JP2021181310A - Blister packaging machine and manufacturing method of blister sheet - Google Patents

Abstract

To make it possible to prevent contents from being wasted as much as possible and to effectively suppress printing defects in the contents while ensuring good packaging capacity more reliably.SOLUTION: Tablets 5 printed by a printing apparatus 54 are inspected, the tablets 5 judged to be non-defective are buffered, and the buffered tablets 5 are loaded (packaged) in a pocket portion 2. Since the non-defective tablets 5 are packaged, the tablets 5 and the like are prevented from being wasted as much as possible. Based on a buffer amount, a printing number of the tablets 5 is adjusted while continuing printing the tablets 5. Therefore, while a printing capacity can be set to be sufficiently higher than a packaging capacity in anticipation of ejection of the defective tablets 5, the buffer amount can be adjusted without stopping the printing. Thus, it is possible to more reliably prevent clogging due to drying of ink in the printing apparatus 54 and effectively suppress printing defects in the tablets 5 while suppressing that the buffer amount becomes insufficient and packaging is hindered.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

The present invention relates to a blister packaging machine for manufacturing a blister sheet containing printed contents and a method for manufacturing the blister sheet.

A PTP (press-through pack) sheet is generally known as a blister sheet used in the fields of pharmaceuticals and foodstuffs. The PTP sheet includes a container film having a pocket portion for accommodating contents such as tablets, and a cover film attached so as to seal the opening side of the pocket portion with respect to the container film.

Such a PTP sheet includes a step of preheating a strip-shaped container film to be conveyed, a step of forming a pocket portion with respect to the preheated container film, a step of filling the pocket portion with contents (filling step), and a step of filling the pocket portion. It is manufactured through a step of attaching a cover film to the container film so as to seal the opening side, a step of punching a strip-shaped PTP film composed of the container film and the cover film into PTP sheet units, and the like.

Conventionally, some contents have identification information such as product names and product numbers printed on the surface thereof, which consist of characters and symbols. Further, the container film is provided with a transporting means for transporting the contents and a printing means using an inkjet method, and the printed contents are printed on the contents transported by the transporting means by the printing means. A blister packaging machine that sequentially fills the pockets of the paper has also been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2018-143615

By the way, in the blister packing machine described in Patent Document 1, the contents of defective products having printing defects or the like are filled into the pocket portion as they are without being discharged before the filling step. Here, if the PTP sheet containing the contents of the defective product is discarded as a defective product, the container film and the cover film constituting the PTP sheet are wasted, and the PTP sheet has a plurality of pocket portions. The contents of other non-defective products contained in the PTP sheet are also wasted, which may lead to an increase in production cost.

On the other hand, a buffer means for storing the contents corresponding to the transport path of the contents between the position for printing the contents and the position for filling the contents in the pocket portion is provided, and the buffer is provided. By providing a defective product discharging means for discharging the contents of the defective product upstream from the means, only the contents of the non-defective product can be stored in the buffer means, and the contents can be filled in the pocket portion. It is conceivable to configure. Further, in this configuration, the defective product is provided so that the packaging capacity of the contents (the number of contents filled in the pocket portion per unit time in the filling process) does not decrease due to the insufficient buffer amount. In anticipation of the contents being discharged, it is conceivable to configure the printing means to have a printing capacity (the number of contents printed per unit time) sufficiently higher than the packaging capacity.

However, in the case of the above configuration, the rate of occurrence of defective contents is not always constant and becomes low immediately after cleaning the printing means, for example, so that the buffer amount (storage amount) of the contents stored in the buffer means is low. ) May easily reach the upper limit of the allowable range. Therefore, when the buffer amount reaches the upper limit, it is conceivable to stop printing on the contents.

However, when printing on the contents is stopped, there is a high possibility that clogging or the like will occur due to drying of the ink in the printing means, and as a result, printing defects of the contents may easily occur.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to prevent waste of contents, container film, etc. as much as possible, and to secure good packaging ability more reliably. At the same time, it is an object of the present invention to provide a blister packaging machine or the like that can effectively suppress printing defects of the contents.

Hereinafter, each means suitable for solving the above object will be described separately for each item. In addition, the action and effect peculiar to the corresponding means will be added as necessary.

Means 1. A blister packaging machine for manufacturing a blister sheet in which the contents are housed in a pocket portion formed on the container film and a cover film is attached to the container film so as to close the pocket portion. ,
A pocket portion forming means for forming the pocket portion with respect to the strip-shaped container film, and
A printing filling means for printing the contents and filling the pocket portion with the contents.
An attachment means for attaching the band-shaped cover film to the container film whose pocket portion is filled with the contents so as to close the pocket portion.
A means for separating the blister sheet from the strip-shaped blister film formed by attaching the cover film to the container film is provided.
The printing filling means is
A means of transporting the contents and
An inkjet printing means that prints on the contents that have been conveyed by the conveying means and reached a predetermined printing position.
A content inspection means for inspecting the contents printed by the printing means, and a content inspection means.
A defective product discharging means for discharging the contents determined to be defective by the content inspection means to the outside of the system,
A buffer means for storing the contents judged to be good by the contents inspection means, and a buffer means.
A filling means for filling the pocket portion with the contents stored in the buffer means, and a filling means.
A buffer amount grasping means for grasping the buffer amount of the contents in the buffer means, and a buffer amount grasping means.
It is characterized by comprising a printing number adjusting means for adjusting the number of contents printed per unit time by the printing means based on the buffer amount grasped by the buffer amount grasping means while continuing printing by the printing means. Blister packaging machine.

According to the above means 1, the contents after printing are inspected by the content inspection means, and only the contents that are judged to be good (not judged to be defective) are stored in the buffer means, and the filling means stores the contents in the buffer means. The stored contents are filled in the pocket portion. Therefore, it is possible to suppress as much as possible the situation where the contents of the defective product, such as printing defects, are filled in the pocket portion as they are, and it is possible to prevent the disposal of the blister sheet caused by the contents of the defective products as much as possible. As a result, it is possible to more reliably prevent the container film and cover film constituting the blister sheet and the contents of the non-defective product contained in the blister sheet from being wasted, and it is possible to effectively suppress the increase in production cost. ..

Further, according to the above means 1, the number of contents printed by the printing means per unit time can be adjusted based on the buffer amount grasped by the buffer amount grasping means while continuing the printing by the printing means. Therefore, in anticipation that the contents of the defective product will be discharged, the printing ability by the printing means (the number of contents printed per unit time) is the packing ability of the contents (the pocket part is filled by the filling means per unit time). It is possible to adjust the buffer amount without stopping printing on the contents while making it possible to set it so as to be sufficiently higher than the number of contents to be printed. As a result, it is possible to prevent the amount of buffer from becoming insufficient and hinder the packaging of the contents (filling of the contents in the pocket portion), and to prevent clogging due to drying of the ink in the printing means. can. As a result, it is possible to more reliably secure a good packaging ability and effectively suppress the occurrence of printing defects.

Means 2. The print number adjusting means is configured to be able to change the transfer speed of the contents by the transfer means, and by changing the transfer speed to adjust the number of contents per unit time to reach the print position. The blister packing machine according to means 1, wherein the number of contents printed per unit time is adjusted by the printing means.

According to the above means 2, the number of contents to be printed per unit time can be adjusted without providing a special device or performing complicated control. Therefore, it is possible to suppress an increase in costs related to the manufacture and maintenance of the device.

Means 3. The blister packaging machine according to means 2, wherein the printing number adjusting means is configured so that the transport speed of the contents by the transport means can be changed in a plurality of stages of three or more steps.

According to the above means 3, the number of contents to be printed per unit time and thus the buffer amount can be finely adjusted.

Further, according to the above means 3, it is not necessary to suddenly change the transport speed of the contents. Therefore, it is possible to accurately print the contents to be conveyed, and it is possible to improve the print quality. In addition, it is possible to improve the stability of the delivery of the contents in the transport means.

Means 4. A defect rate calculation means for calculating the defect rate of printing by the printing means is provided.
In the print number adjusting means, the average value of the transport speeds of the contents by the transport means increases as the defect rate calculated by the defect rate calculation means increases, and the defect rate calculation means calculates. The blister packing machine according to means 2 or 3, wherein the transport speed is configured to be changeable so as to satisfy at least one of the decrease in the average value of the transport speed as the defect rate decreases. ..

Normally, the defect rate calculated by the defect rate calculating means changes due to factors such as an increase in the number of prints. However, according to the above means 4, the average value of the transport speeds of the contents increases or decreases as the defect rate increases or decreases. The transport speed of the contents can be changed so that Therefore, even if the content of the defective product increases or decreases over time, it is possible to more reliably secure an appropriate buffer amount. As a result, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of problems due to an inappropriate buffer amount. For example, if a sufficient amount of buffer is secured, it is possible to more reliably suppress the trouble in packaging the contents, and it is possible to further reliably secure a good packaging capacity.

Further, as compared with the case where the transport speed of the contents is adjusted based only on the buffer amount, it is possible to more reliably prevent a sudden change in the transport speed. As a result, it is possible to further improve the print quality and the stability related to the delivery of the contents in the transport means.

The reference transport speed (transport speed that does not take into account the buffer amount) may be gradually changed according to the defect rate, or the reference transport speed may be changed stepwise each time a predetermined defect rate is reached. It may be configured to make it.

Means 5. A supply means for supplying the contents to the transport means is provided.
The print number adjusting means is configured to be able to change the number of contents per unit time supplied from the supply means to the transport means, and per unit time to reach the print position with the change in the number of the contents. The blister packing machine according to any one of means 1 to 4, wherein the number of contents printed by the printing means per unit time is adjusted by adjusting the number of contents.

According to the above means 5, the number of contents to be printed per unit time can be adjusted without providing a special device or performing complicated control. Therefore, it is possible to suppress an increase in costs related to the manufacture and maintenance of the device.

Means 6. The transport means is configured to sequentially transport the contents of each row to the print position in a state where a plurality of contents are arranged along a direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the contents.
The supply means includes as many supply units as the number of contents for one row arranged in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction, and one content is always supplied from each of these supply units to the transport means. Is configured to
The printing means is provided in the same number as the number of contents for the one row, and always has a plurality of print heads for individually printing each of the contents for the one row.
A stop target determining means for determining the supply unit for stopping the supply of the contents to the transport means based on the inspection result of the contents inspection means.
The supply stopping means for stopping the supply of the contents from the supply unit determined by the stop target determining means to the transport means is provided.
When the supply of the contents from the supply unit to the transport means is stopped, printing on the contents is performed by the print heads other than the one corresponding to the supply unit for which the supply of the contents is stopped among the plurality of print heads. The blister packing machine according to any one of means 1 to 5, wherein the blister packaging machine is performed.

Inspection of the content inspection means may reveal that printing defects are concentrated in the content printed by a certain print head. If printing is continued in such a case, a large amount of defective contents may be generated, which may lead to an increase in production cost. Therefore, it is conceivable to temporarily stop printing and clean the print head, but the stop of printing may lead to a decrease in productivity. In addition, an increase in the number of cleanings leads to an increase in cleaning costs.

In this regard, according to the means 6, one row of contents arranged in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction is always sequentially supplied to the transport means from each supply unit of the supply means, and as a result, the contents are transported. A plurality of rows (the same number as the number of print heads and supply units) extending along the direction are transported to the print position for printing. However, depending on the inspection result of the content inspection means, the supply unit to be stopped is determined, and the supply of the content from the supply unit to the transport means is stopped. For example, when it is found that printing defects are concentrated in the contents printed by a certain print head, the supply of the contents from the supply unit corresponding to the print head is stopped. As a result, the contents are conveyed in a reduced number of rows so as not to be supplied to the print head. As a result, printing defects of the contents can be made less likely to occur, and an increase in production cost can be suppressed more effectively.

Further, according to the above means 6, when the supply of the contents is stopped, the prints on the contents are printed by the print heads other than the one corresponding to the supply unit which has stopped the supply of the contents among the plurality of print heads. Will be done. Therefore, printing can be continuously performed, and a decrease in productivity can be prevented more reliably. Further, in the operating print head, since printing on the contents is performed frequently, it is possible to make it more difficult for printing defects due to drying of ink or the like to occur.

In addition, cleaning of the print head corresponding to the supply unit in which the supply of the contents is stopped may be performed at the same time as cleaning of the print heads, for example, at a stage where the printing defect rate of other print heads has increased to some extent. As a result, it is possible to suppress an increase in the number of cleanings and suppress an increase in cleaning costs.

Means 7. A method for manufacturing a blister sheet, wherein the contents are housed in a pocket portion formed on the container film, and a cover film is attached to the container film so as to close the pocket portion.
A pocket portion forming step of forming the pocket portion with respect to the strip-shaped container film,
A printing and filling step of printing the contents and filling the pockets with the contents.
An attachment step of attaching the band-shaped cover film to the container film filled with the contents in the pocket portion so as to close the pocket portion.
Including a cutting step of separating the blister sheet from the strip-shaped blister film formed by attaching the cover film to the container film.
The printing filling step is
The transport process for transporting the contents and
A printing process of printing on the contents conveyed by the transfer process and reaching a predetermined printing position, and a printing process.
A content inspection process for inspecting the contents printed by the printing process, and a content inspection process.
A defective product discharge process for discharging the contents determined to be defective by the content inspection process to the outside of the system, and a defective product discharge process.
A buffer step of storing the contents judged to be good by the contents inspection step by a predetermined buffer means, and a buffer step.
A filling step of filling the pocket portion with the contents stored in the buffer means,
A buffer amount grasping step for grasping the buffer amount of the contents in the buffering step, and a buffer amount grasping step.
It is characterized by comprising a printing number adjusting step of adjusting the number of contents to be printed per unit time in the printing step based on the buffer amount grasped by the buffer amount grasping step while continuing printing in the printing step. A method for manufacturing a blister sheet.

According to the above-mentioned means 7, the same action and effect as the above-mentioned means 1 can be achieved.

Means 8. In the print number adjusting step, the contents printed per unit time in the printing process are adjusted by changing the transport speed of the contents in the transport step to adjust the number of contents per unit time to reach the print position. The method for manufacturing a blister sheet according to means 7, wherein the number of objects is adjusted.

According to the above-mentioned means 8, the same action and effect as the above-mentioned means 2 can be achieved.

Means 9. The method for manufacturing a blister sheet according to means 8, wherein in the printing number adjusting step, the transport speed of the contents in the transport step is changed in a plurality of steps of three or more steps.

According to the above-mentioned means 9, the same action and effect as the above-mentioned means 3 can be obtained.

Means 10. A defect rate calculation step for calculating a printing defect rate in the printing process is provided.
In the printing number adjusting step, as the defect rate calculated by the defect rate calculation step increases, the average value of the transfer speeds of the contents by the transfer step increases, and it is calculated by the defect rate calculation step. The method for manufacturing a blister sheet according to means 8 or 9, wherein the transport speed is changed so as to satisfy at least one of the decrease in the average value of the transport speed as the defect rate decreases.

According to the means 10, the same action and effect as those of the means 4 can be obtained.

Means 11. A supply process for supplying the contents to the transport means for transporting the contents in the transport step is provided.
In the print number adjusting step, the number of contents per unit time supplied in the supply step is changed to adjust the number of contents per unit time to reach the print position, thereby adjusting the number of contents per unit time in the printing step. The method for producing a blister sheet according to any one of means 7 to 10, wherein the number of contents printed on the sheet is adjusted.

According to the above-mentioned means 11, the same action and effect as the above-mentioned means 5 can be obtained.

Means 12. In the transfer step, the contents in each row are sequentially conveyed to the printing position in a state where a plurality of contents are arranged along a direction orthogonal to the transfer direction of the contents by a predetermined transfer means.
In the supply step, one content is always supplied to the transport means from each of the same number of supply units as the number of contents in one row arranged in the direction orthogonal to the transport direction.
In the printing step, each of the contents of the one row is always printed individually by the same number of print heads as the number of contents of the one row.
A stop target determination step of determining the supply unit for stopping the supply of the contents to the transport means based on the inspection result of the contents inspection step.
Including a supply stop step of stopping the supply of the contents from the supply unit to the transport means determined by the stop target determination step.
During the execution of the supply stop step, in the printing step, printing on the contents is performed by the print head other than the one corresponding to the supply unit which has stopped the supply of the contents among the plurality of print heads. The method for producing a blister sheet according to any one of the featured means 7 to 11.

According to the means 12, the same action and effect as those of the means 6 can be obtained.

It is a perspective view which shows the PTP sheet. It is a partially enlarged sectional view of a PTP sheet. It is a perspective view which shows the tablet. It is a perspective view which shows the PTP film. It is a schematic diagram which shows the schematic structure of the PTP packaging machine. It is a front schematic diagram which shows the schematic structure of the print filling apparatus. It is a perspective schematic diagram which shows the schematic structure of the print filling apparatus. It is a partially enlarged perspective schematic diagram which shows the printing apparatus and the like. It is a partially enlarged perspective schematic diagram which shows the defective product removal apparatus and the like. It is a partially enlarged perspective schematic diagram which shows a blow nozzle, a receiving part and the like. It is a partially enlarged front schematic diagram which shows a blow nozzle, a receiving part and the like. It is a partially enlarged perspective schematic diagram which shows the buffer transfer apparatus. It is a partially enlarged perspective schematic diagram which shows the filling device and the like. It is a schematic diagram which shows the arrangement of the nozzle array in a print head. It is a graph which roughly shows the transport speed of a tablet, the amount of a buffer, and the like. It is a graph which shows the defect rate roughly. In the second embodiment, it is a partially enlarged perspective schematic diagram which shows the tablet which is supplied from the supply device to the transfer device. In the third embodiment, it is a partially enlarged perspective schematic diagram showing a tablet or the like supplied from a supply device to a transfer device. In another embodiment, it is a graph which roughly shows the transport speed which is changed in a multi-step. In another embodiment, it is a graph which roughly shows the transport speed which is changed according to a defect rate. It is a perspective schematic diagram which shows the suction hole of the transport device in another embodiment. It is a perspective schematic diagram which shows the schematic structure of the print filling apparatus in another embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.
[First Embodiment]
First, the configuration of the PTP sheet as the "blister sheet" will be described. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the PTP sheet 1 has a container film 3 provided with 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 the present embodiment is formed of a transparent thermoplastic resin material such as PP (polypropylene) or PVC (polyvinyl chloride). On the other hand, the cover film 4 is made of an opaque material (for example, aluminum foil or the like) provided with a sealant made of polypropylene resin or the like on the surface thereof. Of course, the materials of the films 3 and 4 are not limited to these, and other materials may be adopted.

The PTP sheet 1 is manufactured by punching out a strip-shaped PTP film 6 (see FIG. 4) formed from a strip-shaped container film 3 and a strip-shaped cover film 4, and is formed into a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view. Has been done. In this embodiment, the PTP film 6 corresponds to a "blister film".

In the PTP sheet 1, two pocket rows consisting of five pocket portions 2 arranged along the longitudinal direction thereof are formed in the lateral direction thereof. Each pocket portion 2 contains one tablet 5 as a "content".

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the tablet 5 is a disk-shaped uncoated tablet having a circular shape in a plan view, and has a side surface 5a and a front surface 5b and a back surface 5c sandwiching the side surface 5a. Then, identification information (characters, symbols, numbers, figures, etc.) indicating product information regarding the tablet 5 is printed on one of the front surface 5b and the back surface 5c of the tablet 5.

Examples of the product information regarding the tablet 5 include "product name", "content", "dosage form", "manufacturer" and "lot number". In the example shown in FIG. 3, the characters "ABC" as the "product name" and the number "20" as the "content" are printed. Hereinafter, the portion on which the characters “ABC” and the number “20” are printed is referred to as “printing unit 5e”. The "ABC" part and the "20" part have different colors.

Next, a schematic configuration of the PTP packaging machine 10 for manufacturing the PTP sheet 1 will be described. In this embodiment, the PTP packaging machine 10 constitutes a "blister packaging machine".

As shown in FIG. 5, on the most upstream side of the PTP packaging machine 10, the original fabric 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 the guide roll 13. The container film 3 is hung on the intermittent feed roll 14 on the downstream side of the guide roll 13. The intermittent feed roll 14 intermittently conveys the container film 3.

A preheating device 15 and a pocket portion forming device 16 are arranged between the guide roll 13 and the intermittent feed roll 14 along the transport path of the container film 3. Then, in a state where the container film 3 is preheated by the preheating device 15 and the container film 3 becomes relatively flexible, a plurality of pocket portions 2 are formed at predetermined positions of the container film 3 by the pocket portion forming device 16. The formation of the pocket portion 2 is performed during the interval between the transport operations of the container film 3 by the intermittent feed roll 14. In the present embodiment, the "pocket portion forming means" is configured by the pocket portion forming device 16. Further, the step of forming the pocket portion 2 on the container film 3 corresponds to the “pocket portion forming step”.

The container film 3 fed 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. The film receiving roll 20 continuously conveys the container film 3 at a constant speed. The tension roll 18 prevents the container film 3 from loosening due to the difference in transport operation between the intermittent feed roll 14 and the film receiving roll 20, and keeps the container film 3 in a tension state at all times.

A print filling device 21 and an inspection device 22 are arranged between the guide roll 19 and the film receiving roll 20 along the transport path of the container film 3.

The print filling device 21 has a function of printing on the tablet 5 to form a printed portion 5e and a function of filling the tablet 5 in the pocket portion 2. The details of the print filling device 21 will be described later. In the present embodiment, the print filling device 21 corresponds to the "print filling means". Further, the step of printing on the tablet 5 and filling the pocket portion 2 with the tablet 5 corresponds to the "printing and filling step".

In the inspection device 22, for example, whether or not the tablet 5 is surely filled in each pocket portion 2, whether or not the tablet 5 itself is abnormal (for example, damaged), whether or not the printing portion 5e is good or bad, and whether or not foreign matter is mixed in the pocket portion 2. Inspect for the presence or absence.

On the other hand, the original fabric of the cover film 4 formed in a strip shape is wound in a roll shape on the most upstream side. The drawer end of the cover film 4 wound in a roll shape is guided toward the heating roll 25 by the guide roll 24.

The heating roll 25 can be pressure-contacted with the film receiving roll 20, and the container film 3 and the cover film 4 are fed between the rolls 20 and 25. Then, when both the films 3 and 4 pass between the rolls 20 and 25 in a heat and pressure contact state, the cover film 4 is attached to the container film 3 and the pocket portion 2 is closed by the cover film 4. As a result, a strip-shaped PTP film 6 in which the tablet 5 is housed in each pocket portion 2 is manufactured. In the present embodiment, the film receiving roll 20 and the heating roll 25 constitute the "attaching means". Further, the step of attaching the cover film 4 to the container film 3 corresponds to the "attachment step".

The PTP film 6 fed from the film receiving roll 20 is hung in the order of the tension roll 27 and the intermittent feed roll 28. The intermittent feed roll 28 intermittently conveys the PTP film 6. The tension roll 27 prevents the PTP film 6 from loosening due to a difference in transport operation between the film receiving roll 20 and the intermittent feed roll 28, and keeps the PTP film 6 in a tension state at all times.

The PTP film 6 fed from the intermittent feed roll 28 is hung in the order of the tension roll 31 and the intermittent feed roll 32. The intermittent feed roll 32 intermittently conveys the PTP film 6. The tension roll 31 prevents the PTP film 6 from loosening between the intermittent feed rolls 28 and 32.

A slit forming device 33 and a marking device 34 are arranged between the intermittent feed roll 28 and the tension roll 31 along the transport path of the PTP film 6. The slit forming device 33 forms a slit for cutting at a predetermined position of the PTP film 6. The marking device 34 marks a predetermined position (for example, a tag portion) of the PTP film 6. In addition, in FIG. 1 and the like, the illustration of the slit for cutting and the marking is omitted.

The PTP film 6 fed from the intermittent feed roll 32 is hooked on the tension roll 35 and the continuous feed roll 36 in this order on the downstream side thereof. A sheet punching device 37 is arranged 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 of punching the outer edge of the PTP film 6 in units of one PTP sheet, that is, separating the PTP sheet 1 from the PTP film 6. In the present embodiment, the sheet punching device 37 constitutes a "cutting means". Further, the step of punching out the PTP film 6 to obtain the PTP sheet 1 corresponds to the “cutting step”.

The PTP sheet 1 obtained by the sheet punching device 37 is conveyed by the conveyor 39 and temporarily stored in the finished product hopper 40. However, when the defect determination is made by the inspection device 22, the PTP sheet 1 related to the defect determination is not sent to the finished product hopper 40, but is separately discharged by a defective sheet discharging mechanism (not shown). The discharged PTP sheet 1 is discarded.

A cutting device 41 is arranged on the downstream side of the continuous feed roll 36. Then, the unnecessary film portion 42 constituting the residual material portion (scrap portion) remaining in a strip shape after punching 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. .. The cutting device 41 cuts the unnecessary film portion 42 to a predetermined size. The cut unnecessary film portion 42 (scrap) is stored in the scrap hopper 43 and then disposed of.

Next, the configuration of the print filling device 21 will be described in detail. As shown in FIGS. The device 58 and the control device 59 are provided. In the present embodiment, the supply device 51 constitutes the "supply means", and similarly, the transfer device 52 prints the "transport means", and the tablet inspection device 53 and the print inspection device 55 print the "content inspection means", respectively. The device 54 constitutes a "printing means", the defective product removing device 56 constitutes a "defective product discharging means", and the filling device 58 constitutes a "filling means".

The supply device 51 supplies the tablets 5 to the transfer device 52 from a storage unit (for example, a hopper or the like) (not shown) in which a large number of tablets 5 are stored. The supply device 51 includes a supply chute 511 and a supply drum 512. It should be noted that the tablet 5 stored in the storage unit does not have the printing unit 5e formed.

The supply chute 511 delivers the tablets 5 supplied from the reservoir one by one to the supply drum 512, and has the same number of rows as the number of rows of the tablets 5 conveyed by the supply drum 512 (3 in the present embodiment). One) They are installed side by side. Each supply chute 511 has a cylindrical shape and is configured so that the tablets 5 can be loaded in a row in the vertical direction. Further, each supply chute 511 is installed in a state where its lower opening is directly above the rotation axis of the supply drum 512 and close to the supply drum 512.

A shutter 511a capable of opening and closing the opening is provided in the vicinity of the lower opening of each supply chute 511. By the opening / closing operation of the shutter 511a, the tablets 5 are dropped one by one from the supply chute 511 and supplied to the supply drum 512.

The supply drum 512 receives the tablet 5 supplied from the supply chute 511, and then transfers the tablet 5 to the transfer device 52 side while adsorbing and holding the tablet 5. The supply drum 512 has a cylindrical shape and is configured to be continuously rotatable. The operation of the shutter 511a and the supply drum 512 is controlled by the control device 59.

A large number of adsorption portions 512a for adsorbing and holding the tablet 5 are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the supply drum 512. Each suction unit 512a is configured to be in a state where a negative pressure is supplied by a predetermined suction means (not shown) while moving from directly above to near the bottom of the rotation axis of the supply drum 512. As a result, each suction unit 512a sucks and holds the tablet 5 while moving from directly above to near the bottom of the rotation axis of the supply drum 512. On the other hand, each suction portion 512a is configured to be open to the atmosphere while moving from directly below the rotation axis of the supply drum 512 to near directly above. As a result, the tablet 5 sucked and held by the suction unit 512a is released from suction just below the rotation shaft of the supply drum 512 and is supplied to the transport device 52.

Further, the suction portions 512a are regularly arranged at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction and the axial direction of the supply drum 512. In the present embodiment, a large number of suction portions 512a are provided at equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the supply drum 512. A plurality of rows of suction portions 512a arranged in the circumferential direction are provided at equal intervals along the axial direction of the supply drum 512. The number of rows of the suction unit 512a is the same as the number of rows of the tablets 5 transported by the transport device 52.

In the present embodiment, the supply chute 511 of 1, the shutter 511a of 1 for opening and closing the lower opening of the supply chute 511, and the tablet 5 from the supply chute 511 of the supply drum 512 are received and transferred to the transport device 52. The supply unit 513 is composed of a supply portion (including a single row of suction portions 512a arranged along the circumferential direction of the supply drum 512). The supply unit 513 is provided in the same number as the number of tablets 5 for one row arranged in the direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the tablets 5 by the transport device 52. Then, one tablet 5 is supplied to the transport device 52 from each of these supply units 513. In the present embodiment, the step of supplying the tablets 5 from the supply device 51 (each supply unit 513) to the transfer device 52 corresponds to the “supply step”.

The transport device 52 sucks and holds the tablets 5 supplied from the supply device 51, and transports the tablets 5 to the row number conversion device 57 side. The transport device 52 includes a pair of pulleys 521 and 522 and a transport belt 523 hung on the pulleys 521 and 522.

The pair of pulleys 521 and 522 are arranged at predetermined intervals, and can rotate on a rotation axis parallel to the rotation axis of the supply drum 512. The operation of the pair of pulleys 521 and 522 is controlled by the control device 59.

The conveyor belt 523 rotates and moves with the rotation of the pulleys 521 and 522. Further, the transport belt 523 is provided with a suction hole 523a for sucking and holding the tablet 5.

A large number of suction holes 523a are provided side by side at equal intervals along the moving direction of the transport belt 523, that is, the transport direction of the tablet 5. Then, when a predetermined first numerical value (however, a natural number) is set to m, a row of suction holes 523a arranged along the moving direction of the transport belt 523 (the transport direction of the tablet 5) is formed in m rows. In this embodiment, the first numerical value (that is, m) is "3".

A negative pressure is supplied to the internal space of the transport belt 523, which is surrounded by the transport belt 523, by a suction means (not shown), and the internal space is in a vacuum state. As a result, a negative pressure is supplied to the suction holes 523a, and the transport device 52 sucks and holds the tablets 5 by the suction holes 523a, and the tablets are lined up in m rows as the pulleys 521 and 522 rotate. 5 is transported. As a result, the transport device 52 prints the tablets 5 in each row arranged in the orthogonal direction in a state where a plurality of (m) tablets 5 are arranged along the direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the tablets 5 (the printing device 54 (). It will be sequentially conveyed to the first print position P1 and the second print position P2), which will be described later. In the present embodiment, the step of transporting the tablet 5 by the transport device 52 corresponds to the “transport step”. Although FIG. 6 and the like show a state in which the internal space of the transport belt 523 is open to the outside in order to show the defective product removing device 56 and the blow nozzle 571a described later, the internal space is actually sealed. It is in a state of being.

Further, the transport device 52 is provided with an encoder (not shown), and a signal relating to the rotation amount (movement amount) of the pulleys 521 and 522 is transmitted from the encoder to the control device 59 at predetermined time intervals. .. As a result, the control device 59 can grasp the position of the tablet 5 transported by the transport device 52.

As shown in FIG. 8, the tablet inspection device 53 is provided along the transport path of the tablet 5 by the transport device 52, and inspects the tablet 5 to be transported. The tablet inspection device 53 includes a camera for taking an image of the tablet 5 to be conveyed, and a tablet determination device (not shown) for determining the quality of the tablet 5 based on the image taken by the camera. The captured image of the tablet 5 and the determination result by the tablet determination device are transmitted to the control device 59.

The printing device 54 is a printing device using a predetermined inkjet method (for example, a piezo method or a thermal method), and prints on the transferred tablets 5 in a non-contact manner downstream of the tablet inspection device 53. The printing apparatus 54 includes a first printing mechanism 541 and a second printing mechanism 542. The first printing mechanism 541 prints the tablet 5 each time the tablet 5 is transferred to the predetermined first printing position P1, and the second printing mechanism 542 transfers the tablet 5 to the predetermined second printing position P2. Printing is applied to the tablet 5 each time. In this embodiment, both print positions P1 and P2 correspond to "print positions", respectively.

The first printing mechanism 541 forms a part of a certain color (for example, the part of "ABC") in the printing unit 5e on the tablet 5, and the second printing mechanism 542 has a color different from the color in the printing unit 5e. A portion (eg, portion "20") is formed in tablet 5. In the present embodiment, since the printing unit 5e is composed of two colors, a first printing mechanism 541 in charge of one color and a second printing mechanism 542 in charge of other colors are provided.

Each printing mechanism 541 and 542 includes a plurality of printing heads 54a for individually printing the tablets 5 that have reached the printing positions P1 and P2 (see FIG. 14). Each print head 54a is provided in the same number as the number (m) of tablets 5 for one row arranged in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction, and is arranged in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction. Each print head 54a prints on each tablet 5 to form a printing portion 5e by ejecting ink toward each tablet 5 passing through the printing positions P1 and P2.

Further, each print head 54a includes two rows of nozzle rows La and Lb in which a plurality of nozzles capable of ejecting ink droplets are arranged at regular intervals. The nozzle row La is provided with x nozzles Na (Na1, Na2, Na3, Na4, Na5, ..., Nax) at regular intervals in the head width direction, and the nozzle row Lb is provided with x nozzles Nb (Nb1, Nb2, Nb3, Nb4, Nb5, ..., Nbx) are provided at regular intervals in the head width direction. A predetermined edible ink is supplied to each of the nozzles Na and Nb from an ink tank (not shown).

Further, the printing apparatus 54 has a cleaning mechanism that performs a pressure purge to discharge dust, thickened or solidified ink, etc. clogged inside the nozzles Na and Nb to the outside, and a wiping that wipes the print head 54a after purging. A cleaning device (not shown) equipped with a mechanism or the like is provided. Cleaning of each print head 54a by the cleaning device is set to be performed at regular time intervals.

In addition, the printing position of the printing device 54 is controlled by the control device 59. As a result, the printed portion 5e is formed at an appropriate position of each tablet 5 even if the state (position in the present embodiment) of each tablet 5 being conveyed is different. In the present embodiment, the step of printing the tablet 5 by the printing device 54 corresponds to the “printing step”.

The print inspection device 55 is a device for inspecting the tablet 5 printed by the printing device 54, and particularly inspects the printing unit 5e of the tablet 5. The print inspection device 55 includes a camera for taking an image of the tablet 5 to be conveyed, and a print determination device (not shown) for determining the quality of the print unit 5e and thus the tablet 5 based on the image taken by the camera. I have. The determination result by the print determination device is transmitted to the control device 59. In the present embodiment, the step of inspecting the tablet 5 by the tablet inspection device 53 or the print inspection device 55 corresponds to the “content inspection step”.

The defective product removing device 56 is a device for discharging the tablet 5 determined to be defective by the tablet inspection device 53 and the print inspection device 55 to the outside of the system (that is, outside the transport path by the transport device 52). The defective product removing device 56 is arranged in the internal space of the transport belt 523 downstream of the print inspection device 55 (see FIGS. 6 and 7).

As shown in FIG. 9, the defective product removing device 56 releases the suction holding of the tablet 5 by blowing the suction hole 523a, and the defective product removing blow nozzle capable of discharging the tablet 5 to the outside of the system. It has a plurality of 561. Each defective blow nozzle 561 is provided in a row of m along a direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the tablets 5, and is in charge of discharging a row of tablets 5 arranged along the transport direction. As a result, only the tablet 5 determined to be defective by the tablet inspection device 53 or the print inspection device 55 can be selectively discharged to the outside of the system. The tablet 5 discharged by the blow operation of the defective blow nozzle 561 is put into a predetermined defective product accommodating section 61. In the present embodiment, the step of discharging the tablet 5 determined to be defective to the outside of the system corresponds to the “defective product discharging step”.

The column number conversion device 57 is provided between the transfer device 52 and the filling device 58, and has a function of storing the tablets 5 (buffer function) and the number of rows of the tablets 5 at the time of filling by the filling device 58. It is a device having a function (row number conversion function) of increasing the number of rows of tablets 5 at the time of transportation by. When the second numerical value, which is larger than the first numerical value, is n (where n is a natural number), the number of rows of the tablets 5 is from m between the transfer device 52 and the filling device 58 by the column number conversion device 57. Converted to n. In this embodiment, the second numerical value (that is, n) is "5".

As shown in FIGS. 10 to 12, the column number conversion device 57 includes a discharge device 571 and a buffer transfer device 572.

The discharge device 571 selectively discharges the tablets 5 transported by the transfer device 52 to the buffer transfer device 572 side. The discharge device 571 includes a plurality of blow nozzles 571a arranged inside the transport belt 523.

Each blow nozzle 571a releases the suction holding of the tablet 5 by blowing the suction hole 523a, and discharges the tablet 5. N of the blow nozzles 571a are lined up along the transport direction of the tablets 5 by the transport device 52, and the rows of the blow nozzles 571a correspond to the number of rows of the suction holes 523a lined up along the transport direction. In this way, m rows are provided. Therefore, m × n (15 in this embodiment) blow nozzles 571a are provided.

Further, the spacing between the blow nozzles 571a along the transport direction is the same as the spacing between the suction holes 523a along the transport direction, and the spacing between the blow nozzles 571a along the direction orthogonal to the transport direction is the same. The spacing is the same as the spacing of the suction holes 523a along the direction orthogonal to the transport direction. As a result, all of the blow ports [gas (for example, air) blow ports] in each blow nozzle 571a overlap with the suction holes 523a at regular timing intervals.

The buffer transfer device 572 has a function of transporting the tablet 5 to the filling device 58 side while storing (buffering) the tablet 5 discharged and dropped by the discharge device 571, and a function of grasping the buffer amount of the tablet 5. It is a device equipped with. The buffer transfer device 572 includes a receiving unit 572a, a self-weight drop transfer unit 572b, a straight-ahead feeder 572c, and a buffer amount grasping device 572d. In the present embodiment, the straight-ahead feeder 572c constitutes a "buffer means", and the buffer amount grasping device 572d constitutes a "buffer amount grasping means".

The receiving unit 572a is for receiving the tablet 5 discharged and dropped by the discharging device 571. N receiving portions 572a are provided, and each receiving portion 572a is composed of a bottom wall having at least an inclined upper surface and a partition wall standing on the bottom wall to form a transport path for the tablet 5. ing.

Each receiving unit 572a extends in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the tablet 5 by the transport device 52, and is provided in a state of being arranged side by side along the transport direction. Each receiving unit 572a is arranged vertically below the row of blow nozzles 571a arranged in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction. Therefore, the tablets 5 discharged by any of the m blow nozzles 571a arranged in a row fall into the receiving portion 572a of 1 corresponding to the row of the blow nozzles 571a. The tablet 5 that has fallen to the receiving portion 572a is conveyed to the self-weight drop transport portion 572b along the upper surface of the bottom wall that is an inclined surface.

The self-weight drop transport section 572b is composed of a bottom wall having at least an inclined upper surface and a partition wall erected on the bottom wall, and has n transport paths connected to each receiving section 572a. ing. The self-weight drop transport portion 572b has a shape that curves at a substantially right angle when viewed in a plan view. The tablet 5 that has reached the self-weight drop transport section 572b from the receiving section 572a is transported to the straight feeder 572c while changing the transport direction by about 90 degrees due to its own weight.

The straight feeder 572c is provided with transport paths for n tablets 5, and these transport paths are connected to the transport path of the self-weight drop transport unit 572b. The straight-ahead feeder 572c stores the tablets 5 that have been judged to be good (not judged to be defective) by the tablet inspection device 53 or the print inspection device 55, and is filled with the stored tablets 5 by applying a predetermined vibration. Gradually transport to the 58 side. The tablet 5 conveyed to the most downstream of the straight feeder 572c is supplied to the filling chute 581 described later of the filling device 58. In the present embodiment, the step of storing the tablet 5 which is judged to be good by the tablet inspection device 53 and the print inspection device 55 in the straight-ahead feeder 572c corresponds to the “buffer step”.

The buffer amount grasping device 572d is a device for grasping the buffer amount (reservoir amount) of the tablet 5 in the straight-ahead feeder 572c. The buffer amount grasping device 572d is a camera for imaging the tablet 5 stored in the straight-ahead feeder 572c, and a buffer amount calculating device for calculating the buffer amount of the tablet 5 based on the image captured by the camera (not each). (Illustrated).

In the present embodiment, the buffer amount calculation device binarizes the captured image obtained by the camera to extract a portion corresponding to the tablet 5, and the buffer amount of the tablet 5 is based on the area of the extracted portion. Is calculated. The buffer amount may be calculated based on the area ratio between the portion corresponding to the tablet 5 and the portion other than the portion corresponding to the tablet 5 in the captured image. Further, the number of tablets 5 in the captured image may be measured, and the buffer amount may be calculated based on the measured number. Information about the buffer amount grasped by the buffer amount grasping device 572d is output to the control device 59. In the present embodiment, the step of grasping the buffer amount of the tablet 5 stored in the straight-ahead feeder 572c corresponds to the “buffer amount grasping step”.

The filling device 58 fills the tablet 5 stored in the straight feeder 572c into the pocket portion 2 formed in the strip-shaped container film 3. As shown in FIG. 13, the filling device 58 includes a filling chute 581 and a filling drum 582.

The filling chute 581 transfers the tablets 5 stored in the straight feeder 572c one by one to the filling drum 582, and has the same number as the number of pocket portions 2 along the width direction of the container film 3 (the present embodiment). Then n) are provided. Each filling chute 581 basically has the same function as the supply chute 511, and by opening and closing a predetermined shutter (not shown), the tablets 5 are dropped one by one and the filling drum is used. Supply to 582.

The filling drum 582 adsorbs and holds the tablet 5 supplied from the filling chute 581, and fills the pocket portion 2 of the container film 3 to be conveyed with the tablet 5. The filling drum 582 has a cylindrical shape and is configured to be continuously rotatable.

Further, a large number of suction portions 582a for sucking and holding the tablet 5 are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the filling drum 582. Each suction unit 582a basically has the same function as the supply drum 512, and while moving from directly above to near the bottom of the rotation axis of the filling drum 582, the tablet 5 is sucked and held while being filled. The adsorption of the tablet 5 is released just below the rotation axis of the drum 582, and the tablet 5 is put into the pocket portion 2.

Further, the suction portions 582a are regularly arranged at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction and the axial direction of the filling drum 582. In the present embodiment, a large number of suction portions 582a are provided at equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the filling drum 582. Then, the rows of the suction portions 582a arranged in the circumferential direction are provided in n rows at equal intervals along the axial direction of the filling drum 582 so as to correspond to the number of pocket portions 2 along the width direction of the container film 3. Has been done. As a result, the filling device 58 sequentially fills the tablets 5 adsorbed and held by the adsorption portion 582a and arranged in n rows into the pocket portions 2 arranged in n rows in the width direction of the container film 3. In the present embodiment, the step of filling the tablet 5 into the pocket portion 2 by the filling device 58 corresponds to the “filling step”.

In addition, in the present embodiment, the rotation speed of the filling drum 582 and the transport speed of the container film 3 are set so that the packaging capacity of the tablet 5 and thus the productivity of the PTP sheet 1 are sufficiently high. The "packaging capacity of the tablet 5" corresponds to the number of tablets 5 to be filled in the pocket portion 2 by the filling device 58 per unit time. The packaging capacity of the tablet 5 is basically maintained constant.

The control device 59 includes a CPU as a calculation means, a ROM for storing various programs, a RAM for temporarily storing various data, a storage medium for storing information (for example, a hard disk, etc.) and the like. The control device 59 executes a control process for each device of the print filling device 21 by the CPU executing a predetermined program.

Further, the control device 59 stores print data related to the printing unit 5e in advance. Then, when forming the printing portion 5e on the tablet 5, the control device 59 operates as follows. That is, the control device 59 grasps the state (position in this embodiment) of the tablet 5 based on the captured image obtained by the camera of the tablet inspection device 53. Then, the control device 59 selects appropriate nozzles Na and Nb as ink ejection targets based on the grasped state of the tablet 5, and controls the printing device 54 so as to eject ink from the selected nozzles Na and Nb. .. Further, at this time, the control device 59 controls the printing device 54 so as to perform printing (ink ejection) at the timing when the tablet 5 reaches the printing positions P1 and P2 based on the signal from the encoder of the conveying device 52. do. As a result, the printing portion 5e is appropriately formed for each of the tablets 5 that have reached the printing positions P1 and P2.

Further, the control device 59 can identify the defective tablet 5 based on the determination results of the tablet inspection device 53 and the print inspection device 55. Then, the control device 59 calculates the timing at which the defective tablet 5 reaches the defective product removing device 56 based on the signal from the encoder of the transport device 52, and at this calculated timing, the tablet 5 is adsorbed. The blow nozzle 561 for defective products is controlled so as to perform a blow for releasing the above. As a result, the defective tablet 5 is discharged to the outside of the system and put into the defective storage unit 61.

In addition, the control device 59 controls the discharge position of the tablet 5 by the discharge device 571 by selectively blowing each blow nozzle 571a of the discharge device 571. By changing the discharge position, the receiving unit 572a to be delivered of the tablet 5 changes.

Further, the control device 59 controls the operation of each blow nozzle 571a so that the tablet 5 is evenly distributed to each of the receiving units 572a. In the present embodiment, the control device 59 basically reaches the arrangement position of the blow nozzle 571a in which m suction holes 523a (tablets 5) arranged in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction are located at the uppermost stream. Each time the timing (discharge timing) is reached, the tablets 5 are discharged one by one to the m receiving units 572a, and finally each blow nozzle is delivered so that the same number of tablets 5 are delivered to each receiving unit 572a. It controls the operation of 571a.

For example, when the plurality of receiving units 572a are numbered (1), (2), (3), (4) and (5) in order from the upstream side along the transport direction of the tablet 5, the control device 59 At the receiving unit 572a of (1), (2), (3) at one discharge timing, at the receiving unit 572a of (1), (4), (5) at the next discharge timing, and at the next discharge timing. (2), (3), (4) to the receiving unit 572a, at the next discharge timing (1), (2), (5) to the receiving unit 572a, at the next discharge timing (3), (4) ), The operation of each blow nozzle 571a is controlled so that the tablets 5 are delivered one by one to the receiving unit 572a of (5).

However, when the defective tablet 5 is discharged by the defective product removing device 56, the control device 59 ejects only the tablet 5 determined to be a non-defective product by the tablet inspection device 53 and the print inspection device 55. The operation of the nozzle 571a is controlled. At this time, the control device 59 selects the blow nozzle 571a to be operated so that the tablet 5 delivered to each receiving unit 572a is evenly affected by minimizing the influence of the defective tablet 5. Here, the control device 59 is configured to store the number of tablets 5 delivered to each receiving unit 572a, and selects the blow nozzle 571a to be operated by using the stored number. .. The above "equal" means not only when the tablets 5 are strictly equal, that is, when the number of tablets 5 distributed to each receiving unit 572a is exactly the same, but also when the number of tablets 5 distributed to each receiving unit 572a is exactly the same. It also includes the case where there is almost no difference in the number (for example, the difference in the number can be suppressed to several or less).

Further, the control device 59 continues printing by the printing device 54, and based on the buffer amount grasped by the buffer amount grasping device 572d, the number of tablets 5 printed by the printing device 54 per unit time (that is, “printing”). Adjust the ability "). The control device 59 in the present embodiment controls the operation of the transfer device 52 (pulleys 521, 522) in order to adjust the printing ability, and changes the transfer speed of the tablet 5 by the transfer device 52. The printing ability is adjusted by adjusting the number of tablets 5 per unit time to reach the printing positions P1 and P2 with the change of the transport speed.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 15, in the control device 59, when the buffer amount grasped by the buffer amount grasping device 572d reaches a preset lower limit value, the transport speed of the tablet 5 becomes a predetermined first speed. On the other hand, the transport device 52 is controlled so that the transport speed of the tablet 5 becomes the second speed V2, which is lower than the first speed V1, when the grasped buffer amount reaches the preset upper limit value. In FIG. 15, the transport speed of the tablet 5 is roughly shown by a solid line, and the buffer amount is roughly shown by a dotted line. Further, in the present embodiment, the packaging capacity of the tablet 5 is maintained constant, and in FIG. 15, the packaging capacity is roughly shown by a alternate long and short dash line. In the present embodiment, the control device 59 constitutes the "print number adjusting means". Further, the step of adjusting the number of tablets 5 to be printed per unit time corresponds to the "printing number adjusting step".

As shown in FIG. 16, the occurrence rate (defective rate) of printing defects by the printing apparatus 54 may basically increase (or tend to) with time. As the defect rate increases, the maximum amount of the tablet 5 that can be supplied to the straight feeder 572c gradually decreases, so that the time for maintaining the transport speed of the tablet 5 at the first speed V1 gradually increases (Fig.). See 15). The first speed V1 in the present embodiment has a buffer amount of the tablet 5 even at a stage where the defect rate becomes a relatively large value (for example, a stage immediately before cleaning the print head 54a by the cleaning device). It is set to a speed that will gradually increase. On the other hand, in the second speed V2 in the present embodiment, the buffer amount of the tablet 5 gradually decreases even at the stage where the defect rate becomes a very small value (such as the stage immediately after cleaning by the cleaning device). It is set to the speed at which it will be.

The defect rate basically means the ratio of the number of tablets 5 determined to be defective by the print inspection device 55 to the number of tablets 5 printed. However, the formula for calculating the defect rate can be appropriately changed as long as the defect rate increases or decreases in response to an increase or decrease in the number of tablets 5 with printing defects. Further, in the present embodiment, the defect rate is reset to the initial value (0) when the print head 54a is cleaned by the cleaning device.

Further, when adjusting the printing ability, the control device 59 controls the operation of the shutter 511a and the supply drum 512 so as to match the transport speed of the tablet 5.

As described in detail above, according to the present embodiment, only the tablets 5 which are judged to be good by the tablet inspection device 53 and the print inspection device 55 are stored in the straight feeder 572c, and are stored in the straight feeder 572c by the filling device 58. The tablet 5 is filled in the pocket portion 2. Therefore, it is possible to suppress as much as possible a situation in which the defective tablet 5 having a printing defect or the like is filled in the pocket portion 2 as it is. As a result, it is possible to prevent the PTP sheet 1 from being discharged by the defective sheet discharging mechanism and the PTP sheet 1 from being discarded as much as possible due to the defective tablet 5. As a result, it is possible to more reliably prevent the films 3 and 4 constituting the PTP sheet 1 and the non-defective tablet 5 contained in the PTP sheet 1 from being wasted, and it is possible to effectively suppress the increase in production cost. can.

Further, the number of tablets 5 printed by the printing device 54 per unit time can be adjusted based on the buffer amount of the tablets 5 while printing by the printing device 54 is continued. Therefore, in anticipation that the defective tablet 5 is discharged by the defective product removing device 56, the printing capacity of the printing device 54 can be set to be sufficiently higher than the packaging capacity of the tablet 5 (in the present embodiment). The transport speed of the tablet 5 can be set to the first speed V1), and the buffer amount can be adjusted without stopping the printing on the tablet 5. As a result, it is possible to prevent the tablet 5 from being insufficiently buffered and hinder the packaging of the tablet 5 (filling the pocket portion 2 with the tablet 5), and to prevent clogging due to drying of the ink in the printing apparatus 54. be able to. As a result, it is possible to more reliably secure a good packaging ability and effectively suppress the occurrence of printing defects.

Further, since the packaging capacity of the tablet 5 can be kept constant, the transport mode of the container film 3 can also be kept constant. As a result, it is possible to prevent variations in the preheating time of the container film 3 by the preheating device 15, and it is possible to more reliably form the pocket portion 2 having an appropriate shape by the pocket portion forming device 16. As a result, it is possible to suppress an increase in production cost due to poor formation of the pocket portion 2.

In addition, the number of tablets 5 printed per unit time (printing ability) is adjusted by changing the transport speed of the tablets 5. Therefore, the printing ability can be adjusted without providing a special device or performing complicated control. As a result, it is possible to suppress an increase in costs related to the manufacture and maintenance of the device.
[Second Embodiment]
Next, the second embodiment will be described focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, the control device 59 changes the transfer speed of the tablets 5 by the transfer device 52 to adjust the number of tablets 5 per unit time to reach the print positions P1 and P2, thereby printing ability. Is configured to adjust. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, the control device 59 changes the number of tablets 5 supplied from the supply device 51 to the transfer device 52 per unit time to reach the print positions P1 and P2 per unit time. By adjusting the number of tablets 5 of the above, the printing ability is adjusted.

More specifically, the control device 59 basically controls the shutter 511a so that the tablet 5 is delivered to all of the suction portions 512a of the supply drum 512. On the other hand, when the grasped buffer amount reaches a preset upper limit value, the control device 59 has one row along the rotation direction of the supply drum 512 until the buffer amount reaches a predetermined lower limit value. The shutter 511a is controlled so that the tablet 5 is delivered to the suction unit 512a every other time (see FIG. 17). As a result, the number of tablets 5 per unit time to reach the printing positions P1 and P2, and thus the printing ability is adjusted.

Further, in the pattern in which the tablet 5 is delivered to all of the adsorption portions 512a, the buffer amount gradually increases even at the stage where the defect rate becomes a relatively large value, while the tablet 5 is applied only to the specific adsorption portion 512a. In the delivery pattern, the transport speed of the tablet 5 is set so that the buffer amount gradually decreases even at the stage where the defective rate becomes a very small value.

In the above, the tablet 5 is supplied from the supply device 51 to the transfer device 52 by two types of supply patterns, but the supply pattern may be three or more types. For example, by making it possible to select the adsorption portion 512a to be supplied of the tablet 5 from a plurality of patterns of three or more types according to the buffer amount of the tablet 5, the transfer from the supply device 51 is carried out by three or more types of supply patterns. The tablet 5 may be configured to be able to be supplied to the device 52.

In addition, in the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the control device 59 controls the operation of each blow nozzle 571a so that the tablet 5 is evenly distributed to each of the receiving portions 572a. For example, the control device 59 basically discharges one tablet 5 to one or two receiving units 572a each time the discharge timing is reached, and finally the same number of tablets 5 to each receiving unit 572a. The operation of each blow nozzle 571a is controlled so that the tablet 5 of the above is delivered.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, the printing ability is adjusted by changing the number of tablets 5 supplied from the supply device 51 to the transfer device 52 per unit time. Therefore, the printing ability can be adjusted without providing a special device or performing complicated control. As a result, it is possible to suppress an increase in costs related to the manufacture and maintenance of the PTP packaging machine 10.

The technical idea according to the first embodiment and the technical idea according to the second embodiment may be used in combination. That is, it is configured to adjust the printing ability by utilizing both changing the transport speed of the tablet 5 by the transport device 52 and changing the supply amount of the tablet 5 from the supply device 51 to the transport device 52. You may.
[Third Embodiment]
Next, the third embodiment will be described focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, the tablets 5 are supplied to the transport device 52 from all of the m supply units 513. On the other hand, in the third embodiment, the supply unit 513 for stopping the supply of the tablet 5 to the transfer device 52 is determined according to the inspection result by the print inspection device 55, and the determined supply unit 513 to the transfer device 52. The supply of the tablet 5 to the tablet 5 is configured to be stopped.

More specifically, one tablet 5 is always supplied from each of the supply units 513 to the transfer device 52, and the control device 59 determines the quality of the print unit 5e sent from the print inspection device 55. Based on the result, the supply unit 513 for stopping the supply of the tablet 5 to the transfer device 52 is determined. For example, the control device 59 calculates the rate at which the printing unit 5e is defective for each row of tablets 5 arranged along the transport direction based on the determination result. On top of that, in the control device 59, when the ratio in a certain row deviates from a preset allowable range, that is, printing defects are concentrated on the tablet 5 printed by a certain print head 54a. When it is presumed that an abnormality related to printing has occurred in the print head 54a, the supply unit 513 corresponding to the row is determined as a stop target.

Then, the control device 59 controls the shutter 511a so that the shutter 511a in the determined supply unit 513 is always maintained in a closed state. As a result, the supply of the tablet 5 from the determined supply unit 513 to the transfer device 52 is stopped. As a result, as shown in FIG. 18, the tablets 5 are transported in a state where the rows are reduced. In the third embodiment, the control device 59 constitutes the "stop target determination means", and the shutter 511a constitutes the "supply stop means". Further, the step of determining the supply unit 513 for stopping the supply of the tablet 5 to the transfer device 52 based on the inspection result of the print inspection device 55 corresponds to the "stop target determination step", and the transfer device is transferred from the determined supply unit 513. The step of stopping the supply of the tablet 5 to 52 corresponds to the “supply stop step”.

Further, in the printing process by the printing device 54, each printing head 54a always prints individually on each of the tablets 5 for one row (m pieces), but the control device 59 stops the supply of the tablets 5. If this is the case, the printing device 54 is controlled so that the printing on the tablet 5 is performed by the printing head 54a other than the one corresponding to the supply unit 513 which has stopped the supply of the tablet 5 among the plurality of printing heads 54a. That is, the control device 59 controls the printing device 54 so that the printing of the tablet 5 is continued without stopping even when the supply of the tablet 5 to the transport device 52 is stopped from a certain supply unit 513.

When the supply of the tablet 5 is stopped, the number of printed tablets 5 is reduced. Therefore, the control device 59 controls the transfer device 52 so as to increase the transfer speed of the tablet 5 when the supply of the tablet 5 is stopped in order to compensate for the decrease in the number of prints. This increases the number of tablets 5 printed per unit time by the operating print head 54a. As a result, a sufficient buffer amount of the tablet 5 can be secured, and it is possible to more reliably prevent the filling of the tablet 5 in the pocket portion 2 (packaging of the tablet 5) from being hindered.

As described above, according to the third embodiment, the tablets 5 are conveyed in a reduced row so as not to be supplied to the print head 54a which is presumed to have an abnormality. As a result, printing defects of the tablet 5 can be made less likely to occur, and an increase in production cost can be suppressed more effectively.

Further, even if it is presumed that some of the print heads 54a have an abnormality related to printing, printing can be continued, and a decrease in productivity can be prevented more reliably. In addition, since the operating print head 54a frequently prints on the tablet 5, it is possible to make it more difficult for printing defects due to drying of the ink or the like to occur.

Further, cleaning of the print head 54a corresponding to the supply unit 513 in which the supply of the tablet 5 is stopped is performed at the same time as cleaning of the print head 54a at a stage where the printing defect rate of the other print heads 54a increases to some extent. I'm done. That is, in the present embodiment, it is sufficient to perform cleaning performed at regular intervals, and it is not necessary to perform irregular cleaning. As a result, it is possible to suppress an increase in the number of cleanings and suppress an increase in cleaning costs.

The content is not limited to the description of the above embodiment, and may be implemented as follows, for example. Of course, other application examples and modification examples not illustrated below are also possible.

(A) In the above embodiment, the buffer amount grasping device 572d as the "buffer amount grasping means" includes a camera for taking an image of the tablet 5 stored in the straight-ahead feeder 572c. On the other hand, for example, the control device 59 can acquire the number of tablets 5 delivered (discharged) from the transport device 52 to the receiving unit 572a and the number of tablets 5 filled in the pocket unit 2. At the same time, the control device 59 may configure the "buffer amount grasping means" by configuring the tablet 5 in the straight-ahead feeder 572c so that the buffer amount of the tablet 5 can be grasped based on the acquired information. With such a configuration, a camera for grasping the buffer amount of the tablet 5 becomes unnecessary, and the manufacturing cost and the like can be further suppressed.

(B) In the first embodiment, the control device 59 can change the transport speed of the tablet 5 in two stages of the first speed V1 and the second speed V2. On the other hand, the control device 59 may be capable of changing the transport speed of the tablet 5 in multiple stages of three or more stages.

For example, as shown in FIG. 19 (in FIG. 19, the transport speed of the tablet 5 is roughly indicated by a solid line, the buffer amount is roughly indicated by a dotted line, and the packaging capacity is roughly indicated by a alternate long and short dash line), the buffer amount of the tablet 5 is the upper limit. When the transport speed of the tablet 5 is set to the third speed V3 when the value is reached, and when the buffer amount of the tablet 5 reaches a predetermined value less than the lower limit value and the upper limit value when the third speed V3 is set. The transport speed of the tablet 5 may be set to a fourth speed V4, which is higher than the third speed V3. Further, when the buffer amount of the tablet 5 reaches the lower limit value, the transport speed of the tablet 5 is set to the fifth speed V5, and when the buffer amount of the tablet 5 is set to the fifth speed V5, the buffer amount of the tablet 5 exceeds the lower limit value. When a predetermined value less than the value is reached, the transport speed of the tablet 5 may be set to the sixth speed V6, which is lower than the fifth speed V5. The third speed V3 and the fourth speed V4 are set so that the buffer amount of the tablet 5 gradually decreases even at the stage where the defect rate becomes a very small value. On the other hand, the fifth speed V5 and the sixth speed V6 are set so that the buffer amount of the tablet 5 gradually increases even at the stage where the defect rate becomes a relatively large value.

By making it possible to change the transport speed of the tablet 5 in multiple steps of three or more steps as described above, the number of tablets 5 printed per unit time and thus the buffer amount can be finely adjusted. Further, the transport speed of the tablet 5 does not have to be changed abruptly. Therefore, printing on the transported tablet 5 can be performed with high accuracy, and printing quality can be improved. It is also possible to improve the stability of the delivery of the tablet 5 in the transport device 52.

In the above, an example in which the transport speed can be changed in four steps is given, but of course, the transport speed may be changed in three steps or five or more steps. Further, the configuration of gradually (smoothly) changing the transport speed is included in changing the transport speed in multiple stages of three or more stages.

(C) A "defect rate calculation means" for calculating a printing defect rate (print defect occurrence rate) by the printing device 54 based on the inspection result by the printing inspection device 55 is provided, and the printing process is used when the PTP sheet 1 is manufactured. The PTP packaging machine 10 may be configured to execute the "deficiency rate calculation step" for calculating the printing defect rate. The “defective rate calculating means” is composed of, for example, a control device 59, but of course, it may be configured by another device (print inspection device 55 or the like).

Further, the control device 59 as the "print number adjusting means" has a function of changing the transport speed so that the average value of the transport speeds of the tablets 5 increases as the calculated defect rate increases. There may be. Such a function can be realized, for example, as follows.

That is, for example, a table showing the relationship between the defect rate and the transport speed of the reference tablet 5 (transport speed without taking into account the buffer amount) is stored in advance for the control device 59. In this table, the transport speed (reference transport speed) of the reference tablet 5 is set to increase as the defect rate increases. However, in the table, the reference transport speed may be gradually (smoothly) increased as the defect rate increases, or may be gradually increased. Then, the control device 59 determines the reference transfer speed based on the table and the actually calculated defect rate, and appropriately adjusts the reference transfer speed according to the buffer amount of the tablet 5 to adjust the reference transfer speed. It is configured to change the transport speed of the tablet 5 so as to be the speed. With such a configuration, the above function can be realized. By providing this function, the transport speed and buffer amount of the tablet 5 can be determined, for example, in FIG. 20 (in FIG. 20, the transport speed of the tablet 5 is shown by a solid line, the buffer amount is shown by a dotted line, and the packaging capacity is shown by a alternate long and short dash line. (Roughly displayed).

According to the above function, even if the number of defective tablets 5 increases over time, it is possible to more reliably secure a sufficient buffer amount. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably suppress the problem of the packaging of the tablet 5 (filling of the tablet 5 in the pocket portion 2) due to the insufficient buffer amount, and further to secure a good packaging capacity. be able to.

Further, as compared with the case where the transport speed of the tablet 5 is adjusted based only on the buffer amount, it is possible to more reliably prevent a sudden change in the transport speed. This makes it possible to further improve the print quality and the stability of the delivery of the tablet 5 in the transport device 52.

In FIG. 20, when the reference transfer speed is set to gradually (smoothly) increase as the defect rate increases in the table, the tablet 5 is transferred when the buffer amount reaches the upper limit. An example is shown in which the speed is set as the reference transport speed, and the transport speed of the tablet 5 is set to the reference transport speed plus a predetermined speed when the buffer amount reaches the lower limit. In this way, while changing the reference transport speed over time, the reference transport speed is adjusted according to the buffer amount of the tablet 5, and the transport speed of the tablet 5 is changed so as to be the adjusted speed. It is included in changing the transport speed of the tablet 5 by the device 52 in multiple stages of three or more stages.

Further, in addition to or in place of the function of changing the transport speed, the tablet 5 increases as the calculated defect rate decreases so that the average value of the transport speed of the tablet 5 increases as the calculated defect rate increases. A function of changing the transport speed may be provided so that the average value of the transport speed of the above is reduced. Even in this case, it is possible to more reliably secure an appropriate buffer amount, and it is possible to suppress the occurrence of problems due to an inappropriate buffer amount.

(D) The configuration of the straight feeder 572c in the above embodiment is merely an example. Therefore, the straight-ahead feeder 572c may have, for example, a tablet 5 transport path that branches in the middle and has n transport paths in the most downstream portion.

Further, the "buffer means" may be configured by a device other than the straight feeder 572c. For example, the "buffer means" may be configured by a hopper having only a function of simply storing the tablets 5, a tubular transport facility (for example, a tube, a coil spring, etc.), or the like.

(E) In the above embodiment, the shutter 511a is provided corresponding to the lower opening of the supply chute 511, but is provided corresponding to the upper opening of the supply chute 511 (that is, the charging port of the tablet 5). It may have been. However, in the configuration in which the printing capacity is adjusted by changing the number of tablets 5 supplied from the supply device 51 to the transfer device 52 per unit time, between the shutter 511a and the printing device 54 along the transfer path of the tablets 5. It is preferable to provide the shutter 511a at a position where the distance between the two is as small as possible (that is, a position on the downstream side along the transport path). By arranging the shutter 511a at such a position, it is possible to reduce the number of tablets 5 to be printed after the shutter 511a is closed, and it becomes easier to control the buffer amount of the tablets 5.

(F) In the above embodiment, the suction holes 523a in the transport device 52 are configured to be provided at intervals along the moving direction of the transport belt 523, but FIG. 21 (in FIGS. 21 and 22 shows the shutter 511a and the like). (Not shown) may be configured such that the suction holes 523b are continuous along the moving direction. That is, the transport device 52 may have a slit-shaped suction hole 523b. In this case, the distance between the tablets 5 along the transport direction may not be constant, but by grasping the position of the tablets 5 based on the signal from the encoder or the like, the printing process, the inspection process, and the receiving of the tablets 5 are performed. The tablet 5 can be appropriately discharged to the portion 572a side.

Further, a transport device without a transport belt 523 may be used. For example, a suction drum or the like may be used as the transport device.

(G) In the above embodiment, the number of rows of the tablet 5 is changed from "3" to "5" by the row number conversion device 57, but the number of rows of the tablet 5 before and after the conversion is given. May be changed as appropriate. For example, as shown in FIG. 22, the number of rows of the tablet 5 may be changed from "2" to "5" by the row number conversion device 57.

(H) In the above embodiment, the tablet 5 is mentioned as the content, but the content is not limited to the tablet.

Further, in the above embodiment, as the tablet 5, a disk-shaped uncoated tablet (disk-shaped flat tablet) having a circular shape in a plan view is exemplified, but the type and shape of the tablet are limited to the above embodiment. It is not something that is done. For example, tablets include not only pharmaceuticals but also tablets used for eating and drinking. In addition, tablets include not only uncoated tablets but also sugar-coated tablets, film-coated tablets, orally disintegrating tablets, enteric-coated tablets, gelatin-encapsulated tablets, and various capsules such as hard capsules and soft capsules. Locks etc. are also included.

Further, the shape of the content may be not only a circular shape in a plan view but also a polygonal shape in a plan view, an elliptical shape in a plan view, an oval shape in a plan view, or the like.

(I) In the above embodiment, the printing unit 5e is provided on one of the front surface 5b and the back surface 5c of the tablet 5, but the printing unit 5e may be provided on both the front surface 5b and the back surface 5c.

(J) The structure of the manufactured PTP sheet is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, the arrangement and number of pocket portions 2 in the PTP sheet 1 are not limited to the above embodiment.

Further, in the above embodiment, the PTP film 6 has a configuration in which a number of pocket portions 2 corresponding to one sheet is arranged along the width direction thereof, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example. , The number of pocket portions 2 corresponding to a plurality of sheets may be arranged along the width direction. In this case, the second numerical value (n) is the same as the number of the pocket portions 2 [For example, in the above example, if there are two sheets, the second numerical value (n) is set to "10". ].

Further, in the above embodiment, the PTP sheet 1 is mentioned as the blister sheet, but the technical idea of the present invention may be applied to the blister sheet other than the PTP sheet 1.

(K) The configuration of the printing apparatus 54 is not limited to the above embodiment. In the above embodiment, the printing apparatus 54 includes a first printing mechanism 541 that is in charge of one color and a second printing mechanism 542 that is in charge of other colors. The number of printing mechanisms may be changed as appropriate. Further, in the above embodiment, both the printing mechanisms 541 and 542 are provided with a plurality of printing heads arranged in the width direction of the transport belt 523, but the configuration is such that only one printing head is provided, and the printing head is used. A plurality of tablets 5 arranged in the width direction may be printed at one time.

In addition, the configuration of the print head is not limited to the above embodiment, and may be a configuration including one row or three or more rows of nozzles.

Further, the printing head cleaning device is configured to remove dust, ink, and the like by pressure purging, but the present invention is not limited to this, and dust and the like may be removed by suction purging.

(L) In the above embodiment, the tablet inspection device 53 and the print inspection device 55 have a determination device for determining quality based on an image captured by a camera, but the determination device is not provided. You may. In this case, the control device 59 may be configured to have a function as the determination device.

Further, in the above embodiment, the "print number adjusting means" and the "stop target determination means" are configured by the control device 59, but these means may be configured by a device other than the control device 59.

1 ... PTP sheet (blister sheet), 2 ... pocket part, 3 ... container film, 4 ... cover film, 5 ... tablet (contents), 6 ... PTP film (blister film), 10 ... PTP packaging machine (blister packaging machine) ), 16 ... Pocket portion forming device (pocket portion forming means), 20 ... Film receiving roll (attaching means), 21 ... Printing filling device (printing filling means), 25 ... Heating roll (attaching means), 37 ... Sheet Punching device (cutting means), 51 ... Supply device (supply means), 52 ... Transfer device (transport means), 53 ... Tablet inspection device (content inspection means), 54 ... Printing device (printing means), 54a ... Print head, 55 ... Print inspection device (content inspection means), 56 ... Defective product removing device (defective product discharging means), 59 ... Control device (printing number adjusting means, stop target determining means, defect rate calculating means) 511a ... Shutter (supply stop means), 513 ... Supply unit, 572c ... Straight feeder (buffer means), 572d ... Buffer amount grasping device (buffer amount grasping means), P1 ... First print position (print position), P2 ... Second Print position (print position).

Claims (12)

A blister packaging machine for manufacturing a blister sheet in which the contents are housed in a pocket portion formed on the container film and a cover film is attached to the container film so as to close the pocket portion. ,
A pocket portion forming means for forming the pocket portion with respect to the strip-shaped container film, and
A printing filling means for printing the contents and filling the pocket portion with the contents.
An attachment means for attaching the band-shaped cover film to the container film whose pocket portion is filled with the contents so as to close the pocket portion.
A means for separating the blister sheet from the strip-shaped blister film formed by attaching the cover film to the container film is provided.
The printing filling means is
A means of transporting the contents and
An inkjet printing means that prints on the contents that have been conveyed by the conveying means and reached a predetermined printing position.
A content inspection means for inspecting the contents printed by the printing means, and a content inspection means.
A defective product discharging means for discharging the contents determined to be defective by the content inspection means to the outside of the system,
A buffer means for storing the contents judged to be good by the contents inspection means, and a buffer means.
A filling means for filling the pocket portion with the contents stored in the buffer means, and a filling means.
A buffer amount grasping means for grasping the buffer amount of the contents in the buffer means, and a buffer amount grasping means.
It is characterized by comprising a printing number adjusting means for adjusting the number of contents printed per unit time by the printing means based on the buffer amount grasped by the buffer amount grasping means while continuing printing by the printing means. Blister packaging machine. The print number adjusting means is configured to be able to change the transport speed of the contents by the transport means, and by changing the transport speed to adjust the number of contents per unit time to reach the print position. The blister packing machine according to claim 1, wherein the number of contents printed per unit time is adjusted by the printing means. The blister packaging machine according to claim 2, wherein the printing number adjusting means is configured so that the transport speed of the contents by the transport means can be changed in a plurality of stages of three or more stages. A defect rate calculation means for calculating the defect rate of printing by the printing means is provided.
In the print number adjusting means, the average value of the transport speeds of the contents by the transport means increases as the defect rate calculated by the defect rate calculation means increases, and the defect rate calculation means calculates. The blister package according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the transport speed is configured to be variable so as to satisfy at least one of the decrease in the average value of the transport speed as the defect rate decreases. Machine. A supply means for supplying the contents to the transport means is provided.
The print number adjusting means is configured to be able to change the number of contents per unit time supplied from the supply means to the transport means, and per unit time to reach the print position with the change in the number of the contents. The blister packing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the number of contents printed by the printing means per unit time is adjusted by adjusting the number of contents. The transport means is configured to sequentially transport the contents of each row to the print position in a state where a plurality of contents are arranged along a direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the contents.
The supply means includes as many supply units as the number of contents for one row arranged in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction, and one content is always supplied from each of these supply units to the transport means. Is configured to
The printing means is provided in the same number as the number of contents for the one row, and always has a plurality of print heads for individually printing each of the contents for the one row.
A stop target determining means for determining the supply unit for stopping the supply of the contents to the transport means based on the inspection result of the contents inspection means.
The supply stopping means for stopping the supply of the contents from the supply unit determined by the stop target determining means to the transport means is provided.
When the supply of the contents from the supply unit to the transport means is stopped, printing on the contents is performed by the print heads other than the one corresponding to the supply unit for which the supply of the contents is stopped among the plurality of print heads. The blister packing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the blister packaging machine is to be used. A method for manufacturing a blister sheet, wherein the contents are housed in a pocket portion formed on the container film, and a cover film is attached to the container film so as to close the pocket portion.
A pocket portion forming step of forming the pocket portion with respect to the strip-shaped container film,
A printing and filling step of printing the contents and filling the pockets with the contents.
An attachment step of attaching the band-shaped cover film to the container film filled with the contents in the pocket portion so as to close the pocket portion.
Including a cutting step of separating the blister sheet from the strip-shaped blister film formed by attaching the cover film to the container film.
The printing filling step is
The transport process for transporting the contents and
A printing process of printing on the contents conveyed by the transfer process and reaching a predetermined printing position, and a printing process.
A content inspection process for inspecting the contents printed by the printing process, and a content inspection process.
A defective product discharge process for discharging the contents determined to be defective by the content inspection process to the outside of the system, and a defective product discharge process.
A buffer step of storing the contents judged to be good by the contents inspection step by a predetermined buffer means, and a buffer step.
A filling step of filling the pocket portion with the contents stored in the buffer means,
A buffer amount grasping step for grasping the buffer amount of the contents in the buffering step, and a buffer amount grasping step.
It is characterized by comprising a printing number adjusting step of adjusting the number of contents to be printed per unit time in the printing step based on the buffer amount grasped by the buffer amount grasping step while continuing printing in the printing step. A method for manufacturing a blister sheet. In the print number adjusting step, the contents printed per unit time in the printing process are adjusted by changing the transport speed of the contents in the transport step to adjust the number of contents per unit time to reach the print position. The method for manufacturing a blister sheet according to claim 7, wherein the number of objects is adjusted. The method for manufacturing a blister sheet according to claim 8, wherein in the printing number adjusting step, the transport speed of the contents in the transport step is changed in a plurality of steps of three or more steps. A defect rate calculation step for calculating a printing defect rate in the printing process is provided.
In the printing number adjusting step, as the defect rate calculated by the defect rate calculation step increases, the average value of the transfer speeds of the contents by the transfer step increases, and it is calculated by the defect rate calculation step. The method for manufacturing a blister sheet according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the transport speed is changed so as to satisfy at least one of the decrease in the average value of the transport speed as the defect rate decreases. A supply process for supplying the contents to the transport means for transporting the contents in the transport step is provided.
In the print number adjusting step, the number of contents per unit time supplied in the supply step is changed to adjust the number of contents per unit time to reach the print position, thereby adjusting the number of contents per unit time in the printing step. The method for manufacturing a blister sheet according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the number of contents printed on the sheet is adjusted. In the transfer step, the contents in each row are sequentially conveyed to the printing position in a state where a plurality of contents are arranged along a direction orthogonal to the transfer direction of the contents by a predetermined transfer means.
In the supply step, one content is always supplied to the transport means from each of the same number of supply units as the number of contents in one row arranged in the direction orthogonal to the transport direction.
In the printing step, each of the contents of the one row is always printed individually by the same number of print heads as the number of contents of the one row.
A stop target determination step of determining the supply unit for stopping the supply of the contents to the transport means based on the inspection result of the contents inspection step.
Including a supply stop step of stopping the supply of the contents from the supply unit to the transport means determined by the stop target determination step.
During the execution of the supply stop step, in the printing step, printing on the contents is performed by the print head other than the one corresponding to the supply unit which has stopped the supply of the contents among the plurality of print heads. The method for manufacturing a blister sheet according to any one of claims 7 to 11.

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