Method for producing blister packages

Abstract

The method for producing blister packs (10) with a sealing device (20) comprising a feed roller (19) and a sealing roller (17) interacting with the feed roller (19) includes providing a filled blister film strip (21) comprising first blister cups (23) and second blister cups (25), wherein the first blister cups (23) are filled with products (22) and the second blister cups (25) are empty. The blister film strip (21) is then inserted into a sealing gap (18) between the feed roller (19) and the sealing roller (17), as is a cover film (13). The first blister cups (23) are received in first recesses (27) of the feed roller (19), the second blister cups (25) are received in second recesses (29) of the feed roller (19), and the blister film strip (21) is conveyed by rotary driving of the feed roller (19).In this process, side walls (50b) that define the second recesses (29) contact the second blister cups (25) of the blister film strip (21) and exert a feed force on them, while side walls (50a) that define the first recesses (27) exert essentially no feed force on the first blister cups (23). The top film (13) is sealed to the top of the blister film strip (21) by means of the sealing roller (17).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for producing blister packs in which a sealing device is used, comprising a feed roller and a sealing roller cooperating with the feed roller.

[0002] Blister packs are generally used for a wide variety of products to protect them from environmental influences, thus ensuring their shelf life for a specific period. Blister packs are therefore advantageous for packaging medications, but also for smaller products such as electronic components, as they provide optimal protection.

[0003] In known processes, blister cups are first formed in a blister film strip at a forming station, and the blister film strip containing the cups is then filled with the products to be packaged at a subsequent filling station. The blister film strip with the filled cups is then fed to a sealing device, where a cover film is sealed onto the blister film strip to close the previously open blister cups. Following this, individual blister packs are often die-cut from the blister film strip and subsequently packaged again in folding cartons or other intermediate packaging.

[0004] In roller sealing machines, the blister film strip and the top film are guided into a sealing gap between a sealing roller and a feed roller during the sealing process. The feed roller has recesses that accommodate the filled blister cups. The feed roller supports the sealing pressure applied to the top film by the sealing roller. Simultaneously, there is a mechanical interaction between the recesses in the feed roller and the blister cups of the blister film strip, ensuring reliable feeding of the blister film strip during the continuous sealing process.

[0005] It has been shown that, depending on the materials used for the blister film tape and the settings of the sealing device, the force applied during the feed can cause undesirable deformation or even damage to the blister cups, especially at high feed speeds. In the worst case, the deformation or damage can be so severe that reliable protection of the packaged product from environmental influences is no longer guaranteed.

[0006] The object of the invention is to overcome at least some of the aforementioned disadvantages and to provide an improved method for manufacturing blister packs, which is characterized by a particularly high quality and safety standard at high throughput.

[0007] To solve the problem, a method for producing blister packs with a sealing device is proposed, which has a feed roller and a sealing roller cooperating with the feed roller, and which comprises the following steps: Providing a filled blister film strip comprising first blister cups and second blister cups, the first blister cups being filled with products and the second blister cups being empty; inserting the blister film strip into a sealing gap between the feed roller and the sealing roller; inserting a top sheet into the sealing gap between the feed roller and the sealing roller towards a top side of the blister film strip where the first and second blister cups are open; picking up the first blister cups in first recesses of the feed roller and picking up the second blister cups in second recesses of the feed roller;Feeding the blister film strip by rotary driving of the feed roller, wherein side walls defining the second recesses contact the second blister cups of the blister film strip and exert a feed force on them, while side walls defining the first recesses exert substantially no or no feed force on the first blister cups; and sealing the top film onto the upper side of the blister film strip by means of the sealing roller, wherein the feed roller supports the blister film strip in a sealing direction.

[0008] The proposed method enables the production of blister packs with high productivity while simultaneously meeting stringent quality requirements. By incorporating secondary blister cups within the blister film strip, dedicated solely to transmitting the feed force, the product-filled blister cups are eliminated as a force transmission medium. Any deformation of the secondary blister cups does not affect the products within the primary blister cups. Furthermore, this method allows for precise guidance and highly accurate positioning of the blister film strip during the sealing process.

[0009] The steps described above – inserting the blister film strip into a sealing gap, inserting the top film into the sealing gap, conveying the blister film strip by rotary driving of the feed roller, and sealing the top film onto the top of the blister film strip – take place simultaneously during operation of the sealing device and describe different aspects of the same sealing process.

[0010] Sealing is a continuous process. The lidding film is supplied as a strip and inserted into the sealing gap. The blister film strip is fed into the sealing gap along its length in the feed direction. It is advantageous if the feed speeds of the lidding film and the blister film strip are the same or only slightly different.

[0011] It is advantageous if the first recesses are designed such that, during the conveying of the blister film strip, the first blister cups do not contact the side walls of the first recesses or parts thereof that could transmit a force in the feed direction. This can be achieved, for example, by making the first recesses slightly larger in the circumferential direction of the feed roller than the first blister cups. The first recesses can also be wider than the first blister cups, so that the first blister cups are always spaced away from all side walls of the first recesses.

[0012] In order to apply the feed force exclusively via the second recesses of the feed roller to the second blister cups, it is advantageous if the second recesses are designed in such a way that the second blister cups interact at least section by section via direct contact with the side walls of the second recesses during the conveying of the blister film strip.

[0013] Because the second blister cups do not hold any products, they can be freely designed in shape and size. In addition to withstanding high feed forces in the conveying direction, the second blister cups can also be optimized with regard to their guiding properties in the width direction of the blister film strip.

[0014] Preferably, the blister film strip comprises, along its width, at least a first longitudinal region containing exclusively first blister cups, and at least a second longitudinal region containing exclusively second blister cups, wherein the first and second longitudinal regions extend in the longitudinal direction of the blister film strip. The second longitudinal region is preferably only slightly wider than the width of the second blister cups. This ensures effective use of the available width of the blister film strip.

[0015] It is preferred that the feed roller comprises at least a first annular circumferential region having exclusively first recesses, and at least a second annular circumferential region adjoining the first annular circumferential region in the axial direction, also having exclusively second recesses. Analogous to the first and second longitudinal regions of the blister film strip, this provides a simple design for the feed roller, which implements the feed only in partial regions.

[0016] According to the present application, the axial direction is to be understood as a direction that is directed along or parallel to an axis of rotation of the feed roller.

[0017] The annular circumferential areas preferably extend completely around the circumference of the feed roller, i.e., around 360°. The extent of the first annular circumferential area and the second annular circumferential area in the axial direction of the feed roller can be adjusted depending on the dimensions of the blister packaging and the second recesses.

[0018] Preferably, exactly one second recess is located in the axial direction within a second annular circumferential region. The second annular circumferential region is therefore preferably narrower in the axial direction than the first annular circumferential region. Preferably, the second annular circumferential region is only insignificantly wider in the axial direction than the width of the second recesses of the feed roller.

[0019] Preferably, the extent of the first annular circumferential region in the axial direction of the feed roller is larger, preferably at least by a factor of 1.5 or 2, than the extent of the second annular circumferential region in the axial direction of the feed roller. Particularly preferably, the extent of the second annular circumferential region in the axial direction of the feed roller is a maximum of 20 mm, and even more preferably a maximum of 10 mm. This ensures good utilization of the available width of the feed roller.

[0020] The extension of the first ring-shaped circumferential area in the axial direction usually depends on the blister packs to be produced and is between 20 mm and 150 mm.

[0021] It should be noted at this point that the characteristics explained for the first and second longitudinal areas of the blister film strip can be applied accordingly to the first and second annular circumferential areas of the feed roller and vice versa.

[0022] A further development of the method provides that the second recesses within the second annular circumferential region are aligned with each other in the axial direction of the feed roller, and the second blister cups are aligned with each other in the longitudinal direction of the blister film strip. This advantageously results in a particularly narrow second annular circumferential region of the feed roller and a particularly narrow second longitudinal region of the blister film strip. The surface area of ​​the feed roller is optimally utilized, and waste products of the proposed method are reduced. Furthermore, threading the blister film strip into the feed roller is particularly easy in this way.

[0023] The longitudinal direction of the blister film strip is defined as its main extension direction. The longitudinal direction of the blister film strip is preferably parallel to the feed direction of the blister film strip.

[0024] Aligned with each other preferably means that all second recesses of a second annular circumferential area are arranged in a line along the circumference of the feed roller, thereby achieving, among other things, a particularly precise guidance of the blister film strip over the second blister cups.

[0025] With further benefits, the procedure preferably also includes the following step: Die-cutting of blister packs with only the first blister cups from the sealed blister film strip.

[0026] This additional process step ensures that the blister packs contain only the first blister cups. The second blister cups, which are solely for conveying the blister pack, are not punched out.

[0027] Preferably, after die-cutting the blister packs from the blister film strip, one or more residual strips remain, which exclusively consist of second longitudinal sections of the blister film strip and second blister cups. Thus, the second blister cups do not affect the product design of the blister pack to be manufactured.

[0028] It is also conceivable that, additionally or alternatively, second recesses could be arranged in axial rows on the feed roller. However, this is generally omitted to avoid creating a waste ridge between the blister packs in the feed direction. During die-cutting, the blister packs are then preferably die-cut consecutively in the feed direction, i.e., the rear die-cutting edge of the preceding blister pack corresponds to the front die-cutting edge of the following blister pack.

[0029] Preferably, the process further comprises the following step after punching: Dispose of the second longitudinal section including all second blister packs.

[0030] After the blister packs have been die-cut from the blister film strip, residual strips with secondary blister cups remain, as described above. These represent a waste product of the process. A residual grid may also remain. Because the secondary blister cups are empty, they can simply be disposed of along with the residual strip(s) or grid of the blister film strip. Alternatively, the residual strip(s) or grid containing the secondary blister cups can be shredded or otherwise processed.

[0031] It is particularly advantageous if the second set of recesses differs from the first set of recesses in shape and / or size. This allows the first and second set of recesses to be optimized with regard to their intended function.

[0032] Similarly, it may be preferable for the second blister trays to differ in shape and / or size from the first blister trays. In particular, the second blister trays do not need to be adapted to the size and / or shape of the products. This allows for the production of any customer-specific blister packaging while still optimizing the feed rate.

[0033] It is conceivable, in principle, that the first and second blister cups are identical and only the recesses of the second blister cups are adapted in size and / or shape to exert the feeding force solely on the second blister cups. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the first and second recesses are identical and only the second blister cups are adapted in size and / or shape to limit the feeding force to the second blister cups. In most cases, however, for the purpose of optimizing the principle according to the invention, there will be both a deviation of the second blister cups in size and / or shape from the first blister cups and a deviation of the second recesses in size and / or shape from the first recesses.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, it is proposed that the side walls of the second recesses of the feed roller interact, at least partially, via direct contact with the second blister cups to exert the feed force. As a result, the feed force can be transmitted extremely efficiently. Furthermore, this achieves precise positioning of the blister film strip via the second blister cups in the longitudinal direction and preferably also in the width direction of the blister film strip.

[0035] The at least partial direct contact is understood to mean that the side walls of the second recesses transmit the feed force to at least parts of the second blister cups. This feed force is transmitted to areas of the second blister cups that are directed against the feed direction. Typically, the interaction with the second blister cups occurs in a region of the side walls located close to the open side of the second recess. Preferably, this region of the side wall, which contacts the side flank of the second blister cups, is located in the upper half, and more preferably in the upper third, of the height of the second recess. A full-surface, form-fitting contact between the side walls of the second recesses and the second blister cups is not required for the feed process.

[0036] Preferably, the side walls of the first recesses and the side walls of the second recesses are perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the outer surface of the feed roller, i.e., inclined at most by an angle of up to 10° to the outer surface. In this way, particularly simple-to-manufacture recesses are proposed, which can be milled into the outer surface of the feed roller, thereby keeping the manufacturing costs for the feed roller low.

[0037] The essential side flanks within the scope of the invention are, in particular, the flanks that are directed in and against the feed direction. The angle of these sections of the side flanks can be determined in the cross-section of a blister cup along the longitudinal direction of the blister film strip. It can generally be advantageous within the scope of the invention if these side flanks of the second blister cups are relatively steep. It can generally be advantageous within the scope of the invention if the side flanks of the second blister cups are steeper than the corresponding side flanks of the first blister cups.

[0038] A further advantage is that the first and second blister cups, at least in an area close to their open sides, have sections of their side flanks that extend at an angle to a vertical dimension of the blister film strip perpendicular to the plane of a dimension of the blister film strip. The angle of these side flank sections of the second blister cups is smaller than the angle of the side flank sections of the first blister cups. This achieves better positioning along the length of the blister film strip and also improves the mechanical interaction of the second blister cups with the second recesses, thereby enabling the transmission of a higher feed force.

[0039] It is particularly advantageous that the angle of these sections of the side flanks of the second blister cups is 0.1 to 20°, preferably 0.5 to 18° and particularly preferably 1 to 16°.

[0040] It should be noted that the angle of these sections of the side flanks of the second blister cups can also have the angle ranges specified above, regardless of the design of the first blister cups.

[0041] The angle α may vary within the specified angular range, as the sides of the surface usually exhibit a piecewise or continuous curvature. Therefore, the values ​​given for the angle only need to lie within this angular range in these sections of the surface. Generally, for curved surfaces, the angle of tangents drawn to the curvature is used for measurement.

[0042] To meet this criterion, the angle must preferably lie within this angular range over at least a section of the side flank with a height in the vertical extent of at least 2 mm, preferably at least 3 mm.

[0043] Alternatively or additionally, it is preferred if the sections of the side flanks in this angular range extend over at least 20%, preferably at least 30%, of the height of the second blister cup, and this is particularly preferably in the upper half of the height of the second blister cup, i.e., in the half facing the open side of the blister cup. The area where the curvature begins at the upper edge of the side flank is excluded because larger angles are necessarily present there.

[0044] The arrangement and measurement of the angle α of the first blister cups are the same as described for the angle α of the second blister cups. The values ​​of the angle α at the side faces of the first blister cups are in the range of 15° to 45°, preferably between 20° and 40°.

[0045] In general, it can be stated that the second blister cups, due to their exclusive use for feeding, are not subject to the same limitations as standard blister cups. For example, damage during molding, such as cracks in the base or along the sides, can be accepted. This allows for the formation of steeper sides and the optimization of the geometry of the second blister cups for the best possible force transmission. Contact with the second recesses typically occurs only in a section of the side walls near the open sides of the second blister cups.

[0046] Preferably, the method for providing the filled blister film tape comprises the following steps: Forming the first and second blister cups into a film belt in a forming station; and filling the first blister cups with products in a filling station.

[0047] The forming station preferably has at least one forming tool that forms the first and second blister cups in a positive or negative configuration.

[0048] Furthermore, it should be emphasized again that the second blister trays will not be filled with product at any point during the process. The filling station is solely intended for filling only the first blister trays.

[0049] According to the invention, the first blisters are always filled with products, and the second blisters are empty. However, further filled blisters may also be present, which could be referred to, for example, as third blisters and may generally be filled with different products than the first blisters. In this case, no pushing force should act on the third blisters either.

[0050] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings. They show: Fig. 1 shows a general structure of a blister packaging machine in which the method according to the invention can be carried out; Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of the sealing of a cover film onto a blister film strip according to one embodiment of the method according to the invention; Fig. 3 shows a sectional view of the sealing of a cover film onto a blister film strip according to another embodiment of the method according to the invention; Fig. 4 shows a top view of the sealing process. Fig. 3 ; Fig. 5 in an enlarged sectional view shows a possibility according to the invention of forming a first recess and a first blister cup; and Fig. 6 in an enlarged sectional view shows a possibility according to the invention of forming a second recess and a second blister cup.

[0051] Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a general structure of a blister packaging machine 1 for the production of blister packs. The method according to the invention can be carried out in such a blister packaging machine 1.

[0052] Blister packaging machine 1 is divided into several processing stations. The individual processing stations are briefly described below for better understanding.

[0053] The blister packaging machine 1 from Fig. 1 The system comprises a forming station 5, a cooling section 7, a filling station 9, a sealing device 20, and a punching station 15. Initially, a film strip 3 is unwound from a roll and fed to a forming station 5. In the forming station 5, blister cups are formed in the film strip 3 using forming tools, thereby producing a blister film strip 21.

[0054] The formation of blister cups in thermoplastic film strips 3 is achieved by hot forming the film strip 3, which is then cooled and solidified in a subsequent cooling section 7. In the case of metallic film strips 3, the blister cups are formed by cold forming. The cooling section 7 is then omitted. For the hot and cold forming of the film strip 3, forming tools are used in the forming station 5, these forming tools having at least a partially positive or negative profile of the blister cups.

[0055] In a filling station, 9 products to be packaged are placed into the prepared blister cups of the blister film strip 21. Subsequently, the blister film strip 21, whose blister cups are filled with products, is sealed with a cover film 13 in the sealing device 20, which is designed as a roller sealing device. The cover film 13 is usually pulled from a supply roll.

[0056] Subsequently, individual blister packs 10 can be die-cut from the blister film strip 21 in the die-cutting station 15. In a downstream unit, which is not shown here, for example a cartoner, the individual blister packs 10 are packed into folding cartons or other intermediate packaging.

[0057] Fig. 2 Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the sealing process in one embodiment of the method according to the invention. It shows a sealing device 20 in the form of a roller sealing device with a feed roller 19 and a sealing roller 17. As described above, the blister film strip 21 is formed by an upstream forming station 5 and fed to the sealing device 20. A sealing gap is formed between the feed roller 19 and the sealing roller 17, through which the blister film strip 21 and the top film 13 are guided.

[0058] The blister film strip 21 has first blister cups 23 filled with products 22 and second blister cups 25 that are empty. Only one product 22 in a blister cup is indicated here. Within the scope of the invention, products 22 generally include, in particular, medical products and ingestible products, especially ingestible medical products, specifically in the form of tablets, coated tablets, oblongs, or capsules. The blister cups 23, 25 are open at the top 26 of the blister film strip 21 before sealing.

[0059] The first blister cups 23 are arranged in two first longitudinal regions 31 of the blister film strip 21, which contain exclusively first blister cups 23. The second blister cups 25 are arranged in a second longitudinal region 33, which contains exclusively second blister cups 25. In the embodiment of the Fig. 2 The blister film tape 21 has the second longitudinal area 33 in the middle with respect to a width extension W of the blister film tape 21.

[0060] Within the scope of the invention, it is also generally conceivable that only one or more than two first longitudinal regions 31 are arranged distributed across the width of the blister film strip 21. The number of first longitudinal regions 31 can be defined, for example, by the number of webs of the blister packaging machine 1. However, several webs of subsequent blister packages 10 can also lie in a single longitudinal region 31.

[0061] Within the scope of the invention, it is also generally conceivable that two or more second longitudinal regions 33 are arranged distributed across the width of the blister film strip 21. For example, it is conceivable that two second longitudinal regions 33 are arranged at the edges of the blister film strip 21.

[0062] The first blister trays 23 are arranged in groups that generally correspond to a subsequent blister pack 10. The first blister trays 23 can be shaped and sized to meet the requirements of the products 22 to be packaged. The arrangement of the first blister trays 23 within the first longitudinal area 31 is arbitrarily adaptable.

[0063] It is advantageous if the second blister cups 25 are arranged within the second longitudinal region 33 in alignment with each other along the longitudinal direction L of the blister film strip 21. This facilitates precise guidance of the blister film strip 21 by the feed roller 19. In the embodiment of the Fig. 2 The second longitudinal region 33 in the width direction W of the blister film strip 21 has exactly one second blister cup 25. The second longitudinal region 33 is only slightly wider in the width direction W of the blister film strip 21 than the second blister cup 25. However, several second blister cups 25 can also be arranged axially next to each other or offset from each other in a second longitudinal region 33.

[0064] The feed roller 19 rotates about a rotary axis A. The feed roller 19 has first recesses 27 corresponding to the first blister cups 23 and second recesses 29 corresponding to the second blister cups 25. The first recesses 27 receive the first blister cups 23 during conveying and sealing. The second recesses 29 receive the second blister cups 25 during conveying and sealing.

[0065] The first recesses 27 and the second recesses 29 are each formed as depressions in the outer surface 30 of the feed roller 19. The preferred geometry of the first and second recesses 27, 29 is described below with reference to Figures 12 and 13.

[0066] The first recesses 27 and the second recesses 29 of the feed roller 19 are arranged analogously to the first and second longitudinal sections 31, 33 of the blister film strip 21 with the blister cups 23, 25 formed therein in first annular circumferential sections 35 and second annular circumferential sections 37 of the feed roller 19. The first annular circumferential sections 35 have exclusively first recesses 27, which are designed in shape, size, and arrangement to receive the first blister cups 23. The second annular circumferential sections 37, exactly one in the illustrated embodiment, have exclusively second recesses 29, which are designed in shape, size, and arrangement to receive the second blister cups 25.

[0067] The second recesses 29 are thus arranged analogously to the second blister cups 25, preferably in alignment along the circumference of the feed roller 19. In general, it can be stated that the arrangement of the recesses 27, 29 in the feed roller 19 corresponds to the arrangement of the blister cups 23, 25 in the blister film strip 21.

[0068] In the illustrated example, the feed roller 19 has exactly one second annular circumferential region 37, which is arranged axially in the center of the feed roller 19. Viewed axially from the feed roller 19, this second annular circumferential region 37 has exactly one second recess 29.

[0069] The second longitudinal region 33 has the same width in the lateral direction W of the blister film strip 21 as the second annular circumferential region 37 of the feed roller 19 in the axial direction of the feed roller 19. The first longitudinal regions 31 preferably have the same width in the lateral direction W of the blister film strip 21 as the first annular circumferential regions 35 of the feed roller 19 in the axial direction of the feed roller 19.

[0070] It should be noted that the shape and size of the second blister packs 25 are independent of the shape and size of the first blister packs 23, and vice versa. In particular, the shape and size of the second blister packs 25 are independent of the shape and size of the products 22.

[0071] In general, the second blister packs 25 usually have the shape of an oval, a circle or a rectangle with rounded corners when viewed from above.

[0072] In the illustrated embodiment, the second blister cups 25 are smaller than the first blister cups 23.

[0073] After the blister packs 10 have been punched out in the first longitudinal areas 31, the second longitudinal area(s) 33 remain in the system and can then be disposed of.

[0074] If the second longitudinal sections 33 are particularly narrow compared to the overall width of the blister film strip 21, consequently less waste is produced. Furthermore, the maximum available width of the blister packaging machine 1 is used effectively to produce blister packs 10. The same applies to the ratio of the width and number of the second longitudinal sections 33 to the first longitudinal sections 31 of the blister film strip 21.

[0075] The sealing roller 17, unlike the feed roller 19, has no recesses.

[0076] The blister film strip 21 and the top film 13 are guided between the sealing roller 17 and the feed roller 19 into a sealing gap 18, where they come into contact. The sealing direction is indicated by arrow S. After sealing, the blister film strip 21 with the sealed top film 13 exits the sealing device 20 and can, for example, be fed to a previously described die-cutting station 15.

[0077] Fig. 3 A schematic cross-sectional view shows a sealing process similar to that in Fig. 2 Compared to Fig. 2 Only the second blister cups 25 in the feed direction V are arranged at a greater distance from each other. All others in connection with Fig. 2 The details explained also apply to Fig. 3 to. The intersection line of the Fig. 3 It runs alternately through the center of the first and second recesses 27, 29 of the feed roller 19.

[0078] Fig. 4 represents the sealing of a cover film 13 onto a blister film strip 21 according to Fig. 3 in top view. Furthermore, in Fig. 4 The first and second longitudinal sections 31, 33 of the blister film strip 21 are illustrated by dashed lines in the feed direction V. The direction of the arrow W in Fig. 4 The direction of arrow L corresponds to the width direction of the blister film strip 21 and is parallel to the axial direction of the feed roller 19 and the sealing roller 17. The direction of arrow L corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the blister film strip 21 and is parallel to the feed direction V.

[0079] Fig. 5 Figure 1 shows an enlarged longitudinal section view of one possible configuration of a first recess 27 and a first blister cup 23 within the framework of the inventive method. The side walls 50a of the first recess 27 extend substantially perpendicular to the outer surface 30 of the feed roller 19. A slight deviation of up to 5° is conceivable. Furthermore, a rounding at the upper edge can be provided.

[0080] The upper sections of the side flanks 45a of the first blister cup 23 shown are slightly curved in the sectional view. A tangent is drawn as a straight line. This section of the side flank 45a is thus inclined at an angle α to the height H of the blister film strip 21. The height H is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L and the width direction W of the blister film strip 21.

[0081] Fig. 6 The enlarged longitudinal section shows one possibility for forming a second recess 29 and a second blister cup 25 within the framework of the inventive method. In conjunction with Fig. 5 It is evident that the relevant sections of the side flanks 45b of the second blister cups 25 are steeper than those of the first blister cups 23. The angle α with respect to the height extension H of the blister film strip 21 of these sections is smaller than that of the first blister cup 23.

[0082] The side walls 50b of the second recess 29 extend essentially perpendicular to the cylindrical surface 30 of the feed roller 19. A slight deviation of up to 5° is conceivable. Furthermore, a rounding at the upper edge may be provided.

[0083] In conjunction with the steeper sections of the side flanks 45b of the second blister cups 25, a force transmission in the feed direction V and an advantageous guiding and centering of the blister film strip 21 relative to the feed roller 19 is thus achieved in the upper area of ​​the side wall.

[0084] In general, within the scope of the invention, it is advantageous if the second blister cups 25 have less play in the second recesses 29 than the first blister cups 23 in the first recesses 27.

[0085] Due to the tight guidance of the second blister cups 25 in the second recesses 29, it is simultaneously possible to center the first blister cups 23 in their first recesses 27. Ideally, this occurs not only in the longitudinal direction L, but also in the lateral direction W of the blister film strip 21.

[0086] For this purpose, the side walls 50b of the second recesses 29 do not necessarily have to be vertical. They can also assume a different shape, for example adapted to the shape of the corresponding side flank 45b of the second blister cup 25, as shown in Fig. 3 as indicated.

Claims

1. A method for producing blister packs (10) with a sealing device (20) comprising a feed roller (19) and a sealing roller (17) cooperating with the feed roller (19), comprising: - providing a filled blister film strip (21) comprising first blister cups (23) and second blister cups (25), wherein the first blister cups (23) are filled with products (22) and the second blister cups (25) are empty; - inserting the blister film strip (21) into a sealing gap (18) between the feed roller (19) and the sealing roller (17); - Inserting a cover film (13) into the sealing gap (18) between the feed roller (19) and the sealing roller (17) in the direction of a top side (26) of the blister film strip (21) where the first and second blister cups (23, 25) are open;- Picking up the first blister cups (23) in first recesses (27) of the feed roller (19) and picking up the second blister cups (25) in second recesses (29) of the feed roller (19); - Feeding the blister film strip (21) by rotary driving of the feed roller (19), wherein side walls (50b) which delimit the second recesses (29) contact the second blister cups (25) of the blister film strip (21) and exert a feed force on them, while side walls (50a) which delimit the first recesses (27) exert substantially no feed force on the first blister cups (23); and - sealing the top film (13) onto the top (26) of the blister film strip (21) by means of the sealing roller (17), wherein the feed roller (19) supports the blister film strip (21) in a sealing direction (S).

2. Method for producing blister packs (10) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact thatthe blister film strip (21) in its width extension (W) comprises at least a first longitudinal area (31) which has exclusively first blister cups (23) and at least a second longitudinal area (33) which has exclusively second blister cups (25), wherein the first and the second longitudinal areas (31, 33) extend in the longitudinal direction (L) of the blister film strip (21).

3. Method for producing blister packs (10) according to claim 2, characterized by the fact that the feed roller (19) comprises at least one first annular circumferential region (35) which has exclusively first recesses (27) and at least one second annular circumferential region (37) which adjoins the first annular circumferential region (35) in the axial direction and which has exclusively second recesses (29).

4. Method for producing blister packs (10) according to claim 3, characterized by the fact thatThe extent of the first annular circumferential region (35) in the axial direction of the feed roller (19) is larger, preferably at least by a factor of 1.5 or 2, than the extent of the second annular circumferential region (37) in the axial direction of the feed roller (19), wherein the extent of the second annular circumferential region (37) is preferably a maximum of 20 mm, preferably a maximum of 10 mm.

5. Method for producing blister packs (10) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized by the fact that the second recesses (29) within the second annular circumferential area (37) are aligned to each other in the axial direction of the feed roller (19) and the second blister cups (25) are aligned to each other in the longitudinal direction (L) of the blister film strip (21).

6. Method for producing blister packs (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized by the fact thatthe process further includes the step of: - punching out blister packs (10) with only first blister cups (23) from the sealed blister film strip (21).

7. Method for producing blister packs (10) according to claim 6, characterized by the fact that The procedure further includes, after punching, the step of: - disposing of the second longitudinal section (33) of the blister film strip (21) including all second blister cups (25).

8. Method for producing blister packs (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the second recesses (29) differ in shape and / or size from the first recesses (27).

9. Method for producing blister packs (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the second blister cups (25) differ in shape and / or size from the first blister cups (23).

10. Method for producing blister packs (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the side walls (50b) of the second recesses (29) of the feed roller (19) cooperate to exert the feed force at least sectionally via direct contact with the second blister cups (25).

11. Method for producing blister packs (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the first and the second blister cups (23, 25), at least in an area close to their open sides, have sections of side flanks (45a, 45b) which each extend at an angle (α) to a height extension (H) of the blister film strip (21) which is perpendicular to the plane of an extension of the blister film strip (21), wherein the angle (α) of these sections of the side flanks (45) of the second blister cups (25) is 0.1 to 20°, preferably 0.5 to 18° and particularly preferably 1 to 16°.

12. Method for producing blister packs (10) according to claim 11, characterized by the fact that the angle (α) of these sections of the side flanks (45b) of the second blister cups (25) is smaller than the angle (α) of the sections of the side flanks (45a) of the first blister cups (23).

13. Method for producing blister packs (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that The provision of the filled blister film strip (21) comprises the following steps: - forming the first and second blister cups (23, 25) into a film strip (3) in a forming station (5) to form the blister film strip (21); and - filling the first blister cups (23) with products (22) in a filling station (9).

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