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] Pocket feed rolls 51 determine the pass line of PTP film 6, which serves as a blister film, leading to sheet punching device 52. Sheet punching device 52 has a movable die 521 and a fixed die 522 arranged to sandwich the pass line of PTP film 6, and punches out the PTP film 6 so that the most downstream portion thereof becomes a free end. Warping device 54 is located between pocket feed rolls 51 and sheet punching device 54, and supports PTP film 6 to curve it in the width direction, thereby imparting warping to PTP film 6. The warping of PTP film 6 is maintained all the way to sheet punching device 52, preventing PTP film 6 from getting caught on fixed die 522.

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, as the blister film deforms toward the fixed die, it may become caught in the area of ​​the fixed die where the punched holes are formed, causing the blister film to 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 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 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 facing the punching blade and having a punching hole formed therein; The blister film is punched so that the end portion on the most downstream side of the blister film is a free end, a pass line determining means that is located upstream of the punching means and determines a pass line of the blister film that leads to the punching means; a warping means positioned between the pass line determining means and the punching means, the warping means supporting the blister film to curve the blister film in the width direction and impart 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-mentioned means 1, the blister film is supported and warped, which effectively prevents the blister film from deforming (e.g., swinging) as it approaches the fixed mold, thereby more reliably preventing 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] When punching a blister film so that the most downstream end is the free end, the blister film tends to deform as it approaches the fixed mold. However, the above-mentioned method 1 makes it possible to make such a blister film less susceptible to deformation. In other words, the above-mentioned method 1 can be said to more reliably prevent deformation even when punching a blister film in a manner that would normally cause deformation relatively easily.

[0016] Means 2. The warp imparting means is a central support portion that supports a central side in the width direction of one of the front surface and the back surface of the blister film; a one-end support portion that supports one widthwise end of the other of the front and back surfaces of the blister film; an other end support portion that supports the other end side in the width direction of the other of the front surface and the back surface of the blister film, The blister packaging machine described in Means 1 is characterized in that the support position of the blister film by the central support part and the support positions of the blister film by the one end support part and the other end support part are set at positions that are offset from each other along the reciprocating direction of the movable mold.

[0017] According to the above-mentioned means 2, it is possible to more easily and reliably impart a warp to the blister film, and it is also possible to simplify the warp imparting means.

[0018] Means 3: 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.

[0019] According to the above-mentioned means 3, 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 further simplify the warping means.

[0020] Means 4. The warp imparting means is a one-end support portion that supports one widthwise end of the blister film; An other end support portion that supports the other end side of the blister film in the width direction, The blister packaging machine described in Means 1 is characterized in that the one end side support portion and the other end side support portion each have an adjacent portion that is adjacent to a widthwise edge portion of the blister film and can restrict widthwise movement of the blister film by contacting the widthwise edge portion.

[0021] According to the above-mentioned means 4, the adjacent portions of the one-end support portion and the other-end support portion can more reliably prevent the blister film from being misaligned in the width direction, thereby more reliably imparting an appropriate warp to the blister film.

[0022] Means 5. The blister packaging machine according to Means 4, wherein the one end support portion and the other end support portion are connected to the adjacent portion and each have two opposing portions that face each other across the widthwise edge portion of the blister film.

[0023] According to the above-mentioned means 5, the widthwise edge of the blister film is sandwiched between the two opposing portions, which prevents the blister film from moving when warping is imparted, thereby making it possible to more reliably impart an appropriate warp to the blister film.

[0024] Means 6. 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] In this regard, according to the above-mentioned means 6, 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.

[0027] Means 7. The warping means has a front support portion that supports the container film of the blister film, The blister packaging machine described in Means 1 is characterized in that the front side support portion is configured to be able to restrict the movement of the blister film in the width direction by contacting the pocket portion.

[0028] According to the above-mentioned means 7, the front support portion comes into contact with the pocket portion, thereby making it possible to restrict the positional deviation of the blister film in the width direction, and therefore it is possible to more reliably impart an appropriate warp to the blister film.

[0029] The technical features relating to the above-mentioned means may be combined as appropriate. For example, the technical feature relating to the above-mentioned means 2 may be combined with at least one of the technical features relating to the above-mentioned means 3 to 7. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0030] [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. [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 diagram of a sheet punching system as viewed from the container film side in a first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective schematic diagram of the sheet punching system as viewed from the cover film side in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a perspective schematic view of a movable die for showing a punching blade. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a schematic front view, with a part cut away, of an arm mechanism and the like for explaining the arm mechanism. [Figure 9] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line JJ in FIG. 5. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective schematic diagram of the sheet punching system as viewed from the container film side in the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a perspective schematic diagram of the sheet punching system as viewed from the cover film side in the second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line KK in FIG. [Figure 13]FIG. 11 is a perspective schematic diagram of the sheet punching system as viewed from the container film side in the third embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a perspective schematic diagram of the sheet punching system as viewed from the cover film side in the third embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional schematic view taken along line LL in FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a perspective schematic diagram of the sheet punching system as viewed from the container film side in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 11 is a perspective schematic diagram of the sheet punching system as viewed from the cover film side in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional schematic view taken along line MM in FIG. 16. [Figure 19] FIG. 11 is a perspective schematic diagram of the sheet punching system as viewed from the container film side in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 11 is a perspective schematic diagram of the sheet punching system as viewed from the cover film side in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional schematic view taken along the line NN in FIG. 19. [Figure 22] FIG. 13 is a perspective schematic diagram of the sheet punching system as viewed from the container film side in the sixth embodiment. [Figure 23] FIG. 13 is a perspective schematic diagram of the sheet punching system as viewed from the cover film side in the sixth embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view taken along line OO in FIG. 22. [Figure 25] FIG. 13 is a perspective schematic diagram of the sheet punching system as viewed from the container film side in the seventh embodiment. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional schematic view taken along the line PP in FIG. 25. [Figure 27] 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a sheet punching system showing one end support portion and the other end support portion in another embodiment. FIG. [Figure 28] FIG. 10 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view of a sheet punching system showing a warping device in another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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."

[0034] 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." As shown in FIG. 3, the PTP film 6 is configured such that sheet corresponding portions 101, which are portions that will become the PTP sheet 1 when punched out by a sheet punching device 52 described below, are aligned along the longitudinal direction of the PTP film 6, and one row of the sheet corresponding portions 101 is provided.

[0035] 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."

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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."

[0042] 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.

[0043] The PTP film 6 fed from the intermittent feed roll 29 is transported to a sheet punching system 50. A slit forming device 33 and a marking device 34 are arranged in this order between the intermittent feed roll 29 and the sheet punching system 50 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 marking device 34 has the function of applying a mark at a predetermined position on the PTP film 6. Note that the separation slit and marking are not shown in Figure 1 etc.

[0044] The sheet punching system 50 has functions such as punching the PTP film 6 to obtain the PTP sheets 1 and transferring the obtained PTP sheets 1 to the conveyor 39. The sheet punching system 50 will be described in detail later.

[0045] The PTP sheets 1 delivered from the sheet punching system 50 to the conveyor 39 are transported by the conveyor 39 to the finished product hopper 40 and temporarily stored in the finished product hopper 40. However, defective PTP sheets 1 are not sent to the finished product hopper 40, but are separately discharged by a defective sheet discharge mechanism (not shown).

[0046] In addition, a scrap hopper 42 is provided below the sheet punching system 50 (particularly the sheet punching device 52 described below). Scrap portions 43 of the PTP film 6 that remain after the PTP sheets 1 are punched fall into and stored in the scrap hopper 42. The scrap portions 43 stored in the scrap hopper 42 are disposed of separately. The scrap portions 43 are triangular portions of the PTP film 6 that are surrounded by the widthwise edge of the PTP film 6 and two curved lines Rw described below.

[0047] Next, the sheet punching system 50 will be described. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the sheet punching system 50 includes a pocket feed roll 51, a sheet punching device 52, an arm mechanism 53, and a warping device 54. In this embodiment, the pocket feed roll 51 constitutes the "pass line determining means," and similarly, the sheet punching device 52 constitutes the "punching means," and the warping device 54 constitutes the "warping means."

[0048] The pocket feed roll 51 is located above the sheet punching device 52 and upstream of the sheet punching device 52 in the conveying direction of the PTP film 6. The pocket feed roll 51 determines the pass line (conveying path) of the PTP film 6 leading to the sheet punching device 52 (at a position immediately upstream of the sheet punching device 52) and also has the function of feeding the PTP film 6 to the sheet punching device 52. The pocket feed roll 51 has a storage recess 51a on its outer surface for storing the pocket portion 2, and the pocket portion 2 of the PTP film 6 hung on the pocket feed roll 51 is stored in the storage recess 51a. The pocket feed roll 51 is connected to an intermittently rotating motor, and operation of the motor intermittently feeds the PTP film 6 to the sheet punching device 52. In this embodiment, the pocket feed roll 51 feeds a length of PTP film 6 corresponding to the width of the PTP sheet 1 to the sheet punching device 52 with one operation.

[0049] The sheet punching device 52 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 52 is equipped with a movable die 521 and a fixed die 522.

[0050] The movable molds 521 are provided in the same number as the number of rows of the sheet corresponding sections 101 (one in this embodiment), and are configured to be movable back and forth horizontally by a predetermined driving means (not shown). The movable mold 521 has a punching blade 521a facing the pass line side of the PTP film 6, and the punching blade 521a has a shape corresponding to the outer edge shape of the PTP sheet 1 (see FIG. 7).

[0051] The fixed die 522 is provided at a position where the pass line of the PTP film 6 is sandwiched between it and the movable die 521. A punching hole 522a facing the punching blade 521a is formed in the fixed die 522. The movable die 521 moves toward the fixed die 522 so that the punching blade 521a fits into the punching hole 522a, whereby the PTP film 6 is punched out and the PTP sheet 1 is obtained.

[0052] The sheet punching device 52 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 521a.

[0053] 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 52 is set so that one punching operation punches out the PTP film 6 at the punching lines Rp corresponding to one sheet corresponding portion 101. Therefore, one punching operation by the sheet punching device 52 produces one PTP sheet 1.

[0054] Furthermore, the punching positions of the PTP film 6 are set so that two straight lines Rs corresponding to both widthwise ends of the PTP film 6 overlap the widthwise end edges of the PTP film 6. Therefore, the sheet punching device 52 punches the PTP film 6 so that no strip-shaped scrap that is continuous with the PTP film 6 and extends in the longitudinal direction of the PTP film 6 remains in the scrap portion 43 of the PTP film 6 that remains after punching the PTP sheet 1. In other words, the sheet punching device 52 punches the PTP film 6 so that the end on the most downstream side of the PTP film 6 is a free end.

[0055] The arm mechanism 53 transfers the PTP sheet 1 obtained by the sheet punching device 52 to the conveyor 39. As shown in FIG. 8 , the arm mechanism 53 includes an arm body 53a configured to be rotatable about its base end, and an adsorption portion 53b provided at the tip of the arm body 53a. The arm mechanism 53 transports the PTP sheet 1 from the sheet punching device 52 to the conveyor 39 by pivoting the arm body 53a while the adsorption portion 53b is holding the PTP sheet 1. The arm mechanism 53 then releases the adsorption and holding of the PTP sheet 1 by the adsorption portion 53b, thereby transferring the PTP sheet 1 to the conveyor 39. As a result, the PTP sheet 1 obtained by the sheet punching device 52 is transferred to the conveyor 39.

[0056] The warping device 54 is located between the pocket feed roll 51 and the sheet punching device 52, and is a device for supporting the PTP film 6 (coming into contact with the PTP film 6) to curve the PTP film 6 in the width direction and impart a warp to the PTP film 6. As shown in Fig. 9, the warping device 54 includes a center support section 541, a one end support section 542, and an other end support section 543.

[0057] The central support section 541 supports the widthwise central side of the back surface (surface facing the cover film 4) of the PTP film 6. The one-end support section 542 supports one widthwise end of the front surface (surface facing the container film 3) of the PTP film 6. The other-end support section 543 supports the other widthwise end of the front surface of the PTP film 6. The support position of the PTP film 6 by the central support section 541 is set at a position shifted toward the movable mold 521 in the reciprocating movement direction of the movable mold 521 from the support positions of the PTP film 6 by the one-end support section 542 and the other-end support section 543. As a result, the PTP film 6 that has passed through the warping device 54 is warped in a way that it moves away from the fixed mold 522 as it approaches the widthwise central side.

[0058] Each of the support portions 541, 542, 543 is provided with a disk portion 54a that rotates in response to contact with the PTP film 6 being conveyed, and is configured to support the PTP film 6 by contacting the disk portion 54a with the PTP film 6.

[0059] Furthermore, the warping device 54 (each disk portion 54a) is configured to support portions of the PTP film 6 other than the portion corresponding to the opening of the pocket portion 2. Therefore, of the warping device 54, the one end side support portion 542 and the other end side support portion 543 that support the back surface of the PTP film 6 (the surface on the cover film 4 side) 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 (see FIG. 9), and the distance from the warp imparting device 54 to the sheet punching device 52 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 54 is maintained all the way to the sheet punching device 52. For example, in this embodiment, the distance from the warp imparting device 54 to the sheet punching device 52 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, swinging) and approaching the fixed mold 522. This makes it possible to more reliably prevent the PTP film 6 from getting caught on the fixed mold 522.

[0062] Furthermore, there is no need to blow or suck gas to prevent the PTP film 6 from getting caught on the fixed mold 522. Therefore, noise and energy consumption can be reduced.

[0063] Furthermore, since the three support parts 541, 542, and 543 configured as described above are used to warp the PTP film 6, it is possible to more easily and reliably warp the PTP film 6. In addition, it is possible to simplify the warp imparting device 54.

[0064] In addition, because the rotatable disk portion 54a 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 54 (disk portion 54a) 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 further simplify the warping device 54.

[0065] Additionally, the warping device 54 supports the PTP film 6 at a location other than the location 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. Second Embodiment Next, the second embodiment will be described, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, the center support portion 541 supports the back surface of the PTP film 6 (the surface facing the cover film 4), and the one end support portion 542 and the other end support portion 543 support the front surface of the PTP film 6 (the surface facing the container film 3).

[0066] 10 to 12 (note that the arm mechanism 53 is not shown in FIG. 10 etc.), the central support section 541 supports the front surface of the PTP film 6, and the one end support section 542 and the other end support section 543 support the back surface of the PTP film 6. The support positions of the PTP film 6 by the one end support section 542 and the other end support section 543 are set at positions shifted toward the movable mold 521 in the reciprocating movement direction of the movable mold 521 from the support position of the PTP film 6 by the central support section 541. As a result, the PTP film 6 that has passed through the warping device 54 is warped in such a way that it moves away from the fixed mold 522 at both ends in the width direction.

[0067] As described above, according to the second embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be achieved. Third Embodiment Next, the third embodiment will be described, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, the one-end support portion 542 and the other-end support portion 543 each have a disk portion 54a, and the disk portion 54a supports the PTP film 6.

[0068] In contrast to this, in the third embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 13 to 15, the one end support portion 542 and the other end support portion 543 each include a guide frame 54b, and the PTP film 6 is supported by the guide frame 54b.

[0069] The guide frame 54b extends along the path line of the PTP film 6, and includes an adjacent portion 54b1 and a pair of opposing portions 54b2, 54b3, each of which has a plate shape.

[0070] The adjacent portion 54b1 is adjacent to the widthwise edge of the PTP film 6 and comes into contact with the widthwise edge to restrict widthwise movement of the PTP film 6. The facing portions 54b2 and 54b3 are connected to the widthwise edge of the adjacent portion 54b1 and face each other with the widthwise edge of the PTP film 6 between them.

[0071] Furthermore, in the third embodiment, the "rear surface of the PTP film 6" is supported by the central support section 541, and therefore the one-end support section 542 and the other-end support section 543 support the front surface of the PTP film 6 by means of the opposing sections 54b2 located on the side opposite to the "rear surface of the PTP film 6" (i.e., the front surface of the PTP film 6). The support position of the PTP film 6 by the central support section 541 is set to a position shifted toward the movable mold 521 in the reciprocating movement direction of the movable mold 521 from the respective support positions of the PTP film 6 by the one-end support section 542 and the other-end support section 543 (opposing sections 54b2). As a result, the PTP film 6 that has passed through the warping device 54 is given a warp that moves away from the fixed mold 522 toward the center in the width direction.

[0072] As described above, according to the third embodiment, it is possible to prevent the PTP film 6 from getting caught on the fixed mold 522, as in the first embodiment.

[0073] Furthermore, the adjacent portion 54b1 can more reliably prevent displacement in the width direction of the PTP film 6. This makes it possible to more reliably impart an appropriate warp to the PTP film 6.

[0074] Furthermore, since the width direction edge portion of the PTP film 6 is sandwiched between the two opposing portions 52b2, 52b3, it is possible to prevent the PTP film 6 from moving when warping is imparted. This makes it possible to more reliably impart an appropriate warp to the PTP film 6. [Fourth embodiment] Next, the fourth embodiment will be described, focusing on the differences from the third embodiment. In the third embodiment, the central support part 541 supports the back surface of the PTP film 6. In contrast, in the third embodiment, as shown in Figures 16 to 18, the central support part 541 supports the front surface of the PTP film 6.

[0075] The one-end support portion 542 and the other-end support portion 543 each have a guide frame 54b having an adjacent portion 54b1 and opposing portions 54b2 and 54b3, and the back surface of the PTP film 6 is supported by the opposing portion 54b3, which is located on the side opposite to the "front surface of the PTP film 6" supported by the central support portion 541 (i.e., the back surface of the PTP film 6). The support positions of the PTP film 6 by the one-end support portion 542 and the other-end support portion 543 (opposing portion 54b3) are set at positions shifted toward the movable mold 521 in the reciprocating movement direction of the movable mold 521 from the support position of the PTP film 6 by the central support portion 541. As a result, the PTP film 6 that has passed through the warping device 54 is warped in a way that it moves away from the fixed mold 522 at both ends in the width direction.

[0076] As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, the same effects as those of the third embodiment can be achieved. Fifth Embodiment Next, the fifth embodiment will be described, focusing on the differences from the third embodiment. In the third embodiment, the warping device 54 includes a central support section 541, and the support position of the PTP film 6 by the central support section 541 and the support positions of the PTP film 6 by the one end support section 542 and the other end support section 543 are set at positions offset from each other along the reciprocating direction of the movable mold 521, thereby imparting a warp to the PTP film 6.

[0077] 19 to 21, the warping device 54 does not include a central support section 541, but only includes a one-end support section 542 and an other-end support section 543, each of which has a guide frame 54b. The distance between the one-end support section 542 and the other-end support section 543 is set smaller than the width of the PTP film 6, so that the PTP film 6 passing between the two support sections 542, 543 is curved, and a warp is imparted to the PTP film 6. The shape of the warp imparted to the PTP film 6 is determined by the direction of curvature of the PTP film 6 when the PTP film 6 is placed between the two support sections 542, 543, for example, before the PTP packaging machine 10 starts operating.

[0078] In the fifth embodiment, the distance between the most upstream portions of the support portions 542, 543 is greater than the width of the PTP film 6. The distance between the support portions 542, 543 (particularly the distance between the adjacent portions 54b1) gradually decreases from the upstream side to the downstream side in the transport direction of the PTP film 6, and is ultimately configured so that the distance between the most downstream portions of the support portions 542, 543 is smaller than the width of the PTP film 6. This makes it possible to more smoothly guide the PTP film 6 between the support portions 542, 543 and gradually impart warping to the PTP film 6.

[0079] As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, similarly to the third embodiment, it is possible to prevent the PTP film 6 from getting caught on the fixed mold 522, and to impart an appropriate warp to the PTP film 6.

[0080] Furthermore, since there is no need to provide the central support portion 541, the warping device 54 can be further simplified. Sixth Embodiment Next, the sixth embodiment will be described, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, the one-end support portion 542 and the other-end support portion 543 each have a disk portion 54a, and the disk portion 54a supports the surface of the PTP film 6.

[0081] In contrast to this, in the sixth embodiment, as shown in Figures 22 to 24, the one end side support portion 542 and the other end side support portion 543 are provided with pocket guides 54c, and the pocket guides 54c support the front surface of the PTP film 6. In the sixth embodiment, the pocket guides 54c constitute the "front side support portion."

[0082] The pocket guide 54c extends along the pass line of the PTP film 6 and is installed adjacent to the pocket 2 located on the outermost side along the width direction of the PTP film 6. The pocket guide 54c has a pocket portion corresponding surface 54c1 that corresponds to the shape of the pocket portion 2, and is configured to be able to restrict the movement of the PTP film 6 in the width direction by bringing the pocket portion corresponding surface 54c1 into contact with the pocket portion 2.

[0083] As described above, according to the sixth embodiment, it is possible to prevent the PTP film 6 from getting caught on the fixed mold 522, as in the first embodiment.

[0084] Furthermore, since the pocket guide 54c can regulate the positional deviation of the PTP film 6 in the width direction, the PTP film 6 can be more reliably given an appropriate warp. Seventh Embodiment Next, the seventh embodiment will be described, focusing on the differences from the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the central support portion 541 has a disk portion 54a, and the disk portion 54a supports the surface of the PTP film 6.

[0085] 25 and 26, the central support portion 541 includes a pocket guide 54d, which supports the front surface of the PTP film 6. In the seventh embodiment, the pocket guide 54d constitutes the "front support portion."

[0086] The pocket guide 54d extends along the pass line of the PTP film 6 and is installed between two pockets 2 located at the center of the width of the PTP film 6 so as to be adjacent to the pockets 2. The pocket guide 54d has a pocket-matching surface 54d1 that corresponds to the shape of the pockets 2, and is configured to be able to restrict the movement of the PTP film 6 in the width direction by bringing the pocket-matching surface 54d1 into contact with the pockets 2.

[0087] As described above, according to the seventh embodiment, the same effects as those of the sixth embodiment can be achieved.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 27, the disk portion 54a associated with the one end support portion 542 and the other end support portion 543 may be provided with a flange-shaped adjacent portion 54a1 that is adjacent to the widthwise edge of the PTP film 6 and that can restrict widthwise movement of the PTP film 6 by coming into contact with the widthwise edge. By providing the adjacent portion 54a1, it is possible to suppress positional deviation of the PTP film 6 in the width direction, and it is possible to more reliably impart an appropriate warp to the PTP film 6.

[0090] (b) In the first embodiment, the central support portion 541 includes the disk portion 54a. However, as shown in FIG. 28, the central support portion 541 may include a warping guide 54e having an inclined surface 54e1 that gradually displaces from the upstream side to the downstream side in the transport direction of the PTP film 6, moving away from the fixed mold 522 along the movement direction of the movable mold 521. The PTP film 6 may be conveyed in contact with the inclined surface 54e1, thereby imparting a warp to the PTP film 6. In this case, it is preferable to coat the inclined surface 54e1 with a fluororesin or the like to minimize the sliding resistance of the inclined surface 54e1. The one-end support portion 542 or the other-end support portion 543 may also include the warping guide 54e.

[0091] (c) In the first and second embodiments, a film guide (not shown) may be provided between the pocket feed roll 51 and the warping device 54 to prevent displacement of the PTP film 6 in the width direction by contacting the PTP film 6 (e.g., the pocket portion 2). In this case, it becomes possible to warp the PTP film 6 more appropriately.

[0092] (d) In the above embodiment, the contents are 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.

[0093] (e) 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.

[0094] (f) 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]

[0095] 1... PTP sheet (blister sheet), 2... pocket portion, 3... container film, 4... cover film, 5... tablet (contents), 6... PTP film (blister film), 10... PTP packaging machine (blister packaging machine), 21... filling device (filling means), 25... sealing device (sealing means), 51... pocket feed roll (pass line determining means), 52... sheet punching device (punching means), 54... warping device (warping means), 54a... disk portion, 54a1, 54b1... adjacent portion, 54b2, 54b3... opposing portion, 54c, 54d... pocket guide (front side support portion), 101... sheet corresponding portion, 521... movable type, 521a... punching blade, 522... fixed type, 522a... punching hole, 541... center side support portion, 542... one end side support portion, 543... other end side support portion.

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 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 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 facing the punching blade and having a punching hole formed therein; The blister film is punched so that the end portion on the most downstream side of the blister film is a free end, a pass line determining means that is located upstream of the punching means and determines a pass line of the blister film that leads to the punching means; a warping means positioned between the pass line determining means and the punching means, the warping means supporting the blister film to curve the blister film in the width direction and impart 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. The warp imparting means is a central support portion that supports a central side in the width direction of one of the front surface and the back surface of the blister film; a one-end support portion that supports one widthwise end of the other of the front and back surfaces of the blister film; an other end support portion that supports the other end side in the width direction of the other of the front surface and the back surface of the blister film, 2. The blister packaging machine according to claim 1, wherein the support position of the blister film by the central support portion and the support positions of the blister film by the one end support portion and the other end support portion are set at positions offset from each other along the reciprocating direction of the movable mold.

3. 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.

4. The warp imparting means is a one-end support portion that supports one widthwise end of the blister film; An other end support portion that supports the other end side of the blister film in the width direction, 2. The blister packaging machine according to claim 1, wherein the one-end support portion and the other-end support portion each have an adjacent portion that is adjacent to a widthwise edge portion of the blister film and that can restrict widthwise movement of the blister film by contacting the widthwise edge portion.

5. 5. The blister packaging machine according to claim 4, wherein the one-end support portion and the other-end support portion are connected to the adjacent portion and each have two opposing portions that are opposed to each other across the widthwise edge portion of the blister film.

6. 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.

7. the warping means has a front support portion that supports the container film of the blister film, 2. The blister packaging machine according to claim 1, wherein the front support portion is configured to be able to restrict movement of the blister film in the width direction by contacting the pocket portion.

Images