Sealing device, blister packaging machine, blister sheet, and method for manufacturing the same

Abstract

The present invention provides a sealing device that can sufficiently increase the adhesion strength of the cover film to the container film, even when the cover film is made of resin. [Solution] The sealing device 50 comprises a film receiving roll 52 and a rotatable heating roll 53 having a plurality of protrusions 531 on its outer surface. The container film 3 and the cover film 4 are attached by sandwiching them between the two rolls 52 and 53. When the thickness of the cover film 4 before it enters between the two rolls 52 and 53 is tc (mm) and the height of the protrusions 531 is H (mm), the thickness is 0.01

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sealing device for attaching a cover film to a container film, a blister packaging machine for manufacturing a blister sheet in which a cover film is attached to a container film, and a blister sheet and a manufacturing method thereof.

Background Art

[0002] Generally, in the field of pharmaceuticals and the like, blister sheets such as PTP (Press Through Pack) sheets are known. The blister sheet includes a container film having a pocket portion for accommodating contents (for example, tablets), and a cover film attached to the container film so as to seal the opening side of the pocket portion.

[0003] The above-described blister sheet can be manufactured by a blister packaging machine. The blister packaging machine has means for forming a pocket portion in a strip-shaped container film, means for filling the pocket portion with contents, means (sealing means) for attaching a strip-shaped cover film to the container film, and means for punching a strip-shaped blister film in which a cover film is attached to the container film into blister sheet units.

[0004] As the sealing means, there is known one including a film receiving roll having a receiving recess capable of accommodating a pocket portion on its outer periphery, and a heating roll whose outer periphery is pressed toward the outer periphery of the film receiving roll. Then, the cover film is attached to the container film by passing between both rolls in a state where the container film and the cover film are overlapped.

[0005] Furthermore, the surface of the heating roll may be provided with multiple protrusions in the shape of a parallelogram mesh (see, for example, Patent Document 1). By providing these protrusions, when the cover film is attached to the container film, the protrusions bite into the container film and the cover film, causing both films to deform. As a result, a mesh-like seal is formed in the container film where the cover film bites into it, allowing the cover film to be firmly attached to the container film.

[0006] Furthermore, while cover films are often made of metal materials such as aluminum, they may be made of resin to allow for the recycling of used blister sheets and the scrap remaining after punching out blister sheets from the blister film (see, for example, Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2016-78854 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2000-1260 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] However, if the cover film is made of resin, the adhesion strength of the cover film to the container film may be insufficient, and as a result, good gas barrier properties and peel resistance may not be obtained.

[0009] In other words, in order to form the seal described above, it is necessary to sufficiently transfer heat from the protrusions to the container film so that the container film can be deformed to some extent, in order to make the protrusions bite into the container film. However, when the cover film is made of resin, the thermal conductivity of the cover film is relatively low, so the cover film hinders heat conduction from the protrusions to the container film, and the container film remains in a state that is not easily deformed. As a result, it is not possible to obtain a seal in which the cover film bites into the container film, and there is a risk that the adhesion strength of the cover film to the container film will be insufficient.

[0010] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a sealing device, etc., that can sufficiently increase the adhesion strength of the cover film to the container film, even when the cover film is made of resin. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] Below, we will describe, in separate sections, each means suitable for achieving the above objectives. Furthermore, we will add notes on the effects and benefits specific to each means as needed.

[0012] Means 1. A film receiving roll having a receiving recess on its outer surface capable of accommodating a pocket portion formed in a strip-shaped container film, and being rotatable with the pocket portion accommodating the receiving recess, It comprises a rotatable heating roll having a plurality of protrusions on its outer surface arranged in a parallelogram-like mesh pattern, A sealing device configured to attach the cover film to the container film by inserting the stacked container film and the strip-shaped resin cover film between the film receiving roll and the heating roll, and sandwiching them between the outer surfaces of the film receiving roll and the heating roll, Let tc (mm) be the thickness of the cover film before it enters the space between the film receiving roll and the heating roll. When the height of the ridge portion is H (mm), 0.01 < H < tc 0.03 ≤ tc ≤ 0.10 A sealing device characterized by being configured to satisfy each of the above conditions.

[0013] According to the above means 1, in order to satisfy H < tc, in the state where the container film and the cover film are sandwiched between the film receiving roll and the heating roll, the space surrounded by the ridge portion, that is, the space (enclosed space) located between the outer peripheral surface of the heating roll (especially the surface where the ridge portion is not formed) and the cover film can have less air. Therefore, heat and sealing pressure are more likely to be applied from the heating roll to the portion of the cover film corresponding to the enclosed space, that is, the portion not sandwiched by the ridge portion and the film receiving roll (ridge portion non-corresponding portion). As a result, together with satisfying tc ≤ 0.10 and the cover film not being extremely thick, not only the portion of the cover film sandwiched by the ridge portion and the film receiving roll (that is, the portion corresponding to the seal line) but also the ridge portion non-corresponding portion can be attached to the container film.

[0014] Also, in order to satisfy 0.01 < H, the pressure applied from the ridge portion to the cover film can be sufficiently increased. Therefore, at the portion corresponding to the seal line, the cover film can be firmly attached to the container film.

[0015] Combined with the above effects, even when the cover film is made of resin, the attachment strength of the cover film to the container film can be sufficiently increased. As a result, good gas barrier properties and peel resistance can be obtained more reliably.

[0016] Furthermore, in order to satisfy H < Tc, even if the ridge portion bites into the cover film to the maximum extent, it is possible to more reliably prevent the cover film from breaking. Thereby, good gas barrier properties can be obtained more reliably.

[0017] Furthermore, considering the strength and gas barrier properties of the cover film itself, it is preferable to satisfy 0.03 ≤ tc (the same applies to means 2, etc., described below).

[0018] Means 2. A film receiving roll having a receiving recess on its outer surface capable of accommodating a pocket portion formed in a strip-shaped container film, and which is rotatable with the pocket portion accommodating the receiving recess, It comprises a rotatable heating roll having a plurality of protrusions on its outer surface arranged in a parallelogram-like mesh pattern, A sealing device configured to attach the cover film to the container film by inserting the stacked container film and the strip-shaped resin cover film between the film receiving roll and the heating roll, and sandwiching them between the outer surfaces of the film receiving roll and the heating roll, Let tc (mm) be the thickness of the cover film before it enters the space between the film receiving roll and the heating roll. When the height of the aforementioned protrusion is H (mm), 0.02 ≤ H ≤ 0.08 0.03 ≤ tc ≤ 0.10 tc-0.05 ≤ H ≤ tc-0.01 A sealing device characterized by being configured to satisfy each of the following conditions.

[0019] According to the above means 2, since H≤tc - 0.01 and H≤0.08 are satisfied, in the state where the container film and the cover film are sandwiched between the film receiving roll and the heating roll, the air in the space surrounded by the ridge portion, which is located between the outer peripheral surface of the heating roll (especially the surface where the ridge portion is not formed) and the cover film (surrounding space), can be further reduced. Therefore, heat and seal pressure are more likely to be applied from the heating roll to the portion of the cover film corresponding to the surrounding space, that is, the portion not sandwiched by the ridge portion and the film receiving roll (ridge portion non-corresponding portion). As a result, combined with tc≤0.10 and the cover film not being extremely thick, not only the portion of the cover film sandwiched by the ridge portion and the film receiving roll (that is, the portion corresponding to the seal line), but also the ridge portion non-corresponding portion can be attached to the container film.

[0020] Also, since 0.02≤H and tc - 0.05≤H are satisfied, the pressure applied from the ridge portion to the cover film can be sufficiently increased. Therefore, at the portion corresponding to the seal line, the cover film can be firmly attached to the container film.

[0021] Combined with the above effects, even when the cover film is made of resin, the attachment strength of the cover film to the container film can be sufficiently increased. As a result, good gas barrier properties and peel resistance can be more reliably obtained.

[0022] Furthermore, since H≤Tc - 0.01 is satisfied, even if the ridge portion bites into the cover film to the maximum extent, it is possible to more reliably prevent the cover film from breaking, and good gas barrier properties can be more reliably obtained.

[0023] Means 3. The ridge portion has a flat surface formed at the top and an inclined surface continuous with the edge of the flat surface, and has a trapezoidal cross-section with a narrower top than the base. Let the width of the flat surface be W (mm). When the acute angle between the virtual surface including the flat surface and the inclined surface is θ (°). 0.08 ≤ W ≤ 0.15 25≦θ≦40 The sealing device according to means 1 or 2, characterized in that it is configured to satisfy each of the following conditions.

[0024] According to the above-described method 3, since θ ≤ 40 is satisfied, the amount of air in the surrounding space can be more reliably reduced when both films are sandwiched between both rolls. As a result, the portion of the cover film that does not correspond to the protruding part can be attached to the container film more firmly over a wider area. Consequently, the attachment strength of the cover film to the container film can be further increased.

[0025] Furthermore, by satisfying 0.08 ≤ W ≤ 0.15, the sealing pressure applied from the protruding portion to the cover film can be sufficiently increased, while also increasing the width of the portion of the cover film corresponding to the sealing point. Consequently, the cover film can be attached more firmly to the container film over a wider area in the portion corresponding to the sealing point. This makes it possible to more reliably obtain effects such as improved gas barrier properties.

[0026] Furthermore, by satisfying 25≦θ, the protruding portion can be more securely embedded in the cover film, and the cover film can be attached more firmly to the container film in the area corresponding to the seal.

[0027] Means 4. The sealing device according to means 1 or 2, characterized in that the pitch between the parallel-arranged protrusions is set to 0.7 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less.

[0028] According to the above-described method 4, since the pitch between the protruding portions is set to 0.7 mm or more, the sealing pressure applied to the cover film can be increased, and the adhesion strength of the cover film to the container film can be further enhanced.

[0029] On the other hand, since the pitch between the protruding sections is set to 1.0 mm or less, the number of seals formed can be sufficiently increased without particularly enlarging the attachment area of ​​both films. This makes it possible to more reliably obtain good gas barrier properties without enlarging the attachment area.

[0030] Means 5. The sealing device according to means 1 or 2, characterized in that when the container film and the cover film enter between the film receiving roll and the heating roll and the cover film comes into contact with a parallelogram formed by two parallel protrusions and two parallel protrusions intersecting the protrusions, the cover film is made to come into contact with the corner of the parallelogram on the front side in the rotational direction of the heating roll, and finally with the corner of the parallelogram on the rear side in the rotational direction of the heating roll.

[0031] According to the above means 5, when the cover film is fed between the two rolls, the cover film can be fed in such a way that air is squeezed out towards the corner on the rear side in the direction of rotation of the heating roll in the parallelogram section. Therefore, when the two films are sandwiched between the two rolls, the amount of air present in the surrounding space can be further reduced. As a result, heat and sealing pressure can be more easily applied from the heating roll to the non-protruding parts of the cover film. Consequently, the adhesion strength of the cover film to the container film can be further increased.

[0032] Method 6. When the angle at which the cover film enters the heating roll is α(°), 80 ≤ α A sealing device according to means 1 or 2, characterized in that it is configured to satisfy the requirements.

[0033] More specifically, the entry angle α can be defined as the angle obtained by subtracting from 90° the minimum rotation angle required for the line segment connecting the rearmost position of the cover film in the contact area of ​​the heating roll along the rotation direction of the heating roll and the rotation axis, when rotated along the rotation direction of the heating roll with respect to the rotation axis, to coincide with the line segment connecting the position where both films are sandwiched by both rolls and the rotation axis, in a cross section perpendicular to the rotation axis of the heating roll.

[0034] According to the above means 6, the contact area of ​​the cover film with the heating roll can be reduced, so that the entire circumference of the parallelogram-shaped protrusions is more reliably prevented from welding to the cover film before the cover film reaches the position where both films are sandwiched by both rolls. Consequently, when both films are sandwiched by both rolls, less air remains in the surrounding space. As a result, heat and sealing pressure can be applied more easily from the heating roll to the parts of the cover film that do not correspond to the protrusions, and the adhesion strength of the cover film to the container film can be further increased.

[0035] Furthermore, in terms of reducing the amount of air present in the surrounding space, it is more preferable to satisfy 85 ≤ α, and most preferable to configure it so that 90 = α.

[0036] Means 7. The sealing device according to means 1 or 2, characterized in that the cover film is attached to the resin container film.

[0037] According to the above means 1, etc., it is not necessary to heat the container film to the extent that it can be deformed by the heating roll, so even if the container film is made of resin as in the above means 7, both films can be attached at high speed.

[0038] Means 8. The sealing device according to means 1 or 2, characterized in that a thicker portion than the thickness tc is formed around the portion of the cover film into which the protrusions bite, and the heating roll is in contact with the outer surface of the heating roll where the protrusions are not formed, and the container film and the cover film are sandwiched by the film receiving roll and the heating roll in the portion of the cover film that is sandwiched between them, such that the total area of ​​the thicker portion is greater than the total area of ​​the portion having the thickness tc.

[0039] According to the above means 8, sealing pressure and heat can be effectively transmitted not only to the protruding portions and the portions sandwiched between the film receiving rolls of the cover film, but also to the portions corresponding to the built-up portions. Therefore, the adhesion strength of the cover film to the container film can be further increased in the built-up portions. Furthermore, in the portions of the cover film sandwiched between both rolls, the total area of ​​the built-up portions is made larger than the total area of ​​the portions with thickness tc, so that portions with good adhesion strength can be provided over a wide area of ​​the cover film. This further increases the adhesion strength of the cover film to the container film.

[0040] Means 9. A blister packaging machine having the sealing device described in Means 1 or 2.

[0041] According to the above means 9, the same effects and advantages as those of means 1 or 2 are achieved.

[0042] Means 10. A blister sheet in which a resin cover film is attached to a container film in which contents are filled in a pocket portion, so as to close the opening of the pocket portion, The cover film is provided with a plurality of parallelogram-shaped sealing holes formed by pressurizing and deforming only the cover film when it is attached to the container film. The blister sheet is characterized in that the cover film is attached to the container film not only in the area where the seal is formed, but also in the entire area where the seal is not formed.

[0043] According to the above means 10, the cover film is attached to the container film not only in the areas where seal lines are formed, but also throughout the entire area where seal lines are not formed. Therefore, even when the cover film is made of resin, the adhesion strength of the cover film to the container film can be sufficiently increased. As a result, good gas barrier properties and peel resistance can be obtained more reliably.

[0044] Means 11. The blister sheet according to means 10, characterized in that the container film is made of resin.

[0045] According to the above means 11, since the cover film and container film are each made of resin, the recyclability of used blister sheets and the like can be improved.

[0046] Furthermore, since it is not necessary to heat the container film to the point where it can be deformed when attaching the cover film to the container film, both films can be attached at high speed even when the container film is made of resin, as in the above-mentioned means 11.

[0047] Method 12. The thickness of the cover film before attachment to the container film is tc (mm), When the depth of the seal on the surface of the cover film is D (mm), 0.03 ≤ tc ≤ 0.10 0.01 ≤ D ≤ tc - 0.01 A blister sheet according to means 10, characterized in that it is configured to satisfy each of the following conditions.

[0048] According to the above means 12, the cover film is deformed by pressure to such an extent that 0.01 ≤ D is satisfied, so the adhesion strength of both films at the location where the seal is formed can be further increased.

[0049] Furthermore, since D ≤ tc - 0.01 is satisfied, the cover film can be more reliably prevented from breaking at the seal, and good gas barrier properties can be obtained even more reliably.

[0050] Furthermore, considering the reduction of manufacturing costs, it is preferable that tc ≤ 0.10 is satisfied. Also, when obtaining a blister sheet in which the cover film is attached to the container film not only in the area where the seal is formed, but also in the entire area of ​​the non-corresponding part of the protrusion, using the sealing device described in means 1 above, it is also preferable that tc ≤ 0.10 is satisfied.

[0051] Means 13. The blister sheet according to means 10, characterized in that the pitch between the parallel-arranged seals is set to 0.7 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less.

[0052] According to the above-described method 13, since the pitch between the seals is set to 1.0 mm or less, the number of seals formed can be sufficiently increased without particularly enlarging the attachment area of ​​both films. As a result, good gas barrier properties and the like can be obtained more reliably without enlarging the attachment area.

[0053] On the other hand, since the pitch between the seals is set to 0.7 mm or more, the sealing pressure applied to the cover film can be increased when the cover film is pressed and deformed to form the seals. This further enhances the adhesion strength of the cover film to the container film.

[0054] Means 14. The blister sheet according to means 10, characterized in that the thickness of the thinnest part of the cover film is 5 μm or more.

[0055] According to the above method 14, the thickness of the thinnest part of the cover film is set to 5 μm or more. Therefore, the breakage of the cover film can be prevented more effectively, and good gas barrier properties can be maintained more reliably.

[0056] On the other hand, even when the thickness tc of the cover film before attachment to the container film is set to the maximum of 0.10 mm (100 μm), it is preferable to set the thickness of the thinnest part of the cover film (the part where the seal is formed) to 90 μm or less (in other words, satisfying 0.01 ≤ D) in order to sufficiently deform the cover film under pressure and sufficiently increase the adhesion strength of both films at the location where the seal is formed.

[0057] Method 15. A method for manufacturing a blister sheet, wherein a resin cover film is attached to a container film in which contents are filled in the pocket portion, so as to close the opening of the pocket portion, The sealing process includes attaching the cover film to the container film by using a film receiving roll that has a receiving recess on its outer surface capable of accommodating a pocket portion formed in the strip-shaped container film, and is rotatable with the pocket portion accommodating the pocket portion, and a rotatable heating roll that has a plurality of protrusions arranged in a parallelogram mesh pattern on its outer surface, and inserting the stacked container film and the cover film between the outer surfaces of the film receiving roll and the heating roll while sandwiching them, thereby attaching the cover film to the container film. Let tc (mm) be the thickness of the cover film before it enters the space between the film receiving roll and the heating roll. When the height of the aforementioned protrusion is H (mm), 0.01 <H<tc 0.03 ≤ tc ≤ 0.10 A method for manufacturing a blister sheet, characterized by satisfying each of the following conditions.

[0058] According to the above means 15, the same effects and advantages as those of means 1 are achieved.

[0059] Method 16. A method for manufacturing a blister sheet, wherein a resin cover film is attached to a container film in which contents are filled into a pocket portion, so as to close the opening of the pocket portion, The sealing process includes attaching the cover film to the container film by using a film receiving roll that has a receiving recess on its outer surface capable of accommodating a pocket portion formed in the strip-shaped container film, and is rotatable with the pocket portion accommodating the pocket portion, and a rotatable heating roll that has a plurality of protrusions arranged in a parallelogram mesh pattern on its outer surface, and inserting the stacked container film and the cover film between the outer surfaces of the film receiving roll and the heating roll while sandwiching them, thereby attaching the cover film to the container film. Let tc (mm) be the thickness of the cover film before it enters the space between the film receiving roll and the heating roll. When the height of the aforementioned protrusion is H (mm), 0.02 ≤ H ≤ 0.08 0.03 ≤ tc ≤ 0.10 tc-0.05 ≤ H ≤ tc-0.01 A method for manufacturing a blister sheet, characterized by satisfying each of the following conditions.

[0060] According to the above means 16, the same effects as those of means 2 are achieved.

[0061] Furthermore, the technical aspects related to the above means may be combined as appropriate. For example, at least two of the technical aspects related to means 3 to 8 may be combined with the technical aspects related to means 1 or 2. Also, at least one of the technical aspects related to means 3 to 8 may be combined with the technical aspects related to means 15 or 16. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0062] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of the PTP sheet as seen from the container film side. [Figure 2]This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of a PTP sheet. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view of PTP film. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view of the PTP sheet as seen from the cover film side. [Figure 5] This is a partially enlarged bottom view of the cover film used to show the parallelogram-shaped mesh pattern of the seal. [Figure 6] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a cover film, etc., used to explain the depth of the seal. [Figure 7] Figure 6 is a partially broken, enlarged perspective view illustrating the cross-section of the cover film, etc. [Figure 8] This is a partially enlarged bottom view of the cover film used to show the reinforced areas and non-contact areas. [Figure 9] This is a schematic diagram of the PTP packaging machine. [Figure 10] This is a perspective view of the heating roll. [Figure 11] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a heated roll, etc., used to explain the height of the protruding parts. [Figure 12] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a heating roll, etc., used to explain angles such as θ. [Figure 13] Figures 11 and 12 are enlarged perspective views of a partially broken heated roll to illustrate its cross-section. [Figure 14] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the contact of the parallelogram-shaped portion with the cover film. [Figure 15] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the contact of the parallelogram-shaped portion with the cover film. [Figure 16] This is a schematic cross-sectional diagram of a heating roll, etc., to explain the entry angle α. [Figure 17] This is a schematic cross-sectional diagram of a heating roll, etc., when α = 90. [Figure 18] This is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration in which the entire circumference of the parallelogram-shaped portion does not simultaneously contact the cover film. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0063] The embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. [First Embodiment] First, let's explain in detail the structure of the PTP sheet as a "blister sheet". As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the PTP sheet 1 has a container film 3 with multiple pockets 2 and a cover film 4 attached to the container film 3 so as to close the pockets 2.

[0064] The PTP sheet 1 is formed in a rectangular shape in plan view, with its four corners forming arcs. The PTP sheet 1 has two rows of pockets, each consisting of three pocket sections 2 arranged along its long side, and two rows of pockets along its short side. In other words, a total of six pocket sections 2 are formed. Each pocket section 2 contains one tablet 5 as the "contents".

[0065] The PTP sheet 1 is manufactured by punching out a sheet of strip-shaped PTP film 6 (see Figure 3), which is formed from a strip-shaped container film 3 and a strip-shaped cover film 4. In this embodiment, the PTP film 6 corresponds to the "blister film".

[0066] The container film 3 is made of resin, and is composed of, for example, transparent or translucent polypropylene (PP) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). In this embodiment, the thickness tp of the container film 3 (see Figure 6) is, for example, 0.25 mm or more and 0.4 mm or less. The container film 3 may also be composed of a film made of a material other than resin (for example, a metal laminate film using aluminum, etc.). Furthermore, the thickness tp of the container film 3 may be changed as appropriate.

[0067] The cover film 4 is made of a predetermined thermoplastic resin. The thermoplastic resin constituting the cover film 4 is preferably PP if the container film 3 is made of PP, and preferably a polyamide resin if the container film 3 is made of PVC. Of course, other thermoplastic resins may also be used.

[0068] Furthermore, the cover film 4 has multiple parallelogram-shaped (square in this embodiment) mesh-like sealing holes 7 formed by pressurizing and deforming only the cover film 4 when it is attached to the container film 3 (see Figures 4 and 5; in Figure 5, the sealing holes 7 are given a scattered dot pattern). Each sealing hole 7 is a linearly extending groove and is either intersecting (orthogonal in this embodiment) or parallel to the other sealing holes 7. As shown in Figure 6, when the thickness of the cover film 4 before attachment to the container film 3 is tc (mm) and the depth of the sealing holes 7 relative to the surface of the cover film 4 (especially the surface of the portion of the cover film 4 adjacent to the sealing holes 7) is D (mm), the cover film 4 is configured to satisfy 0.03 ≤ tc ≤ 0.10 and 0.01 ≤ D ≤ tc - 0.01.

[0069] Figure 6 shows a cross-section (see Figure 7) that is perpendicular to the direction X1 in which the seals 7 extend and passes through all areas except the intersections of the seals 7. The thickness tc is the thickness of the cover film 4 immediately before contact with the heating roll 53, which will be described later, and in this embodiment, it corresponds to the thickness of the cover film 4 that constitutes the raw material, which will be described later. Considering the reduction of manufacturing costs and the ease of removing the tablets 5, it is preferable that tc ≤ 0.10 is satisfied.

[0070] Furthermore, the thickness of the thinnest part of the cover film 4 is set to be 0.005 mm (5 μm) or more. In this embodiment, as described above, D ≤ tc - 0.01 is satisfied, and the thickness of the thinnest part of the cover film 4 is 0.01 mm (10 μm) or more.

[0071] In addition, the pitch Sk between parallel-arranged seals 7 is set to be between 0.7 mm and 1.0 mm. The pitch Sk can be defined as the shortest distance between the widthwise centers of two adjacent parallel seals 7.

[0072] Furthermore, the cover film 4 is attached to the container film 3 not only in the areas where the seal lines 7 are formed, but also throughout the entire area where the seal lines 7 are not formed. In this embodiment, the portion of the cover film 4 corresponding to the seal lines 7 is a strong seal portion 4k (the portion with a scattered dot pattern in Figures 5 and 6) that is firmly attached to the container film 3. On the other hand, the portion of the cover film 4 where the seal lines 7 are not formed is a weak seal portion 4j (the portion with diagonal lines or a grid pattern in Figures 6 and 8) that is attached to the container film 3 but has a lower attachment strength than the strong seal portion 4k.

[0073] The strong seal portion 4k is formed when the cover film 4 is attached to the container film 3 by being sandwiched between the protruding portion 531 and the film receiving roll 52 (see Figure 11 for each). Since the strong seal portion 4k is formed by applying sufficient heat and sealing pressure from the protruding portion 531, it is firmly attached to the container film 3 as described above.

[0074] The weak seal portion 4j is the portion that was not pinched by the protruding portion 531 and the film receiving roll 52 when the cover film 4 was attached to the container film 3, and it comprises a non-contact portion 4h and a reinforced portion 4n (see Figures 6 and 8. In Figures 6 and 8, the non-contact portion 4h is shown with diagonal lines, and the reinforced portion 4n is shown with a diagonal grid pattern).

[0075] The non-contact portion 4h is the portion of the cover film 4 having a thickness tc, which does not come into contact with the heating roll 53 when the two films 3 and 4 are attached (see Figure 11), and therefore does not undergo any particular deformation. However, when the cover film 4 is attached to the container film 3, heat and sealing pressure are applied to the non-contact portion 4h from the heating roll 53 via the air in the surrounding space HK (see Figure 11), which is the space surrounded by the protruding portion 531 and located between the outer surface of the heating roll 53 (especially the surface where the protruding portion 531 is not formed) and the cover film 4. Due to this heat and sealing pressure, the non-contact portion 4h is attached to the container film 3.

[0076] The built-up portion 4n is located around the seal 7 in the cover film 4 and is thicker than the thickness tc. The built-up portion 4n is formed when the protruding portion 531 bites into the cover film 4, causing pressure deformation in the cover film 4. When the two films 3 and 4 are attached, the built-up portion 4n comes into contact with the outer surface of the heating roll 53 where the protruding portion 531 is not formed, so that heat and sealing pressure are applied from the heating roll 53 (see Figure 11). Therefore, the built-up portion 4n is attached more firmly to the container film 3 than the non-contact portion 4h.

[0077] Furthermore, across the entire area of ​​the cover film 4 constituting the PTP sheet 1, the total area of ​​the built-up portion 4n is larger than the total area of ​​the non-contact portion 4h. In other words, in the weak seal portion 4j, the area occupied by the built-up portion 4n, which has relatively high adhesion strength, is larger than the area occupied by the non-contact portion 4h, which has relatively low adhesion strength.

[0078] Next, the general configuration of the PTP packaging machine 10 for manufacturing the PTP sheet 1 described above will be explained. In this embodiment, the PTP packaging machine 10 corresponds to a "blister packaging machine".

[0079] As shown in Figure 9, at the upstream end of the PTP packaging machine 10, a strip of container film 3 is wound into a roll. The end of the roll of container film 3 is guided by a guide roll 13. Downstream of the guide roll 13, the container film 3 is mounted on an intermittent feed roll 14. The intermittent feed roll 14 is connected to a motor that rotates intermittently, and intermittently conveys the container film 3.

[0080] Between the guide roll 13 and the intermittent feed roll 14, a heating device 15 and a pocket forming device 16 are arranged in order along the transport path of the container film 3. When the container film 3 is heated by the heating device 15 and becomes relatively flexible, the pocket forming device 16 forms a plurality of pockets 2 at predetermined positions on the container film 3. The formation of the pockets 2 takes place during the intervals between the transport operations of the container film 3 by the intermittent feed roll 14.

[0081] The container film 3, fed from the intermittent feed roll 14, is mounted in the following order: tension roll 18, guide roll 19, and film receiving roll 52. The film receiving roll 52 constitutes part of the sealing device 50, which will be described later. The film receiving roll 52 is connected to a motor that rotates at a constant speed, so that the container film 3 is transported continuously and at a constant speed. The tension roll 18 is positioned to pull the container film 3 towards the side that is tensioned by elastic force, preventing slack in the container film 3 due to differences in transport operation between the intermittent feed roll 14 and the film receiving roll 52, and keeping the container film 3 in a constantly taut state.

[0082] Between the guide roll 19 and the film receiving roll 52, a filling device 21 is positioned along the transport path of the container film 3. The filling device 21 includes a cylindrical chute for accommodating the tablets 5 in a single row, and a shutter (not shown) that can open and close the exit of the chute. The tablets 5 are filled into the pocket portion 2 by opening the shutter at a predetermined timing. Alternatively, the filling device 21 may also include a suction drum (not shown) capable of adsorbing the tablets 5, and the tablets 5 are filled into the pocket portion 2 by releasing the suction.

[0083] Meanwhile, the raw material of the strip-shaped cover film 4 is wound into a roll at the upstream end. The end of the roll-shaped cover film 4 is guided toward the sealing device 50 by a guide roll 23.

[0084] The sealing device 50 is a device for obtaining a strip-shaped PTP film 6 in which tablets 5 are contained in each pocket portion 2 by attaching a cover film 4 to a container film 3 in which tablets 5 are contained in pocket portions 2. In this embodiment, the step of attaching the cover film 4 to the container film 3 using the sealing device 50 corresponds to the "sealing step". The sealing device 50 will be described in detail later.

[0085] The PTP film 6 obtained by the sealing device 50 is fed out from the film receiving roll 52 and is then mounted on the tension roll 27 and the intermittent feed roll 28 in that order. The intermittent feed roll 28 is connected to a motor that rotates intermittently, so it conveys the PTP film 6 intermittently. The tension roll 27 is positioned to pull the PTP film 6 towards the side that is tensioned by elastic force, preventing slack in the PTP film 6 due to the difference in conveying operation between the film receiving roll 52 and the intermittent feed roll 28, and keeping the PTP film 6 in a constantly taut state.

[0086] The PTP film 6 fed from the intermittent feed roll 28 is mounted on the tension roll 31 and the intermittent feed roll 32 in that order. The intermittent feed roll 32 is connected to a motor that rotates intermittently, so it conveys the PTP film 6 intermittently. The tension roll 31 is positioned to pull the PTP film 6 towards the side where it is tensioned by elastic force, preventing slack in the PTP film 6 between the intermittent feed rolls 28 and 32.

[0087] Between the intermittent feed roll 28 and the tension roll 31, a slitting device 33 and an engraving device 34 are arranged in order along the transport path of the PTP film 6. The slitting device 33 has the function of forming separation slits at predetermined positions on the PTP film 6. The engraving device 34 has the function of engraving at predetermined positions on the PTP film 6. Note that the separation slits and engraving are not shown in Figure 1, etc.

[0088] The PTP film 6, fed from the intermittent feed roll 32, is then mounted downstream on the tension roll 35 and the continuous feed roll 36 in that order. Between the intermittent feed roll 32 and the tension roll 35, a sheet punching device 37 is positioned along the transport path of the PTP film 6. The sheet punching device 37 has the function of punching out the outer edge of the PTP film 6 into units of PTP sheets, that is, separating the PTP sheet 1 from the PTP film 6.

[0089] The PTP sheets 1 obtained by the sheet punching machine 37 are transported by the conveyor 39 and temporarily stored in the finished product hopper 40. However, defective PTP sheets 1 are not sent to the finished product hopper 40 but are discharged separately by the defective sheet discharge mechanism 41.

[0090] A cutting device 42 is located downstream of the continuous feed roll 36. The scrap 43 remaining from the PTP film 6 after the PTP sheet 1 has been punched out by the sheet punching device 37 is guided to the tension roll 35 and the continuous feed roll 36, and then to the cutting device 42. The cutting device 42 cuts the scrap 43 to predetermined dimensions. The cut scrap 43 is stored in a scrap hopper 44 and then disposed of separately.

[0091] Next, the sealing device 50 will be described. The sealing device 50 includes a preheating device 51, a film receiving roll 52, and a heating roll 53.

[0092] The preheating device 51 is located directly upstream of the heating roll 53 along the transport path of the cover film 4 and preheats the cover film 4 before it is attached to the container film 3. The preheating device 51 has, for example, an electric heater, and the heating temperature of the cover film 4 by the preheating device 51 is set to be the same as or lower than the heating temperature of the cover film 4 by the heating roll 53.

[0093] The film receiving roll 52 is cylindrical in shape with a predetermined outer diameter (for example, 200 mm to 400 mm) and is configured to rotate around its own central axis. Multiple recessed receiving recesses 52a capable of accommodating the pocket portion 2 are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the film receiving roll 52. When the pocket portion 2 is accommodated in the receiving recesses 52a and the pocket portion 2 is caught on the film receiving roll 52, the film receiving roll 52 rotates, causing the container film 3 to be conveyed downstream at a constant speed.

[0094] The heating roll 53 is cylindrical in shape with a predetermined outer diameter (for example, 100 mm to 200 mm) and is a roll that can freely rotate around its own central axis as the axis of rotation. The heating roll 53 is configured so that its outer surface can generate heat, for example, by an electric heater. The outer surface of the heating roll 53 is pressed against the outer surface of the film receiving roll 52, and the heating roll 53 rotates in a driven manner by the rotation of the film receiving roll 52.

[0095] Furthermore, the stacked container film 3 and cover film 4 are fed between the two rolls 52 and 53, and the cover film 4 is attached to the container film 3 by being sandwiched between the outer surfaces of both rolls 52 and 53. As a result, a strip-shaped PTP film 6 is produced in which the tablets 5 are placed in each pocket portion 2, and the pocket portions 2 are closed with the cover film 4.

[0096] Furthermore, at least the portion of the outer circumferential surface of the heating roll 53 that faces the cover film 4 that enters between the two rolls 52 and 53 is provided with a plurality of protruding portions 531 (see Figure 10) arranged in a parallelogram (square in this embodiment) mesh pattern. Each protruding portion 531 is a minute projection that extends at a predetermined angle (45° in this embodiment) obliquely to the circumferential direction of the heating roll 53 (the conveying direction of both films 3 and 4), and is positioned to intersect (orthogonal in this embodiment) or parallel to the other protruding portions 531. The aforementioned seal 7 is formed when the protruding portions 531 bite into the cover film 4.

[0097] As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the rib portion 531 has a trapezoidal cross-section with a narrower top than the base, and has a flat surface 531a formed at the top and two inclined surfaces 531b continuous with the edges of the flat surface 531a. When the width of the flat surface 531a is W (mm) and the acute angle among the angles formed by the virtual surface VS including the flat surface 531a and the inclined surface 531b is θ (°), it is configured to satisfy 0.08 ≦ W ≦ 0.15 and 25 ≦ θ ≦ 40, respectively. FIGS. 11 and 12 show a cross-section (see FIG. 13) that is orthogonal to the extending direction X2 of the rib portion 531 and passes through the portion other than the intersection of the rib portions 531.

[0098] Furthermore, in the cross-section, when the height of the rib portion 531 is H (mm) and the thickness of the cover film 4 before entering between the film receiving roll 52 and the heating roll 53 is tc (mm), it is configured to satisfy 0.01 < H < tc and 0.03 ≦ tc ≦ 0.10. Particularly regarding the height H, in the present embodiment, it is configured to satisfy H ≦ tc - 0.01.

[0099] By satisfying H < tc, when the rib portion 531 bites into the cover film 4, only the cover film 4 can be pressure-deformed without allowing the rib portion 531 to reach the container film 3. Thereby, a seal line 7 formed by deforming only the cover film 4 without deforming the container film 3 is formed. Particularly in the present embodiment, by satisfying H ≦ tc - 0.01, when the rib portion 531 bites into the cover film 4, a sufficient distance from the rib portion 531 to the container film 3 can be ensured, so that the thickness of the portion (strong seal portion 4k) corresponding to the seal line 7 in the cover film 4 can be made sufficiently large.

[0100] Also, by satisfying H < tc, when the protruding strip portion 531 bites into the cover film 4, it is more reliably possible to bring the outer peripheral surface of the heating roll 53 (the surface where the protruding strip portion 531 is not formed) into contact with the meat filling portion 4n or approach the non-contact portion 4h without reaching the container film 3 through the protruding strip portion 531. Particularly in this embodiment, by satisfying H ≤ tc - 0.01, it is more reliably possible to bring the outer peripheral surface of the heating roll 53 into contact with the meat filling portion 4n or approach the non-contact portion 4h while sufficiently ensuring the distance from the protruding strip portion 531 to the container film 3.

[0101] Furthermore, by satisfying 0.01 < H ≤ tc - 0.01, the seal line 7 of the obtained PTP sheet 1 satisfies 0.01 ≤ D ≤ tc - 0.01.

[0102] As described above, the thickness tc in this embodiment corresponds to the thickness of the cover film 4 constituting the base material. By satisfying 0.03 ≤ tc, it is possible to prevent the strength and gas barrier properties of the cover film 4 itself from excessively decreasing.

[0103] In addition, the pitch Tk between the protruding strip portions 531 arranged in parallel is set to be 0.7 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less. The pitch Tk can be said to be the shortest distance between the centers in the width direction of two adjacent parallel protruding strip portions 531. In this embodiment, at the portion of the cover film 4 sandwiched between the two rolls 52 and 53, the pitch Tk, height H, angle θ, etc. are appropriately set within the above ranges so that the total area of the meat filling portion 4n is larger than the total area of the non-contact portion 4h.

[0104] In addition, when the films 3 and 4 enter between the two rolls 52 and 53, the parallelogram portion 531s (see Figure 10; in Figure 10, a dotted pattern is applied only to the flat surface 531a of the parallelogram portion 531s) which consists of two parallel protrusions 531 and two parallel protrusions 531 that intersect with the protrusions 531, comes into contact with the cover film 4. At this time, the parallelogram portion 531s comes into contact with the cover film 4 in the following way: First, it begins to come into contact with the cover film 4 from the corner 531k1 on the front side in the rotation direction of the heating roll 53 of the parallelogram portion 531s (see Figure 14; in Figures 14 and 15, a dotted pattern is applied to the part of the parallelogram portion 531s that comes into contact with the cover film 4). As the heating roll 53 rotates and the cover film 4 is conveyed, the corner 531k2 on the rear side in the direction of rotation of the heating roll 53 in the parallelogram portion 531s finally comes into contact with the cover film 4 (see Figure 15). The area enclosed by the two dashed lines in Figures 14 and 15 indicates the contact area RA between the heating roll 53 and the cover film 4.

[0105] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 16 (in Figure 16, hatching for the heating roll 53 is omitted for illustrative purposes), the angle of entry of the cover film 4 into the heating roll 53 is set to satisfy 80 ≤ α, where α is the entry angle of the cover film 4 into the heating roll 53. More specifically, the entry angle α can be defined as the angle obtained by subtracting from 90° the minimum rotation angle β required for the line segment L1, which connects the rearmost position in the contact range RA along the rotation direction of the heating roll 53 and the rotation axis R1, to coincide with the line segment L2, which connects the position HP where the two films 3 and 4 are sandwiched by both rolls 52 and 53 and the rotation axis R1, when the line segment L1 is rotated along the rotation direction of the heating roll 53 with respect to the rotation axis R1.

[0106] Regarding the entry angle α, it is more preferable that α≥85 is satisfied, and it is most preferable that α = 90 is satisfied (see Fig. 17). By setting α = 90, it is possible to surely prevent the entire circumference of the parallelogram portion 531s from being welded to the cover film 4 before the cover film 4 reaches the sandwiching position HP. However, as shown in Fig. 18, if the entire circumference of the parallelogram portion 531s is configured not to contact the cover film 4 simultaneously in the contact range RA, even if α < 90, the same operational effects as those when α = 90 can be obtained.

[0107] As described in detail above, according to the present embodiment, since H < tc is satisfied, in the state where the two films 3 and 4 are sandwiched by the two rolls 52 and 53, the air in the enclosed space HK can be further reduced. Therefore, heat and sealing pressure are more likely to be applied from the heating roll 53 to the portion of the cover film 4 corresponding to the enclosed space HK, that is, the weak seal portion 4j which is not sandwiched by the protruding strip portion 531 and the film receiving roll 52. As a result, in combination with tc≤0.10 and the cover film 4 not being extremely thick, not only the portion of the cover film 4 sandwiched by the protruding strip portion 531 and the film receiving roll 52 (that is, the portion corresponding to the seal line 7), but also the weak seal portion 4j can be attached to the container film 3.

[0108] Also, by satisfying 0.01 < H, the cover film 4 is pressure-deformed to such an extent that 0.01≤D is satisfied, so that the pressure applied from the protruding strip portion 531 to the cover film 4 can be sufficiently increased. Therefore, at the portion corresponding to the seal line 7 (strong seal portion 4k), the cover film 4 can be firmly attached to the container film 3.

[0109] Combined with the above operational effects, even when the cover film 4 is made of resin, the attachment strength of the cover film 4 to the container film 3 can be sufficiently increased. As a result, good gas barrier properties and peel resistance can be more surely obtained.

[0110] Furthermore, in order to satisfy H < Tc, even if the protruding portion 531 bites into the cover film 4 to the maximum extent, it is possible to more reliably prevent the cover film 4 from breaking. Particularly in this embodiment, since H ≦ tc - 0.01 (D ≦ tc - 0.01) is satisfied, the breakage of the cover film 4 can be effectively prevented, and good gas barrier properties can be more reliably obtained.

[0111] Also, in order to satisfy θ ≦ 40, in the state where the two films 3 and 4 are sandwiched between the two rolls 52 and 53, the air present in the enclosed space HK can be more reliably reduced. As a result, the weak seal portion 4j can be more firmly attached to the container film 3 over a wider range. Consequently, the attachment strength of the cover film 4 to the container film 3 can be further increased.

[0112] Furthermore, by satisfying 0.08 ≦ W ≦ 0.15, while sufficiently increasing the seal pressure applied to the cover film 4 from the protruding portion 531, the width of the portion corresponding to the seal line 7 in the cover film 4 can be made larger. Therefore, in the portion corresponding to the seal line 7 (strong seal portion 4k), the cover film 4 can be more firmly attached to the container film 3 over a wider range. As a result, the effects such as improvement of gas barrier properties can be more reliably obtained.

[0113] Also, by satisfying 25 ≦ θ, the protruding portion 531 can be more reliably made to bite into the cover film 4, and in the portion corresponding to the seal line 7 (strong seal portion 4k), the cover film 4 can be more firmly attached to the container film 3.

[0114] In addition, by setting the pitch Tk between the protruding portions 531 to 0.7 mm or more (in other words, setting the pitch Sk between the seal lines 7 to 0.7 mm or more), the seal pressure applied to the cover film 4 can be increased, and the attachment strength of the cover film 4 to the container film 3 can be further increased.

[0115] On the other hand, by setting the pitch Tk between the protruding portions 531 to 1.0 mm or less, the pitch Sk between the seal openings 7 is set to 1.0 mm or less. Therefore, the number of seal openings 7 that are formed can be sufficiently increased without particularly enlarging the attachment area of ​​both films 3 and 4. As a result, good gas barrier properties and other characteristics can be obtained more reliably without enlarging the attachment area.

[0116] Furthermore, when the cover film 4 is fed between the two rolls 52 and 53, the air can be squeezed out towards the corner 531k2 on the rear side in the rotational direction of the heating roll 53 in the parallelogram portion 531s. Therefore, when the two films 3 and 4 are sandwiched between the two rolls 52 and 53, the amount of air present in the surrounding space HK can be further reduced. As a result, heat and sealing pressure can be more easily applied from the heating roll 53 to the weak seal portion 4j of the cover film 4. Consequently, the adhesion strength of the cover film 4 to the container film 3 can be further increased.

[0117] Furthermore, in order to satisfy α≧80, the contact area RA of the cover film 4 with respect to the heating roll 53 can be made relatively small. This makes it possible to more reliably suppress the welding of the entire circumference of the parallelogram-shaped protrusions 531 (parallelogram portion 531s) to the cover film 4 before the cover film 4 reaches the clamping position HP (i.e., preventing air from escaping from the surrounding space HK). Consequently, when both films 3 and 4 are clamped between both rolls 52 and 53, less air remains in the surrounding space HK. This makes it easier for heat and sealing pressure to be applied from the heating roll 53 to the weak seal portion 4j of the cover film 4, and further increases the adhesion strength of the cover film 4 to the container film 3.

[0118] In addition, the sealing pressure and heat can be effectively transmitted not only to the portion of the cover film 4 that is sandwiched between the protruding portion 531 and the film receiving roll 52 (strong sealing portion 4k), but also to the portion corresponding to the built-up portion 4n. Therefore, the adhesion strength of the cover film 4 to the container film 3 can be further increased in the built-up portion 4n. Furthermore, since the total area of ​​the built-up portion 4n is larger than the total area of ​​the portion with thickness tc (non-contact portion 4h), a wide area of ​​the cover film 4 can be provided with a good adhesion strength. This further increases the adhesion strength of the cover film 4 to the container film 3.

[0119] Furthermore, the cover film 4 constituting the PTP sheet 1 is attached to the container film 3 not only in the areas where the seals 7 are formed, but also throughout the entire area where the seals 7 are not formed. Therefore, even when the cover film 4 is made of resin, the adhesion strength of the cover film 4 to the container film 3 can be sufficiently increased.

[0120] Furthermore, since the cover film 4 and the container film 3 are both made of resin, the recyclability of used blister sheets and scrap 43 can be enhanced.

[0121] In addition, since it is not necessary to heat the container film 3 to a degree that it can be deformed when attaching the cover film 4 to the container film 3, both films 3 and 4 can be attached at high speed even if the container film 3 is made of resin. [Second Embodiment] Next, the second embodiment will be described, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. The PTP sheet 1 of the first embodiment is configured such that the depth D (mm) of the seal opening 7 on the surface of the cover film 4 satisfies 0.01 ≤ D ≤ tc - 0.01.

[0122] In contrast, the PTP sheet 1 of the second embodiment is configured such that the depth D of the seal line 7 satisfies 0.02 ≦ D ≦ 0.08 and tc - 0.05 ≦ D ≦ tc - 0.01. Incidentally, the thickness tc of the cover film 4 is configured to satisfy 0.03 ≦ tc ≦ 0.10, similar to the first embodiment.

[0123] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the height H of the protrusion 531 is configured to satisfy 0.01 ≦ H ≦ tc - 0.01.

[0124] In contrast, in the second embodiment, the height H of the protrusion 531 is configured to satisfy 0.02 ≦ H ≦ 0.08 and tc - 0.05 ≦ H ≦ tc - 0.01, respectively. By using the heating roll 53 having such a protrusion 531, the seal line 7 of the obtained PTP sheet 1 satisfies 0.02 ≦ D ≦ 0.08 and tc - 0.05 ≦ D ≦ tc - 0.01.

[0125] Incidentally, by satisfying H < tc - 0.01, when the protrusion 531 bites into the cover film 4, a sufficient distance from the protrusion 531 to the container film 3 can be ensured, so that the thickness of the portion (strong seal portion 4k) of the cover film 4 corresponding to the seal line 7 can be made sufficiently large. Also, by satisfying H ≦ tc - 0.01, while ensuring a sufficient distance from the protrusion 531 to the container film 3, it is more reliably possible to bring the outer peripheral surface of the heating roll 53 into contact with the build-up portion 4n or approach the non-contact portion 4h.

[0126] As described above, the second embodiment provides the same effects as the first embodiment. Specifically, since H≦tc-0.01 and H≦0.08 (D≦tc-0.01 and D≦0.08) are satisfied, the amount of air in the surrounding space HK can be reduced when the two films 3 and 4 are sandwiched between the two rolls 52 and 53. Therefore, heat and sealing pressure can be more easily applied from the heating roll 53 to the portion of the cover film 4 corresponding to the surrounding space HK, i.e., the protruding portion 531 and the portion not sandwiched by the film receiving roll 52 (weak seal portion 4j). As a result, tc≦0.10 is satisfied, and combined with the fact that the cover film 4 is not extremely thick, not only the portion of the cover film sandwiched by the protruding portion 531 and the film receiving roll 52 (strong seal portion 4k) but also the weak seal portion 4j can be attached to the container film 3.

[0127] Furthermore, by satisfying 0.02≦H and tc-0.05≦H, the cover film 4 is pressurized and deformed to such an extent that 0.02≦D and tc-0.05≦D are satisfied, thereby sufficiently increasing the pressure applied to the cover film 4 from the protruding portion 531. Consequently, the cover film 4 can be firmly attached to the container film 3 at the portion corresponding to the seal opening 7 (strong seal portion 4k).

[0128] Furthermore, the combined effects described above allow for a sufficiently high adhesion strength of the cover film 4 to the container film 3, even when the cover film 4 is made of resin. As a result, good gas barrier properties and peel resistance can be more reliably obtained.

[0129] Furthermore, since H ≤ Tc - 0.01 (D ≤ tc - 0.01) is satisfied, even if the protruding portion 531 bites into the cover film 4 to its maximum extent, the breakage of the cover film 4 can be more reliably prevented, and good gas barrier properties can be obtained even more reliably.

[0130] Furthermore, the embodiment is not limited to the description above, and may be implemented as follows, for example. Of course, other applications and modifications not exemplified below are also possible.

[0131] (a) In the above embodiment, the multiple protrusions 531 are arranged to form a square mesh, but the multiple protrusions 531 can form a parallelogram mesh. Therefore, the multiple protrusions 531 may form, for example, a rhombus mesh. Of course, the shape of the multiple seals 7 is changed in accordance with the change in the shape of the multiple protrusions 531.

[0132] (b) In the above embodiment, the PTP film 6 has a configuration in which the number of pocket portions 2 corresponding to one sheet are arranged along its width direction, but it may also have a configuration in which the number of pocket portions 2 corresponding to multiple sheets are arranged along its width direction.

[0133] (c) In the above embodiment, the case where the contents are tablets 5 is described, but the type, shape, etc. of the contents are not particularly limited. The contents may be different from tablets 5, for example, capsules or food.

[0134] (d) The configuration of the PTP sheet 1 to be manufactured is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, the arrangement and number of pockets 2 in a PTP sheet 1 unit are not limited in any way to the above embodiment.

[0135] (e) In the above embodiment, PTP sheet 1 is given as the "blister sheet," but the technical concept of the present invention may also be applied to blister packaging machines capable of producing blister sheets other than PTP sheet 1. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0136] 1...PTP sheet (blister sheet), 2...Pocket section, 3...Container film, 4...Cover film, 4n...Filled section, 5...Tablet (contents), 7...Seal section, 10...PTP packaging machine (blister packaging machine), 50...Sealing device, 52...Film receiving roll, 52a...Receiving recess, 53...Heating roll, 531...Protruding section, 531a...Flat surface, 531b...Sloping surface, 531h...Parallelogram section, 531k1, 531k2...Corner section.

Claims

1. A film receiving roll having a receiving recess on its outer surface capable of accommodating a pocket portion formed in a strip-shaped container film, and being rotatable with the pocket portion accommodated in the receiving recess, It comprises a rotatable heating roll having a plurality of protrusions on its outer surface arranged in a parallelogram-like mesh pattern, A sealing device configured to attach the cover film to the container film by inserting the stacked container film and the strip-shaped resin cover film between the film receiving roll and the heating roll, and sandwiching them between the outer surfaces of the film receiving roll and the heating roll, Let tc (mm) be the thickness of the cover film before it enters the space between the film receiving roll and the heating roll. When the height of the aforementioned protrusion is H (mm), 0.01 < H < tc 0.03 ≤ tc ≤ 0.10 A sealing device characterized by being configured to satisfy each of the following conditions.

2. A film receiving roll having a receiving recess on its outer surface capable of accommodating a pocket portion formed in a strip-shaped container film, and being rotatable with the pocket portion accommodated in the receiving recess, It comprises a rotatable heating roll having a plurality of protrusions on its outer surface arranged in a parallelogram-like mesh pattern, A sealing device configured to attach the cover film to the container film by inserting the stacked container film and the strip-shaped resin cover film between the film receiving roll and the heating roll, and sandwiching them between the outer surfaces of the film receiving roll and the heating roll, Let tc (mm) be the thickness of the cover film before it enters the space between the film receiving roll and the heating roll. When the height of the aforementioned protrusion is H (mm), 0.02 ≤ H ≤ 0.08 0.03 ≤ tc ≤ 0.10 tc-0.05≦H≦tc-0.01 A sealing device characterized by being configured to satisfy each of the following conditions.

3. The aforementioned protruding portion has a flat surface formed at its apex and a slope that is continuous with the edge of the flat surface, and has a trapezoidal cross-section in which the apex is narrower than the base. Let W (mm) be the width of the flat surface. When the acute angle between the virtual plane including the flat surface and the inclined surface is denoted as θ (°), 0.08 ≤ W ≤ 0.15 25 ≤ θ ≤ 40 The sealing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it is configured to satisfy each of the following conditions.

4. The sealing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the pitch between the parallel-arranged protrusions is set to 0.7 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less.

5. The sealing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that when the container film and the cover film enter between the film receiving roll and the heating roll, and the cover film comes into contact with a parallelogram-shaped portion formed by two parallel protrusions and two parallel protrusions intersecting the protrusions, the cover film is made to come into contact with the corner of the parallelogram-shaped portion on the front side in the rotational direction of the heating roll, and finally comes into contact with the corner of the parallelogram-shaped portion on the rear side in the rotational direction of the heating roll.

6. When the angle at which the cover film enters the heating roll is α (°), ８０≦α The sealing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it is configured to satisfy the following conditions.

7. The sealing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it is configured to attach the cover film to the resin container film.

8. The sealing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a thickened portion is formed around the portion of the cover film into which the protruding portion bites, the thickened portion is thicker than the thickness tc and in contact with the outer surface of the heating roll where the protruding portion is not formed, and the container film and the cover film are sandwiched by the film receiving roll and the heating roll in the portion of the cover film that is sandwiched by the film receiving roll and the heating roll, such that the total area of ​​the thickened portion is greater than the total area of ​​the portion having the thickness tc.

9. A blister packaging machine having the sealing device described in claim 1 or 2.

10. A blister sheet is formed in which a resin cover film is attached to a container film in which contents are filled in a pocket portion, so as to close the opening of the pocket portion. The cover film is provided with a plurality of parallelogram-shaped sealing holes formed by pressurizing and deforming only the cover film when it is attached to the container film. The blister sheet is characterized in that the cover film is attached to the container film not only in the area where the seal is formed, but also in the entire area where the seal is not formed.

11. The blister sheet according to claim 10, characterized in that the container film is made of resin.

12. Let tc (mm) be the thickness of the cover film before attachment to the container film. When the depth of the seal on the surface of the cover film is D (mm), 0.03 ≤ tc ≤ 0.10 0.01 ≤ D ≤ tc - 0.01 The blister sheet according to claim 10, characterized in that it is configured to satisfy each of the following conditions.

13. The blister sheet according to claim 10, characterized in that the pitch between the parallel-arranged seals is set to 0.7 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less.

14. The blister sheet according to claim 10, characterized in that the thickness of the thinnest part of the cover film is 5 μm or more.

15. A method for manufacturing a blister sheet, wherein a resin cover film is attached to a container film in which contents are filled into a pocket portion, so as to close the opening of the pocket portion, The sealing process includes attaching the cover film to the container film by using a film receiving roll that has a receiving recess on its outer surface capable of accommodating a pocket portion formed in the strip-shaped container film, and is rotatable with the pocket portion accommodating the pocket portion, and a rotatable heating roll that has a plurality of protrusions arranged in a parallelogram mesh pattern on its outer surface, and inserting the stacked container film and the cover film between the outer surfaces of the film receiving roll and the heating roll while sandwiching them, thereby attaching the cover film to the container film. Let tc (mm) be the thickness of the cover film before it enters the space between the film receiving roll and the heating roll. When the height of the aforementioned protrusion is H (mm), 0.01 < H < tc 0.03 ≤ tc ≤ 0.10 A method for manufacturing a blister sheet, characterized by satisfying each of the following conditions.

16. A method for manufacturing a blister sheet, wherein a resin cover film is attached to a container film in which contents are filled into a pocket portion, so as to close the opening of the pocket portion, The sealing process includes attaching the cover film to the container film by using a film receiving roll that has a receiving recess on its outer surface capable of accommodating a pocket portion formed in the strip-shaped container film, and is rotatable with the pocket portion accommodating the pocket portion, and a rotatable heating roll that has a plurality of protrusions arranged in a parallelogram mesh pattern on its outer surface, and inserting the stacked container film and the cover film between the outer surfaces of the film receiving roll and the heating roll while sandwiching them, thereby attaching the cover film to the container film. Let tc (mm) be the thickness of the cover film before it enters the space between the film receiving roll and the heating roll. When the height of the aforementioned protrusion is H (mm), 0.02 ≤ H ≤ 0.08 0.03 ≤ tc ≤ 0.10 tc-0.05≦H≦tc-0.01 A method for manufacturing a blister sheet, characterized by satisfying each of the following conditions.

Images