JP6316774B2 - Pickup device and blister packaging machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a pick-up device for picking up various articles, and a blister packaging machine for producing blister sheets.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known a pickup device that uses vacuum (negative pressure) to adsorb and hold various articles such as tablets and electronic components (chips). As such a pickup device, for example, a rotating drum having a plurality of suction holes (suction holes) on the outer peripheral surface, and a plate that covers the end surface of the rotating drum and has a space (groove) communicating with the suction holes. And a negative pressure supply means for supplying a negative pressure to the space and a switching means for switching supply and stop of the negative pressure from the negative pressure supply means to the space have been proposed (for example, Patent Documents) 1 etc.).

  In this device, when the suction hole reaches a predetermined suction position (article supply position) as the rotary drum rotates, the suction hole communicates with the space to which negative pressure is supplied from the negative pressure supply means. Then, negative pressure is supplied. Then, the article is sucked and held with respect to the suction hole (more precisely, a portion of the rotating drum where the suction hole is formed).

  In addition, a blister packaging machine for producing blister sheets has been proposed that selectively sucks and collects articles using negative pressure. More specifically, this apparatus sucks the article in a stage where the blister (pocket part) of a strip-shaped carrier strip (container film) is filled with an article such as a tablet and before the blister is closed. It is to be collected. The apparatus includes a housing provided with a plurality of suction holes (open chambers) facing the carrier strip side, and an air valve provided corresponding to each of the suction holes (for example, a patent). Reference 2 etc.). The operation of this apparatus will be described. First, when the article to be collected reaches a predetermined collection position, the carrier strip pauses for a short time. In this state, by switching the air valve, a negative pressure is supplied to the suction hole corresponding to the article to be collected (the suction hole is evacuated). Thereby, the articles to be collected are sucked and collected.

JP 2011-80762 A JP-A-5-270507

  By the way, the suction hole is normally open to the atmosphere before the negative pressure is supplied, and in each of the above-described conventional technologies, by switching the supply and stop of the negative pressure to the suction hole under the atmospheric pressure, Whether the article is adsorbed (sucked) is switched.

  However, when a negative pressure is supplied to the suction hole under atmospheric pressure, the pressure of the suction hole does not instantaneously drop below the pressure at which the article can be adsorbed (referred to as “adsorbable vacuum pressure”). A certain amount of time is required until the atmospheric pressure becomes lower than the adsorbable vacuum pressure. Therefore, in the above-described prior art, it takes time to switch whether or not to adsorb an article, and a situation (adsorption error) may occur in which an article that should be adsorbed is not adsorbed by mistake. In particular, in an apparatus in which an article is transported at a relatively high speed in order to improve productivity, if it takes time to switch whether or not to adsorb the article, an article adsorption error is likely to occur. As a result, there is a risk of hindering selective collection of articles.

  This invention is made | formed in view of the said situation, The objective is to provide the pick-up apparatus and blister packaging machine which can prevent the adsorption | suction mistake of articles | goods more reliably.

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

Means 1. A plurality of suction portions each having a predetermined suction hole are provided on the outer periphery side by side in the axial direction and the circumferential direction, and a rotating drum that can be rotated according to the article to be conveyed,
Negative pressure supply means for supplying a negative pressure to the suction hole, and setting the atmospheric pressure of the suction hole to an adsorbable vacuum pressure that is a vacuum pressure at which the article to be conveyed is adsorbed to the adsorption unit;
When the rotary drum is rotated and the suction part in which the corresponding suction hole is at the vacuum pressure capable of being sucked reaches the predetermined suction position, the conveyed article is placed in the suction part. A pickup device configured to be absorbed
Supply of negative pressure to the corresponding suction hole is started by the negative pressure supply means from a first timing that is a stage before the suction portion reaches the suction position, and the suction is performed after the first timing. At a second timing, which is a stage before the part reaches the suction position, the corresponding suction hole pressure is set as the suctionable vacuum pressure,
A switching means capable of switching between a negative pressure supply capable state in which a negative pressure can be supplied from the negative pressure supply means to the suction hole, and an atmospheric release state in which the suction hole is opened to the atmosphere;
Control means for controlling the switching means,
The control means is capable of recognizing whether or not each of the suction portions should suck an article at the suction position.
With respect to the adsorbing part recognized as adsorbing, the control means can supply the negative pressure from the first timing to at least a third timing after the adsorbing part passes through the adsorbing position. Controlling the switching means so that is maintained,
With respect to the suction unit recognized as not to be sucked, the control means sets the air release state at a predetermined release timing after the suction unit passes the suction position after the second timing. A pickup device that controls the switching means to be

  According to the above means 1, the negative pressure is supplied to the suction hole at the first timing, so that the pressure of the suction hole is absorbed at the latest (second timing) before the suction portion reaches the suction position. The vacuum pressure is set to a possible level, and the article can be adsorbed to the adsorbing portion (adsorbable state). In addition, the suction part to which the article is to be sucked is maintained in the suckable state until after passing through the suction position by being switched to the negative pressure supply enabled state by the switching means, and as a result, when passing through the suction position Adsorb the article. On the other hand, the adsorbing portion that should not adsorb the article is opened to the atmosphere by the switching means, so that the article cannot be adsorbed before reaching the adsorption position (non-adsorption state), and thus passes through the adsorption position. Sometimes the article will not be adsorbed. That is, in the past, the suction and non-adsorption of the article is switched by switching the supply and stop of the negative pressure to the suction hole under atmospheric pressure, but in the above means 1, the suction hole is evacuated in advance, The adsorbing unit is switched to the adsorbing / non-adsorbing state of the article by bringing the adsorbing unit into the adsorbable state in advance and then setting the negative pressure supplyable state or the open to the atmosphere state.

  As described above, since the suction portion is in a state capable of being sucked in advance, the suction of the article by the suction portion can be more reliably performed, and occurrence of suction mistakes can be effectively suppressed.

  Also, in general, the time required to open the suction hole whose atmospheric pressure is an adsorbable vacuum pressure to the atmosphere and make the atmospheric pressure of the suction hole larger than the adsorbable vacuum pressure (that is, from the adsorbable state to the non-adsorbable state) The time required for switching is to supply the negative pressure to the suction hole under atmospheric pressure and change the suction hole pressure to the vacuum pressure that can be sucked (that is, to switch from the non-suckable state to the suckable state). Time required). Therefore, according to the means 1, it is possible to switch the adsorption / non-adsorption of the article to the adsorption portion in a shorter time than in the conventional method. Thereby, it can prevent more reliably that the adsorption | suction mistake of articles | goods will arise.

  In particular, the means 1 is effective when adsorbing an article while the article is being conveyed at a relatively high speed. In such a case, if it takes time to switch whether or not the article is to be sucked, it becomes easy to cause a mistake in sucking the article. However, according to the above means 1, switching whether or not to suck the article can be performed in a short time. Since it can do, it becomes possible to adsorb | suck the article | item which should be adsorb | sucked more accurately and reliably.

Mean 2. Than the absolute value of the pressure reduction speed at the suction hole by the negative pressure supply means in the negative pressure supply possible state,
2. The pickup device according to claim 1, wherein the absolute value of the pressure increase rate from the suckable vacuum pressure at the suction hole in the atmosphere open state is larger.

  According to the above means 2, the change rate of the atmospheric pressure in the suction hole when the adsorption part is changed from the adsorbable state to the non-adsorbable state is the change in the atmospheric pressure in the suction hole when the adsorption part is changed from the non-adsorbable state to the adsorbable state. Has been greater than the speed. Therefore, the suction unit can be switched more quickly from the suction enabled state to the suction disabled state. Thereby, generation | occurrence | production of the adsorption | suction mistake can be prevented more reliably.

  In addition, since the suction part can be switched more quickly from the suckable state to the non-suckable state, the opening timing can be made closer to the timing at which the suction part reaches the suction position. As a result, the first timing can be delayed as much as possible, and it is not necessary to start supplying negative pressure (starting suction) from an extremely early stage. As a result, efficient suction is possible.

Means 3. The negative pressure supply means sets the air pressure of the suction hole to a final ultimate vacuum pressure smaller than a maximum adsorbable vacuum pressure that is a maximum atmospheric pressure among the vacuum pressures at which the article is adsorbed to the adsorption unit. Is possible,
In the second timing, the pressure of the corresponding suction hole is set to the final ultimate vacuum pressure,
The maximum adsorbable pressure difference between the vacuum pressure and the ultimate vacuum pressure pickup device described in section 1 or 2, characterized in that less than the differential pressure between the atmospheric pressure the maximum adsorbable vacuum.

  According to the above means 3, the maximum value of the change amount of the atmospheric pressure in the suction hole that is required when the suction portion is changed from the suckable state to the non-adsorbable state (differential pressure between the maximum suckable vacuum pressure and the final ultimate vacuum pressure). Is smaller than the maximum value of the change amount of the atmospheric pressure in the suction hole (the differential pressure between the atmospheric pressure and the maximum adsorbable vacuum pressure) required when the adsorption portion is changed from the non-adsorbable state to the adsorbable state. Therefore, the adsorption part can be switched more quickly from the adsorbable state to the non-adsorbable state. As a result, it is possible to more reliably prevent the occurrence of adsorption mistakes.

  Further, even if “the absolute value of the pressure reduction speed at the suction hole by the negative pressure supply means in the negative pressure supply enabled state” and “the pressure increase speed from the suckable vacuum pressure at the suction hole in the atmospheric release state” Even when the absolute value is equal or close, the effect of the means 1 can be achieved more reliably.

Means 4. Inside the rotating drum, there are provided a plurality of ventilation holes that communicate with the suction holes individually and open at one end surface of the rotating drum,
One end surface of the rotating drum is covered with a fixed valve including a plurality of space portions communicating with the vent holes along the rotation direction of the rotating drum,
The space portion is
A negative pressure is supplied from the negative pressure supply means, and the vent hole communicates with the rotation of the rotating drum, whereby a negative pressure space portion that makes the suction hole air pressure the adsorbable vacuum pressure, and
After the switching means is switched to a state in which negative pressure is supplied from the negative pressure supply means or a state in which the negative pressure is released to the atmosphere, and after communicating with the negative pressure space as the rotating drum rotates A switching space portion that individually sets the suction holes in the suction portions arranged in a row in the axial direction of the rotating drum to be capable of supplying the negative pressure or in an open state to the atmosphere. 4. The pickup device according to any one of means 1 to 3.

  According to the above means 4, the rotary drum rotates and the vent hole communicates with the negative pressure space portion, so that the evacuation is performed in advance at the suction hole communicating with the vent hole, and the pressure of the suction hole can be adsorbed. The vacuum pressure is set (the suction part is brought into a suckable state). After that, the rotating drum is further rotated, and the suction holes in the suction portions arranged in a line through the vent holes are opened to the atmosphere or negative pressure is supplied. By individually communicating with the switching space portion, each suction hole is brought into a negative pressure supply enabled state or an atmospheric release state. That is, whether or not to maintain the suckable state in each of the suction portions arranged in a row is individually switched.

  Therefore, according to the above means 4, if the vent hole reaches the negative pressure space part with the rotation of the rotating drum, the pre-evacuation of the suction hole is automatically started, and the vent hole becomes the switching space part. If it reaches, the suction possible state in the suction part is automatically maintained or released. Therefore, switching between pre-evacuation and maintenance / release of the suckable state is always performed at a fixed position. As a result, it is possible to further suppress the occurrence of adsorption mistakes and to achieve a stable operation of the apparatus.

Means 5. The article adsorbed to the adsorbing unit is conveyed by the rotation of the rotating drum, and is configured to be collected when it reaches vertically above the rotating shaft of the rotating drum,
The adsorption position is located vertically below the rotation axis of the rotating drum,
The suction unit is configured to pass through the suction position along with the rotation of the rotating drum, and then pass through a predetermined suction maintenance region to reach a collection position located vertically above the rotation shaft,
The space portion is
The negative pressure is supplied from the negative pressure supply means, and the suction hole communicates with the suction holes in all the suction portions located in the suction maintenance area by communicating with the vent holes as the rotary drum rotates. Maintenance space,
All the adsorbing parts that are maintained between the recovery position and at least the recovery position are maintained in a state where they are open to the atmosphere and the vent hole communicates with the rotation of the rotating drum. The pickup device according to claim 4, further comprising an open air space communicating with the suction hole.

  According to the above means 5, since negative pressure can be supplied to the suction holes in all the suction sections located in the suction maintenance area, the article is transported to the collection position side while being more reliably suctioned to the suction section. can do. Accordingly, it is possible to effectively suppress the falling of the article during conveyance, and it is possible to more reliably collect the article.

  Further, according to the means 5, the suction holes in all the suction portions located between the position before the collection position and at least the collection position are opened to the atmosphere, and the suction of the article in the suction section is released. Therefore, the collection of the article by the collection means can be performed more reliably and easily.

Means 6. The article is conveyed in a state of being accommodated in a hollow pocket portion,
The suction portion protrudes on the outer peripheral side, and the suction hole is opened at the tip surface thereof,
The pickup device according to any one of means 1 to 5, wherein when the suction portion reaches the suction position, a tip portion of the suction portion enters the inside of the pocket portion.

  According to the means 6, the tip of the suction part enters the pocket part at the suction position. For this reason, the article can be more reliably adsorbed to the adsorbing portion.

Mean 7 Filling means for filling a predetermined article into a pocket portion formed in a container film to be conveyed;
On the downstream side of the filling means, sealing means for attaching a band-shaped cover film to the container film so as to close the pocket portion;
On the downstream side of the sealing means, punching means for punching a blister film in which the cover film is attached to the container film in a sheet unit to obtain a predetermined blister sheet;
An inspection unit that is provided between the filling unit and the sealing unit, and performs a pass / fail determination on a plurality of inspection items including items related to the pass / fail of the article with respect to a scheduled sheet portion that eventually becomes the blister sheet;
A recovery means capable of recovering the article,
The pick-up device according to any one of means 1 to 6 is a blister packaging machine provided between the inspection means and the sealing means,
The control means of the pick-up apparatus, when the inspection means determines that at least one of the inspection items is defective, from the corresponding scheduled part of the sheet, the item regarding the quality of the article by the inspection means. Recognizing that the determined article is to be adsorbed by the adsorbing unit;
The blister packaging machine, wherein the collection means is configured to collect the article adsorbed by the adsorption unit.

  According to the means 7, before the cover film is attached to the container film, the articles determined to be non-defective are collected from the planned sheet portion determined to be defective. Here, since collection | recovery of articles | goods is performed before attachment of a cover film, it is not necessary to tear a cover film at the time of collection | recovery, and the application of the external pressure with respect to articles | goods can be prevented. Further, since the article is collected before reaching the sealing means, it is possible to more reliably prevent the vibration accompanying the conveyance from being applied to the article for a long period of time. Together, these can effectively prevent damage to the recovered article. Thereby, an article in a good state can be reused without performing laborious work such as re-inspection on the collected article. As a result, the production cost can be effectively suppressed while ensuring the safety and reliability of the reused article.

  Further, according to the above means 7, since the article is collected before the cover film is attached, the influence of heat or the like by the sealing means does not reach the article. Thereby, the safety | security and reliability in the article | item reused can be ensured still more reliably.

  In addition, according to the means 7, the article is collected at a relatively early stage before reaching the sealing means. Therefore, in the case where the article is a hygroscopic tablet or the like, moisture absorption of the article can be suppressed.

  By the way, in terms of improving the safety and reliability of the blister sheet, it is desirable to increase the inspection sensitivity by the inspection means. However, if the inspection sensitivity is increased, there are many cases where it is erroneously determined to be defective. When the number of cases judged to be defective increases as described above, when a general conventional method (for example, a method of discarding a blister sheet including a good product as it is), a large number of good products are obtained. There is a possibility that the article is wasted and the cost is extremely increased. In this regard, according to the means 7, since the articles determined to be non-defective are collected, even if the inspection sensitivity is increased, a situation where many articles are not wasted does not occur. Therefore, the safety and reliability of the blister sheet can be improved without causing an increase in cost.

  The blister packaging machine may include a discharge unit for discharging a defective blister sheet in which a planned sheet portion determined to be defective is punched out.

Means 8. The filling means has a storage part for storing the article,
The blister packaging machine according to means 7, wherein the collecting means comprises article conveying means for conveying the collected article to the storage section.

  According to the means 8, the collected articles are returned directly to the storage section of the filling means by the article conveying means. Therefore, an operation for returning the collected articles to the storage unit is unnecessary, and productivity can be improved.

  Means 9. Along the transport direction of the container film, before and after the position where the article is adsorbed by the adsorbing part, the opening of the pocket part is closed and the jumping out prevention prevents the article from jumping out of the pocket part. The blister packaging machine according to means 7 or 8, characterized in that means are provided.

  In the above means 1 etc., the suction part is brought into a suckable state in advance before reaching the suction position. Therefore, before the suction part reaches the suction position, there is a possibility that an article that should not be sucked by the suction part is erroneously sucked.

  In this respect, according to the means 9, the jumping-out preventing means prevents the articles located before and after the suction position from jumping out. Accordingly, it is possible to more reliably prevent a situation where an article that is not a collection target is accidentally adsorbed and collected when the article is adsorbed by the adsorption unit.

It is a perspective view which shows a PTP sheet. It is a partial expanded sectional view of a PTP sheet. It is a perspective view which shows a PTP film. It is a schematic diagram which shows schematic structure of a PTP packaging machine. It is a schematic diagram which shows schematic structure, such as a tablet filling apparatus, a pre-seal inspection apparatus, and a pickup apparatus. It is a perspective view of a pickup device. It is a partially broken perspective view of a pickup device. It is a partially broken perspective view of a pickup device. It is the JJ sectional view taken on the line of FIG. It is a front view of a pickup device. It is a schematic diagram for showing the connection state of each space part and a vacuum pump or the like. It is a graph for demonstrating the maximum vacuum pressure which can be adsorbed, the final ultimate vacuum pressure, etc. It is a graph for showing the pressure increase speed from the vacuum pressure which can be adsorbed, and the pressure reduction speed to vacuum pressure which can be adsorbed. It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of a test | inspection apparatus. It is a figure for demonstrating the data regarding the quality determination memorize | stored in a 1st test | inspection apparatus. It is a figure for demonstrating the data regarding the quality determination memorize | stored in a 2nd test | inspection apparatus. It is a figure for demonstrating the data regarding the quality determination memorize | stored in a 3rd test | inspection apparatus. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the serial number and tablet number in a sheet | seat plan site | part. It is a figure for demonstrating the quality determination result grasped | ascertained by the control apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows collection | recovery object determination processing. It is a flowchart which shows a pick-up apparatus control process. It is a top view which shows an example of the PTP sheet discharged | emitted as inferior goods. It is a top view which shows an example of the PTP sheet discharged | emitted as inferior goods. It is a top view which shows the PTP sheet in another embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows schematic structure, such as a tablet filling apparatus and a pick-up apparatus in another embodiment.

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

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

  The container film 3 is formed of, for example, a thermoplastic resin material such as PP (polypropylene) or PVC (polyvinyl chloride), aluminum foil, or the like.

  On the other hand, the cover film 4 is made of an opaque material (for example, aluminum foil or the like) having a sealant made of, for example, a polyester resin or the like applied on the surface.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  The pickup device 23 has a function of picking up the tablet 5 from the pocket portion 2 and transporting the picked-up tablet 5 to the collection device 24 side as collection means provided above the pickup device 23. The configuration of the pickup device 23 will be described in detail later.

  The collection device 24 collects the tablets 5 picked up by the pickup device 23 and includes a cylindrical portion 241 and a suction device 242. The tube portions 241 are provided in the same direction as the number of pocket portions 2 along the width direction of the container film 3 (five in this embodiment), which are arranged in a direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the container film 3. Further, the cylindrical portion 241 has a cylindrical shape extending in the vertical direction, and is connected in series with a tablet transport tube 25 provided between the recovery device 24 and the tablet filling device 21. The tablet transport tube 25 is formed of, for example, a relatively soft resin or rubber.

  Moreover, the cylinder part 241 has the opening part 241A in the lower end part. The opening 241A is provided vertically above a rotation shaft of a rotary drum 231 described later, and the tablet 5 is transported by the pickup device 23 directly below the opening 241A. The opening 241A is set to an opening area through which only one tablet 5 can pass.

  The suction device 242 includes a plurality of blower pipes 242A connected to each cylindrical portion 241 and a blower 242B that supplies air of lower humidity than the outside air to each blower pipe 242A. By supplying air by the blower 242B, an upward air flow is generated in each cylindrical portion 241, and as a result, the opening 241A side in the cylindrical portion 241 is in a suction state. Thus, the tablets 5 can be sucked and collected one by one through the opening 241A. The sucked (collected) tablet 5 is transported to the storage unit 216 through the tablet transport tube 25 by the air flow generated by the supply air. In this embodiment, the article conveyance means is comprised by the tablet conveyance pipe | tube 25 and the air blower 242B.

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

  The drawn end of the cover film 4 wound in a roll shape is guided toward the heating roll 27 by the guide roll 26. The heating roll 27 can be pressed against the film receiving roll 20, and the container film 3 and the cover film 4 are fed between the rolls 20 and 27. And the container film 3 and the cover film 4 pass between both the rolls 20 and 27 in a heating-pressing state, the cover film 4 is stuck to the container film 3, and the pocket part 2 is closed by the cover film 4. . Thereby, the PTP film 6 with which the tablet 5 was filled in each pocket part 2 is manufactured. The film receiving roll 20 and the heating roll 27 constitute the sealing means in this embodiment.

  The PTP film 6 delivered from the film receiving roll 20 is hung in the order of the tension roll 28 and the intermittent feed roll 29. Since the intermittent feed roll 29 is connected to a motor that rotates intermittently, the PTP film 6 is intermittently conveyed. The tension roll 28 is in a state in which the PTP film 6 is pulled toward the side to be tensioned by an elastic force, and prevents the PTP film 6 from slacking due to the difference in transport operation between the film receiving roll 20 and the intermittent feed roll 29. The PTP film 6 is always kept in tension.

  The PTP film 6 delivered from the intermittent feed roll 29 is applied in the order of the tension roll 31 and the intermittent feed roll 32. Since the intermittent feed roll 32 is connected to an intermittently rotating motor, the PTP film 6 is intermittently conveyed. The tension roll 31 is in a state in which the PTP film 6 is pulled toward the side where the PTP film 6 is tensioned by an elastic force, and prevents the PTP film 6 from loosening between the intermittent feed rolls 29 and 32.

  Between the intermittent feed roll 29 and the tension roll 31, a slit forming device 33 and a marking device 34 are sequentially arranged along the transport path of the PTP film 6. The slit forming device 33 has a function of forming a slit for separation at a predetermined position of the PTP film 6. The marking device 34 has a function of marking a predetermined position (for example, a tag portion) of the PTP film 6.

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

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

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

  Each of the rolls 14, 19, 20, 29, 31, 32 and the like has a positional relationship in which the roll surface and the pocket portion 2 face each other. Since the recessed part which accommodates is formed, the pocket part 2 is not crushed fundamentally. Further, the feeding operation is performed while the pocket portion 2 is accommodated in the recesses such as the rolls 14, so that the intermittent feeding operation and the continuous feeding operation are performed reliably.

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

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

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

  Further, the control device 60 is electrically connected to each of the first inspection device T1, the second inspection device D, and the third inspection device A, and stores various information (image data, inspection conditions, pass / fail judgment). Information on the results). Then, based on the information from the inspection devices T1, D, A, the control device 60, as shown in FIG. 19, for each of the scheduled sheet portions that will eventually become the PTP sheet 1, predetermined tablet numbers J1 to J10 (FIG. 18), it is possible to identify and grasp the quality of each of the inspection items X1 to X9, Y1, Z1, and Z2 to be described later with respect to each tablet 5 and sheet portion indicated.

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

  In addition, the drive control of various devices by the control device 60 is performed by setting data (such as drive amount data of various mechanisms) set in advance in the ROM of the control device 60 or information received from each inspection device T1, D, A. The control device 60 outputs control signals to various devices in the PTP packaging machine 11 based on signals from the encoder. In the present embodiment, the control device 60 controls the pickup device 23 based on the pass / fail result of the scheduled sheet portion (see FIG. 19), and only the non-defective tablets 5 from the planned sheet portion determined to be defective by the pickup device 23. To pick up. The picked up tablet 5 is collected by the collection device 24. In addition, operation | movement of the control apparatus 60 relevant to the pick-up of the tablet 5 is explained in full detail later.

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

  As shown in FIGS. 6 to 10, the pickup device 23 includes a cylindrical rotating drum 231 and a disk-shaped fixed valve 232 arranged coaxially therewith.

  The rotating drum 231 is continuously rotated in accordance with the speed of the tablet 5 being conveyed by a driving unit (not shown). The rotary drum 231 is provided with an encoder (not shown), and a signal related to the rotation angle of the rotary drum 231 is output from the encoder to the control device 60 at regular intervals. The control device 60 can grasp the rotation angle of the rotating drum 231 based on the signal, and can grasp the position of the suction portion 231A described below from the grasped rotation angle.

  In addition, the rotating drum 231 includes a plurality of suction portions 231A that protrude to the outer peripheral side and are provided side by side in the axial direction and the circumferential direction of the rotating drum 231. The same number of adsorbing portions 231A as the number of pocket portions 2 along the width direction of the container film 3 (5 in the present embodiment) are provided along the axial direction of the rotating drum 231 and in the circumferential direction of the rotating drum 231. A plurality (12 in this embodiment) are provided at equal intervals along the line.

  In addition, along with the rotation of the rotating drum 231, the suction portion 231A moves in the order of the collection position P1, the pre-suction area P2, the switching area P3, and the suction maintenance area P4 (see FIG. 10).

  The collection position P1 is located vertically above the rotation axis of the rotary drum 231, and the opening 241A of the cylindrical portion 241 opens toward the collection position P1. The pre-suction area P2 is located between the collection position P1 and the switching area P3, and is an area covering a certain range along the moving direction of the suction portion 231A. The switching region P3 includes a suction position P5 positioned vertically below the rotation axis of the rotary drum 231 and is a region covering a certain range along the moving direction of the suction portion 231A. The adsorption maintaining area P4 is an area covering a relatively wide range from immediately after the switching area P3 to before the collection position P1 along the moving direction of the adsorption portion 231A.

  In the present embodiment, the suction portion 231 </ b> A disposed at the suction position P <b> 5 has a tip portion that enters the inside of the pocket portion 2.

  Further, the suction portion 231A includes suction holes 231B that open at the respective front end surfaces, and each suction hole 231B is individually communicated with a vent hole 231C provided inside the rotary drum 231. The vent holes 231C extend in parallel with each other along the axial direction of the rotary drum 231 and open at one end surface of the rotary drum 231 (see FIG. 8). The openings of the air holes 231C connected to the suction holes 231B arranged in a line along the axial direction of the rotating drum 231 are arranged at equal intervals along the radial direction of the rotating drum 231 (see FIG. 7). ).

  The fixed valve 232 is provided so as to cover one end surface of the rotating drum 231, and unlike the rotating drum 231, it cannot be moved. Further, the fixed valve 232 includes a plurality of space portions 232 </ b> A having a concave shape that opens to one end surface side of the rotary drum 231. In the present embodiment, as the space portion 232 </ b> A, an atmosphere open space portion S <b> 1, a negative pressure space portion S <b> 2, a switching space portion S <b> 3, and an adsorption maintaining space portion S <b> 4 are provided, and these are arranged along the rotation direction of the rotary drum 231. They are provided in order (see FIGS. 7 and 10). Each space portion S1 to S4 is a space that communicates with the vent hole 231C as the rotating drum 231 rotates.

The atmospheric open space S1 communicates with a vent 231C connected to the suction hole 231B of the suction portion 231A when the suction portion 231A is disposed in a certain region including the recovery position P1. The negative pressure space portion S2 communicates with a vent hole 231C connected to the suction hole 231B of the suction portion 231A when the suction portion 231A is disposed in the pre-suction area P2. The adsorption maintaining space S4 communicates with a vent 231C connected to the suction hole 231B of the adsorption part 231A when the adsorption part 231A is arranged in the adsorption maintenance area P4. The open air space portion S1, the negative pressure space portion S2, and the adsorption maintaining space portion S4 each have a relatively large width along the radial direction of the fixed valve 232, and the openings line up with the rotation of the rotary drum 231. Are communicated with each of the vent holes 231C arranged in a row at a time, and eventually communicated with a row of suction holes 231B arranged along the axial direction of the rotary drum 231 via the vent holes 231C.

  The switching space portion S3 communicates with the vent hole 231C connected to the suction hole 231B of the suction portion 231A when the suction portion 231A is disposed in the switching region P3. A plurality of switching spaces S3 are provided at equal intervals along the radial direction of the fixed valve 232, and each has a circular arc shape. Each switching space S3 individually communicates with one of the air holes 231C in which the openings are aligned in line with the rotation of the rotary drum 231. The length of the switching space portion S3 along the circumferential direction of the rotary drum 231 is set so that one switching space portion S3 does not communicate with the two or more vent holes 231C.

  In addition, the fixed valve 232 is formed with a through hole 232 </ b> B that communicates with each of the spaces S <b> 1 to S <b> 4 and opens toward the opposite side of the rotating drum 231. As shown in FIG. 11 (note that FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram schematically showing the rotating drum 231 and the like), the fixed valve 232 has a ventilation pipe 233 (see FIG. 11) corresponding to each through-hole 232B. 6 (not shown in FIG. 6) is attached, and each of the space portions S1 to S4 is supplied with negative pressure (inhaled) or opened to the atmosphere via the vent pipe 233.

  More specifically, the open air space S1 is always open to the atmosphere via the vent pipe 233. The negative pressure space S2 is in a state where a negative pressure is always supplied (evacuated) from a vacuum pump 234 as a negative pressure supply means via the vent pipe 233. The adsorption maintaining space S4 is in a state where negative pressure is always supplied from the vacuum pump 234 via the vent pipe 233. As described above, in the present embodiment, the atmosphere open space portion S1, the negative pressure space portion S2, and the adsorption maintaining space portion S4 are only one of the state opened to the atmosphere and the state where negative pressure is supplied. Is always maintained.

  On the other hand, the switching space S3 is connected to the vacuum pump 234 via the vent pipe 233, and the vent pipe 233 is provided with a switching electromagnetic valve 235 as switching means. The switching electromagnetic valve 235 is switched to a state in which a negative pressure is supplied from the vacuum pump 234 to the switching space portion S3 or a state in which the switching space portion S3 is open to the atmosphere. . In other words, the switching electromagnetic valve 235 can be switched between a negative pressure supply enabled state and an atmospheric release state. The negative pressure supply enabled state refers to a state in which negative pressure is supplied from the vacuum pump 234 to the switching space portion S3 and negative pressure can be supplied to the suction hole 231B communicating with the switching space portion S3. In addition, the atmospheric release state refers to a state where the switching space portion S3 is open to the atmosphere and the suction hole 231B communicating with the switching space portion S3 is open to the atmosphere.

  The switching electromagnetic valve 235 is electrically connected to the control device 60, and the operation of the switching electromagnetic valve 235 is controlled by the control device 60. Control processing of the switching electromagnetic valve 235 by the control device 60 will be described later.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 12, the vacuum pump 234 sets the air pressure in the suction hole 231B to the maximum among the vacuum pressures (adsorbable vacuum pressures) at which the tablets 5 are adsorbed to the adsorbing part 231A arranged at the adsorbing position P5. It is assumed that it has a performance that can reach a final ultimate vacuum pressure that is smaller than the maximum adsorbable vacuum pressure that is an atmospheric pressure of Note that FIG. 12 shows a simplified change in air pressure with respect to time. The actual air pressure does not necessarily change strictly in a straight line, and the performance of the vacuum pump 234 (for example, the intake speed and the arrival speed). The pressure may be changed in various manners depending on the pressure. Further, the adsorbable vacuum pressure means a pressure having a predetermined range from the final ultimate vacuum pressure to the maximum adsorbable vacuum pressure.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 13, the pressure increase rate from the adsorbable vacuum pressure at the suction hole 231B in the open state to the atmosphere is higher than the absolute value of the pressure reduction speed at the suction hole 231B by the vacuum pump 234 in the negative pressure supply enabled state. The performance of the vacuum pump 234 is set so that the absolute value of becomes larger. In addition, in FIG. 13, the change of atmospheric | air pressure is simplified and shown like FIG.

  In addition, in this embodiment, the performance of the vacuum pump 234 is such that the differential pressure SA1 between the maximum adsorbable vacuum pressure and the final ultimate vacuum pressure is smaller than the differential pressure SA2 between the atmospheric pressure and the maximum adsorbable vacuum pressure. Is set (see FIG. 12).

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the pickup device 23 has an upstream flat plate portion 236 and a downstream flat plate portion 237 arranged in parallel with the container film 3 in the immediate vicinity thereof. The opening of the pocket portion 2 located immediately upstream of the suction position P5 is always closed by the upstream flat plate portion 236, and the opening of the pocket portion 2 located immediately downstream of the suction position P5 is downstream of the downstream flat plate portion 237. Is always blocked. In the present embodiment, the upstream flat plate portion 236 and the downstream flat plate portion 237 constitute a pop-out preventing means.

  Next, the operation of the pickup device 23 described above will be described.

  When the predetermined suction part 231A reaches the pre-suction area P2 with the rotation of the rotary drum 231, the suction hole 231B of the suction part 231A communicates with the negative pressure space part S2 through the vent hole 231C. Thereby, supply of the negative pressure with respect to the suction hole 231B is started. The timing at which the suction portion 231A reaches the pre-suction area P2 and starts supplying negative pressure to the suction hole 231B corresponds to the first timing.

  While the suction part 231A is located in the pre-suction area P2, the suction hole 231B is gradually depressurized, and at the latest, the pressure of the suction hole 231B is increased until the suction part 231A passes the pre-suction area P2. Possible vacuum pressure. In the present embodiment, the suction hole 231B is reduced to the final ultimate vacuum pressure while the suction portion 231A is positioned in the pre-suction region P2. The timing at which the air pressure in the suction hole 231B becomes the adsorbable vacuum pressure (final ultimate vacuum pressure in the present embodiment) corresponds to the second timing.

  When the suction portion 231A passes through the pre-suction region P2 and reaches the switching region P3, the suction hole 231B of the suction portion 231A communicates with the switching space portion S3 through the vent hole 231C. As described above, the switching space portion S3 is in a state where negative pressure is supplied or in a state where the switching space portion S3 is open to the atmosphere, and the suction is communicated with the switching space portion S3 in a state where negative pressure is supplied. The air pressure in the hole 231B is maintained at the adsorbable vacuum pressure (final ultimate vacuum pressure in this embodiment). Maintaining the air pressure in the suction hole 231B at the vacuum pressure that can be sucked is performed at least until the suction portion 231A passes through the switching region P3. The timing at which the suction portion 231A passes through the switching region P3 and the suction hole 231B and the switching space portion S3 are in the non-communication state corresponds to the third timing.

  On the other hand, the air pressure in the suction hole 231B communicating with the switching space portion S3 that is open to the atmosphere rises at once and exceeds the vacuum pressure that can be sucked before the suction portion 231A reaches the suction position P5. Become. The timing at which the suction hole 231B starts to communicate with the switching space portion S3 that is open to the atmosphere corresponds to the opening timing.

  When the rotating drum 231 rotates and the adsorbing part 231A reaches the adsorbing position P5, the tablet 5 is adsorbed to the adsorbing part 231A in a state where the adsorbable vacuum pressure is maintained in the suction hole 231B (adsorbable state). . On the other hand, the tablet 5 is not adsorbed to the adsorbing portion 231A in a state where the suction hole 231B is open to the atmosphere (non-adsorption state). That is, the tablet 5 is selectively adsorbed to the adsorbing portion 231A.

Further, the rotation drum 231 rotates and the suction portion 231A reaches the adsorption maintaining region P4, the suction hole 231B of this adsorption unit 231A communicates with the suction maintenance space S4 via the vent hole 231C. Thereby, the atmospheric | air pressure of the suction hole 231B turns into an adsorbable vacuum pressure. And in the adsorption | suction part 231A which is adsorb | sucking the tablet 5, it will be in the state by which the tablet 5 was adsorb | sucked more reliably. With this state maintained, the tablet 5 is conveyed upward as the rotary drum 231 rotates.

  When the suction portion 231A reaches the position before the collection position P1, the suction hole 231B of the suction portion 231A communicates with the atmospheric open space portion S1 through the vent hole 231C. As a result, the suction hole 231 </ b> B is opened to the atmosphere, and the suckable portion 231 </ b> A that sucks the tablet 5 is released. The suctionable state is released when the suction portion 231A reaches a position immediately before the position vertically above the rotation axis of the rotary drum 231 and the tablet 5 is placed on the suction portion 231A. Therefore, it is prevented that the tablet 5 falls from the adsorption | suction part 231A with cancellation | release of an adsorbable state.

  When the adsorption unit 231A reaches the collection position P1, the tablet 5 adsorbed on the adsorption unit 231A is sucked up by the collection device 24 and collected.

  Thereafter, the above-described operation is repeated, whereby the tablets 5 are selectively adsorbed (pickup) and the adsorbed tablets 5 are collected.

  Next, each inspection device T1, D, A will be described. As shown in FIG. 14, each inspection device T1, D, A includes an illumination device 50, a camera 51, a processing execution device 52, and the like.

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

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

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

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

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

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

  The inspection result storage device 54 stores data such as coordinates relating to image data, quality determination result data for an inspection object, statistical data obtained by probabilistically processing the data, and the like. Further, in the inspection result storage device 54 of each inspection device T1, D, A, as shown in FIGS. 15-17, each tablet 5 indicated by a predetermined tablet number J1-J10 (see FIG. 18), and a sheet Information indicating pass / fail judgment results in predetermined inspection items X1 to X9, Y1, Z1, and Z2 for the portion is stored together with serial numbers LA1, LA2,... (See FIG. 18) for specifying the scheduled seat portion. . The tablet number is individually set corresponding to each tablet 5 in the planned sheet part.

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

  Returning to FIG. 14, the determination memory 55 stores a determination value (threshold value or the like) used for the inspection. The determination value is set for each inspection item. The determination values used for the inspection include, for example, the dimensions of the PTP sheet 1, the pocket portion 2, the tablet 5, the shapes and dimensions of various window frames for demarcating various inspection regions, the threshold value for binarization processing, and the area determination Determination values, color reference values for color identification inspection, and the like.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  Next, the operation of the control device 60 will be described. First, the collection target determination process for determining the tablets 5 to be collected by the collection device 24 will be described. Note that this processing is performed at the stage where all of the information related to the pass / fail judgment results of the inspection apparatuses T1, D, A for one scheduled sheet portion is input to the control device 60.

  As shown in FIG. 20, in the collection target determination process, first, in step S101, based on the information about the pass / fail judgment results input from the inspection devices T1, D, A, the inspection items X1 to X9 in each tablet 5 and sheet portion. , Y1, Z1, and Z2 are specified (see FIG. 19).

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

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

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

  Next, a control process (pickup apparatus control process) of the switching electromagnetic valve 235 by the control device 60 will be described with reference to FIG. Note that this process is repeatedly executed at regular time intervals (for example, several ms).

  In the pickup device control process, first, in step S201, it is determined whether or not the adsorption unit 231A has reached the switching region P3. This is determined based on information from the encoder provided on the rotary drum 231. If a positive determination is made in step S201, the process proceeds to step S202. On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S201, the present process is terminated.

  In step S202, it is determined whether or not the tablet 5 that is to be opposed when the suction portion 231A located in the switching region P3 reaches the suction position P5 is a collection target. This determination is performed based on the information related to the collection target stored in the RAM and the output signal from the encoder for grasping the transport amount of the container film 3. This determination is performed for each individual suction unit 231A located in the switching area P3, and the following processes in steps S203 to 208 are also performed for each individual suction unit 231A. If a positive determination is made in step S202, the process proceeds to step S203. On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S202, the process proceeds to step S206.

  In step S203, it is determined whether or not the opening flag corresponding to the switching space portion S3 communicating with the suction hole 231B is turned on in the suction portion 231A that will suck the tablet 5. A plurality of opening flags are state determination information that is provided in correspondence with each switching space portion S3 and is turned on when the switching space portion S3 is open to the atmosphere. If the release flag is off (step S203: NO), that is, if negative pressure has already been supplied to the switching space portion S3, this process is terminated while maintaining that state. As a result, the adsorbing portion 231A that should adsorb the tablet 5 is maintained in the adsorbable state, and adsorbs the tablet 5 when it reaches the adsorption position P5.

On the other hand, when the release flag is ON (step S203: YES), that is, when the switching space S3 is opened to the atmosphere, the process proceeds to step S204, the switching electromagnetic valve 235 is controlled, and the tablet 5 is moved. A negative pressure is supplied from the vacuum pump 234 to the switching space portion S3 communicating with the suction hole 231B of the suction portion 231A to be sucked. As a result, the switching space S3 is set to a pressure equal to or lower than the vacuum pressure that can be sucked, and a state in which a negative pressure can be supplied to the suction hole 231B (a negative pressure supply enabled state). As a result, the adsorbing portion 231A that should adsorb the tablet 5 is in an adsorbable state, and adsorbs the tablet 5 when it reaches the adsorption position P5. In the following step S205, the release flag is turned off, and this process is terminated.

  As described above, unlike the case where the tablet 5 is a collection target, when the tablet 5 is not a collection target (step S202: NO), the process proceeds to step S206, and in the adsorption unit 231A to be in a non-adsorbable state, It is determined whether or not the release flag corresponding to the switching space portion S3 communicating with the suction hole 231B is ON. If the release flag is on (step S206: YES), that is, if the switching space portion S3 has already been opened to the atmosphere, this process is terminated while maintaining that state. As a result, the air pressure in the suction hole 231B communicating with the switching space S3 increases instantaneously, and when the suction portion 231A reaches the suction position P5, the air pressure in the suction hole 231B is larger than the vacuum pressure that can be sucked (usually, Atmospheric pressure). And the tablet 5 will not be adsorb | sucked with respect to the adsorption | suction part 231A.

  On the other hand, when the release flag is OFF (step S206: NO), the process proceeds to step S207, and the switching electromagnetic valve 235 is controlled to communicate with the suction hole 231B of the suction portion 231A that should not suck the tablet 5. The switching space portion S3 to be opened is opened to the atmosphere. As a result, the suction hole 231B communicating with the switching space portion S3 is opened to the atmosphere (atmospheric release state). As a result, the air pressure in the suction hole 231B increases, and the tablet 5 is not adsorbed to the adsorbing portion 231A at the adsorbing position P5. After step S207, the release flag is turned on in step S208, and this process ends.

  As described above in detail, according to the present embodiment, the suction hole 231B is evacuated in advance, and the suction portion 231A is set in a suckable state in advance, and then is brought into a negative pressure supply enabled state or an atmospheric release state. The adsorption / non-adsorption of the tablet 5 with respect to the adsorption portion 231A is switched. Thus, since adsorption part 231A is made into a state which can adsorb beforehand, adsorption of tablet 5 by adsorption part 231A can be performed more certainly, and generation of an adsorption mistake can be controlled effectively.

  In general, the time required to open the suction hole 231B where the atmospheric pressure is an adsorbable vacuum pressure to the atmosphere and make the air pressure of the suction hole 231B larger than the adsorbable vacuum pressure (that is, the adsorbable state cannot be adsorbed). The time required for switching to the state) is the time required to supply the negative pressure to the suction hole 231B under atmospheric pressure and to change the pressure of the suction hole 231B to the adsorbable vacuum pressure (that is, the adsorbable from the non-adsorbable state) The time required for switching to the state is shorter. Therefore, the adsorption / non-adsorption of the tablet 5 to the adsorption portion 231A can be switched in a shorter time. Thereby, it can prevent much more reliably that the adsorption | suction mistake of the tablet 5 will arise.

  In addition, the absolute value of the pressure increase rate from the suctionable vacuum pressure at the suction hole 231B in the open air state is larger than the absolute value of the pressure reduction rate at the suction hole 231B by the vacuum pump 234 in the negative pressure supply enabled state. ing. That is, the change rate of the atmospheric pressure in the suction hole 231B when the adsorption unit 231A is changed from the adsorbable state to the non-adsorption state is the change rate of the atmospheric pressure in the suction hole 231B when the adsorption unit 231A is changed from the non-adsorption state to the adsorbable state. Has been bigger than. Therefore, the suction portion 231A can be switched more quickly from the suction enabled state to the suction disabled state. Thereby, generation | occurrence | production of the adsorption | suction mistake can be prevented more reliably.

  In addition, since the suction portion 231A can be switched more quickly from the suckable state to the non-suckable state, the opening timing can be made closer to the timing at which the suction portion 231A reaches the suction position P5. As a result, the first timing can be delayed as much as possible, and it is not necessary to start supplying negative pressure (starting suction) from an extremely early stage. As a result, efficient suction is possible.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the maximum value of the change amount of the atmospheric pressure in the suction hole 231B required when the adsorption unit 231A is changed from the adsorbable state to the non-adsorbable state (the difference between the maximum adsorbable vacuum pressure and the final ultimate vacuum pressure). The pressure SA1) is based on the maximum value of the change amount of the atmospheric pressure in the suction hole 231B required when the adsorption portion 231A is changed from the non-adsorbable state to the adsorbable state (the differential pressure SA2 between the atmospheric pressure and the maximum adsorbable vacuum pressure). It is also small. Therefore, the suction portion 231A can be switched more quickly from the suction enabled state to the suction disabled state. As a result, it is possible to more reliably prevent the occurrence of adsorption mistakes.

  In addition, if the vent hole 231C reaches the negative pressure space portion S2 as the rotary drum 231 rotates, the pre-evacuation of the suction hole 231B is automatically started, and the vent hole 231C enters the switching space portion S3. If it reaches, the suction possible state in the suction part 231A is automatically maintained or released. Therefore, switching between pre-evacuation and maintenance / release of the suckable state is always performed at a fixed position. As a result, it is possible to further suppress the occurrence of adsorption mistakes and to achieve a stable operation of the apparatus.

  Further, since negative pressure can be supplied to the suction holes 231B in all the suction portions 231A located in the suction maintenance region P4, the tablet 5 is more reliably suctioned to the suction portion 231A and moved toward the collection position P1. Can be transported. Therefore, the drop of the tablet 5 at the time of conveyance can be suppressed effectively, and the tablet 5 can be collected more reliably.

  Further, the suction holes 231B in all the suction portions 231A located between the position before the recovery position P1 and at least the recovery position P1 are opened to the atmosphere, and the suction of the tablets 5 in the suction portion 231A is released. Therefore, the recovery of the tablet 5 by the recovery device 24 can be performed more reliably and more easily.

  In addition, the tip of the suction portion 231A enters the pocket portion 2 at the suction position P5. Therefore, the tablet 5 can be more reliably adsorbed to the adsorbing portion 231A.

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

  Moreover, since collection | recovery of the tablet 5 is performed before attachment of the cover film 4, it is not necessary to tear the cover film 4 at the time of collection | recovery, and application of the external pressure with respect to the tablet 5 can be prevented. Furthermore, since the tablet 5 is collected before reaching both the rolls 20 and 27 constituting the sealing means, it is possible to more reliably prevent vibration accompanying the conveyance from being applied to the tablet 5 over a long period of time. Together, these can effectively prevent the recovered tablets 5 from being damaged. Thereby, the tablet 5 in a good state can be reused without performing time-consuming work such as re-inspection on the collected tablet 5. As a result, the production cost can be effectively suppressed while ensuring the safety and reliability of the reused tablet 5 more reliably.

  Further, since the tablet 5 is collected before the cover film 4 is attached, the influence of heat by the heating roll 27 does not reach the tablet 5. Thereby, the safety | security and reliability in the tablet 5 to be reused can be ensured more reliably.

  In addition, since the tablet 5 is collected at a relatively early stage before reaching the both rolls 20 and 27, moisture absorption of the tablet 5 can be suppressed. Thereby, the safety | security and reliability in the tablet 5 to be reused can be further ensured.

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

  Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 22, as a defective PTP sheet 1, all the tablets 5 are collected and all the pocket portions 2 are empty as the foreign matter P is detected. As shown in FIG. 23, the one in which the tablet 5 remains can be discharged. Here, in the defective PTP sheet 1 in which all the pocket portions 2 are emptied, the sheet planned portion is abnormal in the sheet itself, or an abnormality that the tablet 5 is not accommodated in a part of the pocket portions 2 (so-called “missing”). As a result of being determined to be defective by "lock"), it is discharged. In addition, the defective PTP sheet 1 in which the tablets 5 remain is discharged as a result of determining that the planned portion of the sheet is defective due to an abnormality in the remaining tablets 5. Therefore, by looking at the state of the discharged PTP sheet 1, it is possible to easily determine for what reason it is determined to be defective. Further, when the tablet 5 remains, the abnormality that has occurred can be easily identified by looking at the remaining tablet 5 and the sheet portion. As a result, the inspection item in which the defect has occurred can be easily identified, and appropriate measures can be executed at an early stage.

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

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

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

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

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

  Further, the PTP film 6 has a configuration in which the number of pocket portions 2 corresponding to one sheet is arranged along the width direction, but is not limited to this, for example, in the width direction. A configuration in which the number of pocket portions 2 corresponding to a plurality of sheets is arranged along may be used.

  Further, the shape (outer diameter, etc.) of the rotating drum 231, the number of the adsorbing portions 231 </ b> A, the arrangement, and the like may be appropriately changed in accordance with the shape change of the PTP sheet 1 or the PTP film 6.

(B) In the above embodiment, the pickup device 23 is used to collect the non-defective tablet 5 from the sheet corresponding portion determined to be defective. However, the use of the pickup device 23 is not limited to this. The pickup device 23 can be used for various purposes. For example, as shown in FIG. 24, for example, in a blister sheet 101 that contains granular confectionery or the like as an article, only one blister sheet 101 among a plurality (for example, 100) of blister sheets 101 is normally stored. This can be used when an article 5B different from the article 5A to be stored (for example, one that means “win”) is accommodated. When manufacturing such a blister sheet 101, an article filling device 102 for filling the article 5A and an article filling device 103 for filling the article 5B are provided. In the article filling apparatus 102, the articles are usually placed in all pocket portions. While setting is made so as to fill 5A, in order to cope with the filling of the article 5B by the article filling apparatus 103 that occurs infrequently, it is set so as not to fill the article 5A into the pocket portion that is scheduled to be filled with the article 5B. There is a need.

  On the other hand, when the pickup device 23 is used, for example, as shown in FIG. 25, the article filling device 102 located at the uppermost stream fills all pockets with the article 5A, and the article filling is performed. The pickup device 23 arranged downstream of the device 102 is configured to take out the article 5A from the pocket portion where the article filling device 103 is to be filled with the article 5B. By configuring in this way, the upstream side article filling apparatus 102 only needs to fill all pocket parts with the article 5A, and in the article filling apparatus 102, the pocket part to be filled with the article 5B is provided. On the other hand, it is not necessary to make a setting such that the article 5A is not filled. Accordingly, the work related to the adjustment of the article filling apparatus 102 can be performed more easily.

  The pickup device 23 can also be used when it is desired to leave a predetermined pocket portion open.

  (C) In the above embodiment, the recovery and non-recovery of the tablet 5 from the planned sheet part is determined based only on the quality of the scheduled sheet part itself. On the other hand, the recovery and non-recovery of the tablet 5 from the planned sheet part is based on the quality of the planned sheet part itself and the quality of the planned sheet part located before and after (immediately upstream and immediately downstream) of the scheduled sheet part. It is also possible to decide. For example, in the method described in the above embodiment, even when the tablet 5 is set to be collected from a certain scheduled sheet part, the planned sheet part positioned before and after the certain scheduled sheet part is a predetermined inspection item. When it is determined to be defective in (for example, the inspection items Z1, Z2), the collection of the tablet 5 from the certain scheduled sheet portion may be stopped. In this case, when the tablets 5 are collected, it is possible to more reliably prevent a situation in which foreign matter or the like at the adjacent scheduled part of the sheet determined to be defective is adsorbed to the adsorbing portion 231A. Thereby, the safety | security etc. in the collect | recovered tablet 5 can be improved more.

  (D) In the above embodiment, the case where the article is the tablet 5 is embodied, but the type, shape, etc. of the article are not particularly limited. For example, the article such as food, electronic parts, medical instruments, etc. It may be different from the tablet 5.

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

  (F) In the above embodiment, the article conveying means is configured by the tablet conveying tube 25 and the blower 242B, and the tablet 5 is conveyed by air. However, the configuration of the article conveying means is limited to this. Is not to be done. Therefore, for example, the article conveying means may be configured by a conveyor that conveys the article.

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

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

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

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

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

  (K) In the above embodiment, the rotating drum 231 is provided with the protruding suction portion 231A. However, the suction portion 231A does not necessarily have a protruding shape. Therefore, for example, the outer peripheral surface of the rotating drum may be formed into a smooth shape without protrusions, and the suction portion may be configured by a portion that forms a suction hole in the rotating drum.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... PTP sheet (blister sheet), 2 ... Pocket part, 3 ... Container film, 4 ... Cover film, 5 ... Tablet (article), 6 ... PTP film (blister film), 11 ... PTP packaging machine (blister packaging machine) , 20 ... Film receiving roll, 21 ... Tablet filling device (filling means), 22 ... Pre-seal inspection device (inspection means), 23 ... Pickup device, 24 ... Collection device (collection means), 25 ... Tablet transport tube, 27 ... Heating roll, 37 ... sheet punching device (punching means), 216 ... storage section, 231 ... rotating drum, 231A ... adsorption section, 231B ... suction hole, 231C ... ventilation hole, 232 ... fixed valve, 232A ... space section, 234 ... Vacuum pump (negative pressure supply means), 235 ... Switching solenoid valve (switching means), 236 ... Upstream flat plate part (flying prevention means), 237 ... Downstream side flat plate part (flying prevention) Stage), S1 ... air open space, S2 ... negative pressure space section, S3 ... switching diversion between section, S4 ... suction maintenance space, P1 ... collecting position, P4 ... adsorption maintaining region, P5 ... suction position.

Claims (9)

A plurality of suction portions each having a predetermined suction hole are provided on the outer periphery side by side in the axial direction and the circumferential direction, and a rotating drum that can be rotated according to the article to be conveyed,
Negative pressure supply means for supplying a negative pressure to the suction hole, and setting the atmospheric pressure of the suction hole to an adsorbable vacuum pressure that is a vacuum pressure at which the article to be conveyed is adsorbed to the adsorption unit;
When the rotary drum is rotated and the suction part in which the corresponding suction hole is at the vacuum pressure capable of being sucked reaches the predetermined suction position, the conveyed article is placed in the suction part. A pickup device configured to be absorbed
Supply of negative pressure to the corresponding suction hole is started by the negative pressure supply means from a first timing that is a stage before the suction portion reaches the suction position, and the suction is performed after the first timing. At a second timing, which is a stage before the part reaches the suction position, the corresponding suction hole pressure is set as the suctionable vacuum pressure,
A switching means capable of switching between a negative pressure supply capable state in which a negative pressure can be supplied from the negative pressure supply means to the suction hole, and an atmospheric release state in which the suction hole is opened to the atmosphere;
Control means for controlling the switching means,
The control means is capable of recognizing whether or not each of the suction portions should suck an article at the suction position.
With respect to the adsorbing part recognized as adsorbing, the control means can supply the negative pressure from the first timing to at least a third timing after the adsorbing part passes through the adsorbing position. Controlling the switching means so that is maintained,
With respect to the suction unit recognized as not to be sucked, the control means sets the air release state at a predetermined release timing after the suction unit passes the suction position after the second timing. A pickup device that controls the switching means to be Than the absolute value of the pressure reduction speed at the suction hole by the negative pressure supply means in the negative pressure supply possible state,
2. The pickup device according to claim 1, wherein an absolute value of a pressure increase rate from the suctionable vacuum pressure at the suction hole in the air release state is larger. The negative pressure supply means sets the air pressure of the suction hole to a final ultimate vacuum pressure smaller than a maximum adsorbable vacuum pressure that is a maximum atmospheric pressure among the vacuum pressures at which the article is adsorbed to the adsorption unit. Is possible,
In the second timing, the pressure of the corresponding suction hole is set to the final ultimate vacuum pressure,
The pressure difference between the maximum adsorbable vacuum and the ultimate vacuum pressure, a pickup device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that less than the pressure difference between the atmospheric pressure and the maximum adsorbable vacuum. Inside the rotating drum, there are provided a plurality of ventilation holes that communicate with the suction holes individually and open at one end surface of the rotating drum,
One end surface of the rotating drum is covered with a fixed valve including a plurality of space portions communicating with the vent holes along the rotation direction of the rotating drum,
The space portion is
A negative pressure is supplied from the negative pressure supply means, and the vent hole communicates with the rotation of the rotating drum, whereby a negative pressure space portion that makes the suction hole air pressure the adsorbable vacuum pressure, and
After the switching means is switched to a state in which negative pressure is supplied from the negative pressure supply means or a state in which the negative pressure is released to the atmosphere, and after communicating with the negative pressure space as the rotating drum rotates A switching space portion that individually sets the suction holes in the suction portions arranged in a row in the axial direction of the rotating drum to be capable of supplying the negative pressure or in an open state to the atmosphere. The pickup device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the pickup device is provided. The article adsorbed to the adsorbing unit is conveyed by the rotation of the rotating drum, and is configured to be collected when it reaches vertically above the rotating shaft of the rotating drum,
The adsorption position is located vertically below the rotation axis of the rotating drum,
The suction unit is configured to pass through the suction position along with the rotation of the rotating drum, and then pass through a predetermined suction maintenance region to reach a collection position located vertically above the rotation shaft,
The space portion is
The negative pressure is supplied from the negative pressure supply means, and the suction hole communicates with the suction holes in all the suction portions located in the suction maintenance area by communicating with the vent holes as the rotary drum rotates. Maintenance space,
All the adsorbing parts that are maintained between the recovery position and at least the recovery position are maintained in a state where they are open to the atmosphere and the vent hole communicates with the rotation of the rotating drum. The pickup device according to claim 4, further comprising an atmosphere opening space portion that communicates with the suction hole. The article is conveyed in a state of being accommodated in a hollow pocket portion,
The suction portion protrudes on the outer peripheral side, and the suction hole is opened at the tip surface thereof,
6. The structure according to claim 1, wherein when the suction portion reaches the suction position, a tip portion of the suction portion enters the inside of the pocket portion. Pickup device. Filling means for filling a predetermined article into a pocket portion formed in a container film to be conveyed;
On the downstream side of the filling means, sealing means for attaching a band-shaped cover film to the container film so as to close the pocket portion;
On the downstream side of the sealing means, punching means for punching a blister film in which the cover film is attached to the container film in a sheet unit to obtain a predetermined blister sheet;
An inspection unit that is provided between the filling unit and the sealing unit, and performs a pass / fail determination on a plurality of inspection items including items related to the pass / fail of the article with respect to a scheduled sheet portion that eventually becomes the blister sheet;
A recovery means capable of recovering the article,
The pick-up device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the pick-up device is a blister packaging machine provided between the inspection means and the sealing means.
The control means of the pick-up apparatus, when the inspection means determines that at least one of the inspection items is defective, from the corresponding scheduled part of the sheet, the item regarding the quality of the article by the inspection means. Recognizing that the determined article is to be adsorbed by the adsorbing unit;
The blister packaging machine, wherein the collection means is configured to collect the article adsorbed by the adsorption unit. The filling means has a storage part for storing the article,
The blister packaging machine according to claim 7, wherein the collection unit includes an article conveyance unit that conveys the collected article to the storage unit.   Along the transport direction of the container film, before and after the position where the article is adsorbed by the adsorbing part, the opening of the pocket part is closed and the jumping out prevention prevents the article from jumping out of the pocket part. A blister packaging machine according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that means are provided.

Images