Workpiece feeding device

Abstract

The present invention provides a workpiece feeding device that can achieve excellent workpiece feeding capacity without increasing the size of the device and can also reduce damage to the workpiece. The workpiece feeding device (50) includes an outer structural portion (60) and an inner drum portion (70) having a cylindrical side wall portion (71). The side wall portion (71) includes a workpiece receiving groove (711) that can receive tablets (5) in an aligned state, a workpiece outlet portion (712) that penetrates the inner and outer portions, and a guide portion (713). The outer structural portion (60) has a workpiece outflow path (61a). By the rotation of the inner drum portion (70), the workpiece receiving groove (711) and the workpiece outflow path (61a) are in a connected state via the workpiece outlet portion (712), whereby the plurality of tablets (5) received in the workpiece receiving groove (711) are guided to the workpiece outlet portion (712) side by the guide portion (713) due to their own weight, and can be discharged to the supply object side through the workpiece outlet portion (712) and the workpiece outflow path (61a).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a workpiece feeding device for feeding workpieces such as tablets. Background Art

[0002] PTP (blister pack) sheets are commonly used in the pharmaceutical and food industries. PTP sheets consist of a container film and a cover film. The container film has a pocket for receiving workpieces such as tablets, and the cover film is attached to the container film to seal the opening of the pocket. PTP sheets are manufactured using a PTP packaging machine, a type of blister packaging machine. PTP packaging machines include a filling mechanism for filling workpieces into the pocket formed on the strip-shaped container film.

[0003] In addition, there is known a device for supplying a workpiece to a supply object such as a filling component, namely a workpiece supply device. In the past, as a workpiece supply device, there is known a vibrating hopper feeder, which includes a circular plate body having a supply hole at the bottom and capable of storing the workpiece, and by vibrating the circular plate body, the workpiece is caused to rotate and supplied to the supply object side (downstream side) through the above-mentioned supply hole. In addition, as a vibrating hopper feeder, the following vibrating hopper feeder has been proposed, wherein, in order to effectively remove dust generated by the tablets, concentric annular grooves are formed in the circular plate body, and the dust received in the annular grooves is discharged through the discharge hole (for example, refer to Patent Document 1, etc.).

[0004] In addition, as another workpiece supply device, there is known a workpiece supply device including a rotatable feeder and a feeder cover arranged on the periphery of the feeder (for example, refer to patent document 2, etc.). In this workpiece supply device, the feeder is constructed in the following manner: a groove extending along the rotation direction is provided inside the feeder, and a plurality of feeder discharge ports are formed in a manner penetrating from the groove to the outer peripheral surface. On the other hand, the feeder cover is constructed in a manner that blocks the above-mentioned feeder discharge port except for a predetermined area. And, when the feeder discharge port reaches the above-mentioned specified area as the feeder rotates, the workpiece entering the feeder discharge port is discharged to the outside of the feeder by centrifugal force and supplied to the supply object side (downstream side).

[0005] Prior art literature

[0006] Patent Literature

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-284087

[0008] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-145415 Summary of the Invention

[0009] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0010] However, there are times when it is desirable to improve the workpiece feeding capacity of a workpiece feeding device to a target device. When a vibrating hopper feeder is used as the workpiece feeding device, the feeding capacity can be improved by increasing vibration. However, increasing vibration can significantly damage the workpiece, making it more likely to break. Furthermore, when the workpiece is a tablet, increased damage increases the amount of dust generated from the tablet. Therefore, dust countermeasures, such as those used in the workpiece feeding device disclosed in Patent Document 1, are necessary. This, however, raises concerns about increased costs.

[0011] Furthermore, regarding the workpiece feeding device of Patent Document 2, for example, it is contemplated that the feeding capacity could be increased by, for example, making the feeder larger in diameter and providing more outlets for the fed material. However, such a configuration would increase the size of the device. Furthermore, it is contemplated that the feeding capacity could be increased by increasing the speed, but this raises concerns about increased damage to the workpieces.

[0012] The present invention has been made in view of the above situation, and an object of the present invention is to provide a workpiece supply device that can obtain excellent workpiece supply capacity without increasing the size of the device and can reduce damage to the workpiece.

[0013] Technical solutions to problems

[0014] Hereinafter, each technical solution suitable for solving the above-mentioned purpose will be described in detail. In addition, the specific effects will be recorded after the corresponding technical solution as needed.

[0015] Technical solution 1 relates to a workpiece supply device for discharging and supplying a predetermined workpiece to a supply target side, characterized in that the workpiece supply device includes:

[0016] an inner drum portion having a cylindrical side wall portion, rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the horizontal direction, and configured to inject the workpiece into an inner space surrounded by the side wall portion; and

[0017] an outer structural portion, the outer structural portion being arranged on the outer side of the inner drum portion;

[0018] The side wall portion of the inner drum portion has:

[0019] a workpiece receiving groove extending along the rotation direction of the inner drum portion and opening toward the rotation axis side, capable of receiving the workpiece in a state aligned in the rotation direction;

[0020] a workpiece outlet portion penetrating inside and outside and connecting a rear portion of the workpiece receiving groove in the rotation direction with the outside of the inner drum; and

[0021] a guide portion disposed adjacent to a portion of the workpiece receiving groove on a rear side in the rotational direction and adapted to contact a rearmost workpiece located rearwardly in the rotational direction among the workpieces received in the workpiece receiving groove along the rotational direction;

[0022] The outer structural portion includes a workpiece outflow passage, which is communicated with the workpiece receiving groove via the workpiece outlet portion when at least the rearmost workpiece received in the workpiece receiving groove is in a state where it can move on the side wall portion toward the guide portion under the action of gravity as the inner drum portion rotates.

[0023] The above-mentioned workpiece supply device is constructed in the following manner: through the rotation of the above-mentioned inner drum portion, the above-mentioned workpiece receiving groove and the above-mentioned workpiece outflow path are connected through the above-mentioned workpiece outlet portion, so that the multiple above-mentioned workpieces received in the workpiece receiving groove move toward the above-mentioned guide portion side due to the self-weight of these workpieces and are guided toward the workpiece outlet portion side through the guide portion, and can be discharged to the above-mentioned supply object side in an arranged state through the workpiece outlet portion and the workpiece outflow path.

[0024] According to the above technical solution 1, by rotating the inner drum, multiple workpieces received in the workpiece receiving groove can be discharged at once in a state of being arranged toward the supply target side by utilizing the dead weight of these workpieces. Therefore, it is possible to obtain excellent workpiece supply capacity without increasing the size of the device.

[0025] Furthermore, unlike a vibrating hopper feeder, there's no need to apply vibration to the workpieces for feeding, thus reducing damage to the workpieces. This more reliably prevents breakage of the workpieces. Furthermore, when the workpieces are tablets, dust generated from the tablets can be reduced, thereby minimizing the cost of dust control measures.

[0026] Furthermore, the workpiece supply device according to the first aspect is basically operated simply by rotating the inner drum portion, and therefore the device can be miniaturized and simplified.

[0027] Technical solution 2 relates to the workpiece feeding device according to technical solution 1, characterized in that the inner drum portion is rotatably supported by a bearing, and the inner drum portion has a valve portion that can open and close the workpiece outlet portion by rotation;

[0028] The workpiece supply device is configured such that the workpiece outlet portion is opened by rotating the valve portion, thereby allowing the workpiece receiving groove and the workpiece outlet path to communicate with each other via the workpiece outlet portion.

[0029] According to the second technical solution, a valve portion is provided to open and close the workpiece outlet. This valve portion can more reliably prevent the workpiece disposed at the workpiece outlet from rubbing against the outer structural portion, or from being caught between the inner drum portion and the outer structural portion. As a result, damage to the workpiece can be more effectively reduced, further reliably preventing breakage of the workpiece.

[0030] Technical solution 3 relates to the workpiece supply device according to technical solution 2, characterized in that the valve portion is constructed in such a manner that it can rotate by its own weight so as to fall into the workpiece outflow path, thereby opening the workpiece outlet portion.

[0031] According to the third aspect, the valve portion can be rotated to open the workpiece outlet without using a drive mechanism such as a motor. Therefore, the cost of manufacturing and maintaining the device can be reduced.

[0032] Technical Solution 4 relates to the workpiece supply device described in Technical Solution 3, characterized in that the valve portion is constructed in the following manner: when the workpiece is stored in the workpiece outflow path, the valve portion restricts rotation toward the workpiece outflow path side by contacting the workpiece.

[0033] According to the fourth technical solution, when workpieces are stored in the workpiece outflow passage, the valve portion contacts the stored workpieces, thereby restricting rotation toward the workpiece outflow passage. Therefore, when workpieces are stored in the workpiece outflow passage, the workpiece outlet portion can be maintained in a closed state, more reliably preventing further workpieces from being discharged into the workpiece outflow passage already filled with workpieces.

[0034] In addition, since there is no need to provide a special mechanism or the like for restricting the rotation of the valve portion, the device can be further reduced in size and simplified.

[0035] Technical solution 5 relates to the workpiece supply device described in technical solution 3 or 4, characterized in that the above-mentioned outer structural part has a rotation limiting part, and the above-mentioned rotation limiting part limits the rotation of the valve part caused by its own weight by contacting the above-mentioned valve part, thereby making the workpiece outlet part into a closed state.

[0036] According to the fifth technical solution, the valve portion can be rotated so that the workpiece outlet portion opens and closes at a predetermined position by utilizing the workpiece outlet passage and rotation restriction portion provided by the outer structural portion, as well as the weight of the valve portion. Therefore, the open and closed states of the workpiece outlet portion can be appropriately switched using a very simple structure, further miniaturizing and simplifying the device.

[0037] Technical solution 6 relates to the workpiece supply device according to technical solution 1, characterized in that the workpiece receiving groove has a tapered portion that gradually widens toward the rotation axis side on the opening side of the workpiece receiving groove.

[0038] According to the sixth technical solution, the tapered portion makes it easier for the workpiece to enter the workpiece receiving groove. Therefore, it is easy to accommodate multiple workpieces in the workpiece receiving groove, thereby achieving a better workpiece supply capability.

[0039] Technical solution 7 relates to the workpiece supply device according to technical solution 6, characterized in that at least the rear side portion of the tapered portion in the rotation direction is constructed so that the width gradually narrows toward the rear side in the rotation direction.

[0040] If a workpiece straddles the tapered portion of the inner drum and becomes caught on the guide portion along the inner drum's rotational direction, the workpiece may obstruct movement of the workpiece received in the workpiece receiving groove toward the guide portion (the workpiece exit portion). Such obstruction of workpiece movement makes it difficult for the workpiece to exit the workpiece exit portion, necessitating removal of the obstructed workpiece. However, manual removal is cumbersome and laborious, leading to a potential reduction in productivity.

[0041] In contrast, for example, by making the workpiece receiving groove extremely deep, such that the workpiece straddling the tapered portion of the inner drum does not come into contact with the workpiece received in the workpiece receiving groove, the aforementioned obstruction of workpiece movement can be avoided. However, deepening the workpiece receiving groove may increase the size of the device and reduce the internal space of the inner drum (i.e., the space for inserting and storing workpieces).

[0042] In this regard, according to the aforementioned technical solution 7, at least the portion of the tapered portion on the rear side in the aforementioned rotational direction, that is, at least the portion of the tapered portion located on the guide portion side, is constructed so that its width gradually narrows toward the rear side in the rotational direction. Therefore, even if a workpiece is placed on top of the portion of the inner drum portion that constitutes the tapered portion, it can be moved away from the bottom of the workpiece receiving groove as the workpiece approaches the guide portion, thereby allowing the workpiece to be removed from the workpiece received in the workpiece receiving groove. This effectively suppresses any obstruction to the movement of the workpiece received in the workpiece receiving groove caused by the workpiece being placed on top. Furthermore, the frequency of workpiece removal operations that cause obstruction to movement can be reduced, thereby achieving improved productivity.

[0043] Furthermore, since the workpiece receiving groove does not need to be extremely deep, it is possible to more reliably prevent the device from being enlarged and the internal space of the inner drum from being reduced.

[0044] Technical solution 8 relates to the workpiece supply device according to technical solution 1, characterized in that the workpiece is circular in shape when viewed from above;

[0045] The workpiece receiving groove is configured to receive the workpiece in a state where the workpiece can roll along the rotation direction.

[0046] According to the eighth embodiment, the workpiece can be rolled and discharged to the supply destination, thereby enabling smoother discharge of the workpiece and further improving the supply capacity of the workpiece.

[0047] Technical solution 9 relates to the workpiece supply device described in technical solution 1, characterized in that the portion of the guide portion that contacts the workpiece and guides the workpiece toward the workpiece outlet is formed into a shape that gradually approaches the workpiece outlet toward the rear side of the rotation direction.

[0048] According to the ninth embodiment, the workpiece can be guided more smoothly toward the workpiece outlet, thereby further improving the workpiece supply capability. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0049] Figure 1 is a stereogram showing a PTP sheet;

[0050] Figure 2 It is a partial enlarged cross-sectional view of the PTP sheet;

[0051] Figure 3 is a three-dimensional diagram showing a PTP film;

[0052] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the general structure of a PTP packaging machine.

[0053] Figure 5It is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a workpiece feeding device;

[0054] Figure 6 For the Figure 5 Schematic cross-sectional view of the J-J line in FIG;

[0055] Figure 7 It is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the outer structural part;

[0056] Figure 8 It is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the outer structural part;

[0057] Figure 9 It is a three-dimensional diagram of the inner drum;

[0058] Figure 10 It is a three-dimensional diagram of the inner drum;

[0059] Figure 11 For the Figure 5 K-K line cross-sectional diagram;

[0060] Figure 12 It is a partially cutaway perspective schematic diagram of a workpiece feeding device;

[0061] Figure 13 A partially enlarged cross-sectional schematic diagram for explaining the movement of a tablet based on a cone;

[0062] Figure 14 A partially enlarged cross-sectional schematic diagram for explaining the movement of a tablet based on a cone;

[0063] Figure 15 A partially enlarged cross-sectional schematic diagram for explaining the movement of a tablet based on a cone;

[0064] Figure 16 A perspective schematic diagram for explaining the discharge of tablets by a workpiece feeding device;

[0065] Figure 17 A schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the discharge of tablets by a workpiece feeding device;

[0066] Figure 18 A schematic cross-sectional view showing a state in which a tablet received in a workpiece receiving groove contacts a guide portion as the inner drum portion rotates;

[0067] Figure 19 A schematic cross-sectional view showing a state in which a tablet received in a workpiece receiving groove is discharged through a workpiece outlet portion, etc., as the valve portion rotates;

[0068] Figure 20 A schematic cross-sectional view showing a state in which a tablet is discharged through a workpiece discharge path, etc.;

[0069] Figure 21 A schematic cross-sectional view showing a workpiece outlet portion etc. which is returned to a closed state by rotation of the valve portion;

[0070] Figure 22 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state in which the rotation of the valve portion is restricted by the tablet;

[0071] Figure 23 A partially cutaway perspective schematic diagram showing a filling device etc. that is a supply target;

[0072] Figure 24 A schematic cross-sectional view showing a workpiece feeding device including an ultrasonic sensor for determining whether the remaining amount of tablets is appropriate in another embodiment;

[0073] Figure 25 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a workpiece feeding device including a transmission sensor for determining whether the remaining amount of tablets is appropriate in another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0074] Hereinafter, one embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. First, the structure of a PTP sheet as a "blister sheet" will be described.

[0075] picture Figure 1 、 Figure 2 As shown, the PTP sheet 1 includes a container film 3 and a cover film 4 . The container film 3 has a plurality of pockets 2 . The cover film 4 is mounted on the container film 3 to close the pockets 2 .

[0076] The container film 3 of this embodiment is formed from a transparent thermoplastic resin material such as PP (polypropylene) or PVC (polyvinyl chloride), and is light-transmissive. Meanwhile, the cover film 4 is made of an opaque material (e.g., aluminum foil) with a sealant such as polypropylene resin applied to its surface. Of course, the materials of the films 3 and 4 are not limited to these; other materials may also be used.

[0077] In the PTP sheet 1, pocket rows consisting of three pockets 2 arranged longitudinally are formed in two rows across its width. This results in a total of six pockets 2. Each pocket 2 accommodates a single tablet 5, serving as a "workpiece." Tablets 5 are flat, disc-shaped tablets that appear circular when viewed from above.

[0078] The PTP sheet 1 is formed by placing a PTP film 6 (see Figure 3 ) is punched into sheets to manufacture, the PTP film 6 is formed by a strip-shaped container film 3 and a strip-shaped cover film 4, and the PTP sheet 1 is formed into a roughly rectangular shape when viewed from above.

[0079] Next, a general structure of a PTP packaging machine 10 as a “blister packaging machine” for producing the above-mentioned PTP sheet 1 will be described.

[0080] picture Figure 4 As shown, a strip of container film 3 is wound in a roll at the upstream end of the PTP packaging machine 10. The unwinding end of the rolled container film 3 is guided by a guide roller 13. Downstream of the guide roller 13, the container film 3 is wound around an intermittent feed roller 14. The intermittent feed roller 14 is connected to an intermittently rotating motor and intermittently feeds the container film 3.

[0081] Between the guide roller 13 and the intermittent feed roller 14, a heating device 15 and a pocket forming device 16 are sequentially provided along the transport path of the container film 3. Subsequently, while the container film 3 is heated by the heating device 15 and remains relatively soft, the pocket forming device 16 forms a plurality of pockets 2 at predetermined locations on the container film 3. The pockets 2 are formed during the intervals between the transport operations of the intermittent feed roller 14.

[0082] The container film 3 fed from the intermittent feed roller 14 is sequentially wound around a tension roller 18, a guide roller 19, and a film support roller 20. Since the film support roller 20 is connected to a motor that rotates at a constant speed, the container film 3 is continuously fed at a constant speed. The tension roller 18 stretches the container film 3 toward the side where it is stretched by elastic force. This prevents slack in the container film 3 caused by the difference in conveying motion between the intermittent feed roller 14 and the film support roller 20, and maintains the container film 3 in a constant tensioned state.

[0083] Between the guide roller 19 and the film support roller 20 , a filling device 21 and an inspection device 22 are provided in this order along the conveyance path of the container film 3 .

[0084] The filling device 21 fills the tablets 5 supplied in a plurality of rows into the pockets 2 formed on the strip-shaped container film 3. The filling device 21 includes a filling chute 211 having the same number of receiving spaces 211a as the number of rows of pockets 2 in the container film 3 (3 in this embodiment) formed therein (see FIG. Figure 23 A shutter (not shown) is provided near the lower opening of the filling chute 211, and the shutter allows the tablets 5 received in the receiving space 211a to fall one by one and be filled in the bag 2.

[0085] The filling device 21 is not limited to the above-described structure and may be modified as appropriate. For example, the filling device 21 may be a device that holds the tablet 5 by suction at the periphery and fills the tablet 5 into the bag 2 as the suction is released (e.g., a suction drum).

[0086] The PTP packaging machine 10 also includes a workpiece supply device 50, which will be described later, and supplies tablets 5 from the workpiece supply device 50 to the filling device 21, which is the "supply target," via a predetermined spring chute 51. The workpiece supply device 50 will be described in detail later.

[0087] The inspection device 22 performs inspections related to, for example, whether the tablets 5 are reliably filled in the respective bag portions 2 , whether there are any abnormalities in the tablets 5 , whether there are any foreign objects mixed in the bag portions 2 , and the like.

[0088] On the other hand, the raw material roll of the cover film 4 formed in a strip shape is wound in a roll shape at the most upstream side. The drawn-out end of the cover film 4 wound in a roll shape is guided to the heating roller 25 by the guide roller 24.

[0089] The heated roller 25 can be pressed against the film support roller 20, and the container film 3 and the cover film 4 are fed between the rollers 20 and 25. Furthermore, the container film 3 and the cover film 4 are passed between the rollers 20 and 25 in a heated and pressed state, thereby attaching the cover film 4 to the container film 3 and sealing the bag portions 2 with the cover film 4. Thus, a strip of PTP film 6 is produced, with the tablets 5 being received in each bag portion 2.

[0090] The PTP film 6 fed from the film support roller 20 is sequentially wound around the tension roller 27 and the intermittent feed roller 28. Since the intermittent feed roller 28 is connected to an intermittently rotating motor, the PTP film 6 is intermittently fed. The tension roller 27 is in a state of stretching the PTP film 6 toward the side where it is stretched by elastic force. This prevents the PTP film 6 from slackening due to the difference in conveying motion between the film support roller 20 and the intermittent feed roller 28, and keeps the PTP film 6 in a tensioned state at all times.

[0091] The PTP film 6 fed from the intermittent feed roller 28 is sequentially wound around a tension roller 31 and an intermittent feed roller 32. Since the intermittent feed roller 32 is connected to a motor that rotates intermittently, the PTP film 6 is intermittently fed. The tension roller 31 is in a state where it stretches the PTP film 6 toward the side where it is stretched by elastic force, thereby preventing the PTP film 6 from slackening between the intermittent feed rollers 28 and 32.

[0092] Between the intermittent conveying roller 28 and the tensioning roller 31, a slit forming device 33 and an imprinting device 34 are sequentially arranged along the conveying path of the PTP film 6. The slit forming device 33 has the function of forming a slit for cutting at a predetermined position of the PTP film 6. In addition, the imprinting device 34 has the function of imparting an imprint at a predetermined position (such as the label portion) of the PTP film 6. Figure 1 In the figures, the slits for separation and the markings are omitted.

[0093] The PTP film 6 fed from the intermittent feed roller 32 is sequentially wound around a tension roller 35 and a continuous feed roller 36 on its downstream side. A sheet punching device 37 is provided between the intermittent feed roller 32 and the tension roller 35 along the feed path of the PTP film 6. The sheet punching device 37 has the function of punching the outer edge of the PTP film 6 into individual PTP sheets.

[0094] The PTP sheets 1 punched by the sheet punching device 37 are transported by a conveyor belt 39 and stored in a finished product hopper 40. However, if the PTP sheets 1 are judged to be defective by the inspection device 22, the defective PTP sheets 1 are not fed to the finished product hopper 40 but are discharged separately by a defective sheet discharge mechanism (not shown).

[0095] A cutting device 41 is provided downstream of the continuous transport roller 36. The unnecessary film portion 42, which constitutes the strip-shaped excess material (waste portion) remaining after being punched by the sheet punching device 37, is guided to the tension roller 35 and the continuous transport roller 36, and then to the cutting device 41. The cutting device 41 cuts the unnecessary film portion 42 into a predetermined size. The cut unnecessary film portion 42 (waste) is stored in a waste hopper 43 and then disposed of separately.

[0096] Next, the workpiece supply device 50 will be described. As described above, the workpiece supply device 50 supplies the tablet 5 as a "workpiece" to the filling device 21 as a "supply target". Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the workpiece feeding device 50 includes an outer structure portion 60 and a rotating shaft RL extending in a horizontal direction. Figure 5 、 Figure 6 The inner drum portion 70 rotates (in the direction of the thick arrow).

[0097] First, the outer structure portion 60 will be described. The outer structure portion 60 is arranged outside the inner drum portion 70 and has the function of receiving the inner drum portion 70 inside or forming a discharge path for the tablet 5. Figure 7 、 Figure 8 As shown, the outer structural portion 60 includes a cylindrical outer cylindrical portion 61 and a terminal structural portion 62 that projects downward from the outer peripheral surface of the outer cylindrical portion 61 and has a substantially triangular shape in a front view.

[0098] The outer cylinder portion 61 has a workpiece outflow passage 61a on its inner circumferential surface that opens toward a sidewall portion 71 (described later) of the inner drum portion 70. In this embodiment, the workpiece outflow passage 61a extends along the circumference of the outer cylinder portion 61 and is provided in a plurality (three in this embodiment) at intervals in the direction of the central axis (rotation axis RL) of the outer cylinder portion 61.

[0099] Furthermore, the workpiece outflow path 61a is not endless, but rather has two end channels. In this embodiment, the workpiece outflow path 61a extends from a position slightly offset vertically below the rotation axis RL and forward of the inner drum portion 70 in the rotational direction, through a position vertically above the rotation axis RL to a position lateral to the rotation axis RL. Therefore, the workpiece outflow path 61a in this embodiment extends over approximately two-thirds of the entire inner circumference of the outer cylinder portion 61.

[0100] In addition, the outer cylinder 61 has a rotation limiting portion 61b between both ends of the workpiece outflow path 61a. The rotation limiting portion 61b is an arc-shaped surface without a groove. In this embodiment, the rotation limiting portion 61b is aligned with the predetermined rotation limiting interval NA (refer to FIG. Figure 6 ) are provided correspondingly. The rotation restriction zone NA is the zone extending from the side of the rotation axis RL to a position slightly offset vertically below the rotation axis RL and forward of the inner drum portion 70 in the rotation direction. This zone is where, when the valve portion 72, described later, is positioned, the weight of the valve portion 72 exerts a force on the valve portion 72 in a direction of rotation outward (away from the rotation axis RL). Furthermore, the rotation restriction portion 61b is provided in contact with or close to the outer circumferential surface of the inner drum portion 70 (particularly the sidewall portion 71, described later). By contacting the valve portion 72 positioned within the rotation restriction zone NA, the rotation of the valve portion 72 due to its own weight is restricted.

[0101] The terminal structure portion 62 is a portion constituting the discharge port of the tablets 5 in the workpiece feeding device 50. The terminal structure portion 62 is located vertically below the rotation axis RL and has a discharge surface 62a extending in the vertical direction. In addition, a terminal flow path 62b opening at the above-mentioned discharge surface 62a is formed inside the terminal structure portion 62. A plurality of terminal flow paths 62b (three in this embodiment) are provided at intervals in the direction of the central axis of the outer cylinder portion 61. Each terminal flow path 62b is respectively connected to the above-mentioned workpiece outflow path 61a, and extends obliquely downward from the boundary portion with the workpiece outflow path 61a, and in a direction roughly parallel to the tangent direction of the workpiece outflow path 61a located at the above-mentioned boundary portion (refer to Figure 6 ).

[0102] Next, the inner drum 70 will be described. The inner drum 70 is rotatably supported by the aforementioned rotational axis RL. In this embodiment, it is configured to continuously rotate in one direction at a constant speed by a drive mechanism (e.g., a motor) shown in the figure. However, the inner drum 70 does not rotate at such a high speed; for example, it is controlled to complete one rotation every few seconds.

[0103] like Figure 9 、 Figure 10As shown, the inner drum portion 70 has a side wall portion 71 and a valve portion 72. The side wall portion 71 is cylindrical and constitutes the outer periphery of the inner drum portion 70. In this embodiment, a predetermined slide groove 52 (see Figure 23 ,exist Figure 5 The tablets 5 are introduced into the inner space through the chute 52 (not shown). Alternatively, the tablets 5 may be introduced into the inner space through a conveyor or a suction hose, etc., instead of the chute 52. In practice, a cover is provided on the front (near side) of the side wall portion 71 to prevent the tablets 5 from escaping from the inner space. However, this cover is omitted in the drawings.

[0104] The side wall portion 71 has a workpiece receiving groove 711 , a workpiece outlet portion 712 , and a guide portion 713 .

[0105] The workpiece receiving groove 711 is a groove formed on the inner circumferential surface of the sidewall portion 71, and is used to receive multiple tablets 5 arranged in a row in the rotational direction of the inner drum portion 70. The workpiece receiving groove 711 extends along the rotational direction of the inner drum portion 70 and opens toward the rotation axis RL. A plurality of workpiece receiving grooves 711 (two in this embodiment) are provided, arranged in series along the rotational direction of the inner drum portion 70. The rows of workpiece receiving grooves 711 formed by these plurality of workpiece receiving grooves 711 are arranged in multiple parallel rows (three in this embodiment). The depth of the workpiece receiving groove 711 is approximately equal to the outer diameter of the tablet 5.

[0106] In addition, if Figure 11 As shown, each workpiece receiving groove 711 has a constant width portion 711 a constituting the bottom side of the workpiece receiving groove 711 and a tapered portion 711 b constituting the opening side of the workpiece receiving groove 711 .

[0107] The constant width portion 711a has a constant width in both the rotational direction and the radial direction (orthogonal to the rotation axis RL) of the inner drum 70. The width of the constant width portion 711a is set to be only slightly larger than the thickness of the tablet 5. Thus, the tablet 5 is received in the workpiece receiving groove 711 in an upright position, that is, in a position where it can roll on the side wall portion 71 in the rotational direction of the inner drum 70.

[0108] The tapered portion 711b is provided so that the tablet 5 can more easily enter (guide) the workpiece receiving groove 711, and is shaped so that the width gradually widens toward the rotation axis RL. In addition, the rear side portion of the inner drum portion 70 in the rotation direction of the tapered portion 711b is configured such that the width gradually narrows toward the rear side (the guide portion 713 side) in the rotation direction (see FIG. Figure 11 、 Figure 12). As a result, the rear side portion of the tapered portion 711b in the rotation direction gradually moves away from the bottom of the workpiece receiving groove 711 toward the rear side in the rotation direction (the guide portion 713 side).

[0109] As described above, the width of the rear side portion of the tapered portion 711b is gradually narrowed, Figures 13 to 15 As shown, the tablet 5 that has mounted on the portion of the inner drum 70 that forms the tapered portion 711b approaches the guide portion 713 as the inner drum 70 rotates, and moves away from the bottom of the workpiece receiving groove 711. Finally, the tablet 5 mounts on the guide portion 713 and is released from the workpiece receiving groove 711.

[0110] The workpiece outlet portion 712 is an opening that constitutes an outlet for the tablet 5 from the inner drum portion 70. Figure 6 As shown, the workpiece outlet portion 712 penetrates inside and outside the side wall portion 71 , connecting the rear side portion of the workpiece receiving groove 711 in the rotational direction with the outside of the inner drum portion 70 .

[0111] The guide portion 713 has the function of guiding the tablet 5 received in the workpiece receiving groove 711 to the workpiece outlet portion 712. The guide portion 713 is provided adjacent to the rear side of the workpiece receiving groove 711 in the above-mentioned rotation direction, and can be connected to the rearmost workpiece 5x (refer to FIG. 1 ) located at the rear of the tablets 5 received in the workpiece receiving groove 711 in the above-mentioned rotation direction. Figure 17 etc.) contact.

[0112] Furthermore, the guide surface 713a, which is the portion of the guide portion 713 that faces the rear side in the rotational direction of the workpiece receiving groove 711, is formed into an inclined surface that gradually approaches the workpiece outlet portion 712 as it faces the rear side in the rotational direction. Specifically, the guide surface 713a, which contacts the tablet 5 received in the workpiece receiving groove 711 and guides the tablet 5 toward the workpiece outlet portion 712, is shaped so as to smoothly guide the tablet 5 toward the workpiece outlet portion 712.

[0113] The valve portion 72 is provided at the workpiece outlet portion 712 and is used to switch the open / close state of the workpiece outlet portion 712. One end of the valve portion 72 is rotatably supported by a bearing, and the workpiece outlet portion 712 is opened and closed by the rotation of the valve portion 72 (see Figure 9 、 Figure 10 ).

[0114] In addition, the valve portion 72 is configured to rotate under its own weight. When the valve portion 72 reaches the portion where the workpiece outflow path 61a is formed as the inner drum portion 70 rotates, the valve portion 72 rotates substantially so as to fall into the workpiece outflow path 61a (see FIG. Figure 19). Furthermore, the workpiece outlet portion 712 is opened by the rotation of the valve portion 72 , thereby establishing a state in which the workpiece receiving groove 711 and the workpiece outflow path 61 a are communicated via the workpiece outlet portion 712 .

[0115] However, when the tablets 5 are stored in the workpiece outflow path 61a, the valve portion 72 contacts the stored tablets 5 to restrict the rotation toward the workpiece outflow path 61a (see FIG. Figure 22 Therefore, when the tablets 5 are stored in the workpiece outflow path 61a, even if the valve portion 72 reaches the portion where the workpiece outflow path 61a is formed as the inner drum portion 70 rotates, the workpiece outlet portion 712 does not open and remains closed.

[0116] Furthermore, the valve portion 72 can contact the rotation limiting portion 61b, and by contacting the rotation limiting portion 61b, the rotation caused by its own weight is limited. Therefore, in this embodiment, during the rotation of the inner drum portion 70, while the valve portion 72 is located in the rotation limiting interval NA, the rotation of the valve portion 72 is limited, and the workpiece outlet portion 712 is maintained in a closed state (refer to FIG. Figure 18 ).

[0117] Next, the discharge (supply) of the tablets 5 from the workpiece supply device 50 to the filling device 21 will be described in more detail. In addition, a predetermined amount of tablets 5 is previously placed in the internal space of the inner drum portion 70, and is appropriately replenished with discharge (supply) (see Figure 16 If the inner drum portion 70 rotates, the tablet 5 in the inner space is received in the workpiece receiving groove 711 (see Figure 17 At this time, basically, a plurality of tablets 5 are received in an aligned state relative to the workpiece receiving groove 711 . However, there is also a case where only one tablet 5 is received relative to the workpiece receiving groove 711 , or no tablet 5 is received.

[0118] Then, if the inner drum portion 70 rotates further, the tablet 5 received in the workpiece receiving groove 711 moves (rolls) on the side wall portion 71 due to its own weight, and the tablet 5 (the rearmost workpiece 5x) is in contact with the guide portion 713 (see FIG. Figure 18 ). In addition, Figure 18 For convenience of illustration, only the tablets 5 received in the workpiece receiving groove 711 among the tablets 5 introduced into the internal space of the inner drum 70 are shown, and illustration of the other tablets 5 is omitted.

[0119] On this basis, when the inner drum portion 70 further rotates and becomes a state in which at least the rearmost workpiece 5x accommodated in the workpiece receiving groove 711 can move (roll) on the side wall portion 71 toward the guide portion 713 under the action of gravity, the valve portion 72 rotates in a manner to fall into the workpiece outflow path 61a, and the workpiece outlet portion 712 is opened. Furthermore, the workpiece receiving groove 711 and the workpiece outflow path 61a are connected via the open workpiece outlet portion 712 (refer to FIG. Figure 19 ).

[0120] In this state, the plurality of tablets 5 received in the workpiece receiving groove 711 are moved to the guide portion 713 side by their own weight, guided to the workpiece outlet portion 712 side by the guide portion 713, and discharged to the filling device 21 side in an aligned state through the workpiece outlet portion 712, the workpiece outflow path 61a and the terminal flow path 62b (see FIG. Figure 19 、 Figure 20 ).

[0121] In this embodiment, by setting the rotation speed of the inner drum 70 to be low and the communication time between the workpiece receiving groove 711 and the workpiece outflow path 61a via the workpiece outlet 712 to be long, a plurality of tablets 5 received in the workpiece receiving groove 711 can be discharged at once to the filling device 21 side in an aligned state. In addition, when the inner drum 70 rotates further and the valve portion 72 reaches the side of the rotation axis RL, the valve portion 72 rotates due to its own weight, and the workpiece outlet 712 returns to the closed state (see Figure 21 ).

[0122] As described above in detail, according to this embodiment, by rotating the inner drum 70, a plurality of tablets 5 received in the workpiece receiving groove 711 can be discharged at once while being arranged on the side of the filling device 21, utilizing the weight of the tablets 5. Thus, an excellent tablet 5 supply capacity can be achieved without increasing the size of the workpiece feeding device 50.

[0123] Furthermore, unlike a vibrating hopper feeder, no vibration is required to feed (discharge) the tablets 5, thus reducing damage to the tablets 5. This more reliably prevents breakage of the tablets 5. Furthermore, since dust generated from the tablets 5 can be reduced, increases in costs associated with dust control measures can be suppressed.

[0124] Furthermore, the workpiece supply device 50 is operated simply by rotating the inner drum portion 70 , and thus the device can be downsized and simplified.

[0125] Furthermore, the provision of the valve portion 72 can more reliably prevent the tablet 5 placed on the workpiece outlet portion 712 from rubbing against the outer structural portion 60 or from being clamped between the inner drum portion 70 and the outer structural portion 60. As a result, damage to the tablet 5 can be more effectively reduced, and breakage of the tablet 5 can be more reliably prevented.

[0126] Furthermore, since the valve portion 72 rotates due to its own weight, the workpiece outlet portion 712 can be opened without using a separate drive mechanism such as a motor. Therefore, the cost of manufacturing and maintenance of the device can be reduced.

[0127] Furthermore, when tablets 5 are stored in the workpiece outflow passage 61a, the valve portion 72 contacts the stored tablets 5, restricting rotation toward the workpiece outflow passage 61a. Thus, when tablets 5 are stored in the workpiece outflow passage 61a, the workpiece outlet portion 712 can be maintained in a closed position, more reliably preventing the discharge of additional tablets 5 from the workpiece outflow passage 61a, where tablets 5 are already stored. Furthermore, since a special mechanism is not required to restrict the rotation of the valve portion 72, the device can be further miniaturized and simplified.

[0128] Furthermore, the weight of the workpiece outlet passage 61a and the rotation restricting portion 61b of the outer structural portion 60, as well as the valve portion 72, can be utilized to rotate the valve portion 72, thereby opening and closing the workpiece outlet portion 712 at a predetermined position. Therefore, the open and closed states of the workpiece outlet portion 712 can be appropriately switched with a very simple structure, further miniaturizing and simplifying the device.

[0129] Furthermore, since the tapered portion 711b is provided in the workpiece receiving groove 711, the tablets 5 can more easily enter the workpiece receiving groove 711. Thus, a plurality of tablets 5 can be easily received in the workpiece receiving groove 711, and a better tablet 5 supply capability can be obtained.

[0130] Furthermore, at least the portion of the tapered portion 711b located rearward of the inner drum 70 in the rotational direction, that is, at least the portion of the tapered portion 711b located on the guide portion 713 side, is configured so that its width gradually narrows toward the rearward side in the rotational direction. Consequently, even when a tablet 5 is positioned on the portion of the tapered portion 711b of the inner drum 70, as the tablet 5 approaches the guide portion 713, it can be moved away from the bottom of the workpiece receiving groove 711, thereby allowing the tablet 5 to be removed from the workpiece receiving groove 711. In particular, in this embodiment, the tablet 5 can eventually be moved over the guide portion 713 and removed from the workpiece receiving groove 711. This effectively reduces any obstruction to the movement of the tablet 5 within the workpiece receiving groove 711 caused by the tablet 5 on the portion of the tapered portion 711b of the inner drum 70. Furthermore, the frequency of tablet 5 removal operations, which can cause movement obstruction, can be reduced, thereby improving productivity.

[0131] Furthermore, in order to suppress the movement of tablets 5 received in the workpiece receiving groove 711, which is caused by tablets 5 straddling the portion forming the tapered portion 711b of the inner drum 70, it is not necessary to make the workpiece receiving groove 711 extremely deep. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably prevent the device from becoming larger and the internal space of the inner drum 70 from being reduced.

[0132] Furthermore, since the tablets 5 are circular in plan view, the tablets 5 can be rolled and discharged to the filling device 21. This allows the tablets 5 to be discharged more smoothly, and the supply capacity of the tablets 5 can be further improved.

[0133] Furthermore, the guide surface 713a is formed as an inclined surface that gradually approaches the workpiece outlet 712 toward the rear side in the rotation direction of the inner drum 70. This allows the tablets 5 to be guided more smoothly toward the workpiece outlet 712, thereby further improving the tablet 5 supply capability.

[0134] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the contents of the above-mentioned embodiment, and may be implemented as follows, for example. Of course, other application examples and modification examples not listed below are also possible.

[0135] (a) In the above embodiment, tablets 5 are supplied from the workpiece supply device 50 to the filling device 21 via the spring chute 51. However, tablets 5 may also be supplied directly from the workpiece supply device 50 to the filling device 21. This configuration can be achieved, for example, by configuring the discharge surface 62a horizontally and configuring the outer structural portion 60 (terminal structural portion 62) such that the downstreammost portion of the terminal flow path 62b opens into the discharge surface 62a. Furthermore, the workpiece supply device 50 and the filling device 21 are connected so that the terminal flow path 62b directly communicates with the receiving space 211a. This configuration allows the workpiece supply device 50 to be positioned lower, thereby miniaturizing the PTP packaging machine 10. Furthermore, when tablets 5 are supplied manually to the workpiece supply device 50, the lowered position of the workpiece supply device 50 facilitates the supply operation. This also improves the convenience of maintaining the workpiece supply device 50.

[0136] (b) In the above embodiment, the valve portion 72 rotates by its own weight. However, a valve portion that rotates by electromagnetic force, spring force, or the like may be used as the valve portion.

[0137] (c) In the above embodiment, the inner drum portion 70 is configured to rotate continuously. However, it may also be configured to rotate intermittently (alternating and repeating rotation and temporary cessation). In this case, the inner drum portion 70 may be configured to temporarily stop rotating when the tablet 5 is discharged through the workpiece outlet 712.

[0138] (d) In the above embodiment, a disc-shaped, uncoated tablet (a disc-shaped flat tablet) that is circular when viewed from above is exemplified as tablet 5. However, the type and shape of the tablet are not limited to the above embodiment. For example, tablets include not only pharmaceuticals but also tablets for dietary use. Furthermore, tablets include not only uncoated tablets but also sugar-coated tablets, film-coated tablets, orally disintegrating tablets, enteric-coated tablets, gelatin-coated tablets, and various capsules such as hard capsules and soft capsules.

[0139] In the above embodiment, the tablet 5 is cited as the "workpiece", but the "workpiece" is not limited to a tablet. Therefore, the "workpiece" may be, for example, a bearing, a washer, a food (such as a snack), a coin, etc.

[0140] Furthermore, the shape of the “workpiece” may be not only circular in plan view but also polygonal, elliptical, or oval in plan view. Therefore, the “workpiece” can also move toward the guide portion 713 by sliding on the side wall portion 71 .

[0141] (e) A remaining amount control device may be provided to control whether the remaining amount of the tablets 5 in the inner drum portion 70 is appropriate. Examples of the remaining amount control device include: Figure 24 The ultrasonic sensor 81 shown in FIG. 8 is provided in the inner space of the inner drum portion 70 and can grasp the distance to the tablet 5 located in the inner space. Figure 25 The transmission sensor 82 shown in FIG. 1 can detect whether the tablet 5 is present above a predetermined reference height by determining whether light from a light projector 82b reaches a light-transmitting portion (e.g., a transparent portion) provided on the outer structural portion 60 and the inner drum portion 70 and reaches a photoreceptor 82a. Furthermore, when using the transmission sensor 82, the outer structural portion 60 can be configured such that light from the light projector 82b reaches the photoreceptor 82a only once during one rotation of the inner drum portion 70. This allows the determination of whether the remaining amount of tablets 5 is adequate based on whether light reaches the photoreceptor 82a during one rotation of the inner drum portion 70.

[0142] (f) In the above embodiment, the filling device 21 is used as the "supply target." However, the "supply target" is not limited to the filling device and can be modified as appropriate. For example, the "supply target" can also be a tablet 5 counter, an inspection device for determining the quality of tablets 5, a container for receiving workpieces, etc.

[0143] (g) In the above embodiment, the workpiece supply device 50 is provided on the PTP packaging machine 10 . However, the workpiece supply device 50 may be used independently of the PTP packaging machine 10 .

[0144] (h) In the above embodiment, the side wall portion 71 has a structure in which two workpiece receiving grooves 711 are arranged in series along the rotational direction of the inner drum portion 70. Furthermore, three rows of workpiece receiving grooves 711 are provided, consisting of these two workpiece receiving grooves 711. However, the number and arrangement of the workpiece receiving grooves 711 can be appropriately modified. Thus, for example, a structure in which one, three, or more workpiece receiving grooves 711 are provided along the rotational direction can also be employed. Furthermore, for example, a structure in which one, two, or four or more rows of workpiece receiving grooves 711 are provided, consisting of a single workpiece receiving groove 711 or two or more workpiece receiving grooves 711 arranged in series, can also be employed.

[0145] (i) In the above embodiment, the PTP sheet 1 is used as the "blister sheet." However, the technical concept of the present invention can also be applied to blister sheets other than the PTP sheet 1. Furthermore, the structure of the PTP sheet manufactured by the PTP packaging machine 10 is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, the arrangement and number of the pockets 2 in the PTP sheet 1 can be modified as appropriate.

[0146] Description of the label:

[0147] Reference numeral 5 represents a tablet (workpiece);

[0148] Reference numeral 50 denotes a workpiece feeding device;

[0149] Reference numeral 60 denotes an outer structural portion;

[0150] Reference numeral 61a denotes a workpiece outflow path;

[0151] Reference numeral 61b denotes a rotation restricting portion;

[0152] Reference numeral 70 denotes an inner drum portion;

[0153] Reference numeral 71 denotes a side wall portion;

[0154] Reference numeral 72 denotes a valve portion;

[0155] Reference numeral 711 denotes a workpiece receiving groove;

[0156] Reference numeral 711b denotes a cone portion;

[0157] Reference numeral 712 denotes a workpiece outlet;

[0158] Reference numeral 713 denotes a guide portion;

[0159] Symbol RL represents a rotation axis.

Claims

1. A workpiece supply device for supplying a predetermined workpiece by discharging it toward a supply target, characterized in that: The workpiece feeding device comprises: an inner drum portion having a cylindrical side wall portion, rotatable about a rotation axis extending in a horizontal direction, and configured to inject the workpiece into an inner space surrounded by the side wall portion; and an outer structural portion, the outer structural portion being arranged on the outer side of the inner drum portion; The side wall portion of the inner drum portion has: a workpiece receiving groove extending along the rotation direction of the inner drum portion and opening toward the rotation axis side, capable of receiving the workpiece in a state aligned in the rotation direction; a workpiece outlet portion penetrating inside and outside and connecting a rear portion of the workpiece receiving groove in the rotation direction with the outside of the inner drum; and a guide portion disposed adjacent to a portion of the workpiece receiving groove on the rear side in the rotational direction and capable of contacting the rearmost workpiece received in the workpiece receiving groove in the rotational direction along the rotational direction; The outer structural portion has a workpiece outflow path, which is connected to the workpiece receiving groove via the workpiece outlet portion when at least the rearmost workpiece received in the workpiece receiving groove is in a state where it can move on the side wall portion toward the guide portion under the action of gravity as the inner drum portion rotates. The above-mentioned workpiece supply device is constructed in the following manner: through the rotation of the above-mentioned inner drum portion, the above-mentioned workpiece receiving groove and the above-mentioned workpiece outflow path are connected via the above-mentioned workpiece outlet portion, so that the multiple above-mentioned workpieces received in the workpiece receiving groove move toward the above-mentioned guide portion side due to their own weight and are guided toward the workpiece outlet portion side through the guide portion, and can be discharged to the above-mentioned supply object side in an arranged state through the workpiece outlet portion and the workpiece outflow path.

2. The workpiece feeding device according to claim 1, wherein: The inner drum portion is rotatably supported by a bearing, and has a valve portion that can open and close the workpiece outlet portion by rotating. The workpiece supply device is configured such that the workpiece outlet portion is opened by rotating the valve portion, thereby enabling the workpiece receiving groove and the workpiece outlet path to communicate with each other via the workpiece outlet portion.

3. The workpiece feeding device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The valve portion is configured to rotate by its own weight so as to fall into the workpiece outflow path, thereby opening the workpiece outlet portion.

4. The workpiece supply device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The valve portion is configured to restrict rotation toward the workpiece outflow path by contacting the workpiece in a state where the workpiece is stored in the workpiece outflow path.

5. The workpiece supply device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that: The outer structure portion includes a rotation restricting portion that contacts the valve portion to restrict rotation of the valve portion due to its own weight, thereby closing the workpiece outlet portion.

6. The workpiece feeding device according to claim 1, wherein: The workpiece receiving groove has a tapered portion that gradually widens toward the rotation axis side on the opening side of the workpiece receiving groove.

7. The workpiece feeding device according to claim 6, characterized in that: At least a portion of the tapered portion on the rear side in the rotational direction is configured such that its width gradually narrows toward the rear side in the rotational direction.

8. The workpiece supply device according to claim 1, wherein: The workpiece is circular in shape when viewed from above; The workpiece receiving groove is configured to receive the workpiece in a state where the workpiece can roll along the rotation direction.

9. The workpiece supply device according to claim 1, wherein: A portion of the guide portion that contacts the workpiece and guides the workpiece toward the workpiece outlet is formed in a shape that gradually approaches the workpiece outlet toward the rear side in the rotation direction.

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