Jumbo roll buffer feeding device

Abstract

To provide a jumbo roll buffer feeding device that can efficiently replenish the jumbo roll to a stocker without causing trouble to jumbo roll feeding from the stocker to a blister packaging machine.SOLUTION: A jumbo roll buffer feeding device 50 includes a stocker 52 in which multiple jumbo rolls G can be stored. The stocker 52 has multiple storage units 63, each of which has multiple holding parts 634. The jumbo rolls G are taken into the storage units 63 by being fed into the holding parts 634 arranged at a take-in position IP, and the jumbo rolls G are taken out of the storage units 63 by removing the jumbo rolls G from the holding parts 634 arranged at a take-out position OP. The rotation of the storage units 63 and the holding parts 634 is controlled so that the holding parts 634 holding the jumbo rolls G are arranged at the take-out position OP, and the holding parts 634 holding no jumbo rolls G are arranged at the take-in position IP.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a raw material buffer supply device that stores raw material rolls of container film and is capable of supplying the stored raw material rolls to a blister packaging machine. [Background technology]

[0002] A blister sheet comprises a container film having a pocket formed therein into which contents such as tablets are filled, and a cover film attached to the container film so as to seal the open side of the pocket.

[0003] A blister packaging machine for producing blister sheets is equipped with a pocket forming means, a filling means, an attaching means, a punching means, etc. The pocket forming means forms a plurality of pockets in a container film, the filling means fills the pockets with contents, and the attaching means attaches a cover film to the container film. The punching means punches out a strip-shaped blister film, consisting of the container film and the cover film attached, along a punching line that corresponds to the outer edge shape of the blister sheet. The punched portions of the blister film become the blister sheets.

[0004] Furthermore, an automatic supply device is known that automatically supplies raw rolls of container film (film rolls) to a blister packaging machine to enable continuous production of blister sheets (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This automatic supply device includes a transport vehicle that carries a large number of raw rolls and whose travel is controlled by a computer, a transfer device that transfers the raw rolls from the transport vehicle downstream, a conveyor that transports the raw rolls transferred by the transfer device, and a loader that transfers the raw rolls transported by the conveyor to the blister packaging machine. The blister packaging machine is provided with a film holding mechanism having multiple support shafts, and the loader attaches raw rolls to the support shafts.

[0005] The blister packaging machine then uses the raw rolls attached to the support shafts to manufacture blister sheets. The blister packaging machine may have an automatic film splicing device. When almost all of the container film attached to one support shaft has been consumed, the automatic film splicing device automatically splices the end of the container film currently in use to the beginning of the container film attached to the other support shafts.

[0006] However, in the above-mentioned automatic supply device, the raw web to be transferred to the conveyor needs to be transported by a transport vehicle whose running is controlled by a computer, and therefore the costs associated with manufacturing the device may be relatively high. Therefore, in order to reduce costs, it is conceivable to use technology relating to a stocker that can temporarily store multiple wound webs (see, for example, Patent Document 2, etc.) and configure the device so that raw webs are sequentially supplied to the conveyor from a stocker that temporarily stores raw webs instead of wound webs.

[0007] This stocker is equipped with an endless chain, at least eight receiving members that are arranged at regular intervals on the endless chain and are capable of holding the raw rolls, and a drive device that moves the receiving members a certain distance by intermittently feeding the endless chain, so that the raw rolls can be taken into the receiving members located at a predetermined carry-in position and can be removed from the receiving members located at a predetermined discharge position. The raw rolls are removed from the receiving members by automatically tilting the receiving members located at the discharge position and rolling off the receiving members under their own weight. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 8-165041 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 2873390 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] However, in the above-mentioned stocker, if only some of the receiving members already hold webs while the other receiving members do not, a long wait is required to load new webs into the empty receiving members, which may result in a significant amount of time being required to replenish the stocker with webs. In this regard, with reference to Figures 16 to 18, an example will be described in which a stocker with 12 receiving members holds only five webs. The reason for the 12 receiving members is that, assuming one web is consumed in approximately 30 to 60 minutes, at least this many receiving members are required to store a sufficient number of webs in order to enable overnight operation of the blister packaging machine. Note that Figures 16 to 18 show a simplified version of receiving member U.

[0010] First, as shown in FIG. 16, a raw web G can be introduced into an empty receiver U located at the loading position H1. However, to introduce the raw web G into the next empty receiver U, as shown in FIG. 17, the raw web G held by the receiver U located at the unloading position H2 must be removed and each receiver U must be intermittently fed. As described above, it takes approximately 30 to 60 minutes to consume the raw web G, so there is a waiting time of approximately 30 to 60 minutes between the time the raw web G is introduced into the receiver U located at the loading position H1 and the time the raw web G can be introduced into the next receiver U. Therefore, to sequentially introduce raw web G into empty receivers U, as shown in FIG. 18, it is necessary to wait approximately 30 to 60 minutes, remove the raw web G, intermittently feed the receiver U, and then introduce the raw web G, repeating this process. If all of the raw rolls G located on the unloading position H2 side can be finally removed, the raw rolls G can be sequentially taken in thereafter without the waiting time described above, but a long time has passed since the start of taking in the raw rolls G until this stage is reached. Therefore, there is a risk that the work of replenishing raw rolls in the stocker will take a long time.

[0011] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a raw film buffer supply device that has a stocker for storing raw film of container film and is capable of supplying the raw film stored in the stocker to a blister packaging machine, and that enables the raw film to be efficiently replenished to the stocker without causing any disruption to the supply of raw film from the stocker to the blister packaging machine. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] The following describes each of the means suitable for achieving the above object, with specific effects of the corresponding means added as necessary.

[0013] Means 1. A raw material buffer supply device capable of storing a raw material of a strip-shaped container film and supplying the raw material to a blister packaging machine for producing blister sheets in which contents are accommodated in pockets formed in the container film, a stocker capable of storing a plurality of the raw rolls; a supply means for supplying the raw material stored in the stocker to the blister packaging machine, The stocker includes: a plurality of storage units arranged in a ring shape around a predetermined unit rotation axis, each of which is configured to be able to store a plurality of the raw sheets; The storage unit has a unit rotation means that can sequentially move the storage units to a plurality of areas located around the unit rotation axis, including an intake area for taking in the raw rolls into the storage units and an unloading area for unloading the raw rolls from the storage units, by rotating the storage units around the unit rotation axis; The storage unit comprises: a plurality of holding units arranged in a ring shape around a predetermined holding unit rotation axis, the holding units being configured to be able to hold the respective webs; a holder rotation means for rotating the plurality of holders around the holder rotation axis, thereby sequentially moving the plurality of holders to a plurality of positions; a web detection means for detecting the presence or absence of the web in the holding section, The intake of the raw roll into the storage unit is set to be performed by taking in the raw roll into the holding unit arranged at an intake position, which is one of the positions, among the plurality of holding units in the storage unit arranged in the intake area, while The removal of the raw web from the storage unit is set to be performed by removing the raw web from a holding unit arranged at a removal position, which is one of the positions, among the plurality of holding units in the storage unit arranged in the removal area, a unit rotation control means capable of controlling the unit rotation means; a holder rotation control means capable of controlling the holder rotation means, the holding unit rotation control means is configured to be able to grasp information about the position at which the holding unit is disposed, Furthermore, by using information about the position where the holding unit is arranged and the detection result by the raw fabric detection means, With respect to the plurality of holding parts associated with the storage unit arranged in the intake area, when the holding part not holding the raw roll is arranged in the intake position, the holding part is not rotated, whereas when the raw roll is taken into the holding part arranged in the intake position, the holding part is rotated to arrange the holding part not holding the raw roll in the intake position, except when each of the plurality of holding parts is holding the raw roll; With respect to the plurality of holding parts associated with the storage unit arranged in the removal area, when the holding part holding the raw web is arranged in the removal position, the holding part is not rotated, whereas when the raw web is removed from the holding part arranged in the removal position, the holding part is rotated to arrange the holding part holding the raw web in the removal position, except when each of the plurality of holding parts is not holding the raw web. The holder rotating means is controlled so that The unit rotation control means is configured to be able to grasp information about the area in which the storage unit is arranged, Furthermore, by using information about the area in which the storage unit is arranged and the detection result by the raw fabric detection means, When the first condition below is not satisfied, except when none of the holding portions of all the storage units is holding the original roll, the storage units are rotated so as to satisfy the first condition, Unless the holding portions of all the storage units are holding the respective webs, if the following second condition is not met, the storage units are rotated so as to satisfy the second condition, provided that the first condition is satisfied. The unit rotating means is controlled so as to rotate the raw web buffer supply device.

[0014] First condition: the storage unit in which at least one of the holding parts holds the web is disposed in the take-out area. Second condition: the storage unit in which at least one of the holding parts does not hold the original roll is arranged in the intake area. According to the above-described method 1, unless all the holding sections are empty, if the first condition is not met, the storage unit is rotated to meet the first condition, i.e., so that a storage unit in which at least one holding section holds a web is positioned in the removal area. With respect to the multiple holding sections associated with the storage unit positioned in the removal area, the holding section is not rotated when the holding section holding the web is positioned in the removal position. However, when a web is removed from a holding section positioned in the removal position, the holding section is rotated to position the holding section holding the web in the removal position, unless none of the multiple holding sections are holding a web. Therefore, unless all the holding sections are empty, the holding section holding the web can be positioned in the removal position. This prevents disruptions to the supply of web to the blister packaging machine and ensures a stable supply of web to the blister packaging machine.

[0015] On the other hand, assuming that the first condition is met, except when all of the holding units are holding webs, if the second condition is not met, the storage units are rotated to meet the second condition, i.e., so that a storage unit in which at least one holding unit is not holding a web is placed in the intake area. With respect to the multiple holding units associated with the storage units placed in the intake area, the holding units are not rotated when a holding unit not holding a web is placed in the intake position. However, when a web is taken into a holding unit placed in the intake position, the holding unit not holding a web is placed in the intake position, except when each of the multiple holding units is holding a web. Therefore, after the web is taken into the holding unit, an empty holding unit not holding a web can be placed in the intake position without any waiting time related to the supply of webs to the blister packaging machine. This allows for efficient intake of webs into the holding units.

[0016] As described above, according to the above-mentioned means 1, the holding unit holding the web can be placed in the take-out position, and empty holding units can be placed in the take-in position one after another while ensuring a stable supply of webs to the blister packaging machine. This makes it possible to efficiently replenish webs in the stocker without interfering with the supply of webs from the stocker to the blister packaging machine.

[0017] Means 2. A unit reciprocating means is provided that can reciprocate the storage unit between a predetermined forward position and a predetermined backward position along a horizontal direction perpendicular to the unit rotation axis, The unit reciprocating means is When the storage units are rotated, all of the storage units are disposed in the retreated position; When the holding portion arranged at the intake position of the storage unit arranged at least in the intake area is not holding the original roll and the storage unit is not rotating, the storage unit arranged in the intake area is arranged at the forward position. The raw material buffer supply device according to means 1 is configured as follows.

[0018] According to the above-mentioned means 2, when the holding section disposed in the intake position is not holding a web and the storage unit is not rotating, the unit reciprocating means positions the storage unit disposed in the intake area at a predetermined forward position. This allows the storage unit disposed in the intake area to be moved out of the rotation range (swivel range) of each storage unit disposed in the retreated position when these storage units rotate. Therefore, it becomes relatively easy to take in the web into the holding section disposed in the intake position, and convenience in taking in the web can be improved.

[0019] On the other hand, when the storage units are rotating, all of the storage units are positioned in the retreated position. Therefore, the rotation range (swivel range) of the storage units can be made relatively small, which is advantageous in terms of the installation space and safety of the device.

[0020] Means 3. The storage unit is provided in four or more units, The raw material buffer supply device according to Means 1, characterized in that the take-out area and the take-in area are set adjacent to each other.

[0021] 14, after the storage unit 63 arranged in the intake area IA has been replenished with raw roll G (state J31), i.e., after the second condition is not satisfied, it is preferable to rotate the storage unit 63 so that the second condition is satisfied again, in order to enable the storage unit 63 having an empty holding section (the storage unit 63 arranged in the first intermediate area MA1 or the second intermediate area MA2) to be replenished with raw roll G. However, if the intake area IA and the take-out area OA are not adjacent, attempting to satisfy the second condition may result in a state (state J32) in which the first condition is not satisfied.

[0022] In contrast, according to the above-mentioned means 3, the take-out area and the take-in area are set adjacent to each other. As a result, as shown in Fig. 15, after the storage unit 63 arranged in the take-in area IA is replenished with the raw roll G (state J41), that is, after the second condition is not satisfied, the storage unit 63 can be rotated to more reliably achieve a state where both the first and second conditions are satisfied (state J42). Therefore, it is possible to more reliably achieve both a stable supply of raw rolls from the stocker to the blister packaging machine and efficient replenishment of raw rolls to the stocker.

[0023] Means 4. A raw material buffer supply device as described in Means 1, characterized in that it is provided with a raw material presence / absence display means which is provided corresponding to the intake area and is capable of displaying information about the presence or absence of the raw material in the holding section of the storage unit arranged at least in an area other than the intake area.

[0024] According to the above-mentioned means 4, while a worker is replenishing raw rolls in the intake area, the raw roll presence / absence display means allows the worker to know whether or not raw rolls are present in the holding sections of storage units arranged in areas other than the intake area. Therefore, the replenishing status of raw rolls in each storage unit can be more easily known, further improving workability and convenience.

[0025] The technical matters relating to the above means may be combined as appropriate. For example, the technical matters relating to the above means 2 may be combined with the technical matters relating to the above means 3 or 4. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a PTP sheet. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of a PTP sheet. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a PTP film. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the general configuration of a PTP packaging machine. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective schematic view showing a raw-sheet buffer supply device and the like. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view showing a raw-sheet buffer supply device and the like. [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. [Figure 9] A schematic plan view showing the state in which all storage units are positioned in the retracted position. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view showing the state in which the storage unit of the intake area is positioned in the forward position. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of display content on a display input device. [Figure 12] 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the operation of the raw material buffer supply device in a situation where raw material is only supplied to the PTP packaging machine without being replenished with raw material. FIG. [Figure 13]10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the operation of the raw web buffer supply device in a scene where raw webs are replenished while raw webs are being supplied to the PTP packaging machine. FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating that when the intake area and the discharge area are not adjacent to each other, if an attempt is made to satisfy the second condition after the second condition is no longer satisfied, the first condition may not be satisfied. [Figure 15] This is an explanatory diagram to explain that when the intake area and the discharge area are adjacent to each other, the first condition and the second condition are satisfied by trying to satisfy the second condition after the second condition is no longer satisfied. [Figure 16] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a conventional technique. [Figure 17] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a conventional technique. [Figure 18] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a conventional technique. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] An embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, the structure of a PTP sheet as a "blister sheet" will be described.

[0028] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the PTP sheet 1 has a container film 3 with a plurality of pocket portions 2, and a cover film 4 attached to the container film 3 so as to cover the pocket portions 2.

[0029] In this embodiment, the container film 3 is made of a transparent thermoplastic resin material such as PP (polypropylene) or PVC (polyvinyl chloride), and is translucent. On the other hand, the cover film 4 is made of an opaque material (such as aluminum foil) with a sealant made of polypropylene resin or the like applied to its surface. Of course, the materials of the films 3 and 4 are not limited to these, and other materials may also be used.

[0030] The PTP sheet 1 has two rows of pockets formed in the short direction, each row consisting of five pockets 2 arranged along the longitudinal direction. In other words, a total of ten pockets 2 are formed. Each pocket 2 contains one tablet 5 as the "contents." The PTP sheet 1 is produced by punching out a strip-shaped PTP film 6 (see FIG. 3) formed from a strip-shaped container film 3 and a strip-shaped cover film 4 into a sheet.

[0031] Next, we will explain the general configuration of a PTP packaging machine 10 for manufacturing the PTP sheet 1. In this embodiment, the PTP packaging machine 10 constitutes a "blister packaging machine."

[0032] 4, a raw roll G formed by winding a strip-shaped container film 3 is provided at the most upstream side of the PTP packaging machine 10, and the container film 3 sent out from here is transported along a predetermined path. The PTP packaging machine 10 includes, along the transport path of the container film 3, in order from upstream to downstream, a film supply device 12, a preheating device 15, a pocket forming device 16, a filling device 21, an inspection device 22, a sealing device 25, a slit forming device 33, a marking device 34, and a sheet punching device 37.

[0033] The film supply device 12 includes roll setting units 12a and 12b and an automatic film splicing device 12c.

[0034] The roll setting units 12a and 12b are locations where the raw web G is set, and include, for example, a shaft that rotatably supports the raw web G. In this embodiment, two roll setting units 12a and 12b are provided, but three or more roll setting units may be provided.

[0035] When the container film 3 of the raw roll G set in one roll setting unit 12a (12b) (i.e., the container film 3 being supplied) is consumed, the automatic film splicing device 12c connects the end of the container film 3 to the beginning of the container film 3 of the raw roll G set in the other roll setting unit 12b (12a). In this embodiment, the automatic film splicing device 12c automatically connects the container film 3 using a predetermined adhesive tape (not shown).

[0036] The preheating device 15 preheats the container film 3. The pocket forming device 16 forms the pocket 2 in the preheated container film 3 using a predetermined mold or the like.

[0037] The filling device 21 is equipped with a cylindrical chute that stores the tablets 5 lined up in a row, and a shutter (both not shown) that can open and close the outlet of the chute, and by opening the shutter at a predetermined timing, the tablets 5 are filled into the pockets 2. The filling device 21 may also be equipped with an adsorption drum (not shown) that can adsorb the tablets 5, and may fill the tablets 5 into the pockets 2 by releasing the adsorption.

[0038] The inspection device 22 mainly inspects for tablet defects, such as whether the tablets 5 are properly filled in each pocket 2, whether there are any abnormalities in the tablets 5, and whether there is any foreign matter mixed into the pocket 2.

[0039] The sealing device 25 includes a heating roll 25a having a heating function and a film feed roll 25b that continuously transports the container film 3, and attaches the cover film 4 to the container film 3 so as to close the pocket portion 2. More specifically, the cover film 4 is guided to the heating roll 25a, and the container film 3 and the cover film 4 pass between the two rolls 25a and 25b in a heated and pressure-welded state, thereby attaching the cover film 4 to the container film 3. By attaching the cover film 4 to the container film 3, a strip-shaped PTP film 6 is produced in which tablets 5 are housed in each pocket portion 2.

[0040] The slit forming device 33 forms a separation slit at a predetermined position on the PTP film 6. The marking device 34 marks a predetermined position (for example, a tag portion) on the PTP film 6. Note that the separation slit and marking are not shown in Figure 1 etc.

[0041] The sheet punching device 37 has the function of punching the outer edge of the PTP film 6 into individual PTP sheets, that is, of separating the PTP sheets 1 from the PTP film 6.

[0042] The PTP sheets 1 obtained by the sheet punching device 37 are transported by a conveyor 39 and temporarily stored in a finished product hopper 40. However, if the inspection device 22 determines that the PTP sheets 1 are defective, the PTP sheets 1 determined to be defective are not sent to the finished product hopper 40 but are separately discharged by a defective sheet discharge mechanism (not shown).

[0043] On the other hand, scrap portions remaining after punching of the PTP film 6 are cut into predetermined dimensions by a cutting device 41 and stored in a scrap hopper 43 .

[0044] In the PTP packaging machine 10, the conveying mode of the container film 3 and PTP film 6 is changed appropriately to continuous conveying or intermittent conveying to accommodate the various processes performed by the above-mentioned various devices. In order to prevent slack in the container film 3, etc. due to such changes in the conveying mode, tension rolls are provided at predetermined positions in the conveying path of the container film 3, etc., to maintain the tension of the container film 3, etc. within a certain range.

[0045] 5 and 6, a description will be given of a raw web buffer supply device 50 that is capable of storing a plurality of raw webs G and supplying the stored raw webs G to the PTP packaging machine 10. The raw web buffer supply device 50 includes a raw web loading pallet 51, a stocker 52, a display / input device 53, a take-out device 54, a transport conveyor 55, a delivery device 56, and a control device 57. In this embodiment, the display / input device 53 constitutes a "raw web presence / absence display means," and the take-out device 54, the transport conveyor 55, and the delivery device 56 constitute a "supply means." In addition, the control device 57 constitutes a "unit rotation control means" and a "holding section rotation control means."

[0046] The raw roll loading pallet 51 is a platform for temporarily placing the raw roll G to be taken into the stocker 52. The raw roll loading pallet 51 is provided in correspondence with (near) the take-in area IA, which will be described later. In this embodiment, the raw roll G is manually taken from the raw roll loading pallet 51 into the stocker 52 by an operator. Note that, to improve workability, a predetermined auxiliary tool (for example, a device that assists the operator's movements) may be used. Of course, an automated device such as a robot arm may be used to automatically take in the raw roll G.

[0047] The stocker 52 has the function of storing the web G received from the web placement pallet 51 side, and also of transporting the web G to the take-out area OA side, which will be described later. The stocker 52 will be described in more detail later.

[0048] The display input device 53 is configured by a predetermined display device (for example, a touch panel) that can input information, and is provided in correspondence with the intake area IA (in this embodiment, near the intake area IA), which will be described later. The display input device 53 will also be described in more detail later.

[0049] The take-out device 54 is provided corresponding to the take-out area OA, which will be described later, and is a device for taking out the web G from the stocker 52. The take-out device 54 is configured to be able to move back and forth between the stocker 52 and the transport conveyor 55, and is equipped with a mounting shaft 54a on which the web G is mounted, and a web slide mechanism (not shown) for pulling the web G out of the holding section 634, which will be described later, and for mounting and removing the web G on and from the mounting shaft 54a. The take-out device 54 moves toward the transport conveyor 55 with the web G mounted on the mounting shaft 54a, and then removes the web G from the mounting shaft 54a, thereby transferring the web G to the transport conveyor 55.

[0050] The transport conveyor 55 transports the raw fabric G delivered from the take-out device 54 to the PTP packaging machine 10. The transport conveyor 55 is configured, for example, by a belt conveyor having a rotatable transport belt 55a, and each time the raw fabric G is delivered from the delivery device 56 to the PTP packaging machine 10, the transport belt 55a rotates and moves by a fixed distance, thereby intermittently transporting the raw fabric G toward the PTP packaging machine 10.

[0051] The delivery device 56 is a device for delivering the web G, which has been transported to a predetermined downstream position by the transport conveyor 55, to the PTP packaging machine 10. The delivery device 56 is equipped with, for example, a delivery shaft 56a on which the web G transported by the transport conveyor 55 is attached, and has a function of reciprocating the delivery shaft 56a between the transport conveyor 55 and the PTP packaging machine 10 by rotating about a predetermined rotation axis L56. The delivery device 56 arranges the delivery shaft 56a coaxially with the side of the roll set units 12a, 12b that does not hold the web G (i.e., the target of delivery of the web G), and then slides the web G from the delivery shaft 56a toward the target roll set 12a, 12b by a predetermined web sliding mechanism (not shown), thereby delivering the web G to the PTP packaging machine 10. The raw roll G is delivered to the PTP packaging machine 10 within a predetermined time after the raw roll G is consumed in the PTP packaging machine 10.

[0052] The above-described take-out device 54 and delivery device 56 are merely examples, and the configurations of these devices 54, 56 may be changed as appropriate. Therefore, the take-out device 54 and delivery device 56 may be configured using, for example, a robot arm. The configuration of the transport conveyor 55 may also be changed as appropriate. Furthermore, the transport conveyor 55 and delivery device 56 may be omitted, and the take-out device 54 may be configured to directly supply the raw roll G from the stocker 52 to the PTP packaging machine 10 using a robot arm.

[0053] The control device 57 is composed of a computer including a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that executes predetermined arithmetic processing, a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores various programs and fixed value data, a RAM (Random Access Memory) that temporarily stores various data when executing various arithmetic processing, and peripheral circuits for these. The control device 57 is responsible for overall control of the raw web buffer supply device 50. The control device 57 will be described in more detail later.

[0054] Next, a description will be given of the stocker 52. The stocker 52 includes a base 61, a stocker center section 62, and a plurality of storage units 63, as shown in FIGS.

[0055] Base 61 is the base of stocker 52 and is fixed to a predetermined floor surface. Base 61 is equipped with a drive source (e.g., a motor) not shown, and is configured to be able to rotate stocker center section 62 in a single direction (counterclockwise in this embodiment) around unit rotation axis R1 that extends vertically using this drive source.

[0056] Furthermore, when the base 61 rotates the stocker center section 62, the storage units 63 rotate around the unit rotation axis R1 and move sequentially to the areas located around the unit rotation axis R1. There are the same number of these areas as the storage units 63, and in this embodiment, there are an intake area IA, an unloading area OA, a first intermediate area MA1, and a second intermediate area MA2.

[0057] The intake area IA is an area where the raw roll G is taken into the storage unit 63. On the other hand, the removal area OA is an area where the removal device 54 removes the raw roll G from the storage unit 63. The removal area OA and the intake area IA are set adjacent to each other in the rotation direction of the storage unit 63. In this embodiment, the stocker center section 62 and the base 61 that rotates the storage unit 63 constitute the "unit rotation means." Note that the two intermediate areas MA1 and MA2 are areas where the raw roll G is not particularly taken in or removed, and are simply areas where the storage unit 63 is located.

[0058] Stocker center section 62 is located at the center of stocker 52 and is used to hold storage units 63. Stocker center section 62 is shaped like a column with the same number of sides as the number of storage units 63, and a storage unit 63 is provided corresponding to each side.

[0059] Four or more storage units 63 (four in this embodiment) are provided, and are arranged in a ring shape around the unit rotation axis R1, with the unit rotation axis R1 as the center. Each storage unit 63 has the same configuration and is capable of storing multiple webs G. Each storage unit 63 includes a drive shaft 631, rollers 632, a belt 633, a holder 634, and a web detection sensor 635 (see FIG. 8). In this embodiment, the drive shaft 631 and the like constitute the "holder rotation means" and the "unit reciprocating means," and the web detection sensor 635 constitutes the "web detection means."

[0060] The drive shafts 631 are rod-shaped and protrude horizontally from the side surfaces of the stocker center section 62, and are provided one at each corner of a rectangle when the side surfaces of the stocker center section 62 are viewed from the front. In other words, one storage unit has a total of four drive shafts 631. Furthermore, at least one of the four drive shafts 631 is configured to be rotatable in a single direction around its own central axis by a drive source (e.g., a motor) not shown.

[0061] Furthermore, each drive shaft 631 is configured to be able to reciprocate along its own longitudinal direction by a reciprocating mechanism (not shown), thereby enabling the amount of protrusion from the side surface of the stocker center section 62 to be increased or decreased. By increasing or decreasing the amount of protrusion of the drive shaft 631 from the side surface of the stocker center section 62, the storage unit 63 can be reciprocated between a predetermined forward position and a predetermined backward position along a horizontal direction (in this embodiment, the direction of the holder rotation axis R2, described later) perpendicular to the unit rotation axis R1. The operation of the drive shaft 631 is controlled by the control device 57.

[0062] The rollers 632 are cylindrical and have a larger diameter than the drive shafts 631, and are provided in the same number (i.e., four) as the number of drive shafts 631. Each roller 632 is fixed to the drive shaft 631, and rotates together with the drive shaft 631 to transmit the driving force generated by the rotation of the drive shaft 631 to the belt 633.

[0063] Belt 633 is used to support holder 634 and move it along a fixed circular path. Belt 633 is an endless belt that is looped around four rollers 632. As drive shaft 631 rotates, belt 633 rotates around holder rotation axis R2, which extends horizontally.

[0064] The holding portions 634 are portions for holding the raw web G, and a plurality of holding portions (six in this embodiment) are arranged in a ring shape around the holding portion rotation axis R2, with the holding portion rotation axis R2 as the center. Each holding portion 634 is cylindrical with an opening at least at the end opposite the unit rotation axis R1, and is capable of holding one raw web G inserted through this opening. Note that the holding portion 634 does not necessarily have to be cylindrical as long as it is capable of holding the raw web G. Therefore, the holding portion 634 may be, for example, rod-shaped and inserted into the center hole of the raw web G to hold the raw web G (having a configuration similar to the mounting shaft 54a described above).

[0065] The holding units 634 are attached at equal intervals to the outer periphery of the belt 633. Each holding unit 634 rotates in a single direction (clockwise in this embodiment) around the holding unit rotation axis R2 as the belt 633 rotates, thereby sequentially moving to a plurality of positions located around the holding unit rotation axis R2. The number of positions is the same as the number of holding units 634 (six in this embodiment) in each of the areas IA, OA, MA1, and MA2, and in particular, the lowest position in the intake area IA is set as the intake position IP, and the lowest position in the unloading area OA is set as the unloading position OP.

[0066] The intake position IP is a position where the raw roll G is taken into the holding section 634, and the raw roll G is taken into the holding section 634 arranged at this intake position IP. In other words, the intake of the raw roll G into the storage unit 63 is set to be performed by taking the raw roll G into the holding section 634 arranged at intake position IP, which is one of the multiple positions among the multiple holding sections 634 in the storage unit 63 arranged in the intake area IA. In this embodiment, although there are a total of 24 (= 4 × 6) positions, there is only one intake position IP, and the raw roll G is not taken into the other positions.

[0067] The take-out position OP is a position where the raw roll G is taken out from the holding section 634, and the raw roll G is taken out from the holding section 634 arranged at this take-out position OP. In other words, the take-out of the raw roll G from the storage unit 63 is set to be performed by taking out the raw roll G from the holding section 634 arranged at the take-out position OP, which is one of the plurality of positions among the plurality of holding sections 634 in the storage unit 63 arranged in the take-out area OA. Note that there is only one take-out position OP, and the raw roll G is not taken out from the other positions.

[0068] The web detection sensor 635 is configured with, for example, a photoelectric sensor or a weight sensor, and is provided for each holder 634. The web detection sensor 635 detects whether or not a web G is present in the holder 634. The detection result by the web detection sensor 635 is sent to the control device 57.

[0069] Next, the control device 57 will be described. The control device 57 is configured to be able to grasp information about the area where the storage units 63 are located and information about the position where the holders 634 are located, and uses this information and the detection results from the web detection sensor 635 to control the operation of the stocker 52 (the rotational operation of the stocker center part 62 and the drive shaft 631). By controlling the rotational operation of the stocker center part 62, the area where the storage units 63 are located is adjusted, and by controlling the rotational operation of the drive shaft 631, the position where the holders 634 are located is adjusted. The control for adjusting the area where the storage units 63 are located and the control for adjusting the area where the holders 634 are located are each performed as follows.

[0070] First, we will explain the control for adjusting the area in which the storage units 63 are placed. Using information about the area in which the storage units 63 are placed and the detection results from the web detection sensor 635, the control device 57 controls the rotation of the stocker center section 62 to rotate the storage units 63 so as to satisfy the first condition unless none of the holding sections 634 of all the storage units 63 are holding the web G. The first condition is that "a storage unit 63 in which at least one holding section 634 is holding the web G is placed in the take-out area OA." Therefore, the control device 57 basically places the storage unit 63 containing the web G in the take-out area OA unless none of the holding sections 634 are holding the web G.

[0071] Furthermore, the control device 57 uses information about the area in which the storage units 63 are located and the detection results of the web detection sensor 635 to control the rotation of the stocker center section 62 to rotate the storage units 63 so as to satisfy the second condition, assuming that the first condition is met, except when each of the holding sections 634 of all storage units 63 is holding a web G. The second condition is that "a storage unit 63 in which at least one holding section 634 does not hold a web G is placed in the intake area IA." Therefore, when at least one holding section 634 does not hold a web G (i.e., at least one holding section 634 is empty), the control device 57 places a storage unit 63 in the intake area IA in which at least one holding section 634 is empty, assuming that the first condition is met.

[0072] However, after receiving a replenishment start signal (described later) but not receiving a replenishment end signal, the control device 57 controls the rotation of the stocker center section 62 so as not to rotate the storage unit 63. In other words, when it is estimated that an operator is replenishing the raw roll G, the control device 57 keeps the storage unit 63 stopped without rotating it to ensure safety during the replenishment work. Note that the control device 57 may also keep the storage unit 63 stopped when the unloading device 54 unloads the raw roll G from the stocker 52.

[0073] Next, the control for adjusting the position at which the holding unit 634 is disposed will be described. Using information about the position at which the holding unit 634 is disposed and the detection result by the web detection sensor 635, the control device 57 controls the rotational operation of the drive shaft 631 as follows to adjust the position at which the holding unit 634 is disposed for the multiple holding units 634 associated with the storage unit 63 disposed in the intake area IA. That is, when a holding unit 634 not holding a web G is disposed at the intake position IP, the control device 57 controls the rotational operation of the drive shaft 631 so as not to rotate the holding unit 634. On the other hand, when the web G is introduced into the holding unit 634 disposed at the intake position IP, the control device 57 controls the rotational operation of the drive shaft 631 to rotate the holding unit 634 so that the holding unit 634 not holding the web G is disposed at the intake position IP, except when each of the multiple holding units 634 in the intake area IA is holding the web G (i.e., when the second condition is not satisfied), the control device 57 controls the rotational operation of the drive shaft 631 so that the holding unit 634 not holding the web G is disposed at the intake position IP.

[0074] Furthermore, the control device 57 uses information about the position at which the holder 634 is located and the detection result by the web detection sensor 635 to control the rotational operation of the drive shaft 631 for the multiple holders 634 of the storage unit 63 located in the removal area OA as follows: That is, when the holder 634 holding the web G is located at the removal position OP, the control device 57 controls the rotational operation of the drive shaft 631 so as not to rotate the holder 634. On the other hand, when the web G is removed from the holder 634 located at the removal position OP, the control device 57 controls the rotational operation of the drive shaft 631 so that the holder 634 holding the web G is located at the removal position OP, except when none of the multiple holders 634 in the removal area OA is holding the web G (i.e., when the first condition is not satisfied), the control device 57 rotates the holder 634 to control the rotational operation of the drive shaft 631 so that the holder 634 holding the web G is located at the removal position OP.

[0075] Furthermore, the control device 57 prioritizes control of the rotational movement of the stocker center section 62 over control of the rotational movement of the drive shaft 631, and adjusts the position of the storage unit 63 so that both the first and second conditions are satisfied as much as possible, and then adjusts the position of the holding section 634.

[0076] Then, by operating the control device 57 as described above, unless all of the holding units 634 are empty, a holding unit 634 holding a raw web G is placed at the take-out position OP. Furthermore, if at least one holding unit 634 is empty, then as long as a holding unit 634 holding a raw web G can be placed at the take-out position OP, a holding unit 634 not holding a raw web G (i.e., capable of taking in a raw web G) is placed at the take-in position IP.

[0077] Furthermore, the control device 57 controls the reciprocating movement of the drive shaft 631 as follows, thereby controlling the placement positions of the storage units 63 along a direction perpendicular to the unit rotation axis R1. That is, the control device 57 controls the reciprocating movement of the drive shaft 631 so that, when the storage units 63 rotate, all of the storage units 63 are placed in the retracted position (see FIG. 9).

[0078] On the other hand, when the holding portion 634 arranged at the intake position IP of at least the storage unit 63 arranged in the intake area IA is not holding the raw fabric G (that is, when the raw fabric G can be taken in) and the storage unit 63 is not rotating, the control device 57 controls the reciprocating movement of the drive shaft 631 so that the storage unit 63 arranged in the intake area IA is arranged in the forward position (see FIG. 10). By arranging the storage unit 63 in the forward position, this storage unit 63 is arranged outside the rotation range KH (see FIGS. 9 and 10) of the storage unit 63 when all the storage units 63 are arranged in the retracted position.

[0079] Next, the display input device 53 will be described. The display input device 53 is provided in correspondence with the intake area IA (in this embodiment, in a position near the intake area IA and visible to the worker during the replenishment work). The display input device 53 displays information about the presence or absence of raw rolls G in the holding sections 634 of the storage units 63 arranged in at least areas other than the intake area IA, based on information held by the control device 57 (see FIG. 11). In this embodiment, the display input device 53 displays information about the presence or absence of raw rolls G in the holding sections 634 of the storage units 63 arranged in all areas IA, OA, MA1, and MA2. By looking at the display input device 53, the worker can easily know the replenishment status of raw rolls G in the storage units 63 where it is impossible or difficult to directly determine the presence or absence of raw rolls G.

[0080] Furthermore, a start button 531 and an end button 532 are displayed on the display input device 53. The start button 531 is a button to be operated (pressed) at the start of the work of replenishing the raw roll G, and when the worker presses the start button 531, a predetermined replenishing start signal is sent from the display input device 53 to the control device 57. On the other hand, the end button 532 is a button to be pressed when the work of replenishing the raw roll G in one storage unit 63 is completed, and when the worker presses the end button 532, a predetermined replenishing end signal is sent from the display input device 53 to the control device 57.

[0081] Next, an example of the operation of the raw web buffer supply device 50 in each of two situations will be described: a situation in which raw web G is only supplied to the PTP packaging machine 10 without being replenished with raw web G, and a situation in which raw web G is replenished while being supplied to the PTP packaging machine 10. The former situation is a situation in which the PTP packaging machine 10 operates overnight without being replenished with raw web G. The latter situation is a situation in which the PTP packaging machine 10 has operated overnight, and while raw web G is being supplied to the PTP packaging machine 10 as in overnight operation, an operator replenishes raw web G to a stocker 52 that has many empty holding sections 634.

[0082] First, an example of the operation of the raw web buffer supply device 50 in the former situation will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Note that Fig. 12 and other figures show the storage units 63, the holding section 634, and the raw web G in a simplified form. For ease of explanation, numbers (i to iv) are assigned to distinguish each storage unit 63.

[0083] When the raw web G is consumed in the PTP packaging machine 10, the raw web G is removed from the holding unit 634 arranged at the take-out position OP and supplied to the PTP packaging machine 10 (see states J1 and J2). After the raw web G is removed, the storage unit 63 rotates (e.g., 270°), thereby satisfying the first and second conditions. Thereafter, each holding unit 634 of the storage unit 63 arranged in the take-out area OA rotates, and the holding unit 634 holding the raw web G is positioned at the take-out position OP. The raw web G is repeatedly removed from the holding unit 634 arranged at the take-out position OP at the timing when the raw web G is supplied to the PTP packaging machine 10 (see state J3). Finally, all of the holding units 634 located in the take-out area OA are no longer holding the raw web G, i.e., the first condition is not satisfied (see state J4).

[0084] When the first condition is no longer satisfied, the storage unit 63 rotates (see state J5) so as to satisfy at least the first condition and to satisfy the second condition as much as possible. In this example, the storage unit 63 rotates (e.g., 270°) so as to satisfy both conditions. When at least the first condition is satisfied, the web G is sequentially removed from the holding section 634 located at the removal position OP, resulting in the first condition no longer being satisfied again. Thereafter, the storage unit 63 rotates so as to satisfy at least the first condition and to satisfy the second condition as much as possible, and the web G is sequentially removed from the holding section 634 of the storage unit 63 located in the removal area OA (states J6 to J8). As a result, the web G is supplied stably and without interruption to the PTP packaging machine 10.

[0085] Next, an example of the operation of the web buffer supply device 50 in the latter case will be described with reference to FIG.

[0086] First, by operating the start button 531 prior to the replenishment operation, automatic rotation of the storage unit 63 due to failure to satisfy the first or second condition is prohibited. Then, the worker takes in the raw web G into the empty holding section 634 positioned at the take-in position IP (see states J11 and J12). When the raw web G is taken in, the storage unit 63 in the take-in area IA is positioned at the forward position. In the example shown in states J11 and J12, the raw web G is removed from the holding section 634 positioned at the take-out position OP at the same time as it is taken into the holding section 634, but the removal of the raw web G does not necessarily occur at this time. This is also true for the example shown in state J15, which will be described later.

[0087] Then, by repeatedly taking in the raw roll G into the holding section 634 arranged at the intake position IP and rotating each holding section 634 in the storage unit 63 arranged in the intake area IA so that an empty holding section 634 is arranged at the intake position IP, all of these holding sections 634 will be holding the raw roll G, that is, replenishment of one storage unit 63 will be completed (see state J13).

[0088] Once replenishment of one storage unit 63 is complete, that is, once the second condition is no longer met, the end button 532 is operated. This allows rotation of the storage units 63, so the storage units 63 rotate so as to meet at least the first condition and also the second condition as much as possible (see state J14). In this example, the storage units 63 rotate (for example, 90°) so as to meet both conditions. When the storage units 63 rotate, all of the storage units 63 are positioned in the retracted position.

[0089] Thereafter, the start button 531 is operated to prohibit the rotation of the storage unit 63, and the raw roll G is repeatedly taken into the holding section 634 placed at the intake position IP and the holding section 634 is rotated after the taking-in, thereby completing the replenishment of the raw roll G to the storage unit 63 placed in the intake area IA (see state J15).

[0090] Thereafter, the storage unit 63 rotates so as to satisfy the first condition and also the second condition as much as possible, and the raw roll G is repeatedly taken in succession into the holding portion 634 of the storage unit 63 located in the take-in area IA (states J16 to J18). As a result, the raw roll G is efficiently replenished in the stocker 52.

[0091] As described above in detail, according to this embodiment, the holding unit 634 holding the raw web G is placed at the take-out position OP, and empty holding units 634 can be sequentially placed at the take-in position IP while ensuring a stable supply of the raw web G to the PTP packaging machine 10. This makes it possible to efficiently replenish the stocker 52 with raw web G without causing any disruption to the supply of raw web G from the stocker 52 to the PTP packaging machine 10.

[0092] Furthermore, when the holding section 634 positioned at the intake position IP is not holding the raw fabric G and the storage unit 63 is not rotating, the storage unit 63 positioned at the intake area IA is positioned at the forward position. This allows the storage unit 63 positioned at the intake area IA to be moved out of the rotation range KH. Therefore, it becomes relatively easy to take in the raw fabric G into the holding section 634 positioned at the intake position IP, and convenience in taking in the raw fabric G can be improved.

[0093] On the other hand, when the storage units 63 rotate, all of the storage units 63 are disposed in the retracted position. Therefore, the rotation range KH of the storage units 63 can be made relatively small, which is advantageous in terms of the installation space and safety of the device.

[0094] In addition, because the take-out area OA and the take-in area IA are set adjacent to each other, it is possible to more reliably satisfy both the first and second conditions. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably achieve both a stable supply of raw rolls G from the stocker 52 to the PTP packaging machine 10 and efficient replenishment of raw rolls G to the stocker 52.

[0095] Furthermore, while the worker is replenishing the raw rolls G in the intake area IA, the worker can use the display / input device 53 to determine whether or not there is raw roll G in the holding section 634 of the storage unit 63 located in an area other than the intake area IA. This makes it easier to determine the replenishing status of the raw rolls G in each storage unit 63, further improving workability and convenience.

[0096] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and may be implemented as follows: Of course, other applications and modifications not exemplified below are also possible.

[0097] (a) In the above embodiment, four storage units 63 are provided, but the number of storage units 63 is not limited to four. Therefore, three storage units 63 may be provided, or five or more storage units 63 may be provided. In addition, the number of holding portions 634 provided in each storage unit 63 may also be changed as appropriate.

[0098] (b) In the above embodiment, the holder rotation axis R2 extends horizontally, but the extension direction of the holder rotation axis R2 may be changed as appropriate. Therefore, the holder rotation axis R2 may extend vertically, for example. Furthermore, the extension direction of the unit rotation axis R1 may also be changed as appropriate.

[0099] (c) In the above embodiment, the storage unit 63 and the holder 634 are rotatable in a single direction, but they may be configured to be rotatable in both directions.

[0100] (d) In the above embodiment, the intake area IA and the discharge area OA are adjacent to each other, but the areas IA and OA may be set so that they are not adjacent to each other.

[0101] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the lowest position is set as the take-out position OP and the take-in position IP, but a position other than the lowest position may be set as the take-out position OP or the take-in position IP.

[0102] (e) In the above embodiment, the contents are specifically described as tablets 5, but the type, shape, etc. of the contents are not particularly limited, and the contents may be something other than tablets 5, such as capsules, food, electronic components, etc.

[0103] (f) The configuration of the manufactured PTP sheet 1 is not limited to that of the above embodiment. For example, the arrangement and number of pocket portions 2 in each PTP sheet 1 are not limited to those of the above embodiment.

[0104] (g) In the above embodiment, the PTP sheet 1 is cited as the "blister sheet," but the technical concept of the present invention may be applied to a blister packaging machine capable of producing blister sheets other than the PTP sheet 1. [Explanation of symbols]

[0105] 1... PTP sheet (blister sheet), 2... pocket portion, 3... container film, 10... PTP packaging machine (blister packaging machine), 50... raw material buffer supply device, 52... stocker, 53... display input device (means for displaying whether raw material is present or not), 57... control device (means for controlling unit rotation, means for controlling holding section rotation), 61... base (means for rotating unit), 63... storage unit, 631... drive shaft (means for rotating holding section, means for moving unit back and forth), 634... holding section, 635... raw material detection sensor (means for detecting raw material), IA... intake area, IP... intake position, OA... removal area, OP... removal position, R1... unit rotation axis, R2... holding section rotation axis.

Claims

1. A raw material buffer supply device capable of storing a raw material of a strip-shaped container film and supplying the raw material to a blister packaging machine for manufacturing blister sheets in which contents are accommodated in pockets formed in the container film, a stocker capable of storing a plurality of the raw rolls; a supply means for supplying the raw material stored in the stocker to the blister packaging machine, The stocker includes: a plurality of storage units arranged in a ring shape around a predetermined unit rotation axis, each of which is configured to be able to store a plurality of the raw sheets; The storage unit has a unit rotation means that can sequentially move the storage units to a plurality of areas located around the unit rotation axis, including an intake area for taking in the raw rolls into the storage units and an unloading area for unloading the raw rolls from the storage units, by rotating the storage units around the unit rotation axis; The storage unit comprises: a plurality of holding units arranged in a ring shape around a predetermined holding unit rotation axis, the holding units being configured to be able to hold the respective webs; a holder rotation means for rotating the plurality of holders around the holder rotation axis, thereby sequentially moving the plurality of holders to a plurality of positions; a web detection means for detecting the presence or absence of the web in the holding section, The intake of the raw roll into the storage unit is set to be performed by taking in the raw roll into the holding unit arranged at an intake position, which is one of the positions, among the plurality of holding units in the storage unit arranged in the intake area, while The removal of the raw web from the storage unit is set to be performed by removing the raw web from a holding unit arranged at a removal position, which is one of the positions, among the plurality of holding units in the storage unit arranged in the removal area, a unit rotation control means capable of controlling the unit rotation means; a holder rotation control means capable of controlling the holder rotation means, the holding unit rotation control means is configured to be able to grasp information about the position at which the holding unit is disposed, Furthermore, by using information about the position where the holding unit is arranged and the detection result by the raw fabric detection means, With respect to the plurality of holding parts associated with the storage unit arranged in the intake area, when the holding part not holding the raw roll is arranged in the intake position, the holding part is not rotated, whereas when the raw roll is taken into the holding part arranged in the intake position, the holding part is rotated to arrange the holding part not holding the raw roll in the intake position, except when each of the plurality of holding parts is holding the raw roll; With respect to the plurality of holding parts associated with the storage unit arranged in the removal area, when the holding part holding the raw web is arranged in the removal position, the holding part is not rotated, whereas when the raw web is removed from the holding part arranged in the removal position, the holding part is rotated to arrange the holding part holding the raw web in the removal position, except when each of the plurality of holding parts is not holding the raw web. The holder rotating means is controlled so that The unit rotation control means is configured to be able to grasp information about the area in which the storage unit is arranged, Furthermore, by using information about the area in which the storage unit is arranged and the detection result by the raw fabric detection means, When the first condition below is not satisfied, except when none of the holding portions of all the storage units is holding the original roll, the storage units are rotated so as to satisfy the first condition, Unless the holding portions of all the storage units are holding the respective webs, if the following second condition is not met, the storage units are rotated so as to satisfy the second condition, provided that the first condition is satisfied. The unit rotating means is controlled so as to rotate the raw web buffer supply device. First condition: the storage unit in which at least one of the holders holds the web is disposed in the take-out area. Second condition: the storage unit in which at least one of the holders does not hold the web is disposed in the intake area.

2. A unit reciprocating means is provided which can reciprocate the storage unit between a predetermined forward position and a predetermined backward position along a horizontal direction perpendicular to the unit rotation axis, The unit reciprocating means is When the storage units are rotated, all of the storage units are disposed in the retreated position; When the holding portion arranged at the intake position of the storage unit arranged at least in the intake area is not holding the original roll and the storage unit is not rotating, the storage unit arranged in the intake area is arranged at the forward position.

2. The raw material buffer supply device according to claim 1, wherein the raw material buffer supply device is configured as follows:

3. The storage units are provided in four or more numbers, 2. The raw web buffer supply device according to claim 1, wherein the take-out area and the take-in area are set adjacent to each other.

4. A raw material buffer supply device as described in claim 1, characterized in that it is provided with a raw material presence / absence display means that is arranged corresponding to the intake area and is capable of displaying information about the presence or absence of the raw material in the holding section of the storage unit arranged at least in an area other than the intake area.

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