Packaging sheet

Abstract

The present invention provides a packaging sheet in which the container film and cover film are formed from thermoplastic resin to enhance recyclability while more reliably preventing distortion in the identification information visible from the cover film side. [Solution] The PTP sheet 1 used as a packaging sheet comprises a container film 3 made of thermoplastic resin with a pocket portion 2 formed therein, and a cover film 4 made of thermoplastic resin attached to the container film 3 so as to close the opening of the pocket portion 2. Predetermined identification information 6 is printed on at least the surface of the container film 3 that faces the cover film 4, and at least the portion of the cover film 4 corresponding to the identification information 6 is made transparent enough to allow the identification information 6 to be seen through that portion. Since the identification information 6 is printed on the container film 3, it will not be distorted by the stretching of the cover film 4.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a packaging sheet for containing contents such as tablets.

Background Art

[0002] Generally, in the field of pharmaceuticals and the like, packaging sheets such as PTP (Press Through Pack) sheets are known. The packaging sheet includes a container film having a pocket portion for containing contents (e.g., tablets, etc.) and a cover film attached to the container film so as to seal the opening side of the pocket portion. Also, in consideration of the recyclability of used blister sheets and scraps remaining after separating the blister sheets, the container film and the cover film may be each made of a thermoplastic resin.

[0003] The above-described packaging sheet can be manufactured by a packaging machine such as a PTP packaging machine. This packaging machine includes means for forming a pocket portion in a conveyed strip-shaped container film, means for filling the pocket portion with contents, means for attaching a strip-shaped cover film to the container film so as to seal the opening side of the pocket portion, and means for obtaining a packaging sheet by cutting a strip-shaped packaging film composed of the container film and the cover film into sheet units.

[0004] Also, when attaching the cover film to the container film, a technique of stretching the cover film has been proposed in order to align identification information (e.g., code information such as a barcode, characters, patterns, etc.) provided on the cover film with a predetermined portion (e.g., a pocket portion, etc.) in the container film or to prevent the occurrence of "wrinkles" in the cover film (see, for example, Patent Document 1, etc.).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

[0006] However, stretching the cover film will also stretch the identification information printed on it, which may result in distortion of the identification information. Distortion of the identification information may make it impossible to read correctly or may reduce the appearance of the identification information.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a packaging sheet that can improve recyclability by forming the container film and cover film from thermoplastic resin, while more reliably preventing the occurrence of distortion in the identification information visible from the cover film side. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] Below, we will describe, in separate sections, each means suitable for achieving the above objectives. Furthermore, we will add notes on the effects and benefits specific to each means as needed.

[0009] Method 1. A container film made of thermoplastic resin having a pocket portion formed for containing the contents, A packaging sheet comprising a cover film made of thermoplastic resin attached to the container film so as to close the opening of the pocket portion in which the contents are contained, At least the surface of the container film located on the cover film side has predetermined identification information printed on it. A packaging sheet characterized in that at least a portion of the cover film corresponding to the identification information printed on the cover film side of the container film has light transmittance to such an extent that the identification information can be seen through that portion.

[0010] "Identification information" can include, for example, code information (such as barcodes or QR codes), characters, numbers, and images.

[0011] According to the above method 1, since the container film and cover film are each made of thermoplastic resin, recyclability can be improved.

[0012] Furthermore, according to the above means 1, at least the portion of the cover film that corresponds to (overlaps with) the identification information printed on the back surface (cover film side) of the container film has sufficient light transmission to allow the identification information to be seen, thus making it possible to see the identification information from the cover film side. Moreover, since the identification information is printed on the container film, it will not be distorted by the stretching of the cover film. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably prevent distortion in the identification information that is visible from the cover film side. This makes it possible to more reliably prevent the identification information from becoming unreadable or its appearance from deteriorating.

[0013] In addition, the identification information printed on the back of the container film is covered by the cover film, thus effectively protecting the identification information.

[0014] Means 2. The cover film does not have the identification information printed on it. The packaging sheet according to means 1, characterized in that all of the identification information visible from the cover film side is printed on the container film and is visible through the cover film.

[0015] According to method 2 described above, since the identification information is printed only on the container film, the identification information is not distorted by the stretching of the cover film. This prevents problems such as the identification information not being read correctly.

[0016] Furthermore, since the cover film does not contain identification information, there is no need to stretch the cover film to align the identification information on the cover film with a predetermined part of the container film (e.g., a pocket). Therefore, the structure of the packaging machine (especially the device for stretching the cover film) used to manufacture the packaging sheet can be simplified.

[0017] Means 3. The container film has a flat flange portion located at the opening periphery of the pocket portion, The aforementioned pocket portion has a degree of light transmission that allows the contents contained within to be visible, The flange portion is made opaque and has the identification information printed on it. The packaging sheet according to means 1, characterized in that the cover film has light transmittance to such an extent that the contents contained in the pocket can be seen from the cover film side.

[0018] According to the above-described means 3, since the flange portion is opaque, the visibility of the identification information printed on the flange portion can be improved compared to when the flange portion is transparent. Furthermore, when identification information is provided on both the front and back surfaces of the same area on the flange portion, the opacity of the flange portion ensures the visibility of each piece of identification information provided on both surfaces.

[0019] Furthermore, according to the above-described means 3, the pocket portion has a light transmittance that allows the contained contents to be visible, and the cover film has a light transmittance that allows the contents contained in the pocket portion to be visible from the cover film side. Therefore, the portion corresponding to the pocket portion in the packaging sheet (that is, the portion closing the pocket portion in the pocket portion and the cover film) has transparency that is clearly different from the opaque portion corresponding to the flange portion in the packaging sheet, and the portion corresponding to the pocket portion in the packaging sheet can be grasped more easily. In addition, since the contents can be visually recognized from both the front and back sides of the packaging sheet through the pocket portion and the cover film, the color, shape, presence or absence of the contents, etc. can be grasped more easily. Together, these can very effectively enhance the convenience for the user.

[0020] In addition, the technical matters related to the above-described means may be appropriately combined. Therefore, for example, the technical matters related to the above-described means 2 may be combined with the technical matters related to the above-described means 3.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view of the PTP sheet when viewed from the container film side. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view of the PTP sheet when viewed from the cover film side. [Figure 3] It is a perspective view of the PTP film. [Figure 4] It is a partial enlarged cross-sectional schematic view of the container film, the cover film, etc. for showing the identification information and the position of the opaque portion. [Figure 5] It is a schematic configuration diagram of the PTP packaging machine. [Figure 6] [[ID=2,7]]In another embodiment, it is a partial enlarged cross-sectional schematic view of the container film, etc. for showing the identification information and the position of the opaque portion. [Figure 7] In another embodiment, it is a partial enlarged cross-sectional schematic view of the container film, etc. for showing the identification information and the position of the opaque portion. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0022] The following describes one embodiment with reference to the drawings. First, the structure of the PTP sheet as the "packaging sheet" will be explained in detail.

[0023] 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 close the openings of the pockets 2. Note that in Figures 1 and 2, the container film 3 and cover film 4 are shown to be thicker than they actually are.

[0024] The PTP sheet 1 is formed in a rectangular shape in plan view, with its four corners forming arcs. The PTP sheet 1 has two rows of pockets, each consisting of three pocket sections 2 arranged along its long side, and two rows of pockets along its short side. In other words, a total of six pocket sections 2 are formed. Each pocket section 2 contains one tablet 5 as the "contents".

[0025] The container film 3 is based on a film of a transparent or translucent thermoplastic resin (for example, polypropylene (PP) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC)) and has a flat flange portion 3a located around the opening of the pocket portion 2. The entire back surface (the surface facing the cover film 4) of the flange portion 3a is printed with a layered (film-like) opaque portion 8 (see Figure 4), resulting in the entire flange portion 3a being opaque. On the other hand, the pocket portion 2 does not have the opaque portion 8 printed on it, and the pocket portion 2 is transparent or translucent and has sufficient light transmission to allow the contained tablets 5 to be seen. If necessary, the container film 3 may be provided with a coating to control the wavelength of light that can pass through the pocket portion 2.

[0026] Furthermore, identification information 6 is printed on both the front (the side opposite to the cover film 4) and back surfaces of the container film 3 (see Figure 4). The identification information 6 on the back surface of the container film 3 is printed on the opaque area 8, but on the side of the opaque area 8 that is closer to the cover film 4. As a result, each piece of identification information 6 printed on both the front and back surfaces of the container film 3 is clearly displayed against the background of the opaque area 8.

[0027] In addition, in this embodiment, identification information 6 is provided on both the front and back surfaces of the PTP sheet 1 within the same area. That is, within the same area, the identification information 6 on the front surface and the identification information 6 on the back surface overlap. If the flange portion 3a were transparent, the overlapping identification information 6 might influence each other, potentially reducing visibility. However, since the flange portion 3a is opaque due to the opaque portion 8, each of the overlapping identification information 6 is clearly displayed.

[0028] Identification information 6 is, for example, code information (e.g., barcode or two-dimensional code), characters, numbers, or patterns. In this embodiment, identification information 6 is product information relating to the tablet 5. Product information relating to the tablet 5 may include "product name," "model number," "content," "dosage form," "manufacturer (manufacturer name)," "lot number," and "explanation of how to remove the tablet 5 from the pocket 2." A transparent overcoat layer may be provided to cover and protect the identification information 6.

[0029] The cover film 4 is made of a film of a predetermined thermoplastic resin [for example, PP, PVC, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), HDPE (high-density polyethylene), etc.]. The thermoplastic resin constituting the cover film 4 is preferably PP if the container film 3 is made of PP, and preferably a polyamide resin if the container film 3 is made of PVC. Of course, other thermoplastic resins may also be used.

[0030] In addition, in this embodiment, the entire cover film 4 is transparent or semi-transparent, and at least the portion of the cover film 4 that corresponds to (overlaps with) the identification information 6 printed on the back surface of the container film 3 has sufficient light transmission to allow the identification information 6 to be seen through that portion. Therefore, the identification information 6 printed on the back surface of the container film 3 can be seen from the cover film 4 side (the back side of the PTP sheet 1).

[0031] Furthermore, the cover film 4 has sufficient light transmission to allow the tablets 5 contained in the pocket portion 2 to be visible from the cover film 4 side. Therefore, in this embodiment, the tablets 5 can be viewed from either the front or back side of the PTP sheet 1.

[0032] Furthermore, the cover film 4 does not have the identification information 6 printed on it. All of the identification information 6 visible from the cover film 4 side is printed on the container film 3 and is visible through the cover film 4. If necessary, a coating or the like may be provided on the cover film 4 to control the wavelength of light that can be transmitted through it.

[0033] The PTP sheet 1 is manufactured by punching out a sheet of strip-shaped PTP film 7 (see Figure 3), which is formed from a strip-shaped container film 3 and a strip-shaped cover film 4.

[0034] Next, the general configuration of the PTP packaging machine 10 for manufacturing the PTP sheet 1 described above will be explained. In this embodiment, the PTP packaging machine 10 corresponds to the "packaging machine".

[0035] As shown in Figure 5, at the upstream end of the PTP packaging machine 10, a strip of raw material for the container film 3 is wound into a roll. The container film 3 has transparent or semi-transparent areas where the pocket portion 2 is to be formed, while identification information 6 and opaque areas 8 are pre-printed on other areas (i.e., the areas that will become the flange portion 3a). In addition, predetermined registration marks 9 (see Figure 3) are printed at regular intervals along the widthwise edges of the container film 3.

[0036] The end of the container film 3, which is wound into a roll, is guided by a guide roll 13. Downstream of the guide roll 13, the container film 3 is mounted on an intermittent feed roll 14. The intermittent feed roll 14 is connected to a motor that rotates intermittently, and intermittently conveys the container film 3.

[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 order along the transport path of the container film 3. When the container film 3 is heated by the heating device 15 and becomes relatively flexible, the pocket forming device 16 forms multiple pockets 2 at predetermined positions on the container film 3. The formation of the pockets 2 is performed during the intervals between the transport operations of the container film 3 by the intermittent feed roll 14. Furthermore, by using registration marks 9 to adjust the stopping position of the container film 3 during the formation of the pockets 2, the pockets 2 are accurately formed in the areas of the container film 3 where the pockets 2 are to be formed (transparent or translucent parts).

[0038] The container film 3, fed from the intermittent feed roll 14, is mounted in the following order: tension roll 18, guide roll 19, and film receiving roll 20. The film receiving roll 20 is connected to a motor that rotates at a constant speed, thus transporting the container film 3 continuously and at a constant speed. The tension roll 18 is positioned to pull the container film 3 towards the side that is under tension by elastic force, preventing slack in the container film 3 due to differences in transport operation between the intermittent feed roll 14 and the film receiving roll 20, and maintaining the container film 3 in a constantly taut state.

[0039] Between the guide roll 19 and the film receiving roll 20, a filling device 21 is positioned along the transport path of the container film 3. The filling device 21 includes a cylindrical chute for accommodating the tablets 5 in a single row, and a shutter (not shown) that can open and close the exit of the chute. The tablets 5 are filled into the pocket portion 2 by opening the shutter at a predetermined timing. Alternatively, the filling device 21 may also include a suction drum (not shown) capable of adsorbing the tablets 5, and the tablets 5 are filled into the pocket portion 2 by releasing the suction.

[0040] Meanwhile, the raw material of the strip-shaped cover film 4 is wound into a roll at the upstream end. The cover film 4 is a relatively thick (for example, 30-90 μm thick) transparent or translucent thermoplastic resin film, and as described above, does not have the identification information 6 printed on it. The end of the roll-shaped cover film 4 is guided by the guide roll 23 toward the stretching device 24 and the heating roll 25.

[0041] The stretching device 24 is located directly upstream of the heating roll 25 along the conveying direction of the cover film 4 and has the function of stretching the cover film 4. The stretching device 24 stretches the cover film 4 by, for example, 3 to 7% in order to prevent the occurrence of "wrinkles" in the relatively thick cover film 4 as described above. Since there is no identification information on the cover film 4, stretching of the cover film 4 for alignment with the identification information provided on the cover film 4 and a predetermined part of the container film 3 (for example, the pocket part 2, etc.) is unnecessary. Therefore, the stretching device 24 is a relatively simple device that does not have a function related to stretching for alignment.

[0042] The heating roll 25 can be pressed against the film receiving roll 20, and the container film 3 and cover film 4 are fed between the two rolls 20 and 25. As the container film 3 and cover film 4 pass between the two rolls 20 and 25 under heated and pressed conditions, the cover film 4 is attached to the container film 3, and the pocket portions 2 are sealed by the cover film 4. This produces a strip-shaped PTP film 7 in which tablets 5 are contained in each pocket portion 2.

[0043] The PTP film 7, fed from the film receiving roll 20, is mounted on the tension roll 27 and then the intermittent feed roll 28 in that order. The intermittent feed roll 28 is connected to a motor that rotates intermittently, thus intermittently transporting the PTP film 7. The tension roll 27 is positioned to pull the PTP film 7 towards the side that is under tension by elastic force, preventing slack in the PTP film 7 due to the difference in transport operation between the film receiving roll 20 and the intermittent feed roll 28, and keeping the PTP film 7 in a constantly taut state.

[0044] The PTP film 7, fed from the intermittent feed roll 28, is mounted on the tension roll 31 and then the intermittent feed roll 32 in that order. The intermittent feed roll 32 is connected to a motor that rotates intermittently, thus intermittently conveying the PTP film 7. The tension roll 31 is positioned to pull the PTP film 7 towards the tensioned side by elastic force, preventing slack in the PTP film 7 between the intermittent feed rolls 28 and 32.

[0045] Between the intermittent feed roll 28 and the tension roll 31, a slitting device 33 and an engraving device 34 are arranged in order along the transport path of the PTP film 7. The slitting device 33 has the function of forming separation slits at predetermined positions on the PTP film 7. The engraving device 34 has the function of engraving at predetermined positions on the PTP film 7. Note that the separation slits and engraving are not shown in Figure 1, etc.

[0046] The PTP film 7, fed from the intermittent feed roll 32, is then mounted downstream on the tension roll 35 and the continuous feed roll 36 in that order. Between the intermittent feed roll 32 and the tension roll 35, a sheet punching device 37 is positioned along the transport path of the PTP film 7. The sheet punching device 37 has the function of punching out the outer edge of the PTP film 7 into units of PTP sheets, that is, separating the PTP sheet 1 from the PTP film 7.

[0047] The PTP sheets 1 obtained by the sheet punching machine 37 are transported by the conveyor 39 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 discharged separately by a defective sheet discharge mechanism (not shown).

[0048] A cutting device 42 is located downstream of the continuous feed roll 36. The unwanted film portion 43, which constitutes the remaining material (scrap portion) in a strip shape after punching by the sheet punching device 37, is guided by the tension roll 35 and the continuous feed roll 36, and then led to the cutting device 42. The cutting device 42 cuts the unwanted film portion 43 to a predetermined size. The cut unwanted film portion 43 (scrap) is stored in a scrap hopper 44 and then disposed of separately.

[0049] As described in detail above, according to this embodiment, since the container film 3 and the cover film 4 are each made of thermoplastic resin, recyclability can be improved.

[0050] Furthermore, at least the portion of the cover film 4 that corresponds to (overlaps with) the identification information 6 printed on the back surface of the container film 3 has sufficient light transmission to allow the identification information 6 to be seen, thus making it possible to see the identification information 6 from the cover film 4 side. Also, since the identification information 6 is printed on the container film 3, it will not be distorted by the stretching of the cover film 4. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably prevent distortion in the identification information 6 that is visible from the cover film 4 side. This makes it possible to more reliably prevent the identification information 6 from becoming unreadable or its appearance from deteriorating.

[0051] In addition, the identification information 6 printed on the back of the container film 3 is covered by the cover film 4, thus effectively protecting the identification information 6.

[0052] Furthermore, since the identification information 6 is printed only on the container film 3, the identification information 6 will not be distorted by the stretching of the cover film 4. This prevents problems such as the identification information 6 not being read correctly.

[0053] Furthermore, since the cover film 4 does not contain identification information, there is no need to stretch the cover film 4 to align the identification information provided on the cover film 4 with a predetermined part of the container film 3 (for example, the pocket portion 2). Therefore, the structure of the PTP packaging machine 10 (especially the stretching device 24) for manufacturing the PTP sheet 1 can be simplified.

[0054] Furthermore, since the flange portion 3a is opaque, the visibility of the identification information 6 printed on the flange portion 3a can be improved compared to when the flange portion 3a is transparent. In addition, by making the flange portion 3a opaque, it is possible to ensure the visibility of each identification information 6 provided on both sides while providing identification information 6 on both sides of the same area of ​​the flange portion 3a.

[0055] In addition, the pocket portion 2 has sufficient light transmission to allow the contained tablet 5 to be seen, and the cover film 4 has sufficient light transmission to allow the tablet 5 contained in the pocket portion 2 to be seen from the cover film 4 side. Therefore, the portion of the PTP sheet 1 corresponding to the pocket portion 2 (i.e., the portion of the PTP sheet 1 that covers the pocket portion 2, both the pocket portion 2 and the cover film 4) has a transparency that is clearly different from the opaque portion of the PTP sheet 1 corresponding to the flange portion 3a, making it easier to identify the portion of the PTP sheet 1 corresponding to the pocket portion 2. Furthermore, since the tablet 5 can be seen through the pocket portion 2 and cover film 4 from both the front and back sides of the PTP sheet 1, the color and shape of the tablet 5, and whether or not the tablet 5 is present, can be more easily determined. These factors combined significantly enhance convenience for the user.

[0056] Furthermore, the embodiment is not limited to the description above, and may be implemented as follows, for example. Of course, other applications and modifications not exemplified below are also possible.

[0057] (a) In the above embodiment, the opaque portion 8 is provided on the back surface of the container film 3, but it may also be provided on the front surface of the container film 3.

[0058] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the identification information 6, which is visible from the front side of the PTP sheet 1 (the side opposite to the cover film 4), is provided on the surface of the container film 3. However, as shown in Figure 6, it may also be provided on the back side of the container film 3. In this case, at least the portion of the container film 3 corresponding to the identification information 6 is made transparent enough to allow the identification information 6 to be visible through that portion. In this case, the opaque portion 8 is provided on the back side of the container film 3 so as to cover the identification information 6.

[0059] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, identification information 6x, which is visible from the front side of the PTP sheet 1 (opposite side from the cover film 4), and identification information 6y, which is visible from the back side of the PTP sheet 1 (the side facing the cover film 4), may be printed on the back side of the container film 3 (the side facing the cover film 4). In this case, at least the portion of the container film 3 corresponding to the identification information 6x shall have sufficient light transmission to allow the identification information 6x to be visible through that portion. Also, at least the portion of the cover film 4 corresponding to the identification information 6y shall have sufficient light transmission to allow the identification information 6y to be visible through that portion. Furthermore, the opaque portion 8 is provided so as to cover the identification information 6x, and the identification information 6y is printed on the opaque portion 8, on the side of the opaque portion 8 that is closer to the cover film 4.

[0060] (b) In the above embodiment, the cover film 4 does not have the identification information 6 printed on it, but the identification information 6 may be printed on the cover film 4. Furthermore, the design and pitch of the identification information 6 before stretching may be adjusted to take into consideration the stretching of the cover film 4 in order to prevent wrinkles.

[0061] (c) In the above embodiment, the PTP film 7 has a configuration in which the number of pocket portions 2 corresponding to one sheet are arranged along its width direction, but it may also have a configuration in which the number of pocket portions 2 corresponding to multiple sheets are arranged along its width direction.

[0062] (d) In the above embodiment, the case where the contents are tablets 5 is described, but the type, shape, etc. of the contents are not particularly limited. The contents may be different from tablets 5, for example, capsules, food, electronic components, etc.

[0063] (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 in a PTP sheet 1 unit are not limited in any way to the above embodiment.

[0064] (f) In the above embodiment, PTP sheet 1 is given as the "packaging sheet," but the technical concept of the present invention may also be applied to packaging sheets other than PTP sheet 1 (for example, blister sheets). [Explanation of Symbols]

[0065] 1...PTP sheet (packaging sheet), 2...Pocket section, 3...Container film, 3a...Flange section, 4...Cover film, 5...Tablet (contents), 6...Identification information.

Claims

1. A container film made of thermoplastic resin having pockets formed for containing contents, A packaging sheet comprising a cover film made of thermoplastic resin attached to the container film so as to close the opening of the pocket portion in which the contents are contained, At least the surface of the container film located on the cover film side has predetermined identification information printed on it. A packaging sheet characterized in that at least a portion of the cover film corresponding to the identification information printed on the cover film side of the container film has light transmittance to such an extent that the identification information can be seen through that portion.

2. The aforementioned cover film does not have the aforementioned identification information printed on it. The packaging sheet according to claim 1, characterized in that all of the identification information visible from the cover film side is printed on the container film and is visible through the cover film.

3. The container film has a flat flange portion located at the opening periphery of the pocket portion, The aforementioned pocket portion has a degree of light transmission that allows the contents contained within to be visible, The flange portion is made opaque and has the identification information printed on it. The packaging sheet according to claim 1, characterized in that the cover film has light transmittance to such an extent that the contents contained in the pocket can be seen from the cover film side.

Images