JPH03111203A - Drug packaging system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To shorten time for processing by providing a drug storage that stores the drugs of various kinds so that the same can be taken out individually, a plurality of packaging devices and a plurality of conveying devices. CONSTITUTION:The title system is composed of a drug storage 1 that stores the drugs of various kinds so that the same can be taken out individually, a plurality of packaging devices 2a and 2b that package the drugs and a plurality of conveying devices 3a and 3b that convey the drugs taken out of the drug storage to a plurality of the packaging devices 2a and 2b. Thereby stand-by time for taking out of the drugs for a certain recipe can be assigned to operating time for taking out of the drugs for another recipe by optional combination of a plurality of the packaging devices 2a and 2b and a plurality of the conveying devices 3a and 3b, resulting in shortening of processing time as a whole.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Industrial Field of Application] This invention relates to a drug packaging system for hospital pharmacies and the like.

[Prior Art] Traditionally, mechanical devices used to automate the packaging of drugs in hospital pharmacies and other facilities that package drugs for the purpose of administering them to individual patients have been used to package tablets into single-dose portions. Automatic tablet packaging machines are well known.

In other words, automatic tablet packaging machines handle many types of tablets and are designed to be able to package each type of tablet individually or in combination for single doses. It is equipped with a large number of tablet feeders that can house and discharge one tablet at a time, and a single packaging device that can separate and package the tablets discharged from any of the tablet feeders. It is constructed.

Therefore, such automatic tablet packaging machines are equipped with multiple shelves spaced apart vertically above the housing, excluding the bottom part.
A plurality of tablet feeders are installed in each column, thereby providing as many tablet feeders as possible, while
Below that, a hopper is installed that collects the tablets discharged from all the tablet feeders in one place, and further below that is a single packaging device that divides the tablets collected by the hopper into single-dose portions. has been done.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, such a conventional automatic tablet packaging machine has a hopper that collects the tablets discharged from all the tablet feeders at 1flrJ, and a hopper that collects the tablets collected by the hopper into 1 flrJ place.
Because there is a direct one-to-one correspondence with a single packaging device that separates individual doses, it is possible, for example, to remove only a small number of tablets per dose and therefore the removal speed is much faster than the packaging speed. Even if there is, it is necessary to match the take-out timing with the packaging timing, and it is not possible to perform the take-out operation for another prescription during the packaging operation for a certain prescription.

Therefore, for example, there are two types of so-called 4-minute prescriptions that should be taken before or after each meal (morning, lunch, and dinner), and before going to bed. Even if the number of tablets to be taken out is small and the removal speed is therefore much faster than the packaging speed, only after the entire number of packs has been packed for one prescription, can the first pack for the other prescription be processed. Therefore, the waiting time for the take-out operation for each color cannot be effectively utilized, and the overall processing time cannot be shortened.

The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems of the conventional methods, and can reduce the overall processing time by using the waiting time for the take-out operation for one prescription as the execution time for the take-out operation for other prescriptions. The purpose is to provide a drug packaging system.

[Means for Solving the Problems] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention includes a medicine cabinet that accommodates various kinds of medicines so that they can be taken out individually, a plurality of packaging devices that package medicines, and a medicine cabinet that can be taken out from the medicine cabinet. and a plurality of conveyance devices for conveying the collected medicines to the plurality of packaging devices.

[Function] By employing the above means, the present invention appropriately combines a plurality of packaging devices and a plurality of conveyance devices to reduce the waiting time for a takeout operation for a certain prescription to the execution of a takeout operation for another prescription. This will allow you to devote more time.

[Example] Embodiments of the invention shown in the drawings will be described below.

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention, in which 1 is a medicine cabinet in which many types of medicines can be taken out individually, 2a and 2b are packaging devices for packaging medicines, and 3a and 3b are each stored in a medicine cabinet 1. This is a transport device that transports the taken out medicine to the packaging devices 2a and 2b.

Each medicine storage l has a plurality of tablet feeders 4.4,...
A plurality of shelves 5.5, .

A hopper 7 installed at the lower end of the guide path 6 is provided.When any of the tablet feeders 4.4, . . . It is now possible to collect.

The packaging device 2a (2b) has a long packaging sheet 8a (8b) made of paper or other appropriate material, and a packaging sheet 8.
A (8b) is stacked double and divided into appropriate lengths to form a compartment 10a (10b) of a size suitable for accommodating tablets.
b) and a sealing member 11a (llb) for sealing the compartment 10a (10b) into which the tablets are inserted,
When 0a (10b) is sealed, it forms a packaging bag 12a (12b) containing the required amount of tablets.

Furthermore, the packaging devices 2a and 2b are provided with a selection member 18 for selecting which of the compartments 10a of the packaging device 2a and the compartment 10b of the packaging device 2b to put the medicine into.

The transport devices 3a and 3b have a selection member 13 installed at a receiving position corresponding to the hopper 7 of the medicine storage 1, and a packaging device 2.
The conveyor 1 includes a selection member 14 installed at a loading position corresponding to the selection members 18 of a and 2b, and conveyors 15a and 15b that move between the reselection members 13 and 14, respectively.
5a (15b), medicine storage parts 16a, 16a, . . . (16b, 16b, . . .
) is formed.

The medicine storage 1, packaging devices 2a, 2b, and transport devices 3a, 3b are all controlled by the system controller 1.
7.

Next, the operation of the above will be explained.

When packaging any drug A stored in the medicine storage 1, the system controller 17 first selects one of the transport devices 3a and 3b (for example, the transport device 3a) using the selection member 13, and then selects the corresponding tablet feeder. 4 to discharge the drug A in the number of tablets required for the first color.

Then, the tablets A pass through the guide path 6 and are collected in the hopper 7, and the corresponding receiver is stored in the drug storage section 16a (11) of the conveyor 15a selected by the selection member 13 in the pick-up position. .

In response to this, the system controller 17
5a to move the medicine storage section 16a (11 forward).

Next, the system controller 17 operates the tablet feeder 4 again and discharges the medicine A by the number of tablets required for the next color.

Then, the tablets A pass through the guide path 6 and are collected in the hopper 7, and the corresponding receiver is stored in the next drug storage section 16a (21) of the conveyor 15a selected by the selection member 13 at the pick-up position. Ru.

In response to this, the system controller 17
5a is operated again to advance the medicine storage section 16a.

Then, the medicine storage part 16a (1) located in front of the medicine storage part 16a (21) also moves forward at the same time.

In this way, the medicine A is stored in the medicine accommodating section 16a one after another, one color at a time, and moves forward toward the packaging devices 2a and 2b.

Before the required number of packages of medicine A are all stored in the medicine storage part 16a, the medicine storage part 16a (1
1 reaches the selection member 14 at the input position corresponding to the selection members 18 of the packaging devices 2a and 2b, the system controller 17 first selects the corresponding conveyor 15a with the selection member 14, and also selects the selection member 18. to select one of the packaging devices 2a and 2b (for example, the packaging device 2a), and then operate the packaging device 2a selected by the selection member 18 to open the medicine storage section
6a (drug A stored in 11 is placed in compartments 10all of packaging sheet 8a formed by compartmental members 9a)
1, the compartment 10a (11) is sealed with the sealing member 11a, and the packaging bag 12a(1) is sealed.
form.

During this packaging operation for medicine A, if there is still time after taking out medicine A corresponding to the n-th color, the system controller 17 performs an operation for taking out medicine B according to a different prescription.

That is, by taking out the medicine A corresponding to the n-th color, the medicine A discharged from a predetermined tablet feeder 4 of the medicine storage 1 is transferred to the n-th medicine storage section 16 of the conveyor 15a.
a (11), and then the selection member 13
The other conveyor 15b is selected by
The medicine B discharged from a predetermined tablet feeder 4 of the medicine storage 1 is transferred to the first medicine storage section 16b of the conveyor 15b selected by the selection member 13.
(Accommodate in 11.

Next, when the packaging operation for the first medicine A is completed and the second medicine container 16a reaches the selection member 14 by the operation of the conveyor 15a, the system controller 17 selects the medicine A that has been selected by the selection member 18. The packaging device 2a is activated again, the medicine A stored in the medicine storage part 16a0 is put into the next compartment 10a (2), and the compartment 10a (21) is sealed by the sealing member 11a. , to form a packaging bag 12a.

During this packaging operation for medicine A, the system controller 17
performs an operation for taking out chemicals A and H as follows.

That is, first, one conveyor 15a is selected by the selection member 13, and the medicine A discharged from a predetermined tablet feeder 4 of the medicine storage 1 is selected by the selection member 13 by the operation of taking out the medicine A corresponding to the n+1 color. n+1th medicine storage section 16 of the selected conveyor 15a
a (n+1), and then select member 1
3, the other conveyor 15b is selected, and the medicine B discharged from the predetermined tablet feeder 4 of the medicine storage 1 is transferred to the second medicine storage of the conveyor 15b selected by the selection member 13 by the action of taking out the medicine B. Part 16b
(2).

In this way, for each packaging operation in which the packaging device 2a packs one color of medicine A, the medicine storage 1 discharges one color of medicines A and B, and conveys them to the conveyors 15b, 15.
The chemicals are stored in the medicine storage parts 16a and 16b of b, respectively.

Then, the n-th medicine storage section 16a of the conveyor 15a (
0) reaches the selection member 14, then the conveyor 1
The first medicine storage section 16 b C1) of 5b also reaches the selection member 14.

Therefore, the system controller 17 first operates the packaging device 2a selected by the selection member 18 to transfer the medicine A contained in the medicine storage section 16a(n) of the conveyor 15a into the packaging formed by the partitioning member 9a. (for use)
8a into the compartment 10a(n), and then seal the compartment 10a(n) with the sealing member 11a,
A packaging bag 12a (+) is formed.

Subsequently, the system controller 17 selects the selection member 14 .
18 to the other conveyor 15b and packaging device 2b
is selected, the packaging device 2b selected by the selection member 18 is operated, and the medicine storage section 1 of the conveyor 15b is
6b (drug B accommodated in 11 is placed in compartment 10b of packaging sheet 8b formed by compartmental member 9b)
(In addition, the compartment 10b fi+ is sealed by the sealing member 11b, and the packaging bag 12b
form fi+.

Next, the n+1th medicine storage section 16 of the conveyor 15a
When a (n+1> reaches the selection member 14, the second medicine storage section 16b■ of the conveyor 15b also reaches the selection member 14.

Therefore, the system controller 17 first selects one of the conveyors 15a and the packaging device 2a using the selection member 14.18, and then operates the packaging device 2a selected by the selection member 18 to The medicine A contained in a (n+1) is introduced into the compartment 10a (n+f) of the packaging sheet 8a formed by the compartment member 9a, and then the sealing member 11
The compartment 10 a (n+1) is hermetically sealed by the container 10 a to form a packaging bag 12 a (+++1).

Subsequently, the system controller 17 selects the selection member 14 .
18 to the other conveyor 15b and packaging device 2b
is selected, the packaging device 2b selected by the selection member 18 is operated, and the medicine storage section 1 of the conveyor 15b is
The medicine B contained in the container 6b■ is introduced into the compartment 10b■ of the packaging sheet 8b formed by the compartment member 9b, and the medicine B is sealed into the compartment 10bi2 by the sealing member 11b.
1 is sealed to form a packaging bag 12b(2).

In this way, all the necessary number of packages of medicines A and B are
Compartment 10a,
10b and are sequentially sealed to form packaging bags 12a and 12b.

In addition, all the necessary number of packages of medicine A (B) are stored in the medicine storage section 1.
6a (16b), the frontmost drug storage section 16a (11 (16bill)) has reached the selection member 14 at the input position corresponding to the selection member 18 of the packaging devices 2a, 2b. If not, the system controller 17 operates the conveyance device 3a (3b) and the frontmost drug storage section 16a (11 (16b(1)) is selected, unless the packaging of the next drug C is urgent. The conveyor 15a (15b) is continuously fed until the member 14 is reached.

Then, the system controller 17 transfers all the required number of packages of medicine A(B) to the packaging device 2a, starting with the medicine A(B) stored in the frontmost medicine storage section 16b(11). (2b) in order to seal the compartment 10a (10b) and package @12a (1
2b) will be formed.

In the above embodiment, the medicine cabinet 1 is provided with a plurality of shelves 5.5, . . . on which a plurality of tablet feeders 4.4, . .5,・
For example, all shelves 5.5
,... may be fixed types extending from side to side,
Alternatively, two rows of shelves 5.5, . . . extending from side to side may be provided in front and rear rows, and the shelves 5.5, . . . in the rear row are fixed, while the shelves 5.5, . The left and right length may be made approximately 1/2 of that of the rear row so that it can be moved from side to side, or the shelves 5.5, . Alternatively, the shelves 5.5, which extend back and forth, may be movable to the left and right in a movable shelf type. .5, . . . can be configured with at least one row, but preferably multiple rows are provided on the left and right, and these are configured so that they can be pulled out one row at a time or two rows at a time, or moved left and right. I can do it.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the medicine storage 1 includes a tablet feeder 4.4.
At least one guide path 6 for guiding tablets discharged from , . For example, the guide path 6 may be divided into a plurality of parts along the length direction of the shelves 5, 5, .
．． When two or more rows of 5, . , a single hopper 7 common to them can be provided, or an independent hopper 7 can be provided for each guide path 6, and the shelves 5.5, . . . can be of pull-out or movable type. In this case, it is preferable to provide a hopper 7 for each drawer or each movable shelf, and furthermore, the guide path 6 is not limited to a chute for simply dropping the tablets, but may be equipped with an appropriate conveying means. In any of the above cases, if the opening at the lower end of the guide path 6 is formed to the required size, it is not necessary to further install the hopper 7 at the lower end.

Further, in the above embodiment, two packaging devices 2a and 2b are provided, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the selection member 18 may be provided not in the packaging devices 2a and 2b but in the transport devices 3a and 3b. The packaging devices 2a, 2b and the conveyance device 3a
, 3b may be provided independently, and
As the selection member 18, an appropriate member can be used.

Further, in the above embodiment, the packaging device 2a (2b) is provided with a long packaging sheet 8a (8b) made of paper or other appropriate material.
) and packaging sheet) 8a (8b) are stacked double and divided into appropriate lengths to form compartments 10a (10b) of a size suitable for accommodating tablets. A compartment member 9a (9b) for storing tablets, and a compartment 10 into which tablets are placed.
A sealing member 11a (1lb) for sealing the compartment 10a (10b) is provided, and when the compartment 10a (10b) is sealed, a packaging bag 12a (12b) containing the required amount of tablets is formed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the medicine may be contained in a blister bag or other suitable container and sealed.

In addition, although two transport devices 3a and 3b are provided in the above embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this, and the selection member 13 installed at the receiving position is not used in the transport devices 3a and 3b but in the medicine cabinet. 1, or may be provided independently from any of the transport devices 3a, 3b and the medicine storage 1. Also, the selection member 14 installed at the input position may be installed in the transport device 3a.
, 3b may be provided in the packaging devices 2a, 2b,
The selection member 13. may be provided independently from any of the conveyance devices 3a, 3b and the packaging devices 2a, 2b.
As 14, any suitable material can be used.

Further, in the above embodiment, in the conveying device 3a (3b), the receiver corresponding to the hopper 7a (7b) is installed at the receiving position and the selection member 13a (13b) is installed at the input position corresponding to the selection member 18. Although the conveyor 15a (15b) that moves between the selection member 14 is provided, the present invention is not limited to this, for example.

The receiver corresponding to the hopper 7a (7b) is a conveyor 15 all (15b (11)) whose moving path includes the selection member 13a (13b) installed at the pick position, and the selection member 18
A conveyor 15af21 (15bf21) whose movement path includes a selection member 14 installed at a feeding position corresponding to Alternatively, in the case of one conveyor (for example, 15a), a plurality of conveyors 15a (11, 15a) may be used.
15a (, 15a (31) also, if necessary,
An appropriate upward slope or rising portion may be provided in the middle of the receiver so that the input position is higher than the take-up position.

In the above embodiment, the conveyor 15a (15b) of the conveyance device 3a (3b) is provided with drug storage sections 16a, 16a, ... (16b, 16b) at appropriate intervals along the moving direction.
,...), but these drug storage parts 16a,
16a, -(16b, 16b,...) may be, for example, a concave type with a partition wall around it and an open top, or a receiver with a lid on the top except at the take-up and input positions. It can be hollow and covered, or it can be of any other suitable shape.

Preferably, the system controller 17 is of a computer-controlled type that is combined with the sensors of each part provided in the medicine cabinet 1, packaging devices 2a, 2b, and transport devices 3a, 3b, and operates them according to a predetermined operating procedure. .

Furthermore, although tablets were exemplified as medicines in the above examples,
It goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to this, and that various changes and modifications of the above embodiments can be made.

[Effects of the Invention] Since the present invention is configured as described above, the waiting time for the take-out operation for a certain prescription can be used for the execution time for the take-out operation for another prescription, thereby shortening the overall processing time. It has excellent effects such as:

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing one embodiment of the present invention. 1... Medicine storage 2a, 2b... Packaging devices 3a, 3b... Conveyance device 4... Tablet feeder 5.
...Shelf 6...Guide path 7...Hopper 8a, 8b...Packaging sheets 9a, 9b...Dividing member 10a, 10b...Dividing chamber 11a, llb...Sealing member 12a, 12 b...Packaging bag 13...Selection member 14...Selection member 15a
, 15b... Conveyor 16a, 16b... Medicine storage section 17... System controller 18... Selection member

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A medicine cabinet that accommodates a variety of medicines that can be taken out individually, a plurality of packaging devices that package the medicines, and a plurality of transport devices that transport the medicines taken out from the medicine cabinet to the plurality of packaging machines. A drug packaging system characterized by: