JP2012225666A - Tablet inspection apparatus and ptp packaging machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a tablet inspection apparatus capable of improving safety and achieving downsizing of the apparatus, and to provide a PTP packaging machine.SOLUTION: A tablet inspection apparatus 17 includes: an outer barrier 37 forming an outer wall of the apparatus 17; a rotary roller 38 allowed to be rotated in accordance with conveyance of a PTP film 6 while engaging a pocket part 2 of the PTP film 6 with a pocket receiving hole part 57 in the inside of the outer barrier 37; an x-ray source 41 arranged on the outside of the rotary roller 38 and capable of applying x-rays to the pocket receiving hole part 57 located on the uppermost part of the rotary roller 38; and an x-ray camera 42 arranged on the inside of the rotary roller 38 opposite to the x-ray source 41 and capable of imaging x-rays penetrated through the pocket part 2 engaged with the pocket receiving hole part 57, and inspects a tablet 5 based on image data imaged by the x-ray camera 42.

Description

  The present invention belongs to a technical field including a tablet inspection apparatus used in manufacturing a PTP sheet and a PTP packaging machine equipped with the tablet inspection apparatus.

  Generally, a PTP sheet containing a tablet is composed of a container film in which a pocket portion filled with tablets is formed, and a cover film attached to the container film so as to seal the opening side of the pocket portion. Yes. And when manufacturing a PTP sheet, the test | inspection regarding the presence or absence of a tablet accommodated in the pocket part, a crack, a chip, etc. is performed.

  In recent years, from the viewpoint of improving light-shielding properties, moisture-proof properties, etc., in addition to cover films, even container films are often formed of aluminum or the like. In such a case, it is conceivable to perform the inspection using, for example, an X-ray inspection apparatus. In an X-ray inspection apparatus, the presence or absence of a tablet can be inspected by irradiating a PTP sheet with X-rays and imaging X-rays that pass through the PTP sheet (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  In such an X-ray inspection apparatus, measures for preventing leakage of X-rays to the outside of the apparatus are taken in consideration of the influence on the human body and the environment. For example, a lead-containing rubber warmer provided at the entrance / exit of the X-ray inspection apparatus (see, for example, Patent Document 2), or a work conveyance path bent into a U shape, a crank shape, or the like (for example, Patent Document) 3).

JP 2009-42172 A JP 2005-172486 A JP 2000-74856 A

  However, in the configuration provided with the warmth, the warmth may come into contact with the PTP sheet, and the pocket portion may be damaged or deformed. In particular, in the case of an aluminum container film or the like, such a problem may appear more remarkably. Moreover, there is a possibility that metal powder such as lead adheres to the PTP sheet, which is not preferable in terms of hygiene.

  On the other hand, in a configuration in which the conveyance path is simply bent, it is necessary to lengthen the conveyance path of the PTP sheet so that the irradiated X-rays are sufficiently attenuated before reaching the apparatus entrance / exit, and the apparatus may be increased in size. is there.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as one of its main objects to provide a tablet inspection apparatus and a PTP packaging machine that can improve safety, reduce the size of the apparatus, and the like.

  Hereinafter, each means suitable for solving the above-described problem will be described separately. In addition, the effect specific to the means to respond | corresponds as needed is added.

Means 1. In manufacturing the PTP sheet, the band-shaped PTP film after the tablet is accommodated in the pocket portion formed in the band-shaped container film and the band-shaped cover film is attached to the container film so as to close the pocket portion. A tablet inspection apparatus for inspecting the tablets in
A tube having a pocket receiving hole portion corresponding to the pocket portion of the PTP film, and made of an X-ray shielding material that is rotatably provided as the PTP film is conveyed while the pocket portion is fitted in the pocket receiving hole portion. And a rotating body
An X-ray source disposed on either the inner side or the outer side of the rotating body so that X-rays can be irradiated toward the pocket receiving hole at the predetermined rotational position of the rotating body;
The inside or outside of the rotating body facing the X-ray source so that X-rays passing through the pocket portion fitted in the pocket receiving hole at the predetermined rotational position of the rotating body can be imaged. Imaging means arranged on the other side of
An outer wall made of an X-ray shielding material containing the rotating body, the X-ray source, and the imaging means;
A tablet inspection apparatus comprising: inspection means for inspecting the tablet based on image data picked up by the image pickup means.

  Here, “inspection of tablets” includes, for example, inspection regarding presence / absence of tablets, breakage, chipping, and the like.

  According to the said means 1, after a tablet is accommodated in the pocket part formed in the strip | belt-shaped container film, the strip | belt-shaped cover film is attached with respect to a container film so that the said pocket part may be plugged, and it became a PTP film, Tablet inspection is performed by the tablet inspection apparatus.

  In the tablet inspection apparatus, the rotating body on which the PTP film is hung is rotated as the PTP film is conveyed while the pocket portion is accommodated in the pocket receiving hole portion. And when the pocket part accommodated in the predetermined pocket receiving hole part reaches the predetermined rotation position, X-rays irradiated from the X-ray source and transmitted through the pocket part are imaged by the imaging means, and based on this, the presence or absence of the tablet Inspects for cracks, chips, etc.

  With this configuration, the present means can set the gap between the rotating body and the outer barrier, that is, the entrance where X-rays leak, to be relatively narrow. For this reason, even if the film transport path is not set to be relatively long, the X-rays irradiated from the X-ray source are sufficiently reflected by the reflection, scattering, absorption, etc. until reaching the film entrance or exit of the outer wall. Attenuates. Further, the opening area of the pocket receiving hole portion in the rotating body is sufficiently small, and the ratio of X-rays passing through the rotating body is very small. Thereby, X-ray leakage from a film carry-in entrance or the like can be extremely reduced. As a result, it is not necessary to provide warmth or the like at the film carry-in port of the outer wall, and the occurrence of problems such as deformation or damage of the pocket portion or adhesion of dirt can be reduced. As a result, it is possible to improve safety and reduce the size and size of the device.

  In addition, since X-ray imaging can be performed with the pocket portion of the PTP film accommodated in the pocket receiving hole portion of the rotating body, fluttering of the PTP film during imaging is reduced and imaging is performed in a stable state. It can be carried out. Furthermore, the pocket portion (tablet) can be fed to the center of the imaging field of the imaging means at a constant pitch and timing at all times while correcting the interval between the pocket portions in the longitudinal direction of the PTP film due to the expansion and contraction of the PTP film. That is, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of positional deviation between the tablet and the imaging means at a predetermined imaging timing. As a result, image data with less blur can be acquired, and the inspection accuracy in tablet inspection can be improved.

  Mean 2. An inner side of the rotating body is disposed so as to surround the X-ray source or the imaging means disposed in the rotating body, and at least a side facing the pocket receiving hole portion at a predetermined rotation position of the rotating body. The tablet inspection apparatus according to means 1, further comprising an inner barrier made of an opened X-ray shielding material.

  According to the said means 2, it becomes a 3 layer structure of an outer barrier, a rotary body, and an inner barrier, and can further improve the X-ray leakage prevention effect. In particular, in the “configuration in which the X-ray source is arranged outside the rotating body and the imaging unit is arranged inside the rotating body”, the rotating body rotates through a pocket receiving hole at a predetermined rotational position. Since the X-rays that have entered the body may leak again from the pocket receiving hole at a position different from the predetermined rotation position to the outside of the rotation body, the operation of the means 2 is performed under such a configuration. The effect will be more effective.

  Means 3. The tablet inspection apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein an angle formed by the PTP film transported on the upstream side of the rotating body and the PTP film transported on the downstream side is 90 ° or less.

  According to the means 3, the section in which the interval between the rotating body and the outer barrier can be set relatively narrow can be set to be relatively long, and is sufficient to prevent the X-ray from going straight toward the film carry-in entrance or the like. It is possible to curve the section. As a result, the effect of the means 1 can be further enhanced.

  Means 4. 4. The tablet inspection device according to any one of means 1 to 3, wherein the container film and the cover film are made of aluminum as a main material.

  Here, “formed with aluminum as a main material” means not only the case of being formed of aluminum alone, but also includes an aluminum laminate film in which a resin film layer is interposed.

  When a container film is formed using aluminum as the main material, it is more likely to be plastically deformed and less likely to be restored to its original shape than when formed from a resin material such as polypropylene (PP) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). , Crushing deformation of the pocket portion is likely to occur. Moreover, it is easy to be damaged.

  Therefore, under the configuration of the means 4, the configuration of the means 1 and the like is more effective.

  Means 5. A PTP packaging machine comprising the tablet inspection device according to any one of means 1 to 4.

  By providing the tablet inspection apparatus in the PTP packaging machine as in the above means 5, there is a merit that defective products can be efficiently excluded in the manufacturing process of the PTP sheet. Since the compact tablet inspection apparatus using the rotating body can be easily replaced with a transport mechanism such as a pocket feed roll in an existing PTP packaging machine, the introduction cost can be reduced.

(A) is a perspective view which shows a PTP sheet and (b) shows a PTP film. It is a partial expanded sectional view which shows a PTP sheet. It is a schematic diagram which shows schematic structure of a PTP packaging machine. It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of a tablet inspection apparatus. It is a fragmentary sectional view which shows the tablet inspection apparatus cut | disconnected along the circumferential direction of a rotating roller. It is a fragmentary sectional view which shows the tablet inspection apparatus cut | disconnected along the axial direction of a rotating roller. It is a flowchart which shows the test | inspection routine performed with an image processing apparatus.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. First, the PTP sheet will be described.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the PTP sheet 1 has a container film 3 having a plurality of pocket portions 2 and a cover film 4 attached to the container film 3 so as to close the pocket portions 2. ing. The container film 3 in this embodiment is formed of an aluminum laminate film, and the cover film 4 is formed of an aluminum film. Each pocket 2 stores one tablet 5 at a time.

  The PTP sheet 1 [see FIG. 1 (a)] is manufactured by punching a strip-shaped PTP film 6 (see FIG. 1 (b)) formed from a strip-shaped container film 3 and a cover film 4 into a sheet shape. The

  Next, an outline of the PTP packaging machine 8 for manufacturing the PTP sheet 1 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 3, on the uppermost stream side of the PTP packaging machine 8, the raw material of the strip-shaped container film 3 is wound in a roll shape.

  In the PTP packaging machine 8, the container film 3 wound in a roll shape is intermittently transferred, and the pocket portion forming device 14 is arranged along the transfer path of the container film 3. .

  The pocket portion 2 is formed on the container film 3 by the pocket portion forming device 14. The pocket portion 2 is formed at intervals between the transfer operations of the container film 3 by cold working.

  Further, a tablet loading device 16 and a film receiving roller 18 are disposed along the transfer path of the container film 3 in which the pocket portion 2 is formed.

  The tablet loading device 16 freely drops the tablet 5 by opening the shutter at predetermined intervals, and the tablet 5 is loaded into each pocket portion 2 in accordance with the shutter opening operation.

  Moreover, the raw material of the cover film 4 formed in the strip | belt shape is wound by the roll shape in the most upstream side.

  The drawing end of the cover film 4 wound in a roll shape is guided toward the film receiving roller 18. A heating roller 19 can be pressed against the film receiving roller 18, and the container film 3 and the cover film 4 are sent between the rollers 18 and 19. Then, the container film 3 and the cover film 4 pass between the rollers 18 and 19 in a heated and pressed state, so that the cover film 4 is adhered to the back side of the container film 3 and the pocket portion 2 is closed with the cover film 4. Can be removed. Thereby, the PTP film 6 with which the tablet 5 was filled in each pocket part 2 is manufactured.

  Downstream of the film receiving roller 18, along the transfer path of the PTP film 6, a tablet inspection device 17, a perforation forming device 22, a marking device 23, and a sheet punching device 24 are sequentially arranged.

  The tablet inspection device 17 is for inspecting the presence / absence, breakage, chipping, etc. of the tablet 5 in each pocket portion 2. Details thereof will be described later.

  The perforation forming device 22 has a function of forming perforations at predetermined positions on the PTP film 6. The marking device 23 has a function of attaching a stamp indicating identification information such as a lot number to a predetermined position of the PTP film 6. The sheet punching device 24 has a function of punching the PTP film 6 into one PTP sheet.

  A scrap hopper 26 for storing the end material 25 from the sheet punching device 24 is provided on the downstream side of the sheet punching device 24. In addition, a conveyor 28 for transferring the punched PTP sheet 1 is provided below the sheet punching device 24. The punched PTP sheet 1 is transferred to a finished product hopper 29 by the conveyor 28. After that, the PTP sheets 1 accommodated in the finished product hopper 29 are set so that two pockets 2 face each other and the pocket portions 2 face each other, and a plurality of sets are accumulated and stacked. Eventually, they are guided to a band (bundling) process or a bag making process and packed in a box. However, when a defective product is determined by the tablet inspection device 17, the PTP sheet 1 that has been determined to be defective is separately discharged by a defective sheet discharge mechanism (not shown).

  The container film 3 and the PTP film 6 are conveyed through a plurality of rollers as shown in FIG. Among these rollers, the rollers 18, 31, 32, 34, 35 and the like facing the bulging side of the pocket portion 2 have a positional relationship in which the roller surface and the pocket portion 2 face each other. Since the concave portion for accommodating the pocket portion 2 is formed on the surface such as 18, the pocket portion 2 is not basically crushed. Further, the feeding operation is performed while the pocket portion 2 is housed in each recess such as the film receiving roller 18, so that the intermittent feeding operation and the continuous feeding operation are reliably performed.

  The outline of the PTP packaging machine 8 is as described above. Hereinafter, the tablet inspection apparatus 17 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the tablet inspection device 17. 5 and 6 are partial sectional views showing the tablet inspection device 17 cut along the circumferential direction or the axial direction of the rotating roller 38 described later.

  The tablet inspection apparatus 17 includes an outer protective wall 37 that forms an outer shell of the tablet inspection apparatus 17, and includes a rotating roller 38 as a rotating body, an X-ray source 41, an X-ray camera 42 as an imaging unit, and the like. Yes. This will be described in detail below.

  The outer protection wall 37 is made of stainless steel (SUS) having a thickness of 2 mm or more, which is an X-ray shielding material, and has a configuration that does not allow X-rays to pass outside. However, slit-shaped openings 37a and 37b are formed in the outer wall 37 as entrance / exit portions for allowing the PTP film 6 to pass therethrough.

  The tablet inspection device 17 includes a base (not shown) inside the outer wall 37. A substantially cylindrical support member 51 is fixed to the base so as to extend in the horizontal direction.

  A shaft hole 52 penetrating along the direction of the axis Z1 is formed inside the support member 51. A rotation shaft 53 is inserted through the shaft hole 52. A ball bearing 54 that rotatably supports the rotary shaft 53 is fitted between the rotary shaft 53 and the shaft hole 52.

  A cylindrical rotating roller 38 around which the PTP film 6 is mounted is fixed to the tip end side of the rotating shaft 53. The rotating roller 38 is made of stainless steel that is an X-ray shielding material.

  A large number of pocket receiving holes 57 that can accommodate the pocket portions 2 of the PTP film 6 are formed in the peripheral wall portion of the rotating roller 38. Each pocket receiving hole 57 is formed to penetrate from the outer side to the inner side of the rotating roller 38.

  The pocket receiving hole portions 57 are regularly arranged at predetermined intervals along the circumferential direction and the axial direction of the rotating roller 38 corresponding to the pocket portions 2 of the PTP film 6. More specifically, the formation interval (pitch) of the pocket receiving hole portions 57 with respect to the circumferential direction of the rotating roller 38 is the same as the formation interval of the pocket portions 2 with respect to the longitudinal direction of the PTP film 6. Then, the rotating roller 38 rotates following the conveying operation of the PTP film 6 while accommodating the pocket portion 2 in the pocket receiving hole portion 57.

  A disc body 58 is attached to the base end side of the rotating shaft 53. Around the disk body 58, slits (not shown) are formed at predetermined intervals corresponding to the formation intervals of the pocket receiving hole portions 57 in the circumferential direction of the rotating roller 38. Further, in the vicinity of the disc body 58, a detection sensor 59 capable of detecting the slit is provided.

  The X-ray camera 42 is installed inside the rotating roller 38. In the present embodiment, five X-ray cameras 42 are installed at predetermined intervals corresponding to the pocket receiving holes 57 in the direction of the axis Z1 of the rotating roller 38.

  Each X-ray camera 42 is installed so that its imaging direction faces directly above (vertically upward). That is, when the pocket portion 2 filled with the tablet 5 reaches the uppermost point of the rotating roller 38, the pocket portion 2 is arranged to be directly below the pocket portion 2.

  Electrical wiring (not shown) connected to the X-ray camera 42 is led out of the rotating roller 38 through a through hole 53 a formed through the rotating shaft 53.

  Further, an inner barrier 39 is provided inside the rotating roller 38 along the inner peripheral surface of the rotating roller 38 so as to surround the five X-ray cameras 42. However, the inner barrier 39 is formed in a substantially C-shaped cross-section with the top opened corresponding to the imaging range of the X-ray camera 42.

  The inner barrier 39 in the present embodiment is formed integrally with the outer barrier 37. That is, like the outer wall 37, it is made of stainless steel having a thickness of 2 mm or more and does not transmit X-rays.

  On the other hand, the X-ray source 41 is installed outside (directly above) the rotating roller 38 so as to face the X-ray camera 42. The X-ray source 41 emits X-rays toward the pocket receiving hole portion 57 that has reached the uppermost portion of the rotating roller 38 (directly above each X-ray camera 42). Thereby, each X-ray camera 42 can image X-rays transmitted through the pocket portion 2 (tablet 5) of the PTP film 6 fitted in the pocket receiving hole portion 57.

  Here, the operation | movement aspect of the tablet inspection apparatus 17 is demonstrated. As described above, the PTP film 6 manufactured by filling each pocket portion 2 of the container film 3 with the tablet 5 and attaching the cover film 4 to the container film 3 is sent to the tablet inspection device 17.

  In the tablet inspection device 17, the PTP film 6 is sent to the rotating roller 38 through the opening (inlet part) 37 a of the outer protective wall 37, and then carried out from the opening (outlet part) 37 b.

  The rotating roller 38 on which the PTP film 6 is hung is rotated in accordance with the conveying operation of the PTP film 6 while accommodating the pocket portion 2 in the pocket receiving hole portion 57.

  Then, the pocket portion 2 accommodated in the predetermined pocket receiving hole portion 57 is sequentially transferred from the side position of the rotation roller 38 toward the top position as the rotation roller 38 rotates, and the pocket portion 2 is moved to the rotation roller 38. , The center of the pocket portion 2 is located at the center of the imaging field of the X-ray camera 42 located immediately below the center. Then, based on the detection of the predetermined slit of the disk body 58 by the detection sensor 59, the X-ray camera 42 is operated and the tablet 5 in the pocket portion 2 is imaged. As a result, as described above, every time the pocket receiving hole 57 of the rotating roller 38 reaches the highest point, an image is taken by the X-ray camera 42.

  Here, the X-rays irradiated from the X-ray source 41 are a route between the rotating roller 38 and the outer barrier wall 37 (see arrow β1 in FIG. 5) and a route between the rotating roller 38 and the inner barrier wall 39 (see FIG. 5). 5) (see an arrow β2 in FIG. 5), a route inside the inner barrier 39 (see an arrow β3 in FIG. 5), and the like, reflection, scattering, absorption, etc. are repeated and attenuated. In particular, in the present embodiment, since the interval W1 between the rotating roller 38 and the outer barrier wall 37 and the interval W2 between the rotating roller 38 and the inner barrier wall 39 are set to be extremely narrow, the number of times the X-rays are reflected is large. Dampens sufficiently. Further, the opening area of the pocket receiving hole 57 in the rotating roller 38 is also sufficiently small, and the ratio of X-rays that pass through the pocket receiving hole 57 and leak to the outside of the rotating roller 38 is very small. As a result, X-ray leakage from the openings 37a and 37b of the outer wall 37 can be extremely reduced.

  Next, the electrical configuration of the tablet inspection device 17 will be described. The tablet inspection device 17 includes an image processing device 43 as inspection means. As shown in FIG. 4, the image processing device 43 includes an imaging storage unit 44, a binarization processing unit 45, a binarized image storage unit 46, a determination value storage unit 47, an inspection result storage unit 48, an input / output port 49, A central processing unit (hereinafter referred to as CPU) 50 is provided. Each of the storage units and the processing units 44 to 48 is connected to the CPU 50 via the input / output port 49.

  The imaging storage unit 44 is for storing two-dimensional image data captured by the X-ray camera 42.

  The binarization processing unit 45 has a function of generating binarized image data from the two-dimensional image data. For example, in the two-dimensional image data obtained by X-ray imaging by the X-ray camera 42, the brightness of the tablet 5 is lower than the brightness of the general sheet portion (non-inspection target region).

  The binarized image storage unit 46 is for storing the binarized image data generated by the binarization processing unit 45. The determination value storage unit 47 is for storing various determination values used for inspection. The inspection result storage unit 48 is for storing inspection results and the like.

  The CPU 50 controls the entire image processing apparatus 43 and controls the storage units and the processing units 44 to 48 through the input / output port 49 by executing various processing programs. The CPU 50 is connected to the PTP packaging machine 8 through an input / output port 49. With this configuration, for example, a defective sheet discharge mechanism of the PTP packaging machine 8 can be controlled.

  Next, the inspection procedure for the tablet 5 will be described. When the image data captured by the X-ray camera 42 is acquired, the image processing device 43 executes an inspection routine R1 shown in the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step S1, the image processing apparatus 43 generates binarized image data by the binarization processing unit 45 and stores the data in the binarized image storage unit 46 (binarization processing). For example, the two-dimensional image data is converted into binarized image data by setting the threshold value δ1 or more to 1 (bright) and the threshold value δ1 to 0 (dark).

  In step S <b> 2, block processing is executed on the binarized image data stored in the binarized image storage unit 46. The block processing includes processing for specifying each connected component with respect to 0 (dark) of the binarized image data and labeling processing for labeling each connected component. Here, the area occupied by each connected component specified is represented by the number of dots corresponding to the pixel of the X-ray camera 42.

  In subsequent step S3, the image processing apparatus 43 specifies a connected component corresponding to the tablet 5, that is, a tablet region, from 0 (dark) connected components obtained from the binarized image data. The connected component corresponding to the tablet 5 can be specified by determining a connected component including predetermined coordinates, a connected component having a predetermined shape, a connected component having a predetermined area, or the like.

  In step S4, the image processing apparatus 43 calculates the tablet area Sx based on the tablet region specified in step S3.

  In step S5, it is determined whether or not the difference between the tablet area Sx calculated in step S4 and the area reference value So previously set in the determination value storage unit 47 is equal to or smaller than the determination allowable value Px. That is, it is determined whether or not the tablet area Sx is within an allowable range. The area reference value So is a value obtained by sampling several non-defective products (tablets 5 that are clearly not defective) prior to the inspection, for example.

  Here, when the tablet area Sx is within the allowable range, the process proceeds to step S6, and a non-defective product determination is performed. On the other hand, if the area Sx of the tablet is not within the allowable range, the process proceeds to step S7, and the defect is determined.

  Note that the processing of the inspection routine R1 is executed for each pocket portion 2 on the PTP film 6, and when it is cut into the PTP sheet 1 later, even one pocket portion 2 (determined as defective on the same sheet) ( When the tablet 5) is included, the sheet is judged to be defective and discharged.

  As described above in detail, according to the present embodiment, in the tablet inspection device 17, the rotating roller 38 on which the PTP film 6 is hooked accommodates the pocket portion 2 in the pocket receiving hole portion 57, while It rotates as the film 6 is conveyed. When the pocket portion 2 accommodated in the predetermined pocket receiving hole portion 57 reaches the uppermost point of the rotating roller 38, X-rays emitted from the X-ray source 41 and transmitted through the pocket portion 2 are imaged by the X-ray camera 42. Based on this, an inspection regarding the presence / absence, breakage, chipping, etc. of the tablet 5 is performed.

  Here, the X-rays irradiated from the X-ray source 41 are reflected, scattered, absorbed, etc. between the rotary roller 38 and the outer barrier wall 37, between the rotary roller 38 and the inner barrier wall 39, inside the inner barrier wall 39, and the like. Repeatedly decays.

  In particular, in the present embodiment, since the interval W1 between the rotating roller 38 and the outer barrier wall 37 and the interval W2 between the rotating roller 38 and the inner barrier wall 39 are set to be extremely narrow, the number of times the X-rays are reflected is large. Dampens sufficiently.

  Further, the opening area of the pocket receiving hole 57 in the rotating roller 38 is also sufficiently small, and the ratio of X-rays that pass through the pocket receiving hole 57 and leak to the outside of the rotating roller 38 is very small.

  Further, by providing the inner barrier wall 39, the X-rays that enter the rotating roller 38 through the pocket receiving hole 57 that is at the uppermost point of the rotating roller 38 are located at a position different from the uppermost point (for example, the lowermost point). It is possible to reduce problems such as leakage from the pocket receiving hole 57 to the outside of the rotating roller 38 again.

  Therefore, X-ray leakage from the openings 37a and 37b of the outer protection wall 37 can be extremely reduced without setting the transport path of the PTP film 6 relatively long. As a result, it is not necessary to provide warmth or the like in the openings 37a and 37b of the outer protection wall 37, and the occurrence of problems such as deformation and damage of the pocket portion 2 and adhesion of dirt can be reduced. As a result, it is possible to improve safety and reduce the size and size of the device.

  In addition, since X-ray imaging can be performed in a state where the pocket portion 2 of the PTP film 6 is accommodated in the pocket receiving hole portion 57 of the rotating roller 38, fluttering of the PTP film 6 during imaging is reduced and stable. Imaging can be performed in the state. Further, while correcting the interval between the pocket portions 2 in the longitudinal direction of the PTP film due to the expansion and contraction of the PTP film 6, the pocket portion 2 (tablet 5) is always centered in the field of view of the X-ray camera 42 at a constant pitch and timing. Can be sent to. That is, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of positional deviation between the tablet 5 and the X-ray camera 42 at a predetermined imaging timing. As a result, image data with less blur can be acquired, and the inspection accuracy in the inspection of the tablet 5 can be improved.

  Note that the center position of the tablet 5 is the pocket portion 5 and the pocket receiving hole in which the tablet 5 is accommodated before or after reaching the uppermost point, such as when the pocket portion 2 filled with the tablet 5 is located at the side of the rotating roller 38. There is a possibility that the tablet 5 cannot be imaged in an appropriate state because the tablet 5 is largely displaced from the center position of the part 57 or the posture of the tablet 5 is inclined inside the pocket part 2.

  On the other hand, in this embodiment, when the pocket portion 2 filled with the tablet 5 reaches the uppermost point of the rotating roller 38, the X-ray camera 42 is arranged so as to be directly below the pocket portion 2. Yes. For this reason, the tablet 5 can be imaged in a more appropriate state in which the tablet 5 approaches the bulging portion side of the pocket portion 2 due to its own weight. As a result, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of problems such as, for example, the posture of the tablet 5 being inclined and the accurate tablet area Sx not being obtained.

  The rotating roller 38 in the present embodiment is configured to rotate following the PTP film 6. Therefore, a mechanism for rotating the rotation roller 38 in synchronization with the conveyance of the PTP film 6 is not required. Further, since it is sufficient to take an image at a timing when the pocket receiving hole 57 of the rotating roller 38 comes to a predetermined position based on the detection by the detection sensor 59, an encoder or the like for detecting the position of the PTP film 6 in connection with the imaging is omitted. Can do. As a result, it is possible to further simplify the structure of the apparatus and the control process.

  In the embodiment described above, for example, a part of the configuration can be appropriately changed as follows. Of course, other modifications not exemplified below are also possible.

  (A) In the said embodiment, although the disk-shaped uncoated tablet is illustrated as an example of the aspect of the tablet 5 used as a test object, the kind of tablet is not restricted to this. For example, it may be a capsule tablet.

  (B) The material of each film 3 and 4 is not limited to the metal material which made aluminum the main material, You may employ | adopt the thing of another material. Moreover, not only a metal material but a synthetic resin material that does not transmit visible light or the like may be used.

  (C) In the above embodiment, the outer barrier wall 37, the rotating roller 38, and the inner barrier wall 39 are made of stainless steel that is an X-ray shielding material. May be.

  (D) The configuration of the outer barrier is not limited to the outer barrier 37 according to the embodiment. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the openings 37a and 37b are simply formed as the entrance / exit portions for allowing the PTP film 6 to pass through. However, the conveyance path of the PTP film 6 is formed in an L shape in the vicinity of the openings 37a and 37b. The X-rays may be more difficult to leak by being bent into a shape and providing a flange around the openings 37a and 37b.

  (E) The configuration of the rotating body is not limited to the rotating roller 38 according to the above embodiment. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the rotating roller 38 is configured to rotate following the PTP film 6, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the rotating roller 38 is configured to carry the PTP film 6 by driving means such as a driving motor. It is good also as a structure which rotates in synchronization.

  Further, in the above embodiment, although not particularly mentioned, a frictional resistance between the outer peripheral surface of the rotating roller 38 and the general surface of the PTP film 6 is formed by forming a rubber layer or the like that prevents slippage on the outer peripheral surface of the rotating roller 38. It is good also as a structure which reduces the load concerning the pocket part 2 at the time of PTP film 6 conveyance by enlarging.

  Further, in order to prevent the PTP film 6 from being lifted from the rotating roller 38, a pressing roller or the like for urging the PTP film 6 against the rotating roller 38 may be provided.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, the PTP film 6 is hung on the rotating roller 38 so that it may be bent in a U shape. That is, the angle α formed by the PTP film 6 conveyed on the upstream side of the rotating roller 38 and the PTP film 6 conveyed on the downstream side is 0 °, but the angle α is not limited to this. Absent. However, the angle α is preferably 90 ° or less. By setting it as this structure, the several pocket part 2 in the longitudinal direction of the PTP film 6 is simultaneously accommodated in the pocket receiving hole part 57, and can maintain the stable mounting state. In addition, a section in which the interval W1 between the rotating roller 38 and the outer wall 37 can be set relatively narrow can be set to be relatively long, and the X-rays are sufficiently large not to go straight toward the openings 37a and 37b. It is possible to curve the section.

  (F) The configuration of the inner barrier is not limited to the inner barrier 39 according to the embodiment. For example, in the above embodiment, the inner barrier 39 is integrally formed with the outer barrier 37, but may be configured separately.

  Further, the inner barrier wall 39 may be in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the rotating roller 38. With this configuration, X-ray leakage between the rotating roller 38 and the inner barrier 39 can be almost eliminated.

  Further, the inner barrier 39 may be omitted depending on the relationship with the outer barrier 37, the rotating roller 38, and the like.

  (G) In the above embodiment, the X-ray source 41 is disposed outside the rotating roller 38 and the X-ray camera 42 is disposed inside the rotating roller 38. However, the positional relationship between the two is reversed. The X-ray source 41 may be disposed inside the rotating roller 38 and the X-ray camera 42 may be disposed outside the rotating roller 38.

  (H) The configuration of the imaging means is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the X-ray camera 42 is installed so that the imaging direction is directed upward so that the tablet 5 filled in the pocket portion 2 reaching the uppermost point of the rotating roller 38 can be imaged. However, the direction of the X-ray camera 42 is not limited to this, and may be configured so as to be directed obliquely upward, for example.

  In the above-described embodiment, a plurality of X-ray cameras 42 are installed in a straight line along the direction of the axis Z1 of the rotating roller 38. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the interval between the X-ray cameras 42 is relatively long. In a narrow case, for example, every other X-ray camera 42 may be shifted back and forth with respect to the circumferential direction of the rotating roller 38, and a plurality of X-ray cameras 42 may be arranged in a zigzag shape. Further, in the case where it is difficult to arrange a plurality of X-ray cameras 42 corresponding to each pocket receiving hole 57 in the axis Z1 direction of the rotating roller 38, for example, a plurality of rotating rollers 38 are prepared, It is good also as a structure which images with the different rotation roller 38 for every row | line | column of the pocket part 2 in the width direction of the PTP film 6. FIG.

  (I) The procedure of the appearance inspection of the tablet 5 is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the binarization process is performed, and the tablet region is specified based on the binarized image data. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the binarization process is not performed, and the two-dimensional A configuration may be adopted in which a brightness area less than a predetermined threshold is detected based on image data, and a tablet area is specified from the brightness area.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the quality determination is performed by determining whether the difference of the tablet area Sx and the area reference value So is below the determination allowable value Px, it is not restricted to this, For example, the tablet 5 The determination may be made based on whether or not the perimeter is within an allowable range.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... PTP sheet, 2 ... Pocket part, 3 ... Container film, 4 ... Cover film, 5 ... Tablet, 6 ... PTP film, 8 ... PTP packaging machine, 17 ... Tablet inspection apparatus, 37 ... Outer barrier, 37a, 37b ... Opening, 38 ... rotating roller, 39 ... inner barrier, 41 ... X-ray source, 42 ... X-ray camera, 43 ... image processing device, 57 ... pocket receiving hole.

Claims (5)

In manufacturing the PTP sheet, the band-shaped PTP film after the tablet is accommodated in the pocket portion formed in the band-shaped container film and the band-shaped cover film is attached to the container film so as to close the pocket portion. A tablet inspection apparatus for inspecting the tablets in
A tube having a pocket receiving hole portion corresponding to the pocket portion of the PTP film, and made of an X-ray shielding material that is rotatably provided as the PTP film is conveyed while the pocket portion is fitted in the pocket receiving hole portion. And a rotating body
An X-ray source disposed on either the inner side or the outer side of the rotating body so that X-rays can be irradiated toward the pocket receiving hole at the predetermined rotational position of the rotating body
The inside or outside of the rotating body facing the X-ray source so that X-rays passing through the pocket portion fitted in the pocket receiving hole at the predetermined rotational position of the rotating body can be imaged. Imaging means arranged on the other side of
An outer wall made of an X-ray shielding material containing the rotating body, the X-ray source, and the imaging means;
A tablet inspection apparatus comprising: inspection means for inspecting the tablet based on image data picked up by the image pickup means.   An inner side of the rotating body is disposed so as to surround the X-ray source or the imaging means disposed in the rotating body, and at least a side facing the pocket receiving hole portion at a predetermined rotation position of the rotating body. The tablet inspection apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an inner barrier made of an opened X-ray shielding material.   The tablet inspection apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein an angle formed by the PTP film conveyed on the upstream side of the rotating body and the PTP film conveyed on the downstream side is set to 90 ° or less.   The tablet inspection apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the container film and the cover film are formed using aluminum as a main material.   A PTP packaging machine comprising the tablet inspection apparatus according to claim 1.

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