JP7254038B2 - Blister packaging machine and method for manufacturing blister sheet - Google Patents

Description

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

A PTP (Press Through Pack) sheet is known as a blister sheet that is generally used in the fields of pharmaceuticals, food products, and the like. The PTP sheet includes a container film having a pocket portion in which contents such as tablets are stored, and a cover film attached to the container film so as to seal the opening side of the pocket portion.

Such a PTP sheet is produced by forming a pocket on a container film conveyed in a strip, filling the pocket with a content, and attaching a cover film to the container film so as to seal the opening of the pocket. It is manufactured through a step of attaching, a step of punching a belt-shaped PTP film consisting of a container film and a cover film into PTP sheet units, and the like.

Conventionally, some contents have identification information such as a product name and a product number printed on the surface thereof, which consists of characters, symbols, and the like. A blister packaging machine has also been proposed, which is equipped with a printing device such as an inkjet method, and sequentially fills the pockets of the container film with the printed contents while printing on the conveyed contents. (See Patent Document 1, for example). In this patent document 1, the printing apparatus is equipped with a print head having a plurality of nozzles. It is possible to apply printing to appropriate positions on objects.

In addition, the printing device is equipped with a plurality of print heads, and when a certain set time has passed or the print defect rate exceeds a certain level, the print head for printing is switched and printing is performed. It is known to perform a cleaning process on the print head on the non-existing side (see, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2002-100000).

JP 2018-143615 A Japanese Patent No. 6405114

By the way, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, the printing process for the contents and the filling process for the contents in the pocket portion are performed while the contents are arranged in a plurality of rows and conveyed. The number of rows of the contents in the above is the same as the number of rows of the contents when filling the pocket portion with the contents (8 rows in each case in Patent Document 1). Therefore, it is necessary to use a printer capable of printing the same number of rows of contents (eight in the case of Patent Document 1) as the number of rows of contents at the time of filling the pocket portion at one time. However, such a printing apparatus is complicated and large-sized (for example, provided with multiple or large-sized print heads), which may lead to an increase in costs related to manufacturing of the packaging machine and maintenance of the printing apparatus. be.

Furthermore, when using an inkjet printer configured to select and control nozzles for ejecting ink according to the direction and position of the contents, the number of nozzle control systems corresponding to the number of columns of the contents is used. , and as a result, there is a risk of causing an increase in the cost of control processing.

On the other hand, for example, by making the number of rows of contents relatively small when filling contents into the pocket portion, the number of rows of contents when performing print processing is also compared as a result. It is conceivable that the However, in this case, the number of fillings per unit time is reduced, and there is a risk that the production speed of blister sheets will be reduced.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a blister packaging machine and a method of manufacturing a blister sheet that are capable of suppressing various costs while ensuring a favorable production speed. It is in.

Each means suitable for solving the above object will be described below by itemizing. It should be noted that actions and effects peculiar to the corresponding means will be added as necessary.

Means 1. A blister packaging machine for manufacturing a blister sheet in which contents are accommodated in a pocket formed in a container film and a cover film is attached to the container film so as to close the pocket. ,
When a predetermined first numerical value is m and a second numerical value greater than the first numerical value is n,
a conveying means for conveying the contents in a state of being arranged in m rows;
a printing means for printing on the contents conveyed by the conveying means;
filling means for filling the pockets formed in the band-shaped container film with the contents printed by the printing means and arranged in n rows;
row number conversion means for converting the number of rows of the contents from m to n between the conveying means and the filling means ;
The column number conversion means is
a discharging means capable of selectively discharging the contents conveyed by the conveying means;
receiving and conveying means for receiving the contents discharged by the discharging means and conveying the contents to the filling means;
an ejection control means capable of controlling the ejection position of the contents by the ejection means;
The receiving and transporting means is
n receiving units for receiving the contents discharged by the discharging means;
Intermediate conveying having n conveying paths respectively corresponding to the receiving parts, and conveying the contents delivered to the receiving parts in the conveying paths to the filling means in a state of being arranged in n rows. means and
A blister packaging machine (m and n is a natural number) .

According to the above means 1, the number of rows (m rows) of the contents during transportation by the transportation means (i.e., printing by the printing means) is reduced by the number of rows conversion means when filling the contents into the pocket portion. The number of columns of objects (n columns) can be increased. That is, according to the means 1, it is possible to fill the contents in a relatively large number of rows while printing the contents in a relatively small number of rows. Since the content can be printed with a relatively small number of rows, the size of the printing means can be reduced, and various processes related to the manufacturing of packaging machines, maintenance of the printing means, and control processing of the printing means can be performed. Cost can be suppressed. On the other hand, since the content can be filled in a relatively large number of rows, it is possible to speed up the filling of the content and ensure a good production speed.

Further, according to the above means 1, when the blister packaging machine is equipped with a cleaning device for the printing means, the size of the cleaning device can also be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to more effectively reduce the cost of manufacturing the packaging machine and the like. In addition, when the printing means is composed of an inkjet type device having a print head having a plurality of nozzles capable of ejecting ink, the "cleaning device" may include, for example, Examples of such devices include a cleaning mechanism that performs pressurized purging for discharging dust, thickened or solidified ink, and the like, and a wiping mechanism that wipes the print head after purging.

In addition, the printing means is composed of the above-described inkjet type device, and printing is performed at an arbitrary position on the content by ejecting ink from selected and controlled nozzles out of the plurality of nozzles. In this case, the following effects can also be obtained by means 1 described above. That is, according to the means 1, the frequency of printing by the printing means can be increased as a result, so that each nozzle is likely to be selected as an ink ejection target. Therefore, even nozzles that are generally difficult to select as ink ejection targets (for example, nozzles that are in charge of the edges of the printable area of the printing means) can easily eject ink. As a result, it is possible to effectively suppress clogging of nozzles due to solidification or thickening of ink, and to more reliably prevent the occurrence of printing defects. In addition, since nozzle clogging is less likely to occur, the frequency of cleaning the printing unit can be reduced. As a result, it is possible to reduce the cost associated with the production of blister sheets and to further improve the production speed.

In addition, the number-of-rows conversion means can be realized with a relatively simple structure, and it is possible to more effectively reduce costs related to manufacturing, maintenance, etc. of the packaging machine.

Means 2 . The blister packaging machine according to means 1 , wherein the discharge control means controls the discharge means so that the contents are evenly distributed to each of the receiving sections.

The term "equal" is used not only when the number of contents to be distributed to each receiving section is strictly the same, but also when it is almost equal to each receiving section. It also includes the case where there is almost no difference in the number of contents to be distributed (for example, the difference in number is suppressed to within several).

According to the means 2 , when the contents are arranged in n rows after passing through the row number conversion means, the number of the contents in each row can be made substantially equal. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably prevent a situation in which there is not enough contents in a certain row when filling the pockets with contents. As a result, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of defects related to the production of blister sheets, and to more reliably improve the production speed.

Means 3 . inspection means for inspecting the contents conveyed by the conveying means;
Defective product removal means for removing the contents determined to be defective by the inspection means to the outside of the system,
3. The blister packaging machine according to means 1 or 2 , wherein the discharging means is configured to discharge only the contents determined to be non-defective by the inspection means.

According to the above means 3 , only the contents judged to be non-defective (that is, not judged to be defective) by the inspection means are delivered to the receiving unit, and the contents judged to be defective are discharged outside the system alone. and can be removed. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably prevent the blister sheet from containing the contents of the defective product, and furthermore to more reliably prevent the situation in which the entire blister sheet becomes defective due to the contents of one defective product. can. As a result, it is possible to more effectively reduce the cost of manufacturing the blister sheet.

It is preferable to adopt the means 2 together with the means 3 . In this case, even if there is a slight difference in the number of non-defective items among the rows of contents conveyed by the conveying means, it is possible to evenly distribute the non-defective content to each receiving section. .

Means 4 . In means 1 to 3, the n receiving portions extend in a direction intersecting with a conveying direction of the contents by the conveying means and are arranged in a row along the conveying direction. A blister packaging machine according to any one of the preceding claims.

According to the means 4 , the receiving section can be realized with a simple configuration. As a result, the size and simplification of the packaging machine can be more reliably achieved, and the cost of manufacturing the packaging machine can be more effectively suppressed.

In terms of more effectively simplifying the structure by making the delivery range of the contents (that is, the overall length of the receiving portion along the direction in which the contents are conveyed by the conveying means) smaller, n It is preferable that each of the receiving portions is configured to extend in a direction orthogonal to the conveying direction of the contents by the conveying means.

Means 5 . The conveying means includes a suction rotating portion in which a plurality of suction holes capable of sucking and holding the contents are arranged along the direction in which the contents are conveyed, and m rows of the suction holes are formed,
The discharging means is arranged inside the suction rotating part, and includes a plurality of blow nozzles capable of discharging the contents by blowing to the suction holes to release the suction holding of the contents. ,
n blow nozzles are arranged in the conveying direction so as to correspond to each of the n receiving portions, and m rows of the blow nozzles are provided so as to correspond to the rows of the suction holes. The blister packaging machine according to any one of means 1 to 4, characterized by:

According to the means 5 , by using the suction rotating portion, the contents can be stably held while being conveyed by the conveying means, and the contents can be printed more accurately.

In addition, since the suction and holding of the contents is released by blowing the contents to the suction holes by the blow nozzle, the contents can be selectively discharged more accurately. Furthermore, when converting the number of rows, compared to the method of sorting the contents to each receiving part by contact with the contents, the damage given to the contents can be relatively small. Damage to the object itself can be made less likely to occur. As a result, the cost of manufacturing the blister sheet can be further reduced.

Furthermore, according to the above means 5 , n blow nozzles are arranged in the conveying direction of the contents so as to correspond to the n receiving portions, and the rows of the blow nozzles are arranged to correspond to the rows of the suction holes. There are m columns. Therefore, the contents of each row conveyed by the conveying means can be delivered to each of the plurality of receiving units. That is, the contents of a row can be delivered to all receivers, not just to a specific receiver. As a result, even if all the contents of a certain row become abnormal due to, for example, a malfunction of the printing means, and it is not appropriate to deliver the contents of this row to the receiving unit, other The contents of the row can be appropriately distributed to each receiver. As a result, it is possible to effectively suppress a decrease in production speed.

Means 6 . A method for producing a blister sheet in which contents are stored in a pocket formed in a container film and a cover film is attached to the container film so as to close the pocket, comprising:
When a predetermined first numerical value is m and a second numerical value greater than the first numerical value is n,
a conveying step of conveying the contents in a state of being arranged in m rows;
a printing step of printing on the content conveyed in the conveying step;
a filling step of filling the pocket portions formed in the band-shaped container film with the contents printed in the printing step and arranged in n rows;
a row number conversion step of converting the number of rows of the contents from m to n between the conveying step and the filling step ;
The column number conversion step includes:
a discharging step capable of selectively discharging the contents conveyed in the conveying step;
a receiving and conveying step of receiving the contents discharged in the discharging step and conveying the contents to the side where the filling step is performed;
a discharge control step of controlling the discharge position of the contents in the discharge step;
In the receiving and conveying step,
a receiving step of receiving the contents discharged in the discharging step by n receiving units;
an intermediate conveying step of conveying the contents delivered to the receiving portion to the side where the filling step is performed in a state of being arranged in n rows on n conveying paths respectively corresponding to the receiving portions; ,
A method for manufacturing a blister sheet, wherein the receiving portion to which the contents are delivered is changed by changing the position at which the contents are discharged in the discharging step.

According to the above means 6 , the same effects as those of the above means 1 can be achieved.

It is a perspective view showing a PTP sheet. It is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of a PTP sheet. It is a perspective view which shows a tablet. It is a perspective view showing a PTP film. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a PTP packaging machine; FIG. It is a front schematic diagram which shows schematic structure of a printing filling apparatus. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a printing and filling device; FIG. 1 is a partially enlarged schematic perspective view showing a printing device and the like; FIG. FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged schematic perspective view showing a defective product removing device and the like; FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged schematic perspective view showing a blow nozzle, a receiving part, and the like; FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged schematic front view showing a blow nozzle, a receiving part, and the like; It is a partial expansion perspective schematic diagram which shows a receiving conveyance apparatus. It is a partially enlarged perspective schematic diagram showing a filling device and the like. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of nozzle rows in a print head; FIG. It is a perspective schematic diagram which shows the adsorption hole etc. of the conveying apparatus in another embodiment. It is a perspective schematic diagram which shows schematic structure of the printing filling apparatus in another embodiment. FIG. 11 is a partially enlarged perspective view showing a receiving portion and the like in another embodiment;

An embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, the configuration of a PTP sheet as a "blister sheet" will be described.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the PTP sheet 1 has a container film 3 having a plurality of pockets 2 and a cover film 4 attached to the container film 3 so as to cover the pocket portions 2. ing.

The container film 3 in this embodiment is made of a transparent thermoplastic resin material such as PP (polypropylene) or PVC (polyvinyl chloride), and has translucency. On the other hand, the cover film 4 is made of an opaque material (for example, aluminum foil or the like) having a surface coated with a sealant made of, for example, polypropylene resin. Of course, the materials of the films 3 and 4 are not limited to these, and other materials may be adopted.

The PTP sheet 1 is manufactured by punching a strip-shaped PTP film 6 (see FIG. 4) formed from a strip-shaped container film 3 and a strip-shaped cover film 4 into a sheet shape, and is approximately rectangular in plan view. formed into a shape.

In the PTP sheet 1, two rows of pocket rows each including five pocket portions 2 arranged along the longitudinal direction are formed in the transverse direction. That is, a total of ten pocket portions 2 are formed. Each pocket portion 2 accommodates one tablet 5 as a "content".

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the tablet 5 in the present embodiment is a disc-shaped uncoated tablet that has a circular shape in plan view, and has a side surface 5a and a front surface 5b and a back surface 5c that sandwich the side surface 5a. It is configured. As shown in FIG. 3, identification information (characters, symbols, numbers, figures, etc.) indicating product information about the tablet 5 is printed on one of the front surface 5b and the back surface 5c of the tablet 5. FIG.

The product information on the tablet 5 includes, for example, "product name", "content", "dosage form", "manufacturer" and "lot number". In the example shown in FIG. 3, the characters "ABC" as the "product name" and the number "20" as the "content" are printed. Hereinafter, the portion printed with the letters "ABC" and the number "20" is referred to as a "printed portion 5e". In the printing section 5e of the present embodiment, the "ABC" portion and the "20" portion have different colors.

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

As shown in FIG. 5, on the most upstream side of the PTP packaging machine 10, the strip-shaped container film 3 is wound into a roll. The lead end side of the container film 3 wound in a roll is guided by a 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 transports the container film 3 intermittently.

Between the guide roll 13 and the intermittent feed roll 14, along the transport path of the container film 3, a heating device 15 and a pocket forming device 16 are arranged in order. Then, the container film 3 is heated by the heating device 15 and in a state where the container film 3 is relatively soft, a plurality of pocket portions 2 are formed at predetermined positions of the container film 3 by the pocket portion forming device 16 . Formation of the pocket portion 2 is performed during an interval between conveying operations of the container film 3 by the intermittent feed roll 14 .

The container film 3 sent out from the intermittent feed roll 14 is put on the tension roll 18, the guide roll 19 and the film receiving roll 20 in this order. Since the film receiving roll 20 is connected to a motor that rotates at a constant speed, the container film 3 is transported continuously at a constant speed. The tension roll 18 is in a state where the container film 3 is stretched by elastic force, and prevents the container film 3 from being slackened due to the difference in conveying operation between the intermittent feed roll 14 and the film receiving roll 20, thereby tightening the container. The film 3 is kept in tension at all times.

Between the guide roll 19 and the film receiving roll 20, along the conveying path of the container film 3, a printing/filling device 21 and an inspection device 22 are arranged in order.

The printing and filling device 21 has a function of forming a printed portion 5 e on the tablet 5 and a function of filling the pocket portion 2 with the tablet 5 . Details of the print filling device 21 will be described later.

The inspection device 22 inspects, for example, whether or not the tablets 5 are surely filled in the respective pocket portions 2, whether or not the tablets 5 are abnormal, and whether or not the pocket portions 2 are mixed with foreign matter.

On the other hand, the strip-shaped original fabric of the cover film 4 is wound into a roll on the most upstream side. A lead end of the cover film 4 wound in a roll is guided toward the heating roll 25 by the guide roll 24 .

The heating roll 25 can be brought into pressure contact with the film receiving roll 20 , and the container film 3 and the cover film 4 are fed between the two rolls 20 and 25 . Then, the container film 3 and the cover film 4 are passed between the rolls 20 and 25 in a state of being heated and pressure-welded, whereby the cover film 4 is attached to the container film 3 and the pocket portion 2 is closed with the cover film 4. . As a result, strip-shaped PTP film 6 in which tablet 5 is accommodated in each pocket 2 is manufactured.

The PTP film 6 sent out from the film receiving roll 20 is placed on a tension roll 27 and an intermittent feed roll 28 in this order. Since the intermittent feed roll 28 is connected to a motor that rotates intermittently, the PTP film 6 is transported intermittently. The tension roll 27 is in a state in which the PTP film 6 is stretched by its elastic force, and prevents the PTP film 6 from slackening due to the difference in the conveying operation between the film receiving roll 20 and the intermittent feed roll 28. The PTP film 6 is always held in tension.

The PTP film 6 sent out from the intermittent feed roll 28 is wound on the tension roll 31 and the intermittent feed roll 32 in this order. Since the intermittent feed roll 32 is connected to a motor that rotates intermittently, the PTP film 6 is transported intermittently. The tension roll 31 is in a state in which the PTP film 6 is pulled to the tension side by elastic force, and the slackness of the PTP film 6 between the intermittent feed rolls 28 and 32 is prevented.

Between the intermittent feed roll 28 and the tension roll 31, along the transport path of the PTP film 6, a slit forming device 33 and a stamping device 34 are arranged in order. The slit forming device 33 has a function of forming a slit for separation at a predetermined position of the PTP film 6 . In addition, the marking device 34 has a function of marking a predetermined position (for example, a tag portion) of the PTP film 6 . In addition, in FIG. 1 and the like, illustration of a slit for separation and a stamp is omitted.

The PTP film 6 sent out from the intermittent feed roll 32 is sequentially wound on the tension roll 35 and the continuous feed roll 36 on the downstream side thereof. A sheet punching device 37 is arranged along the transport path of the PTP film 6 between the intermittent feed roll 32 and the tension roll 35 . The sheet punching device 37 has a function of punching the outer edge of the PTP film 6 into one PTP sheet.

The PTP sheet 1 punched by the sheet punching device 37 is conveyed by the conveyor 39 and temporarily stored in the hopper 40 for finished products. However, when the inspection device 22 determines that the PTP sheet 1 is defective, the defective PTP sheet 1 is not sent to the finished product hopper 40 but is discharged separately by a defective sheet discharging mechanism (not shown).

A cutting device 41 is arranged downstream of the continuous feed roll 36 . An unnecessary film portion 42 that constitutes a belt-like residual material portion (scrap portion) after punching by the sheet punching device 37 is guided by the tension roll 35 and the continuous feed roll 36, and then guided to the cutting device 41. . A cutting device 41 cuts the unnecessary film portion 42 to a predetermined size. The cut unnecessary film portion 42 (scrap) is stored in a scrap hopper 43 and then disposed of separately.

Next, the configuration of the print filling device 21 will be described in detail. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the printing and filling device 21 includes a feeding device 51, a conveying device 52, a tablet inspection device 53, a printing device 54, a print inspection device 55, a defective product removal device 56, a row number conversion device 57, A filling device 58 and a control device 59 are provided. In this embodiment, the conveying device 52 constitutes the “conveying means”, the tablet inspection device 53 and the printing inspection device 55 similarly constitute the “inspecting means”, the printing device 54 constitutes the “printing means”, and the defective product removing device. 56 constitutes "defective product removal means", row number conversion device 57 constitutes "row number conversion means", filling device 58 constitutes "filling means", and control device 59 constitutes "discharge control means".

The feeding device 51 feeds the tablets 5 to the conveying device 52 from a not-shown storage section (for example, a hopper, etc.) in which a large number of tablets 5 are stored. The supply device 51 has a supply chute 511 and a supply drum 512 . The tablet 5 stored in the storage portion does not have the printed portion 5e.

The supply chute 511 delivers the tablets 5 supplied from the storage unit to the supply drum 512 one tablet at a time, and is arranged in the same number as the rows of the tablets 5 conveyed by the supply drum 512. . Each supply chute 511 has a cylindrical shape, and is configured so that the tablets 5 can be stacked vertically in a row. In addition, each supply chute 511 is installed in a state where the lower opening thereof is directly above the rotating shaft of the supply drum 512 and is close to the supply drum 512 .

A shutter (not shown) capable of opening and closing the opening is provided in the vicinity of the lower opening of each supply chute 511 . By opening and closing the shutter, the tablets 5 are dropped from the supply chute 511 one by one and supplied to the supply drum 512 .

The supply drum 512 receives the tablets 5 supplied from the supply chute 511 , and transports the tablets 5 to the transport device 52 side while adsorbing and holding the tablets 5 . The supply drum 512 has a cylindrical shape and is configured to be rotatable by driving means (not shown).

A large number of adsorption portions 512 a for adsorbing and holding the tablets 5 are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the supply drum 512 . Each suction part 512a is configured to be in a state where negative pressure is supplied by a predetermined suction means (not shown) while it moves from directly above to near directly below the rotation shaft of the supply drum 512 . Thereby, each adsorption part 512a adsorbs and holds the tablet 5 while moving from directly above the rotating shaft of the supply drum 512 to near directly below it. On the other hand, each adsorption portion 512a is configured to be open to the atmosphere while it moves from directly below the rotation shaft of the supply drum 512 to nearly directly above it. As a result, the tablets 5 adsorbed and held by the adsorption portion 512 a are released from the suction directly below the rotating shaft of the supply drum 512 and transferred to the conveying device 52 .

The adsorption portions 512a are regularly arranged at predetermined intervals in the circumferential and axial directions of the supply drum 512 . In this embodiment, a large number of suction portions 512a are provided at regular intervals along the circumferential direction of the supply drum 512 . A plurality of rows of the suction portions 512a arranged in the circumferential direction are provided along the axial direction of the supply drum 512 at regular intervals. Note that the number of columns of the adsorption portions 512 a is the same as the number of columns of the tablets 5 conveyed by the conveying device 52 .

The conveying device 52 sucks and holds the tablets 5 delivered from the feeding device 51 and conveys them to the column number converting device 57 side. The transport device 52 includes a pair of pulleys 521 and 522 and a transport belt 523 stretched over the pulleys 521 and 522 . In this embodiment, the conveying belt 523 corresponds to the "suction rotating section".

The pair of pulleys 521 and 522 are arranged with a predetermined distance therebetween, and are rotatable about a rotating shaft parallel to the rotating shaft of the supply drum 512 by driving means (not shown).

The conveyor belt 523 rotates as the pulleys 521 and 522 rotate. In addition, the transport belt 523 has suction holes 523a for sucking and holding the tablets 5 .

A large number of suction holes 523 a are arranged at regular intervals along the moving direction of the transport belt 523 , ie, the transport direction of the tablets 5 . Assuming that a predetermined first numerical value (natural number) is m, there are m rows of suction holes 523a arranged along the moving direction of the transport belt 523 (the transport direction of the tablets 5). In this embodiment, the first numerical value (that is, m) is "3".

Negative pressure is supplied to the inner space of the transport belt 523 surrounded by the transport belt 523 by a suction mechanism (not shown), and the inner space is in a vacuum state. As a result, a negative pressure is supplied to the suction holes 523a, and the conveying device 52 sucks and holds the tablets 5 through the suction holes 523a while arranging them in m rows as the pulleys 521 and 522 rotate. A tablet 5 is conveyed. In the present embodiment, the process of transporting the tablets 5 in m rows by the transport device 52 corresponds to the "transport process". 6 and the like show the state in which the internal space of the conveying belt 523 is open to the outside in order to show the defective product removing device 56 and the blow nozzle 571a, which will be described later, but in reality the internal space is closed. It is in a state of

Further, in this embodiment, the conveying device 52 is provided with an encoder (not shown), and a signal relating to the rotation amount (movement amount) of the pulleys 521 and 522 is transmitted from the encoder to the control device 59 at predetermined time intervals. It has become so. Thereby, the control device 59 can grasp the position of the tablet 5 conveyed by the conveying device 52 .

As shown in FIG. 8, the tablet inspection device 53 is provided along the conveying path of the tablets 5 by the conveying device 52, and inspects the tablets 5 being conveyed. The tablet inspection device 53 includes a camera for capturing an image of the transported tablet 5 and a tablet determination device (not shown) that determines the quality of the tablet 5 based on the captured image obtained by the camera. The captured image of the tablet 5 obtained by the camera and the judgment result by the tablet judgment device are transmitted to the control device 59 .

The printing device 54 is arranged downstream of the tablet inspection device 53 along the direction in which the tablets 5 are conveyed by the conveying device 52. The printing device 54 is arranged downstream of the tablet inspection device 53, and uses a predetermined inkjet method (for example, a piezo method or a thermal method) to print on the conveyed tablets 5. Non-contact printing. The printing device 54 has a first printing mechanism 541 and a second printing mechanism 542 .

Each of the printing mechanisms 541 and 542 has m print heads (not shown) aligned in the width direction so as to correspond to the m suction holes 523 a (tablets 5 ) aligned in the width direction of the transport belt 523 . I have. Each print head is in charge of printing one row of tablets 5 arranged in the moving direction of the transport belt 523 . Each print head ejects ink toward each tablet 5 passing through the printing device 54 to print on each tablet 5 to form the printing portion 5e.

Each print head has two nozzle rows La and Lb in which a plurality of nozzles capable of ejecting ink droplets are arranged at regular intervals (see FIG. 14).
The nozzle row La includes x nozzles Na (Na1, Na2, Na3, Na4, Na5, . . . , Nax) at regular intervals in the head width direction. Nb2, Nb3, Nb4, Nb5, . . . , Nbx) are provided at regular intervals in the head width direction. In this embodiment, each nozzle Na, Nb is supplied with a predetermined edible ink from an ink tank (not shown).

Further, each nozzle Nb of the nozzle row Lb is displaced in the head width direction with respect to each nozzle Na of the nozzle row La and positioned between the nozzles Na. In other words, the nozzles Na and Nb of both nozzle rows La and Lb are arranged in a zigzag pattern as a whole, and are arranged at regular intervals in the head width direction.

In addition, each print head has a cleaning mechanism that pressurizes and purges dust, thickened or solidified ink, etc. clogged inside the nozzles Na and Nb to the outside, and a wiping mechanism that wipes the print head after purging. A cleaning device (not shown) is provided.

In this embodiment, the first printing mechanism 541 forms a certain color portion (for example, “ABC” portion) of the printing unit 5e on the tablet 5, and the second printing mechanism 542 forms A portion of a color different from the aforementioned color (for example, a “20” portion) is formed on the tablet 5 . In this embodiment, since the printing unit 5e is configured for two colors, a first printing mechanism 541 for one color and a second printing mechanism 542 for the other colors are provided.

In addition, the printing position of the printing device 54 is controlled by the control device 59 . As a result, even if the states (positions in this embodiment) of the tablets 5 being conveyed are different, the printed portions 5e are formed at appropriate positions of the tablets 5 . In this embodiment, the process of printing by the printing device 54 on the tablets 5 transported by the transporting device 52 corresponds to the "printing process".

The print inspection device 55 inspects the printing portion 5 e formed by the printing device 54 . The print inspection device 55 is a camera for capturing an image of the transported tablet 5, and a print determination device that determines the quality of the printing unit 5e based on the captured image obtained by the camera, and thus determines the quality of the tablet 5. (each not shown). A determination result by the print determination device is transmitted to the control device 59 .

The defective product removal device 56 is a device for removing the tablets 5 determined as defective by the tablet inspection device 53 or the print inspection device 55 to the outside of the system (that is, out of the conveying path of the conveying device 52). The defective product removal device 56 is provided downstream of the print inspection device 55 along the transport direction of the tablets 5 by the transport device 52 . Also, the defective product removing device 56 is arranged in the inner space of the conveying belt 523 (see FIGS. 6 and 7).

Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the defective product removal device 56 releases the adsorption and holding of the tablet 5 by blowing the suction hole 523a, and the defective product removal device 56 can discharge the tablet 5 out of the system. A plurality of blow nozzles 561 are provided. Each of the blow nozzles 561 for defective products is provided m in a row along a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the tablets 5, and is in charge of removing one row of the tablets 5 arranged along the conveying direction. It is configured. Thereby, only defective tablets 5 can be selectively removed out of the system. In addition, the tablets 5 removed by the blow operation of the defective product blow nozzle 561 are thrown into the predetermined defective product storage section 61 .

The number-of-rows conversion device 57 is for increasing the number of rows of the tablets 5 during filling by the filling device 58 between the conveying device 52 and the filling device 58 than the number of rows of the tablets 5 during conveyance by the feeding device 52. is. That is, when the second numerical value that is larger than the first numerical value is n (where n is a natural number), the column number conversion device 57 converts the number of columns of the tablets 5 between the conveying device 52 and the filling device 58 to It has the function of converting from m to n. In addition, in this embodiment, the second numerical value (that is, n) is "5".

The row number conversion device 57 includes a discharging device 571 and a receiving and conveying device 572, as shown in FIGS. In this embodiment, a part of the functions of the control device 59 (especially the functions related to the discharge of the tablets 5 by the discharge device 571) also constitutes a part of the column number conversion device 57. FIG. In this embodiment, the discharging device 571 corresponds to the "discharging means", and the receiving and transporting device 572 corresponds to the "receiving and transporting means".

The discharging device 571 selectively discharges the tablets 5 transported by the transporting device 52 to the receiving transporting device 572 side. The discharge device 571 has a plurality of blow nozzles 571 a arranged inside the conveying belt 523 .

Each blow nozzle 571a releases the suction and holding of the tablet 5 by blowing to the suction hole 523a, and discharges the tablet 5. As shown in FIG. The blow nozzles 571a are arranged n in number along the conveying direction of the tablets 5 by the conveying device 52, and the number of rows of the blow nozzles 571a corresponds to the number of rows of the suction holes 523a arranged along the conveying direction. Thus, m columns are provided. Therefore, m×n (15 in this embodiment) blow nozzles 571a are provided.

The interval between the blow nozzles 571a along the transport direction is the same as the interval between the suction holes 523a along the transport direction, and the interval between the blow nozzles 571a along the direction orthogonal to the transport direction is the same. The interval is the same as the interval between the suction holes 523a along the direction orthogonal to the conveying direction. As a result, all of the blow ports (gas (for example, air) blowout ports) of the blow nozzles 571a are overlapped with the suction holes 523a at regular intervals.

The receiving and conveying device 572 receives the dropped tablets 5 discharged by the discharging device 571 and conveys the tablets 5 to the filling device 58 side. The receiving and transporting device 572 includes a receiving portion 572a and an intermediate transporting device 572b. In this embodiment, the intermediate conveying device 572b corresponds to "intermediate conveying means". In addition, in FIG. 10 and the like, illustration of the tablets 5 conveyed by the receiving and conveying device 572 is omitted.

The receiving part 572a is for receiving the dropped tablets 5 ejected by the ejection device 571 . The number of receiving portions 572a is n, and each receiving portion 572a is composed of a bottom wall having an oblique upper surface and a partition wall erected on the bottom wall to form a transport path for the tablets 5. ing. In the present embodiment, a plurality of partition walls are erected on one bottom wall so that the n receiving portions 572a are integrally formed, but each receiving portion 572a is separated. It may be configured as

Each receiving part 572a extends in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the tablets 5 are conveyed by the conveying device 52, and is arranged in a row along the conveying direction. Each receiving portion 572a is arranged vertically below a row of blow nozzles 571a arranged in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction. Accordingly, the tablet 5 ejected by one of the m blow nozzles 571a arranged in one row falls onto one receiving portion 572a corresponding to the row of the blow nozzles 571a. The tablets 5 dropped onto the receiving portion 572a are conveyed to the intermediate conveying device 572b along the upper surface of the bottom wall, which is an inclined surface.

The intermediate conveying device 572b has n conveying paths respectively corresponding to the receiving units 572a, and the tablets 5 delivered to the receiving unit 572a on the conveying paths are arranged in n rows to the filling device 58 side. and transport. The intermediate conveying device 572b includes a gravity drop conveying portion 572c and a straight feeder 572d.

The weight drop conveying portion 572c is composed of a bottom wall with at least a slanted upper surface and a partition wall erected on the bottom wall and forming a conveying path for the tablets 5, and is substantially perpendicular when viewed from above. It has a curved shape. The gravity drop conveying portion 572c is connected to the receiving portion 572a, and is configured such that the conveying path of the tablets 5 in itself is continuous with the conveying path of the tablets 5 in the receiving portion 572a. The tablet 5 that has reached the gravity drop conveying portion 572c from the receiving portion 572a is conveyed to the straight feeder 572d while changing the conveying direction by about 90 degrees due to its own weight.

The rectilinear feeder 572d has n tablets 5 transport paths, and these transport paths are connected to the gravity drop transport part 572c so as to be continuous with the transport path of the gravity drop transport part 572c. The rectilinear feeder 572d gradually conveys the tablets 5 to the filling device 58 side by applying a predetermined vibration. The tablets 5 conveyed to the most downstream of the straight feeder 572d are supplied to a filling chute 581 of the filling device 58, which will be described later.

As described above, the column number conversion device 57 converts the column number of the tablets 5 from m to n. In the present embodiment, the step of converting the number of columns of tablets 5 from m to n by the column number conversion device 57 corresponds to the “column number conversion step”.

The filling device 58 fills the pockets 2 formed in the strip-shaped container film 3 with the tablets 5 conveyed in n rows. The filling device 58 includes a filling chute 581 and a filling drum 582, as shown in FIG.

The filling chute 581 delivers the tablets 5 supplied through the intermediate conveying device 572b one by one to the filling drum 582, and has the same number of pockets 2 along the width direction of the container film 3 ( In this embodiment, n) are provided. Each filling chute 581 basically has the same function as the supply chute 511 , and by opening and closing a predetermined shutter, the tablets 5 are dropped one by one to the filling drum 582 . supply.

The filling drum 582 adsorbs and holds the tablets 5 supplied from the filling chute 581 and fills the pockets 2 of the conveyed container film 3 with the tablets 5 . The filling drum 582 has a cylindrical shape and is rotatable by driving means (not shown).

Further, on the outer peripheral surface of the filling drum 582, a large number of adsorption portions 582a for adsorbing and holding the tablets 5 are formed. Each suction unit 582a basically has the same function as the supply drum 512, and sucks and holds the tablets 5 while the filling drum 582 moves from directly above to near the bottom of the rotating shaft of the filling drum 582. Immediately below the rotation shaft of the drum 582 , the adsorption of the tablet 5 is released and the tablet 5 is thrown into the pocket portion 2 .

The adsorption portions 582a are regularly arranged at predetermined intervals in the circumferential and axial directions of the filling drum 582 . In this embodiment, a large number of adsorption portions 582a are provided at regular intervals along the circumferential direction of the filling drum 582 . The rows of the suction portions 582a arranged in the circumferential direction correspond to the number of rows of the pocket portions 2 along the width direction of the container film 3, and n rows are arranged at regular intervals along the axial direction of the filling drum 582. is provided. As a result, the filling device 58 sequentially fills the n rows of tablets 5 held by the suction portion 582 a and arranged in n rows into the pocket portions 2 arranged in n rows in the width direction of the container film 3 . In the present embodiment, the process of filling the pocket portion 2 with the printed tablets 5 arranged in n rows by the filling device 58 corresponds to the "filling process".

The control device 59 includes a CPU as computing means, a ROM for storing various programs, a RAM for temporarily storing various data, and a storage medium (for example, hard disk) for long-term storage of information. The control device 59 executes control processing for each device of the printing and filling device 21 by the CPU executing a predetermined program.

Further, the control device 59 stores in advance print data relating to the printing section 5e. When forming the printed portion 5e on the tablet 5, the control device 59 operates as follows. That is, the control device 59 grasps the state (position in this embodiment) of the tablet 5 based on the captured image obtained by the camera of the tablet inspection device 53 . Then, the control device 59 selects suitable nozzles Na and Nb as ink ejection targets based on the grasped state of the tablet 5, and controls the printing device 54 so that ink is ejected from the selected nozzles Na and Nb. . Also, at this time, the control device 59 controls the printing timing (ink ejection timing) by the printing device 54 based on the signal from the encoder of the conveying device 52 . As a result, the printed portion 5e is formed at an appropriate position according to the state of the tablet 5. FIG.

In addition, the control device 59 can identify defective tablets 5 based on the determination results of the tablet inspection device 53 and the print inspection device 55 . Based on the signal from the encoder of the conveying device 52, the control device 59 calculates the timing at which the defective tablet 5 reaches the defective product removing device 56, and the tablet 5 is sucked at the calculated timing. The defective product blow nozzle 561 is controlled so as to perform blowing for releasing the . As a result, the defective tablet 5 is ejected out of the system and put into the defective product container 61 .

In addition, the control device 59 selectively blows each blow nozzle 571 a of the discharge device 571 to control the discharge position of the tablet 5 by the discharge device 571 . By changing the ejection position, the receiving portion 572a to which the tablet 5 is to be delivered is changed.

Further, the control device 59 controls the operation of each blow nozzle 571a so that the tablets 5 are evenly distributed to each of the receiving portions 572a. In this embodiment, the control device 59 basically controls the timing (ejection timing) when the m tablets 5 arranged in the direction orthogonal to the conveying direction reach the arrangement position of the most upstream blow nozzle 571a. ), one tablet 5 is discharged to each of the m receiving portions 572a, and the blow nozzles 571a operate so that the same number of tablets 5 are finally delivered to each receiving portion 572a. to control.

For example, when the plurality of receiving portions 572a are numbered (1), (2), (3), (4) and (5) in order from the upstream side along the conveying direction of the tablet 5, the control device 59 is to the receiving units 572a of (1), (2), and (3) at one discharge timing, to the receiving units 572a of (1), (4), and (5) at the next discharge timing, and to the receiving units 572a of (1), (4), and (5) at the next discharge timing. (2), (3), and (4) to the receiving units 572a; at the next ejection timing, (1), (2), and (5); ) and control the operation of each blow nozzle 571a so as to deliver the tablets 5 one by one to the receiving portion 572a of (5).

However, when the defective tablet 5 is removed by the defective product removing device 56, the control device 59 controls each blower so that only the tablet 5 determined as non-defective by the tablet inspection device 53 and the print inspection device 55 is discharged. It controls the operation of the nozzle 571a. At this time, the control device 59 selects the blow nozzles 571a to be operated so that the influence of the defective tablets 5 is minimized and the tablets 5 delivered to the receiving portions 572a are evenly distributed. Here, the control device 59 is configured to store the number of tablets 5 delivered to each receiving unit 572a, and selects the blow nozzle 571a to be operated using this stored number. . It should be noted that the above-mentioned "equal" means not only cases where the number of tablets 5 distributed to each receiving portion 572a is strictly equal, but also cases where the number of tablets 5 distributed to each receiving portion 572a is exactly the same. It also includes the case where there is almost no number difference (for example, the number difference is suppressed to within several).

As described in detail above, according to the present embodiment, the number of columns (m columns) of the tablets 5 during transport by the transporting device 52 (that is, during printing by the printing device 54) is reduced by the column number conversion device 57. It is possible to increase the number of rows (n rows) of the tablets 5 when filling the pockets 2 with the tablets 5 . That is, it is possible to fill the tablets 5 with a relatively large number of rows while printing the tablets 5 with a relatively small number of rows. Since the printing process of the tablets 5 can be performed with a relatively small number of rows, the scale of the printing device 54 can be made small, and the manufacturing of the PTP packaging machine 10, the maintenance of the printing device 54, and the control of the printing device 54 can be performed. It is possible to reduce various costs related to processing and the like. On the other hand, since the tablets 5 can be filled in a relatively large number of rows, the filling speed of the tablets 5 can be increased, and a good production speed can be secured.

Further, according to this embodiment, the scale of the cleaning device in the printing device 54 can also be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to more effectively reduce the cost of manufacturing the PTP packaging machine 10 and the like.

Furthermore, since the frequency of printing by the printing device 54 can be increased as a result, each of the nozzles Na and Nb is likely to be selected as an ink ejection target. Therefore, even the nozzles Na and Nb (for example, the nozzles in charge of the edges of the printable area of the printing device 54), which are generally difficult to select as ink ejection targets, can easily eject ink. As a result, clogging of the nozzles Na and Nb due to solidification or thickening of the ink can be effectively suppressed, and the occurrence of printing defects can be prevented more reliably. In addition, since clogging of the nozzles is less likely to occur, the cleaning frequency of the printing device 54 can be reduced. As a result, the cost of producing the PTP sheet 1 can be reduced and the production speed can be further improved.

In addition, the row number conversion device 57 includes a discharge device 571 and a receiving/conveying device 572. By changing the discharge position of the tablets 5 by the discharge device 571, the receiving portion 572a to which the tablets 5 are to be delivered can be changed. to convert the number of columns of tablet 5. Therefore, the number-of-rows conversion device 57 can be realized with a relatively simple structure, and the cost for manufacturing, maintenance, etc. of the PTP packaging machine 10 can be reduced more effectively.

Furthermore, when the tablets 5 are arranged in n rows, the number of tablets 5 in each row can be substantially equal. Therefore, when the tablets 5 are filled into the pocket portion 2, it is possible to more reliably prevent a situation in which a certain row of tablets 5 runs out. As a result, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of defects related to the production of the PTP sheet 1, and to more reliably improve the production speed. In this embodiment, even if there is a slight difference in the number of non-defective tablets 5 among the columns of the tablets 5 conveyed by the conveying device 52, the non-defective tablets 5 are evenly distributed to the receiving units 572a. can be done.

In addition, only the tablets 5 determined to be non-defective can be delivered to the receiving portion 572a, and the tablets 5 determined to be defective can be removed individually from the system. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably prevent defective tablets 5 from being included in the PTP sheet 1, and thus to more reliably prevent a situation in which the entire PTP sheet 1 becomes defective due to one defective tablet 5. be able to. As a result, the cost for manufacturing the PTP sheet 1 can be reduced more effectively.

In addition, the n receiving portions 572a extend in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the tablets 5 are conveyed by the conveying device 52, and are arranged in a row along the conveying direction. Therefore, the receiving portion 572a can be realized with a very simple configuration. As a result, the size reduction and simplification of the PTP packaging machine 10 can be achieved more reliably, and the cost of manufacturing the PTP packaging machine 10 can be more effectively suppressed.

Further, according to the present embodiment, by using the transport belt 523, the tablets 5 can be stably held during transport, and the tablets 5 can be printed more accurately.

Furthermore, since the tablet 5 is released from being held by suction by blowing to the suction hole 523a by the blow nozzle 571a, the tablet 5 can be selectively discharged more accurately. In addition, when converting the number of columns, damage to the tablets 5 can be relatively small compared to the method of allocating the tablets 5 to the receiving units 572a by contact with the tablets 5, and the printing unit Damage to 5e and tablet 5 itself can be made less likely to occur. As a result, the cost for manufacturing the PTP sheet 1 can be further reduced.

In addition, n blow nozzles 571a are arranged in the conveying direction of the tablet 5 so as to correspond to the n receiving portions 572a, and the rows of the blow nozzles 571a are arranged to correspond to the number of rows of the suction holes 523a. There are m columns. Therefore, the tablets 5 in each row to be conveyed can be delivered to each of the plurality of receiving portions 572a. In other words, a row of tablets 5 can be delivered not only to a specific receiving portion 572a but to all receiving portions 572a. As a result, even if all the tablets 5 in a certain row become abnormal due to, for example, a failure of the printing device 54, and the tablets 5 in this row are removed outside the system and are not delivered to the receiving unit 572a. , and other rows of tablets 5 can be appropriately distributed to each receiving portion 572a. As a result, it is possible to effectively suppress a decrease in production speed.

In addition, it is not limited to the description content of the said embodiment, For example, you may implement as follows. Of course, other applications and modifications not exemplified below are naturally possible.

(a) In the above embodiment, the ejection device 571 is configured to eject the tablets 5 by blowing the blow nozzle 571a. However, the configuration of the ejection device may be changed as appropriate.

(b) In the above embodiment, the suction holes 523a in the conveying device 52 are arranged at intervals along the moving direction of the conveying belt 523. However, as shown in FIG. A structure in which the suction holes 523b continue along is also possible. That is, the conveying device 52 may have slit-shaped suction holes 523b. In this case, the interval between the tablets 5 along the conveying direction may not be constant. processing, ejection processing of the tablet 5 to the receiving portion 572a side, and the like can be performed appropriately.

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

(c) In the above embodiment, the number of columns of tablets 5 is changed from "3" to "5" by the column number conversion device 57, but the number of columns of tablets 5 after conversion is The number of rows of tablets 5 before conversion and after conversion may be changed as appropriate, as long as the number of rows of tablets 5 is greater than the number of rows of tablets 5 in . For example, as shown in FIG. 16, the column number conversion device 57 may change the number of columns of tablets 5 from "2" to "5".

(d) In the above embodiment, the contents are tablets 5, but the contents are not limited to tablets.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, a disk-shaped uncoated tablet having a circular shape in plan view (disc-shaped flat tablet) is exemplified as the tablet 5, but the type and shape of the tablet are limited to the above-described embodiment. not to be For example, tablets include not only medicines but also tablets used for eating and drinking. Tablets include not only uncoated tablets, but also sugar-coated tablets, film-coated tablets, orally disintegrating tablets, enteric-coated tablets, gelatin-coated tablets, etc., as well as various capsules such as hard capsules and soft capsules. Also includes tablets.

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

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

(f) The configuration of the manufactured PTP sheet is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, the arrangement and the number of pocket portions 2 in one unit of PTP sheet are not limited to those of the above embodiment.

In the above embodiment, the PTP film 6 has a configuration in which the pocket portions 2 are arranged in a number corresponding to one sheet along the width direction. , the number of pocket portions 2 corresponding to a plurality of sheets may be arranged along the width direction. In this case, the second numerical value (n) is the same as the number of pocket portions 2 [for example, in the above example, the second numerical value (n) is set to "10" for two sheets. ].

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

(g) The configuration of the printing device 54 is not limited to the above embodiment. In the above embodiment, the printing device 54 includes the first printing mechanism 541 responsible for one color and the second printing mechanism 542 responsible for the other colors. The number of printing mechanisms may be changed as appropriate. In the above embodiment, both the printing mechanisms 541 and 542 are provided with a plurality of print heads arranged in the width direction of the conveying belt 523. However, only one print head is provided, and the one print head is used for the above-described printing. A plurality of tablets 5 arranged in the width direction may be printed at once.

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

Furthermore, the cleaning mechanism for the print head of the above embodiment is configured to remove dust, ink, etc. by pressurized purging.

Also, a printing apparatus using a method other than the inkjet method may be used. For example, as a printing device, a device that prints by directly contacting the tablet 5 or a device that prints by irradiating the tablet 5 with a laser may be used.

(h) In the above embodiment, the receiving portion 572a is configured to extend in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the tablets 5 are conveyed by the conveying device 52. However, as shown in FIG. It may be configured to extend in a direction intersecting the conveying direction of the tablet 5 by 52 and not perpendicular to the conveying direction. This configuration is effective, for example, when there is a situation where it is desired to match the conveying directions of the tablets 5 in the PTP packaging machine 10 as much as possible. In addition, when configured as described above, the configuration of the discharging device 571 (for example, the arrangement position of the blow nozzle 571a, etc.), the control timing of the blow nozzle 571a, and the like may be appropriately changed in accordance with the configuration of the receiving portion 572a. . In the example shown in FIG. 17, each row of the blow nozzles 571a formed by arranging n blow nozzles 571a has one pitch (the interval between the suction holes 523a along the transport direction) so as to match the configuration of the receiving portion 572a. ).

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... PTP sheet (blister sheet), 2... Pocket part, 3... Container film, 4... Cover film, 5... Tablet (contents), 10... PTP packaging machine (blister packaging machine), 52... Conveying device (conveying means ), 53... Tablet inspection device (inspection means), 54... Printing device (printing means), 55... Printing inspection device (inspection means), 56... Defective product removing device (defective product removing means), 57... Row number converting device (Row number converting means), 58... Filling device (filling means), 59... Control device (discharging control means), 523... Conveyor belt (suction rotating part), 523a... Suction holes, 571... Discharging device (discharging means), 5571a... Blow nozzle, 572... Receiving conveying device (receiving conveying means), 572a... Receiving section, 572b... Intermediate conveying device (intermediate conveying means).

Claims (6)

A blister packaging machine for manufacturing a blister sheet in which contents are accommodated in a pocket formed in a container film and a cover film is attached to the container film so as to close the pocket. ,
When a predetermined first numerical value is m and a second numerical value greater than the first numerical value is n,
a conveying means for conveying the contents in a state of being arranged in m rows;
a printing means for printing on the contents conveyed by the conveying means;
filling means for filling the pockets formed in the band-shaped container film with the contents printed by the printing means and arranged in n rows;
row number conversion means for converting the number of rows of the contents from m to n between the conveying means and the filling means ;
The column number conversion means is
a discharging means capable of selectively discharging the contents conveyed by the conveying means;
receiving and conveying means for receiving the contents discharged by the discharging means and conveying the contents to the filling means;
an ejection control means capable of controlling the ejection position of the contents by the ejection means;
The receiving and transporting means is
n receiving units for receiving the contents discharged by the discharging means;
Intermediate conveying having n conveying paths respectively corresponding to the receiving parts, and conveying the contents delivered to the receiving parts in the conveying paths to the filling means in a state of being arranged in n rows. means and
A blister packaging machine, wherein the receiving section to which the contents are to be delivered is changed by changing the discharge position of the contents by the discharge means. 2. The blister packaging machine according to claim 1 , wherein said discharge control means controls said discharge means so that said contents are evenly distributed to each of said receiving portions. inspection means for inspecting the contents conveyed by the conveying means;
Defective product removal means for removing the contents determined to be defective by the inspection means to the outside of the system,
3. The blister packaging machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the discharging means is configured to discharge only the contents judged to be non-defective by the inspection means. 3. The n receiving portions extend in a direction intersecting with a conveying direction of the contents by the conveying means, and are provided in a state of being arranged along the conveying direction. The blister packaging machine according to any one of Claims 1 to 3. The conveying means includes a suction rotating portion in which a plurality of suction holes capable of sucking and holding the contents are arranged along the direction in which the contents are conveyed, and m rows of the suction holes are formed,
The discharging means is arranged inside the suction rotating part, and includes a plurality of blow nozzles capable of discharging the contents by blowing to the suction holes to release the suction holding of the contents. ,
n blow nozzles are arranged in the conveying direction so as to correspond to each of the n receiving portions, and m rows of the blow nozzles are provided so as to correspond to the rows of the suction holes. A blister packaging machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: A method for producing a blister sheet in which contents are stored in a pocket formed in a container film and a cover film is attached to the container film so as to close the pocket, comprising:
When a predetermined first numerical value is m and a second numerical value greater than the first numerical value is n,
a conveying step of conveying the contents in a state of being arranged in m rows;
a printing step of printing on the content conveyed in the conveying step;
a filling step of filling the pocket portions formed in the band-shaped container film with the contents printed in the printing step and arranged in n rows;
a row number conversion step of converting the number of rows of the contents from m to n between the conveying step and the filling step ;
The column number conversion step includes:
a discharging step capable of selectively discharging the contents conveyed in the conveying step;
a receiving and conveying step of receiving the contents discharged in the discharging step and conveying the contents to the side where the filling step is performed;
a discharge control step of controlling the discharge position of the contents in the discharge step;
In the receiving and conveying step,
a receiving step of receiving the contents discharged in the discharging step by n receiving units;
an intermediate conveying step of conveying the contents delivered to the receiving portion to the side where the filling step is performed in a state of being arranged in n rows on n conveying paths respectively corresponding to the receiving portions; ,
A method for manufacturing a blister sheet, wherein the receiving portion to which the contents are delivered is changed by changing the position at which the contents are discharged in the discharging step.

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