Tablet filling device, PTP packaging machine, and PTP sheet manufacturing method

Abstract

The present invention provides a tablet filling device, a PTP packaging machine, and a method for manufacturing PTP sheets that can suppress deterioration in the appearance quality of tablets that are printed on both sides. [Solution] The tablet filling device 21 comprises a first rotary drum 47 that adsorbs and holds and transports tablets 5 supplied from a supply chute 46, a first printing device 50 that prints on one side of the tablets 5 transported by the first rotary drum 47, a second rotary drum 48 that adsorbs and holds and transports the tablets 5 that have been passed from the first rotary drum 47 and have been printed on one side, a second printing device 51 that prints on the other side of the tablets 5 transported by the second rotary drum 48, and a third rotary drum 49 that inverts the tablets 5 that have been passed from the second rotary drum 48 and have been printed on both sides so that the other side that has been printed later by the second printing device 51 is facing up and fills them into the pocket portion 2 of the container film 3.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a tablet filling device that prints on both sides of tablets, a PTP packaging machine equipped with the same, and a method for manufacturing PTP sheets. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART A PTP (press-through pack) sheet is known as a blister pack sheet generally used in the field of pharmaceuticals and the like.

[0003] The PTP sheet is composed of a container film in which a pocket portion for accommodating tablets is formed, and a cover film attached to the container film so as to seal the open side of the pocket portion.

[0004] Such PTP sheets are manufactured through a process including forming pockets in a container film that is transported in a strip-like shape, filling the pockets with tablets, attaching a cover film to the container film so as to seal the opening side of the pockets, and punching out the strip-like PTP film consisting of the container film and cover film into PTP sheet units.

[0005] In recent years, tablets have been seen on which identification information such as letters and symbols are printed using an inkjet printing device (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0006] However, when a large number of tablets that have been pre-printed using a tablet printing device such as that described in Patent Document 1 are fed into the hopper (tablet storage section) of a PTP packaging machine and then sequentially filled into pockets of a container film to produce PTP sheets, there is a risk that the printed surface of the tablets will be rubbed or chipped while the tablets are being filled into the pockets, for example, in the hopper or a supply chute, making the printing unclear. This problem is particularly likely to be more pronounced in the case of fragile tablets such as orally disintegrating tablets.

[0007] In contrast to this, there are also PTP packaging machines that have a function of printing on tablets (see, for example, Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-164488 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008 / 0152756 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] However, as in Patent Document 2, if printing is performed on tablets during the process of sequentially transporting and filling tablets into pockets of a container film using a rotating drum, the freshly printed surface of the tablet will immediately come into contact with the pocket before the ink has time to dry, which may cause the printed surface of the tablet to rub against the pocket, making the printing unclear.

[0010] In recent years, in the field of PTP sheet manufacturing, etc., as production speeds increase, there is a demand for faster tablet conveying speeds (filling speeds). For example, there are cases where it is required to package 100 or more tablets per second. In such cases, the above-mentioned problems may become more pronounced.

[0011] In addition, in Patent Document 2, when tablets are filled in a pocket, printing is also performed on the other side of the tablet that faces upward. However, the posture and position of the tablet inside the pocket are unstable, which may result in a decrease in printing accuracy.

[0012] Furthermore, if the tablets are printed on one side, it is possible to fill the pocket with the tablets so that the printed side is always facing up, but in the finished product, the PTP sheet, the printed side always faces the back (cover film side), making it impossible to see the information printed on the printed side of the tablet from the front side of the pocket (container film side), which is inconvenient.

[0013] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a tablet filling device, a PTP packaging machine, and a method for manufacturing PTP sheets that can suppress deterioration in the appearance quality of tablets that are printed on both sides. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] The following describes each of the means suitable for solving the above problems, with specific effects of the corresponding means added as necessary.

[0015] Means 1. horizontal A tablet filling device for filling tablets into pockets of a transported container film, a first conveying means capable of suction-holding and conveying tablets supplied from a predetermined supplying means at a predetermined suction portion; a first printing means for printing on one side of the tablet conveyed by the first conveying means; a second conveying means capable of conveying the tablet, which is delivered from the first conveying means and has one side printed thereon, by suction and holding the tablet at a predetermined suction portion; A second printing means for printing on the other side of the tablet transported by the second transport means; The container film is positioned adjacent to the container film being conveyed horizontally. A tablet filling device characterized by being equipped with a tablet inversion means that can invert tablets that have been handed over from the second conveying means and have been printed on both sides so that the other side that has been later printed by the second printing means is facing up and fill them into the pocket portion.

[0016] According to the above-mentioned means 1, when tablets printed on both sides are filled into the pocket portion of the container film, the tablets are inverted so that the other side, which was printed later by the second printing means, is on top and then filled into the pocket portion.Therefore, when filled, the side that comes into contact with the pocket portion is the one side that was printed earlier than the other side and on which the ink is drier, thereby reducing problems that may occur when the printed side of the tablet rubs against the pocket portion.

[0017] Furthermore, printing is performed on both sides while the tablet is held by suction, i.e., while the tablet's posture and position are stable, so printing can be performed in a more appropriate position.

[0018] As a result, tablets with printing in more appropriate positions on both sides without any rubbing or chipping in the printing can be filled into the pocket portion of the container film, thereby preventing deterioration in the appearance quality of tablets printed on both sides.

[0019] Means 2: The tablet filling device according to Means 1, characterized in that it comprises drying means for the second conveying means for drying at least the suction portion of the second conveying means.

[0020] Since one side of the tablet printed by the first printing means is adsorbed to the adsorption section of the second conveying means, there is a risk that the printing (ink) on that side may be transferred, and ultimately the printing transferred to the adsorption section of the second conveying means may be re-transferred to another tablet that is adsorbed and conveyed next.

[0021] In contrast to this, the above-mentioned means 2 is provided with a drying means for drying the suction portion of the second conveying means (the ink transferred thereto), thereby making it possible to suppress the occurrence of the above-mentioned problem.

[0022] Means 3. The tablet inversion means is a conveying means for inverting a tablet, which is capable of suction-holding and conveying the tablet delivered from the second conveying means at a predetermined suction portion, A tablet filling device as described in means 1 or 2, characterized in that it is provided with a tablet drying means for drying at least one side of the tablet adsorbed and held by the conveying means for tablet inversion.

[0023] According to the above-mentioned means 3, by providing a drying means for drying one side of the tablet that has been printed first by the first printing means, the effect of the above-mentioned means 1 can be further enhanced.

[0024] Means 4. A tablet filling device described in any of means 1 to 3, characterized in that when a tablet is adsorbed to the adsorption portion, at least the printed portion on the adsorption surface of the tablet (the portion on which identification information such as letters or symbols is printed) and the adsorption portion are in a non-contact state.

[0025] According to the above-mentioned means 4, when a tablet is adsorbed onto the adsorption portion, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of problems such as the printed portion on the adsorption surface (one side or the other side) of the tablet rubbing against the adsorption portion and the printing becoming unclear.

[0026] Furthermore, the suction portion may be configured so that, when a tablet is adsorbed onto the suction portion, a ventilation means is formed between the suction portion and the tablet, allowing ventilation between the inside and outside of the suction portion.

[0027] In this case, when a tablet is adsorbed to the adsorption part, a ventilation means such as a vent hole through which air flows in from the outside is formed between the adsorption part and the tablet, which makes it easier for the printed part on the adsorption surface (one side or the other side) of the tablet to dry. As a result, the effect of the above-mentioned means 1 can be further enhanced.

[0028] For example, by forming grooves or notches in at least one of the suction portion and the tablet, when the tablet is adsorbed onto the suction portion, these grooves or notches may form air holes or the like.

[0029] Means 5. The supply means is a supply conveying means for suction-holding and conveying tablets at a predetermined suction portion and transferring the tablets to the first conveying means; a first imaging means capable of imaging the other surface of the tablet conveyed by the supply conveying means; a second imaging means, which is located upstream of the first printing means and is capable of imaging the one side of the tablet conveyed by the first conveying means; A tablet filling device described in any of means 1 to 4, characterized in that it is equipped with a printing control means that can control the first printing means and the second printing means based on image data acquired by the first imaging means and the second imaging means.

[0030] According to the above-mentioned means 5, at least prior to the printing process by the first printing means, it is possible to determine in advance the front and back sides and orientation of the tablet to be printed based on the image data acquired from the first imaging means and the second imaging means.

[0031] As a result, for tablets that have a front, back, and orientation, such as tablets that have a score line only on the front side, the first printing means and the second printing means can perform appropriate printing processing, such as aligning the orientation of the printing on the front and back.

[0032] Means 6. A tablet filling device according to any one of means 1 to 5, characterized in that the conveying means is a rotating body (e.g., a rotary drum or conveying belt) that has the suction portion and conveys tablets as it rotates.

[0033] According to the above-mentioned means 6, by using a rotating body as the conveying means, it is possible to increase the tablet filling speed and to make the device more compact.

[0034] Means 7: A PTP packaging machine comprising the tablet filling device according to any one of means 1 to 6 above.

[0035] As in the above-mentioned means 7, by equipping a PTP packaging machine with a tablet filling device relating to the above-mentioned means 1, etc., tablets printed on both sides can be stably supplied to the pocket portion of the container film without compromising the appearance quality, and the tablet filling speed can be increased.

[0036] As a result, it is possible to improve the productivity of PTP sheets, etc. Furthermore, it is possible to suppress the generation of PTP sheets containing tablets with printing defects, thereby reducing the number of PTP sheets that are rejected as defective products.

[0037] Generally, a PTP packaging machine comprises a pocket forming means for forming a pocket in a container film that is transported in a strip-like shape, a tablet filling device as a filling means for filling the pocket with tablets, an attachment means for attaching a strip-like cover film to the container film in which the tablets are accommodated in the pocket so as to cover the pocket, and a cutting means (including a punching means for punching out into sheets) for cutting PTP sheets from the strip-like PTP film with the cover film attached to the container film.

[0038] Means 8. A method for producing a PTP sheet in which tablets are contained in a pocket portion formed in a container film and a cover film is attached to the container film so as to close the pocket portion, comprising: In a strip horizontal a pocket forming step of forming the pocket in the container film being conveyed; a filling step of filling the pockets with tablets; a attaching step of attaching the strip-shaped cover film to the container film having the pocket portion filled with tablets so as to close the pocket portion; a cutting step (including a punching step for punching into sheet units) of cutting out PTP sheets from a belt-shaped PTP film in which the cover film is attached to the container film, In the filling step, a first step of printing on one side of a tablet while suction-transporting the tablet; a second step of printing on the other side of the tablet while suction-transporting the tablet with printing on one side; The tablet printed on both sides is While adsorbing and holding, In the second step, the tablet is turned over so that the other side that has been printed later faces upward. By releasing the suction hold at a position close to the container film being transported horizontally,and a third step of filling the pocket portions.

[0039] According to the above-mentioned means 8, the same effects as those of the above-mentioned means 7 can be achieved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0040] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a PTP sheet. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of a PTP sheet. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a PTP film. [Figure 4] (a) is a plan view showing one side of the tablet, and (b) is a plan view showing the other side of the tablet. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the general configuration of a PTP packaging machine. [Figure 6] 1 is a partial cross-sectional schematic view showing the general configuration of a tablet filling device. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing a rotary drum and a fixed valve. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing a rotary drum and a fixed valve. [Figure 9] FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the rotary drum showing the suction portion. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a tablet filling process. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional schematic view showing the general configuration of a tablet filling device according to another embodiment. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a tablet filling process in another embodiment. [Figure 13] 1(a) is a plan view showing the front surface of a tablet in another embodiment, and FIG. 1(b) is a plan view showing the back surface of the tablet. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a partially enlarged plan view of a rotary drum showing an adsorption portion in another embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of a rotary drum showing an adsorption portion in another embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 1(a) is a plan view showing a tablet in another embodiment, and FIG. 1(b) is a side view of the tablet. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0041] [First embodiment] An embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, the configuration of the PTP sheet will be described in detail.

[0042] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the PTP sheet 1 has a container film 3 with a plurality of pocket portions 2, and a cover film 4 attached to the container film 3 so as to cover the pocket portions 2.

[0043] In this embodiment, the container film 3 is made of a transparent thermoplastic resin material such as PP (polypropylene) or PVC (polyvinyl chloride), and is translucent. On the other hand, the cover film 4 is made of an opaque material (such as aluminum foil) with a sealant made of polypropylene resin or the like applied to its surface. Of course, the materials of the films 3 and 4 are not limited to these, and other materials may also be used.

[0044] The PTP sheet 1 is formed in a generally rectangular shape in a plan view. Two pocket rows, each consisting of five pockets 2 arranged along the longitudinal direction, are formed in the PTP sheet 1 in the lateral direction. In other words, a total of ten pockets 2 are formed. Each pocket 2 contains one tablet 5.

[0045] As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the tablet 5 of this embodiment is a disk-shaped plain tablet that is circular in plan view and has a side surface 5A and flat surfaces 5B and 5C that sandwich the side surface 5A.

[0046] Note that the tablet 5 in this embodiment has no difference between the front and back, and for convenience, when contained in the PTP sheet 1 (see Figure 2), the flat surface 5B of the tablet 5 facing the bottom wall (top wall) of the pocket portion 2 will be referred to as "one side 5B," and the flat surface 5C of the tablet 5 facing the cover film 4 will be referred to as "the other side 5C."

[0047] Furthermore, the tablet 5 has a tapered portion 5D formed so as to chamfer the boundary between the side surface 5A and one surface 5B, and a tapered portion 5E formed so as to chamfer the boundary between the side surface 5A and the other surface 5C.

[0048] As shown in Figures 4(a) and (b), product information about the tablet 5 is printed (printed) on one side 5B and the other side 5C of the tablet 5. In the example shown in Figures 4(a) and (b), the letters "ABC" are printed as the "product name" and the number "20" is printed as the "content." The areas where the letters "ABC" and the number "20" are printed correspond to the printed portion in this embodiment.

[0049] In this embodiment, the same content is printed on both the first surface 5B and the second surface 5C, but this is not limiting, and different content may be printed on the first surface 5B and the second surface 5C.

[0050] The PTP sheet 1 (see FIG. 1) is produced by punching out a strip-shaped PTP film 6 (see FIG. 3) formed from a strip-shaped container film 3 and a strip-shaped cover film 4 into a sheet.

[0051] Next, the schematic configuration of a PTP packaging machine 10 for producing the PTP sheet 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0052] As shown in Fig. 5, a raw web of strip-shaped container film 3 is wound into a roll on the most upstream side of the PTP packaging machine 10. The pull-out end of the rolled container film 3 is guided by a guide roll 13. The container film 3 is wrapped around an intermittent feed roll 14 on the downstream side of the guide roll 13. The intermittent feed roll 14 is connected to an intermittently rotating motor and feeds the container film 3 intermittently.

[0053] Between the guide roll 13 and the intermittent feed roll 14, a heating device 15 and a pocket forming device 16 are arranged in this order along the transport path of the container film 3. Then, after the container film 3 is heated by the heating device 15 and becomes relatively flexible, the pocket forming device 16 forms multiple pockets 2 at predetermined positions in the container film 3 (pocket forming process). The heating device 15 and the pocket forming device 16 constitute the pocket forming means in this embodiment. The pockets 2 are formed during the intervals between the transport operations of the container film 3 by the intermittent feed roll 14.

[0054] The container film 3 fed from the intermittent feed roll 14 is wrapped around a tension roll 18, a guide roll 19, and a film receiving roll 20, in that order. The film receiving roll 20 is connected to a motor that rotates at a constant speed, so it transports the container film 3 continuously at a constant speed. The tension roll 18 pulls the container film 3 toward the tension side by its elastic force, preventing bending of the container film 3 due to differences in the transport operations of the intermittent feed roll 14 and the film receiving roll 20 and keeping the container film 3 in a constantly tensed state.

[0055] Between the guide roll 19 and the film receiving roll 20, a tablet filling device 21 and an inspection device 22 are arranged in this order along the transport path of the container film 3.

[0056] The tablet filling device 21 functions as a filling means for filling the pocket portions 2 with tablets 5. The tablet filling device 21 adsorbs and conveys the tablets 5 in synchronization with the conveying operation of the container film 3 by the film receiving roll 20, and automatically fills the tablets 5 into each pocket portion 2 (filling process). Details of the tablet filling device 21 will be described later.

[0057] The inspection device 22 is primarily used to inspect for tablet defects, such as whether the tablets 5 are securely filled in each pocket portion 2, whether there are any abnormalities in the tablets 5, and whether there is any foreign matter mixed into the pocket portion 2.

[0058] On the other hand, the original sheet of the cover film 4 formed in a strip shape is wound in a roll on the most upstream side.

[0059] The leading end of the cover film 4 wound into a roll is guided by a guide roll 24 toward a heating roll 25. The heating roll 25 can be pressed against the film receiving roll 20, and the container film 3 and the cover film 4 are fed between the two rolls 20, 25.

[0060] Then, the container film 3 and the cover film 4 pass between the two rolls 20, 25 in a heated and pressure-welded state, whereby the cover film 4 is attached to the container film 3 and the pocket portions 2 are sealed with the cover film 4 (attaching process). This produces a strip-shaped PTP film 6 with tablets 5 housed in each pocket portion 2. The surface of the heating roll 25 is formed with fine mesh-like ridges for sealing, which are firmly pressed together to achieve a strong seal. The film receiving roll 20 and the heating roll 25 constitute the attaching means in this embodiment.

[0061] The PTP film 6 sent out from the film receiving roll 20 is wrapped around a tension roll 27 and an intermittent feed roll 28 in that order. The intermittent feed roll 28 is connected to an intermittently rotating motor, and therefore intermittently transports the PTP film 6. The tension roll 27 pulls the PTP film 6 toward the tension side by its elastic force, preventing bending of the PTP film 6 due to differences in the transport operations of the film receiving roll 20 and the intermittent feed roll 28, and maintaining the PTP film 6 in a constantly tensioned state.

[0062] The PTP film 6 fed from the intermittent feed roll 28 is wrapped around a tension roll 31 and an intermittent feed roll 32 in that order. The intermittent feed roll 32 is connected to an intermittently rotating motor, and therefore intermittently transports the PTP film 6. The tension roll 31 is in a state where it pulls the PTP film 6 toward the tension side by its elastic force, preventing the PTP film 6 from sagging between the intermittent feed rolls 28 and 32.

[0063] Between the intermittent feed roll 28 and the tension roll 31, a slit forming device 33 and an imprinting device 34 are disposed in this order along the transport path of the PTP film 6. The slit forming device 33 has the function of forming a separation slit at a predetermined position on the PTP film 6. The imprinting device 34 has the function of imprinting an imprint at a predetermined position on the PTP film 6 (for example, the tag portion).

[0064] The PTP film 6 fed from the intermittent feed roll 32 is wrapped around a tension roll 35 and a continuous feed roll 36 in that order downstream. A sheet punching device 37 is disposed between the intermittent feed roll 32 and the tension roll 35 along the transport path of the PTP film 6. The sheet punching device 37 functions as a sheet punching means (separating means) that punches out the outer edge of the PTP film 6 into individual PTP sheets.

[0065] The PTP sheets 1 punched by the sheet punching device 37 are transported by a conveyor 39 and temporarily stored in a finished product hopper 40 (separation process). However, PTP sheets 1 determined to be defective by the inspection device 22 are not sent to the finished product hopper 40, but are separately discharged by a defective sheet discharge mechanism (not shown) as a discharge means.

[0066] A cutting device 41 is disposed downstream of the continuous feed roll 36. The unwanted film portion 42, which constitutes the strip-shaped remaining material portion (scrap portion) after punching by the sheet punching device 37, is guided by the tension roll 35 and continuous feed roll 36, and then led to the cutting device 41. A driven roll is pressed against the continuous feed roll 36, and the unwanted film portion 42 is conveyed while being clamped therebetween. The cutting device 41 has the function of cutting the unwanted film portion 42 to a predetermined size and disposing of it as scrap. This scrap is stored in a scrap hopper 43 and then disposed of separately.

[0067] The rolls 14, 20, 28, 31, 32, etc. are positioned such that the roll surface faces the pocket portion 2, but the surface of the intermittent feed roll 14, etc. has recesses formed therein to accommodate the pocket portion 2, so the pocket portion 2 is not crushed. Furthermore, the feeding operation is performed while the pocket portion 2 is accommodated in each recess of the intermittent feed roll 14, etc., so that the intermittent feeding operation and continuous feeding operation are performed reliably.

[0068] Although not shown, a stacking device, a transfer device, a packaging device, etc. are installed in this order downstream of the PTP packaging machine 10. The loose PTP sheets 1 stored in the finished product hopper 40 are then bundled together in pairs, for example, and stacked in groups of two in the stacking device. A stack made up of multiple stacked PTP sheets 1 is bound with bands by the transfer device and transferred to the packaging device, where it is pillow-packaged or the like.

[0069] The outline of the PTP packaging machine 10 has been described above, and the configuration of the tablet filling device 21 will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Figure 6 is a partial cross-sectional schematic view showing the outline configuration of the tablet filling device 21.

[0070] As shown in Figure 6, the tablet filling device 21 is equipped with, in order from the upstream side along the supply path of the tablets 5, a storage section 45, a supply chute 46, a first rotary drum 47, a second rotary drum 48, and a third rotary drum 49.

[0071] In this embodiment, the "storage section 45 and supply chute 46" constitute the "supply means," the "first rotary drum 47" constitutes the "first conveying means," the "second rotary drum 48" constitutes the "second conveying means," and the "third rotary drum 49" constitutes the "tablet inverting means (conveying means for tablet inversion)." In addition, each of the "rotary drums 47, 48, 49" constitutes a "rotating body" in this embodiment.

[0072] Furthermore, the tablet filling device 21 is provided with a first printing device 50 corresponding to the first rotary drum 47, a second printing device 51 and a drum drying device 52 corresponding to the second rotary drum 48, and a tablet drying device 53 corresponding to the third rotary drum 49.

[0073] In this embodiment, the "first printing device 50" constitutes the "first printing means," the "second printing device 51" constitutes the "second printing means," the "drum drying device 52" constitutes the "drying means for the second conveying means," and the "tablet drying device 53" constitutes the "drying means for tablets."

[0074] Each mechanical part of the tablet filling device 21 (storage part 45, supply chute 46, rotary drums 47, 48, 49, printing devices 50, 51, drying devices 52, 53) is controlled and driven by a control device (not shown).

[0075] Furthermore, the control device is equipped with a CPU as a calculation means, a ROM for storing various programs, a RAM for temporarily storing various data, etc., and the CPU executes a predetermined program to perform control processing for each mechanical part of the tablet filling device 21.

[0076] Hereinafter, a detailed description will be given of each mechanical part of the tablet filling device 21. The storage part 45 is configured to be able to store a large number of tablets 5, and is configured to supply the tablets 5 to a supply chute 46 successively from there.

[0077] However, the tablets 5 stored in the storage section 45 are tablets on which the above-mentioned product information (product name, content, etc.) has not yet been printed.

[0078] The supply chutes 46 are provided corresponding to the positions of the pockets 2 in the width direction (depth direction in the plane of FIG. 6) of the horizontally transported container film 3. That is, in this embodiment, five supply chutes 46 (see FIG. 3) are arranged side by side along the width direction of the container film 3.

[0079] Each supply chute 46 is cylindrical and configured to load the tablets 5 in a row in the vertical direction in a horizontal position. Each supply chute 46 is also arranged so that its lower opening is close to the first rotary drum 47.

[0080] More specifically, the lower opening of each supply chute 46 is disposed adjacent to a predetermined position slightly shifted upstream from the position directly above the rotary shaft 54 ​​in the rotation direction of the first rotary drum 47 .

[0081] A shutter 46A capable of opening and closing the lower opening is provided near the lower opening of each supply chute 46. When the shutter 46A performs an opening and closing operation, the tablets 5 are allowed to fall naturally one by one from the supply chute 46 and supplied to the first rotary drum 47.

[0082] In this embodiment, the opening and closing operation of the shutter 46A is controlled by the control device. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the opening and closing operation of the shutter 46A may be controlled by a cam mechanism or the like that performs a predetermined operation in accordance with the rotation of the first rotary drum 47.

[0083] Next, we will explain the first rotary drum 47, the second rotary drum 48, and the third rotary drum 49. Since the first rotary drum 47, the second rotary drum 48, and the third rotary drum 49 have the same configuration, they will be collectively referred to as "rotary drums 47, 48, 49" in the following explanation.

[0084] The rotary drums 47, 48, and 49 are cylindrical and rotatably supported on a shaft 54. The rotary drums 47, 48, and 49 are arranged so that their rotation shafts 54 are parallel to the width direction of the container film 3.

[0085] The rotary shaft 54 ​​is directly or indirectly connected to a driving means such as a motor (not shown) and is driven to rotate by the motor. The rotary drums 47, 48, 49 rotate integrally with the rotary shaft 54.

[0086] 7 and 8, a large number of suction portions 55A for suction-holding the tablets 5 are formed on the outer circumferential surfaces of the rotary drums 47, 48, and 49. The suction portions 55A are regularly arranged at predetermined intervals in the circumferential and axial directions of the rotary drums 47, 48, and 49.

[0087] Specifically, in this embodiment, five suction portions 55A are provided at equal intervals in the axial direction of the rotary drums 47, 48, and 49, corresponding to the positions of each pocket portion 2 in the width direction of the container film 3. Seven rows of five suction portions 55A arranged in the axial direction (hereinafter referred to as "suction portion 55A rows") are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the rotary drums 47, 48, and 49.

[0088] The interval (pitch) at which the suction portions 55A are formed in the circumferential direction of the rotary drums 47, 48, 49 is the same as the interval at which the pockets 2 are formed in the transport direction of the container film 3 (rightward in FIG. 6).

[0089] Each of the suction portions 55A has a substantially circular shape in a plan view seen in the radial direction of the rotary drums 47, 48, 49, and has a size large enough to accommodate a tablet 5. Each of the suction portions 55A has a substantially arc shape in a cross section seen along the radial direction of the rotary drums 47, 48, 49 (see FIG. 9). That is, each of the suction portions 55A is a recess that is recessed into a substantially spherical shape on the outer circumferential surface of the rotary drum 47, 48, 49.

[0090] 9, when the tablet 5 is adsorbed and held by the adsorption part 55A, the tapered portion 5D or the tapered portion 5E of the tablet 5 abuts the inner peripheral surface of the adsorption part 55A, and the flat one surface 5B or the other surface 5C serving as the printing surface is not in contact with the bottom of the adsorption part 55A. In other words, a gap is formed between the one surface 5B or the other surface 5C of the tablet 5 and the bottom of the adsorption part 55A. Furthermore, the adsorption part 55A is configured so that a part of the tablet 5 (approximately half in this embodiment) protrudes from the outer peripheral surfaces of the rotary drums 47, 48, and 49 in this state.

[0091] A suction hole 55B is formed in the center of the bottom of each of the suction portions 55A and extends along the radial direction of the rotary drums 47, 48, and 49.

[0092] Furthermore, a plurality of ventilation passages 55C extending along the axial direction are provided in the rotary drums 47, 48, 49 so as to correspond to the respective rows of suction portions 55A. That is, in this embodiment, seven ventilation passages 55C are provided at equal intervals in the rotation direction of the rotary drums 47, 48, 49.

[0093] Each ventilation passage 55C communicates with one of the five suction holes 55B arranged in the axial direction of the rotary drums 47, 48, 49. Each ventilation passage 55C opens to a side surface of one axial end of the rotary drums 47, 48, 49.

[0094] A disk-shaped fixed valve 56 is provided on the side surface of each of the rotary drums 47, 48, 49 at one end in the axial direction (the side surface where the ventilation passage 55C opens) so as to cover the side surface.

[0095] A negative pressure space S1 and an open-to-atmosphere space S2 are formed inside the fixed valve 56. Both spaces S1 and S2 are curved in an arc along the rotation direction of the rotary drums 47, 48, and 49, and open to the opposing surface that faces the side surface at one axial end of the rotary drums 47, 48, and 49 (see FIG. 8).

[0096] The negative pressure space section S1 is formed in a range that allows each air passage 55C (and the suction holes 55B and adsorption sections 55A connected thereto), whose position changes as the rotary drums 47, 48, 49 rotate in a predetermined direction (the direction of each arrow in Figure 6), to continue to be in communication while they move from a position approximately directly above the rotating shaft 54 ​​to a position approximately directly below it.

[0097] The negative pressure space S1 is connected to a vacuum pump (not shown) serving as suction means via a through hole 56A formed in the fixed valve 56.

[0098] Therefore, when the vacuum pump is in operation, air in the negative pressure space S1 is sucked through the through holes 56A, and the negative pressure space S1 is always in a vacuum state (a state in which negative pressure is supplied). As a result, with the rotation of the rotary drums 47, 48, and 49, the ventilation paths 55C at predetermined positions communicating with the negative pressure space S1 are also in a vacuum state. As a result, the tablets 5 stored in the suction parts 55A communicating with these ventilation paths 55C can be sucked and adsorbed to each suction part 55A.

[0099] The tablet 5 thus adsorbed to the adsorption portion 55A is held by the adsorption portion 55A without falling off while being transported from approximately directly above to approximately directly below as the rotary drums 47, 48, and 49 rotate.

[0100] The atmospheric open space section S2 is formed in a range that allows each air passage 55C (and the suction holes 55B and adsorption sections 55A connected thereto), whose position changes as the rotary drums 47, 48, 49 rotate in a predetermined direction (the direction of each arrow in Figure 6), to continue to be in communication while moving from a position approximately directly below the rotating shaft 54 ​​to a position approximately directly above it.

[0101] The atmosphere open space portion S2 is always open to the atmosphere via a through hole 56B formed in the fixed valve 56.

[0102] In the above configuration, the first rotary drum 47, the second rotary drum 48, and the third rotary drum 49 are arranged so as to be close to one another in the vertical direction. In addition, the third rotary drum 49 is arranged so as to be close to the container film 3 that is conveyed horizontally.

[0103] In addition, the first rotary drum 47, the second rotary drum 48, and the third rotary drum 49 are driven and controlled by the control device so as to rotate continuously at the same rotational speed in a predetermined direction (the direction of each arrow in Figure 6) in synchronization with the conveying operation of the container film 3 by the PTP packaging machine 10.

[0104] As a result, on the plane of FIG. 6, the first rotary drum 47 continuously rotates counterclockwise, the second rotary drum 48 continuously rotates clockwise, and the third rotary drum 49 continuously rotates counterclockwise (see the directions of the arrows in FIG. 6).

[0105] The first rotary drum 47, the second rotary drum 48, and the third rotary drum 49 are each provided with an encoder (not shown), and the encoder outputs a signal relating to the rotation angle to the control device at predetermined time intervals, thereby enabling the control device to grasp the rotation positions of the first rotary drum 47, the second rotary drum 48, and the third rotary drum 49.

[0106] In addition, the timing at which the suction portion 55A of the first rotary drum 47 passes through the third position P3, which is directly below the first rotary drum 47 and directly above the second rotary drum 48, is set to coincide with the timing at which the suction portion 55A of the second rotary drum 48 passes through.

[0107] Similarly, the timing at which the suction portion 55A of the second rotary drum 48 passes through the fifth position P5, which is directly below the second rotary drum 48 and directly above the third rotary drum 49, is set to coincide with the timing at which the suction portion 55A of the third rotary drum 49 passes through.

[0108] In addition, the sixth position P6, which is located directly below the third rotary drum 49, is set so that the timing at which the suction portion 55A of the third rotary drum 49 passes and the timing at which the pocket portion 2 of the container film 3 passes coincide.

[0109] Next, we will explain the first printing device 50 and the second printing device 51. The printing devices 50 and 51 are known tablet printing devices that can perform non-contact printing on tablets 5 using a print head of a predetermined inkjet type (for example, a piezo type or a thermal type).

[0110] According to the printing devices 50 and 51, droplets of edible ink can be ejected from a plurality of ejection nozzles provided on a print head, and identification information such as letters and symbols can be printed on the tablets 5.

[0111] The first printing device 50 is disposed at a second position P2, which is a position to the side of the first rotary drum 47, and has five print heads corresponding to the five suction sections 55A (tablets 5) lined up in the axial direction of the first rotary drum 47. The first printing device 50 ejects ink from each print head toward each tablet 5 that is suction-transported by the first rotary drum 47 and passes through the second position P2, thereby performing non-contact printing.

[0112] The second printing device 51 is disposed at a fourth position P4, which is a position to the side of the second rotary drum 48, and has five print heads corresponding to the five suction sections 55A (tablets 5) lined up in the axial direction of the second rotary drum 48. The second printing device 51 ejects ink from each print head toward each tablet 5 that is suction-transported by the second rotary drum 48 and passes through the fourth position P4, thereby performing non-contact printing.

[0113] Next, we will explain the drum drying device 52 and the tablet drying device 53. The drum drying device 52 is a hot air drying type drying device for drying the ink transferred to the adsorption portion 55A of the second rotary drum 48, and is arranged to the side of the second rotary drum 48.

[0114] Specifically, the drum drying device 52 blows hot air onto the second rotary drum 48 to dry the ink transferred to the suction portion 55A within a predetermined range in the section where the suction portion 55A moves from the fifth position P5 to the third position P3 as the second rotary drum 48 rotates (the section where the suction portion 55A is not adsorbing the tablet 5).

[0115] The tablet drying device 53 is a hot air drying type drying device for drying the ink printed on the tablets 5, and is disposed to the side of the third rotary drum 49.

[0116] Specifically, the tablet drying device 53 blows hot air onto one side 5B, which is the non-adsorbed surface of the tablet 5 being adsorbed and transported, within a predetermined range of the section in which the tablet 5 adsorbed to the adsorption section 55A moves from the fifth position P5 to the sixth position P6 as the third rotary drum 49 rotates, thereby drying the ink printed on one side 5B of the tablet 5 by the first printing device 50.

[0117] Next, the procedure of the tablet filling step in which tablets 5 are filled into the pockets 2 of the transported container film 3 using the tablet filling device 21 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0118] The control device of the tablet filling device 21 operates each mechanism (storage unit 45, rotary drums 47, 48, 49, drying devices 52, 53, the vacuum pump, etc.) beforehand, and then performs the following steps.

[0119] First, the shutter 46A opens and closes at a predetermined timing when the empty suction part 55A, which moves with the rotation of the first rotary drum 47, reaches a predetermined first position P1. The first position P1 corresponds to the position where the tablets 5 fall from the supply chute 46.

[0120] As a result, one tablet 5 falls from the supply chute 46 and is stored in the suction part 55A that has moved to the first position P1. Then, the first rotary drum 47 starts transporting the tablet 5 (step SA01). When one tablet 5 falls in the supply chute 46, the tablet 5 above it falls to the lower opening and is prevented from falling by the shutter 46A.

[0121] When the tablet 5 contained in the suction portion 55A at the first position P1 reaches a position approximately directly above the first rotary drum 47 as the first rotary drum 47 rotates, the air passage 55C associated with the suction portion 55A communicates with the negative pressure space portion S1, and the tablet 5 is held by suction.

[0122] Then, the first printing device 50 is operated at a predetermined timing when the tablet 5, which is attracted and conveyed by the first rotary drum 47, reaches the second position P2 (step SA02).

[0123] As a result, the first printing device 50 performs a printing process based on predetermined printing data (printing data common to both the front and back sides in this embodiment) on one side 5B, which is the non-adsorbed side, of the tablet 5 that is adsorbed and transported by the first rotary drum 47 and passes through the second position P2.

[0124] Then, when the tablet 5 held by suction on the suction portion 55A of the first rotary drum 47 reaches the third position P3, the air passage 55C associated with the suction portion 55A communicates with the atmospheric open space portion S2, and the suction holding of the tablet 5 is released.

[0125] As a result, the tablet 5 drops from the suction portion 55A of the first rotary drum 47 and is delivered to the suction portion 55A of the second rotary drum 48 located at the third position P3.

[0126] At the same time, the air passage 55C associated with the suction portion 55A of the second rotary drum 48, which accommodates the tablets 5 at the third position P3, communicates with the negative pressure space portion S1, and the tablets 5 are held by suction. Then, the second rotary drum 48 starts conveying the tablets 5 (step SA03).

[0127] The suction surface of the tablet 5 is reversed when the tablet 5 is transferred from the first rotary drum 47 to the second rotary drum 48. That is, the other surface 5C of the tablet 5 is suctioned by the suction portion 55A of the first rotary drum 47, whereas the one surface 5B of the tablet 5 is suctioned by the suction portion 55A of the second rotary drum 48.

[0128] Then, the second printing device 51 is operated at a predetermined timing when the tablet 5 sucked and held by the suction portion 55A of the second rotary drum 48 reaches the fourth position P4 (step SA04).

[0129] As a result, the second printing device 51 performs printing processing based on predetermined printing data (in this embodiment, printing data common to both the front and back sides) on the other side 5C, which is the non-adsorbed side, of the tablet 5 that is adsorbed and transported by the second rotary drum 48 and passes through the fourth position P4.

[0130] Then, when the tablet 5 held by suction on the suction portion 55A of the second rotary drum 48 reaches the fifth position P5, the air passage 55C associated with the suction portion 55A communicates with the atmospheric open space portion S2, and the suction holding of the tablet 5 is released.

[0131] As a result, the tablet 5 drops from the suction portion 55A of the second rotary drum 48 and is delivered to the suction portion 55A of the third rotary drum 49 located at the fifth position P5.

[0132] At the same time, the air passage 55C associated with the suction portion 55A of the third rotary drum 49, which accommodates the tablets 5 at the fifth position P5, communicates with the negative pressure space portion S1, thereby suction-holding the tablets 5. Then, the third rotary drum 49 starts conveying the tablets 5 (step SA05).

[0133] The suction surface of the tablet 5 is reversed when the tablet 5 is transferred from the second rotary drum 48 to the third rotary drum 49. That is, one surface 5B of the tablet 5 is suctioned by the suction portion 55A of the second rotary drum 48, whereas the other surface 5C of the tablet 5 is suctioned by the suction portion 55A of the third rotary drum 49.

[0134] Thereafter, as the third rotary drum 49 rotates, the tablet 5 sucked and held by the suction portion 55A moves toward the sixth position P6, which is directly below the third rotary drum 49.

[0135] During this time, hot air is blown from the tablet drying device 53 onto one side 5B, which is the non-adsorbed side, of the tablet 5 being adsorbed and transported by the third rotary drum 49. This dries the ink printed on one side 5B of the tablet 5 (step SA06).

[0136] At the same time, in the second rotary drum 48 on the side where the tablet 5 was transferred at the fifth position P5, the suction portion 55A that was emptied at the fifth position P5 moves again toward the third position P3.

[0137] During this time, hot air is blown from the drum drying device 52 onto the empty suction portion 55A of the second rotary drum 48. This dries the ink transferred from one surface 5B of the tablet 5 to the suction portion 55A.

[0138] Then, as the third rotary drum 49 rotates, the tablet 5 adsorbed and held by the suction portion 55A reaches the sixth position P6, and a portion of the tablet 5 protruding from the outer peripheral surface of the third rotary drum 49 enters the pocket portion 2 of the container film 3 located at the sixth position P6. At the same time, the air passage 55C associated with the suction portion 55A of the third rotary drum 49 that is adsorbing the tablet 5 communicates with the open-to-atmosphere space portion S2, and the tablet 5 is released from adsorption.

[0139] As a result, the tablets 5 drop from the suction portion 55A of the third rotary drum 49 with one surface 5B facing downward, and are filled into the pocket portions 2 of the container film 3 (step SA07).

[0140] As described above in detail, according to this embodiment, when tablets 5 printed on both sides are filled into the pocket portion 2 of the container film 3, the tablets 5 are inverted so that the other side 5C, which was printed later by the second printing device 51, is on top and then filled into the pocket portion 2.Therefore, when filled, the surface that comes into contact with the pocket portion 2 is the one side 5B, which was printed earlier than the other side 5C and has drier ink, thereby reducing problems that may occur when the printed surface of the tablet 5 rubs against the pocket portion 2.

[0141] Furthermore, printing is performed on both sides while the tablet 5 is held by suction, that is, while the attitude and position of the tablet 5 are stable, so printing can be performed in a more appropriate position.

[0142] As a result, tablets 5 with printing in more appropriate positions on both sides without any rubbing or chipping in the printing can be filled into the pocket portion 2 of the container film 3, thereby preventing deterioration in the appearance quality of tablets 5 with printing on both sides.

[0143] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the tablet 5 is adsorbed and held by the adsorption part 55A, the tapered part 5D or the tapered part 5E of the tablet 5 abuts the inner peripheral surface of the adsorption part 55A, and the flat one surface 5B or the other surface 5C, which serves as the printing surface, is configured to be out of contact with the bottom of the adsorption part 55A. In other words, a gap is formed between the one surface 5B or the other surface 5C of the tablet 5 and the bottom of the adsorption part 55A.

[0144] This prevents problems such as the printed portion on the adsorption surface (one side 5B or the other side 5C) of the tablet 5 rubbing against the adsorption portion when the tablet 5 is adsorbed onto the adsorption portion 55A, making the printing unclear.

[0145] In addition, in this embodiment, when the tablet 5 adsorbed and transported by the third rotary drum 49 reaches the sixth position P6, a portion of the tablet 5 protruding from the outer surface of the third rotary drum 49 is configured to enter the pocket portion 2 of the container film 3 located at the sixth position P6.

[0146] This reduces the difference in height between the tablet 5 and the bottom of the pocket 2 when the tablet 5 is filled into the pocket 2, making it difficult for the tablet 5 to change its position. As a result, even when the tablet 5 is filled into the pocket 2, it is possible to prevent problems such as one surface 5B of the tablet 5 rubbing against the pocket 2 and making the printing unclear.

[0147] Second Embodiment The second embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 11 to 13. Note that the same components as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0148] In the second embodiment, tablets having a score line are processed. The tablet filling device 21 according to the second embodiment has a function of appropriately printing on both the front and back surfaces of tablets having a score line. This will be explained in detail below.

[0149] First, the structure of the tablet 8 to be processed in the second embodiment will be described in detail. As shown in Figures 13(a) and (b), the tablet 8 is a disk-shaped plain tablet that is circular in plan view and has a side surface 8A and a flat front surface 8B and back surface 8C sandwiching the side surface 8A. Figure 13(a) is a plan view showing the front surface 8B of the tablet 8, and Figure 13(b) is a plan view showing the back surface 8C of the tablet 8.

[0150] Furthermore, the tablet 8 has a tapered portion 8D formed so as to chamfer the boundary between the side surface 8A and the front surface 8B, and a tapered portion 8E formed so as to chamfer the boundary between the side surface 8A and the back surface 8C.

[0151] Furthermore, a groove-like dividing line 8F that extends linearly through the center of the surface 8B of the tablet 8 is cut into the surface 8B of the tablet 8. The dividing line 8F is cut only on the surface 8B, and is not cut into the back surface 8C.

[0152] As shown in Figures 13(a) and (b), product information about the tablet 5 is printed (printed) on the front surface 8B and back surface 8C of the tablet 8. In the example shown in Figures 13(a) and (b), the letters "ABC" are printed as the "product name" in the area on one side of the dividing line 8F, and the number "20" is printed as the "content" in the area on the other side. The areas where the letters "ABC" and the number "20" are printed correspond to the printed portion in this embodiment.

[0153] In this embodiment, the same content is printed on both the front surface 8B and the back surface 8C, but this is not limiting, and different content may be printed on the front surface 8B and the back surface 8C. However, even in such a case, it is preferable to print in accordance with the direction of the dividing line 8F, as shown in Figures 13(a) and 13(b).

[0154] As shown in Figure 11, the tablet filling device 21 of the second embodiment is equipped with, from the upstream side along the supply path of the tablets 8, a storage section 45, a supply chute 46, a first rotary drum 147, a second rotary drum 148, a third rotary drum 149 and a fourth rotary drum 150.

[0155] In this embodiment, the "storage section 45, supply chute 46, and first rotary drum 147" constitute the "supply means." In particular, the "first rotary drum 147" constitutes the "supply conveyance means."

[0156] Furthermore, the "second rotary drum 148" constitutes the "first conveying means", the "third rotary drum 149" constitutes the "second conveying means", and the "fourth rotary drum 150" constitutes the "tablet inversion means (conveying means for tablet inversion)".

[0157] Furthermore, the tablet filling device 21 is provided with a first imaging device 151 corresponding to the first rotary drum 147, a second imaging device 152 and a first printing device 50 corresponding to the second rotary drum 148, a third imaging device 153, a second printing device 51 and a drum drying device 52 corresponding to the third rotary drum 49, and a tablet drying device 53 corresponding to the fourth rotary drum 150.

[0158] Furthermore, the individual configurations of the first rotary drum 147, the second rotary drum 148, the third rotary drum 149 and the fourth rotary drum 150 in this embodiment, as well as the related configurations for the delivery of tablets, are the same as those of the "rotary drums 47, 48, 49" in the first embodiment, and therefore will not be described here.

[0159] In this embodiment, CCD cameras are used as the first imaging device 151, the second imaging device 152, and the third imaging device 153. Of course, this is not limiting, and CMOS cameras may also be used.

[0160] The imaging range of the imaging devices 151 to 153 according to this embodiment is a range that can capture an image at one time of five tablets 8 (adsorption portions 55A) aligned in the axial direction of each of the rotary drums 147, 148, and 149. Alternatively, an imaging means (camera) may be provided corresponding to each of the five tablets 8 (adsorption portions 55A) aligned in the axial direction of each of the rotary drums 147, 148, and 149. The image data captured and acquired by the imaging devices 151-153 is input to a control device of the tablet filling device 21. The control device is configured to be able to control the first printing device 50 and the second printing device 51 based on the image data acquired by the imaging devices 151-153.

[0161] In this embodiment, the "first imaging device 151" constitutes the "first imaging means," and the "second imaging device 152" constitutes the "second imaging means." In addition, the function of the control device of the tablet filling device 21, which controls the first printing device 50 and the second printing device 51 based on the image data acquired from these devices, constitutes the "printing control means" in this embodiment.

[0162] The first imaging device 151 captures an image of the tablet 8 being sucked and conveyed by the first rotary drum 147.

[0163] The second imaging device 152 is disposed upstream of the first printing device 50 and captures an image of the tablet 8 being sucked and conveyed by the second rotary drum 148.

[0164] The third imaging device 153 is disposed upstream of the second printing device 51 and captures an image of the tablet 8 being sucked and conveyed by the third rotary drum 49.

[0165] Next, the procedure of the tablet filling step of filling the pockets 2 of the transported container film 3 with tablets 8 using the tablet filling device 21 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0166] First, an empty suction part 55A, which moves in accordance with the rotation of the first rotary drum 147, opens and closes the shutter 46A at a predetermined timing when it reaches a predetermined first position PA1. The first position PA1 is a position corresponding to the position where the tablets 8 fall from the supply chute 46.

[0167] As a result, one tablet 8 drops from the supply chute 46 and is received by the suction part 55A that has moved to the first position PA1. Then, the first rotary drum 147 starts conveying the tablet 8 (step SB01).

[0168] When the tablet 8 contained in the suction portion 55A at the first position PA1 reaches a position approximately directly above the first rotary drum 147 as the first rotary drum 147 rotates, the air passage 55C associated with the suction portion 55A communicates with the negative pressure space portion S1, and the tablet 8 is held by suction.

[0169] Here, one side (front side 8B or back side 8C) of the tablet 8 is sucked by the suction part 55A. However, the front and back sides and the orientation of the score line 8F of the tablets 8 supplied to the first rotary drum 147 via the storage part 45 and the supply chute 46 vary.

[0170] Therefore, here, regardless of whether it is the front surface 8B or the back surface 8C, "one side (e.g., front surface 8B)" of the tablet 8 that is adsorbed by the adsorption portion 55A becomes the "adsorption surface," and "the other side (e.g., back surface 8C)" of the tablet 8 facing outward from the first rotary drum 147 becomes the "non-adsorption surface."

[0171] Then, the first imaging device 151 is activated at a predetermined timing when the tablet 8, which is sucked and conveyed by the first rotary drum 147, reaches the second position PA2 (step SB02).

[0172] As a result, the first imaging device 151 captures an image of the other surface (front surface 8B or back surface 8C) which is the non-adsorbed surface of the tablet 8 that is adsorbed and transported by the first rotary drum 147 and passes through the second position PA2.

[0173] Then, as the tablet 8 imaged by the first imaging device 151 rotates, it is further transported to the third position PA3, which is directly below the first rotary drum 147 and directly above the second rotary drum 148, and the air passage 55C associated with the suction portion 55A communicates with the open-to-atmosphere space portion S2, and the suction holding of the tablet 8 is released.

[0174] As a result, the tablet 8 drops from the suction portion 55A of the first rotary drum 147 and is delivered to the suction portion 55A of the second rotary drum 148 located at the third position PA3.

[0175] At the same time, the air passage 55C associated with the suction portion 55A of the second rotary drum 148, which has accommodated the tablets 8 at the third position PA3, communicates with the negative pressure space portion S1, suction-holding the tablets 8. Then, the second rotary drum 148 starts conveying the tablets 8 (step SB03).

[0176] When the tablet 8 is transferred from the first rotary drum 147 to the second rotary drum 148, the tablet 8 is turned over while maintaining the orientation of its dividing line 8F.

[0177] In other words, a tablet 8 that has one side (e.g., front surface 8B) adsorbed to the adsorption portion 55A of the first rotary drum 147 and the other side (e.g., back surface 8C) facing outward will have the other side (e.g., back surface 8C) adsorbed to the adsorption portion 55A of the second rotary drum 48 and one side (e.g., front surface 8B) facing outward.

[0178] Then, the second imaging device 152 is activated at a predetermined timing when the tablet 8, which is sucked and conveyed by the second rotary drum 148, reaches the fourth position PA4 (step SB04).

[0179] As a result, the second imaging device 152 captures an image of one surface (the front surface 8B or the back surface 8C) that is the non-adsorbed surface of the tablet 8 that is adsorbed and transported by the second rotary drum 148 and passes through the fourth position PA4.

[0180] Here, one surface (for example, the front surface 8B) of the tablet 8 imaged by the second imaging device 152 is the surface opposite to the other surface (for example, the back surface 8C) of the tablet 8 imaged by the first imaging device 151.

[0181] That is, for a tablet 8 whose front surface 8B has been imaged by the first imaging device 151, the back surface 8C is imaged by the second imaging device 152. Conversely, for a tablet 8 whose back surface 8C has been imaged by the first imaging device 151, the front surface 8B is imaged by the second imaging device 152.

[0182] The tablet 8 that has undergone the imaging process is further transported as the second rotary drum 48 rotates, and at a predetermined timing when it reaches the fifth position PA5, the first printing device 50 is operated (step SB05).

[0183] As a result, the first printing device 50 executes a predetermined printing process on one surface (the front surface 8B or the back surface 8C) that is the non-adsorbed surface of the tablet 8 passing through the fifth position PA5.

[0184] Here, the control device of the tablet filling device 21 controls the printing process by the first printing device 50 based on image data relating to both the front surface 8B and the back surface 8C of the tablet 8 acquired by the first imaging device 151 and the second imaging device 152.

[0185] For example, if the non-adsorbed surface of the tablet 8 adsorbed and transported by the second rotary drum 148 is the front surface 8B, printing processing is performed based on the front surface printing data, and if the other surface is the back surface 8C, printing processing is performed based on the back surface printing data. However, in this embodiment, as described above, the printing content on both the front surface 8B and the back surface 8C is the same, so the front surface printing data and the back surface printing data are common printing data for both the front and back surfaces.

[0186] Furthermore, when the first printing device 50 executes the printing process, the print data is adjusted to match the direction (inclination) of the score line 8F. As a result, as shown in Figures 13(a) and (b), printing is performed along a direction parallel to the score line 8F on either the front surface 8B or the back surface 8C. Furthermore, even if the tablet 8 is divided into two using the score line 8F, the same printing is achieved on both sides.

[0187] The direction of the dividing line 8F can be determined by processing the image data of the surface 8B of the tablet 8 acquired by the first imaging device 151 or the second imaging device 152.

[0188] After the printing process, the tablet 8 is further transported as the second rotary drum 48 rotates, and when it reaches the sixth position PA6, which is directly below the second rotary drum 48 and directly above the third rotary drum 49, the air passage 55C associated with the suction portion 55A communicates with the open-to-atmosphere space portion S2, and the suction holding of the tablet 8 is released.

[0189] As a result, the tablet 8 drops from the suction portion 55A of the second rotary drum 148 and is delivered to the suction portion 55A of the third rotary drum 149 located at the sixth position PA6.

[0190] At the same time, the air passage 55C associated with the suction portion 55A of the third rotary drum 149, which has accommodated the tablets 8 at the sixth position PA6, communicates with the negative pressure space portion S1, suction-holding the tablets 8. Then, the third rotary drum 149 starts conveying the tablets 8 (step SB06).

[0191] As described above, when the tablet 8 is transferred from the second rotary drum 148 to the third rotary drum 149, the tablet 8 is turned over while maintaining the orientation of its dividing line 8F.

[0192] In other words, a tablet 8 that had its other side (e.g., back surface 8C) adsorbed by the adsorption portion 55A of the second rotary drum 148 and one side (e.g., front surface 8B) facing outward will have its one side (e.g., front surface 8B) adsorbed by the adsorption portion 55A of the third rotary drum 149 and its other side (e.g., back surface 8C) facing outward.

[0193] Then, at a predetermined timing when the tablet 8 sucked and conveyed by the third rotary drum 149 reaches the seventh position PA7, the third imaging device 153 is activated (step SB07).

[0194] As a result, the third imaging device 153, like the first imaging device 151, captures an image of the other surface (front surface 8B or back surface 8C) which is the non-adsorbed surface of the tablet 8 passing through the seventh position PA7.

[0195] The tablet 8 that has undergone the imaging process is further transported as the third rotary drum 149 rotates, and at a predetermined timing when it reaches the eighth position PA8, the second printing device 51 is operated (step SB08).

[0196] As a result, the second printing device 51 executes a predetermined printing process on the other surface (front surface 8B or back surface 8C) which is the non-adsorbed surface of the tablet 8 passing through the eighth position PA8.

[0197] Here, the control device of the tablet filling device 21 controls the printing process by the second printing device 51 based on image data relating to both the front surface 8B and the back surface 8C of the tablet 8 acquired by the third imaging device 153 and the second imaging device 152.

[0198] That is, when the other side, which is the non-adsorbed side of the tablet 8 adsorbed and transported by the third rotary drum 149, is the front side 8B, printing processing is performed based on the front side printing data, and when the other side is the back side 8C, printing processing is performed based on the back side printing data. However, as above, the front side printing data and the back side printing data are common printing data for both the front and back sides.

[0199] Furthermore, similar to the printing process by the first printing device 50, when printing is performed by the second printing device 51, the print data is adjusted to match the direction (inclination) of the dividing line 8F. As a result, similar to the above, printing can be performed in a direction parallel to the dividing line 8F.

[0200] Here, the direction of the dividing line 8F can be determined by image processing the image data relating to the surface 8B of the tablet 8 acquired by the third imaging device 153 or the second imaging device 152.

[0201] Furthermore, since the imaging results obtained by the third imaging device 153 are substantially identical to the imaging results obtained by the first imaging device 151, the third imaging device 153 may be omitted, and the image data obtained by the first imaging device 151 may be used instead of the image data obtained by the third imaging device 153.

[0202] However, there are cases where it is preferable to use image data acquired by the third imaging device 153, such as when there is a risk of the tablet 8 being misaligned during transfer from the second rotary drum 148 to the third rotary drum 149.

[0203] After the printing process, the tablet 8 is further transported as the third rotary drum 149 rotates, and when it reaches the ninth position PA9, which is directly below the third rotary drum 149 and directly above the fourth rotary drum 150, the air passage 55C associated with the suction portion 55A communicates with the open-to-atmosphere space portion S2, and the suction holding of the tablet 8 is released.

[0204] As a result, the tablet 8 drops from the suction part 55A of the third rotary drum 149 and is delivered to the suction part 55A of the fourth rotary drum 150 located at the ninth position PA9.

[0205] At the same time, the air passage 55C associated with the suction portion 55A of the fourth rotary drum 150 that accommodates the tablets 8 at the ninth position PA9 communicates with the negative pressure space portion S1, suction-holding the tablets 8. Then, the fourth rotary drum 150 starts conveying the tablets 8 (step SB09).

[0206] As described above, when the tablet 8 is transferred from the third rotary drum 149 to the fourth rotary drum 150, the tablet 8 is turned over while maintaining the orientation of its dividing line 8F.

[0207] In other words, a tablet 8 that has one side (e.g., front surface 8B) adsorbed to the adsorption portion 55A of the third rotary drum 149 and the other side (e.g., back surface 8C) facing outward will have the other side (e.g., back surface 8C) adsorbed to the adsorption portion 55A of the fourth rotary drum 150 and one side (e.g., front surface 8B) facing outward.

[0208] Thereafter, as the fourth rotary drum 150 rotates, the tablet 8 sucked and held by the suction portion 55A moves toward a tenth position PA10 located directly below the fourth rotary drum 150.

[0209] During this time, hot air is blown from the tablet drying device 53 onto one side (front surface 8B or back surface 8C), which is the non-adsorbed side, of the tablet 8 being adsorbed and transported by the fourth rotary drum 150. This dries the ink printed on one side (front surface 8B or back surface 8C) of the tablet 8 (step SB10).

[0210] At the same time, in the third rotary drum 149 on the side to which the tablet 8 was transferred at the ninth position PA9, the suction part 55A that was emptied at the ninth position PA9 moves again toward the sixth position PA6.

[0211] During this time, hot air is blown from the drum drying device 52 onto the empty adsorption portion 55A of the third rotary drum 149. This dries the ink transferred from one side (front surface 8B or back surface 8C) of the tablet 8 to the adsorption portion 55A.

[0212] Then, as the fourth rotary drum 150 rotates, when the tablet 8 adsorbed and held by the suction portion 55A reaches the tenth position PA10, a part of the tablet 8 protruding from the outer peripheral surface of the fourth rotary drum 150 enters the pocket portion 2 of the container film 3 located at the tenth position PA10. At the same time, the air passage 55C associated with the suction portion 55A of the fourth rotary drum 150 that is adsorbing the tablet 8 communicates with the open-to-atmosphere space portion S2, and the tablet 8 is released from adsorption.

[0213] As a result, the tablet 8 falls from the suction portion 55A of the fourth rotary drum 150 with one side (front surface 8B or back surface 8C) facing downward, and the tablet 8 is filled into the pocket portion 2 of the container film 3 (step SB11).

[0214] As described above in detail, this embodiment provides the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0215] In addition, according to this embodiment, at least prior to the printing process by the first printing device 50, it is possible to determine in advance the front and back sides and orientation of the tablet 5 to be printed based on the image data acquired from the first imaging device 151 and the second imaging device 152.

[0216] As a result, for tablets that have a front and back and orientation, such as tablets that have a score line only on the front side, the first printing device 50 and the second printing device 50 can perform appropriate printing processing, such as aligning the orientation of the printing on the front and back.

[0217] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and may be implemented as follows: Of course, other applications and modifications not exemplified below are also possible.

[0218] (a) In the above embodiments, tablets 5 and 8 are exemplified as disc-shaped plain tablets (disc-shaped flat tablets) that are circular in plan view, but the type and shape of the tablets are not limited to those in the above embodiments.

[0219] For example, tablets include not only pharmaceutical tablets but also tablets used for eating and drinking. Furthermore, tablets include not only plain tablets but also sugar-coated tablets, film-coated tablets, orally disintegrating tablets, enteric-coated tablets, gelatin-coated tablets, and various capsule tablets such as hard capsules and soft capsules.

[0220] Furthermore, the shape of the tablet is not limited to a circular shape in plan view, but may be a polygonal shape, an elliptical shape, an oval shape, or the like in plan view.

[0221] (b) The arrangement and number of pocket portions 2 in the PTP sheet 1 are not limited to the above embodiment (two rows, ten pockets), and PTP sheets with various arrangements and numbers can be used, including a type with, for example, three rows and twelve pockets.

[0222] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the PTP film 6 is configured such that the number of pocket portions 2 corresponding to one sheet is arranged along its width direction, but this is not limited to this, and for example, the PTP film 6 may be configured such that the number of pocket portions 2 corresponding to multiple sheets is arranged along its width direction.

[0223] (c) The configuration of the conveying means is not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, in the above-described embodiments, a cylindrical rotary drum 47 or the like is used as the conveying means (rotating body), but the present invention is not limited to this, and a configuration using, for example, an endless conveying belt or the like may also be used.

[0224] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, as shown in Figure 9, when the tablet 5 is adsorbed and held by the adsorption portion 55A, the tapered portion 5D or tapered portion 5E of the tablet 5 abuts against the inner surface of the adsorption portion 55A, and the flat front surface 5B or back surface 5C, which is the printing surface, is configured to be out of contact with the curved bottom (suction hole 55B) of the adsorption portion 55A.

[0225] Without being limited to this, for example, as shown in Figure 15, a ring-shaped step portion 155 may be provided along the circumferential direction of the bottom of the suction portion 55A, and when the tablet 5 is adsorbed and held by the suction portion 55A, the peripheral portion (part that is not the printed portion) of the flat front surface 5B or back surface 5C that becomes the printing surface may be placed on the step portion 155, so that the front surface 5B or back surface 5C and the bottom of the suction portion 55A are not in contact with each other.

[0226] (d) Furthermore, when the tablet 5 is adsorbed and held by the adsorption portion 55A, a ventilation means may be formed between the adsorption portion 55A and the tablet 5, allowing ventilation between the inside and outside of the adsorption portion 55A.

[0227] For example, as shown in Figure 14, the inner wall surface of the suction portion 55A may be provided with multiple grooves 210, and when the tablet 5 is adsorbed and held by the suction portion 55A, the grooves 210 may form air holes between the suction portion 55A and the tablet 5, allowing ventilation between the inside and outside of the suction portion 55A.

[0228] Alternatively, the ventilation means may be formed using a tablet 200 as shown in Figures 16(a) and (b). The tablet 200 shown in Figures 16(a) and (b) has a plurality of notches 201 formed at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction in a tapered portion (reference numeral omitted) between its front surface 200A and side surface 200C, and in a tapered portion (reference numeral omitted) between its back surface 200B and side surface 200C.

[0229] This allows for a configuration in which, when tablet 200 is adsorbed and held by adsorption portion 55A, an air vent is formed between adsorption portion 55A and tablet 200 by notch portion 201, allowing ventilation between the inside and outside of adsorption portion 55A.

[0230] As described above, when the tablet 5 or the like is adsorbed to the adsorption part 55A, a ventilation means such as a vent hole through which air flows in from the outside is formed between the adsorption part 55A and the tablet 5 or the like, which facilitates drying of the printed part on the adsorption surface side of the tablet 5 or the like. As a result, the above-mentioned operational effect can be further enhanced.

[0231] (e) In the above embodiment, the drum drying device 52 is provided in correspondence with the second rotary drum 48, etc., and the tablet drying device 53 is provided in correspondence with the third rotary drum 49, etc.

[0232] However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a configuration may be adopted in which a tablet drying means for drying the printed surface of the tablet 5 being transported by the first rotary drum 47 is arranged downstream of the first printing device 50.

[0233] Similarly, a tablet drying means for drying the printed surface of the tablet 5 being transported by the second rotary drum 48 may be arranged downstream of the second printing device 51.

[0234] Further, the drum drying device 52 may be arranged corresponding to the third rotary drum 49 or the like.

[0235] In the above embodiment, hot air drying type drying devices are used as the drum drying device 52 and the tablet drying device 53, but instead, a heater that dries the object to be dried by radiant heat without emitting air may be used as the drying means.

[0236] Furthermore, if the ventilation means as described in (d) above is provided, the drum drying device 52 and the tablet drying device 53 may be omitted.

[0237] (f) In the above embodiment, the first printing device 50 and the second printing device 51 are tablet printing devices that can print non-contact on tablets 5 using a print head of a predetermined inkjet type (e.g., a piezoelectric type or a thermal type).

[0238] The present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a transfer printing device that performs printing by contacting the tablet 5 may be used.

[0239] (g) The configuration of the tablet inverting means is not limited to the third rotary drum 49 etc. according to the above embodiment. In other words, it does not have to be a rotating body such as a rotary drum that adsorbs and transports the tablets 5.

[0240] In other words, the tablet 5 that has been handed over from the second rotary drum 48 and has been printed on both sides can be inverted by the second printing device 51 so that the other side that has been printed later faces up and filled into the pocket section 2. For example, the tablet 5 may be a fixed member such as a guide member that inverts the tablet 5 that falls from the second rotary drum 48 and guides it into the pocket section 2. [Explanation of symbols]

[0241] 1... PTP sheet, 2... pocket portion, 3... container film, 4... cover film, 5... tablet, 5B... one side, 5C... other side, 10... PTP packaging machine, 21... tablet filling device, 45... storage section, 46... supply chute, 47... first rotary drum, 48... second rotary drum, 49... third rotary drum, 50... first printing device, 51... second printing device, 52... drum drying device, 53... tablet drying device, 55A... suction section, 55B... suction hole, 55C... ventilation channel.

Claims

1. A tablet filling device for filling tablets into pockets of a container film that is conveyed horizontally, comprising: a first conveying means capable of suction-holding and conveying tablets supplied from a predetermined supplying means at a predetermined suction portion; a first printing means for printing on one side of the tablet conveyed by the first conveying means; a second conveying means capable of conveying the tablet, which is delivered from the first conveying means and has printing applied to one side thereof, by suction and holding the tablet at a predetermined suction portion; a second printing means for printing on the other side of the tablet conveyed by the second conveying means; A tablet filling device characterized by being equipped with a tablet inversion means that is positioned adjacent to the horizontally transported container film and is capable of inverting tablets that have been handed over from the second transport means and have been printed on both sides so that the other side that has been later printed by the second printing means is facing up and filling the tablets into the pocket portion.

2. 2. The tablet filling device according to claim 1, further comprising a drying means for the second conveying means for drying at least the suction portion of the second conveying means.

3. The tablet inverting means a conveying means for inverting a tablet, which is capable of suction-holding and conveying the tablet delivered from the second conveying means at a predetermined suction portion, 3. The tablet filling device according to claim 1, further comprising a tablet drying means for drying at least one surface of the tablet held by suction on the conveying means for inverting the tablet.

4. A tablet filling device as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that when a tablet is adsorbed to the adsorption portion, at least the printed portion on the adsorption surface of the tablet and the adsorption portion are in a non-contact state.

5. The supply means a supply conveying means for suction-holding and conveying tablets at a predetermined suction portion and transferring the tablets to the first conveying means; a first imaging means capable of imaging the other surface of the tablet conveyed by the supply conveying means; a second imaging means, which is located upstream of the first printing means and is capable of imaging the one side of the tablet conveyed by the first conveying means; A tablet filling device as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it is provided with a printing control means capable of controlling the first printing means and the second printing means based on image data acquired by the first imaging means and the second imaging means.

6. 6. The tablet filling device according to claim 1, wherein the conveying means is a rotating body that has the suction portion and conveys the tablets as it rotates.

7. A PTP packaging machine comprising the tablet filling device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. A method for manufacturing a PTP sheet, in which tablets are contained in pockets formed in a container film and a cover film is attached to the container film so as to close the pockets, comprising: a pocket forming step of forming the pocket in the container film that is conveyed horizontally in a strip shape; a filling step of filling the pockets with tablets; a attaching step of attaching the strip-shaped cover film to the container film having the pocket portion filled with tablets so as to close the pocket portion; a cutting step of cutting a PTP sheet from a belt-shaped PTP film in which the cover film is attached to the container film, In the filling step, a first step of printing on one side of a tablet while suction-transporting the tablet; a second step of printing on the other side of the tablet while suction-transporting the tablet with printing on one side; A method for manufacturing a PTP sheet, characterized in that it comprises a third process in which the tablet with printing on both sides is held by suction, the tablet is inverted so that the other side that was printed later in the second process is facing up, and the suction holding is released at a position close to the container film being transported horizontally, thereby filling the pocket portion.

Images