JP6852021B2 - Inspection equipment, PTP packaging machine and PTP sheet manufacturing method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an inspection device for inspecting a stamp attached to a PTP sheet, a PTP wrapping machine equipped with the inspection device, and a method for manufacturing the PTP sheet.

A PTP (press-through pack) sheet is known as a blister pack sheet generally used in the field of pharmaceuticals and the like.

The PTP sheet is composed of a container film in which a pocket portion filled with contents such as tablets is formed, and a cover film attached so as to seal the opening side of the pocket portion with respect to the container film. .. Generally, the container film is formed of a transparent resin material or the like, and the cover film is formed of an aluminum foil or the like as a base material.

Further, identification information such as a lot number is engraved on the cover film side of the PTP sheet (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Such a PTP sheet is applied to a container film so as to form a pocket portion with respect to the container film conveyed in a strip shape, a filling step of filling the pocket portion with contents, and sealing the opening side of the pocket portion. On the other hand, a mounting step of attaching the cover film, a marking step of marking a predetermined position of the strip-shaped PTP film formed by attaching the cover film to the container film, a step of punching the strip-shaped PTP film in units of PTP sheets, etc. Manufactured after.

In the engraving process, engraving is not properly formed due to improper operation of the engraving device, or even if it is operating, due to abnormal mounting of the chopsticks (type), wear of the chopsticks, temperature of the chopsticks, etc. There is a possibility that a PTP sheet with defective engraving may occur, such as a defective product, a defective product in which the engraving is incompletely formed, or a defective product in which the cover film is cut.

In this way, even if some kind of defect occurs in the stamping process and it becomes impossible to produce a good PTP sheet, if the production is continued without the worker noticing such a defect, many defective products will occur. There is a risk that it will end up.

For this reason, although it is not performed in Patent Document 1, it is originally required to inspect the marking, such as the presence or absence of the marking and the quality of the formation state thereof, in the manufacturing process of the PTP sheet.

On the other hand, there is also a method of performing an offline inspection related to engraving after the production of the PTP sheet is completed (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2002-87413 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 10-129611

However, in the prior art according to Patent Document 2, as shown in FIG. 16, the PTP sheet 100 is irradiated with light from the cover film 101 side, and the light reflected from the cover film 101 is imaged by the image pickup apparatus 102. , It is configured to inspect the stamp 103.

More specifically, of the lights L21 and L22 irradiated on the cover film 101, only the light L21 reflected on the exposed surface of the marking 103 is incident on the image pickup apparatus 102, and the general part of the cover film 101 (non-marking). The light L22 reflected in the formation region) is set so as not to be incident on the image pickup apparatus 102.

That is, in the prior art according to Patent Document 2, the light L21 reflected on the exposed surface of the marking 103 rubbed by the metal of the marking device directly touching the cover film 101 at the time of forming the marking 103 is imaged. , It is configured to detect and inspect the stamp 103.

As described above, the cover film 101 is formed of aluminum foil or the like as a base material, and is softer and more easily scratched than the metal fittings of the engraving device. Therefore, the exposed surface of the engraved 103 that is directly touched and rubbed by the metal may be roughened and the diffused reflection of light may be strong.

As a result, the specular reflection component reflected on the exposed surface of the marking 103 and directed toward the imaging device 102 becomes weak, and a constant amount of light required for detection and inspection of the marking 103 cannot be obtained. For example, the outline portion of the marking 103 is blurred. There is a risk that it will be difficult to properly detect and inspect the marking 103.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is an inspection device and a PTP packaging machine capable of more appropriately inspecting a stamp attached to a PTP sheet, and a method for manufacturing a PTP sheet. Is to provide.

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

Means 1. A predetermined content is housed in a pocket portion formed of a translucent container film, and a cover film is attached to the back surface of a flat portion of the container film so as to close the pocket portion. An inspection device used for manufacturing a PTP sheet having a mark at a predetermined position on the cover film attached to the back surface of a flat portion of the container film.
An irradiation means capable of irradiating the cover film with a predetermined light from the surface side of the container film through the container film.
An imaging means capable of imaging the cover film irradiated with the predetermined light from the surface side of the container film through the container film.
An image processing means for processing an image signal output from the image pickup means is provided.
The irradiation means
The incident angle of the predetermined light on the flat portion surface of the container film is reflected (including secondary reflection) from one of the general portion of the cover film and the marking of the light incident on the container film. ), The light emitted from the container film is substantially incident on the imaging means, and the light reflected from the other (including secondary reflection) and emitted from the container film is not substantially incident on the imaging means. Set to a predetermined angle,
The image processing means
An engraving detecting means capable of detecting the engraving by discriminating between light and darkness in the cover film based on the image data obtained from the image signal.
An inspection apparatus provided with an inspection means (for example, a determination means capable of determining the quality of the marking) for inspecting the marking based on the detection result of the marking detection means.

The same applies hereinafter, but the "flat portion (flange portion) of the container film" is defined as "a substantially flat portion (pocket) of the container film in which the pocket portion is not formed and the cover film is attached. Part non-forming area) ”.

The "general part of the cover film" refers to "a part of the cover film that is not marked (non-marked area)".

The "translucent container film (container film having a property of transmitting light)" includes a "transparent container film" having a high light transmittance and allowing the other side to be seen through the film. Here, "transparent" is an expression indicating the material of the film having translucency, and is irrelevant to the presence or absence of color. Therefore, the "transparent" container film includes, for example, a "colorless and transparent" container film as well as a "colored transparent" container film.

According to the above means 1, the cover film attached to the container film is irradiated with a predetermined light from the surface side of the container film through the container film, and the cover film irradiated with the light is irradiated with the surface side of the container film. Image is taken through the container film.

Here, the incident angle of the predetermined light on the surface of the flat portion of the container film is reflected from one of the general portion and the marking of the cover film among the light incident on the container film, and the light emitted from the container film is emitted. The light that is substantially incident on the imaging means and is reflected from the other side and emitted from the container film is set at a predetermined angle that is substantially not incident on the imaging means.

As a result, in the luminance image data acquired by the imaging means, one of the general portion and the engraving of the cover film appears bright and the other appears dark.

Therefore, by setting a predetermined threshold value in consideration of the difference between light and dark (luminance difference), the marking can be detected as a bright part or a dark part. As a result, it is possible to inspect the marking, such as determining the quality of the marking attached to the PTP sheet.

For example, when light is irradiated at a large incident angle whose incident angle is larger than the "specific angle or specific angle range", the engraving appears brighter in the acquired luminance image data than in the general portion of the cover film.

On the contrary, when the light is irradiated at a small incident angle whose incident angle is smaller than the "specific angle or specific angle range", the marking appears darker in the acquired luminance image data than in the general part of the cover film.

In particular, according to this means, the marking is detected and inspected by photographing the non-exposed surface side (the surface protected by the container film) of the cover film. The non-exposed surface of the engraving is unlikely to have a problem that the surface is roughened and diffused reflection of light becomes strong like the exposed surface of the engraving that the metal of the engraving device directly touches and rubs. As a result, it becomes possible to detect the marking more appropriately and perform the inspection related to the marking more appropriately.

The above-mentioned "specific angle or specific angle range" is an angle or angle range (for example, 30 ° or more and less than 45 °) at which it is difficult or impossible to distinguish between the general part of the cover film and the marking due to light and darkness, and the shape of the marking. It is determined by (V-shaped angle, etc.), the light transmittance of the container film, the light reflectance of the cover film, and the like. Therefore, the "specific angle or specific angle range" differs depending on the product specifications.

Further, in the means 1, "the irradiation means means that the incident angle of the predetermined light on the surface of the flat portion of the container film is the light incident on the container film, the general portion of the cover film and the marking. The light reflected from one of them and emitted from the container film is substantially incident on the imaging means, and the light reflected from the other and emitted from the container film is set at a predetermined angle so as not to be substantially incident on the imaging means. Can be rephrased as "the irradiation means is set to a predetermined angle excluding a specific angle or a specific angle range (for example, 30 ° or more and less than 45 °)".

Means 2. The irradiation means
The incident angle of the predetermined light on the flat portion surface of the container film is the light that is reflected (including secondary reflection) from the marking and emitted from the container film among the light incident on the container film. A predetermined large incident angle (including secondary reflection) that is substantially incident on the imaging means and is reflected (including secondary reflection) from the general portion of the cover film so that the light emitted from the container film is not substantially incident on the imaging means. For example, it is set to 45 ° or more and less than 90 °).
The stamp detecting means is
The inspection apparatus according to means 1, wherein a bright portion in the image data is detectable as the marking.

According to the above means 2, in the image data acquired by the imaging means, the engraving appears brighter than the general part of the cover film or the like. Therefore, it is possible to more appropriately detect the engraving without being affected by the printed portion of symbols, characters, patterns, etc. printed on the cover film, or the foreign matter adhering to the surface of the flat portion of the container film. ..

Means 3. The irradiation means
The incident angle of the predetermined light on the surface of the flat portion of the container film reflects (including secondary reflection) from the general portion of the cover film among the light incident on the container film, thereby causing the container film. A predetermined small incident angle (including a predetermined small incident angle) in which the emitted light is substantially incident on the imaging means and the light emitted from the container film by being reflected (including secondary reflection) from the marking is not substantially incident on the imaging means. For example, it is set to 0 ° or more and less than 30 °).
The stamp detecting means is
The inspection device according to means 1, wherein a dark portion in the image data can be detected as the marking.

According to the above means 3, in the image data acquired by the imaging means, the general part of the cover film and the like appear brighter than the engraving. Therefore, for example, inspection of foreign matter adhering to the flat surface of the container film, inspection of foreign matter existing between the container film and the cover film, inspection of foreign matter adhering to the contents contained in the pocket, etc. It is also possible to perform other inspections related to the sheet at the same time as the stamp inspection, and it is possible to improve the inspection efficiency.

Further, by setting the incident angle of light to a small incident angle, the position of the irradiation means (optical axis) can be brought closer to the position of the imaging means (optical axis). As a result, it is possible to suppress the expansion of the space for installing the irradiation means and to make the inspection device compact.

Means 4. The inspection means
A character recognition means capable of recognizing characters (including numbers, symbols, etc.) engraved as the engraving based on the detection result of the engraving detecting means, and
Described in any one of means 1 to 3, further comprising a collating means capable of collating the engraved character recognized by the character recognizing means with a character stored in advance in a predetermined storage means. Inspection equipment.

According to the above means 4, it is possible to inspect whether or not the content of the stamp attached to the PTP sheet is appropriate. As a result, the lot number related to the PTP sheet to be manufactured and the content of the marking (lot number) actually attached to the actually manufactured PTP sheet are different from each other due to, for example, a mistake in attaching the metal fitting to the marking device. Even if a defect such as a marking error occurs, the occurrence of such a defect can be detected at an early stage by the above collation. As a result, the abnormality notification process, the production line stop process, and the like can be executed at an early stage based on the result of the above collation.

Means 5. A second irradiation means capable of irradiating a film body (PTP film or PTP sheet) formed by attaching the cover film to the container film with a predetermined light,
The second irradiation means is provided on the opposite side via the film body, and includes a second imaging means capable of capturing light that has passed through the film body.
The image processing means
A marking penetrating portion detecting means capable of detecting a marking penetrating portion penetrating the cover film by discriminating between light and darkness in the film body based on image data acquired from an image signal output from the second imaging means. The inspection apparatus according to any one of means 1 to 4, wherein the inspection apparatus is provided with.

For example, if the amount of metal that bites into the film body such as PTP film is too large due to a malfunction of the engraving device, the cover film is cut and a cut, that is, an engraving penetration portion is formed in a part of the cover film. There is a risk of

In such a case, according to the above means 5, a part of the light emitted from the second irradiation means to the film body passes through the engraved penetrating portion and is imaged by the second imaging means. Then, in the image data acquired by the second imaging means, the portion where the engraved penetrating portion exists appears brighter than the other normal portions.

That is, when a bright portion is detected in the image data acquired by the second imaging means, it can be determined that a cut (engraved penetrating portion) is formed in the cover film.

As a result, for example, the thickness of the engraved (character) is within the appropriate range, but defective products that cannot be detected by the reflected light type inspection, such as defective products in which the engraved penetrates the film body, are more reliably detected. Can be detected. As a result, it is possible to further improve the inspection accuracy in the inspection related to marking.

Here, the optical axis of the second irradiation means is set along the normal direction of the film body (the flat surface of the container film or the general part of the cover film) (incident angle 0 °), and the normal direction of the film body. It is preferable that the optical axis of the second imaging means is set along the above.

Means 6. A PTP packaging machine including the inspection device according to any one of the above means 1 to 5.

By equipping the PTP packaging machine with the inspection device according to the means 1 or the like as in the means 6, there is an advantage that the PTP sheet (defective product) having poor engraving formation can be excluded in the manufacturing process of the PTP sheet.

Generally, in a PTP packaging machine, a pocket portion forming means for forming a pocket portion with respect to a container film conveyed in a strip shape, a filling means for filling the pocket portion with contents, and the pocket portion being filled with the contents. An attachment means for attaching the band-shaped cover film to the container film so as to close the pocket portion, and a band-shaped film body (PTP film) formed by attaching the cover film to the container film. The film includes a marking means for marking a predetermined position on the cover film side, and a cutting means for separating the PTP sheet from the strip-shaped film body (including a punching means for punching in sheet units). In addition, the PTP packaging machine may be configured to include a discharge means for discharging the PTP sheet determined to be defective by the inspection device.

Here, in the means 6, the inspection device may be arranged in the “post-process of marking by the marking means and the pre-process of separating the PTP sheet by the cutting means”.

In this way, a PTP sheet (defective product) having poor engraving formation can be detected at an earlier stage after the engraving process. As a result, the production of the PTP sheet can be stopped at an earlier stage, and the number of defective products can be suppressed.

Further, in the pre-process in which the PTP sheet is separated from the strip-shaped film body (PTP film), the position and orientation of the PTP sheet range to be inspected are kept constant with respect to the irradiation means and the imaging means at the time of inspection. ing. Therefore, when detecting and inspecting the marking, it is not necessary to adjust the position and orientation of the PTP sheet range in advance, and the inspection can be performed more easily and at higher speed. As a result, the inspection accuracy can be further improved.

Further, the inspection device may be arranged in the "post-process after the PTP sheet is separated by the cutting means". In such a case, it can be confirmed at the final stage whether or not defective products are mixed.

Means 7. A PTP sheet in which a predetermined content is housed in a pocket portion formed of a translucent container film, and a cover film is attached to the back surface of a flat portion of the container film so as to close the pocket portion. It is a manufacturing method of a PTP sheet for manufacturing
A pocket portion forming step of forming the pocket portion with respect to the container film conveyed in a strip shape,
A filling step of filling the pocket portion with the contents, and
An attachment step of attaching the band-shaped cover film to the container film in which the pocket portion is filled with the contents so as to close the pocket portion.
A marking step of marking a predetermined position on the cover film side of a strip-shaped film body (PTP film) in which the cover film is attached to the container film.
A cutting step of separating the PTP sheet from the strip-shaped film body (including a punching step of punching in sheet units) and
It is equipped with a stamp inspection process for inspecting the stamp .
In the stamp inspection process,
An irradiation step of irradiating the cover film with a predetermined light from the surface side of the container film through the container film.
An imaging step in which the cover film irradiated with the predetermined light is imaged through the container film from the surface side of the container film using an imaging means.
A marking detection step of detecting the marking by discriminating between light and darkness in the cover film based on the image data acquired in the imaging step, and a marking detection step.
In the irradiation step
The incident angle of the predetermined light on the flat portion surface of the container film is reflected (including secondary reflection) from one of the general portion of the cover film and the marking of the light incident on the container film. ), The light emitted from the container film is substantially incident on the imaging means, and the light reflected from the other (including secondary reflection) and emitted from the container film is not substantially incident on the imaging means. A method for manufacturing a PTP sheet, which is characterized in that it is set at a predetermined angle.

According to the means 7, the same effects as those of the means 6 are exhibited. Therefore, in the means 7, the marking inspection step may be performed in a “post-process after the marking step and before the cutting step”. Further, the marking inspection step may be performed in a "post-process after the cutting step".

(A) is a perspective view showing the front side of the PTP sheet, and (b) is a perspective view showing the back side of the PTP sheet. It is a partially enlarged sectional view of the PTP sheet. It is a perspective view which shows the PTP film. It is a schematic diagram which shows the schematic structure of the PTP packaging machine. It is a cross-sectional view of the XZ plane part of the marking device which mainly shows the base mechanism part. It is a cross-sectional view of the XZ plane part of the marking device which mainly shows the pressurizing mechanism part. It is a YY plane partial sectional view of the engraving device which mainly shows a pressurizing mechanism part. It is a partially enlarged sectional view of the marking device which shows the elastic mechanism part. It is a partially enlarged sectional view of the engraving device which shows the chopping metal and the like. It is a block diagram which shows the electrical structure of a stamp inspection apparatus. It is a schematic diagram which shows the arrangement structure of the stamp inspection apparatus. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the optical path of the light radiated from the lighting apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the inspection routine. It is a schematic diagram which shows the arrangement structure of the stamp inspection apparatus which concerns on another embodiment. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the optical path of the light emitted from the lighting apparatus which concerns on another embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the arrangement structure of the conventional inspection apparatus.

Hereinafter, one embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. First, the configuration of the PTP sheet will be described in detail.

As shown in FIGS. 1 (a), 1 (b) and 2, the PTP sheet 1 has a container film 3 having a plurality of pocket portions 2 and a flat portion 3a of the container film 3 so as to close the pocket portions 2. It has a cover film 4 attached to the back surface of the.

The container film 3 in the present embodiment is formed of a colorless and transparent thermoplastic resin material such as PP (polypropylene) or PVC (polyvinyl chloride), and has translucency.

On the other hand, the cover film 4 is formed of an opaque material such as an aluminum foil (aluminum laminate film) on which a sealant made of polypropylene resin or the like is provided on the surface, and does not have translucency.

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

The container film 3 of the PTP sheet 1 is formed with a plurality of cutting slits 7 so that the PTP sheet 1 can be separated into 6 units of sheet pieces including two pocket portions 2. Each of the cutting slits 7 is formed along the sheet lateral direction of the PTP sheet 1.

Further, a tag portion 8 is provided at one end of the PTP sheet 1 in the longitudinal direction of the sheet. As shown in FIG. 1 (b), a stamp K is attached to the cover film 4 side of the tag portion 8.

In the present embodiment, the lot number "ABC001" as identification information consisting of a combination of 6 characters (including numbers) is attached as a stamp K. Of course, the structure related to the engraving, such as the number of characters and the content of the engraving K, is not limited to this. For example, in place of or in addition to the lot number, the date of manufacture, the expiration date, etc. may be attached as a stamp K.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the marking K can be visually recognized from the container film 3 side in a state of being inverted upside down via the transparent container film 3.

Each character ("A", "B", "C", "0", "0", "1") constituting the engraved K is a groove portion engraved on the cover film 4 side in a substantially V-shaped cross section. It is composed of.

The PTP sheet 1 (see FIG. 1) is manufactured by punching a strip-shaped PTP film 9 (see FIG. 3) as a film body formed of a strip-shaped container film 3 and a strip-shaped cover film 4 into a sheet shape. To.

Next, the schematic configuration of the PTP packaging machine 10 for manufacturing the PTP sheet 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 4, on the most upstream side of the PTP packaging machine 10, the original fabric of the strip-shaped container film 3 is wound in a roll shape. The drawer end side of the container film 3 wound in a roll shape is guided by the guide roll 13. The container film 3 is hung on the intermittent feed roll 14 on the downstream side of the guide roll 13. The intermittent feed roll 14 is connected to a motor that rotates intermittently, and intermittently conveys the container film 3.

A heating device 15 and a pocket portion forming device 16 are sequentially arranged between the guide roll 13 and the intermittent feed roll 14 along the transport path of the container film 3. Then, in a state where the container film 3 is heated by the heating device 15 and the container film 3 becomes relatively flexible, a plurality of pocket portions 2 are formed at predetermined positions of the container film 3 by the pocket portion forming device 16 ( Pocket part forming process). The heating device 15 and the pocket portion forming device 16 constitute the pocket portion forming means in the present embodiment. The pocket portion 2 is formed at the interval between the transfer operations of the container film 3 by the intermittent feed roll 14.

The container film 3 fed from the intermittent feed roll 14 is hung in the order of the tension roll 18, the guide roll 19, and the film receiving roll 20. Since the film receiving roll 20 is connected to a motor that rotates constantly, the container film 3 is continuously conveyed at a constant speed. The tension roll 18 is in a state of pulling the container film 3 toward the tension side by the elastic force, and prevents the container film 3 from bending 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 tense state.

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

The tablet filling device 21 has a function as a filling means for automatically filling the pocket portion 2 with the tablet 5. The tablet filling device 21 drops the tablet 5 by opening the shutter at predetermined intervals in synchronization with the transport operation of the container film 3 by the film receiving roll 20, and each pocket portion is accompanied by this shutter opening operation. 2 is filled with the tablet 5 (filling step).

The tablet inspection device 22 mainly inspects whether or not the tablet 5 is surely filled in each pocket portion 2, whether or not the tablet portion 5 is abnormal, whether or not foreign matter is mixed in the pocket portion 2, and the like. belongs to.

On the other hand, the original fabric of the cover film 4 formed in a strip shape is wound in a roll shape on the most upstream side.

The drawer end of the cover film 4 wound in a roll shape is guided toward the heating roll 25 by the guide roll 24. The heating roll 25 can be pressure-contacted with the film receiving roll 20, and the container film 3 and the cover film 4 are fed between the rolls 20 and 25.

Then, the container film 3 and the cover film 4 pass between the rolls 20 and 25 in a heat and pressure contact state, so that the cover film 4 is attached to the container film 3 and the pocket portion 2 is closed by the cover film 4. (Attachment process). As a result, a strip-shaped PTP film 9 in which the tablet 5 is housed in each pocket portion 2 is produced. Therefore, the film receiving roll 20 and the heating roll 25 constitute the mounting means in the present embodiment.

The PTP film 9 fed from the film receiving roll 20 is hung in the order of the tension roll 27 and the intermittent feed roll 28. Since the intermittent feed roll 28 is connected to a motor that rotates intermittently, the PTP film 9 is intermittently conveyed. The tension roll 27 is in a state of pulling the PTP film 9 toward the tension side by the elastic force, and prevents the PTP film 9 from bending due to the difference in the transport operation between the film receiving roll 20 and the intermittent feed roll 28. The PTP film 9 is always kept in a tense state.

The PTP film 9 fed from the intermittent feed roll 28 is hung in the order of the tension roll 33 and the intermittent feed roll 34. Since the intermittent feed roll 34 is connected to a motor that rotates intermittently, the PTP film 9 is intermittently conveyed. The tension roll 33 is in a state of pulling the PTP film 9 toward the tension side by the elastic force, and prevents the PTP film 9 from bending between the intermittent feed rolls 28 and 34.

A slit forming device 29, a marking device 30, and a marking inspection device 31 are arranged in this order between the intermittent feed roll 28 and the tension roll 33 along the transport path of the PTP film 9.

The slit forming device 29 has a function as a slit forming means for forming a slit 7 for cutting at a predetermined position of the container film 3 in the PTP film 9.

The marking device 30 has a function of marking the marking K at a predetermined position on the cover film 4 side of the PTP film 9 (in the present embodiment, a position corresponding to the tag portion 8 of the PTP sheet 1 after punching).

The marking inspection device 31 is for inspecting the marking K, such as whether or not the marking K is properly attached to the PTP film 9.

The PTP film 9 fed from the intermittent feed roll 34 is hung in the order of the tension roll 35 and the continuous feed roll 36 on the downstream side thereof. A sheet punching device 37 is arranged between the intermittent feed roll 34 and the tension roll 35 along the transport path of the PTP film 9.

The sheet punching device 37 has a function as a sheet punching means (cutting means) for punching the outer edge of the PTP film 9 in units of one PTP sheet. In the present embodiment, the PTP sheet 1 has the short side direction of the sheet along the X-axis direction which is the transport direction (film transport direction) of the PTP film 9, and the longitudinal direction of the sheet is the film transport direction (X-axis). It is punched in the Z-axis direction, which is the vertical direction, along the Y-axis direction, which is the width direction (film width direction) of the PTP film 9 orthogonal to the direction (see FIGS. 1, 3, 4, 4 and the like).

The PTP sheet 1 punched by the sheet punching device 37 is conveyed by the conveyor 39 and temporarily stored in the finished product hopper 40 (cutting step). However, the PTP sheet 1 determined to be a defective product by the tablet inspection device 22 or the stamp inspection device 31 is not sent to the finished product hopper 40, but is separately discharged by a defective sheet discharge mechanism as a discharge means (not shown). ..

A cutting device 41 is arranged on the downstream side of the continuous feed roll 36. Then, the unnecessary film portion 42 constituting the residual material portion (scrap portion) remaining in a strip shape after punching by the sheet punching device 37 is guided to the cutting device 41 after being guided by the tension roll 35 and the continuous feed roll 36. Scrap. The driven roll is pressure-welded to the continuous feed roll 36, and the transfer operation is performed while sandwiching the unnecessary film portion 42. The cutting device 41 has a function of cutting the unnecessary film portion 42 to a predetermined size and scrapping it. This scrap is stored in the scrap hopper 43 and then separately disposed of.

The rolls 14, 20, 28, 33, 34 and the like have a positional relationship in which the roll surface and the pocket portion 2 face each other, but the pocket portion 2 is provided on the surface of the intermittent feed roll 14 and the like. Since the recess to be accommodated is formed, the pocket portion 2 is not crushed. Further, the feeding operation is performed while the pocket portion 2 is housed in each recess such as the intermittent feeding roll 14, so that the intermittent feeding operation and the continuous feeding operation are surely performed.

Although detailed illustration is omitted, the PTP packaging machine 10 is used for drive control of various devices such as the pocket portion forming device 16, the tablet filling device 21, the marking device 30, and the sheet punching device 37, and the intermittent feed roll 14. It is equipped with a management control device that controls drive control of various rollers such as (see FIG. 10).

The management control device includes a CPU as a calculation means, a ROM for storing various programs, a RAM for temporarily storing various data such as calculation data and input / output data, and the like.

Then, the management control device stores various product information related to the PTP sheet 1 to be manufactured, such as the product type information and lot number of the tablet 5, in the RAM. The product information may be artificially set in advance by an input operation of an operator, or may be externally received from a host computer or the like of a factory and automatically set.

Further, on the downstream side of the PTP packaging machine 10, an integration device, a transfer device, a packaging device, and the like (not shown) are installed in order. Then, the rose PTP sheets 1 housed in the finished product hopper 40 are put into a state of being joined together, for example, in pairs, and then a plurality of sets are stacked in the accumulating device. The stacked aggregate composed of the plurality of PTP sheets 1 is transferred to the packaging device while being band-bound by the transfer device, and is pillow-wrapped or the like in the packaging device.

The outline of the PTP packaging machine 10 is as described above, but the configurations of the marking device 30 and the marking inspection device 31 will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

First, the marking device 30 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the XZ plane obtained by cutting the marking device 30 along the XZ plane including the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction, and is a partial cross section mainly showing the base mechanism portion 140 of the marking device 30. It is a figure.

As shown in FIG. 5, the base mechanism portion 140 of the marking device 30 includes a predetermined crank mechanism 141 and a movable base plate 142 provided so as to be vertically movable. More specifically, a bracket 143 is hung and fixed at the lower center of the movable base plate 142, and the crank mechanism 141 is provided on the bracket 143.

The crank mechanism 141 is provided eccentrically with respect to a drive shaft 144A that is rotationally driven by a motor (not shown), a rotary plate 144B provided at the tip of the drive shaft 144A, and an axial center (drive shaft 144A) of the rotary plate 144B. The eccentric shaft 145 is provided, and a connecting arm 146 that connects the eccentric shaft 145 and the bracket 143 is provided.

A plurality of rods 147 are installed on the movable base plate 142 in a hanging state. These rods 147 are inserted into a spool 148 fixed via a bearing mechanism (not shown). As a result, when the drive shaft 144A rotates, the eccentric shaft 145 turns around the drive shaft 144A, and the connecting arm 146 moves up and down. At this time, since the rod 147 is allowed to move only in the Z-axis direction, the movable base plate 142 moves up and down in the Z-axis direction.

Further, the base mechanism portion 140 of the marking device 30 is provided with a top plate 155 fixed immovably above the movable base plate 142. A receiving plate 156 is fixed to the lower part of the top plate 155. The lower surface of the receiving plate 156 is a flat surface. Then, between the receiving plate 156 and the movable base plate 142, the PTP film 9 with the pocket portion 2 facing downward is intermittently conveyed in the right direction in the X-axis direction of FIG.

Stoppers 157 are erected at both ends of the movable base plate 142 in the width direction (Y-axis direction) (see FIG. 7). As a result, when the movable base plate 142 is moved upward, the stopper 157 comes into contact with the receiving plate 156, and the upward movement of the movable base plate 142 by a predetermined amount or more is restricted.

A pressurizing mechanism portion 159 is provided at one end in the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the base mechanism portion 140 (see FIGS. 6 and 7). FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of the XX plane of the marking device 30 mainly showing the pressurizing mechanism portion 159, and FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of the YY plane of the marking device 30 mainly showing the pressurizing mechanism portion 159. It is a figure.

The pressurizing mechanism unit 159 is a mechanism for pressurizing the metal fitting 158 from the cover film 4 side of the PTP film 9 and marking the stamp K on the cover film 4 side of the PTP film 9.

More specifically, a hole 162 is formed at one end in the width direction of the receiving plate 156 and the top plate 155, and a pressurizing mechanism 159 is provided in the hole 162 so as to be movable up and down.

On the other hand, a pressure receiving portion 161 that receives the pressure from the pressurizing mechanism portion 159 on the container film 3 side is provided at one end in the width direction of the movable base plate 142 so as to face the pressurizing mechanism portion 159.

The pressure receiving portion 161 is provided slightly lower than the tip of the stopper 157. As a result, when the stopper 157 comes into contact with the receiving plate 156 when the movable base plate 142 is moved upward, the PTP film 9 is formed between the receiving plate 156 on the periphery of the lower opening of the hole 162 and the pressure receiving portion 161. It is configured so that a gap of about the thickness is generated.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the pressurizing mechanism portion 159 includes a bracket 163 erected on the top plate 155. An air cylinder 164 constituting a pressure adjusting mechanism is provided on the upper portion of the bracket 163. A rod 165 is provided in the lower part of the air cylinder 164 so as to be able to appear and disappear. A support arm 166 is fixed to the lower end of the rod 165. The support arm 166 is provided with a heater block 167 that constitutes a heating mechanism. A metal fitting holder 168 is provided at the lower part of the heater block 167.

The chopstick holder 168 is configured to be able to hold a plurality of chopsticks 158 (up to 10). However, since the stamp K (lot number "ABC001") attached to the PTP sheet 1 of the present embodiment has 6 characters, 6 of the 10 metal holders holding the 10 metal holders 158 are used. Only the minute holders are used, and the remaining four holders are not used.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, six chords 158 corresponding to each character (“A”, “B”, “C”, “0”, “0”, “1”) constituting the engraved K are specified. It is held in the metal holder 168 in order. Further, a lid 169 is attached and fixed to the chopstick holder 168 in order to fix the chopsticks 158.

Then, when the marking device 30 is activated, the air cylinder 164 is driven and the rod 165 projects downward. As a result, as shown by the alternate long and short dash line in FIGS. 6 and 7, the heater block 167 and the like enter the hole 162, and the tip of the metal fitting 158 projects downward from the lower surface of the receiving plate 156 ( (See FIG. 9).

On the other hand, when the marking device 30 is not operating, the rod 165 is immersed in the air cylinder 164. As a result, as shown by the solid line in FIGS. 6 and 7, the chopsticks 158 and the like are held in the standby position.

Further, on the other end side of the receiving plate 156 in the width direction (the side opposite to the pressurizing mechanism portion 159 in the Y-axis direction), a pressure equalizing means is configured so as to face the stopper 157 on the other end side. An elastic mechanism portion 173 is provided.

More specifically, a recess 174 is formed in the receiving plate 156, and a coil spring 175 is provided in the recess 174. A protruding piece 176 is provided at the lower end of the coil spring 175. Then, in a normal state, the protruding piece 176 is in a state of protruding slightly downward from the lower surface of the receiving plate 156 (see FIG. 7).

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8, when the movable base plate 142 moves upward, the pressing force exceeds the urging force of the coil spring 175, and the protruding piece 176 immerses in the recess 174 against the urging force. It is designed to do.

The urging force of the coil spring 175 in the present embodiment is such that the load moment of the pressurizing mechanism portion 159 provided at the opposite end is appropriately adjusted so that the pressure is evenly applied at least in the width direction of the PTP film 9. In addition, the pressing force from the chopstick 158 is set in advance so as to be adjusted.

Next, the configuration of the marking inspection device 31 will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the marking inspection device 31, and FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an arrangement configuration of the marking inspection device 31.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the marking inspection device 31 includes an illumination device 52 as an irradiation means for irradiating the PTP film 9 with a predetermined light, and an imaging means for imaging the PTP film 9 irradiated with the light. The image pickup device (camera) 53 is provided with a control processing device 54 that performs various controls, image processing, arithmetic processing, and the like in the marking inspection device 31 such as drive control of the lighting device 52 and the image pickup device 53.

In the present embodiment, as the lighting device 52, an annular ring light capable of irradiating light from all directions is used.

The lighting device 52 is arranged so as to be able to irradiate a predetermined light from diagonally below with respect to the cover film 4 through the container film 3 located on the lower surface side of the PTP film 9. In this embodiment, it is configured to be able to irradiate diffuse white light (visible light).

More specifically, the lighting device 52 uses a method in which the incident angle α of light with respect to the surface of the flat portion 3a of the container film 3, that is, the optical axis (irradiation direction) JA at each position in its circumferential direction is the surface of the flat portion 3a of the container film 3. The angle α formed with the line direction is set to a large incident angle of 70 °.

The image pickup apparatus 53 is arranged directly below the PTP film 9, and its optical axis JB is set along the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) which is the normal direction of the surface of the flat portion 3a of the container film 3. Then, the image pickup apparatus 53 is configured to be able to image a predetermined inspection range set in advance from the container film 3 side of the PTP film 9. In the present embodiment, a predetermined range including the tag portion 8 is set as the inspection range in the range corresponding to one PTP sheet 1 to be inspected.

In this embodiment, a CCD camera is adopted as the image pickup apparatus 53. Of course, the present invention is not limited to this, and a CMOS camera may be adopted.

As a result, the light emitted from the illuminating device 52 illuminates the PTP film 9, and the reflected light reflected by the PTP film 9 (mainly the reflected light transmitted through the container film 3 and reflected by the cover film 4) is imaged. Two-dimensional imaging will be performed by the device 53.

Here, the image data (luminance image data) imaged and acquired by the image pickup device 53 is converted into a digital signal (image signal) inside the image pickup device 53, and then is converted into a digital signal by the control processing device 54. Entered.

Then, the control processing device 54 performs shading correction on the acquired image data, and then stores the acquired image data in the image data storage device 74, which will be described later. Since it is difficult for the illuminating device 52 to uniformly illuminate the entire predetermined inspection range of the PTP film 9, the shading correction is to correct the variation in brightness caused by the brightness and darkness of the light due to the difference in the position. It is what is done. Of course, a configuration in which shading correction is not performed may be used.

After that, the control processing device 54 performs image processing, arithmetic processing, and the like as described later based on the image data. The control processing device 54 constitutes the image processing means in the present embodiment.

Here, the configuration of the control processing device 54 will be described with reference to FIG. The control processing device 54 is an input device as an "input means" composed of a CPU that controls the entire marking inspection device 31, an input / output interface 71 (hereinafter referred to as "CPU or the like 71"), a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, or the like. 72, a display device 73 as a "display means" having a display screen such as a CRT or a liquid crystal, an image data storage device 74 for storing various image data, and a calculation result storage device 75 for storing various calculation results. , A setting data storage device 76 for storing various information in advance, and the like are provided. Each of these devices 72 to 76 is electrically connected to a CPU or the like 71.

The CPU and the like 71 are connected to the management control device of the PTP packaging machine 10 so as to be able to transmit and receive various signals and various information. As a result, for example, a control signal for operating the defective sheet discharging mechanism can be output to the management control device of the PTP packaging machine 10, and product information such as a lot number can be acquired from the management control device of the PTP packaging machine 10. Can be done.

The image data storage device 74 is for storing luminance image data and the like acquired by the image pickup device 53. Further, at the time of inspection, the image data after the masking process, the binarized image data after the binarization process, and the like are also stored in the image data storage device 74 in the same manner.

The calculation result storage device 75 stores inspection result data, statistical data obtained by probabilistically processing the inspection result data, and the like. These inspection result data and statistical data can be appropriately displayed on the display device 73.

The setting data storage device 76 includes, for example, design data that defines the shapes and dimensions of the PTP sheet 1, the pocket portion 2, and the tablet 5, the contents of the marking K (lot number), various threshold values used for the marking inspection, and non-defective product data. It remembers such things.

Next, the manufacturing process of the PTP sheet 1 will be described. In particular, in the PTP packaging machine 10, the main steps of the present invention after the cover film 4 is attached to the container film 3 will be described.

After the cover film 4 is attached to the container film 3, the PTP film 9 is first sent to the slit forming step performed by the slit forming apparatus 29. In such a slit forming step, the cutting slit 7 is formed at a predetermined position of the PTP film 9 as the movable type (reference numeral omitted) of the slit forming device 29 moves from the standby position to the working position.

When the slit forming step is completed, the PTP film 9 is intermittently conveyed and shifts to the marking step performed by the marking device 30. In such a marking step, the marking K is attached to a position corresponding to the tag portion 8 of the PTP sheet 1 after punching. The details will be described below.

In such a marking step, first, when the intermittently conveyed PTP film 9 is stopped, the movable base plate 142 of the marking device 30 moves upward.

Then, the stopper 157 comes into contact with the lower surface of the receiving plate 156, and the upward movement of the movable base plate 142 by a predetermined amount or more is restricted. At the same time, at a position below the lower opening of the hole 162, the pressure receiving portion 161 is in a state of supporting the PTP film 9 from below (see FIG. 9).

Subsequently, the pressurizing mechanism portion 159 enters the hole portion 162, and the tip of the metal fitting 158 protrudes from the lower surface of the receiving plate 156. As a result, the protruding portion of the chopstick 158 bites into the PTP film 9 from the cover film 4 side, and the portion corresponding to the protruding portion of the chopstick 158 is plastically deformed in a concave shape. As a result, the stamp K is formed on the PTP film 9.

At this time, since the chopstick 158 is heated by the heat transferred from the heater block 167, smooth biting into the PTP film 9 is promoted, and the marking K can be formed more accurately.

In addition, the pressure receiving portion 161 according to the present embodiment is made of stainless steel having a relatively low thermal conductivity, and has a structure that is less likely to receive thermal conductivity. As a result, it is possible to prevent the container film 3 on the opposite side from being significantly softened when the marking K is formed. As a result, it is possible to suppress a problem that the stamp K is crushed and cannot be identified.

When the formation of the marking K is completed as described above, the movable base plate 142 returns to the original position, and the marking process is completed.

When the marking process is completed, the PTP film 9 is intermittently conveyed and shifts to the marking inspection process performed by the marking inspection device 31.

Here, the flow of the marking inspection process will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart and the like of FIG. The inspection routine related to the marking inspection step shown in FIG. 13 is a process that is repeatedly executed every time a predetermined amount of PTP film 9 is intermittently conveyed.

Once the intermittently conveyed PTP film 9 is stopped, the control processing device 54 executes an imaging process (step S1).

Specifically, the control processing device 54 drives and controls the lighting device 52 and the image pickup device 53 based on a signal from an encoder (not shown) provided in the PTP packaging machine 10, and stops the PTP film 9 on the container film 3 side. A predetermined inspection range is irradiated with light from the lighting device 52 (irradiation step), and the inspection range irradiated with the light is imaged by the imaging device 53 (imaging step).

Then, the control processing device 54 takes in the luminance image data captured by the image pickup device 53 into the image data storage device 74. As a result, it is possible to acquire the luminance image data related to the inspection range in the PTP sheet 1 for one sheet to be inspected.

Here, as shown in FIG. 12, of the lights L01 to L03 irradiated from the lighting device 52 toward the PTP film 9 and incident on the container film 3, the inclined surface (non-exposed) of the engraved K on the container film 3 side is finally obtained. Lights L02 and L03 reflected from the surface) and emitted from the surface of the flat portion 3a of the container film 3 are incident on the image pickup apparatus 53.

In the present embodiment, the lights L02 and L03 incident on the container film 3 are once reflected by other parts such as the general part of the cover film 4, and then secondarily reflected by the inclined surface of the marking K. Finally, the film is emitted from the surface of the flat portion 3a of the container film 3 (see FIG. 12).

On the other hand, the light L01 that is reflected by the general portion (non-engraved region) of the cover film 4 and is emitted from the surface of the flat portion 3a of the container film 3 as it is does not enter the image pickup apparatus 53.

The container film 3 is made of a resin material having a predetermined refractive index higher than that of air. Therefore, the light emitted from the lighting device 52 is refracted when it enters the container film 3 and when the light is emitted from the container film 3 again, and the traveling direction thereof changes.

Therefore, since the light reflected mainly from the marking K is imaged by the image pickup apparatus 53, the luminance image data in which the marking K is partially reflected much brighter than the other parts is acquired.

Next, the control processing device 54 executes the binarization process on the luminance image data acquired in step S1 (step S2).

Specifically, based on a predetermined threshold value δ stored in the preset data storage device 76, the luminance image data is defined as “1 (bright)” when the threshold value is δ or more and “0 (dark)” when the threshold value is less than the threshold value δ. Convert to the binarized image data.

As a result, the portion with the marking K (engraving formation region) becomes "1 (bright)", and the other portion (non-engraving formation region) such as the general part of the cover film 4 becomes "0 (dark)". The binarized image data is acquired.

When the conversion to the binarized image data is completed, the control processing device 54 stores the binarized image data in the image data storage device 74.

Next, the control processing device 54 executes the mass processing on the binarized image data acquired in step S2 (step S3).

In such a mass processing, a process of specifying each connected component for "0 (dark)" and "1 (bright)" of the binarized image data and a labeling process of labeling each connected component are performed. Will be. Here, the occupied area of each of the connected components specified by each is represented by the number of dots corresponding to the pixels of the image pickup apparatus 53.

Next, the control processing device 54 executes the marking formation region specifying process (step S4). Specifically, the control processing device 54 first specifies the position of the pocket portion 2 in the binarized image data by using the design data or the like stored in the set data storage device 76 in advance.

Of course, the present invention is not limited to this, and the positions of the pocket portion 2 and the tablet 5 in the binarized image data may be specified based on the luminance image data acquired in step S1.

Subsequently, the control processing device 54 executes an inspection frame setting process for setting an inspection frame for the binarized image data.

Specifically, in the inspection frame setting process, in the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the PTP film 9, the width direction edge portion of the PTP film 9 on the side where the tag portion 8 is formed and the pocket portion adjacent thereto. An inspection frame is set in a predetermined range in the transport direction (X-axis direction) of the PTP film 9 with respect to the region between the two. In the present embodiment, an inspection frame is set for each character (“A”, “B”, “C”, “0”, “0”, “1”) constituting the engraved K. At the same time, masking processing is performed on the area outside the inspection frame that is not subject to inspection.

Here, instead of the configuration in which the inspection frame is set with reference to the pocket portion 2, the configuration in which the inspection frame is set with reference to the position of the tablet 5 specified based on the luminance image data acquired in step S1 may be used. ..

Subsequently, the control processing device 54 specifies a region (mark formation region) of the connected component of "1 (bright)" corresponding to each character of the stamp K in each inspection frame.

Therefore, the engraving detection step in the present embodiment is configured by the series of processes according to steps S2 to S4, and the engraving detecting means is configured by the function of the image processing device 54 that executes the series of processes.

Next, the control processing device 54 executes a pattern matching process of the stamp forming region in each inspection frame specified in step S4 and the non-defective product data stored in advance corresponding to the marking forming region (step S5). It should be noted that such a process is a process performed by a known pattern matching method, and each of the non-defective product data is created based on the image data obtained by imaging the engraved K attached to the non-defective product PTP sheet 1 in advance. Stores character shape data.

Next, the control processing device 54 performs a pass / fail determination process for each character of the engraved K based on the result of the pattern matching process performed in step S5 (step S6). The inspection means (determination means) in the present embodiment is configured by the function of the control processing device 54 that executes such processing.

Specifically, it is determined whether or not the matching rate of the pattern matching process performed in step S5 is within the preset allowable range. As a result, for example, whether or not the character of the stamp K is deeply bitten and the character of the stamp K is crushed and becomes unreadable, and whether or not the character of the stamp K is shallowly bitten and the character of the stamp K is faint and unreadable. It is possible to determine whether or not the thickness of the character of the engraved K is appropriate, such as whether or not it is present.

The determination process is executed for each of the above inspection frames (all 6 characters included in the stamp K). Then, when all six characters included in the stamp K are within the permissible range, the control processing device 54 determines a non-defective product in step S7, stores the result in the calculation result storage device 75, and performs an inspection routine. finish.

On the other hand, if even one of the six characters is not within the permissible range, a defect determination is performed in step S8, the result is stored in the calculation result storage device 75, and the management control of the PTP packaging machine 10 to that effect is performed. Output to the device, etc., and end the inspection routine.

When the marking inspection step is completed, the PTP film 9 is intermittently conveyed and shifts to the sheet punching step performed by the sheet punching device 37. In the sheet punching step, the movable type (reference numeral omitted) of the sheet punching device 37 moves from the standby position to the working position, thereby punching the outer edge of the PTP film 9 in units of one PTP sheet. As a result, the PTP sheet 1 is separated from the PTP film 9, and the PTP sheet 1 shown in FIG. 1 can be obtained.

As described in detail above, according to the present embodiment, by providing the marking inspection device 31, it is possible to inspect the marking K attached to the PTP sheet 1 in the manufacturing process (in-line) of the PTP sheet 1. it can.

Here, the engraving inspection device 31 irradiates the inspection range (position corresponding to the tag portion 8) of the cover film 4 in the PTP film 9 from the surface side of the container film 3 through the container film 3, and the light is emitted. By imaging the irradiated inspection range of the cover film 4 from the surface side of the container film 3 through the container film 3 with the image pickup apparatus 53, the brightness image data related to the inspection range is acquired.

Further, in the marking inspection device 31, the angle of incidence of the light emitted from the lighting device 52 onto the PTP film 9 with respect to the surface of the flat portion 3a of the container film 3 (the optical axis JA at each position in the circumferential direction of the lighting device 52 is the container film 3). Of the light incident on the container film 3, the light reflected (including secondary reflection) from the marking K and emitted from the container film 3 is imaged. At a large incident angle of 70 °, the light that is substantially incident on the device 53 and is reflected (including secondary reflection) from the general part of the cover film 4 and emitted from the container film 3 is not substantially incident on the imaging device 53. It is set.

Therefore, according to the marking inspection device 31, it is possible to acquire the luminance image data in which the marking K appears brighter than other parts such as the general part of the cover film 4. As a result, the luminance image data acquired in this way can be binarized based on a predetermined threshold value δ to detect the marking K as a bright portion and inspect the marking K.

In particular, according to the present embodiment, the marking K is detected and inspected by photographing the non-exposed surface side (the surface protected by the container film 3) of the cover film 4. The non-exposed surface of the marking K is less likely to have a problem that the surface is roughened and diffused reflection of light becomes strong like the exposed surface of the marking K which is rubbed by directly touching the metal fitting 158 of the marking device 30. As a result, the marking K can be detected more appropriately, and the inspection related to the marking K can be performed more appropriately.

Further, in the marking inspection device 31, the marking K is reflected brightly by setting the incident angle α of the light emitted from the lighting device 52 to a large incident angle of 70 °, and other parts such as the general part of the cover film 4 are displayed. Since it is configured to acquire the luminance image data in which the light appears dark, it affects the printed parts such as symbols, characters, and patterns printed on the cover film 4 and foreign matters adhering to the surface of the flat part 3a of the container film 3. It is possible to detect the stamp K more appropriately without receiving it.

In addition, in the present embodiment, the stamping inspection step is performed after the stamping step is completed and before the sheet punching step. As a result, the PTP sheet 1 (defective product) having poor engraving formation can be detected at an earlier stage after the engraving process. As a result, the production of the PTP sheet 1 can be stopped at an earlier stage, and the number of defective products can be suppressed.

Further, in the pre-process in which the PTP sheet 1 is punched from the strip-shaped PTP film 9, the position and orientation of the inspection range corresponding to the PTP sheet 1 to be inspected are stamped in the inspection device 31 (illumination device 52 and imaging). It is kept constant with respect to the device 53). Therefore, when detecting and inspecting the marking K, it is not necessary to adjust the position and orientation of the PTP sheet 1 in advance, and the inspection can be performed more easily and at higher speed. As a result, the inspection accuracy can be further improved.

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

(A) In the above embodiment, the case where the content is tablet 5 is embodied, but the type, shape, etc. of the content are not particularly limited, and for example, food, electronic parts, etc. may be used. Good.

(B) The material of the container film 3 and the cover film 4 is not limited to the above embodiment, and other materials may be adopted.

For example, in the above embodiment, the container film 3 is formed of a colorless and transparent thermoplastic resin material having translucency. Not limited to this, the container film 3 may be formed of a transparent colored material having translucency.

Further, in the above embodiment, the cover film 4 is formed of an aluminum laminated film, but the present invention is not limited to this, and other opaque materials based on aluminum (including those formed of aluminum alone) and The structure may be formed of an opaque material based on another metal material.

(C) The arrangement, number, shape, etc. of the pocket portion 2, the sheet small piece 6, the cutting slit 7, and the like in the PTP sheet 1 are not limited to the above embodiment. For example, a PTP sheet having various arrangements and numbers can be adopted, including a type having 12 pockets in 3 rows.

Further, the structure may be such that the cutting slit 7 is omitted, or the structure may be such that a perforation is formed instead of the cutting slit 7.

(D) In the above embodiment, the case where the PTP sheet 1 is manufactured one by one in the width direction of the PTP film 9 is embodied, but two sheets are manufactured at the same time in the width direction, or three or more sheets are manufactured at the same time. It may be.

In the engraving device 30 in which two sheets are manufactured at the same time in the width direction, the elastic mechanism portion as in the above embodiment is provided by installing the pressurizing mechanism portions 159 at both ends in the width direction of the base mechanism portion 140. Even if the configuration omits 173 and the like, the load can be balanced and the influence on the marking formation can be reduced.

(E) The configuration of the irradiation means is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, in the above embodiment, as the lighting device 52, an annular ring light capable of irradiating light from all directions is used.

Not limited to this, for example, a pair of lighting devices arranged at predetermined intervals in the transport direction (X-axis direction) of the PTP film 9 and / or a predetermined interval in the film width direction (Y-axis direction) of the PTP film 9. It may be configured to include a pair of lighting devices arranged apart from each other.

(F) In the lighting device 52 according to the above embodiment, the incident angle α of light with respect to the flat portion 3a surface of the container film 3 is set to a large incident angle of 70 °.

Not limited to this, among the light incident on the container film 3 with the incident angle α of the light on the surface of the flat portion 3a of the container film 3, the light reflected from the marking K and emitted from the container film 3 is abbreviated to the image pickup apparatus 53. The light that is incident and is reflected from the general part of the cover film 4 and is emitted from the container film 3 is set to another large incident angle (for example, 45 ° or more and less than 90 °) that is not substantially incident on the image pickup apparatus 53. It may be configured as a new type. According to such a configuration, as in the above embodiment, the bright part in the image data can be detected as the marking K.

(G) Instead of the above embodiment, the incident angle α of the light on the surface of the flat portion 3a of the container film 3 reflects from the general portion of the cover film 4 among the light incident on the container film 3, and the container film 3 is pressed. A predetermined small incident angle (for example, 0 ° or more and less than 30 °) in which the emitted light is substantially incident on the imaging device 53 and the light reflected from the marking K and emitted from the container film 3 is not substantially incident on the imaging device 53. The configuration may be set to (?). According to such a configuration, the dark part in the image data can be detected as the marking K.

For example, in the marking inspection device 31 shown in FIG. 14, the angle of incidence of the light emitted from the lighting device 52 onto the PTP film 9 with respect to the surface of the flat portion 3a of the container film 3 (the optical axis JA at each position in the circumferential direction of the lighting device 52 is The angle (angle formed with the normal direction of the surface of the flat portion 3a of the container film 3) α is set to a small incident angle of 20 °.

In such a case, as shown in FIG. 15, of the lights L11 and L12 irradiated from the lighting device 52 toward the PTP film 9 and incident on the container film 3, the inclined surface (non-exposed surface) of the marking K on the container film 3 side. The reflected light L11 does not enter the image pickup apparatus 53. On the other hand, the light L12 that is reflected by the general portion (non-engraved region) of the cover film 4 and is emitted from the surface of the flat portion 3a of the container film 3 as it is is incident on the image pickup apparatus 53.

Therefore, since the light reflected mainly from the general portion of the cover film 4 is imaged by the image pickup apparatus 53, the luminance image data in which the engraved K appears partially darker than the other portions is acquired. ..

Further, as shown in FIG. 14, by setting the incident angle α of light to a small incident angle, the position (optical axis) of the lighting device 52 can be brought closer to the position (optical axis) of the imaging device 53. As a result, the expansion of the space for installing the lighting device 52 can be suppressed, and the marking inspection device 31 can be made compact.

(H) A first illuminating device that irradiates light at a large incident angle and a second illuminating device that irradiates light at a small incident angle are provided, and both (large incident angle irradiation light and small incident angle irradiation light) are switched. The configuration may be provided with means.

Under such a configuration, the first imaging process of irradiating light from the first illuminating device to image the PTP film 9 (engraving K) and the PTP film 9 (engraving K) irradiating light from the second illuminating device. ) Is performed at different timings, and based on the luminance image data in which the marking K appears brighter than the other parts and the luminance image data in which the marking K appears darker than the other parts. It may be configured to inspect the stamp K. As a result, the inspection accuracy can be improved.

(I) In the above embodiment, white light (visible light) is emitted from the lighting device 52. Not limited to this, it may be configured to irradiate other light (including infrared light and ultraviolet light) such as various monochromatic lights having different wavelengths. It is preferable to irradiate light that makes it easy to detect the marking K, depending on the configuration of the PTP film 9, such as the difference in the materials of the container film 3 and the cover film 4.

For example, when the container film 3 is made of a colorless and transparent thermoplastic resin material such as PP or PVC, it may be configured to irradiate light (for example, infrared light) that easily passes through the container film 3.

Further, in the above embodiment, the illuminating device 52 is configured to irradiate diffused light. Not limited to this, a configuration that irradiates parallel light may be used. By using parallel light, the light and darkness becomes clearer than when diffused light is used, so that the marking K can be easily detected. In addition, if only the positively reflected light of the parallel light reflected from the marking K (the positively reflected component of the reflected light) is incident on the image pickup apparatus 53, the surface of the general portion of the cover film 4 and the flat portion 3a of the container film 3 It suppresses the influence of the diffusely reflected light (diffuse reflection component) of the parallel light reflected in the above, and makes it easier to detect the marking K more clearly.

(J) The inspection content and inspection method relating to the stamp K are not limited to the above embodiment.

For example, in the above embodiment, a known pattern matching method is used to determine whether or not the thickness of the characters of the engraved K is appropriate. Not limited to this, the configuration may be such that the suitability of the character thickness of the engraved K is determined by another method. Further, for example, the positional relationship between the pocket portion 2 and the marking K, the inclination of the marking K with respect to the pocket portion 2, and the like may be inspected.

Further, in the above embodiment, the inspection frame is set for each character constituting the marking K, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the inspection frame surrounding the entire marking K (character string) is set. May be good. Of course, the stamp inspection may be performed without setting the inspection frame.

Further, in the marking inspection, for example, by a known pattern matching method, it is possible to recognize the character (“A”, “B”, “C”, “0”, “0”, “1”) engraved as the engraving K. Character recognition processing is performed, and collation processing is performed to collate the character string "ABC001" of the stamp K recognized by such processing with the lot number "ABC001" stored in the setting data storage device 76 as the storage means. It may be configured to be executed.

With such a configuration, it is possible to inspect whether or not the content of the stamp K attached to the PTP sheet 1 is appropriate. As a result, the lot number related to the PTP sheet 1 to be manufactured and the content of the marking K attached to the actually manufactured PTP sheet 1 (lot) due to, for example, an error in attaching the chopstick 158 to the marking device 30. Even if a defect such as a marking error different from the number) occurs, the occurrence of such a defect can be detected at an early stage by the above collation. As a result, the abnormality notification process, the production line stop process, and the like can be executed at an early stage based on the result of the above collation.

The "character recognition means" in the present embodiment is configured by the function of the control processing device 54 that executes the character recognition process, and the "matching means" in the present embodiment is configured by the function of the control processing device 54 that executes the collation process. Will be configured.

(K) The marking inspection device 31 according to the above embodiment has a configuration including only a reflected light type inspection mechanism including a lighting device 52 and an image pickup device 53. In addition to this, the marking inspection device 31 may be configured to include a transmitted light type inspection mechanism.

By providing a transmitted light type inspection mechanism, it is possible to detect a defective product in which the marking K has penetrated the cover film 4.

For example, a second lighting device is arranged as a second irradiation means on the lower side of the PTP film 9 (container film 3 side), and a second imaging means is provided on the upper side of the PTP film 9 (cover film 4 side) as a second imaging means. The device may be arranged.

Here, along the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) which is the normal direction of the flat portion 3a surface of the container film 3 and the general portion of the cover film 4, the optical axis of the second lighting device and the second imaging device The optical axis is set.

For example, if the engraving K formed on the PTP film 9 bites too deeply due to a malfunction of the engraving device 30, the cover film 4 is cut, and a cut in a part of the cover film 4, that is, the engraving penetrates. Part may be formed.

In such a case, according to the transmitted light type inspection mechanism, among the light emitted from the second lighting device to the PTP film 9, the light that has passed through the engraved penetrating portion is imaged by the second imaging device. On the other hand, other light does not pass through the engraved penetrating portion. Therefore, in the image data acquired from the second imaging device, the portion where the engraved penetrating portion exists appears brighter than the other normal portions.

That is, the control processing device 54 determines the lightness and darkness of the PTP film 9 based on the image data acquired by the second imaging device, and when a bright part is detected, the cover film 4 is cut (engraved). It can be determined that a penetrating portion) is formed. Therefore, the processing function of the control processing device 54 constitutes the marking penetrating portion detecting means in the present embodiment.

As a result, for example, in the above embodiment, the thickness of the characters of the engraved K is within an appropriate range, but a defective product in which the engraved K has penetrated the cover film 4 cannot be detected by the reflected light type inspection mechanism. Defective products can be detected more reliably. As a result, it is possible to further improve the inspection accuracy in the inspection relating to the marking K.

Further, as described in (g) above, when the incident angle α of the light emitted from the illuminating device 52 is set to a small incident angle, the second illuminating device is omitted and the illuminating device 52 is used as the second illuminating device 52. It can also be used as an irradiation means.

Instead of the above configuration, the second imaging device is arranged on the lower side of the PTP film 9 (container film 3 side), and the second lighting device is arranged on the upper side of the PTP film 9 (cover film 4 side). May be good. In such a configuration, the second imaging device can be omitted, and the imaging device 53 can also be used as the second imaging means.

Of course, the above-mentioned various transmitted light type inspection mechanisms (transmitted light type inspection mechanism including a second lighting device, a second imaging device, etc.) are used for the marking inspection device 31 (lighting device 52 and imaging device 53) according to the above embodiment. It is not integrated with the reflected light type inspection mechanism), but may be provided as a separate inspection device. That is, in the manufacturing process of the PTP sheet, the marking inspection step by the reflected light type inspection mechanism and the marking inspection step by the transmitted light type inspection mechanism may be performed in separate steps (different positions).

(L) Although not particularly mentioned in the above embodiment, in order to realize a strong seal, a mesh-like ridge is formed on the surface of the heating roll 25, and the cover film 4 is attached to the container film 3. At that time, the cover film 4 may be formed with a seal by being strongly pressed against the cover film 4.

Even when the seals are formed on the cover film 4, the seals have a mesh pattern that repeats regularly and periodically, so that it is relatively easy and effective by image processing or the like when the marking K is detected. The effect can be reduced.

(M) In the above embodiment, the stamping inspection step is performed in the post-process of the stamping process and the pre-process of the sheet punching process. Not limited to this, in the post-process after the PTP sheet 1 is punched from the PTP film 9, the PTP sheet 1 conveyed by the conveyor 39 may be inspected for marking.

At this time, instead of the configuration (in-line) in which the stamp inspection device 31 is provided in the PTP packaging machine 10, a stamp inspection device 31 is provided as a device for inspecting the PTP sheet 1 offline in addition to the PTP packaging machine 10. It may be configured. Further, in such a case, the stamp inspection device 31 may be provided with a transport means capable of transporting the PTP sheet 1.

However, when the inspection is performed offline, the position and orientation of the PTP sheet 1 to be inspected are not constant with respect to the marking inspection device 31, so that the PTP sheet 1 is detected and inspected in advance when the marking K is detected and inspected. It is necessary to adjust the position and orientation of. As a result, the inspection speed and the inspection accuracy may decrease.

In recent years, in the manufacturing field of PTP sheet 1, etc., as the production speed is increased, various inspections are required to be increased in speed. For example, when performing an inspection on the PTP packaging machine 10, it may be required to process 100 or more tablets 5 per second.

Therefore, it is preferable to perform the inspection in-line in order to improve productivity.

(N) As described in (m) above, in the case where the PTP sheet 1 conveyed by the conveyor 39 is inspected for marking in the post-process after the PTP sheet 1 is punched from the PTP film 9. Not only the marking inspection by the marking inspection device 31 (reflected light type inspection mechanism) according to the above embodiment, but also the marking inspection by the transmitted light type inspection mechanism as described in the above (k) may be performed.

For example, the belt member of the conveyor 39 is composed of a translucent member, and an irradiation means capable of irradiating the PTP sheet 1 with a predetermined light from the lower side of the conveyor 39 is arranged so that the light passing through the PTP sheet 1 is directed upward. By taking an image with the arranged imaging device, a cut (engraved penetrating portion) can be detected in the cover film 4 formed on the PTP sheet 1.

(O) In the above embodiment, in determining the brightness of the general part of the cover film 4 and the marking K, a process of binarizing the luminance image data is performed, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the luminance can be measured. The light and darkness of the engraved K or the like may be discriminated by performing multi-value processing, difference processing, or the like.

(P) The marking inspection device 31 may be used to perform the marking inspection and other inspections at the same time. That is, the marking inspection device 31 may also be used as an inspection device for detecting other abnormalities different from the marking failure.

For example, inspection of foreign matter adhering to the surface of the flat portion 3a of the container film 3, inspection of foreign matter existing between the container film 3 and the cover film 4, inspection of foreign matter adhering to the tablet 5 contained in the pocket portion 2, and the like. May be performed at the same time as the stamp inspection.

Here, for example, in a configuration in which the lighting device 52 irradiates light at a large incident angle, the marking K appears brighter in the image data acquired by the imaging device 53 than in other parts such as the general part of the cover film 4. By performing binarization processing with a plurality of different threshold values, such as setting a threshold value for marking detection and a threshold value for detecting foreign matter separately, it is possible to detect the foreign matter as a dark part separately from the marking K. ..

On the other hand, in the configuration in which the lighting device 52 irradiates light at a small incident angle, the marking K appears darker than other parts such as the general part of the cover film 4 in the image data acquired by the imaging device 53, so for example, marking Other dark areas in which the dark area corresponding to K is excluded by mask processing or the like can be detected as a foreign substance.

1 ... PTP sheet, 2 ... Pocket part, 3 ... Container film, 3a ... Flat part, 4 ... Cover film, 5 ... Tablet, 8 ... Tag part, 9 ... PTP film, 10 ... PTP packaging machine, 30 ... Stamping device, 31 ... Stamp inspection device, 52 ... Lighting device, 53 ... Imaging device, 54 ... Control processing device, 74 ... Image data storage device, 76 ... Setting data storage device, 158 ... Dust, K ... Stamp, α ... Incident angle.

Claims (7)

A predetermined content is housed in a pocket portion formed of a translucent container film, and a cover film is attached to the back surface of a flat portion of the container film so as to close the pocket portion. An inspection device used for manufacturing a PTP sheet having a mark at a predetermined position on the cover film attached to the back surface of a flat portion of the container film.
An irradiation means capable of irradiating the cover film with a predetermined light from the surface side of the container film through the container film.
An imaging means capable of imaging the cover film irradiated with the predetermined light from the surface side of the container film through the container film.
An image processing means for processing an image signal output from the image pickup means is provided.
The irradiation means
The incident angle of the predetermined light on the surface of the flat portion of the container film is reflected from one of the general portion of the cover film and the marking of the light incident on the container film to emit the container film. The light is set at a predetermined angle so that the light is substantially incident on the imaging means and the light reflected from the other side and emitted from the container film is not substantially incident on the imaging means.
The image processing means
An engraving detecting means capable of detecting the engraving by discriminating between light and darkness in the cover film based on the image data obtained from the image signal.
An inspection device including an inspection means for inspecting the marking based on the detection result of the marking detecting means. The irradiation means
Of the light incident on the container film, the light reflected from the marking and emitted from the container film is substantially incident on the imaging means and the incident angle of the predetermined light on the flat portion surface of the container film is substantially incident on the imaging means. , The light reflected from the general portion of the cover film and emitted from the container film is set to a predetermined large incident angle so as not to be substantially incident on the imaging means.
The stamp detecting means is
The inspection device according to claim 1, wherein a bright portion in the image data is detectable as the marking. The irradiation means
Of the light incident on the container film, the light reflected from the general portion of the cover film and emitted from the container film is substantially the same as the light incident on the flat portion surface of the container film. The light that is incident and is reflected from the marking and emitted from the container film is set to a predetermined small incident angle that does not substantially enter the imaging means.
The stamp detecting means is
The inspection device according to claim 1, wherein a dark portion in the image data can be detected as the marking. The inspection means
A character recognition means capable of recognizing the characters engraved as the engraving based on the detection result of the engraving detecting means, and
According to any one of claims 1 to 3, the engraved character recognized by the character recognition means is provided with a collating means capable of collating the characters stored in advance in a predetermined storage means. The inspection device described. A second irradiation means capable of irradiating a film body having the cover film attached to the container film with a predetermined light,
The second irradiation means is provided on the opposite side via the film body, and includes a second imaging means capable of capturing light that has passed through the film body.
The image processing means
A marking penetrating portion detecting means capable of detecting a marking penetrating portion penetrating the cover film by discriminating between light and darkness in the film body based on image data acquired from an image signal output from the second imaging means. The inspection apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the inspection apparatus is provided with. A PTP packaging machine including the inspection device according to any one of claims 1 to 5. A PTP sheet in which a predetermined content is housed in a pocket portion formed of a translucent container film, and a cover film is attached to the back surface of a flat portion of the container film so as to close the pocket portion. It is a manufacturing method of a PTP sheet for manufacturing
A pocket portion forming step of forming the pocket portion with respect to the container film conveyed in a strip shape,
A filling step of filling the pocket portion with the contents, and
An attachment step of attaching the band-shaped cover film to the container film in which the pocket portion is filled with the contents so as to close the pocket portion.
A marking step of marking a predetermined position on the cover film side of a strip-shaped film body in which the cover film is attached to the container film.
A cutting step of separating the PTP sheet from the strip-shaped film body, and
It is equipped with a stamp inspection process for inspecting the stamp .
In the stamp inspection process,
An irradiation step of irradiating the cover film with a predetermined light from the surface side of the container film through the container film.
An imaging step in which the cover film irradiated with the predetermined light is imaged through the container film from the surface side of the container film using an imaging means.
A marking detection step of detecting the marking by discriminating between light and darkness in the cover film based on the image data acquired in the imaging step, and a marking detection step.
In the irradiation step
The incident angle of the predetermined light on the surface of the flat portion of the container film is reflected from one of the general portion of the cover film and the marking of the light incident on the container film to emit the container film. A method for manufacturing a PTP sheet, characterized in that the light is substantially incident on the imaging means and the light reflected from the other side and emitted from the container film is set at a predetermined angle so as not substantially incident on the imaging means.

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