Guide rail for PTP packaging machine

Abstract

To provide a guide rail for a PTP packaging machine capable of being stored in a compact manner, in which load at exchange is lightened.SOLUTION: A guide rail 200 for a PTP packaging machine 10 comprises: a first guide rail member having a first groove part fixedly provided in a first direction; a second guide rail member which is attachably / detachably placed at the first groove part and has a plurality of second groove parts extending in the first direction and a first guide part provided between the adjoining second groove parts; and a third guide rail member which is attachably / detachably placed at the first groove part so as to be connected to the second guide rail member and has a plurality of third groove parts, extending in the first direction and provided so as to correspond to the second groove parts, and a second guide part provided between the adjoining third groove parts. The width of the third groove part is different from the width of the second groove part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a guide rail for a PTP packaging machine. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, PTP (Press Through Packing) sheets are known as blister sheets used in the field of pharmaceuticals, etc. PTP sheets include a container film having a pocket portion in which tablets or capsules are placed, and a lid material attached to the container film so as to seal the opening side of the pocket portion.

[0003] A PTP packaging machine for manufacturing PTP sheets includes a pocket forming means for forming a pocket in a conveyed strip-shaped container film, a filling means for filling the pocket with tablets or capsules, an adhesive means for heat-sealing a strip-shaped lid material to the container film so as to seal the opening side of the pocket, a cutting means for cutting the strip-shaped PTP film made of the container film and lid material into PTP sheet units, etc. Patent Document 1 discloses the device configuration of a PTP packaging machine. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-036672 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] With conventional PTP packaging machines, molds tailored to the shape and size of the tablets and capsules are used in each process, allowing for seamless molding of the container film, filling of tablets and capsules, adhesion of lid materials, and cutting of PTP sheets, all of which can be done reliably and without excess or shortage of tablets and capsules of the same shape and size.

[0006] However, when packaging a wide variety of tablets and capsules, molds capable of forming pockets of optimal size for each tablet or capsule shape and size must be prepared and replaced each time. In the tablet or capsule filling process, tablets or capsules are filled into a container film with pockets formed therein, and the guide rails used for transporting the tablets or capsules to the bonding process in which the container film and lid are thermally welded must be replaced with guide rails with grooves of appropriate width for the shape and size of the tablets or capsules. The guide rails fix the position of the container film perpendicular to the direction of travel and prevent the container film from slipping. If the groove width is not appropriate for the shape and size of the tablets or capsules, the container film will slip, resulting in the pockets in the container film and the tablets or capsules being crushed during the bonding process, preventing proper encapsulation. Replacing the guide rails is extremely heavy because the guide rails are made of metal (iron, stainless steel, or aluminum), placing a physical strain on the worker performing the replacement. Furthermore, in order to fill tablets or capsules without excess or deficiency, the tablets or capsules must be supplied one by one to the pockets to be filled, and the tablets or capsules must be aligned in a single line in the grooves of the guide rail, so the guide rail must be provided with a certain length. Therefore, when preparing a guide rail with a groove width suitable for the shape and size (diameter or minor axis) of the tablets or capsules, sufficient storage space must be secured.

[0007] An object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a guide rail for a PTP packaging machine that reduces the burden of replacement and can be stored compactly. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a guide rail for a PTP packaging machine, comprising: a first guide rail member having a first groove portion fixedly provided along a first direction; a second guide rail member detachably arranged in the first groove portion, having a plurality of second groove portions extending along the first direction, and a first guide portion provided between adjacent second groove portions; and a third guide rail member detachably connected to the second guide rail member in the first groove portion, having a plurality of third groove portions extending along the first direction and provided to correspond to the second groove portions, and a second guide portion provided between adjacent third groove portions, wherein a width of the third groove portion is different from a width of the second groove portion.

[0009] In the above-mentioned guide rail for a PTP packaging machine, the width of the third groove portion may be smaller than the width of the second groove portion.

[0010] In the above-mentioned guide rail for a PTP packaging machine, the second guide portion may have a tapered shape at an end portion in a plan view.

[0011] In the above-described guide rail for a PTP packaging machine, the width of the portion of the second guide portion that is connected to the first guide portion may be substantially the same as the width of the first guide portion in a plan view.

[0012] In the above-mentioned guide rail for a PTP packaging machine, the guide rail for a PTP packaging machine may be made of iron, stainless steel, or aluminum. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, by replacing only the third guide rail member, it is possible to accommodate the shapes and sizes (diameter or minor axis) of a wide variety of tablets and capsules, thereby reducing the burden of replacement and providing a guide rail for a PTP packaging machine that can be stored compactly. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1]1 is a schematic diagram of a PTP packaging machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic top view of a guide rail for a PTP packaging machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 3] 3 is a schematic top view of a first guide rail member according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a first guide rail member according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 4 is a schematic top view of a second guide rail member according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a second guide rail member according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a schematic top view of a third guide rail member according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a third guide rail member according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 3 is an enlarged schematic top view of a connecting portion between a second guide rail member and a third guide rail member according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 10] 1 is a photograph showing a guide rail for a PTP packaging machine using one embodiment of the present invention, viewed obliquely. [Figure 11] 10 is an enlarged photograph of a second guide rail member and a third guide rail member of a guide rail for a PTP packaging machine using one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Hereinafter, each embodiment of the invention disclosed in this application will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention can be embodied in various forms without departing from the spirit of the invention, and should not be construed as being limited to the description of the embodiments exemplified below.

[0016] In the drawings referred to in this embodiment, identical parts or parts having similar functions are given the same or similar symbols (symbols consisting of only a number followed by A, B, etc.), and repeated explanations may be omitted. Also, for convenience of explanation, the dimensional ratios in the drawings may differ from the actual ratios, and some components may be omitted from the drawings.

[0017] First Embodiment In this embodiment, a PTP packaging machine and a guide rail for the PTP packaging machine (hereinafter referred to as "guide rail") will be described in detail below.

[0018] (1. Composition of PTP packaging machine) FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a PTP packaging machine 10. The PTP packaging machine 10 is a device for producing PTP sheets. The PTP packaging machine 10 includes a pocket forming section 100, a guide rail 200 (filling section), a bonding section 300, and a cutting section 400. The pocket forming section 100 forms pockets in a strip-shaped container film that is being conveyed. The guide rail 200 (filling section) fills tablets or capsules into the pockets in the container film that is being conveyed. The bonding section 300 bonds a strip-shaped lid material to the container film so as to seal the opening side of the pocket. The cutting section 400 cuts the strip-shaped PTP film, which is made of the container film and lid material, into PTP sheets.

[0019] (2. Guide rail configuration for PTP packaging machines) FIG. 2 is a schematic top view of a guide rail 200 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the guide rail 200 includes a first guide rail member 210, a second guide rail member 220, and a third guide rail member 230. The first guide rail member 210, the second guide rail member 220, and the third guide rail member 230 are formed of iron, stainless steel, or aluminum to ensure rigidity. The first guide rail member 210, the second guide rail member 220, and the third guide rail member 230 may each be subjected to corrosion prevention treatment. In this embodiment, the sum of the lengths of the second guide rail member 220 and the third guide rail member 230 is the same as the length of the first guide rail member 210. Each guide rail member will be described below.

[0020] FIG. 3 is a schematic top view of a first guide rail member 210 according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a first guide rail member 210 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the first guide rail member 210 has a first groove portion 211 provided along a first direction D1. The thickness t210 of the first guide rail member 210 is adjusted as appropriate. In this example, the thickness t210 of the first guide rail member 210 is 20 mm. The depth t211 of the first groove portion 211 is adjusted depending on the thicknesses of the second guide rail member 220 and the third guide rail member 230. In this example, the depth t211 of the first groove portion 211 is 14 mm. The first guide rail member 210 is fastened and fixed to a support member (not shown) provided on the underside of the guide rail 200 by a fastening member (e.g., a screw).

[0021] Fig. 5 is a schematic top view of a second guide rail member 220 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a second guide rail member 220 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 2, the second guide rail member 220 is disposed in the first groove portion 211. More specifically, the second guide rail member 220 is disposed on the pocket portion molding section 100 side of the first groove portion 211. The second guide rail member 220 is fastened to the first guide rail member 210 by a fastening member (e.g., a screw).

[0022] The second guide rail member 220 includes a plurality of second groove portions 221 and a plurality of first guide portions 223 provided between adjacent second groove portions 221. The second groove portions 221 extend along the first direction D1. The thickness t220 of the second guide rail member 220 is adjusted as appropriate. In this example, the thickness t220 of the second guide rail member 220 is 14 mm. The depth t221 of the second groove portions 221 is set to be greater than the height of the tablets or capsules (pocket portions). In this example, the depth t221 of the second groove portions 221 is 8 mm. The width d221 of the second groove portions 221 of the second guide rail member 220 is greater than the diameter of the pocket portions.

[0023] Fig. 7 is a schematic top view of a third guide rail member 230 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a third guide rail member 230 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 2, the third guide rail member 230 is disposed in the first groove portion 211. More specifically, the third guide rail member 230 is disposed on the adhesive portion 300 side of the first groove portion 211. The third guide rail member 230 is fastened to the first guide rail member 210 by a fastening member (e.g., a screw).

[0024] The third guide rail member 230 includes a plurality of third groove portions 231 and a plurality of second guide portions 233 provided between adjacent third groove portions 231. The third groove portions 231 extend along the first direction D1. Each of the third groove portions 231 is arranged to correspond to each of the second groove portions 221.

[0025] The thickness t230 of the third guide rail member 230 is adjusted as appropriate. The thickness t230 of the third guide rail member 230 is approximately the same as the thickness t220 of the second guide rail member 220. In this example, the thickness t230 of the third guide rail member 230 is 14 mm. The depth t231 of the third groove portion 231 is set to be greater than the height of the tablet or capsule (pocket portion). The depth t231 of the third groove portion 231 is approximately the same as the depth t221 of the second groove portion 221. In this example, the depth t231 of the third groove portion 231 is 8 mm. The width d231 of the third groove portion 231 of the third guide rail member 230 is different from the width d221 of the second groove portion 221 of the second guide rail member 220. Specifically, the width d231 of the third groove portion 231 of the third guide rail member 230 is smaller than the width d221 of the second groove portion 221 of the second guide rail member 220. In this case, it is desirable that the width d231 of the third groove portion 231 of the third guide rail member 230 is large enough to match the size of the pocket portion capable of accommodating one tablet or capsule, to allow the container film to flow smoothly without resistance, and to prevent the position of the pocket portion from shifting in a direction perpendicular to the first direction D1.

[0026] (Connection between the second guide rail member and the third guide rail member) FIG. 9 is an enlarged schematic top view of a connecting portion 240 between the second guide rail member 220 and the third guide rail member 230 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 9, the second guide rail member 220 and the third guide rail member 230 are connected at the connecting portion 240. At the connecting portion, the second guide portion 233 has a tapered shape at one end of the third guide rail member 230. In this case, in a plan view, the width d233 of the portion of the second guide portion 233 that connects to the first guide portion 223 is substantially the same as the width d223 of the first guide portion 223 (in other words, at the connecting portion 240, the width d231 of the third groove portion 231 of the third guide rail member 230 is substantially the same as the width d221 of the second groove portion 221 of the second guide rail member 220). Note that the tapered shape is desirably such that the container film does not get caught during transport. 9, the angle θ formed between the side surface L233-1 of the tapered portion of the second guide portion 233 and the side surface L233-2 of the second guide portion 233 extending in the first direction D1 is preferably 150 to 177°. In this example, the angle θ is 175°. By adjusting the angle θ, the width d231 of the third groove portion 231 can be adjusted. Note that in one embodiment of the present invention, the width d231 of the third groove portion 231 may be adjusted by adjusting the length of the tapered portion while keeping the angle θ of the tapered portion constant.

[0027] FIG. 10 is a photograph of a guide rail 200 for a PTP packaging machine using this embodiment, viewed obliquely. FIG. 11 is an enlarged photograph of the second guide rail member 220 and the third guide rail member 230 of the guide rail 200 for a PTP packaging machine using this embodiment. By using this embodiment, the container film can be conveyed by replacing only the third guide rail member 230, which has a d231 corresponding to the width (width of the pocket portion) of various types of tablets and capsules, without replacing the second guide rail member 220. In other words, there is no need to replace all of the guide rail members; only the third guide rail member among the guide rail members can be replaced with a third guide rail member corresponding to the width (width of the pocket portion) of the tablets or capsules. Therefore, the burden on the worker when replacing the guide rail member can be reduced compared to replacing the entire guide rail. Furthermore, by using one embodiment of the present invention, it is only necessary to prepare a portion of the guide rail (the third guide rail member) according to the tablets or capsules, and storage space can be reduced.

[0028] (Variation) Within the scope of the concept of the present invention, a person skilled in the art may conceive of various modifications and alterations, and it is understood that these modifications and alterations also fall within the scope of the present invention. For example, to the above-described embodiments, a person skilled in the art may appropriately add or delete components, combine or change the design of the embodiments, or add or omit processing or change conditions, and these modifications and alterations are also included within the scope of the present invention as long as they maintain the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0029] 10 Packaging machine, 100 Pocket forming section, 200 Guide rail, 210 First guide rail member, 211 First groove section, 220 Second guide rail member, 221 Second groove section, 223 First guide section, 230 Third guide rail member, 231 Third groove section, 233 Second guide section, 240 Connecting section, 300 Adhesion section, 400 Cutting section

Claims

1. a first guide rail member having a first groove portion fixed along a first direction; a second guide rail member having a plurality of second groove portions detachably disposed in the first groove portion and extending along the first direction, and a first guide portion provided between adjacent second groove portions; a third guide rail member that is detachably arranged in the first groove portion and connected to the second guide rail member, and that has a plurality of third groove portions that extend along the first direction and are provided to correspond to the second groove portions, and second guide portions that are provided between adjacent third groove portions; The width of the third groove portion is different from the width of the second groove portion. Guide rail for PTP packaging machine.

2. The width of the third groove portion is smaller than the width of the second groove portion. The guide rail for a PTP packaging machine according to claim 1.

3. In a plan view, the second guide portion has a tapered shape at an end portion. The guide rail for a PTP packaging machine according to claim 2.

4. In a plan view, a width of a portion of the second guide portion that is connected to the first guide portion is substantially the same as a width of the first guide portion. The guide rail for a PTP packaging machine according to claim 3.

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