby position where the second powder container is on standby for transport to the cleaning unit, and then transports the second powder container to the cleaning unit;
Equipped with
A powder medicine measuring and packaging device, wherein the discharge standby position and the cleaning standby position are the same position . A control device is provided,
2. The powder measuring and packaging device of claim 1, wherein the control device determines whether the second powder container can be transported to the next position depending on whether another container is present at the next position, and if the second powder container can be transported to the next position, controls the transporting unit to transport the second powder container to the next position. A control device is provided,
2. The powder measuring and packaging device according to claim 1, wherein the control device determines whether each drug specified in the prescription data can be measured out by the powder measuring and packaging device, and if it determines that each drug can be measured out, controls the transport unit to transport the second powder container to the measuring unit.