Methods and packaging machines for producing and inspecting blister packs

Abstract

A packaging machine (2) for producing blister packs (4) includes an inspection device (28) comprising at least one detection device (32, 36) configured to optically inspect individual blister packs (4), and the inspection device (28) is configured to optically inspect the blister packs (4) from both the upper side (4b) and the lower side (4c) in an inspection area (34) by at least one detection device (32, 36). A method for producing blister packs (4) includes the step of inspecting the upper side (4b) and the lower side (4c) of at least one blister pack (4) in an inspection area (34) by at least one optical detection device (32, 36).

Description

Background of the Invention

[0001] This invention relates to a packaging machine for producing blister packs, and a method for producing blister packs using such a packaging machine and inspecting the blister packs in the packaging machine.

[0002] Blister packaging typically includes at least one blister cup for receiving the product, which is formed in a forming film. The at least one blister cup can be closed by a cover film, which is typically sealed to the forming film. The production of such a blister package assembly includes, for example, the steps of forming multiple blister cups into a forming film mesh, filling each blister cup with at least one product, sealing the cover film mesh to the forming film mesh, and stamping individual blister package assemblies from a composite film mesh consisting of the forming film mesh and the cover film mesh.

[0003] Blister packaging is frequently used for packaging medical or pharmaceutical products, food, and food additives. Both packaged products and blister packs must adhere to stringent quality standards.

[0004] It is known in the art, for example, that the integrity of the products to be packaged is inspected during or after filling, and their color, geometric characteristics, or their composition are examined to ensure that only the correct products are packaged in an undamaged state. Furthermore, it is known in the art that after filling, it is determined whether each blister pack contains product, such that only fully filled blister packs are further processed. However, to meet high-quality standards, it may be necessary to perform the most comprehensive inspection possible on the blister packs, rather than simply determining whether they were correctly filled. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a packaging machine and method for producing blister packs that allows for comprehensive inspection of the blister packs in a space-saving and cost-effective manner.

[0006] According to one aspect of the invention, the packaging machine includes a separating device for separating individual blister pack groups from the forming film mesh, wherein each blister pack contains at least one blister cup formed in the forming film, said at least one blister cup preferably being closed by a cover film. The packaging machine also includes an inspection device comprising at least one detection device configured to optically inspect the individual blister pack groups, wherein the inspection device is configured to optically inspect the blister pack groups from both above and below in an inspection area by means of the at least one detection device. Furthermore, the packaging machine includes a conveying device for moving the blister packs along a conveying direction through the inspection device.

[0007] In this way, the inspection device, which is arranged behind the separation unit of the packaging machine, can be integrated into the packaging machine in a space-saving manner, and by inspecting the upper and lower sides of the blister packs (especially the entire upper and lower sides), it allows for a comprehensive inspection of the blister packs at the same time.

[0008] The packaging machine preferably also includes a forming device for forming blister cups in a forming film mesh. Typically, a blister cup is a recess or cavity in the forming film mesh, configured to receive at least one product. The size and shape of the blister cup can be randomly selected, particularly taking into account the size and shape of at least one product, and is not limited to a given size and shape. The forming film mesh can be made of a thermoplastic material, wherein the blister cup is subsequently formed by thermoforming. In this case, the packaging machine may include a heating device for heating the forming film mesh, which is provided upstream of the forming device.

[0009] The packaging machine preferably also includes a filling device to fill each blister cup with at least one product. The product is preferably a medical or pharmaceutical product, food, or food additive, which may be available in the form of tablets, capsules, sugar-coated pills, or the like. However, the product may also be a pre-packaged liquid product, such as a flask, vial, syringe, etc.

[0010] Each blister pack is preferably sealed by a cover film attached to the forming film. This is particularly advantageous for products such as tablets, capsules, and sugar-coated pills. For this purpose, the packaging machine may include a sealing device for sealing the cover film mesh to the forming film mesh. For other products such as flasks, vials, and syringes, a cover film is not necessarily required. In this case, the blister pack assembly may also have a cap, or it may be uncapped during secondary packaging.

[0011] After joining, and particularly after sealing, the forming film mesh and the covering film mesh form a composite film mesh. A separating device is then configured to separate the individual blister packs from the composite film mesh. The separating device is preferably formed by a stamping device for stamping individual blister packs from the forming film mesh or the composite film mesh. The forming device, filling device, and sealing device are preferably arranged in this order upstream of the separating or stamping device in the packaging machine.

[0012] The conveying device can be configured to move the blister pack assembly along the conveying direction on a conveying plane. In this case, the upper side of each blister pack faces upward relative to the conveying plane, and the lower side of each blister pack faces downward relative to the conveying plane. The circumferential edges of each blister pack are preferably arranged on a plane parallel to the conveying plane. In a preferred embodiment, the upper side of each blister pack is formed by a covering film, while the lower side of each blister pack is formed by a forming film, wherein a reverse arrangement is also conceivable.

[0013] At least one optical inspection device is preferably configured to fully inspect at least one blister pack, particularly the entire top, bottom, and circumferential edges of each blister pack. Therefore, the inspection and transport devices are preferably designed to fully expose at least one blister pack in the inspection area, in other words, without concealing it. In this way, at least one inspection device is capable of fully inspecting at least one blister pack, allowing it to be thoroughly examined.

[0014] The inspection device is preferably configured to inspect the stamping quality of at least each blister pack. More specifically, the inspection device may be configured to inspect at least one of the following: the length of the blister pack, the width of the blister pack, the edge length of the longitudinal and / or transverse edges of the blister pack, the radius between the longitudinal and transverse edges of the blister pack, the position of at least one blister cup relative to the longitudinal and / or transverse edges of the blister pack, or a combination thereof. Furthermore, the inspection device may be configured to inspect the outline of the blister pack, the location of perforations in the blister pack, protrusions, inscriptions, the filling of the blister cups, or a combination thereof. For this purpose, the inspection device preferably includes a data processing unit, which, as described in more detail below, processes the image data detected by at least one inspection device and determines the required variables based on the processed image data.

[0015] At least one detection device is configured to optically detect blister packs, for example, by capturing optical data (such as image data), and therefore may also be referred to as an optical detection device. Typically, at least one detection device can be an optical sensor, particularly a sensor for image acquisition, such as a camera.

[0016] In one embodiment, the inspection apparatus precisely comprises a detection device (arranged above or below the transmission device) and a reflector (e.g., a mirror and / or prism). The detection device can directly detect the side of the blister pack facing the detection device. The reflector is arranged and formed such that the detection device can also optically detect the side of the blister pack away from the detection device via the reflector.

[0017] In another embodiment, the inspection device includes a plurality of detection devices, wherein the plurality of detection devices includes at least a first detection device and a second detection device. The first detection device may be configured to optically inspect the upper side of the blister pack assembly, while the second detection device may be configured to optically inspect the lower side of the blister pack assembly, and vice versa. Therefore, the first detection device is preferably arranged above the conveying device, and the second detection device is preferably arranged below the conveying device. This allows for simple and space-saving installation of the inspection device. Furthermore, both the upper and lower sides of the blister pack assembly can be directly and reliably inspected by the corresponding detection devices.

[0018] The aforementioned at least one detection device can be a first detection device, a second detection device, or another detection device among a plurality of detection devices. In principle, the features described herein with respect to at least one detection device apply to both the first and second detection devices, and vice versa.

[0019] The first and second detection devices are preferably configured to detect the upper and lower sides of at least one blister pack simultaneously or sequentially. Preferably, the upper and lower sides of the at least one blister pack are detected when the blister packs are in the same position.

[0020] The first and second inspection devices can be arranged above each other, with a conveying device passing between them. Specifically, the first and second inspection devices are arranged above each other in a direction perpendicular to the conveying plane and the conveying direction. Therefore, blister packs can be conveyed between the first and second inspection devices via the conveying device. An inspection area can be arranged between the first and second inspection devices. In this way, the top and bottom sides of each blister pack can be easily inspected simultaneously. Simultaneously, the inspection device can be installed in a space-saving manner in a direction parallel to the conveying direction.

[0021] To ensure complete inspection of the upper and lower sides of at least one blister pack, the inspection device preferably includes a transparent support device arranged in the inspection area, on which at least one blister pack to be inspected by at least one inspection device is placed. At least one inspection device (particularly a second inspection device) may be arranged below the support device, and the lower side of at least one blister pack can be completely inspected through the transparent support device. Typically, the support device may be designed as, for example, a disc or plate made of glass or plastic. The dimension of the support device in a plane parallel to the transport device is at least as large as (preferably larger than) the dimension of the blister pack in that plane, such that at least one blister pack arranged in the inspection area can be completely inspected. For example, the support device may be provided in a conveyor table on which the blister pack is moved by the transport device.

[0022] The support device also provides the advantage that at least one blister pack is arranged in the inspection area on the support device and is therefore supported (i.e. carried) by the support device. Thus, in the inspection area, it is not necessary to hold at least one blister pack by a transfer device, thereby allowing the at least one blister pack to be released by the transfer device, so that the circumferential edge of the blister pack is fully exposed.

[0023] The conveying device preferably extends along the support device, and more preferably, along the upper surface of the support device. Therefore, the conveying device can be configured to move at least one blister pack into the inspection area and release at least one blister pack from the inspection area at least briefly.

[0024] The transmission device preferably includes at least one traction device comprising upper and lower strands spaced apart from each other in a direction perpendicular to the transmission plane. The upper and lower strands preferably extend in a direction parallel to the transmission plane, more preferably in a direction parallel to the transmission direction. The at least one traction device may be an annular traction device, formed, for example, by a belt, particularly a toothed or V-ribbed belt or chain. The at least one traction device may be driven by a corresponding drive.

[0025] The particularly space-saving installation of the inspection device or packaging machine can be facilitated by arranging at least one inspection device (preferably a second inspection device) between the upper and lower strands of at least one traction device. In this case, it is sufficient to arrange at least one inspection device at a height between the heights of the upper and lower strands. However, it is not necessary to receive at least one inspection device partially or completely between the upper and lower strands of the traction device, as will become particularly clear from the following description of the transmission device.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the conveying device comprises a plurality of containers arranged one after another along the conveying direction. Each container can receive at least one blister pack. Preferably, each container receives exactly one blister pack in a direction parallel to the conveying direction. If desired, multiple blister pack groups can be arranged adjacent to each other in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction and parallel to the conveying plane. Thus, the conveying device can be configured to move one or more rows of blister pack groups through an inspection device arranged one after another along a direction parallel to the conveying direction.

[0027] Each of the plurality of containers can be adjusted between a first state (which holds at least one blister pack) and a second state (which releases at least one blister pack). For example, the containers are configured to hold the blister pack in a shape-appropriate or force-appropriate manner, such as clamping the blister pack assembly within the respective container. To release the blister pack assembly for full inspection in the inspection area, as described above, each of the plurality of containers is arranged in the second state in the inspection area. In other words, the containers are at least temporarily arranged in the second state in the inspection area. The containers can be adjusted between the first and second states in the inspection area. In this way, when the containers are in the first state, the blister pack assembly can be moved into and out of the inspection area. In the second state, at least one detection device can optically inspect at least one blister pack.

[0028] Typically, the conveying device can be designed in different ways. For example, the conveying device may include sliders movable along the conveying direction, each slider having a container for at least one blister pack. Alternatively, the conveying device may include suction devices, each engaging with at least one blister pack, or may include clamping mechanisms for holding at least one blister pack.

[0029] The transmission device preferably comprises a plurality of receiving elements arranged one after another along a direction parallel to the transmission direction. A pair of front and rear receiving elements among the plurality of receiving elements forms one of a plurality of containers for at least one blister pack. Thus, each pair of adjacent receiving elements can form one of a plurality of containers.

[0030] In this way, the conveying device, particularly the receiving element, rests against the front and rear edges of at least one blister pack, thus not covering or substantially not covering the upper and lower sides of the blister pack, in contrast to suction or clamping devices. Typically, multiple receiving elements can be designed such that the blister pack assembly is held in a suitably shaped manner within the container along the conveying direction. Furthermore, the conveying device can be readily configured such that the upper, lower, and circumferential edges of the blister pack assembly are not concealed by the conveying device or its components in the inspection area.

[0031] The front and rear receiving elements of each pair of receiving elements are preferably movable relative to each other in a direction parallel to the transport direction to open and close the container. In this way, the transport device can receive blister packs simply and unobstructed, and can transport them safely simultaneously. In the first open position of the front and rear receiving elements, the distance between the front and rear receiving elements, parallel to the transport direction, is greater than the distance in the second closed position. In the first position, the distance between the front and rear receiving elements is also greater than the dimension of the blister pack in the direction parallel to the transport direction. The first position of the receiving elements corresponds to the first state of the container, and the second position of the receiving elements corresponds to the second state of the container.

[0032] The transfer device is preferably configured to open the container in the inspection area to expose at least one circumferential edge of the blister pack. For this purpose, a receiving element is installed in a first position, while the container is installed in a second state. Therefore, the entire blister pack can be inspected particularly easily from both sides.

[0033] In one exemplary embodiment, the transmission device includes at least two traction devices, more specifically, at least first and second traction devices, which operate substantially parallel to each other. The first traction device can be driven by a first driver, while the second traction device can be driven by a second driver.

[0034] All front receiving elements among the multiple receiving elements can be fixed to a first traction device, and all rear receiving elements among the multiple receiving elements can be fixed to a second traction device. The speeds of the first and second traction devices, and thus the speeds of the receiving elements, can be adjusted by the first and second drives. If the relative speed between the first and second traction devices is zero, the distance between the front and rear receiving elements remains substantially constant. If a relative speed is generated between the first and second traction devices, the distance between the front and rear receiving elements will change accordingly.

[0035] Multiple receiving elements may be designed in the form of rails, rods, pushers, or the like, and are fixed to the puller. The receiving elements may protrude beyond at least one puller in a direction perpendicular to the transmission direction and parallel to the transmission plane, and form a container for the blister pack assembly on the side of at least one puller. In this way, the blister pack assembly is not concealed by at least one puller in the inspection area. In this case, at least one detection device may be arranged at a height between the upper and lower strands of at least one puller, but with a lateral offset.

[0036] To inspect blister packs based on data generated by at least one inspection device, the inspection device may also include a data processing unit for image processing, wherein the data processing unit is communicatively connected to at least one inspection device. The at least one inspection device detects image data of at least one blister pack, which is then processed and evaluated by the data processing unit to obtain desired information on the blister pack. A particularly cost-effective solution can be achieved when the data processing unit is integrated into the control unit of the inspection device or packaging machine.

[0037] In addition to the control device, the packaging machine preferably also includes an ejector for ejecting blister packs from the packaging machine. The control device is communicatively connected to or integrated with a data processing device. The ejector is communicatively connected to the control device. The control device is configured to actuate the ejector in response to signals from the data processing device. Therefore, blister packs that do not meet predetermined quality standards can be ejected by an inspection device based on the inspection performed, thereby preventing them from being further packaged in the process.

[0038] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for producing blister packs using a packaging machine and inspecting the blister packs in the packaging machine includes the following steps:

[0039] The individual blister packs are separated from the forming film net, wherein each blister pack contains at least one blister cup formed in the forming film, which is preferably sealed by a covering film;

[0040] At least one blister pack from a separate blister pack group is received via a transmission device, and at least one blister pack is moved to the inspection area via the transmission device.

[0041] At least one blister pack is inspected in the inspection area by at least one optical inspection device, including the upper and lower sides.

[0042] At least one blister pack is removed from the inspection area by a conveyor.

[0043] In this way, each blister pack can be fully inspected immediately after it is separated (especially after it is stamped or cut), by inspecting the top and bottom sides of the blister pack, before it leaves the packaging machine and preferably before it is further processed (e.g., packaged) inside the packaging machine.

[0044] This method is preferably implemented using the packaging machine described herein. Therefore, all features described regarding the packaging machine and its components (e.g., inspection devices and conveying devices) are similarly related to this method, and vice versa. In particular, the functions of the packaging machine and its components as described herein can also be defined as steps of this method.

[0045] Unless otherwise stated, the steps of this method are performed in the order shown.

[0046] Each blister cup is preferably sealed with a cover film, and the blister pack assembly is separated from the composite film network consisting of a forming film network and a cover film network. The method may then include, prior to separation, the step of connecting the forming film network and the cover film network, specifically sealing the cover film network to the forming film network.

[0047] To allow for a full inspection of the blister pack assembly, preferably, the method further includes the following steps before inspecting the top and bottom sides of at least one blister pack:

[0048] At least one blister pack is released in the inspection area by a transmission device, particularly preferably in such a manner that the circumferential edge of at least one blister pack is exposed and can be detected by at least one detection device.

[0049] The blister packs are preferably received by a transmission device in the receiving area, moved by the transmission device to the inspection area, released by the transmission device in the inspection area, detected by the detection device and received again by the transmission device, moved by the transmission device to the conveying area and released there.

[0050] Typically, receiving and releasing blister packs by closing and opening multiple containers of the transmission device can be achieved by adjusting the containers between a first state and a second state, as described above regarding the transmission device.

[0051] More precisely, the transmission device comprises multiple receiving elements, wherein a pair of front and rear receiving elements among the multiple sub-receiving elements form a container for at least one blister pack. Receiving and releasing at least one blister pack involves relative movement between corresponding front and rear receiving elements among the multiple receiving elements. When at least one blister pack is received, the distance between the front and rear receiving elements decreases, while when at least one blister pack is released, the distance between the front and rear receiving elements increases. In this way, at least one blister pack can be received and reliably moved to an inspection area, and easily released there for full inspection.

[0052] Preferably, a transparent support is provided in the inspection area, and a transfer device moves at least one blister pack onto the support and arranges it on the support in the inspection area. At least one detection device (particularly a second detection device) can then optically inspect the at least one blister pack through the support in the inspection area. The at least one blister pack on the support can be released by the transfer device so that its circumferential edge can also be effectively inspected, while the first and second detection devices can optically inspect the upper and lower sides of the blister pack, preferably without further reflectors or the like.

[0053] Blister cups are typically formed from above into the forming film mesh and filled, while a cover film mesh is supplied from above to the forming film mesh and sealed thereon. After the individual blister packs are separated, their blister cups are thus oriented downwards, with the cover film forming the upper side. This orientation is preferably maintained to allow for a simple structure in the packaging machine. Thus, in the inspection area, the forming film (especially in the area of ​​the blister cups) rests on the support, with the cover film side facing upwards.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment, at least one blister pack is inspected by a first inspection device, while at least one blister pack is inspected by a second inspection device. This improves inspection accuracy and saves space for installing the inspection devices.

[0055] At least one inspection device preferably acquires image data from the upper and lower sides of at least one blister pack. To obtain quality information (particularly stamping quality) about the blister pack from the image data, the method preferably includes the following steps: processing the image data acquired from the at least one inspection device by a data processing device, and deriving at least one quality characteristic of the at least one blister pack based on the image processing. The quality characteristic may be, for example, the size of the blister pack, the position of at least one blister cup (particularly relative to the edge of the blister pack), or the filling of at least one blister cup. Other variables or quality characteristics that can be inspected by the inspection device have been described above.

[0056] The method may be particularly effective if non-conforming blister packs are immediately ejected without further processing. Therefore, the method preferably includes the steps of: ejecting at least one blister pack if at least one quality characteristic does not meet a predetermined criterion, and further processing at least one blister pack if the at least one quality characteristic meets the predetermined criterion. For example, the predetermined criterion could be a given size of the blister pack or a tolerance range in which the position of at least one blister cup will fall. For example, the predetermined criterion can also be met when each blister cup is filled with product. Attached Figure Description

[0057] Figure 1 A packaging machine including an inspection device is shown in schematic form.

[0058] Figure 2 The inspection device of the packaging machine is shown in perspective view.

[0059] Figure 3 Shown in side view form Figure 2 The inspection device in the middle. Detailed Implementation

[0060] Detailed views of the packaging machine 2 and the blister pack 4 used to produce blister pack assembly 4 are shown below. Figure 1 As shown. Each blister pack 4 includes at least one blister cup 4a formed in a forming film 6, which can be closed by a cover film 8. Due to manufacturing processes, the upper side 4b of the blister pack 4 is typically formed by the cover film 8, while the lower side 4c of the blister pack 4 is typically formed by the forming film 6 with the blister cups 4a. In each blister cup 4a of the blister pack 4, a product 10 is received, particularly a medical or pharmaceutical product, such as tablets, capsules, sugar-coated pills, etc. However, blister pack sets 4 without a cover film 8 are also contemplated. For these embodiments, the features of the cover film 8 or its connection to the forming film 6 described herein are considered optional or meaningless.

[0061] exist Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, packaging machine 2 is designed as a blister packing machine with multiple processing stations or devices, as described below. However, it is clear that packaging machine 2 is not limited to this type of blister packing machine.

[0062] The forming film 6 can be a thermoplastic film, wherein the blister cups 4a are formed by thermoforming. The forming film 6 is preferably provided on the storage roller 14 in the form of a forming film net 12. The packaging machine 2 may include a heating device 16 for heating the forming film net 12 and a forming device 18 for forming the blister cups 4a into the forming film net 12. In the filling device 20 of the packaging machine 2, the blister cups 4a can be filled with product 10. The blister cups 4a can then be sealed, preferably by sealing a cover film net 22 onto the forming film net 12 in a sealing device 24 of the packaging machine 2. Therefore, the cover film 8 is supplied in the form of a cover film net 22, preferably also provided on the storage roller (not shown), which is supplied from above to the forming film net 12.

[0063] The packaging machine 2 also includes a separating device 26 for separating the individual blister packs 4 from the forming film net 12, more preferably from the composite film net consisting of the forming film net 12 and the covering film net 22. The separating device 26 is preferably designed as a stamping device. Following the separating device 26, the individual blister packs 4 are then fed into further processing steps by a conveying device (not shown), such as a pick-up device. The orientation of the blister packs 4, particularly the upper and lower sides 4b, 4c, is preferably kept constant. Obviously, the blister packs 4 can be produced in any manner.

[0064] The packaging machine 2 also includes an inspection device 28 for inspecting the blister packs 4, particularly the individual blister packs 4 after the separation device 26, and a conveying device 30 for moving the blister packs 4 along the conveying direction T through the inspection device 28.

[0065] The following will refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The inspection device 28 and the transfer device 30 will be described in more detail. The inspection device 28 includes at least one detection device 32, which is designed to optically inspect individual blister packs 4 from both the upper side 4b and the lower side 4c in the inspection area 34 of the packaging machine 2. For this purpose, the inspection device 28 may include a reflector through which the detection device 32 can detect not only the upper side 4b facing it, but also the lower side 4c of the blister packs 4. However, in the preferred embodiment shown, the inspection device 28 includes multiple detection devices, more specifically, detection device 32 (also referred to as the first detection device) and a second detection device 36. Each of the multiple detection devices 32, 36 may include, for example, a camera or any other optical sensor.

[0066] Here, the first detection device 32 optically detects the upper side 4b of the blister pack 4, while the second detection device 36 optically detects the lower side 4c of the blister pack 4. Preferably, the detection devices 32 and 36 directly detect the upper side 4b and the lower side 4c of the blister pack 4, which is why the first and second detection devices 32 and 36 face the upper side 4b and the lower side 4c, respectively. For this purpose, the first detection device 32 can be arranged above the conveying device 30 or the inspection area 34, while the second detection device 36 can be arranged below the conveying device 30 or the inspection area 34. Preferably, the first and second detection devices 32 and 36 detect the blister pack 4 simultaneously. For this purpose, the detection devices 32 and 36 can be arranged above each other, and the conveying device 30 passes between the first and second detection devices 32 and 36. Therefore, the inspection area 34 is arranged between the first and second detection devices 32 and 36. Other arrangements or arrangements and other detection devices are generally conceivable.

[0067] In order to fully inspect and examine each blister pack 4, the upper side 4b, lower side 4c, and peripheral edge 4d of each blister pack 4 should be exposed as much as possible in the inspection area 34; in other words, not hidden. Therefore, the inspection device 28 is preferably included in the inspection area 34 by a transparent support device 38 on which the blister pack 4 to be inspected is arranged. The second inspection device 36 can inspect the lower side 4c of the blister pack 4 through the transparent support device 38. Furthermore, in each case, the blister pack 4 to be inspected can be docked on the support device 38 in the inspection area 34, so that it does not need to be held there by the transport device 30, but can be released by the transport device 30, thereby releasing the peripheral edge 4d of the blister pack 4.

[0068] The transfer device 30 moves the blister packs 4 substantially along the transfer direction T on a transfer plane, wherein the upper side 4b of each blister pack 4 is preferably oriented upward relative to the transfer plane, and the lower side 4c of each blister pack 4 is preferably oriented downward relative to the transfer plane. The transfer device 30 may receive the blister packs 4 in a receiving area 40, for example, by transferring them from the separating device 26 to the transfer device 30 via a suitable transfer device. The transfer device 30 may then move the blister packs 4 from the receiving area 40 to an inspection area 34, and from the inspection area 34 to a delivery area 42, where they are delivered for further transfer or processing. The transfer device 30 extends on a support device 34. The support device 34 is provided in a conveyor 44, on which the blister packs 4 are moved by the transfer device 30. The transfer device 30 may, in principle, include a gripper or suction device to hold and move the blister packs 4. However, this mechanism will at least partially conceal the upper side 4b or lower side 4c of the blister pack 4.

[0069] Therefore, the conveying device 30 preferably includes at least one annular first traction member 46, for example in the form of a belt, to which a plurality of receiving elements 48 are attached, arranged one after another along the conveying direction T. The receiving elements 48 may have a strip design. The plurality of receiving elements 48 are provided in pairs, each pair comprising a front receiving element 48a and a rear receiving element 48b. Each pair of receiving elements 48a, 48b can then form a container for at least one blister pack 4. The plurality of receiving elements 48 may be designed such that they do not conceal or substantially do not conceal the upper side 4b and lower side 4c of the blister pack group 4. Instead, the receiving elements 48 may rest only against the front and rear edges of the respective blister pack 4, adjacent to the front or rear receiving elements 48a, 48b. Furthermore, the receiving elements 48 may form the container 50 in such a way that the blister pack group 4 is not concealed by at least one traction member 46.

[0070] Preferably, exactly one blister pack 4 is received in container 50 along a direction parallel to the transmission direction T. Multiple blister pack groups 4 (in this case, two blister pack groups 4) can be received in each container 50 along a direction Q perpendicular to the transmission direction T and parallel to the transmission plane, such as... Figure 2 As shown. In this case, each of the first and second detection devices 32, 36 can be configured to optically detect the blister packs 4 arranged side by side, or at least one additional detection device can be provided above and / or below the inspection area 34.

[0071] At least one first traction device 46 (preferably all traction devices) has an upper strand 47a and a lower strand 47b, which are spaced apart from each other in a direction perpendicular to the transport plane and operate parallel to the transport plane. For this purpose, at least one traction device 46 is guided at least around the first and second rollers 49a, 49b, with its axis lying in a plane parallel to the transport plane. In the illustrated embodiment, at least one traction device 46 is further guided on third and fourth rollers 51a, 51b, with its axis parallel to the transport plane in another plane. The upper strand 47a operates between the first and second rollers 49a, 49b, while the lower strand 47b operates between the third and fourth rollers. In this way, at least one traction device 46 is spanned in a generally trapezoidal shape. The upper and lower strands 47a, 47b can be arranged spaced apart from each other such that a second detection device 36 can be arranged horizontally between the upper and lower strands 47a, 47b of at least one traction device 46, as shown.

[0072] The receiving element 48 preferably rests against the front and rear edges of the blister pack 4 during transport, and does not cover or substantially does not cover the upper side 4b and lower side 4c of the blister pack 4. Unobstructed reception and release of the blister pack 4 can be achieved because the front receiving element 48a and the rear receiving element 48b of each pair of receiving elements 48 can move relative to each other in a direction parallel to the transport direction T. In this way, the container 50 can be opened and closed, and at least one blister pack 4 can be easily released by the transport device 30 in the inspection area 34, so that its circumferential edge can also be detected by at least one detection device 32, 36.

[0073] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the front receiving element 48a is connected to the first tractor 46, and the rear receiving element 48b is connected to the second tractor 52 of the transmission device 30. To improve stability, multiple first and multiple second tractors may also be provided, as shown. The first and second tractors 46, 52 operate in parallel with each other. The first tractor 46 is driven by a first driver 54, while the second tractor 52 is driven by a second driver 56. The first and second drivers 54, 56 can generate a relative speed between the first and second tractors 46, 52, and thus a relative speed between the front and rear receiving elements 48a, 48b, to open and close the container 50.

[0074] Along a direction Q perpendicular to the transmission direction T, the receiving element 48 preferably extends beyond the pullers 46 and 52, and forms a container 50 for the blister pack 4 on the side of the pullers 46 and 52. This means that the lower side 4c of the blister pack 4 is not hidden by the pullers 46 and 52.

[0075] In receiving area 40, conveying device 30 receives at least one blister pack 4, for which container 50 is initially adjusted from a first state to an open second state for inserting at least one blister pack 4. Relative movement between front receiving element 48a and rear receiving element 48b causes container 50 to be adjusted back from the second state to a closed first state, wherein conveying device 30 moves at least one blister pack 4 into inspection area 34. In inspection area 34, at least one blister pack 4 is preferably released by conveying device 30 such that the circumferential edge 4d of blister pack 4 is exposed and can be optically inspected from the upper side 4b and lower side 4c. At least one blister pack 4 is released by opening container 50 to the second state in inspection area 34. After optically inspecting the blister pack 4 in inspection area 34, container 50 is closed again, and at least one blister pack 4 is conveyed from inspection area to delivery area 42.

[0076] From delivery area 42, at least one blister pack 4 may be supplied for further processing, such as packaging in a folding box. However, this should only be the case if the desired quality of the blister pack 4 is established during inspection by inspection device 28. If the quality of at least one blister pack 4 is unacceptable, the blister pack 4 may be ejected, thus excluding it from further processing. Figure 3 The ejection device 58 is schematically depicted. For example, defective blister packs 4 are not connected by a transport device that supplies blister packs 4 from delivery area 42 for further processing, and they fall into a collection box. Alternative ejection devices 58 are conceivable.

[0077] To inspect the blister pack assembly 4 based on data generated by at least one inspection device 32, 36, the inspection device 28 preferably includes a data processing device 60, specifically configured for image processing of the image data detected by the inspection devices 32, 36, and communicatively connected to at least one inspection device 32, 36. The data processing device 60 processes and evaluates the image data to obtain desired quality information regarding the blister pack assembly 4, particularly stamping quality. To this end, based on image processing, the data processing device 60 can derive at least one quality characteristic for each blister pack and check whether this quality characteristic meets predetermined standards, such as falling within predetermined tolerances. For example, based on images of the upper and lower sides of the blister pack assembly, one or more of the following quality characteristics can be determined through appropriate data processing: the length of the blister pack 4, the width of the blister pack 4, the edge length of the longitudinal and / or transverse edges of the blister pack 4, the radius between the longitudinal and transverse edges of the blister pack 4, the position of the blister pack 4 relative to at least one blister cup 4a of the longitudinal and / or transverse edges, the outline of the blister pack 4, the location of the perforations in the blister pack 4, protrusions, inscriptions, the filling of the blister cup 4a, or a combination thereof.

[0078] The inspection device 28 may also include a control device 62, which is communicatively connected to or integrated with the data processing device 60. Furthermore, the control device 62 may be communicatively connected to the ejection device 58, thereby actuating it in response to signals from the data processing device 60. If the blister pack 4 does not meet predetermined quality standards, it will be immediately ejected based on the inspection performed by the inspection device 28.

[0079] After stamping, the blister packs 4 can therefore be fully inspected by the packaging machine 2 and the method described herein, as they are optically inspected from both the top and bottom, with the circumferential edges of the blister packs preferably also exposed. For this purpose, the blister packs can be released within the inspection area, at least for a short time. Defective blister packs can be immediately excluded from further processing. Based on the exemplary embodiments described herein, alternative embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A packaging machine (2) for producing blister packs, characterized in that, Include: Separation device (26) for separating individual blister packs from the forming film net (12), wherein each blister pack (4) contains at least one blister cup (4a) formed in the forming film (6). Inspection device (28) comprising at least one detection device (32, 36) configured to optically inspect individual blister pack groups, wherein the inspection device (28) is configured to optically inspect at least one blister pack (4) in an inspection area (34) from both the upper side (4b) and the lower side (4c) by means of the at least one detection device (32, 36); and A conveying device (30) is used to move the blister packs along the conveying direction (T) through the inspection device (28). The detection devices (32, 36) are configured to perform complete detection of at least one blister pack assembly.

2. The packaging machine (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inspection device (28) includes a plurality of detection devices (32, 36), wherein the plurality of detection devices (32, 36) includes at least a first detection device (32) and a second detection device (36), wherein the first detection device (32) is configured to optically detect the upper side (4b) of the at least one blister pack (4), and the second detection device (36) is configured to optically detect the lower side (4c) of the at least one blister pack (4).

3. The packaging machine (2) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first and second detection devices (32, 36) are configured to simultaneously optically detect the upper (4b) and lower (4c) sides of the at least one blister pack (4).

4. The packaging machine (2) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first detection device and the second detection device (32, 36) are arranged above each other, and the transmission device (30) passes between the first detection device and the second detection device (32, 36).

5. The packaging machine (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that, in, In the inspection area (34), the inspection device (28) includes a transparent support device (38) on which the at least one blister pack (4) to be inspected by the at least one detection device (32, 36) is arranged in the inspection area (34).

6. The packaging machine (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transmission device (30) includes at least one traction device (46) having an upper strand (47a) and a lower strand (47b) arranged at intervals from each other, wherein at least one detection device (32, 36) is arranged between the upper strand (47a) and the lower strand (47b) of the at least one traction device (46).

7. The packaging machine (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transfer device (30) includes a plurality of containers (50), each container (50) receiving at least one blister pack (4), wherein the plurality of containers (50) are adjustable between a first state and a second state, and the plurality of containers (50) are arranged in the inspection area (34) in the second state, wherein the first state is in which the plurality of containers (50) hold at least one blister pack, and the second state is in which the plurality of containers (50) release at least one blister pack.

8. The packaging machine (2) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The transmission device (30) includes a plurality of receiving elements (48), wherein a pair of front receiving elements (48a) and rear receiving elements (48b) of the plurality of receiving elements (48) form one of the plurality of containers (50), wherein the front receiving element (48a) and the rear receiving element (48b) of each pair of receiving elements are movable relative to each other in a direction parallel to the transmission direction (T) in order to adjust the container (50) between the first and second states.

9. The packaging machine (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inspection device (28) further includes a data processing device (60) for image processing, wherein the data processing device (60) is communicatively coupled to the at least one detection device (32, 36).

10. A method for producing blister packs using a packaging machine (2) and inspecting the blister packs in the packaging machine (2), characterized in that, The method includes the following steps: Separate the individual blister packs from the forming film mesh (12), wherein each blister pack (4) contains at least one blister cup (4a) formed in the forming film (6). At least one blister pack (4) from the individual blister pack groups is received by the transmission device (30), and the at least one blister pack (4) is moved to the inspection area (34) by the transmission device (30); The upper (4b) and lower (4c) sides of the at least one blister pack (4) are detected in the inspection area (34) by at least one optical detection device (32, 36). The at least one blister pack (4) is removed from the inspection area (34) by the conveying device (30). The at least one optical inspection device (32, 36) is configured to fully inspect at least one blister pack assembly.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, Prior to the step of inspecting the upper (4b) and lower (4c) sides of the at least one blister pack (4), the following steps are also included: The at least one blister pack (4) is released in the inspection area (34) via the transmission device (30).

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The transmission device (30) includes a plurality of receiving elements (48), wherein a pair of front receiving elements (48a) and rear receiving elements (48b) of the plurality of receiving elements (48) form a container (50) for at least one blister pack (4); and the steps of receiving and releasing the at least one blister pack (4) include relative movement between the respective front and rear receiving elements (48a, 48b) of the plurality of receiving elements (48), wherein when receiving the at least one blister pack (4), the distance between the front and rear receiving elements (48a, 48b) decreases, and when releasing the at least one blister pack (4), the distance between the front and rear receiving elements (48a, 48b) increases.

13. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, A transparent support device (38) is provided in the inspection area (34); The transfer device (30) moves the at least one blister pack (4) onto the support device (38) and arranges the at least one blister pack (4) in the inspection area (34) on the support device (38); as well as The at least one detection device (32, 36) optically detects the at least one blister pack (4) in the inspection area (34) via the support device (38).

14. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The device provides multiple detection devices (32, 36), and the step of detecting the upper side (4b) of the at least one blister pack (4) is performed by the first detection device (32) of the multiple detection devices (32, 36), and at the same time, the step of detecting the lower side (4c) of the at least one blister pack (4) is performed by the second detection device (36) of the multiple detection devices (32, 36).

15. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, It also includes the following steps: The image data obtained from the at least one detection device (32, 36) is processed by the data processing device (60), and at least one quality characteristic of the at least one blister pack (4) is derived based on the image data. If at least one quality characteristic does not meet the predetermined standard, then the at least one blister pack (4) is popped out, and If the at least one quality characteristic does indeed meet the predetermined criteria, then the at least one blister pack is further processed (4).

Images