DE112020001058T5 - Testing device, blister packaging machine, and method for producing a blister packaging - Google Patents

Abstract

There are provided: an inspection apparatus configured to detect a molding defect of a side portion of a pocket portion with high accuracy, a blister packing machine, and a method of manufacturing a blister pack. A pocket portion inspection device 21 comprises: a lighting device 50 configured to irradiate a container sheet 3 having pocket portions 2 formed therein with a predetermined electromagnetic wave; and a camera 51 provided on an opposite side of the lighting device 50 above the container sheet 3 and configured to image at least the electromagnetic wave passing a bottom portion of the pocket portion 2 and to obtain image data. The bag portion inspection device 21 is configured to extract a shading pattern generated in the bottom portion of the bag portion 2 by irradiation with the electromagnetic wave based on the obtained image data and to compare the shading pattern with a predetermined judgment criterion to make an assessment of good / poor quality with respect to at least one state of molding of a side portion of the pocket portion 2.

Description

Technical area

The present disclosure relates to an inspection device configured to inspect the state of formation of pocket portions in a blister pack, a blister pack machine, and a method of manufacturing a blister pack.

State of the art

Blister packs are widely used as packaging containers for packaging pharmaceutical products, foods, electronic components, and the like. In particular, PTP films (Press Through Package) are known which are used for packaging tablets, capsules or the like in the field of pharmaceutical products.

A PTP sheet consists of a container sheet having a pocket portion configured to place a content such as a tablet therein and a cover sheet attached to the container sheet to seal the opening side of the pocket portion. The contents are taken out by pressing the pocket portion from the outside and breaking the cover sheet as the cover through the contents placed in the pocket portion.

Such a PTP sheet is manufactured, for example, by a pocket portion forming process for forming a pocket portion in a container film in a tape-like shape, a filling process for filling the pocket portion with contents, an attaching process for attaching a cover film to the container film around an opening side of the pocket portion and a separating process for separating a PTP sheet as an end product from a PTP sheet in a tape-like shape, which are obtained by attaching the respective tape-like sheets to each other.

A general approach to forming the pocket portion stretches and processes a portion of the ribbon-like container film that is partially heated and softened, for example by vacuum forming, compression molding, plug molding, or plug assisted compression molding.

Accordingly, there is a correlation between the wall thickness of a bottom portion and the wall thickness of a side portion of the pocket portion. The thick bottom portion gives the thin side portion, while the thin bottom portion gives the thick side portion.

The imbalance in wall thickness between the bottom portion and the side portion is likely to make part of the pocket portion excessively thin-walled and cause various problems such as a reduction in gas barrier property. The excessive wall thinning is of particular concern in the side portion which has the smaller wall thickness than the bottom portion.

A technique has been proposed to detect a shaping error of the side portion of the pocket portion based on image data obtained by mapping the bottom portion of the pocket portion using the above-described correlation (as described in Patent Literature 1, for example)

Patent literature

Patent literature1: JP No. 6368408B

Summary of the invention

Technical problem

The prior art described in Patent Literature 1 is configured to calculate the wall thickness at each position on a bottom portion of a bag portion according to a relationship between the light transmittance and the wall thickness of the bottom portion based on image data obtained by mapping the bottom portion of the bag portion and to obtain an aberration of a side portion of the pocket portion on the basis of an average value of the calculated wall thickness (average wall thickness of the bottom portion).

The forming state of the side portion of the pocket portion can roughly be estimated from the wall thickness of the bottom portion. However, even in the case where the wall thickness of the bottom portion has a desired mean value, a desired maximum value and a desired minimum value and the molding state of the bottom portion is determined to be appropriate, the existence of a deviation in the wall thickness distribution of the bottom portion or a complicated shape of the bottom portion may result in the fact that a side section with a desired wall thickness cannot be produced or a deviation is caused in the wall thickness distribution of the side section.

Accordingly, the prior art described above may not be able to detect a molding defect (wall thickness defect) of the side portion of the pocket portion with high accuracy.

The problem described above is not restricted to PTP packaging, but occurs in a different area of blister packaging.

In view of the above-described circumstances, it is an object of the present disclosure to provide an inspection device that enables a molding defect of a side portion of a pocket portion to be detected with higher accuracy, and a blister packing machine and a method for manufacturing a blister pack.

the solution of the problem

The following describes each of the various aspects that are adequately provided to solve the problems described above. Functions and advantageous effects characteristic of each of the aspects are also described accordingly.

Aspect 1. There is provided an inspection apparatus configured to inspect a state of molding of a pocket portion of a blister pack. The inspection apparatus includes: an irradiation unit configured to irradiate a container sheet having the pocket portion formed therein with a predetermined electromagnetic wave; an imaging unit provided on an opposite side of the irradiation unit above the container sheet and configured to image at least the electromagnetic wave that passes a bottom portion of the pocket portion and to obtain image data; a shading pattern extraction unit configured to extract a shading pattern (shading distribution image) generated in the bottom portion of the pocket portion by irradiating the electromagnetic wave based on the image data obtained by the imaging unit; and a good / bad quality judging unit configured to compare the shading pattern extracted by the shading pattern extraction unit with a predetermined judgment criterion, thereby making a good / bad quality judgment with respect to at least one molding state of a side portion of the pocket portion.

The aforementioned “blister pack” comprises a PTP sheet with a tablet or the like placed therein, a portion pack with a food item or the like placed therein, and a carrier tape with an electronic component placed therein, and the aforementioned “electromagnetic wave” includes, for example : visible light, ultraviolet light (UV) and X-rays.

The above-described "shading pattern (shading distribution image) generated in the bottom portion of the pocket portion by irradiation with the electromagnetic wave" means a two-dimensional distribution image of shading that is formed in the bottom portion of the pocket portion due to a relationship between the difference in wall thickness (wall thickness distribution) respective positions (positions in two-dimensional coordinates) on the bottom portion of the pocket portion and the light transmittance or the like of the electromagnetic wave passing through the respective positions is generated.

The term “shading” here means the strength of the intensity (luminance or luminance) of the electromagnetic wave which passes the respective positions on the bottom section of the pocket section. Accordingly, the aforementioned expression “a shading pattern (shading distribution image) generated in the bottom portion of the pocket portion by irradiation with the electromagnetic wave” can be replaced by, for example, “an intensity distribution image of the electromagnetic wave passing through the bottom portion of the pocket portion”, “ a two-dimensional distribution image of the electromagnetic wave intensity (luminance or luminance) which is different at the respective positions of the bottom portion of the pocket section due to a difference in wall thickness at the respective positions "or" a shading distribution image (an electromagnetic wave intensity distribution image or a luminance distribution image) corresponding to the wall thickness distribution of the Bottom section of the pocket section ".

As previously described under “Prior Art”, there is a correlation between the wall thickness of the bottom section and the wall thickness of the side section of the pocket section which is formed by partially stretching the container film. The thick bottom portion gives the thin side portion, while the thin bottom portion gives the thick side portion.

By taking advantage of this correlation, the previous aspect 1 is configured to extract the shading pattern generated in the bottom portion of the pocket portion (ie, the wall thickness distribution state of the bottom portion) from the image data obtained by irradiating the pocket portion with the predetermined electromagnetic wave and imaging the bottom portion of the pocket portion and to compare the extracted shading pattern with the predetermined judgment criterion to make the judgment of good / bad quality with respect to at least the state of formation of the side portion of the pocket portion.

An example may be configured to match the shading pattern generated in the bottom portion of the bag portion as the inspection object with the predetermined judgment criterion obtained in advance (for example, a shading pattern generated in a bottom portion of a non-defective bag portion) to compare by pattern matching or some other technique and to make good / bad quality assessment based on the degree of correspondence.

This configuration enables a molding error (wall thickness error) of the side portion of the pocket portion, for example, the presence or absence of a deviation in the wall thickness distribution of the side portion of the pocket portion, to be detected with high accuracy.

One possible configuration maps the side section of the pocket section directly for the purpose of checking or inspecting the state of formation of the side section. This configuration needs to take into account the gas barrier property and recognize the state of formation of the entire circumference of the side portion. However, it takes a long time or a large apparatus to recognize the state of formation of the entire periphery of the side portion in the configuration of direct imaging of the side portion. This will likely reduce the productivity of the blister pack.

On the other hand, the foregoing aspect is configured to easily recognize the forming state of the entire periphery of the side portion in a short time based on the recognition of the forming state of the imaged bottom portion of the pocket portion. This configuration increases the speed of the inspection and thereby increases the productivity of the blister pack.

Aspect 2. In the test apparatus described in Aspect 1, the good / bad quality judgment unit can perform the good / bad quality judgment by binarizing the shading pattern with a predetermined threshold value and a light section pattern (light section distribution image) that is a link component of a light section with a The value is equal to or greater than the specified threshold value or a dark segment pattern (dark segment distribution image), which is a link component of a dark segment with a value smaller than the specified threshold value in a binary pattern obtained (binary distribution image), compares with a specified assessment criterion.

The foregoing aspect 2 is configured to perform the judgment of good / bad quality by comparing the binary pattern obtained by binarizing the shading pattern with the predetermined judgment criterion. This simplifies the good / bad quality assessment process. In particular, this configuration further increases the speed of the inspection and increases the productivity of the blister pack.

Aspect 3. In the inspection apparatus described in Aspect 2, the good / bad quality judging unit can perform the good / bad quality judgment by determining whether the position of a boundary (contour) of the light portion pattern or the dark portion pattern satisfies a predetermined judgment criterion (whether the position is within a specified permissible range).

The configuration of the foregoing aspect 3 further simplifies the good / bad quality judgment process compared with a configuration in which comparison is made for the entire area of the light portion pattern or the dark portion pattern with a predetermined judgment criterion. As a result, this configuration further increases the inspection speed and increases the productivity of the blister pack.

Aspect 4. In the inspection apparatus described in Aspect 1, the good / bad quality judging unit can perform the good / bad quality judgment by determining whether a luminance at each of the pixels forming the shading pattern (at each position on the shading pattern ), meets a specified assessment criterion (whether the luminance is in a specified allowable range), detects pixels that do not satisfy the specified assessment criterion as a defective area, and determines whether the defective area satisfies a specified assessment criterion (whether the defective area is in a specified permissible range).

The foregoing aspect 4 is configured to determine whether the luminance at each of the pixels constituting the shading pattern with respect to the bottom portion of the pocket portion satisfies the predetermined judgment criterion, and then the judgment of good / bad quality with respect to the state of molding of the side portion of the pocket portion. This configuration enables a finer check on the state of the molding of the pocket portion and detects a molding failure of the pocket portion with higher accuracy.

Aspect 5. In the inspection device described in Aspects 1 to 4, the container sheet may be made of a resin sheet material having transparency, and the irradiation unit may be be configured to emit ultraviolet light (for example, ultraviolet light having a peak wavelength in a range of not less than 200 nm and not more than 280 nm) as the electromagnetic light.

In the case where the container sheet is made of resin sheet material with transparency, a configuration of emitting visible light from the irradiation unit may cause difficulty in making a difference in light transmittance between a thin-walled part and a thick-walled part in the bottom portion of the pocket portion. This can cause the entire floor section to be fairly uniform and it can be difficult to create a pattern of shading. As a result, it can make it difficult to properly conduct an examination.

On the other hand, the foregoing aspect 5 is configured to irradiate the container sheet made of the resin sheet material having transparency with ultraviolet light.

Compared to visible light, ultraviolet light has lower permeability and it is more difficult to pass through the container film with transparency. The ultraviolet light thus enables a more appropriate check of the state of the formation of the pocket portion.

Here, the “resin sheet material with transparency” includes, for example, a “transparent resin sheet material” which is a sheet with light transmittance (transparency) that has a significantly high transmittance of electromagnetic waves (light) and that allows the other Side can be seen through the sheet, or a "translucent resin sheet material" that has transparency, but it is not possible for the shape and the like of an object located on the other side to be seen through the sheet through the sheet to the naked human The eye is clearly recognizable or can be recognized at all, due to the scattering of the transmitted electromagnetic wave (light) or a low permeability of the electromagnetic wave (light).

The terms “transparent” and “translucent” are expressions that indicate the material of the film as being translucent and do not refer to the presence or absence of color. Accordingly, the “transparent” or “translucent” film has not only the “colorless and transparent” or “colorless and translucent” film, but also the “colored and transparent” or “colored and translucent” film.

Aspect 6. In the test apparatus described in any one of the preceding Aspects 1 to 5, the electromagnetic wave may contain an electromagnetic wave having a wavelength that the permeability of the container sheet (for example, a resin sheet material such as polypropylene or polyvinyl chloride) of not less than 15 percent and does not provide more than 60 percent.

Both the excessively high transmittance and the excessively low transmittance of the electromagnetic wave passing through the container sheet are likely to cause difficulty in determining a difference in light transmittance between a thin-walled part and a thick-walled part in the bottom portion of the pocket portion. As a result, it can make it difficult to properly conduct the test.

On the other hand, using the electromagnetic wave having a wavelength which provides the transmittance of the container film of not less than 15 percent and not more than 60 percent as described in the previous aspect 6 enables the test to be carried out more appropriately. It is preferable to use the electromagnetic wave having the waveform which provides the transmittance of the container film of not less than 20 percent and not more than 50 percent (for example, not more than 30 percent) for the test.

Aspect 7. In the inspection apparatus described in any one of the preceding Aspects 1 to 6, the judgment criterion can be determined based on the shading pattern obtained by imaging a non-defective pocket portion by the imaging unit.

Even in the case where the bottom portion of the pocket portion has a complicated shape or a complicated wall thickness distribution, the configuration of the foregoing aspect 7 enables the judgment criterion to be set relatively easily.

Aspect 8. In the inspection device described in any one of the preceding Aspects 1 to 7, the pocket portion may be thermoformed in the flat container sheet.

Here, “thermoforming” means a molding method of partially heating and softening a portion of the flat container film (expected molding area) and stretching and processing the heated and softened portion, and includes, for example, a vacuum molding method, a compression molding method, a plug molding method, or a plug-assisted compression molding method.

Accordingly, the functions and advantageous effects of the previous aspect 1 and the like are further improved under the configuration of this aspect 8.

Aspect 9. A blister packaging machine is provided which has the test device described in one of the previous aspects 1 to 8.

Providing the above-described test device in the blister packaging machine (for example a PTP packaging machine) as in the previous aspect 9 has advantages, for example the efficient exclusion of defective products in the manufacturing process of blister packs (for example PTP sheets). The blister packaging machine can be configured to include a dispensing unit for dispensing the blister packs that have been determined by the previous inspection device to be defective products.

The blister packaging machine can have more specific configurations as described below.

A blister packing machine is provided which is used to manufacture a blister pack which is configured such that a predetermined content is placed in a pocket portion formed in a container film and that a cover film is attached to close the pocket portion. The blister packing machine includes: a pocket portion forming unit configured to form the pocket portion in the container sheet transported in a belt-like shape; a filling unit configured to fill the pocket portion with the contents; an attaching unit configured to attach the cover sheet in a tape-like shape to the container sheet in the pocket portion of which the contents are placed to close the pocket portion; a separating unit configured to separate the blister package from a tape-like body (a blister sheet in a tape-like shape) formed by attaching the cover sheet to the container sheet (including a punching process for punching in the unit of a sheet); and the test device described in any one of the previous aspects 1-8.

In the case where an inspection is to be carried out on a container sheet having a posture, there is naturally a need to carry out a process for specifying the position of the pocket portion. In the case of a pocket portion in a non-circular shape, there is also a need to calculate a center position of a pocket portion as a test object from image data, set the center of a reference image stored in advance for pattern matching to the center position of the pocket portion, the reference image around each predetermined one Angle and determine whether the center of the reference image is the same as the center position each time the reference image is rotated. The inspection of the pocket portion can therefore require an extremely large number of process steps and take time.

The provision of the test device described above in the blister packaging machine as in the previous aspect 9, on the other hand, fixes the stop position and the direction (position or posture) of the container film relative to the imaging unit. In the case of comparing a shading pattern generated in a bottom portion of a pocket portion as a test object with a predetermined judgment criterion obtained in advance (for example, a shading pattern generated in a bottom portion of a non-defective pocket portion), this configuration does not require positioning the test object relative to the assessment criterion or a setting, such as a rotation of the direction (position or posture) of the assessment criterion relative to the test object. This increases the speed of the test accordingly. As a result, this significantly reduces the number of process steps with respect to a pocket section and significantly increases the process speed of the test.

In addition, in the configuration of the previous aspect 9, the filling unit can be arranged downstream of the testing device, and the blister packaging machine can further comprise a filling control device which is configured to control the operation of the filling unit based on a result of the test carried out by the testing device and to switch between authorization and prohibition of filling the contents in the pocket section.

This configuration prevents, for example, a defective bag section from being filled with the contents. This prevents the occurrence of the problem that the content is discarded together with the blister pack when the blister pack is discarded due to a molding failure of the pocket portion. This configuration also does not require a troublesome operation, for example, of taking out the contents once it is filled in the pocket portion for the purpose of reusing the contents. As a result, this prevents productivity from being lowered.

Furthermore, in the configuration of the previous aspect 9, the pocket portion forming unit may have a first shape, a second shape, the arranged to face the first shape across the container film and having a stretching unit (stretch forming unit) configured to form the pocket portion in the container film placed between the first mold and the second mold.

In this configuration, there is a correlation of the wall thickness between the bottom section and the side section of the pocket section, as previously described under "Prior Art", ie a correlation that the large wall thickness of the bottom section results in the small wall thickness of the side section and that the small wall thickness of the bottom section results in the large wall thickness of the side section. This accordingly further improves the functions and advantageous effects of the previous aspect 1 or the like, so that a shaping error of the side portion of the pocket portion is detected based on the image data obtained by imaging the bottom portion of the pocket portion.

Aspect 10. There is provided a method of manufacturing a blister pack having the configuration such that a predetermined content is placed in a pocket portion formed in a container film and a cover film is attached to close the pocket portion. The method includes: a pocket portion molding process for molding the pocket portion in the container sheet transported in a belt-like shape; a filling process of filling the pocket portion with the contents; an attaching process of attaching the cover sheet in a tape-like shape to the container sheet in the bag portion of which the contents are placed to close the bag portion; a separating process for separating the blister package from a tape-like body (a blister sheet in a tape-like shape) formed by attaching the cover sheet to the container sheet (including a punching process for punching in the unit of a sheet); and an inspection process for performing an inspection for a state of molding of the pocket portion in the blister pack. The inspection process includes: an irradiation process for irradiating the container film with the pocket portion formed therein with a predetermined electromagnetic wave; an imaging process of imaging at least the electromagnetic wave passing a bottom portion of the pocket portion and obtaining image data; a shading pattern extraction process of extracting a shading pattern (shading distribution image) generated in the bottom portion of the pocket portion by irradiating the electromagnetic wave based on the image data obtained by the imaging; and a good / bad quality judging process for comparing the extracted shading pattern with a predetermined judgment criterion and thereby performing good / bad quality judgment on at least a molding state of a side portion of the pocket portion.

The configuration of the above-described aspect 10 has functions and advantageous effects similar to those of the above-described aspects 1 and 9.

Figure list

• 1 Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing a PTP sheet;
• 2 Fig. 13 is a partially enlarged sectional view showing the PTP sheet;
• 3 Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing a PTP sheet;
• 4th Fig. 13 is a diagram showing a lighting device, a camera and their surroundings;
• 5 Fig. 13 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating a PTP packaging machine;
• 6th Fig. 13 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a pocket portion inspection device;
• 7th Fig. 13 is a partially broken front view showing the schematic configuration of a pocket portion forming apparatus and a heating apparatus;
• 8th Fig. 13 is a flow chart showing the flow of a pocket portion forming process;
• 9 Fig. 13 is a flow chart showing a check routine;
• 10 Fig. 13 is a diagram showing a shading pattern or the like generated in a pocket portion;
• 11 FIG. 13 is a graph showing a luminance value with respect to each of the pixels along a line AA 'in FIG 10 indicates;
• 12th Fig. 13 is a diagram showing a binary pattern obtained by binarizing the shading pattern 10 is obtained;
• 13th Fig. 13 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between respective areas of a land portion and judgment criteria;
• 14th Fig. 13 is a flow chart showing a check routine according to a second embodiment;
• 15th FIG. 13 is a graph showing a luminance value with respect to each of the pixels along the line AA 'in 10 and shows an upper luminance limit value and a lower luminance limit value with respect to each of the pixels along the line AA ';
• 16 Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an image for judgment; and
• 17th Fig. 13 are diagrams showing a blister pack according to another embodiment; 17 (a) Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the blister pack; 17 (b) Figure 3 is a plan view of the blister pack; and 17 (c) Fig. 13 is a diagram showing a relationship between respective areas in a bottom portion of the blister pack and judgment criteria.

Description of the exemplary embodiments

(First embodiment)

An exemplary embodiment is described below with reference to drawings. First is a PTP sheet 1 described as a blister pack.

As in 1 and 2 shown includes the PTP sheet 1 a container film 3 that come with a plurality of pocket sections 2 is provided, and a cover sheet 4th attached to the container film 3 attached to the respective pocket sections 2 to close.

The container film 3 is made of a colorless and transparent thermoplastic resin material such as PP (polypropylene) or PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and is transparent or translucent. The cover film 4th on the other hand, is made of an opaque material (for example, aluminum foil) with a sealant made of, for example, a polypropylene resin, and is provided on the surface thereof.

The PTP sheet 1 is formed in an approximately rectangular shape in plan view. In the PTP sheet 1 For example, two rows of pockets are formed in the direction of the short side of the arc, and each row of pockets has five pocket sections 2 which are arranged along a longitudinal direction of the sheet. Accordingly, there will be a total of ten pocket sections 2 in the PTP arc 1 educated. In each of the pocket sections 2 becomes a tablet 5 placed as content.

The pocket section 2 has a bottom portion 2a on, which is approximately circular in plan view and the cover sheet 4th is arranged opposite, and a side portion 2 B on, which is approximately cylindrical and with a circumference of the bottom portion 2a connected to the bottom section 2a to be connected to a film flat section (non-pocket forming section) 3b.

The floor section 2a according to this embodiment is formed in an arc-like cross-sectional shape that is gradually curved. However, this cross-sectional shape is not essential, and so is the bottom section 2a may be formed in a flat cross-sectional shape. In another example, the floor section 2a be formed in an arc-like cross-sectional shape with a larger curvature so that a corner portion 2c , on which the floor section 2a and the side section 2 B cut, is unclear.

The PTP sheet 1 (in 1 shown) is made by punching rectangular sheets or layers from a PTP film 6 in a ribbon-like shape (in 3 shown) made from the container film 3 in a tape-like form and the cover sheet 4th is formed in a ribbon-like shape.

The following describes the general configuration of a PTP packaging machine 11 that serves as the blister packing machine to make the PTP sheet described above 1 manufacture, in terms of 5 .

A film roll of the tape-like container film 3 is in a roll form on a furthest upstream side of the PTP packaging machine 11 wound up. A pull-out end of the container film wound in the roll form 3 is guided by means of a guide roller 13. The container film 3 is then placed on an irregular feed roller 14 provided on a downstream side of the guide roller 13. The irregular feed roller 14 is connected to a motor which rotates irregularly around the container film 3 to be transported or further conveyed irregularly.

A heater 15th and a pocket portion forming device 16 are one after the other along the transport path of the container film 3 placed between the guide roller 13 and the irregular feed roller 14. The heater 15th and the pocket portion forming apparatus 16 configure the pocket portion forming unit according to the embodiment. The configurations of the heater 15th and the pocket portion forming apparatus 16 will be described in detail later.

In the state in which the container film 3 by the heater 15th is heated to be relatively soft, the majority of Pocket sections 2 at the same time at predetermined positions on the container film 3 by the pocket portion forming device 16 formed (pocket portion molding process). The shaping of the pocket sections 2 becomes during an interval between transport processes of the container film 3 performed by the irregular feed roller 14.

A pocket section tester 21 is between the guide roller 13 and the irregular feed roller 14 of the pocket portion forming apparatus 16 placed downstream.

The pocket section tester 21 is configured to check the state of formation of the pocket portions 2 perform that by the pocket portion forming apparatus 16 be formed. The configuration of the pocket portion checking device 21 will be described in detail later.

The container film 3 fed from the irregular feed roller 14 is successively laid on a tension roller 18, a guide roller 19 and a film take-up roller 20 in this order.

The film take-up roll 20 is connected to a motor which rotates at a fixed speed around the container film 3 to be transported continuously at a fixed speed. The tension roller 18 is configured to hold the container film 3 to pull in one direction of an applied voltage by an elastic force. This configuration prevents the container film from sagging 3 due to a difference between the conveyance by the irregular feed roller 14 and the conveyance by the film take-up roller 20 and holds the container film 3 constant in the state of tension.

A tablet filling device 22 is along the transport path of the container film 3 placed between the guide roller 19 and the film take-up roller 20.

The tablet filling device 22 serves as the filling unit for automatically filling the pocket portions 2 with the tablets 5 . The tablet filling device 22 opens a closure to the tablet at every predetermined time interval 5 to drop, synchronous with the transport process of the container film 3 through the film take-up roll 20. Each of the pocket sections 2 is through this opening process with the tablet 5 filled. The operations of the tablet filling device 22 are controlled by a filling control device 82 described later.

A film roll of the cover film 4th which is formed in the tape-like shape is also wound in a roll shape on a most upstream side. One pull-out end of the cover sheet 4th , which is wound in a roll form, is guided to a heating roller 25 by a guide roller 24. The heating roller 25 is pressed against the film take-up roller 20. The container film 3 and the cover sheet 4th are accordingly inserted between the two rollers 20 and 25.

The container film 3 and the cover sheet 4th run in the heated and pressed contact state between the two rollers 20 and 25, so that the cover film 4th on the container film 3 attached to the respective pocket sections 2 to close (attachment process). This series of processes produces the PTP film 6 as a tape-like body in which the pocket sections 2 each with the tablets 5 are filled. The film take-up roller 20 and the heating roller 25 configure the attachment unit according to the embodiment.

The PTP film 6 fed from the film take-up roll 20 is successively placed on a tension roll 27 and an irregular feed roll 28 in this order.

The irregular feed roller 28 is connected to a motor which rotates irregularly in order to transport or further convey the PTP film 6 irregularly. The tension roller 27 is configured to pull the PTP sheet 6 in an applied tension direction by an elastic force. This configuration prevents the PTP sheet 6 from sagging due to a difference between the conveyance by the sheet take-up roller 20 and the conveyance by the irregular feed roller 28, and keeps the PTP sheet 6 constant in the state of tension.

The PTP sheet 6 fed from the irregular feed roller 28 is successively laid on a tension roller 31 and an irregular feed roller 20 in this order.

The irregular feed roller 32 is connected to a motor which rotates irregularly in order to transport or further convey the PTP film 6 irregularly. The tension roller 31 is configured to pull the PTP sheet 6 in an applied tension direction by an elastic force, and thereby serves to prevent the PTP sheet 6 from sagging between these irregular feed rollers 28 and 32.

A slit forming device 33 and an embossing device 34 are successively along the transport path of the PTP film 6 between the irregular feed roller 28 and the tension roller 31 are placed. The slit forming device 33 serves to form a cutting slit at predetermined positions on the PTP film 6. The embossing device 34 is used to emboss a marking at predetermined positions on the PTP film 6 (for example in label sections).

The PTP film 6 fed by the irregular feed roller 32 is placed one after the other on a tension roller 35 and a continuous feed roller 36 in this order downstream of the irregular feed roller 32.

A sheet punching device 37 is placed along the transport path of the PTP film 6 between the irregular feed roller 32 and the tension roller 35. The sheet punching device 37 serves as the sheet punching unit (separating unit) around the outer periphery of each unit of the PTP sheet 1 punch out of the PTP film 6.

The respective PTP sheets punched out by the sheet punching device 37 1 are transported by a delivery conveyor 38 and temporarily collected in a finished product hopper 39 (separation process). When an error signal from the filling controller 82 described later is input to a defective sheet discharge mechanism 40 configured to feed the PTP sheet 1 however, the faulty PTP sheet will be delivered selectively 1 separately discharged by the defective sheet discharge mechanism 40 and transferred to a defective hopper, not shown.

A cutter 41 is provided downstream of the continuous feed roll 36. A scrap part 42, which remains in a tape-like shape after being punched out by the sheet punching device 37, is passed through the tension roller 35 and the continuous feed roller 36, and is then supplied to the cutting device 41. A driven roller is pressed against the continuous feed roller 36 so that the scrap portion 42 is placed between the driven roller and the continuous feed roller 36 and transported.

The cutting device 41 is used to cut the waste part 42 into predetermined dimensions. The cut pieces of the waste part 42 are collected in a waste collector 43 and then disposed of separately.

Each of the rollers described above, such as rollers 14, 19, 20, 28, 31 and 32, are arranged in a positional relationship that the roller surface is the pocket portions 2 is opposite. The surface of each roller, for example the surface of roller 14, has recesses formed around the pocket portions 2 to place in it. This configuration basically prevents the pocket sections 2 be squeezed. The feeding process in which the pocket sections 2 are placed in the respective recesses of each roll such as the roll 14, achieves the reliable irregular feeding and continuous feeding.

The configurations of the heater 15th and the pocket portion forming apparatus 16 will be next regarding 7th described.

The heater 15th has an upper heating plate 15a and a lower heating plate 15b. The respective heating plates 15a and 15b are configured to be heated by an unillustrated heater. The respective heating plates 15a and 15b are transverse to the transport path of the container film 3 arranged and each configured to be one-way closer to the container sheet 3 or in a direction away from the container film 3 to be movable.

Each of the heating plates 15a and 15b has a plurality of protrusions 15c or 15d at positions corresponding to the expected forming areas 3a of the container sheet 3 correspond to where the pocket sections 2 are to be shaped

When the respective heating plates 15a and 15b are moved around the irregularly transported container sheet 3 approaching the container film during its temporary stopping or stopping 3 placed between the protrusions 15c and 15d to be partially heated (in places) and softened. According to the exemplary embodiment, the contact surfaces of the projections 15c and 15d are those with the container film 3 come into contact, slightly smaller than the planar shape of the pocket sections 2 configured.

The pocket section forming device 16 has a lower mold 61 as a second shape and an upper mold 71 as a first shape. The lower mold 61 is fastened to a support base 63 which is fastened in a tubular shape via a lower mold chamber 62. The lower mold 61 has a plurality of insertion holes 64 at positions corresponding to the positions of the pocket portions 2 correspond.

The support base 63 has a plurality of through holes formed to receive rod-like sliders 65 inserted therein via bearing mechanisms. The sliders 65 are configured to be movable up and down by an unillustrated cam mechanism.

A pocket portion molding die 66 is attached to an upper side of the sliders 65 and has a plurality of plugs 66 a that are formed in a rod-like shape and extend in a vertical direction so as to be insertable into the insertion holes 64. The plug 66 has a forward end formed in a shape that coincides with the inner surface of the pocket portion 2 corresponds. The pocket portion molding die 66 is moved up and down accompanied with the up and down movements of the sliders 65 by operation of the cam mechanism. The lower mold 61, the pocket portion molding mold 66, and the like can be made according to the type of PTP sheet to be produced 1 be replaced appropriately.

Furthermore, circulation paths 67 are respectively formed within the sliders 65 and the pocket portion mold 66 to circulate cooling water (or hot water) therethrough. This configuration prevents fluctuations in the surface temperatures of the respective plugs 66a.

The plug 66a is configured to be in the process of forming the pocket portions 2 placed sequentially in an initial position, a middle stop position and a protruding position in that order and finally returned to the initial position. Such operations of the plugs 66a are controlled by a molding control device 81 described later.

The initial position is a position in which the plugs 66a at the start of the process of forming the pocket sections 2 are placed. The plugs 66 a placed at this position are located below the insertion holes 64 and outside the insertion holes 64.

The middle stop position is a position in which the plugs 66a are in the middle stage of the process of forming the pocket portions 2 are placed. The plugs 66a placed at this position are located within the insertion holes 64 at a predetermined interval from the container sheet 3 .

The protruding position is a position in which the plugs 66a are in the final stage of the process of forming the pocket portions 2 are placed. The front end faces of the plugs 66a placed at this position protrude from the lower mold 61 by a length equal to the depth of the pocket portions 2 is equivalent to.

On the other hand, the upper mold 71 is fixed to a vertically movable upper plate 73 via a plate 72 so as to be movable in a direction closer to the lower mold 61 or in a direction away from the lower mold 61. The upper mold 71 has gas supply holes 74 at positions opposite to the insertion holes 64 of the lower mold 61.

In addition, gas supply paths 75 are formed inside the plate 72 and the top plate 73 to communicate with the gas supply holes 74. A predetermined high pressure gas (an inert gas, the air in this embodiment) is supplied to the gas supply paths 75 from a gas supply device 76 configured, for example, by a compressor or the like.

This embodiment is configured to simultaneously have a total of twenty pocket sections 2 corresponding to two PTP sheets 1 by a single operation of the pocket portion forming apparatus 16 to shape. In particular, this embodiment is configured to concurrently have five pocket sections 2 in a film width direction of the container film 3 (Y direction) and four pocket sections 2 to form in a film transport direction (X-direction).

The shaping control device 81 will be described below. The forming control device 81 serves to provide control over the forming of the pocket portions 2 by the heater 15th and the pocket portion forming apparatus 16 and is configured by a computer system that includes a CPU and a RAM.

Information regarding the initial position of the plugs 66a of the pocket portion forming apparatus 16 , Information on the central stop position of the plugs 66 a, information on the protruding position of the plugs 66 a, and the like are set and stored in the molding control device 81. The molding controller 81 controls the operations of the plugs 66a based on these pieces of information. The pieces of information on the initial position, the middle stop position and the protruding position of the plugs 66a are made according to, for example, the depth of the pocket portions 2 or the like in the PTP sheet 1 appropriately changed as an object to be manufactured.

The configuration of the pocket portion checking device 21 is described in detail below. As in the 4th until 6th shown comprises the pocket portion inspection device 21 a lighting device 50 serving as the irradiation unit, a camera 51 serving as the imaging unit and a test controller 52 that is configured to control the components previously described.

The lighting device 51 is configured to cover a predetermined area of the container film 3 irradiating a predetermined electromagnetic wave from a protruding side of the pocket portions 2 (from a lower side in 4th ) is emitted. The lighting device 50 has an electromagnetic wave irradiation device 50a and a diffuser plate 50b placed to cover the electromagnetic wave irradiation device 50a, and is configured to have surface emissivity. The lighting device 50 according to this exemplary embodiment, the container film is irradiated 3 electromagnetic waves contained with ultraviolet light.

The camera 51 has a sensitivity in a wavelength range that of the lighting device 50 emitted electromagnetic wave. The camera 51 is on an opening side of the pocket portion 2 the container film 3 (on an upper side in 4th ) and is arranged so that an optical axis OL of a lens of the camera 51 along a vertical direction (Z direction) perpendicular to the film flat section 3b of the container film 3 is.

A band pass filter 51a is corresponding to the lens of the camera 51 intended. The band pass filter 51a is placed so as to cause only the ultraviolet light to enter the lens.

The provision of the band pass filter 51a causes only that through the container film 3 ultraviolet light passing through from a two-dimensional image from that of the lighting device 50 emitted electromagnetic wave is subjected. Through the camera 51 Transfer image data obtained is luminance image data having different luminances in respective pixels (at respective coordinate positions) based on the difference in transmittance of ultraviolet light in the container sheet 3 .

In particular, according to the exemplary embodiment, a bandpass filter is used for the bandpass filter 51a described above, which only allows ultraviolet light to pass through, for example with a wavelength of 253 ± 20 nm, which is the permeability of the container film 3 of about 30 ± 10%. This is because both the excessively high permeability and the excessively low permeability of the electromagnetic wave which the container film 3 happens, likely to cause difficulty in distinguishing the light transmittance between a thin-walled part and a thick-walled part in the bottom portion 2a of the bag part 2 lead 2.

The imaging area of the camera 51 According to the exemplary embodiment, it is set so that it simultaneously records an image of an area comprising at least the total of twenty pocket sections 2 covers that with the two PTP sheets 1 correspond, and those in the container foil 3 by a single operation of the pocket portion forming apparatus 16 are shaped, ie an area comprising five pocket sections 2 in the film width direction of the container film 3 (Y direction) and four pocket sections 2 in the film transport direction (X-direction).

The test controller 52 is configured by a so-called computer system and has an image memory 53 , a calculation result storage device 54 , an assessment memory 55 , a camera timing controller 57, and a microcomputer 58 electrically connected to the above components.

The image memory 53 is configured to store various image data, such as that from the camera 51 transmission image data obtained and masking image data obtained by a masking process and binarized image data obtained by a binarization process during inspection.

The calculation result storage device 54 is configured to store test result data and statistical data obtained by statistically processing the test result data.

The assessment memory 55 is configured to store various information that will be used for testing. These various pieces of information that are established and stored include, for example, the shapes and dimensions of the PTP sheet 1 , the pocket section 2 and the tablet 5 , the shape and dimensions of a test frame that is used to define a test area (area containing a PTP sheet 1 corresponds) and a positional relationship of the test frame relative to the camera 51 to specify the shape and dimensions of a bag frame W. which is used to represent an area of each pocket section 2 and a positional relationship of the bag frame W. relative to the camera 51 to be specified (or relative to the test frame), a luminance threshold value used in the binarization process, and evaluation criteria to be used in judging good / bad quality with respect to the state of formation of the pocket sections 2 be used.

The camera timing controller 57 is configured to schedule the execution time of a shaping process by the camera 51 to control. This Timing is controlled based on a signal from an unillustrated encoder installed in the PTP packaging machine 1 is provided.

Accordingly, a process of irradiating the container film becomes 3 with that of the lighting device 50 emitted electromagnetic wave and taking a picture of the electromagnetic wave (ultraviolet light) which the container film 3 happens by using the camera 51 performed during each interval when transporting the container film 3 with the pocket sections formed therein 2 stopped temporarily. The one from the camera 51 Transmission image data obtained are converted into a digital signal (image signal) within the camera 51 and converted to the test control device 52 (the image memory 53 ) entered in the form of the digital signal.

The microcomputer 58 includes, for example, a CPU 58a serving as the operation unit, a ROM 58b configured to store various programs, and a RAM 58c configured to temporarily store a variety of data such as operation data and Input / output data, and is configured to control various controls in the test controller 52 perform.

The microcomputer 58 executes a variety of processing programs to make a check by using the storage contents of the judgment memory 55 perform. The microcomputer 58 is also configured to send and receive signals to and from the filling control device 82 described later, and is configured to output a check result to the filling control device 82, for example.

The following describes the pocket portion molding process performed under the control of the molding controller 81 with reference to FIG 8th .

In the pocket portion forming process, a central stop position locating process is first performed in step S1. The middle stop position locating process moves the sliders 65, thereby moving the pocket portion molding die 66 up to move up the plugs 66a placed in the initial position.

When the plugs 66a reach the specified middle stop position, the movement of the sliders 65 is stopped so that the plugs 66a are placed at the middle stop position. In this state, the front end faces of the plugs 66a are a predetermined distance from the container sheet 3 removed. This predetermined distance is generally set smaller than the depth of the pocket sections 2 .

A holding process in the subsequent step S2 moves the upper mold 71 downward, thereby causing the container film 3 is placed and held between the lower mold 61 in a stationary state and the upper mold 71. In this state, annular sections, which are arranged around the expected shaping areas 3a in the container film 3 (in 7th shown) are where the pocket sections are located 2 are to be molded, placed and held by the two molds 61 and 71. According to a modification, the central stop position locating process and the holding process can be carried out at the same time, or the holding process can be carried out before the central stop position locating process.

A swelling process in the subsequent step S3 causes the gas to be supplied from the gas supply device 76 through the gas supply paths 75 to the gas supply holes 74 in order to apply the compressed air to the expected forming areas 3a for the pocket portions 2 in the container foil 3 from its surface side (from an upper side in 7th ) to spray. The supply of the gas causes the expected shaping areas 3a to move toward an opposite side (a lower side in FIG 7th ) that of the protruding side of the pocket sections 2 opposite (the upper side in 7th ), swollen and stretched and thinned.

The expected molding areas 3a are then swollen to be supported by the front end surfaces of the plugs 66a. When the expected shaping areas 3a are swollen by supplying the gas, the expected shaping areas 3a after swelling generally have approximately the same wall thicknesses.

The amount of stretch of the container film 3 and thereby the wall thickness of the expected forming portions 3a are changed according to the middle stop position of the plugs 66a. A relatively high mean stop position of the stoppers 66a ensures a relatively low amount of stretching of the container film 3 and accordingly causes the expected shaping areas 3a to be generally thick.

A relatively low mean stop position of the stoppers 66a, on the other hand, ensures a relatively large amount of stretching of the container film 3 and accordingly causes the expected shaping areas 3a to be generally thin.

A final molding process in the subsequent step S4 moves the plugs 66a up to be placed at the protruding position. As a result, the direction of swelling becomes the one expected Forming areas 3a reversed to the pocket portions 2 to shape with a predetermined depth. Accordingly, the plugs 66a, the gas supply device 76, and the like configure the stretching unit (stretch forming unit) around a part of the container film 3 (the expected shape areas 3a) and stretch the pocket sections 2 to shape according to the embodiment.

When the container foil 3 is deformed by pressing, parts of the expected forming areas 3a associated with the bottom portions 2a correspond, brought into contact with the plug 66a to be cooled, so that the with the bottom portions 2a corresponding parts are hardly stretched. Generally, when the expected forming areas 3a are made thick by setting the relatively high central stop position, those having the bottom portions become 2 corresponding parts kept thick by the plug 66a during the pressing or pressing process. As a result, the side sections 2 B of the pocket sections to be formed 2 made relatively thin-walled.

On the other hand, when the expected forming areas 3a are made thin in general by setting the relatively low central stop position, those having the bottom portions become 2 corresponding parts kept thin during the pressing process by the plug 66a. As a result, the side sections 2 B of the pocket sections to be formed 2 made relatively thick-walled.

Adjusting the central stop position of the plugs 66a to adjust the wall thickness of the expected forming areas 3a as described above establishes the balance between the wall thicknesses of the bottom portions 2a and the side sections 2 B in the pocket sections 2 one that are ultimately to be molded.

After the final molding process, the plugs 66a are placed in the initial position and the container film is held 3 through the two forms 61 and 71 is released. This completes the pocket portion forming process.

The filling control device 82 will now be described. The filling control device 82 serves to carry out control over the filling of the tablets 5 by the tablet filling device 22 and is configured by a computer system that includes a CPU and a RAM. The filling control device 82 configures the filling control device according to the embodiment.

In particular, according to the exemplary embodiment, the filling control device 82 is configured to switch over and control whether a predetermined pocket section 2 with the tablet 5 to be filled based on the test result by the pocket portion test device 21 .

In particular, if a test result is related to a given PTP sheet 1 (the state of formation of ten pocket sections 2 ) from the pocket section tester 21 is input and indicates a judgment result of good quality, the filling control device 82 controls the tablet filling device 22 to every ten pocket portions 2 that are in this PTP arc 1 are included with the tablets 5 to fill.

If the test result in relation to the specified PTP sheet 1 on the other hand, indicates a judgment result of poor quality, the filling control device 82 controls the tablet filling device 22, none of the ten pocket sections 2 that are in this PTP arc 1 are included with the tablets 5 to fill. The filling controller 82 simultaneously outputs a defective product signal to the defective sheet delivery mechanism 40. As a result, the defective sheet delivery mechanism 40 gives the PTP sheet 1 (defective sheet) with respect to the defective product signal.

The following describes the flow of a pocket section inspection carried out by the pocket section inspection device 21 in relation to the flow chart of 9 is carried out.

One in 9 The check routine of the pocket portion check shown is performed with respect to each check area corresponding to an area formed in a rectangular arc shape as the product of a PTP sheet 1 is punched out. Accordingly, the in 9 The pocket section test shown is carried out in relation to two test areas during each interval in which the transport of the container film 3 stopped temporarily.

If a given area of the container film 3 in which the pocket sections 2 by the pocket portion forming device 16 are molded in the pocket portion tester 21 is temporarily stopped, the test controller performs 52 first a process of irradiation (irradiation process), which the predetermined area of the container film 3 irradiated with electromagnetic waves (ultraviolet light) emitted from the lighting device 50 and also performs a process of imaging (imaging process) by using the camera 51 through.

When transfer image data of the container film 3 into the image memory 53 are entered, the test control device performs 52 first through a test image extraction process (step S11).

Specifically, image data relating to an inspection area created with a PTP sheet 1 corresponds (an area with ten pocket sections 2 ) obtained as a test image by using the above-described test frame based on those in the image memory 53 input transfer image data of the container film 3 .

According to the embodiment, the stop position at which an area that is associated with each PTP sheet 1 corresponds on the container foil 3 is stopped each time relative to the imaging area of the camera 51 is set, and the above-described setting position of the test frame is set in advance according to the positional relationship of the test frame relative to the camera 51 definitely. Accordingly, in this embodiment, the above-described setting position of the inspection frame is not subjected to the position adjustment in accordance with the image data every time. However, this configuration is not essential. A modification may be configured to appropriately set the setting position of the aforementioned check frame based on the information obtained from the image data in consideration of occurrence of positional misalignment or the like.

Another modification may be configured to process the test image through a variety of processings. For example, there is a technical limitation in uniformly irradiating an entire imaging area with electromagnetic waves emitted by the lighting device 50 are emitted. An exemplary configuration may perform shading correction to correct a variation in intensity (luminance) of an electromagnetic wave caused by a positional difference.

After receiving the test image, the test control device performs 52 in the subsequent step S12 by a masking process.

In particular, the test control device sets 52 the bag frame W. (in 10 shown) with the respective positions of the ten pocket sections 2 corresponding to the test image obtained in step S11 and applies a mask M to a residual area which is not through the pocket areas W. is specified, ie an area which corresponds to the film flat portion 3b.

According to the embodiment, the setting position of the bag frame W. determined in advance according to the positional relationship relative to the test frame. Accordingly, in this embodiment, the setting position of the bag frame becomes W. not subjected to the position adjustment according to the inspection picture every time. However, this configuration is not essential. A modification can be configured around the attachment position of the bag frame W. based on the information obtained from the inspection image in consideration of occurrence of positional misalignment or the like.

The test controller 52 subsequently sets a non-defective pocket flag to a value “0” for each of the pocket sections in step S13 2 fixed

The “bag not defective indicator” shows the assessment result for good / bad quality of each corresponding bag section 2 and is stored in the calculation result storage device 54 set. In the case where a predetermined pocket section 2 has an assessment result of good quality, the corresponding pocket-non-defective indicator is set to a value of “1”.

In the following step S14, the test control device sets 52 a value C. a pocket number counter stored in the calculation result storage device 54 is set to an initial value of "1".

The “pocket number” refers to a set of serial numbers associated with each of the ten pocket sections 2 which are included in an inspection area and the position of each pocket portion 2 is by value C. of the pocket number counter (hereinafter referred to simply as “pocket number C”).

The test controller 52 subsequently determines in step S15 whether the bag number C. equal to or smaller than a number of pockets N (“10” according to the exemplary embodiment) in each test area (in each PTP sheet 1 ) is.

In the event of an affirmative determination, the test controller proceeds 52 to step S16 to perform a shading pattern extraction process (shading pattern extraction process) which shows a shading pattern with respect to the pocket portion 2 the current bag number C. extracted. The function for performing this process mainly configures the shading pattern extraction unit according to the embodiment.

In particular, the test controller extracts 52 a shading image in the bag frame W. in relation to the pocket section 2 , the one with the current bag number C. (for example, C = 1) in the test image (masking image data) which is obtained by the masking process in step S12 as a shading pattern K1 processed in the pocket section 2 is generated (in 10 shown).

The shading pattern is accordingly K1 two-dimensional image information having luminance information related to each pixel (for example, one of 256 tone values from 0 to 255) and corresponds to an image showing a two-dimensional distribution of shade formed in the ground portion 2a and the like of the pocket portion 2 from a relationship between the difference in wall thickness (wall thickness distribution) at each position (coordinate position) of the floor portion 2a and the like of the pocket portion 2 and the light transmittance or the like of the electromagnetic wave passing through the positions is generated.

According to the embodiment, the bag frame W. according to an opening peripheral part of the pocket portion 2 (a connecting part of the side section 2 B with the film flat section 3b) set. The shading pattern obtained in step S16 K1 accordingly contains shading patterns not only in relation to the floor section 2a of the pocket section 2 but also on the side section 2 B of the pocket section 2 and the corner section 2c of the pocket section 2 where the bottom section 2a the side section 2 B cuts.

In the shading pattern K1 a shading pattern having a shading distribution (luminance distribution) approximately the same as a wall thickness distribution of the bottom portion is obtained 2a corresponds, in terms of the area that corresponds to the floor section 2a corresponds. Regarding the area belonging to the page section 2 B or the corner section 2c on the other hand, the luminance information does not correspond to the electromagnetic wave that the side portion 2 B or the like along the wall thickness direction (X direction or Y direction) but corresponds to the electromagnetic wave that passes the side portion 2 B or the like happened along the stretching direction in the molding process (Z-direction). The shading pattern in this area thus depends on the wall thickness of the side section 2 B or the like.

In the following step S17, the test control device executes 52 a binarization process of the shading pattern extracted in step S16 K1 based on a predetermined luminance threshold L. through (in 11 shown). 11 FIG. 13 is a graph showing a luminance value with respect to each of the pixels along a line AA 'in the FIG 10 shown shading pattern K1 indicates.

In particular, among the pixels that make up the shading pattern K1 form pixels with luminance values that are equal to or greater than the luminance threshold L. are converted to "1" (light sections), whereas pixels with luminance values that are lower than the luminance threshold value L. are converted to "0" (dark sections).

According to the exemplary embodiment, there is thus a binary pattern K2 received as in 12th shown, with respect to the bottom portion 2a and the like of the pocket portion 2 a thin-walled part with the small wall thickness and the high permeability appears as "1" (light section), and a thick-walled part with the large wall thickness and the low permeability appears as "0" (dark section). This binary pattern K2 is called binarized image data that represents the binarized shading pattern K1 are in the image memory 53 saved.

In other words, these are binary patterns K2 two-dimensional image information with light / dark binary information with respect to each pixel and corresponds to an image (binary distribution image) with two-dimensional distribution of light / dark binary values based on the wall thickness distribution with respect to the floor portion 2a and the like of the pocket portion 2 .

In the following step S18, the test control device executes 52 perform a lump processing. In particular, the test controller specifies 52 Link components with regard to the “0” (dark sections) and with regard to the “1” (light sections) in the binary pattern K2 obtained in step S17.

In the case of the non-defective pocket portion 2 contains the received binary pattern K2 a medium dark area E1 in an approximate circular shape made up of connecting components of “0” (dark sections) that are located near the center of the bottom section 2a are located in the pocket section 2 is a light area or bright area E2 in an approximate annular shape made up of connecting components of "1" (light sections) arranged around the central dark area E1 to surround, and an outer dark area E3 in an approximate annular shape made up of connecting components of "0" (dark sections) arranged around the outside of the light area E2 to surround.

The middle dark area E1 corresponds to a thick-walled area in the bottom section 2a of the pocket section 2 . The light area E2 corresponds to a thin-walled area in the bottom section 2a of the pocket section 2 The outer dark area E3 corresponds to that Side section 2 B and the corner section 2c of the pocket section 2 . Accordingly, the light area corresponds E2 the light section pattern (light section distribution image) according to the embodiment, and the central dark area E1 and the outer dark area E3 correspond to the dark portion pattern (dark portion distribution image) according to the embodiment.

In the subsequent step S19, the test control device determines 52 whether the position of an inner limit R1 of the light area E2 that is a border between the middle dark area E1 and the light area E2 is satisfied predetermined judgment criteria set in advance (whether the position of the inner boundary R1 is within a specified permissible range). These judgment criteria are obtained in advance and in the judgment memory through a teaching mode described later 55 set and saved.

Specifically, how in 13th shown, the test controller 52 whether each point (each coordinate position) is in an entire area in a circumferential direction of the inner boundary R1 is located in an outer area in a radial direction of the pocket (on a side farther from a pocket center position) than an inner limit minimum value R1 min, and located in an inner area in a radial direction of the pocket (on a side closer to the pocket center position) than an inner limit maximum value R1 max. In the event of a positive determination, the test control device advances 52 to step S20. In the event of a negative determination, the test controller considers 52 the pocket section 2 according to the current bag number C. as faulty and proceeds directly to step S22.

In step S20, the test controller determines 52 whether the position of an outer limit R2 of the light area E2 that is a boundary between the light range E2 and the outer dark area E3 is fulfilled, predetermined predetermined judgment criteria set in advance (whether the position of the outer boundary R2 is within a specified permissible range). Like the judgment criteria described above, these judgment criteria are obtained in advance and in the judgment memory through the teaching mode described later 55 set and saved.

In particular, the test controller determines 52 , as in 13th shown whether each point (each coordinate position) is in an entire area in the circumferential direction of the outer boundary R2 is located in the outer area in the pocket radial direction (on the side farther from the bag center position) than an outer limit minimum value R2min, and located in an inner area of the pocket radial direction (on the side closer to the bag center position) as an outer limit -Maximum value R2max . In the case of an affirmative determination, the test controller proceeds 52 to step S21. In the event of a negative determination, the test controller considers 52 the pocket section 2 according to the current bag number C. as faulty and proceeds directly to step S22.

In step S21, the test controller considers 52 the pocket section 2 according to the current bag number C. as non-defective, sets the bag-not-defective indicator according to the bag number C. to "1" and proceeds to step S22.

If, according to the embodiment, the position of the inner boundary R1 of the light area E2 (the border between the middle dark area E1 and the light area E2 ) does not deviate from the assessment criteria in the direction of the inner region of the radial direction of the pocket or the outer region of the radial direction of the pocket, the position of the outer limit R2 of the light area E2 (the boundary between the light range E2 and the outer dark area E3 ) does not deviate from the assessment criteria in the direction of the inner region of the radial direction of the pocket or in the direction in which the outer region deviates in the radial direction of the pocket, and the middle dark region E1 and the light area E2 in suitable two-dimensional shapes in the floor section 2a are formed, it can be determined that the forming state (wall thickness distribution state) of the bottom section 2a is suitable, and it is also presumed that the molding state (wall thickness distribution state) of the side portion 2 B and the corner section 2c suitable is. The test controller determines accordingly 52 that the state of formation of the pocket portion 2 suitable is.

Accordingly, configures the function of performing the process of judging good / bad quality (good / bad quality judging process) on the state of molding of the pocket portion 2 in the above-described steps S19 and S20, the good / bad quality judging unit according to the embodiment.

The test controller 52 subsequently adds “1” to the current pocket number in step S22 C. and returns to step S15.

If the newly set pocket number C. is still equal to or smaller than the number of pockets N (“10” according to the exemplary embodiment), the test control device proceeds 52 again to step S16 and repeatedly executes the series of processing described above.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the newly set pocket number C. the number of pockets exceeds N, the test controller considers 52 the good / bad quality judging process for all bag sections 2 as finished and proceeds to step S23.

In step S23, the test controller determines 52 whether the value of the bag-not-defective flag is equal to "1" with regard to all bag sections contained in the test area 2 is. This determines whether the PTP sheet corresponding to the check area 1 is a non-defective product or a defective product.

In the case of a positive determination, that is, if all pocket sections 2 are "non-defective" in the test area and not a pocket section 2 is determined as "faulty", the test controller determines 52 in step S24 that the PTP sheet 1 that corresponds to the test area is a "non-defective product" and ends this test routine.

In the case of a negative determination in step S23, that is, if any pocket portion 2 is determined as “defective” in the test area, the test controller determines 52 in step S25 on the other hand that the PTP sheet 1 that corresponds to the test area is a "defective product" and ends this test routine.

In the process of non-defective determination in step S24 and in the process of failure determination in step S25, the test controller stores 52 the test result with regard to the PTP sheet 1 corresponding to the check area in the calculation result storage device 54 and also outputs the test result to the filling controller 82.

The following describes the teaching mode that receives and sets in advance the judgment criteria used for the bag section check described above.

In particular, the teaching mode receives and sets the inner limit minimum value R1 min and the inner limit maximum value R1max notes that are used for judging good / bad quality of the inner limit R1 are used, and the outer limit minimum value R2min and the outer limit maximum value R2max fixed for judging good / bad quality of the outer limit R2 be used.

The teaching mode first takes a picture of a non-defective container film 3 on (container foil 3 having non-defective pocket portions formed therein 2 ) that in advance with the camera 51 provided and extracts a shading pattern K1 that is in a non-defective pocket section 2 is generated through a series of processings similar to the check routine described above.

The teaching mode subsequently processes the shading pattern K1 of this non-defective pocket section 2 through a binarization process to create a binary pattern K2 of the non-defective pocket section 2 and processes this binary pattern K2 by lump processing to the middle dark area E1 , the light area E2 and the outer dark area E3 in relation to the bottom section 2a of the non-defective pocket section 2 to obtain.

The teaching mode then enlarges the light area E2 by a predetermined amount based on the center position of the floor portion 2a of the pocket section 2 , sets the inner limit R1 of the enlarged light area E2 as the inner limit maximum value R1 max in the assessment memory 55 and defines the outer limit R2 of the enlarged light area E2 as the outer limit maximum value R2max in the assessment memory 55 fixed.

The teaching mode subsequently reduces the light area E2 by a predetermined amount based on the center position of the floor portion 2a of the pocket section 2 , sets the inner limit R1 of the reduced light area E2 as the inner limit minimum value R1 min in the assessment memory 55 and defines the outer limit R2 of the reduced light area E2 as the outer limit minimum value R2min in the judgment memory 55 fixed.

The method for obtaining the judgment criteria is not limited to the configuration described above, but another method can be used. For example, the judgment criteria can be obtained by a modified configuration which will be described below.

The modified configuration extends the light range E2 by a predetermined amount in a radial direction of the pocket based on a center of the radial direction of the pocket of the light area E2 , sets the inner limit R1 of the extended light area E2 as the inner limit minimum value R1 min in the assessment memory 55 and defines the outer limit R2 of the extended light area E2 as the outer limit maximum value R2max in the assessment memory 55 fixed.

The modified configuration subsequently contracts the light area E2 by a predetermined amount in a radial direction of the pocket based on a center of the radial direction of the pocket of the light area E2 , sets the inner limit R1 the contracted light surface E2 as the inner limit maximum value R1 max in the assessment memory 55 and defines the outer limit R2 of the contracted light area E2 as the outer limit minimum value R2min in the judgment memory 55 fixed.

As described in detail above, the embodiment is configured to accommodate the container film 3 irradiate with electromagnetic waves emitted by the lighting device 50 emitted during each interval when transporting the container film 3 with the pocket sections formed therein 2 is temporarily stopped to take an image of the electromagnetic wave (ultraviolet light) which the container sheet 3 happens by using the camera 51 to get that in the bottom section 2a of the pocket section 2 generated shading patterns K1 from the obtained transfer image data, and to make the judgment of good / bad quality with respect to the state of formation of the pocket portions 2 by comparing the extracted shading pattern K1 to be carried out with the specified assessment criteria.

This configuration enables not only good / bad quality to be judged with respect to the molding state (wall thickness distribution state) of the bottom portion 2a of the pocket section 2 but also the judgment of good / bad quality with respect to the molding condition (wall thickness distribution condition) of the side portion 2 B and the corner section 2c of the pocket section 2 , and enables a molding error (wall thickness error) of the side portion 2 B or the like of the pocket portion 2 , for example, the presence or absence of a deviation in the wall thickness distribution in the side portion 2 B or the like of the pocket portion 2 to capture with higher accuracy.

The configuration of the embodiment enables the molding state of the entire periphery of the side portion 2 B by a single imaging process of the imaging of the floor section 2a of the pocket section 2 to recognize. This configuration increases the speed of the inspection and thereby improves the productivity of the blister pack.

In addition, the embodiment is configured to test the container film 3 which is transparent by using the ultraviolet light with the wavelength of 253 ± 20 nm, which is the permeability of the container film 3 of about 30 ± 10 percent when performing the electromagnetic wave. The ultraviolet light has the lower permeability and can use the transparent container film 3 Difficult to happen compared to visible light. The ultraviolet light thus enables a more appropriate check of the state of formation of the pocket portions 2 . In addition, the ultraviolet light is more likely to have a difference in light transmittance between the thin-walled part and the thick-walled part in the bottom portion 2a of the pocket section 2 and enables a more suitable examination.

Moreover, according to the embodiment, the judgment criteria used for checking the pocket portions are determined in advance by the teaching mode based on the shading pattern K obtained by mapping the non-defective pocket portions 2 with the camera 51 is obtained. Even in the case where the bottom section 2a of the pocket section 2 has a complicated shape or a complicated wall thickness distribution, this configuration enables the judgment criteria to be set relatively easily.

[Second embodiment]

A second embodiment will next be described with reference to FIG 14th described in detail. 14th Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a pocket portion check according to this embodiment. Regarding the parts which overlap with the first embodiment described above, detailed descriptions thereof are omitted by using the same component names, the same reference numerals, and the like. The following mainly describes the part different from the first embodiment.

If a given area of the container film 3 in which the pocket sections 2 by the pocket portion forming device 16 are molded in the pocket portion tester 21 is temporarily stopped, the test controller performs 52 first a process of irradiation (irradiation process), which the predetermined area of the container film 3 irradiated with electromagnetic waves (ultraviolet light) emitted from the lighting device 50 and also performs a process of imaging (imaging process) by using the camera 51 through.

When transfer image data of the container film 3 into the image memory 53 are entered, the test control device performs 52 first perform a test image extraction process (step T11). This Process is the same process as that of step S11 of the first embodiment, and the detailed description thereof is omitted.

After receiving the test image, the test control device performs 52 in the subsequent step T12, a masking process is carried out. This process is a similar process to that of step S12 of the first embodiment, and the detailed description thereof is omitted.

The test controller 52 subsequently sets the pocket non-defective flag for each of the pocket sections in step T13 2 to a value of "0" and sets the value C. of the pocket number counter stored in the calculation result storage device 54 is set to an initial value "1" in the subsequent step T14.

The test controller 52 subsequently determines in step T15 whether the bag number C. is equal to or less than the number of pockets N in each inspection area. In the case of an affirmative determination, the test controller proceeds 52 to step T16 to perform a shading pattern extraction process (shading pattern extraction process) which shows a shading pattern with respect to the pocket portion 2 the current bag number C. extracted. This process is a similar process to that of step S16 of the first embodiment, and the detailed description thereof is omitted.

In the following step T17, the test control device executes 52 carry out a flawed area specification process. According to the embodiment, the test control device determines 52 first, whether the luminance value of each pixel in the shading pattern K1 extracted in step T16 satisfies predetermined judgment criteria set in advance with respect to each pixel (whether the luminance value is within a predetermined allowable range) and specifies pixels deviating from the judgment criteria as a defective area.

Specifically, how in 15th shown, the test controller 52 whether the luminance value of each pixel in the shading pattern K1 is smaller than an upper luminance limit value Hmax with respect to the pixel and larger than a lower luminance limit value Hmin with respect to the pixel. These judgment criteria (the upper limit luminance value Hmax and the lower limit luminance value Hmin) are obtained in advance and through a teaching mode described later in the judgment memory 55 set and saved.

15th FIG. 13 is a graph showing a luminance value H with respect to each of the pixels along the line AA 'in the FIG 10 shown shading pattern K1 and shows the upper luminance limit value Hmax and the lower luminance limit value Hmin with respect to each of the pixels along the line AA '.

As in 16 shown, receives the test controller 52 then an image for judging J by placing it among the pixels that make up the shading pattern K1 form the pixels that are in the judgment criteria (the upper luminance limit value Hmax and the lower luminance limit value Hmin) as "1 (light portions)" and the pixels that deviate from the judgment criteria and are specified as the defective area as "0 ( Dark sections) "expresses.

In the following step T18, the test control device executes 52 perform a lump processing. In particular, the test controller specifies 52 Link components relating to the "0 (dark sections)" and relating to the "1 (light sections)" that are obtained in step T17, and receives an incorrect total area Px, which is a sum of the area values P of the linking components of the "0 (dark sections)", which are specified as the defective area.

At step T19, the test controller determines 52 whether the total defective area Px calculated at step T18 is equal to or smaller than a predetermined judgment criterion Po. This determines whether the total defective area Px is within an allowable range, and thereby guides the judgment of good / bad quality with respect to the state of molding of the pocket portion 2 through. Accordingly, the function of performing the good / bad quality judging process (good / bad quality judging process) in this step T19 configures the good / bad quality judging unit according to the embodiment.

However, this configuration is not essential, but another method can be used for the judgment of good / bad quality: for example, a method for determining whether a link component with a maximum range from the link components of the "0 (dark sections)" that are listed as the defective area is specified, lies within a permissible range, or a method for determining a degree of variation (distribution state) of the linkage components of the “0 (dark sections)”. Another modified configuration can be the pocket portion 2 determine as defective if there is any defective area regardless of its size.

In the event of an affirmative determination in step T19 that the total defective area Px is equal to or smaller than the judgment criterion Po, the test controller proceeds 52 to step T20. In the case of a negative determination in step T19, the test controller sees 52 on the other hand the pocket section 2 according to the current bag number C. as faulty and proceeds directly to step T21.

In step T20, the test controller determines 52 that the pocket section 2 according to the current bag number C. is not defective, sets the non-defective indicator according to the pocket number C. to "1" and proceeds to step T21.

The test controller 52 adds “1” to the current pocket number at step T21 C. and returns to step T15.

If the newly set pocket number C. is still equal to or less than the number of pockets N, the test controller proceeds 52 advances to step T16 again and repeatedly performs the previous series of processings.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the newly set pocket number C. the number of pockets exceeds N, the test controller sees 52 the good / bad quality judging process for all bag sections 2 as finished and proceeds to step T22.

In step T22, the test controller determines 52 whether the value of the non-defective flag with respect to all pocket sections contained in the test area 2 is equal to "1". This determines whether the PTP arc 1 that corresponds to the test area is a non-defective product or a defective product.

In the case of a positive determination, that is, if all pocket sections 2 are "non-defective" in the test area and not a pocket section 2 is determined as "faulty", the test controller determines 52 in step T23 that the PTP arc 1 that corresponds to the test area is a "non-defective product" and ends this test routine.

In the case of a negative determination in step T22, that is, if any pocket portion 2 is determined as “defective” in the test area, the test control device determines 52 in step T24 against that the PTP sheet 1 that corresponds to the test area is a "defective product" and ends this test routine.

The following describes a teaching mode according to this embodiment. In particular, the teaching mode obtains and sets the upper luminance limit value Hmax and the lower luminance limit value Hmin which are used for judging the good / bad quality of each of the pixels that make up the shading pattern K1 form, can be used.

The teaching mode first takes a picture of a non-defective container film 3 on (container foil 3 with ten non-defective pocket portions molded therein 2 ) that in advance with the camera 51 provided and extracts a shading pattern K1 that in the ten non-faulty pocket sections 2 was generated by a series of processing the same or similar to the test routine described above.

The teaching mode then calculates an average luminance value which is an average value of luminance values of the respective pixels in the shading pattern K1 which is ten non-flawed. The teaching mode subsequently sets a value obtained by adding a predetermined offset value α to the average luminance value with respect to each pixel as the upper luminance limit value Hmax in the judgment memory 55 fixed. Similarly, the teaching mode sets a value obtained by subtracting the predetermined offset value α from the average luminance value with respect to each pixel as the lower limit luminance value Hmin in the judgment memory 55 fixed. The teaching mode is then ended.

As described in detail above, the configuration of this embodiment enables a finer check on the state of the formation of the pocket portion 2 and detects a molding failure of the pocket portion 2 with higher accuracy.

The present disclosure is not limited to the description of the previous respective exemplary embodiments, but can be implemented, for example, by configurations described below. The present disclosure can of course be implemented by other applications and modifications than those illustrated below.

(a) The configuration of the blister pack as the test object is not limited to that of the respective embodiments described above. For example, the previous respective embodiments represent the PTP arc 1 the contents as well as the tablets placed in it 5 than the blister pack.

However, this configuration is not essential. However, the test object can be any be of different blister packs, for example a blister pack with a peel opening that is configured so that a content is removed by peeling off a cover film from a container film, a blister pack (for example, carrier type) that is configured so that a content, such as an electronic component to be placed and transported therein, or a blister pack configured such that a cover sheet is not attached to a container sheet, but a bracket or the like is mounted to the container sheet.

(b) The configuration of the pocket sections, for example the shape, the size, the depth, the number and the arrangement of the pocket sections in the container film is not limited to the previous respective exemplary embodiments, but can vary depending on the type, shape, application and the like of the Content can be selected appropriately. For example, the bottom section 2a of the pocket section 2 have an approximately triangular shape, an approximately elliptical shape, an approximately rectangular shape or an approximately rhombic shape in plan view.

In particular, the examination subject can, for example, be as shown in FIG 17 (a) and 17 (b) be shown blister pack 100. The pocket portion 101 is composed of a bottom portion 101a in a rectangular shape in plan view and a side portion 101b in a rectangular frame shape connected to the periphery of the bottom portion 101a. On the bottom portion 101a of the pocket portion 101, a plurality of protruding ribs 101c are formed which protrude into the pocket.

For this pocket portion 101, a check is carried out according to the check procedure of the above-described first embodiment to extract a shading image generated in the bottom portion 101a (step S16) and to carry out the binarization process (step S17) and lump processing (step S18). This provides dark areas E11 corresponding to thick-walled areas (protruding ribs 101c) and a light area E12 corresponding to a thin-walled area (general part of the bottom portion 101a), as in FIG 17 (c) shown.

The test subsequently determines whether the inner limits R11 of the light area E12, the limits of the dark areas E11 and the light area E12, meet specified assessment criteria (an inner limit minimum value R11 min and an inner limit maximum value R11max) and also determines whether an outer limit R12 of the light area E12 satisfies predetermined judgment criteria (an outer limit minimum value R12min and an outer limit maximum value R12max) in order to make a judgment of good / bad quality on the state of molding of the pocket portion 101.

(c) The material, the layer structure and the like of the container film and the cover film are not limited to the previous respective exemplary embodiments. For example, there is the container film in the respective previous exemplary embodiments 3 made of a colorless and transparent thermoplastic resin material such as PP or PVC and are transparent or translucent.

However, this is not essential. For example, the container film 3 may be made of a colorless and translucent resin material, may be made of a colored and transparent resin material, may be made of a colored and translucent resin material, or may even be made of an opaque material (an opaque resin material or a metal material). An example of the metal material is a material composed mainly of aluminum such as a laminated aluminum foil.

A test of the container foil 3 from the opaque material can be made by irradiating the container film 3 with an electromagnetic wave that can pass through the opaque material, such as X-rays, from the lighting device 50 as described later.

(d) The method of forming the pocket portion is not limited to the method of the previous respective embodiments. For example, the previous respective embodiments are configured to include the pocket portions 2 using the plug-assisted compression molding process.

Any of several known molding methods for partially heating and softening a portion of the flat container sheet 3 (expected molding areas 3a) and for stretching and processing the heated and softened part, for example, a vacuum molding method, a pressure molding method, or a plug molding method can be used in place of the above-described method.

However, if the container foil is made of a laminated aluminum foil, the heating of the container foil is likely to result in separation between adherent layers and breakage of the container foil during the molding process. Accordingly, in such a case, a cold forming technique that does not require heating beforehand is suitable. However, even in the case of the cold forming technique, it is more likely that the pocket forming process will extend the scope of a Holding part of the container film extended and the container film probably does not stretch evenly. This can lead to a deviation in the wall thickness between the respective parts of the pocket section.

(e) The configuration of the irradiation unit and the imaging unit is not limited to the configuration of the previous embodiments. For example, in the configuration of the respective embodiments described above, there is the lighting device 50 on the protruding side of the pocket sections 2 placed, and the camera 51 is on the opening side of the pocket sections 2 placed. The positional relationship between the lighting device 50 and the camera 51 however, it can be the other way round.

In the respective exemplary embodiments described above, the lighting device is 50 configured to radiate the electromagnetic wave containing ultraviolet light. The wavelength of the lighting device 50 Radiated electromagnetic wave can be according to the material, color and the like of the container film 3 be changed appropriately. Another configuration can omit the band pass filter 51a and can cause the electromagnetic wave transmitted from the lighting device 50 is emitted and which the container film 3 happens straight into the camera 51 entry.

If, for example, the container film 3 is made of an opaque material consisting of aluminum and the like, the lighting device 50 be configured to emit x-rays. When the container foil 3 The lighting device can be made of a colored and translucent material 50 be configured to emit visible light such as white light.

(f) In the configuration of the respective embodiments described above, the ultraviolet light with a wavelength of 253 ± 20 nm, which is a transmittance of the container film 3 of approximately 30 ± 10 percent is used for testing. A modified configuration can conduct a test using an electromagnetic wave of a different wavelength.

Both the excessively high permeability and the excessively low permeability of the electromagnetic wave which the container film 3 happens likely to cause difficulty in discriminating the light transmittance between the thin-walled part and the thick-walled part in the bottom portion 2a of the pocket section 2 . Accordingly, it is preferable to use the electromagnetic wave having the waveform which the permeability of the container film 3 of not less than 15 percent and not more than 60 percent. It is particularly preferable to use the electromagnetic wave having a waveform which provides the transmittance of the container film of not less than 20 percent and not more than 50 percent.

(g) The good / bad quality judging method of the shading pattern generated in the bottom portion or the like of the pocket portion is not limited to the methods described above.

For example, the first embodiment is configured to determine whether the shaping area of the light area E2 and the like based on the binary pattern K2 that is obtained by binarizing the shading pattern K1 and thereby the good / bad quality judgment on the state of molding of the pocket portions 2 performs.

However, this configuration is not essential. For example, a modified configuration can be the shading pattern K1 through differential processing or the like to obtain a contour part of the light area E2 and the like to extract. This modified configuration can subsequently determine whether the shaping area of the light area E2 and the like is suitable to make the judgment of good / bad quality.

Another modified configuration can be a shading pattern that is in the bottom section 2a of the pocket section 2 as a test object is created, compare with a shading pattern that is in the ground section 2a a non-defective pocket section 2 is generated what is obtained in advance by the pattern matching technique or the like, and conducts the judgment of good / bad quality based on the degree of matching.

(h) In the configuration of the respective embodiments described above, the judgment criteria used for the judgment of good / bad quality become based on the shading pattern K1 that by mapping the non-defective pocket sections 2 with the camera 51 is obtained, determined. However, this configuration is not essential. The judgment criteria can be based on design data of the pocket sections 2 and the like can be calculated and set.

(i) In the configuration of the respective embodiments described above, is the pocket portion inspection device 21 inside the PTP packing machine (blister packing machine) 11 placed which manufacture up to the filling of the contents like the tablets 5 performs. However, this configuration is not essential. For example, in a production line that includes the manufacture of the container film 3 and carrying out the packaging of the contents separately, a manufacturing device of the container film 3 with the pocket section tester 21 be provided. In another example, an offline testing device can be separate from the device for producing the container film 3 be provided to test the container film 3 with the pocket sections formed therein 2 perform.

List of reference symbols

1

PTP sheet,

2

Pocket section,

2a

Floor section,

2 B

Side section,

2c

Corner section,

3

Container film,

4th

Cover film,

5

Tablet,

11th

PTP packaging machine,

15th

Heater,

16

Pocket section forming device,

21

Pocket section tester,

50

Lighting device,

51

Camera,

52

Test control device,

53

Image memory,

54

Calculation result storage device,

55

Assessment memory,

C.

Bag number,

E1

medium dark area,

E2

Light area,

E3

outer dark area,

L.

Luminance threshold,

K1

Shading pattern,

K2

Binary pattern,

R1

inner limit,

R1min

Inner limit minimum value,

R1max

Inner limit maximum value,

R2

outer limit,

R2

External limit minimum value,

R2max

External limit maximum value,

W.

Bag frame

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent literature cited

• JP 6368408 B [0009]

Claims (10)

A test apparatus configured to test a state of molding of a pocket portion of a blister pack, comprising: an irradiation unit configured to irradiate a container film having the pocket portion formed therein with a predetermined electromagnetic wave; an imaging unit provided on an opposite side of the irradiation unit above the container sheet and configured to image at least the electromagnetic wave that passes through a bottom portion of the pocket portion and to obtain image data; a shading pattern extraction unit configured to extract a shading pattern generated in the bottom portion of the pocket portion by irradiating the electromagnetic wave based on the image data obtained by the imaging unit; and a good / bad quality judging unit configured to compare the shading pattern extracted by the shading pattern extraction unit with a predetermined judgment criterion, thereby making a good / bad quality judgment with respect to at least one molding state of a Perform side section of the pocket section. Test device according to Claim 1 , wherein the good / bad quality judging unit performs the good / bad quality judgment by binarizing the shading pattern with a predetermined threshold value, and a light portion pattern that is a link component of a light portion having a value equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value or a Dark section pattern, which is a link component of a dark section with a value smaller than the predefined threshold value in a binary pattern obtained, compares with a predefined assessment criterion. Test device according to Claim 2 wherein the good / bad quality judging unit performs the good / bad quality judgment by determining whether the position of a boundary of the light portion pattern or the dark portion pattern satisfies a predetermined judgment criterion. Test device according to Claim 1 wherein the good / bad quality judging unit performs the good / bad quality judgment by determining whether a luminance at each of the pixels constituting the shading pattern satisfies a predetermined judgment criterion, recognizes pixels which the predetermined judgment criterion is defective Area fail and determines whether the defective area satisfies a predetermined evaluation criterion. Test device according to one of the Claims 1 until 4th wherein the container sheet is made of a resin sheet material having transparency, and the irradiation unit is configured to emit ultraviolet light as the electromagnetic light. Test device according to one of the Claims 1 until 5 wherein the electromagnetic wave includes an electromagnetic wave having a wavelength that provides a permeability of the container film of not less than 15 percent and not more than 60 percent. Test device according to one of the Claims 1 until 6th wherein the judgment criterion is determined based on the shading pattern obtained by imaging a non-defective pocket portion by the imaging unit. Test device according to one of the Claims 1 until 7th wherein the pocket portion is thermoformed in the container film which is flat. Blister packaging machine, with: the test device according to one of the Claims 1 until 8th A method of manufacturing a blister pack configured such that a predetermined content is placed in a pocket portion formed in a container film and that a cover film is attached to close the pocket portion, the method comprising a pocket portion molding process for molding the pocket portion into the container sheet transported in a belt-like form; a filling process of filling the pocket portion with the contents; an attaching process of attaching the cover sheet in a tape-like shape to the container sheet in the bag portion of which the contents are placed to close the bag portion; a separating process for separating the blister pack from a tape-like body formed by attaching the cover sheet to the container sheet; and an inspection process for performing an inspection for a state of formation of the pocket portion in the blister pack, the inspection process comprising: an irradiation process for irradiating the container film with that formed therein Pocket portion having a predetermined electromagnetic wave; an imaging process of imaging at least the electromagnetic wave passing a bottom portion of the pocket portion and obtaining image data; a shading pattern extraction process of extracting a shading pattern generated in the bottom portion of the pocket portion by irradiating the electromagnetic wave based on the image data obtained by the imaging; and a good / bad quality judging process of comparing the extracted shading pattern with a predetermined judgment criterion and thereby performing good / bad quality judgment on at least a molding state of a side portion of the pocket portion.

Images