JP2016043970A - PTP packaging machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent a harmful effect to a content such as a tablet more surely, and suppress production cost.SOLUTION: A PTP packaging machine 11 comprises: a tablet filling device 21 for filling a tablet 5 in a pocket part 2 formed on a container film 3; a heating roller 26 or the like for attaching a cover film 4 to the container film 3; a sheet punching device 37 for punching a PTP film 6 for obtaining a PTP sheet 1; and a before-seal inspection device 22 disposed between the tablet filling device 21 and the heating roller 26, and determining quality about plural inspection items including an item related to quality of the tablet 5, to a sheet planned portion which becomes the PTP sheet 1 finally. A collection device 23 capable of collecting the tablet 5 in the pocket part 2 is provided between the before-seal inspection device 22 and the heating roller 26. The collection device 23 collects the tablet 5 which is determined as a good quality tablet in the item about quality of the tablet 5, from a corresponding sheet planned portion, when it is determined to bad quality at least one inspection item.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a PTP packaging machine for producing a PTP sheet.

  The PTP sheet is composed of a container film having a pocket portion filled with contents such as a tablet, and a cover film attached to the container film so as to seal the opening side of the pocket portion. Generally, the container film is formed of a transparent resin or the like, and the cover film is formed of a metal foil such as aluminum.

  In addition, the PTP sheet includes a step of forming a concave pocket portion in the belt-shaped container film to be conveyed, a step of filling tablets in the pocket portion, a step of attaching a cover film to the container film, and a container film. And it manufactures through the process etc. which punch the strip | belt-shaped PTP film which consists of a cover film per PTP sheet unit.

  Further, in the process of manufacturing the PTP sheet, an inspection unit is provided along the conveyance path of the container film. In the inspection means, for example, inspection regarding abnormal appearance of the tablet or sheet portion such as cracks or chipping of a tablet or the like, mixing of foreign matter, sealing quality or the like is performed. The scheduled sheet portion determined to be defective by the inspection unit is punched in units of sheets, and then discharged as a defective PTP sheet by a predetermined discharge unit (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP-A-8-217027

  However, the PTP sheet discharged as a defective product may be filled with normal non-defective tablets. If such a PTP sheet containing a good tablet is discarded as it is, the good tablet may be wasted, resulting in an increase in production cost.

  In view of this, it is conceivable to reduce production costs by tearing the cover film from the PTP sheet discharged as a defective product, taking out the good tablets, and reusing the taken out tablets.

  However, in this case, when taking out a tablet etc. from a PTP sheet, there exists a possibility that external pressure may be applied with respect to a tablet etc. Furthermore, there is a concern that the recovered tablets and the like are affected by vibrations during transportation and heat at the time of sealing. Therefore, there is a possibility that damage is given to the collected tablets and the like.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a PTP packaging machine that can more reliably prevent adverse effects on contents such as tablets and can reduce production costs. Is to provide.

  In the following, each means suitable for solving the above-described object will be described in terms of items. In addition, the effect specific to the means to respond | corresponds as needed is added.

Means 1. Filling means for filling a predetermined content in a pocket portion formed in a container film to be conveyed;
On the downstream side of the filling means, sealing means for attaching a band-shaped cover film to the container film so as to close the pocket portion;
On the downstream side of the sealing means, a punching means for punching a PTP film in which the cover film is attached to the container film in a sheet unit to obtain a predetermined PTP sheet;
An inspection unit that is provided between the filling unit and the sealing unit and that performs a pass / fail determination on a plurality of inspection items including an item related to the pass / fail of the contents with respect to a planned sheet portion that eventually becomes the PTP sheet. PTP packaging machine
Provided between the inspection means and the sealing means is a recovery means capable of recovering the contents filled in the pocket portion,
When the inspection unit determines that at least one inspection item is defective by the inspection unit, the inspection unit determines that the content of the content is acceptable by the inspection unit from the corresponding scheduled part of the sheet. A PTP packaging machine configured to collect the contents.

  According to the above means 1, before the cover film is attached to the container film, the content determined to be non-defective is collected from the planned sheet portion determined to be defective. Here, since the contents are collected before the cover film is attached, it is not necessary to break the cover film at the time of collection, and application of external pressure to the contents can be prevented. Further, since the contents are collected before reaching the sealing means, it is possible to more reliably prevent the vibration accompanying the conveyance from being applied to the contents over a long period of time. Together, these can effectively prevent damage to the collected contents. Thereby, the content in a favorable state can be reused without performing time-consuming work such as re-inspection on the collected content. As a result, the production cost can be effectively suppressed while ensuring the safety and reliability of the reused contents.

  Further, according to the above means 1, since the contents are collected before the cover film is attached, the contents are not affected by heat or the like by the sealing means. Thereby, the safety | security and reliability in the content to be reused can be ensured still more reliably.

  In addition, according to the means 1, the contents are collected at a relatively early stage before reaching the sealing means. Therefore, when the content is a hygroscopic tablet or the like, the moisture absorption of the content can be suppressed. Thereby, the safety | security and reliability in the content to be reused can be further ensured.

  By the way, in terms of improving the safety and reliability of the PTP sheet, it is desirable to increase the inspection sensitivity by the inspection means. However, if the inspection sensitivity is increased, there are many cases where it is erroneously determined to be defective. If the number of cases determined as defective increases in this way, in the conventional method, a large amount of non-defective contents may be wasted, and the cost may be extremely increased. In this regard, according to the means 1, the contents determined to be non-defective are collected, so that even if the inspection sensitivity is increased, a situation in which many contents are not wasted does not occur. Therefore, the safety and reliability of the PTP sheet can be improved without causing an increase in cost.

  Note that the PTP packaging machine may include a discharge unit for discharging a defective PTP sheet obtained by punching out a planned sheet portion determined to be defective.

  When the discharge means is provided, according to the above-mentioned means 1, all the contents are collected as a defective PTP sheet, and all of the pocket portions are empty and the contents remain are discharged. Can be done. Here, the result of the defective PTP sheet in which all the pocket portions are emptied is determined to be defective due to an abnormality of the sheet itself or an abnormality that the contents are not accommodated in some pocket portions. , It was discharged. In addition, the defective PTP sheet in which the contents remain is discharged as a result of determining that the planned portion of the sheet is defective due to an abnormality in the remaining contents. Therefore, by looking at the state of the discharged PTP sheet, it is possible to easily determine for what reason it is determined to be defective. Further, when the contents remain, it is possible to easily identify the abnormality that has occurred by looking at the remaining contents and the sheet portion. As a result, the inspection item in which the defect has occurred can be easily identified, and appropriate measures can be executed at an early stage.

Mean 2. The filling means has a storage part in which the contents are stored,
The PTP packaging machine according to means 1, further comprising a contents transporting means for transporting the contents from the collecting means to the storage section.

  According to the means 2, the collected contents are directly returned to the storage part of the filling means by the contents conveying means. Therefore, an operation for returning the collected contents to the storage unit is unnecessary, and productivity can be improved.

Means 3. The recovery means includes
A cylindrical portion configured to pass through the container film and to pass the pocket portion below the opening portion, while having an opening through which the contents can pass;
3. Means 1 or 2 comprising suction means for sucking the contents into the cylinder part one by one through the opening and making the inside of the cylinder part into a suction state. PTP packaging machine.

  According to the means 3, the contents are collected by suction. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably prevent the contents from being damaged during the collection, and the contents in a better state can be collected.

  Means 4. The PTP packaging machine according to means 3, wherein the collecting means has a lid part that can open and close the opening part in accordance with passage of the pocket part.

  According to the said means 4, the collection | recovery and non-collection of a content can be switched more reliably and more rapidly by a cover part. Furthermore, since the opening is opened and closed in accordance with the passage of the pocket portion, it is possible to more reliably suppress the situation that the contents that are not the collection target are erroneously collected in combination with the above effect.

  Means 5. Before and after the collection position of the content by the collection means along the conveyance direction of the container film, the opening of the pocket portion is closed to prevent the content from jumping out from the pocket portion. The PTP packaging machine according to any one of means 1 to 4, wherein means are provided.

  According to the means 5, the jumping-out preventing means prevents the contents located before and after the collection position from jumping out. Therefore, when collecting contents, it is possible to more reliably suppress a situation in which contents that are not to be collected are erroneously collected.

  Means 6. The PTP packaging according to any one of means 1 to 5, wherein the container film is transported in a lower humidity atmosphere than outside air at least between the filling means and the collection means. Machine.

  According to the means 6, for example, when the content is a hygroscopic tablet or the like, the moisture absorption of the content can be more effectively suppressed. Therefore, the safety and reliability of the reused contents can be further ensured.

  Mean 7 The PTP packaging machine according to any one of means 1 to 6, wherein the container film is configured to be continuously conveyed at least from the filling means to the collection means.

  According to the means 7, the container film is continuously transported without temporarily stopping between the filling means and the collecting means. Therefore, the situation that the impact accompanying the stop of the container film is applied to the contents does not occur, and the damage to the contents can be more effectively prevented. Thereby, the contents in a better state can be collected, and the safety of the reused contents can be further enhanced.

(A) is a perspective view which shows a PTP sheet, (b) is a perspective view which shows a PTP film, (c) is a partial expanded sectional view of a PTP sheet. It is a schematic diagram which shows schematic structure of a PTP packaging machine. It is a schematic diagram which shows schematic structure of a tablet filling apparatus, a pre-seal inspection apparatus, and a collection | recovery apparatus. It is a perspective view of a recovery device. It is a cross-sectional schematic diagram which shows the collection | recovery apparatus of the state made into suction impossible. It is a cross-sectional schematic diagram which shows the collection | recovery apparatus of the state which enabled suction. It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of a test | inspection apparatus. It is a figure for demonstrating the data regarding the quality determination memorize | stored in a 1st test | inspection apparatus. It is a figure for demonstrating the data regarding the quality determination memorize | stored in a 2nd test | inspection apparatus. It is a figure for demonstrating the data regarding the quality determination memorize | stored in a 3rd test | inspection apparatus. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the serial number and tablet number in a sheet | seat plan site | part. It is a figure for demonstrating the quality determination result grasped | ascertained by the control apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows collection | recovery object determination processing. It is a flowchart which shows collection | recovery apparatus control processing. It is a top view which shows an example of the PTP sheet discharged | emitted as inferior goods. It is a top view which shows an example of the PTP sheet discharged | emitted as inferior goods.

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

  First, the PTP sheet 1 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 1A to 1C, the PTP sheet 1 includes a container film 3 having a plurality of pocket portions 2 and a cover film attached to the container film 3 so as to close the pocket portions 2. 4.

  The container film 3 is made of, for example, a transparent or translucent thermoplastic resin material that is relatively hard and has a predetermined rigidity, such as PP (polypropylene) or PVC (polyvinyl chloride). The cover film 4 is made of an opaque material (for example, an aluminum foil or the like) having a sealant made of, for example, a polyester resin applied on the surface.

  The PTP sheet 1 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view, and two pocket rows composed of five pocket portions 2 arranged along the longitudinal direction of the sheet are formed in the lateral direction of the sheet. That is, a total of 10 pocket portions 2 are formed. Each pocket portion 2 contains one tablet 5 as the contents (see FIG. 1C).

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

  Next, an outline of the PTP packaging machine 11 for manufacturing the PTP sheet 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  On the most upstream side of the PTP wrapping machine 11, the raw material of the strip-shaped container film 3 is wound in a roll shape. The drawer end side of the container film 3 wound in a roll shape is guided by a guide roll 13. The container film 3 is hooked on the intermittent feed roll 14 on the downstream side of the guide roll 13. The intermittent feed roll 14 is connected to a motor that rotates intermittently and transports the container film 3 intermittently.

  Between the guide roll 13 and the intermittent feed roll 14, a heating device 15 and a pocket portion forming device 16 are sequentially arranged along the conveyance path of the container film 3. Then, in a state where the container film 3 is heated by the heating device 15 and the container film 3 becomes relatively flexible, the pocket portion forming device 16 forms a plurality of pocket portions 2 at predetermined positions of the container film 3. The heating device 15 and the pocket portion forming device 16 constitute the pocket portion forming means in this embodiment. The pocket portion 2 is formed during an interval between the container film 3 transport operations by the intermittent feed roll 14.

  The container film 3 sent out from the intermittent feed roll 14 is hung in the order of the tension roll 18, the guide roll 19, and the film receiving roll 20. Since the film receiving roll 20 is connected to a motor that rotates at a constant speed, the container film 3 is transported continuously and at a constant speed. The tension roll 18 is in a state in which the container film 3 is pulled to the side where the container film 3 is tensioned by an elastic force, and prevents the container film 3 from being bent due to the difference in the transport operation between the intermittent feed roll 14 and the film receiving roll 20. The container film 3 is always kept in a tension state. Thereby, the container film 3 is continuously conveyed between the tension roll 18 and the film receiving roll 20 without stopping.

  Between the guide roll 19 and the film receiving roll 20, along the conveyance path of the container film 3, a tablet filling device 21 as a filling means, a pre-seal inspection device 22 as an inspection means, and a collection as a collection means The devices 23 are arranged in this order.

  The tablet filling device 21 has a function of automatically filling the tablet 5 with the tablet 2, and as shown in FIG. 3, the drum rotates in synchronization with the transport operation of the container film 3 by the film receiving roll 20. 211 is provided. The outer surface of the drum 211 is provided with a plurality of storage recesses 212 that can store the tablets 5, and the vent holes 213 communicate with the storage recesses 212.

  Further, a tablet supply chute 214 is provided in the vicinity of the upper portion of the drum 211. When the shutter 215 provided at the opening of the tablet supply chute 214 opens at predetermined intervals, the tablets 5 fall from the tablet supply chute 214 one by one. The dropped tablet 5 is housed in the housing recess 212 and is adsorbed on the outer surface of the drum 211 by sucking air in the vent hole 213 by an air intake means (not shown). The tablet 5 adsorbed on the outer surface of the drum 211 is conveyed downward by the rotation of the drum 211. Then, when the tablet 5 reaches the lower part of the drum 211, the suction of the air is released, so that the tablet 5 is filled into the pocket portion 2.

  In addition, a storage unit 216 for storing the tablet 5 is provided above the tablet supply chute 214, and the tablet 5 is supplied from the storage unit 216 to the tablet supply chute 214.

  The pre-seal inspection device 22 includes a first inspection device T1, a second inspection device D, and a third inspection device A in order from the upstream side. By these inspection devices T1, D, A, abnormalities relating to the tablet 5 and the container film 3 (sheet portion) are inspected. A more detailed configuration of each inspection apparatus T1, D, A will be described later.

  The collection device 23 has a function of collecting the tablet 5 from the pocket portion 2. The collected tablets 5 are conveyed to the storage unit 216 through a tablet conveyance tube 24 provided between the collection device 23 and the tablet filling device 21. The tablet transport tube 24 is made of, for example, a relatively soft resin or rubber. The configuration of the collection device 23 will be described in detail later.

  Returning to FIG. 2, the raw film of the cover film 4 formed in a band shape is wound in a roll shape on the most upstream side.

  The drawn-out end of the cover film 4 wound in a roll shape is guided toward the heating roll 26 by the guide roll 25. The heating roll 26 can be pressed against the film receiving roll 20, and the container film 3 and the cover film 4 are fed between the rolls 20 and 26. And the container film 3 and the cover film 4 pass between both the rolls 20 and 26 in a heating-pressing state, the cover film 4 is stuck to the container film 3, and the pocket part 2 is block | closed with the cover film 4. . Thereby, the PTP film 6 with which the tablet 5 was filled in each pocket part 2 is manufactured. The film receiving roll 20 and the heating roll 26 constitute a sealing means in this embodiment.

  The PTP film 6 sent out from the film receiving roll 20 is hung in the order of the tension roll 27 and the intermittent feed roll 28. Since the intermittent feed roll 28 is connected to a motor that rotates intermittently, the PTP film 6 is intermittently conveyed. The tension roll 27 is in a state in which the PTP film 6 is pulled toward the side to be tensioned by the elastic force, and prevents the PTP film 6 from being bent due to the difference in the transport operation between the film receiving roll 20 and the intermittent feed roll 28. The PTP film 6 is always kept in tension.

  The PTP film 6 sent out from the intermittent feed roll 28 is hooked in the order of the tension roll 31 and the intermittent feed roll 32. Since the intermittent feed roll 32 is connected to an intermittently rotating motor, the PTP film 6 is intermittently conveyed. The tension roll 31 is in a state in which the PTP film 6 is pulled toward the side to be tensioned by an elastic force, and prevents the PTP film 6 from being bent between the intermittent feed rolls 28 and 32.

  Between the intermittent feed roll 28 and the tension roll 31, a slit forming device 33 and a marking device 34 are sequentially arranged along the transport path of the PTP film 6. The slit forming device 33 has a function of forming a slit for separation at a predetermined position of the PTP film 6. The marking device 34 has a function of marking a predetermined position (for example, a tag portion) of the PTP film 6.

  The PTP film 6 sent out from the intermittent feed roll 32 is wound on the downstream side in the order of the tension roll 35 and the continuous feed roll 36. A sheet punching device 37 is disposed between the intermittent feed roll 32 and the tension roll 35 along the transport path of the PTP film 6. The sheet punching device 37 has a function as punching means for punching the outer edge of the PTP film 6 in units of one PTP sheet.

  The PTP sheet 1 punched by the sheet punching device 37 is conveyed by a take-out conveyor 38 and temporarily stored in a finished product hopper 39. When a defect is determined by any of the inspection devices T1, D, A, a defective sheet discharge mechanism 40 serving as discharge means provided along the transport path of the take-out conveyor 38 from the control device 60 described later. A defective product signal is sent. Thereby, the PTP sheet 1 determined as defective is separately discharged by the defective sheet discharge mechanism 40 and transferred to a defective hopper (not shown).

  A cutting device 41 is disposed on the downstream side of the continuous feed roll 36. Then, the unnecessary film portion 42 constituting the remaining material portion (scrap portion) remaining in a strip shape after being punched by the sheet punching device 37 is guided to the tension roll 35 and the continuous feed roll 36 and then guided to the cutting device 41. It is burned. The continuous feed roll 36 is in pressure contact with a driven roll, and performs a conveying operation while sandwiching the unnecessary film portion 42. The cutting device 41 has a function of cutting the unnecessary film portion 42 into a predetermined size and scrapping. The scrap is stored in the scrap hopper 43 and then disposed of separately.

  Each of the rolls 14, 19, 20, 28, 31, 32 and the like has a positional relationship in which the roll surface and the pocket portion 2 face each other. Since the recessed part which accommodates is formed, the pocket part 2 is not crushed fundamentally. Further, the feeding operation is performed while the pocket portion 2 is accommodated in the recesses such as the rolls 14, so that the intermittent feeding operation and the continuous feeding operation are performed reliably.

  The PTP packaging machine 11 includes a control device 60 in addition to the various devices (means).

  The control device 60 is configured as a so-called computer system that includes a CPU as a calculation means, a ROM that stores various programs, and a RAM that temporarily stores various data such as calculation data and input / output data.

  The control device 60 controls, for example, drive control of various devices such as the heating device 15, the pocket portion forming device 16, the tablet filling device 21, and the recovery device 23, and drive control of various rollers such as the film receiving roll 20. Moreover, the control apparatus 60 can specify the conveyance amount of the container film 3 or the PTP film 6 by the signal from the encoder which is not shown in figure.

  Further, the control device 60 is electrically connected to each of the first inspection device T1, the second inspection device D, and the third inspection device A, and stores various information (image data, inspection conditions, pass / fail judgment). Information on the results). Then, based on information from the inspection devices T1, D, A, the control device 60, as shown in FIG. 12, sets predetermined tablet numbers J1 to J10 (see FIG. 12) for each scheduled portion of the sheet that will eventually become the PTP sheet 1. 11), it is possible to identify and grasp the quality of each inspection item X1 to X9, Y1, Z1, and Z2 to be described later with respect to each tablet 5 and sheet portion indicated by 11).

  In the present embodiment, as will be described later, some of the inspection items executed by each of the inspection devices T1, D, A are duplicated. If it is determined as defective by at least one of the inspection apparatuses T1, D, A, the inspection item is specified as defective. For example, in the inspection item X1, when a certain tablet 5 is determined to be good in the inspection devices T1 and D and is determined to be defective in the inspection device A, the control device 60 identifies the tablet 5 as defective in the inspection item X1. To do.

  In addition, the drive control of various devices by the control device 60 is performed by setting data (such as drive amount data of various mechanisms) set in advance in the ROM of the control device 60 or information received from each inspection device T1, D, A. The control device 60 outputs control signals to various devices in the PTP packaging machine 11 based on signals from the encoder. In the present embodiment, the control device 60 controls the collection device 23 based on the result of pass / fail of the planned sheet portion (see FIG. 12), and only the non-defective tablets 5 from the planned sheet portion determined to be defective by the collection device 23. Recover. In addition, operation | movement of the control apparatus 60 relevant to collection | recovery of the tablet 5 is explained in full detail behind.

  Next, the configuration of the collection device 23 will be described.

  As shown in FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 (both shown in FIG. 4, an actuator 233 </ b> A is not shown), the collection device 23 includes a cylindrical portion 231, a suction device 232 as suction means, and an opening / closing device 233. Yes. The number of the cylindrical portions 231 and the opening / closing devices 233 are the same as the number of the pocket portions 2 along the width direction of the container film 3 in the direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the container film 3 (arrow direction in FIG. 4) (this embodiment). Then, five) are provided.

  The cylindrical portion 231 has a cylindrical shape extending in the vertical direction, and the tablet transport tube 24 is connected in series to its upper end portion, and has an opening 231A at its lower end portion. The opening 231A is located immediately above the movement path of the pocket portion 2, and the pocket portion 2 passes directly below itself when the container film 3 is conveyed. The opening 231A is set to an opening area through which only one tablet 5 can pass.

  The suction device 232 includes a blower tube 232A connected to each cylindrical portion 231 and a blower device (not shown) that supplies air of lower humidity than the outside air to the blower tube 232A. By the supply of air by the blower, an air flow directed upward is generated in each cylindrical portion 231. As a result, the opening portion 231A side in the cylindrical portion 231 is in a suction state. Thereby, the tablet 5 accommodated in the pocket part 2 can be sucked one by one through the opening 231A.

  The sucked (collected) tablet 5 is transported to the storage unit 216 through the tablet transport tube 24 by the air flow generated by the supply air. In the present embodiment, the content transporting means is configured by the tablet transport tube 24 and the blower. Moreover, the air blower is shared by the suction device 232 and the content conveying means.

  The opening / closing device 233 includes an actuator 233A having a rod 233B that can reciprocate along the conveying direction of the container film 3, and a lid portion 233C that is fixed to the tip of the rod 233B and is provided corresponding to the opening / closing portion 231A. And.

  The actuator 233A is electrically connected to the control device 60, and the control device 60 controls the drive of the rod 233B and thus the lid portion 233C. The reciprocating amount of the rod 233B is set to be slightly larger than the opening diameter of the pocket portion 2.

  The lid 233C moves along the transport direction of the container film 3 in accordance with the driving of the rod 233B, thereby closing (see FIG. 5) or opening (see FIG. 6) the opening 231A. It can be done. Moreover, the cover part 233 </ b> C has a length sufficient to straddle a plurality (two in the present embodiment) of the pocket parts 2 along the conveyance direction of the container film 3. Therefore, the opening of the pocket portion 2 located immediately upstream of the collection position of the tablet 5 (the opening portion 231A) is always closed (regardless of the position of the rod 233B) by the lid portion 233C. .

  Furthermore, the collection | recovery apparatus 23 is located in the immediate vicinity of the container film 3, and has the flat plate part 234 arrange | positioned in parallel with this. The flat plate portion 234 closes the opening of the pocket portion 2 located immediately downstream of the tablet 5 collection position (the opening portion 231A). In this embodiment, the lid portion 233C and the flat plate portion 234 constitute a splash prevention means for preventing the tablet 5 from jumping out of the pocket portion 2 before and after the collection position.

  Next, each inspection device T1, D, A will be described. As shown in FIG. 7, each inspection device T1, D, A includes an illumination device 50, a camera 51, a processing execution device 52, and the like.

  The lighting device 50 emits predetermined light (for example, near-infrared light or visible light) to the container film 3 or the like (particularly the part that finally becomes the PTP sheet 1) from the opening side or the protruding side of the pocket part 2. It is configured to be able to irradiate.

  The camera 51 images the container film 3 and the like irradiated with light by the lighting device 50. In the present embodiment, a CCD camera having sensitivity in the wavelength region of light emitted from the illumination device 50 is employed as the camera 51. Not limited to this, a CMOS camera may be employed. Note that a color CCD camera is adopted as the camera 51 of some inspection apparatuses such as the third inspection apparatus A so that the colors can be identified.

  The image data (luminance image data or color image data) captured by the camera 51 is converted into a digital signal inside the camera 51 and then input to the processing execution device 52 in the form of a digital signal.

  Similar to the control device 60, the processing execution device 52 is configured as a so-called computer system, and can execute various processing such as image processing.

  The processing execution device 52 includes an image memory 53, an inspection result storage device 54, a determination memory 55, a data memory 56, a camera timing control device 57, and a CPU and an input / output interface 58. Various image processing such as processing, defect determination processing (inspection processing), and the like can be performed.

  The image memory 53 stores two-dimensional image data (image data) of a captured image output from the camera 51. An inspection is executed based on the image data stored in the image memory 53. Of course, when the inspection is executed, the image data may be processed. For example, it is conceivable to perform processing such as masking processing or shading correction. The shading correction is for correcting variations in light brightness caused by a difference in position because there is a technical limit to uniformly illuminating the entire imaging range such as the container film 3 with the light of the illumination device 50. is there. Note that binarized image data obtained by performing binarization processing on image data at the time of inspection, masking image data subjected to masking processing, and the like are also stored in the image memory 53.

  The inspection result storage device 54 stores data such as coordinates relating to image data, quality determination result data for an inspection object, statistical data obtained by probabilistically processing the data, and the like. Further, in the inspection result storage device 54 of each inspection device T1, D, A, as shown in FIGS. 8, 9, and 10, each tablet 5 indicated by predetermined tablet numbers J1 to J10 (see FIG. 11) and The information indicating the pass / fail determination results in the predetermined inspection items X1 to X9, Y1, Z1, and Z2 with respect to the sheet portion includes serial numbers LA1, LA2, LA3,... (See FIG. 11) for specifying the scheduled sheet portion. Are also remembered. The tablet number is individually set corresponding to each tablet 5 in the planned sheet part.

  The inspection items X1 to X9 are items related to the quality of the tablet 5. The inspection item Y1 is an item related to the quality of the sheet portion (container film 3). Inspection items Z1 and Z2 are items relating to the quality of both the tablet 5 and the sheet portion. Each inspection item X1-X9, Y1, Z1, Z2 will be described in detail later.

  Returning to FIG. 7, the determination memory 55 stores a determination value (threshold value or the like) used for the inspection. The determination value is set for each inspection item. The determination values used for the inspection include, for example, the dimensions of the PTP sheet 1, the pocket portion 2, the tablet 5, the shapes and dimensions of various window frames for demarcating various inspection regions, the threshold value for binarization processing, and the area determination Determination values, color reference values for color identification inspection, and the like.

  The data memory 56 is constituted by, for example, a hard disk device. The data memory 56 stores defect determination date and time, image data, inspection conditions used for inspection, and the like.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the data memory 56 stores data related to the two-dimensional position of the pocket portion 2 with respect to the two-dimensional position of the tablet 5 in advance. In addition, the data memory 56 also stores data related to the positional relationship between the pocket portion 2 and the PTP sheet 1 in advance. By using these data, based on the position of the tablet 5, the position of the pocket portion 2 in the container film 3, and thus the position of the planned sheet portion in the container film 3 can be specified.

  The camera timing control device 57 controls the imaging timing of the camera 51. The imaging timing is controlled based on a signal from the encoder, and imaging by the camera 51 is performed every time a predetermined amount of the container film 3 is sent.

  The CPU and the input / output interface 58 manage various controls in the inspection apparatuses T1, D, and A. For example, it has a function of executing various processing programs and transmitting / receiving various signals to / from the control device 60. Thus, the control device 60 can control the collection device 23, the defective sheet discharge mechanism 40, and the like. In addition, the CPU and the input / output interface 58 specify a planned sheet portion to be inspected based on the positions of the pocket portion 2 and the tablet 5 in the image data. And the said serial number according to a conveyance order is set with respect to the specified sheet | seat planned site | part. The serial number of the planned sheet portion is increased one by one toward the upstream side in the conveyance direction.

  Next, the configuration of each inspection apparatus T1, D, A will be described in more detail.

  The first inspection device T1 is a transmitted light type inspection device that inspects from the side of the protruding portion of the pocket 2 of the container film 3 (the surface side of the tablet 5) before sealing. In 1st test | inspection apparatus T1, the illuminating device 50 is arrange | positioned at the pocket part 2 opening part side of the container film 3, and the camera 51 is provided in the pocket part 2 protrusion part side of the container film 3. FIG. And it has the structure which carries out the two-dimensional imaging of the light which permeate | transmitted the container film 3 among the lights (near infrared light) irradiated from the illuminating device 50. FIG.

  In the first inspection apparatus T1, inspections regarding the inspection items X1 to X6 are performed.

  The inspection item X1 is an item relating to so-called “tablet cracking”. In this item, it is determined whether or not the tablet 5 is cracked.

  The inspection item X2 is an item relating to so-called “tablet fragment mixing”. In this item, it is determined whether or not there is a foreign substance other than the tablet 5 such as a broken piece of the tablet 5 in the pocket portion 2.

  The inspection item X3 is an item related to so-called “missed tablet”, and in this item, it is determined whether or not the tablet 5 is filled in the pocket portion 2.

  The inspection item X4 is an item related to so-called “tablet shape / size difference”, and in this item, it is determined whether or not the shape and size of the tablet 5 are compatible with the production type.

  The inspection item X5 is an item related to so-called “tablet chipping”. In this item, it is determined whether or not the tablet 5 has chipping.

  The inspection item X6 is an item related to so-called “tablet surface peeling”, and in this item, it is determined whether or not the surface layer of the tablet 5 is peeled.

  The 2nd test | inspection apparatus D is a reflected light type test | inspection apparatus which test | inspects from the pocket part 2 opening part side (back surface side of the tablet 5) of the container film 3 before sealing. In the second inspection device D, the illumination device 50 and the camera 51 are arranged on the pocket portion 2 opening side of the container film 3. The light reflected from the tablet 5 out of the light (near infrared rays) emitted from the illumination device 50 is two-dimensionally imaged.

  In the second inspection apparatus D, inspections regarding inspection items X7 and X8 are performed in addition to the inspection items X1 to X5.

  The inspection item X7 is an item relating to so-called “hair on tablet”, and in this item, it is determined whether or not a linear foreign substance such as hair exists on the tablet 5.

  The inspection item X8 is an item related to so-called “foreign matter on tablet”. In this item, it is determined whether or not a large foreign matter having a size of several mm (for example, 5 mm) or more exists on the tablet 5.

  The third inspection apparatus A has both transmitted light type and reflected light type functions for performing an inspection from the pocket part 2 protruding part side and the opening part side (front and back sides of the tablet 5) before sealing. Device. In the third inspection apparatus A, the illuminating device 50 is arranged one on each of the pocket part 2 protruding part side and the opening part side of the container film 3, and the two cameras 51 are arranged on the pocket part 2 opening side of the container film 3. Is provided. Of the light (visible light) emitted from the illumination device 50 on the pocket 2 projecting portion side, the light transmitted through the container film 3 is two-dimensionally imaged by one camera 51, and the illumination on the pocket 2 opening side. Of the light (visible light) emitted from the device 50, the light reflected on the tablet 5 is two-dimensionally imaged by the other camera 51 (color CCD camera).

  In the third inspection apparatus A, inspections relating to inspection items X9, Y1, Z1, and Z2 are performed in addition to the inspection items X1 to X5.

  The inspection item X9 is an item relating to the so-called “tablet color”, and in this item, it is determined whether or not the color of the tablet 5 is compatible with the production type.

  The inspection item Y1 is an item relating to so-called “tablet powder on the sheet”. In this item, whether or not a small foreign substance having a size of less than several mm (for example, 5 mm) is present on the container film 3 is determined. Determined.

  The inspection item Z1 is an item relating to so-called “hair on the sheet”, and in this item, it is determined whether or not a linear foreign matter such as hair exists on the container film 3.

  The inspection item Z2 is an item related to so-called “foreign matter on the sheet”, and in this item, it is determined whether or not a large foreign matter having a size of several mm (for example, 5 mm) or more exists on the container film 3.

  Next, the operation of the control device 60 will be described. First, the collection target determination process for determining the tablets 5 collected by the collection device 23 will be described. Note that this processing is performed at the stage where all of the information related to the pass / fail judgment results of the inspection apparatuses T1, D, A for one scheduled sheet portion is input to the control device 60.

  As shown in FIG. 13, in the collection target determination process, first, in step S101, based on the information about the pass / fail judgment results input from the inspection devices T1, D, A, the inspection items X1 to X9 in each tablet 5 and sheet portion. , Y1, Z1, Z2 are specified (see FIG. 12).

  Subsequently, in step S102, the pass / fail of the planned sheet portion is determined based on the pass / fail of the respective inspection items X1 to X9, Y1, Z1, and Z2 with respect to each specified tablet 5 and sheet portion. In the present embodiment, in each tablet 5 and the sheet portion, when it is determined as defective in at least one of the inspection items X1 to X9, Y1, Z1, and Z2 (S102: NO), the scheduled sheet portion is determined as defective. The process proceeds to step S103. On the other hand, in each tablet 5 and the sheet portion, when there is no failure determination in all the inspection items X1 to X9, Y1, Z1, and Z2 (S102: YES), the scheduled sheet portion is determined to be good, and this processing is terminated. .

  In step S103, it is determined whether the inspection item determined to be defective is the inspection item Z1 or the inspection item Z2. Here, when it is determined to be defective in the inspection item Z1 or the inspection item Z2 (S103: YES), this process ends. That is, in this embodiment, when it is determined as defective in the inspection item of “hair on sheet” or “foreign material on sheet”, it is assumed that all tablets 5 in the planned sheet portion determined to be defective are defective. The tablet 5 is set not to be collected from the planned sheet portion. This takes into consideration the possibility that hair or foreign matter is in contact with any one of the tablets 5.

  On the other hand, when it is not determined to be defective in both of the inspection items Z1 and Z2 (S103: NO), the process proceeds to step S104, and the tablet 5 to be collected is determined from the specified information on pass / fail. In the present embodiment, among the tablets 5 in the planned sheet part, those determined to be good in all of the inspection items X1 to X9 are determined as collection targets. For example, if a negative determination is made in step S102 only because of the failure determination in the tablet 5 indicated by the tablet number J2, the tablets 5 other than the tablet 5 indicated by the tablet number J2 are determined as the collection target. . In addition, for example, when the negative determination is made in step S102 only because the sheet portion is determined to be defective with respect to the inspection item Y1, since there is no abnormality in the tablets 5, all the tablets 5 are targeted for collection. decide. Then, the information on the determined collection target is stored in the RAM together with the serial number of the scheduled part of the sheet, and the process is terminated.

  Next, control processing (collection operation control processing) of the collection device 23 by the control device 60 will be described. Note that this process is repeatedly executed at regular time intervals (for example, several ms).

  As shown in FIG. 14, in the collection operation control process, first, in step S201, it is determined whether or not the release flag is on. The open flag is determination information for determining whether or not the opening 231A is open. If a negative determination is made in step S201, the process proceeds to step S205. On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S201, that is, if the opening 231A is open, the process proceeds to step S202.

  In step S202, it is determined whether or not the container film 3 has been transported by a predetermined amount (in this embodiment, an amount that is slightly larger than the opening diameter of the pocket portion 2) since the opening flag is turned on. That is, it is determined whether or not the timing for closing the opening 231A has been reached. The conveyance amount of the container film 3 is grasped by the output signal from the encoder. Here, when the closing timing of the opening 231A has not yet been reached (S202: NO), the process proceeds to step S205. On the other hand, when the closing timing of the opening 231A has been reached (S202: YES), the opening flag is turned off in step S203, and a closing signal is output to the recovery device 23 in step S204. Thereby, the opening part 231A of each cylinder part 231 will be in the state closed by the cover part 233C.

  In subsequent step S205, whether the pocket portion 2 filled with the collection object has reached the collection position (below the opening 231A) based on the information related to the collection object stored in the RAM and the output signal from the encoder. Determine whether or not. That is, it is determined whether or not it is time to open the opening 231A and collect the tablet 5. If a negative determination is made in step S205, the process ends.

  On the other hand, if a positive determination is made in step S205, the process proceeds to step S206, and the release flag is turned on. Further, in the subsequent step S207, an opening signal is output to the collection device 23, and this process is terminated. Note that the opening signal includes information on the cylindrical portion 231 that should be opened based on the information related to the collection target. The collection device 23 to which the opening signal is input moves only the lid 233C corresponding to the opening 231A to be opened, thereby opening only the opening 231A to be opened, and collects the tablets 5 determined to be non-defective. To do.

  As described above in detail, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to collect the tablet 5 determined to be non-defective from the planned sheet portion determined to be defective. For example, when clogging occurs in the tablet supply chute 214 and the tablet 5 is not filled in the pocket portion 2, the pocket portions 2 in which the tablet 5 is not filled can be formed in a line on the PTP film 6. As a result, a large number of PTP sheets 1 with so-called “missing tablets” are generated, and a large number of non-defective tablets 5 may be wasted. According to this embodiment, even if such a clogging of the tablet supply chute 214 occurs, the non-defective tablet 5 can be collected from the planned sheet portion determined to be defective.

  Moreover, since collection | recovery of the tablet 5 is performed before attachment of the cover film 4, it is not necessary to tear the cover film 4 at the time of collection | recovery, and application of the external pressure with respect to the tablet 5 can be prevented. Further, since the tablets 5 are collected before reaching the both rolls 20 and 26 constituting the sealing means, it is possible to more reliably prevent vibration accompanying the conveyance from being applied to the tablets 5 over a long period of time. Together, these can effectively prevent the recovered tablets 5 from being damaged. Thereby, the tablet 5 in a good state can be reused without performing time-consuming work such as re-inspection on the collected tablet 5. As a result, the production cost can be effectively suppressed while ensuring the safety and reliability of the reused tablet 5 more reliably.

  Furthermore, since the tablet 5 is collected before the cover film 4 is attached, the influence of heat by the heating roll 26 does not reach the tablet 5. Thereby, the safety | security and reliability in the tablet 5 to be reused can be ensured more reliably.

  In addition, since the contents are collected at a relatively early stage before reaching both rolls 20, 26, moisture absorption of the tablet 5 can be suppressed. Thereby, the safety | security and reliability in the tablet 5 to be reused can be further ensured.

  In addition, according to the present embodiment, since the tablets 5 determined as non-defective products are collected, even if the inspection sensitivity in the pre-seal inspection device 22 is increased, a situation where many tablets 5 are wasted. Does not occur. Therefore, it is possible to increase the inspection sensitivity and improve the safety and reliability of the PTP sheet 1 while preventing an increase in cost.

  Further, in the present embodiment, as a defective PTP sheet 1, as shown in FIG. 15, all the tablets 5 are collected and all of the pocket portions 2 are empty, as shown in FIG. What remains of the tablet 5 can be discharged. Here, in the defective PTP sheet 1 in which all the pocket portions 2 are emptied, the sheet planned portion is abnormal in the sheet itself, or an abnormality that the tablet 5 is not accommodated in a part of the pocket portions 2 (so-called “missing”). As a result of being determined to be defective by "lock"), it is discharged. In addition, the defective PTP sheet 1 in which the tablets 5 remain is discharged as a result of determining that the planned portion of the sheet is defective due to an abnormality in the remaining tablets 5. Therefore, by looking at the state of the discharged PTP sheet 1, it is possible to easily determine for what reason it is determined to be defective. Further, when the tablet 5 remains, the abnormality that has occurred can be easily identified by looking at the remaining tablet 5 and the sheet portion. As a result, the inspection item in which the defect has occurred can be easily identified, and appropriate measures can be executed at an early stage.

  In addition, the collected tablets 5 are directly returned to the storage unit 216. Therefore, the work for returning the collected tablets 5 to the storage unit 216 becomes unnecessary, and the productivity can be improved.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, since the tablet 5 is collect | recovered by suction, it can prevent more reliably that the tablet 5 will be damaged at the time of collection | recovery. Thereby, the tablet 5 in a better state can be collected. In addition, since the air supplied for suction is low-humidity, moisture absorption of the tablet 5 can be more effectively suppressed, and safety and reliability in the reused tablet 5 can be further increased.

  Furthermore, the lid portion 233C can switch the recovery and non-recovery of the tablet 5 more reliably and more quickly. Furthermore, since the opening 231A is opened and closed in accordance with the passage of the pocket portion 2, it is possible to more reliably suppress a situation in which the tablet 5 that is not a collection target is erroneously collected in combination with the above effect. .

  In addition, the lid portion 233C and the flat plate portion 234 can prevent the tablets 5 positioned before and after the collection position from jumping out. Therefore, when the tablets 5 are collected, it is possible to more reliably suppress a situation where the tablets 5 that are not the collection target are erroneously collected.

  Furthermore, the container film 3 is continuously conveyed between the tablet filling device 21 and the collection device 23. Therefore, the situation that the impact accompanying the stop of the container film 3 is applied to the tablet 5 does not occur, and the application of damage to the tablet 5 can be more effectively prevented. Thereby, the tablet 5 of a better state can be collect | recovered, and the safety | security etc. in the tablet 5 to be reused can be improved further.

  In addition, it is not limited to the description content of the said embodiment, For example, you may implement as follows. Of course, other application examples and modification examples not illustrated below are also possible.

  (A) The container film 3 may be transported in a lower humidity atmosphere than the outside air between the tablet filling device 21 and the collection device 23. In this case, the moisture absorption of the tablet 5 can be more effectively suppressed, and the safety and reliability of the reused tablet 5 can be further ensured.

  Note that the low humidity atmosphere means, for example, that the transport path of the container film 3 between the tablet filling device 21 and the recovery device 23 is covered with a predetermined case, and a gas having a lower humidity than the outside air is supplied into the case. Can be realized.

  (B) In the above embodiment, the recovery device 23 is configured to recover the tablet 5 by sucking the tablet 5 into the cylindrical portion 231, but the configuration of the recovery device 23 is limited to this. It is not a thing. Therefore, for example, a drum or the like configured to adsorb (suck) the tablet 5 with respect to the outer peripheral surface and rotating in accordance with the conveyance of the container film 3 may be used as the collection device.

  (C) In the above-described embodiment, the recovery and non-recovery of the tablet 5 from the planned sheet part are determined based on the quality of the scheduled sheet part itself. On the other hand, the recovery and non-recovery of the tablet 5 from the planned sheet part is based on the quality of the planned sheet part itself and the quality of the planned sheet part located before and after (immediately upstream and immediately downstream) of the scheduled sheet part. It is also possible to decide. For example, in the above-described embodiment, even when the tablet 5 is set to be collected from a certain scheduled sheet part, the planned sheet part positioned before and after the certain scheduled sheet part is determined as a predetermined inspection item (for example, inspection When it is determined to be defective in the items Z1, Z2), the collection of the tablet 5 from the certain scheduled sheet portion may be stopped. In this case, when the tablet 5 is collected, it is possible to more reliably prevent a situation in which foreign matter or the like is sucked from the adjacent scheduled sheet portion determined to be defective. Thereby, the safety | security etc. in the collect | recovered tablet 5 can be improved more.

  (D) In the above embodiment, the case where the content is the tablet 5 is specified, but the type, shape, and the like of the content are not particularly limited. For example, the content such as food or electronic parts is not limited. It may be different from the tablet 5.

  (E) In the above embodiment, the container film 3 is formed of a transparent or translucent thermoplastic resin material such as PP or PVC, and the cover film 4 is formed using an aluminum foil or the like as a base material. , 4 are not limited to these, and other materials may be employed.

  (F) In the said embodiment, although the content conveyance means is comprised by the tablet conveyance pipe | tube 24 and the said air blower, the structure of a content conveyance means is not limited to this. Therefore, for example, the content conveying means may be constituted by a conveyor.

  (G) In the above-described embodiment, the collected tablets 5 are directly returned to the storage unit 216 by the content conveying means, but the recovered tablets 5 are not necessarily returned directly to the storage unit 216. There is no need. Therefore, you may comprise so that the collect | recovered tablet 5 may be conveyed to the container for storing this temporarily.

  (H) The configuration of each inspection device T1, D, A is not limited to the above embodiment. In addition, the inspection items in the above embodiment are merely examples, and can be changed as appropriate.

  (I) In the said embodiment, when it determines with inferior in the inspection item Z1 or the inspection item Z2, it is comprised so that the tablet 5 may not be collect | recovered, but even in such a case, the tablet 5 is collect | recovered. You may comprise as follows. That is, you may change suitably the relationship between the quality determination result in each test | inspection item, and the tablet 5 determined as collection | recovery object.

  (J) The arrangement and the number of pocket portions 2 in the PTP sheet 1 are not limited to the above embodiment (2 rows, 10 pieces), for example, including a type having 12 pocket portions in 3 rows, PTP sheets having various arrangements and numbers can be used.

  (K) In the above embodiment, the PTP film 6 has a configuration in which the number of pocket portions 2 corresponding to one sheet is arranged along the width direction, but is not limited thereto. For example, a configuration in which the number of pocket portions 2 corresponding to a plurality of sheets is arranged along the width direction may be employed.

  (L) The configuration of the collection device 23 is not limited to the above embodiment, and may be changed as appropriate in accordance with the configurations of the PTP sheet 1 and the PTP film 6.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... PTP sheet, 2 ... Pocket part, 3 ... Container film, 4 ... Cover film, 5 ... Tablet (content), 6 ... PTP film, 11 ... PTP packaging machine, 20 ... Film receiving roll, 21 ... Tablet filling device (Filling means), 22 ... pre-seal inspection device (inspection means), 23 ... recovery device (recovery means), 24 ... tablet transport tube, 26 ... heating roll, 37 ... sheet punching device (punching means), 216 ... Storage part, 231 ... cylinder part, 231A ... opening part, 232 ... suction device (suction means), 233C ... cover part, 234 ... flat plate part.

Claims (7)

Filling means for filling a predetermined content in a pocket portion formed in a container film to be conveyed;
On the downstream side of the filling means, sealing means for attaching a band-shaped cover film to the container film so as to close the pocket portion;
On the downstream side of the sealing means, a punching means for punching a PTP film in which the cover film is attached to the container film in a sheet unit to obtain a predetermined PTP sheet;
An inspection unit that is provided between the filling unit and the sealing unit and that performs a pass / fail determination on a plurality of inspection items including an item related to the pass / fail of the contents with respect to a planned sheet portion that eventually becomes the PTP sheet. PTP packaging machine
Provided between the inspection means and the sealing means is a recovery means capable of recovering the contents filled in the pocket portion,
When the inspection unit determines that at least one inspection item is defective by the inspection unit, the inspection unit determines that the content of the content is acceptable by the inspection unit from the corresponding scheduled part of the sheet. A PTP packaging machine configured to collect the contents. The filling means has a storage part in which the contents are stored,
The PTP packaging machine according to claim 1, further comprising a content transport unit configured to transport the content from the collection unit to the storage unit. The recovery means includes
A cylindrical portion configured to pass through the container film and to pass the pocket portion below the opening portion, while having an opening through which the contents can pass;
3. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a suction unit that sucks the contents into the cylinder part one by one through the opening to make the inside of the cylinder part into a suction state. The PTP packaging machine described.   The PTP packaging machine according to claim 3, wherein the collection unit includes a lid that can open and close the opening in accordance with the passage of the pocket.   Before and after the collection position of the content by the collection means along the conveyance direction of the container film, the opening of the pocket portion is closed to prevent the content from jumping out from the pocket portion. The PTP packaging machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a means is provided.   6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the container film is configured to be transported in a lower humidity atmosphere than the outside air at least between the filling unit and the collection unit. PTP packaging machine.   The PTP packaging machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the container film is configured to be continuously conveyed at least between the filling unit and the collecting unit.

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