Blister Packaging Machine

Abstract

To provide a blister packaging machine capable of more reliably preventing a blister film from getting caught on a fixed mold without blowing out gas or the like. [Solution] A sheet punching device 51 has a fixed mold 512 and punches out a PTP film 6 as a blister film so that a strip-shaped scrap 9s remains in a scrap portion 9. A pass line maintaining device 52 applies tension to the portion 9x of the PTP film 6 that will become the strip-shaped scrap 9s and to the strip-shaped scrap 9s, and maintains the pass line constant. A warping device 53 supports the PTP film 6 at a position farther from the fixed mold 512 than the pass line maintained by the pass line maintaining device 52, thereby imparting a warp to the PTP film 6. Maintaining the warp of the PTP film 6 all the way to the sheet punching device 51 prevents the PTP film 6 from getting caught on the fixed mold 512.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a blister packaging machine for producing blister sheets containing contents such as tablets. [Background technology]

[0002] Blister sheets such as PTP (press-through pack) sheets are generally known in the field of pharmaceuticals, etc. A blister sheet comprises a container film having a pocket portion in which contents (e.g., tablets) are stored, and a cover film attached to the container film so as to cover the opening of the pocket portion.

[0003] The blister sheets described above can be manufactured by a blister packaging machine, which includes a means for forming pockets in a conveyed strip-shaped container film, a means for filling the pockets with contents, a means for attaching a strip-shaped cover film to the container film, and a means for punching the strip-shaped blister film made of the container film and cover film into sheets to obtain blister sheets (hereinafter referred to as "punching means").

[0004] Also, a known punching means has a reciprocating movable mold having a punching blade shaped to correspond to the outer edge shape of the blister sheet, and a fixed mold that is disposed between the movable mold and the pass line (conveyance path) of the blister film and has a punching hole formed therein that corresponds to the punching blade. With such punching means, each time a certain amount of blister film is conveyed (for example, an amount corresponding to the width of the blister sheet), the movable mold moves toward the fixed mold, thereby punching out the blister film to obtain a blister sheet.

[0005] However, when the blister film deforms (e.g., loosens) as it approaches the fixed die, it may become caught on the portion of the fixed die where the punched holes are formed. If this occurs, the blister film may remain in an inappropriate position, which may result in the blister sheet obtained by punching being a defective product.

[0006] In response to this, a technology has been proposed that includes a gas blowing mechanism that blows gas from the punched hole side toward the movable mold side, and a suction mechanism that sucks gas from the leading end side of the blister film in the conveying direction, in order to prevent the blister film from getting caught on the fixed mold (see, for example, Patent Document 1, etc.). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-260693 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] However, with the above technology, scraps and dust generated during punching of the blister film may fly up due to the gas blown out from the gas blowing mechanism and may adhere to the blister sheet and various devices. In addition, blowing and sucking gas may increase noise and energy consumption.

[0009] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its object is to provide a blister packaging machine that can more reliably prevent the blister film from getting caught on the fixed mold without blowing out gas or the like. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The following describes each of the means suitable for achieving the above object, with specific effects of the corresponding means added as necessary.

[0011] Means 1. A filling means for filling contents into a pocket formed in a strip-shaped container film; a sealing means for attaching a strip-shaped cover film to the container film so as to close the opening of the pocket portion filled with the contents; a punching means for punching a strip-shaped blister film formed by attaching the cover film to the container film to obtain a blister sheet, The punching means is a movable die having a punching blade and capable of reciprocating; a fixed die provided at a position sandwiching a pass line of the blister film between the fixed die and the movable die, the fixed die having a punching hole formed therein and facing the punching blade; The blister film is punched out so that a strip-shaped scrap extending in the longitudinal direction of the blister film remains in a scrap portion of the blister film remaining after punching out the blister sheet, a pass line maintaining means, which is located from upstream to downstream of the punching means, for applying tension along the conveying direction to a portion of the blister film that will become the strip-shaped scrap and the strip-shaped scrap that is continuous with the portion, and for maintaining a constant pass line for the portion and the strip-shaped scrap that is continuous with the portion; a warping means that is located upstream of the punching means and supports the blister film at a position that is farther away from the fixed mold along the reciprocating direction of the movable mold than the pass line maintained by the pass line maintaining means, thereby curving the blister film in the width direction and imparting a warp to the blister film, A blister packaging machine characterized in that the warp of the blister film imparted by the warp imparting means is maintained up to the punching means.

[0012] Furthermore, with regard to "being configured so that the warp of the blister film imparted by the warp imparting means is maintained up to the punching means," this can be achieved by appropriately adjusting the thickness and material of the blister film (i.e., the performance of the blister film in maintaining the warp), the degree of warp imparted by the warp imparting means, the distance from the warp imparting means to the punching means, etc.

[0013] According to the above-described means 1, the pass line maintaining means applies tension to the portion of the blister film that will become the strip-shaped scrap and to the strip-shaped scrap continuous from that portion, while maintaining the pass lines constant. The warping means supports the blister film at a position farther from the fixed mold than the pass line in the reciprocating direction of the movable mold (e.g., a position higher than the pass line), thereby curving the blister film in the width direction and imparting a warp to the blister film. In other words, the blister film is warped by supporting it at a position away from the pass line in the reciprocating direction of the movable mold while maintaining the pass line in a fixed position. The blister film is then transported to the punching means with the warp maintained and punched out. The warping of the blister film effectively prevents the blister film from deforming (e.g., sagging or swaying) as it approaches the fixed mold. This more reliably prevents the blister film from getting caught on the fixed mold.

[0014] Furthermore, according to the above-mentioned means 1, there is no need to blow or suck gas to prevent the blister film from getting caught on the fixed mold, which makes it possible to reduce noise and energy consumption.

[0015] Means 2: The blister packaging machine according to Means 1, wherein the warping means has a disk portion that rotates in response to contact with the blister film being conveyed.

[0016] According to the above-mentioned method 2, it is possible to effectively reduce damage to the blister film from the warping means (disk portion) when warping the blister film. This more reliably prevents scratches on the blister film and, ultimately, the blister sheet. It is also possible to simplify the warping means.

[0017] Means 3. The blister packaging machine according to Means 1, wherein the warping means is configured to support a portion of the blister film other than the portion corresponding to the opening of the pocket portion.

[0018] The area of ​​the blister film corresponding to the opening of the pocket is made of the cover film that is not attached to the container film, and therefore has relatively low strength against external forces. Therefore, if the warping means is configured to support (contact) this area, there is a risk that the cover film will be easily torn or damaged.

[0019] In this regard, according to the above-mentioned means 3, the warping means supports the blister film at a portion other than the portion corresponding to the opening of the pocket portion, thereby more reliably preventing the cover film from being torn or damaged.

[0020] Means 4. The blister film is configured such that sheet corresponding portions that will become the blister sheets after punching are aligned along the longitudinal direction of the blister film, and two rows of the sheet corresponding portions are provided; the sheet corresponding portions in one row are located on one end side of the blister film in the width direction, and the sheet corresponding portions in the other row are located on the other end side of the blister film in the width direction, the punching means is configured to punch the blister film so that no band-shaped side scraps corresponding to both widthwise side portions of the blister film and extending in the longitudinal direction of the blister film remain in the scrap portion, while only a band-shaped center scrap corresponding to a portion of the blister film between the two rows of sheet-corresponding portions and extending in the longitudinal direction of the blister film remains as the band-shaped scrap; The blister packaging machine described in means 1 is characterized in that the warping means is configured to support a portion of the blister film located between one widthwise edge and the widthwise center of the sheet corresponding portion in one row, and a portion located between the other widthwise edge and the widthwise center of the sheet corresponding portion in the other row.

[0021] According to the above-mentioned means 4, the warping means supports a portion of the blister film that will become the strip-shaped scrap (the portion that will become the center scrap) that is sufficiently distant from the portion where the pass line is maintained. Therefore, a sufficiently large warp can be more reliably and easily imparted to the blister film. This more reliably prevents the blister film from getting caught on the fixed mold.

[0022] Means 5. The blister film is configured such that sheet corresponding portions that will become the blister sheets after punching are aligned along the longitudinal direction of the blister film, and two rows of the sheet corresponding portions are provided; the punching means is configured to punch the blister film so that the scrap portion remains as the band-shaped scraps: band-shaped side scraps corresponding to both widthwise side portions of the blister film and extending in the longitudinal direction of the blister film; and a band-shaped center scrap corresponding to a portion of the blister film between the two rows of sheet-corresponding portions and extending in the longitudinal direction of the blister film; The blister packaging machine described in Means 1 is characterized in that the warping means is configured to support a portion of the blister film corresponding to the widthwise center of the sheet corresponding portion in one row and a portion located in the widthwise center of the sheet corresponding portion in the other row.

[0023] According to the above-mentioned means 5, the warping means supports a portion of the blister film that will become the strip-shaped scrap (the portion that will become the center scrap or the side scrap) that is sufficiently distant from the portion where the pass line is maintained. Therefore, a sufficiently large warp can be more reliably and easily imparted to the blister film, and the blister film can be more effectively prevented from getting caught on the fixed mold.

[0024] Means 6. The blister film is configured such that sheet corresponding portions that will become the blister sheets after punching are aligned along the longitudinal direction of the blister film, and one row of the sheet corresponding portions is provided; the punching means is configured to punch the blister film so that band-shaped side scraps corresponding to both widthwise side edges of the blister film and extending in the longitudinal direction of the blister film remain as the band-shaped scraps in the scrap portion, The blister packaging machine according to Means 1, wherein the warping means is configured to support a portion of the blister film corresponding to the center in the width direction of the portion corresponding to the sheet.

[0025] According to the above-mentioned means 6, the warping means supports a portion of the blister film that will become the strip-shaped scrap (the portion that will become the side scrap) that is sufficiently distant from the portion where the pass line is maintained. Therefore, a sufficiently large warp can be more reliably and easily imparted to the blister film, and the blister film can be more effectively prevented from getting caught on the fixed mold.

[0026] The technical features of the above means may be combined as appropriate. For example, the technical features of the above means 2 may be combined with the technical features of the above means 3. Furthermore, for example, the technical features of the above means 2 or 3 may be combined with the technical features of the above means 4, 5, or 6. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0027] [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 plan view of a PTP film in a first embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a PTP packaging machine in a first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 5] 1 is a perspective schematic view of a sheet punching system according to a first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6] 1 is a schematic side view of a sheet punching system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a perspective schematic view of a movable die for showing a punching blade. [Figure 8] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line JJ in FIG. 5. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a PTP film in a second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective schematic view of a sheet punching system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line KK in FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a PTP film in a third embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of a sheet punching system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional schematic view taken along line LL in FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a sheet punching system showing the support position of a PTP film by a warp imparting device in another embodiment. [Figure 16]FIG. 10 is a schematic side view of a sheet punching system showing a camber imparting device in another embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a PTP film according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. [First embodiment] First, the structure of a PTP sheet as a "blister sheet" will be described in detail. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the PTP sheet 1 has a container film 3 with multiple pockets 2, and a cover film 4 attached to the container film 3 so as to cover the pockets 2.

[0029] The container film 3 is made of transparent or translucent polypropylene (PP) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and is light-transmitting. On the other hand, the cover film 4 is made of, for example, aluminum foil coated with a sealant made of a predetermined resin. The materials of the container film 3 and the cover film 4 may be changed as appropriate.

[0030] The PTP sheet 1 is formed in a rectangular shape in plan view with four arc-shaped corners. The PTP sheet 1 has two rows of pockets formed in the short side direction, each row consisting of four pockets 2 arranged along the long side direction. In other words, a total of eight pockets 2 are formed. Each pocket 2 contains one tablet 5 as the "contents."

[0031] 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. In this embodiment, the PTP film 6 corresponds to a "blister film."

[0032] 3, the PTP film 6 is configured such that sheet corresponding portions 101, which are portions that will become PTP sheets 1 when punched by a sheet punching device 51 described later, are lined up along the longitudinal direction of the PTP film 6, and there are two rows of the sheet corresponding portions 101. The sheet corresponding portions 101 in one row are located at one end of the PTP film 6 in the width direction, and the sheet corresponding portions 101 in the other row are located at the other end of the PTP film 6 in the width direction.

[0033] 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 corresponds to a "blister packaging machine."

[0034] As shown in Fig. 4, a strip-shaped raw material of container film 3 is wound into a roll on the most upstream side of PTP packaging machine 10. The pull-out end of the rolled container film 3 is guided by guide roll 13. The container film 3 is wrapped around intermittent feed roll 14 on the downstream side of guide roll 13. Intermittent feed roll 14 is connected to a motor that rotates intermittently, and feeds the container film 3 intermittently.

[0035] Between the guide roll 13 and the intermittent feed roll 14, a heating device 15 and a pocket forming device 16 are arranged in this order along the transport path of the container film 3. Then, after the container film 3 has been heated by the heating device 15 and has become relatively flexible, the pocket forming device 16 forms multiple pockets 2 at predetermined positions in the container film 3. The pockets 2 are formed during the intervals between the transport operations of the container film 3 by the intermittent feed roll 14.

[0036] The container film 3 fed from the intermittent feed roll 14 is wrapped around a tension roll 18, a guide roll 19, and a film receiving roll 20, in that order. The film receiving roll 20 is connected to a motor that rotates at a constant speed, so it transports the container film 3 continuously at a constant speed. The tension roll 18 pulls the container film 3 toward the tension side by its elastic force, preventing slack in the container film 3 due to differences in the transport operations of the intermittent feed roll 14 and the film receiving roll 20, and keeping the container film 3 in a constantly tensed state.

[0037] A filling device 21 is disposed between the guide roll 19 and the film receiving roll 20 along the conveying path of the container film 3. In this embodiment, the filling device 21 constitutes the "filling means." The filling device 21 is equipped with a cylindrical chute that stores the tablets 5 in a line and a shutter (both not shown) that can open and close the outlet of the chute, and fills the tablets 5 into the pocket portion 2 by opening the shutter at a predetermined timing. The filling device 21 may also be equipped with an adsorption drum (not shown) that can adsorb the tablets 5, and fill the tablets 5 into the pocket portion 2 by releasing the adsorption.

[0038] On the other hand, the original web of the cover film 4 formed in a strip shape is wound into a roll on the most upstream side. The leading end of the rolled cover film 4 is guided toward the heating roll 24 by a guide roll 23.

[0039] The heating roll 24 can be pressed against the film receiving roll 20, and the container film 3 and the cover film 4 are fed between the two rolls 20, 24. Then, as the container film 3 and the cover film 4 pass between the two rolls 20, 24 in a heated and pressed state, the cover film 4 is attached to the container film 3, and the openings of the pocket portions 2 are closed with the cover film 4. In this manner, a strip-shaped PTP film 6 is produced in which tablets 5 are housed in each pocket portion 2. In this embodiment, the film receiving roll 20 and the heating roll 24 constitute a sealing device 25 as a "sealing means."

[0040] The PTP film 6 sent out from the film receiving roll 20 is wrapped around a tension roll 28 and an intermittent feed roll 29 in that order. The intermittent feed roll 29 is connected to an intermittently rotating motor, and therefore intermittently transports the PTP film 6. The tension roll 28 is in a state where it pulls the PTP film 6 toward the tension side by its elastic force, preventing slack in the PTP film 6 due to differences in the transport operations of the film receiving roll 20 and the intermittent feed roll 28, and keeping the PTP film 6 in a constantly tensed state.

[0041] The PTP film 6 fed from the intermittent feed roll 29 is transported to the sheet punching system 50 via the tension roll 31. The tension roll 31 is in a state where it pulls the PTP film 6 toward the tension side by its elastic force, and prevents slack in the PTP film 6 between the intermittent feed roll 29 and the pocket feed roll 521 described below.

[0042] Between the intermittent feed roll 29 and the tension roll 31, a slit forming device 33 and an imprinting device 34 are disposed in this order along the transport path of the PTP film 6. The slit forming device 33 has the function of forming a separation slit at a predetermined position in the PTP film 6. The imprinting device 34 has the function of imprinting an imprint at a predetermined position on the PTP film 6. Note that the separation slit and imprinting are not shown in Figure 1 etc.

[0043] The sheet punching system 50 has the function of punching the PTP film 6 to obtain the PTP sheet 1, and also has the function of sending out the scrap portion 9 remaining in the PTP film 6 after the PTP sheet 1 has been punched downstream. The sheet punching system 50 will be described in detail later.

[0044] The PTP sheets 1 obtained by the sheet punching system 50 are transported by a conveyor 39 and temporarily stored in a finished product hopper 40. However, defective PTP sheets 1 are not sent to the finished product hopper 40, but are discharged separately by a defective sheet discharge mechanism (not shown).

[0045] The scrap portion 9 sent downstream from the sheet punching system 50 is guided to a cutting device 41. The cutting device 41 cuts the scrap portion 9 into predetermined dimensions. The cut scrap portion 9 is stored in a scrap hopper 42 and then disposed of separately.

[0046] Next, the sheet punching system 50 will be described. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the sheet punching system 50 includes a sheet punching device 51, a pass line maintaining device 52, and a warping device 53. In this embodiment, the sheet punching device 51 constitutes the "punching means," and similarly, the pass line maintaining device 52 constitutes the "pass line maintaining means," and the warping device 53 constitutes the "warping means."

[0047] The sheet punching device 51 is a device for punching the outer edge of the PTP film 6 into PTP sheets 1, thereby obtaining the PTP sheets 1. The sheet punching device 51 is equipped with a movable die 511 and a fixed die 512.

[0048] The movable dies 511 are arranged in the width direction of the PTP film 6, and the number of movable dies 511 is the same as the number of rows of sheet corresponding sections 101 (two in this embodiment). Each movable die 511 is configured to be able to move back and forth (up and down) by a predetermined driving means (not shown), and is equipped with a punching blade 511a facing the pass line (conveyance path) side of the PTP film 6. The punching blade 511a has a shape corresponding to the outer edge shape of the PTP sheet 1 (see FIG. 7).

[0049] The fixed die 512 is provided at a position where it sandwiches the pass line of the PTP film 6 between itself and each of the movable dies 511. Two punching holes 512a are formed in the fixed die 512 so that they face the punching blades 511a of each of the movable dies 511. The movable die 511 moves toward the fixed die 512 so that the punching blades 511a enter the punching holes 512a, thereby punching out the PTP film 6 and obtaining a PTP sheet 1. The obtained PTP sheet 1 passes through the punching holes 512a and falls onto the conveyor 39.

[0050] The sheet punching device 51 is set to punch the PTP film 6 along a punching line Rp (see FIG. 3) having a rounded rectangular shape that corresponds to the outer edge of the sheet corresponding portion 101 and that corresponds to the shape of the punching blade 511a.

[0051] The punching lines Rp have a fixed positional relationship with the pocket portion 2 and are made up of a pair of parallel straight lines Rs extending along the longitudinal direction of the PTP film 6, a pair of parallel orthogonal lines Rc extending in the width direction of the PTP film 6, and a total of four curved lines Rw connecting the straight lines Rs and orthogonal lines Rc, which correspond to the four corners of the PTP sheet 1. In this embodiment, the sheet punching device 51 is set so that, in one punching operation, it punches the PTP film 6 along the punching lines Rp corresponding to the portions 101 corresponding to two sheets aligned in the width direction of the PTP film 6. Therefore, two PTP sheets 1 are obtained in one punching operation by the sheet punching device 51.

[0052] Furthermore, the sheet punching device 51 punches out the PTP film 6 so that strip-shaped scraps 9s extending in the longitudinal direction of the PTP film 6 remain in the scrap portion 9 remaining in the PTP film 6 after punching out the PTP sheet 1. In particular, in this embodiment, the punching position of the PTP film 6 is set so that the straight lines Rs corresponding to both widthwise ends of the PTP film 6 overlap the widthwise edges of the PTP film 6, while adjacent punching lines Rp along the widthwise direction of the PTP film 6 are spaced apart in the widthwise direction. As a result, the PTP film 6 is punched out so that strip-shaped side scraps 9b (see FIG. 10 ) corresponding to both widthwise ends of the PTP film 6 and extending in the longitudinal direction of the PTP film 6 do not remain in the scrap portion 9, while a strip-shaped center scrap 9a corresponding to the portion of the PTP film 6 between the two rows of sheet corresponding portions 101 and extending in the longitudinal direction of the PTP film 6 remains as strip-shaped scrap 9s.

[0053] The pass line maintaining device 52 applies tension along the conveying direction to a portion 9x (the portion marked with a dotted pattern in FIG. 5) of the PTP film 6 that will become the strip-shaped scrap 9s (center scrap 9a) and the center scrap 9a that is continuous with the portion 9x, which are located from upstream to downstream of the sheet punching device 51, and maintains a constant pass line for the portion 9x and the center scrap 9a. The pass line maintaining device 52 includes a pocket feed roll 521, a guide roll 522, and a scrap conveying roll 523.

[0054] The pocket feed roll 521 is located upstream of the sheet punching device 51, and has the PTP film 6 wound around it. The pocket feed roll 521 has a storage recess 521a on its outer circumferential surface for storing the pocket portion 2, and is connected to an intermittently rotating motor. The pocket feed roll 521 intermittently transports the PTP film 6 when the motor operates with the pocket portion 2 stored in the storage recess 521a. In this embodiment, the pocket feed roll 521 sends a length of PTP film 6 corresponding to the width of the PTP sheet 1 to the sheet punching device 51 with one operation.

[0055] The guide roll 522 is located downstream of the sheet punching device 51, and has the strip-shaped scrap 9s (center scrap 9a) hung thereon. The guide roll 522 is configured to be freely rotatable, and has the function of determining the pass line of the portion 9x located between the guide roll 522 and the pocket feed roll 521 and the strip-shaped scrap 9s (center scrap 9a).

[0056] The scrap transport roll 523 is located downstream of the guide roll 522 and has the function of pulling out the strip-shaped scrap 9s (center scrap 9a) from the sheet punching device 51 toward the cutting device 41. The scrap transport roll 523 is connected to a motor that rotates at a constant speed and is disposed so as to sandwich the strip-shaped scrap 9s (center scrap 9a) between itself and a predetermined driven roll 524. When the motor operates, the scrap transport roll 523 continuously transports the strip-shaped scrap 9s (center scrap 9a) toward the cutting device 41. The operation of the scrap transport roll 523 applies tension to the portion 9x and the strip-shaped scrap 9s (center scrap 9a) in the transport direction. In addition, in order to prevent excessive tension from being applied to the portion 9x and the strip-shaped scrap 9s due to the difference in the conveying operations of the pocket feed roll 521 and the scrap conveying roll 523, a predetermined tension roll (not shown) is provided between the guide roll 522 and the scrap conveying roll 523.

[0057] The warping device 53 is located upstream of the sheet punching device 51 and is a device for curving the PTP film 6 in the width direction to impart a warp to the PTP film 6. The warping device 53 warps the PTP film 6 by supporting the PTP film 6 at a position farther from the fixed mold 512 in the reciprocating direction of the movable mold 511 than the pass line maintained by the pass line maintaining device 52. In this embodiment, the warping device 53 warps the PTP film 6 by supporting the PTP film 6 at a position higher than the pass line maintained by the pass line maintaining device 52. The warping device 53 may be supported by being attached to the fixed mold 512.

[0058] 6 and 8, the warping device 53 is equipped with a pair of disks 53a that rotate in response to contact with the conveyed PTP film 6. One disk 53a is configured to support a region 6s1 of the PTP film 6 that is located between one widthwise edge of the PTP film 6 and the widthwise center of the sheet corresponding portion 101 of one row. The other disk 53a is configured to support a region 6s2 of the PTP film 6 that is located between the other widthwise edge of the PTP film 6 and the widthwise center of the sheet corresponding portion 101 of the other row. In this embodiment, the warping device 53 (disk 53a) supports a strip-shaped portion of the PTP film 6 that is located between the widthwise edge of the PTP film 6 and the pocket portion 2 closest to that edge.

[0059] Furthermore, the warping device 53 (disk portion 53a) is configured to support a portion of the PTP film 6 other than the portion corresponding to the opening of the pocket portion 2. In other words, the warping device 53 (disk portion 53a) is configured to support the PTP film 6 by coming into contact with the portion of the cover film 4 that is attached to the container film 3.

[0060] While the warp imparted to the PTP film 6 may be eliminated downstream during transport and return to a flat state, in this embodiment, various factors such as the material and thickness of the films 3 and 4, the warp height SH of the PTP film 6, and the distance from the warp imparting device 53 to the sheet punching device 51 along the transport direction of the PTP film 6 are adjusted so that the warp imparted to the PTP film 6 by the warp imparting device 53 is maintained all the way to the sheet punching device 51. For example, in this embodiment, the distance from the warp imparting device 53 to the sheet punching device 51 along the transport direction of the PTP film 6 is set to be sufficiently small (for example, 500 mm or less, or 20 times the warp height SH or less).

[0061] As described above in detail, according to this embodiment, by imparting a warp to the PTP film 6, it is possible to effectively prevent the PTP film 6 from deforming (for example, loosening) and approaching the fixed mold 512. This makes it possible to more reliably prevent the PTP film 6 from getting caught on the fixed mold 512.

[0062] Furthermore, there is no need to blow or suck gas to prevent the PTP film 6 from getting caught on the fixed mold 512. Therefore, noise and energy consumption can be reduced.

[0063] In addition, because the rotatable disk portion 53a comes into contact with the PTP film 6 to warp the PTP film 6, it is possible to effectively reduce damage to the PTP film 6 from the warping device 53 (disk portion 53a) when warping the PTP film 6. This more reliably prevents scratches on the PTP film 6 and, ultimately, the PTP sheet 1. It is also possible to simplify the warping device 53.

[0064] Furthermore, the warping device 53 (disk portion 53a) supports the PTP film 6 at a portion other than the portion corresponding to the opening of the pocket portion 2. This makes it possible to more reliably prevent the cover film 4 from being torn or damaged.

[0065] Furthermore, the warping device 53 supports the portion 6s1 with one of the disk portions 53a and the portion 6s2 with the other disk portion 53a. Therefore, the warping device 53 supports a portion of the PTP film 6 that will become the strip-shaped scrap 9s (the portion that will become the center scrap 9a) and that is sufficiently separated along the width direction of the PTP film 6 from the portion where the pass line is maintained. This makes it possible to more reliably and easily impart a sufficiently large warp to the PTP film 6 and more reliably prevent the PTP film 6 from getting caught on the fixed mold 512. Second Embodiment Next, the second embodiment will be described, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, the width of the PTP film 6 is larger than the width of the PTP film 6 in the first embodiment.

[0066] In the second embodiment, the sheet punching device 51 is set to punch the PTP film 6 so that the straight lines Rs corresponding to both widthwise ends of the PTP film 6 are positioned more inward than the widthwise edges of the PTP film 6 (toward the widthwise center of the PTP film 6), as shown in Fig. 9. As a result, as shown in Fig. 10, the PTP film 6 is punched so that two strip-shaped side scraps 9b (see Fig. 10) corresponding to both widthwise ends of the PTP film 6 and extending in the longitudinal direction of the PTP film 6 and a center scrap 9a remain as strip-shaped scraps 9s in the scrap portion 9 of the PTP film 6 that remains after punching the PTP sheet 1.

[0067] In the second embodiment, a center scrap 9a and two side scraps 9b are hung on the guide roll 522. The guide roll 522 is configured to be freely rotatable, and determines a region 9x (the region indicated by a dotted pattern in FIG. 10) in the PTP film 6 that will become the center scrap 9a and a pass line for the center scrap 9a that is continuous with the region 9x, as well as a region 9y (the region indicated by diagonal lines in FIG. 10) in the PTP film 6 that will become the side scrap 9b and a pass line for the side scrap 9b that is continuous with the region 9y.

[0068] Furthermore, the scrap transport roll 523 is disposed so as to sandwich the center scrap 9a and both side scraps 9b between itself and the driven roll 524, and transports the center scrap 9a and the side scraps 9b toward the cutting device 41. The operation of the scrap transport roll 523 applies tension to the portion 9x and the center scrap 9a, and the portion 9y and the side scraps 9b, along the transport direction. Note that a predetermined tension roll (not shown) is provided between the guide roll 522 and the scrap transport roll 523 to prevent excessive tension from being applied to the portion 9x and the center scrap 9a, and the portion 9y and the side scraps 9b.

[0069] In addition, the warping device 53 includes a pair of disks 53a and supports the PTP film 6 at a position higher than the three pass lines maintained by the pass line maintaining device 52, thereby warping the PTP film 6. However, in the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11 , one disk 53a supports a portion of the PTP film 6 corresponding to the widthwise center of the sheet corresponding portions 101 in one row. The other disk 53a supports a portion of the PTP film 6 corresponding to the widthwise center of the sheet corresponding portions 101 in the other row. As a result, the portions of the PTP film 6 corresponding to the row of one sheet corresponding portions 101 and the other row of sheet corresponding portions 101 are each curved in the width direction of the PTP film 6, thereby imparting a warp to the PTP film 6. Note that in the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the warping device 53 (disk 53a) supports portions of the PTP film 6 other than the portions corresponding to the openings of the pocket portions 2.

[0070] As described above, according to the second embodiment, basically, the same effects as those of the first embodiment are achieved.

[0071] Furthermore, the warping device 53 supports, with one disk portion 53a, a portion of the PTP film 6 corresponding to the widthwise center of the sheet corresponding portions 101 in one row, and with the other disk portion 53a, a portion of the PTP film 6 corresponding to the widthwise center of the sheet corresponding portions 101 in the other row. Therefore, the warping device 53 supports a portion of the PTP film 6 that will become the strip-shaped scrap 9s (the portion that will become the center scrap 9a or the side scrap 9b), which is sufficiently separated along the width direction of the PTP film 6 from the portion where the pass line is maintained. This makes it possible to more reliably and easily impart a sufficiently large warp to the PTP film 6, and more effectively prevent the PTP film 6 from getting caught on the fixed mold 512. Third Embodiment Next, a third embodiment will be described, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. In the third embodiment, as shown in Fig. 12, the PTP film 6 has sheet corresponding portions 101 arranged along the longitudinal direction of the PTP film 6, and one row of the sheet corresponding portions 101 is provided.

[0072] In the third embodiment, the sheet punching device 51 is set to punch the PTP film 6 so that the straight lines Rs corresponding to both widthwise ends of the PTP film 6 are positioned more inward (toward the widthwise center of the PTP film 6) than the widthwise edges of the PTP film 6. As a result, as shown in Fig. 13, the PTP film 6 is punched so that two strip-shaped side scraps 9b corresponding to both widthwise ends of the PTP film 6 and extending in the longitudinal direction of the PTP film 6 remain as strip-shaped scraps 9s in the scrap portion 9 of the PTP film 6 that remains after punching the PTP sheet 1.

[0073] In the third embodiment, two side scraps 9b are hung on the guide roll 522. The guide roll 522 is configured to be freely rotatable, and determines a portion 9y (the portion indicated by diagonal lines in FIG. 13) of the PTP film 6 that will become the side scrap 9b, and a pass line for the side scrap 9b that is continuous with the portion 9y.

[0074] Furthermore, the scrap transport roll 523 is disposed so as to sandwich both side scraps 9b between itself and the driven roll 524, and transports the side scraps 9b toward the cutting device 41. The operation of the scrap transport roll 523 applies tension to the portion 9y and the side scraps 9b in the transport direction. Note that a predetermined tension roll (not shown) is provided between the guide roll 522 and the scrap transport roll 523 to prevent excessive tension from being applied to the portion 9y and the side scraps 9b.

[0075] In addition, the warping device 53 supports the PTP film 6 at a position higher than the two pass lines maintained by the pass line maintaining device 52, thereby warping the PTP film 6. In the third embodiment, the warping device 53 has one disk portion 53a, as shown in FIG. 14, which supports a portion of the PTP film 6 corresponding to the center of the sheet corresponding portions 101 in the width direction. This causes the portions of the PTP film 6 corresponding to the row of sheet corresponding portions 101 to bend in the width direction of the PTP film 6, thereby imparting a warp to the PTP film 6. In the third embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the warping device 53 (disk portion 53a) supports a portion of the PTP film 6 other than the portion corresponding to the opening of the pocket portion 2.

[0076] As described above, according to the third embodiment, basically, the same effects as those of the first embodiment are achieved.

[0077] Furthermore, the warping device 53 uses the disk portion 53a to support a portion of the PTP film 6 that corresponds to the widthwise center of the sheet corresponding portion 101. Therefore, the warping device 53 supports a portion of the PTP film 6 that will become the strip-shaped scrap 9s (the portion that will become the side scrap 9b), which is sufficiently separated along the widthwise direction of the PTP film 6 from the portion where the pass line is maintained. This makes it possible to more reliably and easily impart a sufficiently large warp to the PTP film 6, and more effectively prevent the PTP film 6 from getting caught on the fixed mold 512.

[0078] 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.

[0079] (a) In the first embodiment, the warping device 53 (disk portion 53a) supports a strip portion of the PTP film 6 that is located between the widthwise edge of the PTP film 6 and the pocket portion 2 that is closest to the edge. In contrast, as shown in Fig. 15, the warping device 53 (disk portion 53a) may support a portion of the PTP film 6 that is located closer to the widthwise center than the strip portion.

[0080] (b) In the above embodiment, the warping device 53 includes a disk portion 53a, and the disk portion 53a comes into contact with the PTP film 6 to warp the PTP film 6. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 16 , the warping device 53 may include a warping guide 53b having an inclined surface 53c that gradually displaces from the upstream side to the downstream side in the conveyance direction of the PTP film 6, away from the fixed mold 512 along the reciprocating direction of the movable mold 511, relative to the pass line maintained by the pass line maintaining device 52. The PTP film 6 may be conveyed in contact with the inclined surface 53c, thereby imparting a warp to the PTP film 6. In this case, it is preferable to coat the inclined surface 53c with a fluororesin or the like to sufficiently reduce the sliding resistance of the inclined surface 53c.

[0081] (c) In the above embodiment, the PTP film 6 is configured so that the sheet corresponding portions 101 are adjacent to each other with no gaps along the longitudinal direction thereof, but as shown in Fig. 17, the PTP film 6 may be configured so that there are gaps between the sheet corresponding portions 101 along the longitudinal direction thereof. In this case, portions corresponding to the spaces between the sheet corresponding portions 101 (portions extending in the width direction of the PTP film 6) remain in the scrap portion 9.

[0082] The PTP film 6 may have three or more rows of sheet corresponding portions 101.

[0083] (d) A film guide (not shown) may be provided between the warping device 53 and the pocket feed roll 521 to prevent displacement of the PTP film 6 along the width direction by contacting the PTP film 6 (e.g., the pocket portion 2). In this case, it becomes possible to more appropriately warp the PTP film 6.

[0084] (e) The configuration of the pass line maintaining device 52 described in the above embodiment is one example. Therefore, the configuration of the pass line maintaining device may be changed as appropriate as long as it can apply tension along the conveying direction to the portion of the PTP film 6 that will become the strip-shaped scrap 9s, located from upstream to downstream of the sheet punching device 51, and to the strip-shaped scrap 9s that is continuous with that portion, and can maintain the pass line of that portion and the strip-shaped scrap 9s constant.

[0085] (f) 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 food or electronic components.

[0086] (g) The configuration of the PTP sheet 1 to be manufactured is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, the arrangement and number of pockets 2 per PTP sheet 1 are not limited to the above embodiment. In addition, the PTP sheet 1 may have a tag portion at its end.

[0087] (h) 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 blister sheets other than the PTP sheet 1. [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] 1...PTP sheet (blister sheet), 2...pocket portion, 3...container film, 4...cover film, 5...tablet (contents), 6...PTP film (blister film), 9...scrap portion, 9a...center scrap, 9b...side scrap, 9s...strip scrap, 10...PTP packaging machine (blister packaging machine), 21...filling device (filling means), 25...sealing device (sealing means), 51...sheet punching device (punching means), 52...pass line maintaining device (pass line maintaining means), 53...warping device (warping means), 53a...disc portion, 101...sheet corresponding portion, 511...movable type, 512...fixed type.

Claims

1. a filling means for filling a pocket formed in the strip-shaped container film with contents; a sealing means for attaching a strip-shaped cover film to the container film so as to close the opening of the pocket portion filled with the contents; a punching means for punching a strip-shaped blister film formed by attaching the cover film to the container film to obtain a blister sheet, The punching means is a movable die having a punching blade and capable of reciprocating; a fixed die provided at a position sandwiching a pass line of the blister film between the fixed die and the movable die, the fixed die having a punching hole formed therein and facing the punching blade; The blister film is punched out so that a strip-shaped scrap extending in the longitudinal direction of the blister film remains in a scrap portion of the blister film remaining after punching out the blister sheet, a pass line maintaining means, which is located from upstream to downstream of the punching means, for applying tension along the conveying direction to a portion of the blister film that will become the strip-shaped scrap and the strip-shaped scrap that is continuous with the portion, and for maintaining a constant pass line for the portion and the strip-shaped scrap that is continuous with the portion; a warping means that is located upstream of the punching means and supports the blister film at a position that is farther away from the fixed mold along the reciprocating direction of the movable mold than the pass line maintained by the pass line maintaining means, thereby curving the blister film in the width direction and imparting a warp to the blister film, A blister packaging machine characterized in that the warp of the blister film imparted by the warp imparting means is maintained up to the punching means.

2. 2. The blister packaging machine according to claim 1, wherein the warping means has a disk portion that rotates in response to contact with the blister film being conveyed.

3. 2. The blister packaging machine according to claim 1, wherein the warping means is configured to support a portion of the blister film other than a portion corresponding to the opening of the pocket portion.

4. the blister film is configured such that sheet corresponding portions that will become the blister sheets after punching are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the blister film, and two rows of the sheet corresponding portions are provided; the sheet corresponding portions in one row are located on one end side of the blister film in the width direction, and the sheet corresponding portions in the other row are located on the other end side of the blister film in the width direction, the punching means is configured to punch the blister film so that no strip-shaped side scraps corresponding to both widthwise side portions of the blister film and extending in the longitudinal direction of the blister film remain in the scrap portion, while only a strip-shaped center scrap corresponding to a portion of the blister film between the two rows of sheet-corresponding portions and extending in the longitudinal direction of the blister film remains as the strip-shaped scrap; 2. The blister packaging machine according to claim 1, wherein the warping means is configured to support a portion of the blister film located between one widthwise edge and the widthwise center of the sheet corresponding portion in one row, and a portion of the blister film located between the other widthwise edge and the widthwise center of the sheet corresponding portion in the other row.

5. the blister film is configured such that sheet corresponding portions that will become the blister sheets after punching are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the blister film, and two rows of the sheet corresponding portions are provided; the punching means is configured to punch the blister film so that the scrap portion remains as the band-shaped scraps: band-shaped side scraps corresponding to both widthwise side portions of the blister film and extending in the longitudinal direction of the blister film; and a band-shaped center scrap corresponding to a portion of the blister film between the two rows of sheet-corresponding portions and extending in the longitudinal direction of the blister film; 2. The blister packaging machine according to claim 1, wherein the warping means is configured to support a portion of the blister film corresponding to the widthwise center of the sheet corresponding portion in one row and a portion of the blister film located at the widthwise center of the sheet corresponding portion in the other row.

6. the blister film is configured such that sheet corresponding portions that will become the blister sheets after punching are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the blister film, and one row of the sheet corresponding portions is provided; the punching means is configured to punch the blister film so that band-shaped side scraps corresponding to both widthwise side edges of the blister film and extending in the longitudinal direction of the blister film remain as the band-shaped scraps in the scrap portion, 2. The blister packaging machine according to claim 1, wherein the warping means is configured to support a portion of the blister film corresponding to the center in the width direction of the sheet-corresponding portion.

Images