Methods for reusing the core

Abstract

This invention provides a method for reusing the core of a product after the packaging material has been used up. [Solution] When the core body 61 is mounted on the outer circumference of the rotatably mounted support shaft 31, the first recess 6151 on one end side or the first recess 6152 on the other end side fits into the first projection 313 provided at the base end of the support shaft 31, thereby allowing it to rotate integrally with the support shaft 31. When mounted on the outer circumference of the support shaft 31, the second recess 616 engages with the second projection 317 provided at the tip of the support shaft 31, thereby aligning the first projection 313 and the first recess 6151 on one end side or the first recess 6152 on the other end side in the circumferential direction of the support shaft 31. Using the core body 61, after the long sheet previously wound around the core body 61 has been used up, a new long sheet 62 is wound around the core body 61.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for reusing a core body in a state where a packaging material, which is a strip-shaped sheet, is wound around it.

Background Art

[0002] There exists a pharmaceutical packaging device that uses a packaging material, which is a strip-shaped sheet, to package pharmaceuticals. An example of a support device for the packaging material included in such a pharmaceutical packaging device is described in Patent Document 1. The configuration described in Patent Document 1 has a support shaft (paper feed drum) protruding from a base (referred to as "machine body" in the description of Patent Document 1; the same applies to the following parentheses), and the support shaft is rotatably supported by the base. A core body (core cylinder) is attached to the outer periphery of the support shaft. A packaging material (packaging paper) is wound around the outer periphery of the core body to form a roll-shaped wound body. Pharmaceuticals can be packaged for the packaging material sequentially drawn out from the wound body.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Here, recently, for example, resource conservation has been demanded.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a method for reusing a core body, which enables the core body to be repeatedly used by reusing the core body after the packaging material has been used up.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The present invention relates to a core body, formed in a cylindrical shape, capable of winding a long sheet around its outer circumference, having a cylindrical inner circumference, having one end and the other end, the inner circumference having a first recess on the one end side provided at the position of the one end and recessed radially outward, a first recess on the other end side provided at the position of the other end and recessed radially outward, and a second recess provided extending from the position of the one end to the position of the other end, recessed radially outward, and having a smaller amount of radially outward recess relative to the inner circumference compared to the first recess on the one end side and the first recess on the other end side, and can be attached from the one end side or the other end side to the outer circumference of a rotatably mounted support shaft. The method for reusing a core body involves using a core body in which, when mounted on the outer circumference of the support shaft, the first recess on one end or the first recess on the other end engages with a first projection provided at the base end of the support shaft, thereby allowing it to rotate integrally with the support shaft, and when mounted on the outer circumference of the support shaft, the second recess engages with a second projection provided at the tip of the support shaft, thereby aligning the first projection and the first recess on one end or the first recess on the other end in the circumferential direction of the support shaft, and includes winding a new long sheet onto the core body after the long sheet previously wound around the core body has been used up. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] This invention allows for the repeated use of the core by reusing the core after the packaging material has been used up. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the schematic configuration of the packaging section in a pharmaceutical packaging device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing the support shaft and the core body of the winding section within the aforementioned packaging. [Figure 3] This is a half-sectional perspective view along the axis of the aforementioned core body. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view showing the core body in the state of being attached to the support shaft within the packaging. [Figure 5]This diagram illustrates how the core body is aligned in the circumferential direction with respect to the support shaft. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view showing one example (part 1) of another form of the support shaft. [Figure 7] This is a perspective view showing another example (part 2) of the aforementioned support shaft. [Figure 8] These are reduced perspective views of another example (modified version) of the core body, seen from the front, top, and left side. [Figure 9] This is a reduced perspective view of the modified example described above, seen from the front and top. [Figure 10] This is a front view of the modified example described above. [Figure 11] This is a plan view of the modified example described above. [Figure 12] This is a bottom view of the modified example described above. [Figure 13] This is a right side view of the modified example described above. [Figure 14] This is a left side view of the modified example described above. [Figure 15] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the modified example shown in Figure 10, taken from line XV-XV. [Figure 16] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the modified example shown in Figure 10, specifically the line XVI-XVI. [Figure 17] This is a cross-sectional view taken along line XVII-XVII in Figure 10 of the modified example described above. [Figure 18] This is an enlarged end view of the XVIII-XVIII section in Figure 11 of the aforementioned modified example. [Figure 19] This is a perspective view showing the core body according to the above modification, together with the support shaft and the packaging material in a rolled shape. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Next, an embodiment of the combination of the winding body 6 and the drug packaging device 1 will be taken up and described for the present invention. In the following description, the "base end side" corresponds to the left side in FIG. 2, and the "tip end side" corresponds to the right side in FIG. 2. Further, the "axial direction" in the following description refers to the axial direction of the support shaft 31. Also, regarding the reference numerals assigned to each component, the same reference numerals may be used even if different names are given depending on focusing on the function. Also, for a plurality of components having the same shape, the same reference numerals are used for each of them.

[0010] -Winding body- As shown in FIG. 1, the winding body 6 is formed by winding a packaging material 62. The winding body 6 includes a core body 61 and a packaging material 62. The core body 61 is formed in a cylindrical shape. Examples of the material of the core body 61 include hard resin. The packaging material 62 is formed in a band shape. In other words, the packaging material 62 is formed in a long sheet shape. The packaging material 62 includes a base material and a heat-sealing layer and can be adhered by heat sealing. Examples of the base material include glassine paper and cellophane paper. The heat-sealing layer is formed on the base material. Examples of the material of the heat-sealing layer include polyethylene. The packaging material 62 is wound around the outer periphery of the core body 61. In the present embodiment, the packaging material 62 is wound around the outer periphery of the core body 61 in a state where it is folded in half at the center in the width direction (short side direction) so that the heat-sealing layer is on the inner side.

[0011] -Drug packaging device- As shown in FIG. 1, the drug packaging device 1 packages a drug using the packaging material 62. Examples of the drug include tablets and powders. The drug packaging device 1 includes a support shaft 31 that supports the winding body 6. In FIG. 1, the support shaft 31 is omitted. The drug packaging device 1 packages a drug using the packaging material 62 unwound from the winding body 6 supported by the support shaft 31.

[0012] The pharmaceutical packaging device 1 includes a packaging section 2, which is the part that packages the pharmaceutical. The packaging section 2 includes a packaging material supply section 3, a packaging material transport section 4, and a packaging body forming section 5. The packaging material supply section 3 supplies packaging material 62. The packaging material transport section 4 transports the packaging material 62 supplied by the packaging material supply section 3. The packaging body forming section 5 uses the packaging material 62 transported by the packaging material transport section 4 to form a package containing the pharmaceutical. The packaging material 62 is transported in its longitudinal direction (in the direction of arrow F shown in the figure). In the packaging section 2, the packaging material supply section 3, the packaging material transport section 4, and the packaging body forming section 5 are located in this order from upstream to downstream in the transport direction of the packaging material 62.

[0013] -Packaging material supply department- The packaging material supply unit 3 is the part that sends the packaging material 62 to the packaging material transport unit 4 and beyond. The winding body 6 is arranged in the packaging material supply unit 3 so that it can rotate in the circumferential direction. As the winding body 6 rotates, the packaging material 62 is pulled out from the winding body 6 in the longitudinal direction.

[0014] -Packaging material conveyance department- The packaging material conveying unit 4 conveys the packaging material 62 in the longitudinal direction and supplies it to the packaging body forming unit 5 downstream in the conveying direction. The packaging material conveying unit 4 mainly includes a tension adjustment mechanism 41 and a folding bar 42. The tension adjustment mechanism 41 is a mechanism that adjusts tension by bridging the packaging material 62 so as to fold it between a plurality of rollers 411 to 413 whose interaxial distance varies. In this embodiment, the tension adjustment mechanism 41 is, for example, a combination of two fixed rollers 411 and 412 whose axial positions are fixed and one dancer roller 413 that moves so that its axial position is curved relative to the base. The folding bar 42 changes the conveying direction of the packaging material 62 that is conveyed upward from the tension adjustment mechanism 41 to a diagonally downward direction. The packaging material conveying unit 4 can be provided with a printing unit 43 for printing, for example, drug prescription information on the surface of the packaging material 62.

[0015] -Package formation department- The packaging forming section 5 is the part that supplies the drug to the packaging material 62 according to the prescription and packages each package by bonding the packaging material 62 together. The packaging forming section 5 mainly comprises a triangular plate 51, a hopper 52, and a packaging material bonding section 53. The triangular plate 51 is located downstream of the folding bar 42 in the transport direction and is the part that pushes open one side and the other side of the packaging material 62, which is folded in half in the width direction, to create a V-shaped cross-section when viewed in the longitudinal direction. The hopper 52 has a lower part 522 that is formed with a reduced cross-sectional area compared to the upper part 521, into which a portion of the lower part 522 is inserted into the V-shaped space 62S formed when the packaging material 62 is pushed open by the triangular plate 51. The drug supplied according to the prescription is supplied to the packaging material 62 via the inside of the hopper 52 by a drug supply mechanism (not shown) provided above the hopper 52. The packaging material bonding section 53 is the part that heat-seals the packaging material 62 to bond it so that each individual packaging material 62 containing the drug is divided into separate packages. In addition, the packaging body forming section 5 may be provided with, for example, a perforation forming section (not shown) for forming perforations in the packaging material 62 bonded by the packaging material bonding section 53 to facilitate cutting.

[0016] -Support shaft- As shown in Figure 2, the support shaft 31 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The support shaft 31 includes a cylindrical outer circumference as part of it. A winding body 6, more specifically the core body 61 of the winding body 6, is attached to the outer circumference of the outer circumference of the support shaft 31 (the outer circumference of the support shaft 31).

[0017] The support shaft 31 is rotatably mounted relative to the base. In Figure 2, the base is located to the left of the support shaft 31, but it is not shown. The support shaft 31 is rotatable around the central axis of its outer circumference (the central axis of the support shaft 31).

[0018] The support shaft 31 is driven by a drive unit. The drive unit is located inside the base. The drive unit can be a stepping motor or the like. The drive unit rotates the support shaft 31 in a first rotational direction and in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction. When the support shaft 31 rotates in the first rotational direction, the packaging material 62 is unwound from the winding body 6 supported by the support shaft 31. When the support shaft 31 rotates in the second rotational direction, the packaging material 62 is unwound back onto the winding body 6 supported by the support shaft 31. The drive unit intermittently rotates the support shaft 31 in response to the transport of the packaging material 62 to the packaging body forming unit 5.

[0019] The support shaft 31 is cantilevered to the base. The support shaft 31 has a base end (left side in Figure 2) and a tip end (right side in Figure 2). A core body 61 is attached to the outer circumference of such a support shaft 31, starting from the tip end side. Hereinafter, the direction from the tip end of the support shaft 31 toward the base end of the support shaft 31 may be referred to as the "attachment direction," and the direction from the base end of the support shaft 31 toward the tip end of the support shaft 31 may be referred to as the "removal direction."

[0020] The support shaft 31 can also be said to comprise a support shaft body 31A and a support shaft tip 31B. The support shaft body 31A is the portion of the support shaft 31 that includes the base end. The support shaft tip 31B is the portion of the support shaft 31 that includes the tip. The support shaft tip 31B is provided separately from the support shaft body 31A and is attached to the tip of the support shaft body 31A. By removing the support shaft tip 31B from the support shaft body 31A, the inside of the support shaft body 31A is opened. Therefore, when components such as the magnetic detection unit described later are mounted inside the support shaft 31, the installation and maintenance work of those components becomes easier. The support shaft tip 31B may be formed integrally with the support shaft body 31A. The support shaft tip 31B functions as an installation assist part that assists in the installation work of the core body 61 onto the support shaft body 31A. The support shaft tip 31B is used in combination with the winding body 6 of this embodiment.

[0021] Furthermore, the support shaft 31 can be said to comprise a main shaft portion 311 and a base shaft portion 312, as distinguished from the aforementioned support shaft body 31A and support shaft tip 31B. The main shaft portion 311 is the part of the support shaft 31 that includes the tip. The main shaft portion 311 has a fixed diameter. The base shaft portion 312 is located closer to the base end of the support shaft 31 than the main shaft portion 311. The base shaft portion 312 is the part of the support shaft 31 that includes the base end. The base shaft portion 312 has a larger diameter than the main shaft portion 311. As shown in Figure 2, a step extending in the circumferential direction is formed between the main shaft portion 311 and the base shaft portion 312.

[0022] The outer circumference of the support shaft 31 is formed with at least one (multiple in this embodiment, specifically four) first projections 313, at least one (multiple in this embodiment, specifically two) second projections 317, and at least one (one in this embodiment) third projection 318.

[0023] Each first projection 313 is provided at the base end of the support shaft 31 and protrudes radially outward from the support shaft 31. Each first projection 313 is provided on the support shaft body 31A. Each first projection 313 is provided on the base end shaft portion 312. Each first projection 313 extends in the axial direction of the support shaft 31 at the base end of the support shaft 31.

[0024] Each first projection 313 is provided at an angular interval in the circumferential direction of the support shaft 31. Each first projection 313 is provided at equal angular intervals in the circumferential direction of the support shaft 31. In this embodiment, four first projections 313 to 313 are provided at 90° intervals in the circumferential direction of the support shaft 31. When the support shaft 31 is viewed from the base end side, if the angular position of the first first projection 313 shown on the upper side in Figure 2 is taken as the reference angle of 0° (this will also be used as the reference angle for the angular position of the support shaft 31 in the following description), then the angular position of the second first projection 313 (shown on the front side in Figure 2) is 90°, the angular position of the third first projection 313 (not shown in Figure 2 because it is on the radially opposite side of the first first projection 313) is 180°, and the angular position of the fourth first projection 313 (shown on the back side in Figure 2) is 270°.

[0025] Each second projection 317 is located at the tip of the support shaft 31 and protrudes radially outward from the support shaft 31. Each second projection 317 is located on the support shaft tip body 31B. Each second projection 317 is located on the main shaft portion 311. Each second projection 317 extends in the axial direction of the support shaft 31 at the tip of the support shaft 31. Each second projection 317 protrudes radially outward from the outer circumference of the support shaft 31 less than each first projection 313.

[0026] Each second projection 317 comprises a main body 3171 and a tip section 3172. The width dimension of the main body 3171 (the dimension in the circumferential direction of the support shaft 31) is constant in the axial direction of the support shaft 31. The tip section 3172 is provided on the tip side of the support shaft 31 relative to the main body 3171. The tip section 3172 is connected to the main body 3171. The tip section 3172 narrows from both sides in the circumferential direction of the support shaft 31 as it progresses from the base end of the support shaft 31 toward the tip of the support shaft 31.

[0027] Each second projection 317 is provided at an angular interval in the circumferential direction of the support shaft 31. Each second projection 317 is provided at equal angular intervals in the circumferential direction of the support shaft 31. In this embodiment, two second projections 317, 317 are provided at 180° intervals in the circumferential direction of the support shaft 31. Furthermore, in this embodiment, in the circumferential direction of the support shaft 31, each of the two second projections 317, 317 is provided at the same angular position with respect to each of the two first projections 313, 313 of the four first projections. When the support shaft 31 is viewed from the base end side, if the angular position of the first projection 313 is 0° in the circumferential direction of the support shaft 31, the angular positions of the first and second second projections 317, 317 are 0° and 180°, respectively.

[0028] The third projection 318 is located at an intermediate position between the base end and the tip end of the support shaft 31, and protrudes radially outward from the support shaft 31. The third projection 318 is provided on the support shaft body 31A. The third projection 318 is provided on the main shaft portion 311. The third projection 318 extends in the axial direction of the support shaft 31 at the intermediate portion between the base end and the tip end of the support shaft 31. The amount of radial outward protrusion of the third projection 318 relative to the outer circumference of the support shaft 31 is smaller than that of each first projection 313. The amount of radial outward protrusion of the third projection 318 relative to the outer circumference of the support shaft 31 is the same as that of each second projection 317. The width dimension of the third projection 318 (the dimension in the circumferential direction of the support shaft 31) is constant in the axial direction of the support shaft 31. The width dimension of the third projection 318 is the same as the width dimension of the main body portion 3171 of each second projection 317.

[0029] The third projection 318 is provided at a predetermined angular position in the circumferential direction of the support shaft 31. In this embodiment, in the circumferential direction of the support shaft 31, the third projection 318 is provided at the same angular position as one of the two second projections 317, 317. When the support shaft 31 is viewed from the base end side, if the angular position of the first projection 313 is 0° in the circumferential direction of the support shaft 31, then the angular position of the third projection 318 is 0°.

[0030] The support shaft 31 is provided with at least one (in this embodiment, more than one, specifically two) retractable portion 316. Each retractable portion 316 is located near the tip of the support shaft 31. Each retractable portion 316 is provided on the support shaft tip body 31B. Each retractable portion 316 may be provided on the support shaft body 31A. Each retractable portion 316 is provided on the main shaft portion 311.

[0031] Each retractable portion 316 is provided so as to be able to extend and retract relative to the outer circumference of the support shaft 31. Each retractable portion 316 is formed in a spherical or hemispherical shape. Each retractable portion 316 is embedded inside the support shaft 31. The outer circumference of the support shaft 31 has the same number of circular holes as the number of retractable portions 316. Each circular hole penetrates the outer circumference of the support shaft 31 in the radial direction. A portion of each retractable portion 316 protrudes radially outward from the circular hole. Each retractable portion 316 is biased radially outward from the support shaft 31 by a spring (not shown). The spring is provided inside the support shaft.

[0032] Each retractable portion 316 is provided at an angular interval in the circumferential direction of the support shaft 31. Each retractable portion 316 is provided at equal angular intervals in the circumferential direction of the support shaft 31. In this embodiment, two retractable portions 316, 316 are provided as the first and second retractable portions 316, 316, at 180° intervals in the circumferential direction of the support shaft 31. Furthermore, in this embodiment, in the circumferential direction of the support shaft 31, each of the two retractable portions 316, 316 is provided at a different angular position with respect to each of the two second projections 317, 317. Specifically, in the circumferential direction of the support shaft 31, each of the two retractable portions 316, 316 is provided at an angular position 90° different from each of the two second projections 317, 317. In the circumferential direction of the support shaft 31, each of the two retractable portions 316, 316 is positioned at the same angular position with respect to the second and fourth first projections 313, 313, respectively. When the support shaft 31 is viewed from the base end side, if the angular position of the first first projection 313 is set to 0° in the circumferential direction of the support shaft 31, the angular positions of the first and second retractable portions 316, 316 are 90° and 270°, respectively.

[0033] The support shaft 31 further comprises at least one (in this embodiment, more than one, specifically two) movable parts 314. Each movable part 314 is located at the base end of the support shaft 31. Each movable part 314 is located on the support shaft body 31A. Each movable part 314 is located on the base shaft portion 312. Each movable part 314 is movably mounted in the axial direction of the support shaft 31. Each movable part 314 is formed in a rod shape and extends radially along the support shaft 31. The tip of each movable part 314 protrudes radially outward from the outer surface of the core body 61 when the core body 61 is mounted on the outer circumference of the support shaft 31. Each movable part 314 is movable between a retracted position and an advanced position. The advanced position is a position advanced relative to the retracted position in the direction from the base end of the support shaft 31 toward the tip of the support shaft 31. Each movable part 314 is biased by a spring (not shown) in the direction from the base end of the support shaft 31 toward the tip end of the support shaft 31. The spring is located inside the support shaft 31.

[0034] Each movable part 314 is provided at angular intervals in the circumferential direction of the support shaft 31. Each movable part 314 is provided at equal angular intervals in the circumferential direction of the support shaft 31. In this embodiment, two movable parts 314, 314 are provided as the first and second movable parts 314, 314, at 180° intervals in the circumferential direction of the support shaft 31. Moreover, in this embodiment, each of the two movable parts 314, 314 is provided at the same angular position with respect to the second and fourth first protrusions 313, 313 in the circumferential direction of the support shaft 31. For this reason, each of the two movable parts 314, 314 is provided to protrude radially outward from the second and fourth first protrusions 313, 313. When the support shaft 31 is viewed from the base end side, if the angular position of the first projection 313 is set to 0° in the circumferential direction of the support shaft 31, then the angular positions of the first and second movable parts 314, 314 are 90° and 270°, respectively.

[0035] The first movable part 314 is provided on the second first projection 313, which is at an angular position of 90° with respect to the first first projection 313 (angular position 0°). A first elongated hole 315, which serves as a notch extending in the axial direction of the support shaft 31, is formed on the radial outer surface of the second first projection 313. The first elongated hole 315 penetrates the second first projection 313 in the radial direction of the support shaft 31. The first movable part 314 penetrates the first elongated hole 315, and a portion of it, including its tip, protrudes radially outward from the first elongated hole 315 relative to the support shaft 31.

[0036] On the other hand, the second movable part 314 is provided on the fourth first projection 313, which is at an angular position of 270° with respect to the first first projection 313 (angular position 0°). A second elongated hole 315, which serves as a notch extending in the axial direction of the support shaft 31, is formed on the radial outer surface of the fourth first projection 313. The second elongated hole 315 penetrates the fourth first projection 313 in the radial direction of the support shaft 31. The second movable part 314 penetrates the second elongated hole 315, and a portion of it, including its tip, protrudes radially outward from the second elongated hole 315 relative to the support shaft 31.

[0037] -core body- As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the core body 61 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The core body 61 comprises a cylindrical outer circumference which is the radially outer region, and a cylindrical inner circumference which is the radially inner region (not shown). The core body 61 has one end (the left end in Figures 2 and 3) and the other end (the right end in Figures 2 and 3). The core body 61 is basically formed symmetrically with respect to a virtual plane perpendicular to its central axis at the center of the axial direction parallel to its central axis. In other words, the shape of the one end side and the shape of the other end side of the core body 61 are mirror images of each other with respect to the virtual plane. Such a core body 61 can be attached to the outer circumference of the support shaft 31 from both the one end side and the other end side.

[0038] The outer diameter of the core body 61 is constant in the axial direction of the core body 61. There are no steps on the outer circumference of the core body 61. Therefore, even if the packaging material 62 is wound around the outer circumference of the core body 61, no step marks are left on the packaging material 62.

[0039] The inner circumference of the core body 61 has at least one (in this embodiment, more than four, specifically) first recesses 6151 on one end, at least one (in this embodiment, more than four, specifically) first recesses 6152 on the other end, and at least one (in this embodiment, more than two, specifically) second recesses 616. Each first recess 6151 on one end and each first recess 6152 on the other end functions as a first recess 615.

[0040] The number of first recesses 6151 on one end is the same as the number of first projections 313 on the support shaft 31. However, the number of first recesses 6151 on one end may be greater than the number of first projections 313 on the support shaft 31. The number of first recesses 6152 on the other end is the same as the number of first projections 313 on the support shaft 31. However, the number of first recesses 6152 on the other end may be greater than the number of first projections 313 on the support shaft 31. The number of second recesses 616 is the same as the number of second projections 317 on the support shaft 31. However, the number of second recesses 616 may be greater than the number of second projections 317 on the support shaft 31.

[0041] Each end-side first recess 6151 engages with each first projection 313 of the support shaft 31 when the core body 61 is mounted on the outer circumference of the support shaft 31 from one end side. Each end-side first recess 6151 is located at one end of the core body 61 and is recessed radially outward from the core body 61.

[0042] Each end-side first recess 6151 is provided at angular intervals in the circumferential direction of the core body 61. Each end-side first recess 6151 is provided at equal angular intervals in the circumferential direction of the core body 61. In this embodiment, four end-side first recesses 6151 to 6151 are provided at 90° intervals in the circumferential direction of the core body 61. When the core body 61 is viewed from one end, if the angular position of the first end-side first recess 6151 is set to 0°, which is the reference angle (this will also be used as the reference angle for angular positions related to the core body 61 in the following description), then the angular positions of the second to fourth end-side first recesses 6151 to 6151 are 90°, 180°, and 270°, respectively. This relationship of angular positions is the same as the relationship of angular positions of the four first protrusions 313 to 313 on the support shaft 31.

[0043] Each end-side first recess 6151 extends in the axial direction of the core body 61 at one end of the core body 61. Each end-side first recess 6151 has an end. The end is located at one end of the core body 61, offset to the other end of the core body 61 with respect to the end face of that end (hereinafter referred to as "end face"). Each end-side first recess 6151 extends to the end face of the core body 61 and opens at the end face of the core body 61. Near the end face of the core body 61, each end-side first recess 6151 expands on both sides in the circumferential direction of the core body 61 as it approaches the end face.

[0044] Each of the first recesses 6152 on the other end side fits onto each of the first projections 313 of the support shaft 31 when the core body 61 is mounted on the outer circumference of the support shaft 31 from the other end side of the core body 61. Each of the first recesses 6152 on the other end side is provided at the other end of the core body 61 and is recessed radially outward from the core body 61.

[0045] Each other-end side first recess 6152 is provided at angular intervals in the circumferential direction of the core body 61. Each other-end side first recess 6152 is provided at equal angular intervals in the circumferential direction of the core body 61. In this embodiment, four other-end side first recesses 6152 are provided at 90° intervals in the circumferential direction of the core body 61. Furthermore, in this embodiment, in the circumferential direction of the core body 61, each of the four other-end side first recesses 6152-6152 is provided at the same angular position with respect to each of the four one-end side first recesses 6151-6151. When the core body 61 is viewed from one end, if the angular position of the first one-end side first recess 6151 is set to 0° in the circumferential direction of the core body 61, then the angular positions of the first to fourth other-end side first recesses 6152-6152 are 0°, 90°, 180°, and 270°, respectively. This angular positional relationship is the same as that of the four first projections 313-313 on the support shaft 31, as is the case with the first recess 6151 on each end side.

[0046] Each other-end side first recess 6152 extends in the axial direction of the core body 61 at the other end of the core body 61. Each other-end side first recess 6152 has an end. The end is located at the other end of the core body 61, shifted toward one end of the core body 61 with respect to the position of the end face of the other end of the core body 61 (hereinafter referred to as the "other end face"). Each other-end side first recess 6152 extends to the other end face of the core body 61 and opens at the other end face of the core body 61. Near the other end face of the core body 61, each other-end side first recess 6152 expands on both sides in the circumferential direction of the core body 61 as it approaches the other end face of the core body 61.

[0047] Each second recess 616 engages with the second projection 317 of the support shaft 31 when the core body 61 is mounted on the outer circumference of the support shaft 31. Each second recess 616 extends from one end of the core body 61 to the other end and is recessed radially outward from the core body 61. Each second recess 616 has a smaller radially outward recess relative to the inner circumference of the core body 61 (more specifically, the inner surface of the core body 61) compared to the first recess 6151 on each end side and the first recess 6152 on each other end side. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a reduction in the strength of the core body 61 due to the formation of each second recess 616.

[0048] Each second recess 616 is provided at an angular interval in the circumferential direction of the core body 61. Each second recess 616 is provided at an equal angular interval in the circumferential direction of the core body 61. In this embodiment, two second recesses 616, 616 are provided at 180° intervals in the circumferential direction of the core body 61. Furthermore, in this embodiment, in the circumferential direction of the core body 61, each of the two second recesses 616, 616 is provided at the same angular position with respect to each of the two first recesses 6151, 6151 of the four first recesses 6151 at one end. When the core body 61 is viewed from one end, if the angular position of the first first recess 6151 at one end is set to 0° in the circumferential direction of the core body 61, then the angular positions of the first and second second recesses 616, 616 are 0° and 180°, respectively. This angular positional relationship is the same as the angular positional relationship of the two second protrusions 317, 317 on the support shaft 31.

[0049] Each second recess 616 extends axially along the core body 61, spanning from the position of one end of the core body 61 to the position of the other end of the core body 61. Each second recess 616 extends to one end face of the core body 61 and opens at that end face. Each second recess 616 is connected to each other in the circumferential direction of the core body 61 at the position of one end of the core body 61. That is, the second recess 616 is formed around the entire circumference of the core body 61 at the position of one end of the core body 61. Each second recess 616 extends to the other end face of the core body 61 and opens at that end face. Each second recess 616 is connected to each other in the circumferential direction of the core body 61 at the position of the other end of the core body 61. That is, the second recess 616 is formed around the entire circumference of the core body 61 at the position of the other end of the core body 61.

[0050] Each second recess 616 includes a guide portion 6162 at one end, a guide portion 6163 at the other end, and a guide portion 6161.

[0051] The one-end guide portion 6162 guides the second projection 317 when the core body 61 is mounted on the outer circumference of the support shaft 31 from one end. The one-end guide portion 6162 is located closer to one end of the core body 61. The one-end guide portion 6162 is located closer to one end of the core body 61 than the axial center of the core body 61. As the one-end guide portion 6162 moves from one end of the core body 61 toward the other end of the core body 61, its width dimension parallel to the circumferential direction of the core body 61 decreases. As the one-end guide portion 6162 moves from one end of the core body 61 toward the other end of the core body 61, it narrows from both sides in the circumferential direction of the core body 61.

[0052] The other end guide portion 6163 guides the second projection 317 when the core body 61 is mounted on the outer circumference of the support shaft 31 from the other end side of the core body 61. The other end guide portion 6163 is located closer to the other end of the core body 61. The other end guide portion 6163 is located closer to the other end of the core body 61 than the axial center of the core body 61. As the other end guide portion 6163 moves from the other end of the core body 61 toward one end of the core body 61, its width dimension parallel to the circumferential direction of the core body 61 decreases. As the other end guide portion 6163 moves from the other end of the core body 61 toward one end of the core body 61, it narrows from both sides in the circumferential direction of the core body 61.

[0053] The guide portion 6161 guides the second projection 317 when the core body 61 is mounted on the outer circumference of the support shaft 31. The guide portion 6161 is provided between the one-end guide portion 6162 and the other-end guide portion 6163. In this embodiment, the guide portion 6161 is provided in the axial center of the core body 61. The guide portion 6161 is provided on the other-end side of the core body 61 than the position of the one-end guide portion 6162. The guide portion 6161 is connected to the one-end guide portion 6162. The guide portion 6161 is provided on the one-end side of the core body 61 than the position of the other-end guide portion 6163. The guide portion 6161 is connected to the other-end guide portion 6163.

[0054] The width dimension of the guide portion 6161 (the dimension in the circumferential direction of the core body 61) is constant in the axial direction of the core body 61. The width dimension of the guide portion 6161 is approximately the same as the width dimension of the second projection 317 of the support shaft 31 (the dimension in the circumferential direction of the support shaft 31), more specifically, the width dimension of the main body of the second projection 317. The width dimension of the guide portion 6161 is slightly larger than the width dimension of the second projection 317 to the extent that the second projection 317 allows the guide portion 6161 to move in the axial direction of the core body 61.

[0055] Each second recess 616 can be said to comprise a free region, a transition region, and a restricted region. In each second recess 616, the regions corresponding to the position of one end of the core body 61 and the position of the other end of the core body 61 are free regions. In the free regions, rotation of the core body 61 is permitted without restriction. The regions of the guide portion 6162 on the one end side and the guide portion 6163 on the other end side are transition regions. In the transition regions, the range in which the core body 61 can rotate decreases as it approaches the axial center of the core body 61. The region of the guide portion 6161 is a restricted region. In the restricted regions, rotation of the core body 61 is restricted to the point where it is substantially impossible.

[0056] The inner circumference of the core body 61 is provided with at least one (in this embodiment, more than one, specifically two) inner circumferential surface portion 617. The inner circumferential surface of the core body 61 is formed on each inner circumferential surface portion 617. Each inner circumferential surface portion 617 is provided between one end of the core body 61 and the other end of the core body 61. Each inner circumferential surface portion 617 is provided so as to be surrounded by the second recess 616 in the circumferential direction of the core body 61.

[0057] Each inner circumferential surface portion 617 is provided at an angular interval in the circumferential direction of the core body 61. Each inner circumferential surface portion 617 is provided at equal angular intervals in the circumferential direction of the core body 61. In this embodiment, two inner circumferential surface portions 617 are provided at 180° intervals in the circumferential direction of the core body 61. Furthermore, in this embodiment, in the circumferential direction of the core body 61, each of the two inner circumferential surface portions 617, 617 is provided at an angular position shifted by 90° with respect to each of the two second recesses 616. When the core body 61 is viewed from one end, if the angular position of the first recess 6151 on the first end side is taken as 0° in the circumferential direction of the core body 61, the angular positions of the first and second inner circumferential surface portions 617, 617 are 90° and 270°, respectively.

[0058] Each inner circumferential surface portion 617 extends axially at an intermediate position between one end and the other end of the core body 61. However, each inner circumferential surface portion 617 does not extend to the end face of the core body 61. One end of the first inner circumferential surface portion 617 is connected to the end of the first recess 6151 on the second end side. One end of the second inner circumferential surface portion 617 is connected to the end of the first recess 6151 on the fourth end side. Each inner circumferential surface portion 617 does not extend to the other end face of the core body 61. The other end of the first inner circumferential surface portion 617 is connected to the end of the first recess 6152 on the second other end side. The other end of the second inner circumferential surface portion 617 is connected to the end of the first recess 6152 on the fourth other end side.

[0059] The shape of each inner circumferential surface portion 617 corresponds to the shape of the second recess 616. The portion of each inner circumferential surface portion 617 near one end expands on both sides in the circumferential direction of the core body 61 as it moves from one end of the core body 61 toward the other end of the core body 61, corresponding to the shape of each end-side guide portion 6162. The portion of each inner circumferential surface portion 617 near the other end expands on both sides in the circumferential direction of the core body 61 as it moves from the other end of the core body 61 toward one end of the core body 61, corresponding to the shape of each end-side guide portion 6163. The axial center portion of each inner circumferential surface portion 617 has a constant width dimension (the dimension in the circumferential direction of the core body 61) in the axial direction of the core body 61, corresponding to the shape of each guide portion 6161.

[0060] The core body 61 can also be said to consist of a thin-walled portion 618 and a thick-walled portion 619. The thin-walled portion 618 corresponds to each second recess 616. The thick-walled portion 619 has a greater wall thickness than the thin-walled portion 618. The thick-walled portion 619 corresponds to each inner circumferential surface portion 617.

[0061] The inner circumference of the core body 61 is further formed with at least one (multiple in this embodiment, specifically two) first hooking recesses 6152 and at least one (multiple in this embodiment, specifically two) second hooking recesses 6151.

[0062] Each first hooking recess 6152 is designed to engage with the retractable portion 316 when the core body 61 is mounted on the outer circumference of the support shaft 31 from one end. Each first hooking recess 6152 is located near the other end of the core body 61 and is recessed radially outward from the core body 61. Each first hooking recess 6152 has a stepped portion 615a facing the other end of the core body 61.

[0063] Each first hook recess 6152 is provided at an angular interval in the circumferential direction of the core body 61. Each first hook recess 6152 is provided at equal angular intervals in the circumferential direction of the core body 61. In this embodiment, two first hook recesses 6152 are provided at 180° intervals in the circumferential direction of the core body 61. Furthermore, in this embodiment, in the circumferential direction of the core body 61, each of the two first hook recesses 6152, 6152 is provided at the same angular position with respect to each of the two inner circumferential surfaces 617, 617 as the first and second first hook recesses 6152, 6152. When the core body 61 is viewed from one end, if the angular position of the first first recess 6151 on the one end side is taken as 0° in the circumferential direction of the core body 61, then the angular positions of the first and second first hook recesses 6152, 6152 are 90° and 270°, respectively.

[0064] The first hook recess 6152 is formed integrally with the second other-end side first recess 6152. The first hook recess 6152 may be formed separately from the second other-end side first recess 6152. The first hook recess 6152 may be located, for example, closer to the axial center of the core body 61 than the position of the second other-end side first recess 6152.

[0065] The second first hooking recess 6152 is formed integrally with the fourth other-end side first recess 6152. The second first hooking recess 6152 may be formed separately from the fourth other-end side first recess 6152. The second first hooking recess 6152 may be located, for example, closer to the axial center of the core body 61 than the position of the fourth other-end side first recess 6152.

[0066] Each second hook recess 6151 is designed to engage with the retractable portion 316 when the core body 61 is mounted on the outer circumference of the support shaft 31 from the other end of the core body 61. Each second hook recess 6151 is located near one end of the core body 61 and is recessed radially outward from the core body 61. Each second hook recess 6151 has a stepped portion 615a facing the one end of the core body 61.

[0067] Each second hook recess 6151 is provided at an angular interval in the circumferential direction of the core body 61. Each second hook recess 6151 is provided at equal angular intervals in the circumferential direction of the core body 61. In this embodiment, two second hook recesses 6151 are provided at 180° intervals in the circumferential direction of the core body 61. Furthermore, in this embodiment, in the circumferential direction of the core body 61, each of the two second hook recesses 6151, 6151 is provided at the same angular position with respect to each of the two inner circumferential surfaces 617, 617 as the first and second second hook recesses 6151, 6151. When the core body 61 is viewed from one end, if the angular position of the first first recess 6151 on the one end side is taken as 0° in the circumferential direction of the core body 61, then the angular positions of the first and second second hook recesses 6151, 6151 are 90° and 270°, respectively.

[0068] The first second hook recess 6151 is formed integrally with the second one-end side first recess 6151. The first second hook recess 6151 may be formed separately from the second one-end side first recess 6151. The first second hook recess 6151 may be located, for example, closer to the axial center of the core body 61 than the position of the second one-end side first recess 6151.

[0069] The second second hook recess 6151 is formed integrally with the fourth one-end side first recess 6151. The second second hook recess 6151 may be formed separately from the fourth one-end side first recess 6151. The second second hook recess 6151 may be located, for example, closer to the axial center of the core body 61 than the position of the fourth one-end side first recess 6151.

[0070] The core body 61 has at least one (in this embodiment, more than four, specifically) one end notch 6111 and at least one (in this embodiment, more than four, specifically) other end notch 6112. Each one end notch 6111 and each other end notch 6112 functions as a notch 611.

[0071] The movable part 314 can enter each end-side notch 6111 from one end of the core body 61. Each end-side notch 6111 is located at one end of the core body 61 and is cut out from one end face of the core body 61 toward the other end of the core body 61. Each end-side notch 6111 penetrates the core body 61 in the radial direction of the core body 61. Each end-side notch 6111 extends in the axial direction of the core body 61 at one end of the core body 61.

[0072] Each end-side notch 6111 is provided at angular intervals in the circumferential direction of the core body 61. Each end-side notch 6111 is provided at equal angular intervals in the circumferential direction of the core body 61. In this embodiment, four end-side notches 6111 are provided at 90° intervals in the circumferential direction of the core body 61. Furthermore, in this embodiment, in the circumferential direction of the core body 61, each of the four end-side notches 6111 to 6111 is provided at the same angular position with respect to each of the four end-side first recesses 6151 to 6151. When the core body 61 is viewed from the end side, if the angular position of the first end-side first recess 6151 is set to 0° in the circumferential direction of the core body 61, then the angular positions of the first to fourth end-side notches 6111 to 6111 are 0°, 90°, 180°, and 270°, respectively. This angular positional relationship is the same as the angular positional relationship of the four first protrusions 313-313 on the support shaft 31. Note that the first and third end-side notches 6111, 6111 are not essential. Only the second and fourth end-side notches 6111, 6111 may be provided.

[0073] The movable part 314 can enter each other end side notch 6112 from the other end side of the core body 61. Each other end side notch 6112 is located at the other end of the core body 61 and is cut out from the other end face of the core body 61 toward one end of the core body 61. Each other end side notch 6112 penetrates the core body 61 in the radial direction of the core body 61. Each other end side notch 6112 extends in the axial direction of the core body 61 at the other end of the core body 61.

[0074] Each other end side notch 6112 is provided at angular intervals in the circumferential direction of the core body 61. Each other end side notch 6112 is provided at equal angular intervals in the circumferential direction of the core body 61. In this embodiment, four other end side notches 6112 are provided at 90° intervals in the circumferential direction of the core body 61. Moreover, in this embodiment, in the circumferential direction of the core body 61, each of the four other end side notches 6112~6112 is provided at the same angular position with respect to each of the four other end side first recesses 6152~6152. When the core body 61 is viewed from one end side, if the angular position of the first one end side first recess 6151 is set to 0° in the circumferential direction of the core body 61, then the angular positions of the first to fourth other end side notches 6112~6112 are 0°, 90°, 180°, and 270°, respectively. This angular positional relationship is the same as the angular positional relationship of the four first protrusions 313-313 on the support shaft 31. Note that the first and third other-end side notches 6112, 6112 are not essential. Only the second and fourth other-end side notches 6112, 6112 may be provided.

[0075] The core body 61 is provided with at least one (in this embodiment, more than one, specifically two) end-side magnet 6131 and at least one (in this embodiment, more than one, specifically two) other end-side magnet 6132. Each end-side magnet 6131 and each other end-side magnet 6132 functions as a magnet 613.

[0076] Each end-side magnet 6131 is provided at one end of the core body 61. Each end-side magnet 6131 is provided in a first positional relationship in the circumferential direction of the core body 61. Each end-side magnet 6131 is provided at an angular interval in the circumferential direction of the core body 61. In this embodiment, two end-side magnets 6131, 6131 are provided at an angular interval of 90° in the circumferential direction of the core body 61. Furthermore, in this embodiment, each of the two end-side magnets 6131 is provided at a different angular position with respect to each of the four end-side first recesses 6151 to 6151 in the circumferential direction of the core body 61. When the core body 61 is viewed from one end, if the angular position of the first recess 6151 on the first end side is set to 0° in the circumferential direction of the core body 61, then the angular positions of the first and second magnets 6131, 6131 on the first end side are 45° and 135°, respectively.

[0077] At one end of the core body 61, the same number of end-side holding portions 6141 as the number of end-side magnets 6131 are formed. Each end-side holding portion 6141 functions as a magnet holding portion 614 that holds the magnet 613. Each end-side holding portion 6141 holds each end-side magnet 6131. ​​Each end-side holding portion 6141 is recessed radially inward from the outer circumference of the core body 61. Each end-side magnet 6131 is fitted into each end-side holding portion 6141, and a sealing member (not shown) is attached over them. The number of end-side holding portions 6141 may be greater than the number of end-side magnets 6131. ​​In this case, the end-side magnets 6131 are selectively fitted into each end-side holding portion 6141.

[0078] Each other-end magnet 6132 is provided at the other end of the core body 61. Each other-end magnet 6132 is provided in a second positional relationship different from the first positional relationship in the circumferential direction of the core body 61. Each other-end magnet 6132 is provided at an angular interval in the circumferential direction of the core body 61. In this embodiment, two other-end magnets 6132, 6132 are provided at an angular interval of 180° in the circumferential direction of the core body 61. Furthermore, in this embodiment, in the circumferential direction of the core body, each of the two other-end magnets 6132, 6132 is provided at a different angular position with respect to each of the four other-end first recesses 6152 to 6152. When the core body 61 is viewed from one end, if the angular position of the first recess 6151 on the first end side is set to 0° in the circumferential direction of the core body 61, then the angular positions of the first and second magnets 6132, 6132 on the other end side are 45° and 225°, respectively.

[0079] The other end of the core body 61 has the same number of other-end side holding portions 6142 as there are other-end side magnets 6132. Each other-end side holding portion 6142 functions as a magnet holding portion 614 that holds the magnet 613. Each other-end side holding portion 6142 holds each other-end side magnet 6132. Each other-end side holding portion 6142 is recessed radially inward from the outer circumference of the core body 61. Each other-end side magnet 6132 is fitted into each other-end side holding portion 6142, and a sealing member (not shown) is attached over them. The number of other-end side holding portions 6142 may be greater than the number of other-end side magnets 6132. In this case, the other-end side magnets 6132 are selectively fitted into each other-end side holding portion 6142.

[0080] -Combination of wound material and pharmaceutical packaging device- As shown in Figure 4, a core body 61 is mounted on the outer circumference of the support shaft 31. When the core body 61 is mounted on the outer circumference of the support shaft 31, a portion of the support shaft 31 protrudes from the core body 61. Specifically, the tip of the support shaft 31 protrudes from the core body 61. A portion of the support shaft tip 31B protrudes from the core body 61. Note that when the core body 61 is mounted on the outer circumference of the support shaft 31, the support shaft 31 does not necessarily have to protrude from the core body 61.

[0081] In the wound body 6, as described above, the packaging material 62 is wound around the outer circumference of the core body 61. Note that the packaging material 62 is omitted in Figure 4. In this embodiment, the packaging material 62 can be divided into two types with respect to the sealing temperature. Packaging material 62 belonging to the first type is heat-sealed at a first sealing temperature. Packaging material 62 belonging to the second type is heat-sealed at a second sealing temperature different from the first sealing temperature.

[0082] In this embodiment, one type of core body 61 can accommodate two types of packaging material 62. In this embodiment, the orientation of the core body 61 relative to the packaging material 62 is selected according to the type of packaging material 62. When packaging material 62 belonging to the first type is wound, the orientation of the core body 61 relative to the packaging material 62 is selected so that one end of the core body 61 faces the fold of the packaging material 62. Hereinafter, a wound body 6 constructed by winding packaging material 62 belonging to the first type may be referred to as the first wound body 6. When packaging material 62 belonging to the second type is wound, the orientation of the core body 61 relative to the packaging material 62 is selected so that the other end of the core body 61 faces the fold of the packaging material 62. Hereinafter, a wound body 6 constructed by winding packaging material 62 belonging to the second type may be referred to as the second wound body 6.

[0083] When the first wound body 6 is mounted on the support shaft 31, the core body 61 is mounted on the outer circumference of the support shaft 31 from one end side. In this case, each first projection 313 and each first recess 6151 on one end side engage with each other. This allows the support shaft 31 and the core body 61 to rotate integrally in the circumferential direction of the support shaft 31.

[0084] The core body 61 can be mounted on the support shaft 31 at at least one (in this embodiment, more than one, specifically two) angular positions. Specifically, the core body 61 is mounted on the support shaft 31 at an angular position where the first recess 6151 on one end side and the first projection 313 coincide. Alternatively, the core body 61 is mounted on the support shaft 31 at an angular position where the first recess 6151 on one end side and the third projection 313 coincide.

[0085] With the core body 61 mounted on the outer circumference of the support shaft 31, each first projection 313 abuts against the end of each first recess 6151 on one end side, and each retractable portion 316 hooks onto each first hook recess 6152, more specifically, the stepped portion 615a of each first hook recess 6152. Therefore, the core body 61 is prevented from shifting in the axial direction of the support shaft 31 relative to the outer circumference of the support shaft 31, and the core body 61 is securely mounted on the outer circumference of the support shaft 31. The abutment of each first projection 313 against the end of each first recess 6151 on one end side prevents the core body 61 from shifting in the mounting direction relative to the support shaft 31. The hooking of each retractable portion 316 onto each first hook recess 6152 prevents the core body 61 from shifting in the removal direction relative to the support shaft 31.

[0086] When the second winding body 6 is mounted on the support shaft 31, the core body 61 is mounted on the outer circumference of the support shaft 31 from the other end side of the core body 61. In this case, each first projection 313 and each first recess 6152 on the other end side engage with each other. This allows the support shaft 31 and the core body 61 to rotate integrally in the circumferential direction of the support shaft 31.

[0087] The core body 61 can be mounted on the support shaft 31 at at least one (in this embodiment, more than one, specifically two) angular positions. Specifically, the core body 61 is mounted on the support shaft 31 at an angular position where the first recess 6152 on the other end side of the first part

[0088] With the core body 61 mounted on the outer circumference of the support shaft 31, each first projection 313 abuts against the end of each other end first recess 6152, and each retractable portion 316 hooks onto each second hook recess 6151, more specifically, onto the stepped portion 615a of each second hook recess 6151. Therefore, the core body 61 is prevented from shifting in the axial direction of the support shaft 31 relative to the outer circumference of the support shaft 31, and the core body 61 is securely mounted on the outer circumference of the support shaft 31. The abutment of each first projection 313 against the end of each other end first recess 6152 prevents the core body 61 from shifting in the mounting direction relative to the support shaft 31. The hooking of each retractable portion 316 onto each second hook recess 6151 prevents the core body 61 from shifting in the removal direction relative to the support shaft 31.

[0089] The drug packaging device 1 is configured to stop operating when each movable part 314 moves from a retracted position to a forward position. The position of each movable part 314 is detected by a sensor. Based on the detection results from the sensor, the drug packaging device 1 becomes operational or inoperable. The drug packaging device 1 is operational when each movable part 314 is in the retracted position. The drug packaging device 1 is inoperable when each movable part 314 is in the forward position.

[0090] When the winding body 6 is mounted on the support shaft 31, each movable part 314 is pushed by the end face formed by the packaging material 62 on the winding body 6. Therefore, each movable part 314 is in a retracted position. At this time, the drug packaging device 1 is operational.

[0091] When the packaging material 62 is completely unwound from the winding body 6, only the core body 61 remains on the support shaft 31. The end faces that were formed by the packaging material 62 on the winding body 6 disappear. Therefore, each movable part 314 moves from the base end of the support shaft 31 toward the tip end of the support shaft 31. If the first winding body 6 was mounted on the support shaft 31, each movable part 314 enters the notch 6111 on one end. If the second winding body 6 was mounted on the support shaft 31, each movable part 314 enters the notch 6112 on the other end. When each movable part 314 moves from the retracted position to the forward position, the operation of the drug packaging device 1 stops.

[0092] The drug packaging device 1 is configured to detect magnetism at at least one (in this embodiment, both) of the base end and tip end of the support shaft 31. The magnetic detection unit for detecting magnetism may be provided inside the support shaft 31 or outside the support shaft 31.

[0093] In this type of drug packaging device 1, when the winding body 6 is mounted on the support shaft 31, at least one (both in this embodiment) of the magnets 6131 at one end and the magnets 6132 at the other end is detected. When the first winding body 6 is mounted on the support shaft 31, the magnets 6131 at one end are detected at the base end of the support shaft 31, and the magnets 6132 at the tip end of the support shaft 31. When the second winding body 6 is mounted on the support shaft 31, the magnets 6132 at the base end of the support shaft 31 are detected, and the magnets 6131 at one end are detected at the tip end of the support shaft 31. Based on the detection results, the drug packaging device 1 sets the sealing temperature when heat-sealing the packaging material 62. Therefore, the drug packaging device 1 can heat-seal the packaging material 62 at a sealing temperature appropriate to the type of packaging material 62.

[0094] - Installation of the winding body and removal of the core by the worker - Next, we will explain the case in which an operator attaches the winding body 6 to the support shaft 31, and the case in which an operator removes the core body 61 remaining on the support shaft 31 after all of the packaging material 62 has been unwound from the winding body 6.

[0095] As shown in Figure 5, the support shaft 31 and the core body 61 are aligned with each other in the circumferential direction of the support shaft 31 when the core body 61 is mounted on the outer circumference of the support shaft 31. In Figure 5, the second projection 317 and the third projection are shown by dashed lines. Note that in Figure 5, for ease of understanding, the second projection 317 of the support shaft 31 is shown to move in the axial direction of the core body 61 relative to the core body 61. However, in reality, the opposite is true, and the core body 61 moves in the axial direction of the support shaft 31 relative to the second projection 317 of the support shaft 31.

[0096] When the core body 61 is mounted on the outer circumference of the support shaft 31, the support shaft 31 may be immobile in the circumferential direction and the core body 61 may rotate in the circumferential direction relative to the support shaft 31, or the core body 61 may be immobile in the circumferential direction and the support shaft 31 may rotate in the circumferential direction relative to the core body 61, or both the support shaft 31 and the core body 61 may rotate in the circumferential direction.

[0097] This section describes the alignment of the support shaft 31 and the core body 61 when the first winding body 6 is mounted on the support shaft 31. When the second winding body 6 is mounted on the support shaft 31, it is basically the same as when the first winding body 6 is mounted on the support shaft 31, except for the orientation of the core body 61. Therefore, the explanation for when the second winding body 6 is mounted on the support shaft 31 is omitted.

[0098] When the worker attaches the first winding body 6 to the support shaft 31, the worker first holds the first winding body 6 and positions it beyond the tip of the support shaft 31. The worker points one end of the core body 61 toward the support shaft 31. The worker aligns the central axis of the core body 61 with the central axis of the support shaft 31. After this, the worker moves the first winding body 6 relative to the support shaft 31 in the attachment direction.

[0099] When the operator moves the first winding body 6 in the mounting direction relative to the support shaft 31, one end of the core body 61 is externally fitted onto the tip of the support shaft 31. At the position of the one end of the core body 61, the second recess 616 is formed around the entire circumference of the core body 61. Therefore, the operator does not need to intentionally align the support shaft 31 and the core body 61 in the circumferential direction of the support shaft 31. This makes the mounting operation of the winding body 6 on the support shaft 31 easier.

[0100] A new winding body 6, with its packaging material 62 still intact, is heavy. For an operator, it is difficult to align the support shaft 31 and the core body 61 in the circumferential direction of the support shaft 31 while holding such a winding body 6. Therefore, the fact that there is no need to intentionally align the support shaft 31 and the core body 61 in the circumferential direction of the support shaft 31 is a significant advantage for the operator.

[0101] As the worker moves the first winding body 6 in the mounting direction relative to the support shaft 31, each retractable portion 316 comes into contact with each inner circumferential portion 617. However, each retractable portion 316 is pushed radially inward of the support shaft 31 by each inner circumferential portion 617. Therefore, the worker can move the winding body 6 in the mounting direction relative to the support shaft 31 without any problems.

[0102] As the operator moves the first winding body 6 further in the mounting direction relative to the support shaft 31, each second projection 317 enters each end-side guide portion 6162, as shown in Figure 5. Specifically, the first second projection 317 enters the end-side guide portion 6162 of the first second recess 616, and the second second projection 317 enters the end-side guide portion 6162 of the second second recess 616. Alternatively, the first second projection 317 enters the end-side guide portion 6162 of the second second recess 616, and the second second projection 317 enters the end-side guide portion 6162 of the first second recess 616. Which of the two end guide portions 6162 each second projection 317 enters is determined by the positional relationship between the support shaft 31 and the core body 61 in the circumferential direction of the support shaft 31 at that time.

[0103] As the operator moves the first winding body 6 further in the mounting direction relative to the support shaft 31, each second projection 317 is guided to each end-side guide portion 6162, as shown in Figure 5. Each end-side guide portion 6162 guides each second projection 317 so that each first projection 313 and each end-side first recess 6151 are aligned in the circumferential direction of the support shaft 31. Therefore, the operator only needs to move the winding body 6 in the mounting direction relative to the support shaft 31. The operator does not need to intentionally align the support shaft 31 and the core body 61 in the circumferential direction of the support shaft 31. As a result, the mounting work of the winding body 6 to the support shaft 31 becomes easier.

[0104] As the operator moves the first winding body 6 further in the mounting direction relative to the support shaft 31, as shown in Figure 5, each second projection 317 enters and is guided by each guide portion 6161. Each guide portion 6161 guides each second projection 317 so as to maintain the state in which each first projection 313 and each first recess 6151 on one end side are aligned in the circumferential direction of the support shaft 31. Therefore, the operator only needs to move the winding body 6 in the mounting direction relative to the support shaft 31. The operator does not need to intentionally maintain the state in which the support shaft 31 and the core body 61 are aligned in the circumferential direction of the support shaft 31. As a result, the operation of mounting the winding body 6 to the support shaft 31 becomes easier.

[0105] As the operator moves the first winding body 6 further in the mounting direction relative to the support shaft 31, the third projection enters one of the guide portions 6161 and is guided to one of the guide portions 6161. If the first second projection 317 was guided to the first guide portion 6161, the third projection 318 is subsequently guided to this first guide portion 6161. If the first second projection 317 was guided to the second guide portion 6161, the third projection 318 is subsequently guided to this second guide portion 6161. The third projection 318 is guided to one of the guide portions 6161 such that each first projection 313 and each first recess 6151 on one end are aligned in the circumferential direction of the support shaft 31. Therefore, the operator only needs to move the winding body 6 in the mounting direction relative to the support shaft 31. The worker does not need to intentionally position the support shaft 31 and the core body 61 so that they are aligned in the circumferential direction of the support shaft 31. Therefore, the process of attaching the winding body 6 to the support shaft 31 becomes easier.

[0106] As the worker moves the first winding body 6 further in the mounting direction relative to the support shaft 31, each first projection 313 enters each end-side first recess 6151. If the third projection 318 was guided by the first guide portion 6161, the first first projection 313 enters the first end-side first recess 6151, the second first projection 313 enters the second end-side first recess 6151, the third first projection 313 enters the third end-side first recess 6151, and the fourth first projection 313 enters the fourth end-side first recess 6151. If the third projection is guided by the second guide portion 6161, the first projection 313 enters the third end-side first recess 6151, the second first projection 313 enters the fourth end-side first recess 6151, the third first projection 313 enters the first end-side first recess 6151, and the fourth first projection 313 enters the second end-side first recess 6151.

[0107] As the operator moves the first winding body 6 further in the mounting direction relative to the support shaft 31, the end faces of the first winding body 6, which are made of the packaging material 62, come into contact with each of the moving parts 314 that are in the forward position.

[0108] As the worker moves the first winding body 6 further in the mounting direction relative to the support shaft 31, each first projection 313 and each first recess 6151 on one end side engage with each other. Each first projection 313 abuts against the end of each first recess 6151 on one end side, and each retractable part 316 disengages from the inner circumferential surface 617 and protrudes radially outward from the support shaft 31, and catches on each first hook recess 6152. Each movable part 314 is pushed by the end face formed by the packaging material 62 on the first winding body 6 and moves from the forward position to the retracted position.

[0109] In this way, the attachment of the first winding body 6 to the support shaft 31 is completed. After this, the worker unwinds the packaging material 62 from the winding body 6 and sets this packaging material 62 in the packaging material conveying unit 4 and the packaging body forming unit 5.

[0110] When the drug packaging device 1 operates and all of the packaging material 62 is unwound from the winding body 6, only the core body 61 remains on the support shaft 31. The operator removes the core body 61 from the support shaft 31. When the operator removes the core body 61 from the support shaft 31, they hold the core body 61 and move it in the removal direction. At this time, each retractable part 316 is hooked onto each first hooking recess 6152, but as the core body 61 moves, each retractable part 316 is pushed radially inward of the support shaft 31 by the inner circumferential surface 617 of the core body 61. Therefore, the operator can move the core body 61 relative to the support shaft 31 in the removal direction without any problems.

[0111] Although some parts are repeated, in this embodiment as described above, the packaging material supply unit 3 is equipped with a support shaft 31, as shown in Figure 2. The support shaft 31 is provided so as to protrude from a base (not shown). Part of the packaging material transport unit 4 (the tension adjustment mechanism 41 shown in Figure 1) is also provided on this base. The support shaft 31 is substantially cylindrical in shape. The support shaft 31 has a cylindrical outer circumference. The support shaft 31 has a base end (left portion shown in the figure) and a tip end (right portion shown in the figure). The base end of the support shaft 31 is supported by the base. The support shaft 31 is equipped with a main shaft portion 311 having a constant diameter and a base end shaft portion 312 located on the base end side of the main shaft portion 311 and having a larger diameter than the main shaft portion 311. A step is formed between the main shaft portion 311 and the base end shaft portion 312 as shown in the figure.

[0112] The support shaft 31 is rotatably mounted on the base and supports the winding body 6 (core body 61). The support shaft 31 is driven to rotate by a drive unit such as a stepping motor (not shown) located inside the base. The rotation of the support shaft 31 occurs in both the unwinding and winding directions of the packaging material 62. In addition, the rotation of the support shaft 31 occurs intermittently in response to the supply of the packaging material 62 to the packaging body forming unit 5. The support shaft 31 is cantilevered to the base, and the tip of the support shaft 31 is open. Therefore, as shown in Figure 2, the core body 61 of the winding body 6 is positioned at the axial extension position on the open side of the support shaft 31, and the winding body 6 is inserted axially from the tip side towards the base end, thereby mounting the winding body 6 (only the core body 61 is shown) to the support shaft 31 as shown in Figure 4. The winding body 6 is mounted on the support shaft 31 so that it cannot rotate relative to it.

[0113] In this embodiment, the support shaft 31 is formed to have a longer axial length than the winding body 6. Therefore, as shown in Figure 4, in the mounted state (mounted on the support shaft body 31A), a part of the support shaft 31 (support shaft tip 31B) protrudes from the core body 61. However, this is not limited to this, and the other end of the core body 61 (described later) and the tip of the support shaft 31 may coincide in the mounted state.

[0114] Furthermore, a portion of the tip side of the support shaft 31 protruding from the core body 61 (the portion on which the guide projection 317 is formed) is a support shaft tip body 31B, which is separate from the support shaft body 31A, which is the base end portion of the support shaft 31, and is attached to the support shaft body 31A. This support shaft tip body 31B can be used in combination with the winding body 6 of this embodiment. The support shaft tip body 31B is attached to the support shaft body 31A by, for example, repurposing the fitting structure for attaching the tip cap that was provided on the support shaft of an existing drug packaging device (removing the tip cap and then attaching the support shaft tip body 31B), or by bonding to the existing support shaft (however, it is not limited to this, and various attachment methods are possible). The support shaft body 31A has a cylindrical outer circumference. When the support shaft tip body 31B is attached to the support shaft body 31A, it becomes an attachment assist part that is part of the support shaft 31. This configuration can be achieved, for example, by attaching it in the same way as replacing the cap member provided at the tip of a short support shaft, resulting in the support shaft 31 of this embodiment. The support shaft tip (mounting aid) 31B, which is attached to the tip of the support shaft body 31A, allows the support shaft 31 of this embodiment to be formed without significantly modifying the support shaft of an existing drug packaging device. Therefore, the combination of the winding body 6 and the drug packaging device 1 of this embodiment can be realized at low cost. However, in the case of a newly manufactured support shaft 31, for example, the support shaft body 31A and the support shaft tip 31B may be an inseparable integrated structure instead of such a separate structure. Even in the case of a newly manufactured support shaft 31, a separate structure can be adopted. For example, when a magnetic detection unit or the like is placed inside the support shaft 31, the interior can be opened as needed, so a separate structure is useful.

[0115] As shown in Figure 2, the base shaft portion 312 of the support shaft 31 has multiple (four in this embodiment) hooking protrusions 313 as first projections. The multiple hooking protrusions 313-313 are provided at a certain distance (spaced apart) in the circumferential direction (rotational direction). Each hooking protrusion 313 protrudes radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the base end of the support shaft 31. Each hooking protrusion 313 extends axially for a predetermined distance from the base end of the support shaft 31 toward the tip. A movable part is provided on some of the multiple hooking protrusions 313-313 (every other hooking protrusion 313 in the circumferential direction in this embodiment). In this embodiment, a rod-shaped packaging break detection pin 314 protrudes radially from some of these hooking protrusions 313-313 as this movable part. The tip of the packaging break detection pin 314 is set to be located radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the core body 61 when the winding body 6 is attached to the support shaft 31. Furthermore, the hook projection 313, on which the packaging material break detection pin 314 is provided, is provided with a notch 315 that penetrates radially and extends axially.

[0116] The packaging break detection pin 314 is biased toward the tip side (to the right in the figure) in the axial direction of the support shaft 31 by the biasing force of a spring (not shown) provided inside the support shaft 31. When the wound body 6 on which the packaging material 62 is wound is attached to the support shaft 31, the packaging break detection pin 314 is pushed laterally by the packaging material 62 which is stacked radially on the outer circumference of the core body 61, thereby moving toward the axial base end side against the spring biasing force. In the core body 61 of the wound body 6, a notch 611 is provided in the portion that coincides with the packaging break detection pin 314 when attached to the support shaft 31, similar to the support shaft 31, and penetrates radially and extends axially. The notch 611 consists of a one-end side notch 6111 provided on one end side of the core body 61 and a other-end side notch 6112 provided on the other end side of the core body 61. The notch 6111 at one end is located at the same position as the hooking recess 6151 at one end in the circumferential direction of the core body 61, and is cut out from the end face of one end of the core body 61 toward the other end of the core body 61. The notch 6112 at the same position as the hooking recess 6152 at the other end in the circumferential direction of the core body 61, and is cut out from the end face of the other end of the core body 61 toward the one end of the core body. When the notch 611 is located at the base end of the support shaft 31, the packaging break detection pin 314 can enter it.

[0117] The notch 611 is positioned to circumferentially coincide with the notch 315 of the support shaft 31. For this reason, the core body 61 may be rotated circumferentially relative to the support shaft 31 by the operator to align with the notch 611 (this will be explained later). When the packaging material 62 is pulled out of the winding body 6 and disappears (i.e., only the core body 61 remains), the aforementioned pushing by the packaging material 62 ceases, and the spring-biased packaging material break detection pin 314 moves axially toward the tip and enters the notch 611 (see Figure 4). By detecting that the packaging material break detection pin 314 has entered the notch 611 using a sensor or the like, the break in the packaging material can be detected. When it is detected that all of the packaging material 62 has been unwound from the winding body 6, the operation of the drug packaging device 1 is stopped, for example. Specifically, the packaging material supply unit 3 can be automatically stopped.

[0118] Retractable portions 316 protrude from the outer circumference (more specifically, the outer surface) of the support shaft 31. At least one retractable portion 316 is provided (two in this embodiment, although not shown in the figure). When multiple retractable portions 316 are provided as in this embodiment, these multiple retractable portions 316 are provided at a certain distance (spaced apart) in the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, the two retractable portions 316 are positioned at equal intervals in the circumferential direction (i.e., at 180-degree intervals). In this embodiment, each retractable portion 316 is provided at the same position in the circumferential direction as one of the multiple (four in this embodiment) hooking protrusions 313 to 313. In this embodiment, each retractable portion 316 is provided at the same position in the circumferential direction as the hooking protrusion 313 having a packaging material break detection pin 314 and a notch 315. In addition, each retractable portion 316 is provided at a different position in the circumferential direction from each guide protrusion 317 and sub-guide protrusion 318. In this embodiment, the parts are positioned at a 90-degree angle. The retractable portion 316 is, for example, spherical or hemispherical, biased radially outward by a spring provided inside the support shaft 31, and is a projection in which a portion protrudes from the outer circumferential surface of the support shaft 31. The retractable portion 316 is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the support shaft 31 so as to be able to retract and extend.

[0119] The retractable portion 316 engages with a stepped portion 615a (see Figure 3) located on the tip side of the support shaft 31 in a hooking recess 615 (in this embodiment, composed of a hooking recess 6152 on the other end side as a first hooking recess and a hooking recess 6151 on the one end side as a second hooking recess) formed on the inner circumference of the core body 61 so as to be recessed radially outward. The hooking recess 6152 on the other end side catches the spring-biased retractable portion 316 when the core body 61 is mounted on the support shaft 31 from the one end side. The hooking recess 6151 on the one end side catches the spring-biased retractable portion 316 when the core body 61 is mounted on the support shaft 31 from the other end side. Therefore, when the core body 61 is mounted on the outer circumference of the support shaft 31, the retractable portion 316 catches on the hooking recess 615, preventing the core body 61 from shifting relative to the support shaft 31 in the direction from the base end to the tip end. Thus, the winding body 6 can be securely mounted on the support shaft 31. On the other hand, since the retractable portion 316 is spring-biased, for example, when removing the core body 61 from the support shaft 31, if the core body 61 is moved axially with a force that overcomes the biasing force of this spring, the core body 61 will move relative to the support shaft 31. Therefore, the work can be carried out without any particular difficulty when removing the core body 61 from the support shaft 31. Incidentally, during the process of mounting the core body 61 to the support shaft 31, before the retractable portion 316 engages with the stepped portion 615a, the retractable portion 316 is in contact with the inner circumferential surface portion 617 of the core body 61. At this time, the retractable portion 316 is being pushed by the inner circumferential surface portion 617 and is therefore moving in the radial direction.

[0120] At least one (two in this embodiment) guide projection 317, which serves as a second projection, is formed at the tip of the support shaft 31 (main shaft portion 311). When multiple guide projections 317 are formed, these multiple guide projections 317-317 are provided at a certain distance (spaced apart) in the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, the gap is 180 degrees. Each guide projection 317 protrudes radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the tip of the support shaft 31. Each guide projection 317 protrudes in the circumferential direction at the same position as some of the multiple hook projections 313-313 (two out of four in this embodiment). Specifically, it protrudes in the circumferential direction at the same position as the hook projections 313 that do not have a packaging break detection pin 314 and a notch 315. Furthermore, each guide projection 317 protrudes radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the support shaft body 31A less than each hook projection 313.

[0121] As shown in Figure 2, the guide projection 317 integrally comprises a main body portion 3171 of a constant width and a tip portion 3172 provided on the tip side of the main body portion 3171, which narrows in width towards the tip. The tip portion 3172 has a bevel at its widthwise end. In this embodiment, this bevel is formed in a straight line when viewed radially, but it is not limited to this and can be in other shapes such as a curved line. Also, in this embodiment, this bevel is symmetrical with respect to the axial direction, but it may be asymmetrical.

[0122] A sub-guide projection 318, which is a third projection, is formed on the outer circumference of the support shaft 31, at an intermediate position between the base end and the tip end of the support shaft 31, projecting radially outward. At least one (one in this embodiment) sub-guide projection 318 is formed on the main shaft portion 311, continuously with respect to the base end side of the guide projection 317. As described above, since two guide projections 317 are formed in this embodiment, the sub-guide projection 318 is aligned with the axial extension line of the base end side of one of the guide projections 317 (the guide projection 317 shown in Figure 2). In addition, a hook projection 313 is located on the base end side of the sub-guide projection 318.

[0123] The sub-guide projection 318 is provided at the same position as the guide projection 317 in the circumferential direction around the central axis, and its radially outward protrusion from the outer circumference of the support shaft 31 is the same as that of the guide projection 317. The sub-guide projection 318 is guided by the guide portion 6161 so that when the core body 61 is mounted on the outer circumference of the support shaft 31, the hook projection 313 and the hook recess 615 are aligned in the circumferential direction around the central axis.

[0124] As the core body 61 is inserted into the support shaft 31, the inner circumferential surface 617 of the core body 61 comes into contact with the guide projection 317, thereby aligning the core body 61 circumferentially with respect to the support shaft 31 (the alignment of the core body 61 will be explained later). Figure 5 shows this process. Incidentally, for ease of understanding, Figure 5 shows the guide projection 317 (dotted line) moving axially relative to the core body 61, but in reality, the opposite is true; the core body 61 moves axially relative to the guide projection 317. At this time, the support shaft 31 and the core body 61 rotate circumferentially relative to each other to align their positions. In this embodiment, as the insertion of the core body 61 into the support shaft 31 progresses and the inner circumferential surface portion 617 of the core body 61 no longer contacts the guide projection 317, the circumferential edge of the inner circumferential surface portion 617 of the core body 61 continues to contact the sub-guide projection 318, thereby allowing the circumferential alignment of the core body 61 with respect to the support shaft 31 to continue. This enables stable alignment during the insertion of the core body 61. During alignment, the support shaft 31 may remain stationary in the circumferential direction while the core body 61 rotates circumferentially relative to the support shaft 31, or the core body 61 may remain stationary in the circumferential direction while the support shaft 31 rotates circumferentially relative to the core body 61. Both the support shaft 31 and the core body 61 may rotate circumferentially.

[0125] As shown in Figure 2, the core 61 of the winding body 6 is cylindrical or tubular with a circular radial cross-sectional shape. The core 61 has a cylindrical inner circumference. As shown in Figure 1, the packaging material 62 is wound around the outer circumference of the core 61. The outer diameter of the core 61 is constant in the axial direction. Therefore, no steps appear on the outer circumference of the core 61, and the packaging material 62 can be wound around it without creating creases. The core 61 is attached and detached (mounted and removed) by moving it axially relative to the outer circumference of the support shaft 31 in the packaging material supply unit 3. The core 61 is aligned in the circumferential direction of the support shaft 31 and mounted on the outer circumference of the support shaft 31. The core 61 has one end and the other end. One end is the part closer to the support shaft 31 in Figure 2 (the rear left part), and the other end is the part further from the support shaft 31 in Figure 2 (the front right part). However, in this embodiment, the core body 61 has the same shape at one end and the same shape at the other end, except for the multiple magnet holding parts 614 to 614, and is symmetrical with respect to the axial center. By having a symmetrical shape, the core body 61 can be attached to the support shaft 31 from either the one end side or the other end side. Therefore, the permanent magnets (magnets 613 to 613) attached to the multiple magnet holding parts 614 to 614 can be used to distinguish which end to face towards the support shaft 31 when attaching the core body 61, so that one core body 61 of the same shape can be used to accommodate at least two types of packaging materials 62. Consequently, control during the manufacturing of the wound body 6 is easy.

[0126] The core body 61 can be mounted on the support shaft 31 from one end or from the other end, depending on the type of packaging material 62 being wound around it, as its normal orientation (mounting direction). During mounting, the core body 61 is moved axially from the tip to the base of the support shaft 31. The core body 61 has notches 611 at both ends. The notches 611 are positioned to correspond to the packaging material break detection pins 314 that protrude radially outward from the support shaft 31 when the core body 61 is mounted on the support shaft 31. The notches 611 penetrate the core body 61 radially and have a space that opens on the end face of the core body 61. In this space, the packaging material break detection pins 314 can move axially around the support shaft 31. This movement occurs after the packaging material 62 has been pulled out of the winding body 6 (Figure 4 shows the state after the movement).

[0127] The core body 61 is provided with a plurality of magnet holding sections 614 to 614 that hold permanent magnets (magnets 613 to 613) in combination corresponding to a magnetic detection section such as a magnetic sensor provided by the packaging material supply section 3 for identification of the winding body 6. In this embodiment, at one end of the core body 61, two magnet holding sections 614, 614 are provided with a 90-degree gap in the circumferential direction. At the other end of the core body 61, two magnet holding sections 614, 614 are provided with a 180-degree gap in the circumferential direction. Thus, in this embodiment, the positions of the magnet holding sections 614 differ between one end and the other. Therefore, if permanent magnets (magnets 613 to 613) are placed in all of the plurality of magnet holding sections 614 to 614, the positional relationship of the permanent magnets (magnets 613 to 613) placed at each end will differ.

[0128] Permanent magnets (magnets 613-613) may be placed in a predetermined number of selected magnet holding parts 614-614 from among the multiple magnet holding parts 614-614. Specifically, "identification of the winding body 6" refers to identifying the material of the packaging material 62 in relation to the sealing temperature at which proper adhesion is achieved when the packaging material 62 is bonded by heat sealing. The magnetic detection unit may detect and identify the number of magnet holding parts 614 in which permanent magnets (magnets 613-613) are placed, the polarity or magnetic strength of the permanent magnets (magnets 613-613), etc. Note that in pharmaceutical packaging devices configured to identify the winding body 6 by means other than magnetism, such as electromagnetic detection using an RFID tag that can be wirelessly identified, such as an IC chip, or optical detection using a two-dimensional code, or in pharmaceutical packaging devices in which the magnetic detection unit has been removed or disabled by modification, these magnet holding parts 614 are unnecessary. In the electromagnetic detection configuration described above, for example, an RFID tag or the like is placed in the internal space of the core body 61. The RFID tag or the like may also be placed on the inner or outer surface of the core body 61.

[0129] Multiple end-side magnets 6131 are provided at one end of the core body 61 in a first positional relationship in the circumferential direction of the core body 61. On the other hand, multiple end-side magnets 6132 are provided at the other end of the core body 61 in a second positional relationship different from the first positional relationship in the circumferential direction of the core body 61. With the core body 61 mounted on the outer circumference of the support shaft 31, the drug packaging device 1 detects at least one of the multiple end-side magnets 6131 and the multiple end-side magnets 6132 with a magnetic detection unit to set the sealing temperature when heat-sealing the packaging material 62.

[0130] The core body 61 is provided with a hook recess 615 as a first recess, a guide recess 616 as a second recess, and an inner circumferential surface portion 617 on its inner circumference. Multiple sets of the hook recess 615, guide recess 616, and inner circumferential surface portion 617 are provided in the circumferential direction. These can be provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, four sets of hook recesses 615 are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction, and two sets of guide recesses 616 and inner circumferential surface portions 617 are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. However, only one set can be provided, or multiple sets can be provided at unequal intervals. Furthermore, these portions 615 to 617 are provided symmetrically in the axial direction (with respect to the axial center), as shown in Figures 2 and 3.

[0131] The hook recess 615 consists of a first hook recess 6151, which is provided on the inner circumference at one end of the core body 61, and a first hook recess 6152, which is provided on the inner circumference at the other end of the core body 61. Of the hook recess 615, the portion located at the base end when mounted on the support shaft 31 engages with the hook projection 313 provided on the support shaft 31, thereby transmitting rotational force in the circumferential direction between the support shaft 31 and the core body 61. In other words, when the core body 61 is mounted on the outer circumference of the support shaft body 31A, the hook projection 313 and the hook recess 615 engage, allowing the support shaft body 31A and the core body 61 to rotate integrally around the central axis of the outer circumference of the support shaft body 31A. The number of hook recesses 615 corresponds to the number of hook projections 313 on the support shaft 31. Furthermore, the number of sets consisting of guide recesses 616 and inner circumferential surfaces 617 corresponds to the number of guide projections 317 on the support shaft 31. However, the number of hook recesses 615 can be made greater than the number of hook projections 313 on the support shaft 31. Also, the number of sets consisting of guide recesses 616 and inner circumferential surfaces 617 can be made greater than the number of guide projections 317 on the support shaft 31.

[0132] The guide recess 616 is provided on the inner circumference of the core body 61, along the axial direction. The inner diameter of the guide recess 616 is larger than the outer diameter of the support shaft 31. The guide recess 616 has a smaller radial outward recess relative to the inner circumference of the core body 61 (more specifically, the inner surface, and even more specifically, the inner surface of the inner surface portion 617 or the thickened portion 619) compared to the hook recess 615 (hook recess 6151 on one end side, hook recess 6152 on the other end side). Therefore, a reduction in the strength of the core body 61 due to recessing can be prevented. The guide recess 616 is formed at the positions of one end and the other end of the core body 61, extending over the entire circumference in the circumferential direction of the core body 61 (parts 6162a and 6163a shown in Figure 3). Therefore, when extrapolating the core body 61 to the support shaft tip 31B, it is not necessary to align the support shaft tip 31B and the core body 61 around the central axis, thus simplifying the process. The guide recess 616 engages with the guide projection 317 and the sub-guide projection 318 when attaching the core body 61 to the support shaft 31, thereby circumferentially positioning it relative to the support shaft 31. In other words, when the core body 61 is attached to the outer circumference of the support shaft body 31A, the guide projection 317 and the sub-guide projection 318 engage with the guide recess 616, aligning the guide projection 317 and the sub-guide projection 318 with the guide recess 616 in the circumferential direction around the central axis of the outer circumference of the support shaft body 31A. The guide recess 616 has a positioning portion 6161 located in the axial center, with a constant width (circumferential dimension) and extending in the axial direction, and a guide portion that extends axially continuously from one end or the other end of the positioning portion 6161, with its width (circumferential dimension) increasing from the axial center toward the one end or the other end. This guide portion consists of an end-side guide portion 6162 provided near one end of the core body 61 and an end-side guide portion 6163 provided near the other end of the core body 61. The width of the positioning portion 6161 is approximately the same as the width of the guide projection 317. More specifically, it is larger (slightly larger) than the width of the guide projection 317 to the extent that it allows axial movement of the core body 61 relative to the guide projection 317.

[0133] Each guide section 6162, 6163 decreases in circumferential dimension as it moves from one end or the other end toward the axial center, so the core body 61 can be moved in the circumferential direction in accordance with this reduction (see Figure 5 for the guide section 6162 on the one end side, however, Figure 5 shows the movement and immobility of the core body 61 and the guide projection 317 in the opposite direction to reality). Then, the hooking recess 615 of the core body 61 aligns with the hooking projection 313 of the support shaft 31. In this way, the core body 61 rotates relative to the support shaft 31 and is aligned in the circumferential direction.

[0134] In this way, each guide part 6162, 6163 guides the guide projection 317 so that when the core body 61 is attached to the outer circumference of the support shaft 31, the hook projection 313 and the hook recess 6151 on one end side or the hook recess 6152 on the other end side are aligned in the circumferential direction around the central axis (conversely, each guide part 6162, 6163 is guided by the guide projection 317).

[0135] Furthermore, in the inner circumference of the core body 61, the portions 6162a and 6163a (see Figure 3) corresponding to the positions of one end and the other end of the core body 61 do not exert any action to move the core body 61 in the circumferential direction by contacting the guide projection 317. These portions 6162a and 6163a act to facilitate the attachment of the core body 61 to the support shaft 31. In other words, the inner diameter of each portion 6162a and 6163a is larger than the outer diameter of the support shaft 31. That is, the inner diameter of each portion 6162a and 6163a has a "loose" relationship with the outer diameter of the support shaft 31, with ample clearance. For this reason, inserting the wound body 6 (core body 61) onto the support shaft 31 is easier compared to a configuration with no dimensional clearance. Incidentally, the wound body 6, with the packaging material 62 wound around the core body 61, is heavy (especially a new wound body 6, which is particularly heavy because the packaging material 62 has not been consumed at all), so the ease of insertion is a great advantage for users of the drug packaging device 1. Incidentally, this effect is also due to the effect of the thin-walled section 618, which will be described later.

[0136] Here, each section 6162a and 6163a can be described as a "free region" that allows rotation of the core body 61 without restriction. The positioning section 6161 can also be described as a "restricted region" in which rotation of the core body 61 is substantially impossible (more specifically, there is only enough circumferential play to axially shift the guide recess 616 of the core body 61 relative to the guide projection 317 and sub-guide projection 318 of the support shaft 31). Furthermore, each guide section 6162 and 6163 can also be described as a "transition region" in which the range of rotation of the core body 61 is smaller towards the axial center than towards the axial end and the other end. The guide recess 616 is continuous from the axial end toward the axial center in the order of free region, transition region, and restricted region. Then, from the axial center toward the other axial end, it is continuous again in the transition region and free region.

[0137] The inner circumferential surface portion 617 is the portion adjacent to the guide recess 616 in the circumferential direction. The inner circumferential surface portion 617 is thicker (larger in radial dimension) than the guide recess 616. The inner circumferential surface portion 617 is located at the axial center of the core body 61, and does not reach the edge of the core body 61 at both axial ends, with its tip located between the axial center and the edge at both axial ends. The tip portion of the inner circumferential surface portion 617 has a shape corresponding to the shape of each guide portion 6162, 6163, with the circumferential dimension increasing from one end towards the axial center and decreasing from the axial center towards the other end. The shape of the inner circumferential surface portion 617 is symmetrical in the axial direction with respect to the axial center.

[0138] The surface of the inner circumferential surface portion 617 is a curved surface that curves with a constant curvature in the circumferential direction. The circumferential curvature of the surface of the inner circumferential surface portion 617 is the same as (approximately the same as) the circumferential curvature of the outer surface of the support shaft 31. Because the surface of the inner circumferential surface portion 617 is a curved surface with a wide spread, the inner circumferential surface portion 617 makes surface contact with the outer surface of the support shaft 31 when the core body 61 is installed. Here, for example, in a configuration in which multiple protrusions extending in the axial direction are formed on the inner circumferential surface of the core body, line contact occurs with the outer surface of the support shaft. Here, during the manufacturing of the wound body, a phenomenon called "winding tightening" may occur due to residual stress (force that compresses in the longitudinal direction) in the packaging material after winding, or due to ambient temperature or humidity. This "winding tightening" may cause deformation (strain) in the main body of the core body, which is floating relative to the support shaft. In contrast, in this embodiment, since the surface of the inner circumferential surface portion 617 makes surface contact with the outer surface of the support shaft 31, the possibility of the aforementioned deformation (strain) occurring in the core body 61 can be reduced.

[0139] Because the inner circumferential surface portion 617 is thick and the guide recess 616 is thin, a step is formed between the inner circumferential surface portion 617 and the guide recess 616. In other words, the circumferential edges of the positioning portion 6161 and each guide portion 6162, 6163 of the guide recess 616 are defined by the inner circumferential surface portion 617. The inner circumferential surface portion 6177 has a core-side slope 6171 that defines the widthwise (circumferential) edges of each guide portion 6162, 6163 of the guide recess 616 (see Figure 3).

[0140] When attempting to attach the core body 61, which has a hook recess 615, a guide recess 616, and an inner circumferential surface portion 617, to the support shaft 31 from one end, the guiding portion 6162 of the core body 61 is initially positioned relative to the guide projection 317 of the support shaft 31. Further movement of the core body 61 in the axial direction changes the positioning portion 6161 of the core body 61 relative to the guide projection 317 (see the position change indicated by the arrow in Figure 5).

[0141] The positioning section 6161 also serves as a guide for the guide projection 317. This positioning section 6161, acting as a guide, is located at the axial center of the core body 61, that is, between the one-end guide section 6162 and the other-end guide section 6163, and is connected to each guide section 6162 and 6163. It guides the guide projection 317 so that when the core body 61 is mounted on the outer circumference of the support shaft body 31A, the hook projection 313 and the hook recess 615 (one-end hook recess 6151 or the other-end hook recess 6152) are aligned in the circumferential direction around the central axis of the outer circumference of the support shaft body 31A. As a result, when mounting the core body 61 to the support shaft body 31A, it is not necessary to intentionally maintain the state in which the support shaft body 31A and the core body 61 are aligned around the central axis, thus simplifying the process.

[0142] Furthermore, the guide portion 6162 on one end side decreases in width (circumferential dimension) from one end to the axial center as it moves from one end to the other end of the core body 61. This guides the guide projection 317 so that when the core body 61 is mounted on the outer circumference of the support shaft body 31A, the hook projection 313 and the hook recess 615 are aligned in the circumferential direction around the central axis of the outer circumference of the support shaft body 31A. As a result, when mounting the core body 61 to the support shaft body 31A, it is not necessary to intentionally align the support shaft body 31A and the core body 61 around the central axis, thus simplifying the process. Additionally, as the core body 61 moves from one end to the other end, the sub-guide projection 318 guides the core body 61 from the axial center to the other end.

[0143] Here, when the guide projection 317 is located at the circumferential end of the one-end guide portion 6162, the edge of the one-end guide portion 6162, that is, the one-end core body side slope 6171, comes into contact with the guide projection 317. This guides the core body 61 so that its positioning portion 6161 aligns with the guide projection 317. When the core body 61 is moved further axially, the guide projection 317 disengages from the positioning portion 6161 of the core body 61. In this case, the positioning portion 6161 is guided to align with the sub-guide projection 318, which is formed continuously on the base end side of the guide projection 317, instead of the guide projection 317 (see Figure 5). As a result of the guidance by the guide projection 317 and the sub-guide projection 318, the hook projection 313 and the hook recess 615 engage. As the core body 61 is moved further in the axial direction, a portion of the guide projection 317 protrudes from the other end of the core body 61, and the hook projection 313 and the hook recess 615 fully engage, resulting in the state shown in Figure 4.

[0144] The edge of the guide portion 6162 on one end (core body side slope 6171) may come into contact with the slope of the tip section 3172 of the guide projection 317 (see Figure 5). Here, the axial inclination of the core body side slope 6171, which is the edge of the guide portion 6162 on one end, and the slope of the tip section 3172 of the guide projection 317 are approximately the same. Therefore, the contact is smooth. The same applies to the guide portion 6163 on the other end.

[0145] According to the core body 61 of this embodiment, the guide recess 616 facilitates attachment to the support shaft 31, and the inner circumferential surface portion 617 ensures the strength of the core body 61.

[0146] The core body 61 also includes a thin-walled portion 618 and a thick-walled portion 619. The thin-walled portion 618 is provided on the inner circumference of one end and the other end in the axial direction. The thin-walled portion 618 fits onto the base end shaft portion 312 of the support shaft 31 when the core body 61 is mounted on the support shaft 31. The thick-walled portion 619 fits onto the main shaft portion 311 of the support shaft 31 when the core body 61 is mounted on the support shaft 31. The thick-walled portion 619 has a greater wall thickness than the thin-walled portion 618. The thin-walled portion 618 corresponds to the aforementioned guide recess 616, and the thick-walled portion 619 corresponds to the aforementioned inner circumferential surface portion 617. The purpose of the thin-walled portion 618 differs from that of the aforementioned guide recess 616, but the formation range on the inner circumference of the core body 61 is the same as that of the aforementioned guide recess 616. Note that the formation ranges of the thin-walled portion 618 and the guide recess 616 can also be made different. The thickened portion 619 has a different purpose than the inner circumferential surface portion 617 described above, but the formation area on the core body 61 is the same as that of the inner circumferential surface portion 617. It is also possible to have different formation areas for the thickened portion 619 and the inner circumferential surface portion 617.

[0147] -Reuse of used wicks- The core 61 can be reused many times by reusing it after the packaging material 62 has been used up. This contributes to resource conservation, for example. Reuse is performed by winding new packaging material 62 onto the used core 61 collected from the user of the drug packaging device 1. A new winding body 6 is manufactured by winding new packaging material 62 onto the core 61 to be reused. In order to facilitate collection, the core 61 portion of the winding body 6 handed over to the user is provided on loan, thereby encouraging the user to return the core 61.

[0148] The winding of new packaging material 62 onto the used core 61 may be carried out, for example, by winding the new packaging material 62 onto a separate core (such as a paper tube) 63 having an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the core 61 (see, for example, Figure 19), thereby attaching a pre-fabricated packaging material roll (replacement winding body) to the used core 61. When this method is used, the difference between the outer diameter of the core 61 and the inner diameter of the separate core can be adjusted by interposing a spacer such as a rubber ring between the used core 61 and the separate core.

[0149] The manufacture of the new winding 6 may be carried out by the supplier of the winding 6, or the user may carry out the manufacturing work as instructed by the supplier of the winding 6 to the user. In the latter case, the used core 61 will not be collected but will remain with the user. The instructions from the supplier of the winding 6 to the user may be explicit or implicit. The latter implicit instructions may include simply providing the user with a replacement winding.

[0150] -Possibility of changing form- Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0151] The support shaft 31 may take the form shown in Figures 6 and 7, for example. The support shaft 31 shown in Figures 6 and 7 is basically the same as the support shaft 31 of the above embodiment, but differs from the support shaft 31 of the above embodiment in that it does not have a third projection (sub-guide projection) 318. In other words, the support shaft 31 does not need to have a third projection 318.

[0152] This form of support shaft 31 is, for example, a modified version of the support shaft provided in an existing drug packaging device. The support shaft provided in an existing drug packaging device consists of a support shaft body 31A and a tip cap. The tip cap is attached to the tip of the support shaft body 31A and closes off the tip of the support shaft body 31A. In the support shaft 31 shown in Figures 6 and 7, the tip cap is removed from the tip of the support shaft body 31A, and a support shaft tip body (mounting aid) 31B is attached to the tip of the support shaft body 31A. Such a support shaft 31 can be realized without significantly modifying the support shaft provided in an existing drug packaging device. Therefore, the combination of the winding body 6 and the drug packaging device 1 of this embodiment can be realized at low cost.

[0153] Furthermore, the core body 61 may take the form of a modified example, such as those shown in Figures 8 to 18. That is, at least one (in this case, one) third recess 6172 may be further formed on the inner circumference of the core body 61. The third recess 6172 engages with the protruding portion 316 of the support shaft 31 when the core body 61 is mounted on the outer circumference of the support shaft 31. The third recess 6172 is located at an intermediate position between one end of the core body 61 and the other end of the core body 61, and is recessed radially outward. The third recess 6172 has a smaller radially outward recess relative to the inner circumference of the core body 61 (more specifically, the inner surface of the core body 61) compared to the first recesses 6151 on each end side and the first recesses 6152 on each other end side. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the strength of the core body 61 due to the formation of the third recess 6172.

[0154] The third recess 6172 is provided at a predetermined angular position in the circumferential direction of the core body 61. In this embodiment, the third recess 6172 is provided at an angular position 90° offset from one of the two second recesses 616 in the circumferential direction of the core body 61. When the core body 61 is viewed from one end, if the angular position of the first recess 6151 on the first end side is set to 0° in the circumferential direction of the core body 61, then the angular position of the third recess 6172 is 270°.

[0155] The third recess 6172 guides the retractable portion 316 so that when the worker moves the winding body relative to the support shaft 31 in the mounting direction, the first projections 313 and each first recess 615 (specifically, the first recess 6151 on each end side or the first recess 6152 on each other end side as described above) are aligned in the circumferential direction of the support shaft 31. Therefore, even if the support shaft 31 is not provided with the third projection 318 described above, the worker only needs to move the winding body 6 relative to the support shaft 31 in the mounting direction. The worker does not need to intentionally position the support shaft 31 and the core body 61 so that they are aligned in the circumferential direction of the support shaft 31. As a result, the work of mounting the winding body to the support shaft 31 becomes easier.

[0156] Furthermore, the shape of the portion of the core body 61 closer to the axial center in this modified form is not limited to the forms shown in Figures 8 to 18, but can take on various forms. Also, the magnet holding portion 614 may be omitted. In addition, although two inner circumferential surfaces 617 are provided as described above, the shape of the inner circumferential surface 617 on the side without the third recess 6172 may take on various shapes.

[0157] Furthermore, regardless of whether the magnet holding portion 614 is present or not, the core body 61 does not need to be equipped with a magnet 613. In this case, the drug packaging device 1 can set the sealing temperature using another means. Also in this case, the orientation of the core body 61 relative to the packaging material 62 does not matter. Either one end of the core body 61 or the other end of the core body 61 may face the fold of the packaging material 62. In this case, the manufacturing of the wound body 6 becomes easier. [Explanation of symbols]

[0158] 1. Drug packaging device 2 Packaging Department 3 Packaging material supply department 31 Support shaft 31A Support shaft body 31B Support shaft tip 311 Main shaft part 312 Proximal shaft part 313 Hooking projection, first projection 314 Moving part, packaging material break detection pin 316 Haunting Department 317 Guide projection, second projection 318 Sub-guide projection, third projection 4 Packaging material transport section 5 Package forming section 6-volume body 61 Core body 611 Notch 6111 One end side notch 6112 Other end side notch 613 Magnet 6131 End-side magnet 6132 Magnet on the other end 614 Magnet holder 6141 One end side holding part 6142 Other end side holding part 615 Hook recess, first recess 6151 First recess on one end, second hook recess, hook recess on one end 6152 Other end side first recess, first hook recess, other end side hook recess 616 Second recess, guide recess 6161 Guide section, positioning section 6162 One end side guide part 6163 Other end guide section 617 Inner peripheral surface section 618 Thin-walled section 619 Thick wall part 62 Packaging material

Claims

[Claim 1] It is the core, Formed in a cylindrical shape, A long sheet can be wrapped around the outer circumference. It has a cylindrical inner circumference and has one end and the other end, The inner circumference portion includes, A first recess on the end side is provided at the position of the aforementioned end and is recessed radially outward, A first recess on the other end side is provided at the position of the other end and is recessed radially outward, A second recess is formed, extending from the position of one end to the position of the other end, recessed radially outward, and having a smaller radially outward recess relative to the inner circumference compared to the first recess on the one end side and the first recess on the other end side. It can be attached to the outer circumference of a rotatably mounted support shaft from either the one end or the other end, When mounted on the outer circumference of the support shaft, the first recess on one end or the first recess on the other end engages with a first projection provided at the base end of the support shaft, thereby allowing it to rotate integrally with the support shaft. When mounted on the outer circumference of the support shaft, the second recess engages with a second projection provided at the tip of the support shaft, thereby aligning the first projection and the first recess on one end or the first recess on the other end in the circumferential direction of the support shaft. A method for reusing a core, comprising winding a new long sheet onto the core after the long sheet previously wound around the core has been used up.

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