JP2017024753A - Seal device, blister packaging machine, and manufacturing method of blister pack - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a blister packaging machine capable of flexibly coping with changes in size and quantity of an article while suppressing an increase in manufacturing costs, and a manufacturing method of a blister pack.SOLUTION: A blister pack 1 comprises a container film 2 having a pocket part 2A and a flange part 2B, and a cover film 3 having an upper layer film 3A and a lower layer film 3B. In manufacturing the blister pack 1, the cover film 3 is brought into pressure contact with the flange part 2B in a first annular region R1, and then gas is supplied between both films 3A, 3B through a through hole 3C formed on the upper layer film 3A to bulge the lower layer film 3B to an interior space side of the pocket part 2A. Then, the cover film 3 is fitted to the flange part 2B so that a space between both films 3A, 3B becomes an airtight state of not communicating with the through hole 3C in a second annular region R2 on the inner peripheral side than the first annular region R1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

  The present invention relates to a blister packaging machine for manufacturing a blister pack for storing a predetermined article, and a method for manufacturing a blister pack.

  The blister pack seals a container film in which a pocket part for accommodating various articles (for example, electric devices, medical instruments, tablets, CDs, DVD packages, etc.) is formed and the opening side of the pocket part with respect to the container film. Cover film attached.

  In addition, as a blister packaging machine for producing blister packs, a pocket portion forming means for forming a pocket portion with respect to a belt-like container film, an accommodating means for storing articles in the pocket portion, and a cover film being attached to the container film Thus, there are known ones having attachment means for obtaining a strip-shaped blister film and punching means for punching the blister film in sheet units to obtain blister packs.

  By the way, when an impact is applied to the blister pack during transportation or handling, the article may be damaged. Therefore, in order to prevent damage to the article, a buffer part in which air is sealed is provided in advance on the back surface of the cover film, and the buffer part is in contact with the article when the cover film is attached to the container film. This technique is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  In addition, in order to prevent damage to the article, the interior web band is sandwiched between two interior web bands in which the article is sealed in a manner that encloses the article, and both end edges are sealed. In addition, a packaging body is proposed that includes two exterior film bands that are sealed in the width direction together with the interior web band at a position sandwiching an article, and gas is sealed between the interior web band and the exterior film band. (For example, see Patent Document 2).

  The manufacturing method of this package is as follows. First, in a state where the article is disposed between the two interior web bands, both the interior web bands are sealed on four sides of the article. Next, after arranging the two exterior film bands so as to sandwich the interior web band, both end edges of both exterior film bands are sealed, and the exterior film band is sealed in the width direction together with the interior web. Is a bag. Then, after filling the bag-shaped outer film band with gas, the outer film band is sealed in the width direction together with the inner web band so as to close the opening of the bag-shaped outer film band. And finally, a package body is obtained by cutting an interior web belt and an exterior film belt at a predetermined position.

JP-A-5-319403 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-201427

  However, the technique using the buffer unit described above may not be able to respond flexibly when the size (thickness or the like) or amount of the article changes. For example, when the size of the article is small, the buffer portion does not sufficiently contact the article, and the article may move in the pocket portion. In addition, when the size of the article is large, there is a risk that the presence of the buffer part may hinder the attachment of the cover film to the container film, or the article may be excessively pressed by the buffer part. On the other hand, for example, it is conceivable to change the size (thickness, etc.) of the buffer part according to the size of the article. May increase.

  Moreover, in the manufacturing method of the package mentioned above, when there is much filling amount of gas, an exterior film belt will expand | swell largely and there exists a possibility that the trouble of the final seal for sealing gas may arise. On the other hand, if the gas filling amount is reduced, the final sealing can be performed more surely, but the amount of gas to be sealed is also reduced, so that it may not be possible to sufficiently prevent damage to the article. .

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to flexibly cope with changes in the size and quantity of an article while suppressing an increase in manufacturing cost, and An object of the present invention is to provide a blister packaging machine and a blister pack manufacturing method capable of more reliably manufacturing a blister pack capable of suppressing damage.

  In the following, each means suitable for solving the above-described object will be described in terms of items. In addition, the effect specific to the means to respond | corresponds as needed is added.

Means 1. A container portion including a pocket portion for accommodating an article, and a flange portion formed to extend outward from an opening end of the pocket portion;
A cover film having an upper layer film and a lower layer film attached to the container film so as to close the pocket part in a state where the article is accommodated in the pocket part;
A blister packaging machine for producing blister packs comprising:
In the upper film, a through hole is formed in advance at a predetermined position,
Pressure contact means for pressing the cover film against the flange portion in the first annular region on the outer peripheral side of the pocket portion in the state where the article is accommodated in the pocket portion;
In a pressure contact state by the pressure contact means, a predetermined gas is supplied between the upper layer film and the lower layer film through the through-holes disposed corresponding to the flange portion, and the pocket portion of the lower layer film is supplied to the pocket portion. A gas supply means for bulging a corresponding portion toward the internal space of the pocket portion;
In the pressure contact state by the pressure contact means and the bulging state of the lower layer film, the upper layer in the second annular region on the outer peripheral side of the opening peripheral edge of the pocket portion and on the inner peripheral side of the first annular region Attachment means for attaching the cover film to the flange portion so that a space between the film and the lower layer film is in an airtight state in communication with the through hole;
A blister packaging machine comprising:

  According to the said means 1, when supplying gas between an upper layer film and a lower layer film through a through-hole, it will be in the state by which the cover film was press-contacted with the flange part in the 1st annular area by the press-contacting means. Yes. Therefore, in the second annular region located between the opening periphery of the pocket portion and the first annular region, the bulging of the upper layer film can be suppressed. And a cover film is attached with respect to a flange part in a 2nd cyclic | annular area | region, maintaining the state by which the cover film was pressed to the flange part, ie, the state by which the swelling of the upper layer film was suppressed. Thereby, the lower layer film and the upper layer film can be more reliably sealed while enclosing sufficient gas between the lower layer film and the upper layer film in order to suppress damage to the article. As a result, a blister pack that can suppress damage to the article can be more reliably manufactured.

  Moreover, according to the said means 1, the manufactured blister pack will be in the state which pinched | interposed the goods by the container film (pocket part) and the bulging lower layer film. Therefore, the movement of the article within the pocket portion can be restricted, and when the blister pack is vibrated, the article can be more reliably prevented from colliding with the pocket portion. Furthermore, a gap can be formed between the cover film (upper layer film) or container film and the article as the lower layer film bulges. Therefore, when an impact is applied to the blister pack, the impact applied to the article can be reduced. Due to these effects, the resulting blister pack can more effectively suppress damage to the article.

  In addition, according to the means 1, the amount of gas to be supplied is adjusted according to the size and amount of the article, and the amount of swelling of the lower layer film can be adjusted between the container film and the lower layer film. The cover film can be more securely attached to the flange portion while sandwiching the article with an appropriate pressure. Therefore, it is possible to flexibly cope with articles having different sizes and quantities while suppressing an increase in manufacturing cost.

Mean 2. The pressure contact means is
A chamber portion that has an internal space to which gas is supplied from the gas supply means, and the internal space opens toward the opening side of the pocket portion in the container film;
A support part disposed at a position sandwiching the cover film and the container film between the opening side end of the internal space in the chamber part,
The cover film and the flange portion are sandwiched between the opening-side end portion and the support portion of the chamber portion so that the through hole and the internal space of the chamber portion communicate with each other with respect to the flange portion. Press the film,
The gas supply means is configured to supply gas between the upper layer film and the lower layer film through the through hole by supplying gas to the internal space of the chamber portion. The blister packaging machine according to means 1.

  According to the means 2, the gas is supplied from the gas supply means between the upper layer film and the lower layer film through the internal space of the chamber part constituting the pressure contact means. That is, the press contact means has a function as a gas flow path as well as a function of pressing the cover film against the flange portion. Therefore, it is not necessary to separately provide a device for supplying gas between the films from the gas supply means (for example, a pipe inserted between the films through a through hole). As a result, the apparatus can be simplified and the cost can be reduced.

Means 3. At the time of pressure welding by the pressure welding means, at least the upper layer film has a band shape,
An upper layer film transporting means for transporting at least the belt-shaped upper layer film along its longitudinal direction and temporarily stopping the upper layer film at the time of pressure welding by the pressure welding means;
A plurality of the through holes are provided along the transport direction of the upper film,
The blister packaging machine according to means 2, wherein the interval between the adjacent through holes is smaller than the length of the opening of the chamber portion along the transport direction.

  According to the above means 3, when the upper film is temporarily stopped so as to sandwich the cover film or the like by the pressure contact means, the through hole and the internal space of the chamber part are communicated without specially adjusting the stop position of the upper film. be able to. Therefore, control such as adjusting the stop position in accordance with the formation position of the through hole is not required, and the apparatus can be simplified and productivity can be further improved.

Means 4. The attachment means includes
A seal portion having a heat generating portion having a shape corresponding to the second annular region;
A receiving portion disposed at a position sandwiching the cover film and the container film between the heat generating portion,
By sandwiching the flange part and the cover film by the heat generating part and the receiving part, the cover film is configured to be heat-sealed to the flange part,
The blister packaging machine according to means 2 or 3, wherein the heat generating part is disposed in an internal space of the chamber part.

  According to the means 4, the heat generating part of the attaching means is arranged in the internal space of the chamber part. Therefore, the unit of the apparatus can be improved, and the apparatus can be more reliably downsized.

Means 5. While being configured to obtain a band-shaped blister film in which the band-shaped cover film is attached to the band-shaped container film by the attachment means,
A punching means for punching the blister pack from the blister film is provided,
Any of the means 1 to 4, wherein the punching means is configured to punch the blister film at a position where the through-hole does not exist in the blister pack obtained by punching. Blister packaging machine as described in.

  According to the means 5, the obtained blister pack has no through hole. Therefore, the appearance quality of the blister pack can be improved, the size of the blister pack can be reduced, and the handling thereof can be facilitated.

  Means 6. The blister packaging machine according to means 5, wherein the through-hole is provided only at one end in the width direction of the belt-like upper layer film.

  According to the above means 6, since the through hole is provided only at one end in the width direction of the upper layer film, when punching is performed so that the through hole does not exist in the blister pack, the scrap portion (through hole remaining after punching) Can be reduced. Therefore, the material can be effectively used and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

  Mean 7 At least when the gas is supplied by the gas supply means, the container film is formed with a hole for allowing air in the pocket portion to escape when the lower layer film is expanded. The blister packaging machine according to any one of means 1 to 6.

  According to the above means 7, when the lower layer film is bulged to the inside of the pocket portion, air escapes from the hole portion formed in the container film. Therefore, sufficient gas can be filled between the upper layer film and the lower layer film more easily and more reliably, and the damage of the article can be prevented more effectively.

  Moreover, in order to fill a sufficient gas between the upper layer film and the lower layer film, it is not necessary to excessively increase the gas supply pressure. For this reason, it is possible to more reliably prevent the upper layer film, the lower layer film, the seal portion of both films from being damaged due to the high pressure of the filled gas. Moreover, since the swelling of the upper layer film can be further suppressed, both films can be more reliably sealed. As a result, a blister pack that can suppress damage to the article can be more reliably manufactured.

Means 8. The pocket portion includes a rib portion formed to protrude toward the inner space side,
The gas supply means is configured to bulge the lower layer film by supplying gas so that the article is pressed against the rib portion. The blister packaging machine according to any one of the above.

  According to the means 8, a gap can be formed between the pocket portion and the article by the rib portion. Thereby, when an impact is applied to the blister pack, the impact is less likely to be directly applied to the article. Further, the article can be more securely sandwiched and held by the bulged lower layer film and the rib portion. As a result, in the obtained blister pack, damage to the article can be more effectively suppressed.

  Means 9. The blister packaging machine according to claim 8, wherein the rib portion has a frustum shape that gradually narrows toward a tip end side of the rib portion against which the article is pressed.

  According to the above means 9, when the article is pressed against the tip of the rib portion as the lower layer film bulges, the tip of the rib portion is easily crushed and deformed. Thereby, it can suppress that the pressure added with respect to articles | goods from a rib part increases too much. Further, the article can be more securely sandwiched and held by the bulging lower layer film and the crushed rib portion. As a result, in the obtained blister pack, the article can be more effectively prevented from being damaged.

  Means 10. When the gas is supplied between the upper layer film and the lower layer film by the gas supply means, the upper layer is in contact with or close to the upper layer film on the opening of the pocket portion, and is directed to the opposite side to the inside of the pocket portion. The blister packaging machine according to any one of means 1 to 9, further comprising bulge regulating means for regulating bulge of the film.

  According to the means 10, the swelling of the upper film can be more reliably suppressed by the swelling restriction means. Therefore, it is possible to prevent deterioration of the appearance quality due to excessive bulging of the upper layer film, and more reliably seal both films while enclosing sufficient gas between the upper layer film and the lower layer film in order to suppress damage to the article. be able to. Therefore, a blister pack capable of suppressing damage to the article can be obtained more reliably.

  Means 11. The blister packaging machine according to any one of means 1 to 10, wherein the upper layer film is thicker than the lower layer film.

  According to the said means 11, the swelling of the upper layer film at the time of filling gas between an upper layer film and a lower layer film can further be suppressed. Therefore, the upper layer film and the lower layer film can be more easily and more reliably sealed. As a result, a blister pack capable of suppressing damage to the article can be manufactured more reliably.

Means 12. A container for providing a pocket for accommodating a predetermined article, and a flange formed to extend outward from the opening end of the pocket;
A cover film having a lower layer film and an upper layer film attached to the container film so as to close the pocket portion in a state where the article is accommodated in the pocket portion;
A blister pack manufacturing method comprising:
In the upper film, a through hole is formed in advance at a predetermined position,
In the state where the article is accommodated in the pocket portion, a pressure-contacting step of pressing the cover film against the flange portion in the first annular region on the outer peripheral side of the opening periphery of the pocket portion;
In the pressure contact state by the pressure welding process, a predetermined gas is supplied between the upper layer film and the lower layer film through the through-holes arranged corresponding to the flange portion to the pocket portion of the lower layer film. A gas supply step of bulging the corresponding portion toward the internal space of the pocket portion;
In the pressure contact state in the pressure contact step and the bulging state of the lower layer film, in the second annular region on the outer peripheral side of the opening periphery of the pocket portion and on the inner peripheral side with respect to the first annular region, the upper layer An attachment step of attaching the cover film to the flange portion so that a space between the film and the lower layer film is in an airtight state in communication with the through hole;
A blister pack manufacturing method comprising:

  According to the means 12, the same operational effects as the means 1 can be obtained basically.

It is a perspective view of a blister pack. It is sectional drawing of a blister pack. It is a perspective view of a container film. It is a partially broken perspective view of a blister film. It is a schematic diagram which shows schematic structure of a blister packaging machine. It is a cross-sectional schematic diagram for showing the magnitude | size relationship of the space | interval of through-holes, and the length of the opening of a chamber part. It is a front view, such as a chamber part. It is a disassembled perspective view of a chamber part, a seal part, and a lower mold | type. It is a disassembled cross-sectional perspective view of a chamber part, a seal part, and a lower mold | type. It is a cross-sectional perspective view which shows the chamber part etc. in a press process. It is a cross-sectional perspective view which shows the lower layer film etc. in a gas supply process. It is an expanded sectional view which shows the lower layer film etc. in a gas supply process. It is a cross-sectional perspective view which shows the seal part etc. in an attachment process. It is a schematic diagram for showing a 1st annular region and a 2nd annular region. It is a perspective view of the container film for showing the hole in another embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the lower mold | type etc. in another embodiment. In another embodiment, it is a partial expanded cross-section schematic diagram which shows a mode that the air in a pocket part escapes. It is sectional drawing which shows the control part in another embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the control part in another embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the control part in another embodiment.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the blister pack 1 includes a container film 2 and a cover film 3 attached to the container film 2.

  The container film 2 is made of a thermoplastic resin material such as PP (polypropylene), PVC (polyvinyl chloride), or PE (polyethylene). The container film 2 includes a pocket portion 2A for storing a predetermined article W (for example, a package containing a DVD or the like), and an annular flange formed to extend outward from the opening end of the pocket portion 2A. Part 2B.

  A plurality of rib portions 2C are formed on the bottom wall portion and the side wall portion of the pocket portion 2A so as to project toward the inner space side of the pocket portion 2A (see FIG. 3 and the like). Each rib part 2C supports the article W by contacting the article W. In addition, the rib portion 2C provided on the bottom wall portion of the pocket portion 2A has a shape that gradually narrows toward the tip end side, that is, the portion side against which the article W is pressed. It has a quadrangular pyramid shape. The rib portion 2C may have a frustum shape other than the quadrangular frustum shape (for example, a frustum shape, a triangular frustum shape, a polygonal frustum shape, etc.).

  Furthermore, a hole 2D is formed through the center of the bottom wall of the pocket 2A. In the present embodiment, the hole 2D is provided at a position deviating from the formation position of the rib 2C. Accordingly, the hole 2D is not blocked by the article W in a state where the article W is accommodated in the pocket portion 2A.

  The cover film 3 has a two-layer structure including an upper layer film 3A and a lower layer film 3B. In the present embodiment, by attaching a predetermined address label (not shown) to the surface of the upper layer film 3A, the blister pack 1 can be delivered as it is by courier service or the like.

  The upper layer film 3A and the lower layer film 3B are formed of a thermoplastic resin that is compatible with the container film 2. In particular, the lower layer film 3B is formed of a stretchable material (for example, a film having a low degree of stretching). ing. The upper film 3A is preferably thicker and more rigid than the lower film 3B. For convenience, the upper film 3A in each figure is shown to be thicker than actual.

  Further, a predetermined gas (inert gas, air in the present embodiment) is filled between the films 3A and 3B, and the lower layer film 3B bulges toward the internal space side of the pocket portion 2A ( (See FIG. 2). The article W is sandwiched and supported by the swollen lower layer film 3B and the pocket portion 2A (in this embodiment, the rib portion 2C). In addition, since the whole area of the outer peripheral edge parts of both films 3A and 3B is sealed, the space between both films 3A and 3B becomes an airtight state, and the bulging state of the lower layer film 3B is maintained. .

  As shown in FIG. 4, the blister pack 1 is manufactured by punching a strip-shaped blister film 4 formed from a strip-shaped container film 2 and a strip-shaped cover film 3 into a sheet shape. Before punching the blister pack 1, the upper film 3A has a plurality of through holes 3C. The through holes 3C are provided in a line along the longitudinal direction of the upper layer film 3A, that is, along the conveying direction of the upper layer film 3A when the blister pack 1 is manufactured. Moreover, 3 C of through-holes are provided only in the width direction one end part of 3 A of upper layer films, and overlap with the flange part 2B.

  Next, the structure of the blister packaging machine 10 for manufacturing the blister pack 1 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 5, in the blister packaging machine 10, the strip-shaped container film 2 drawn out from the roll-shaped raw fabric is intermittently conveyed downstream by a predetermined conveyor 11 (for example, a chain clip conveyor). .

  First, a heating device 12 and a pocket portion forming device 13 are provided on the downstream side of the container film 2 original fabric. The heating device 12 and the pocket portion forming device 13 constitute the pocket portion forming means in this embodiment.

  The heating device 12 includes an upper mold 12a and a lower mold 12b that are arranged above and below the container film 2, and is configured to be able to partially heat the formation range of the pocket portion 2A of the container film 2.

  The pocket portion forming apparatus 13 is similar to the shape of the pocket portion 2A and has an upper die 13a having a small plug (not shown) and a lower die having a molding recess (not shown) corresponding to the shape of the pocket portion 2A. 13b.

  First, in a state where the container film 2 is heated by the heating device 12 and becomes relatively flexible, the upper mold 13a and the lower mold 13b relatively move in a direction in which they approach each other. Subsequently, the plug protrudes from the upper mold 13a to form a rough shape of the pocket portion 2A. Finally, gas is blown from the upper mold 13 a and the container film 2 is pressed against the molding recess of the lower mold 13 b, thereby forming the pocket portion 2 </ b> A at a predetermined position of the container film 2. The pocket portion 2A is formed at an interval between the transport operations of the container film 2. In addition, with the molding of the pocket portion 2A, the rib portion 2C and the hole portion 2D are also formed. The hole portion 2D may be formed after the pocket portion 2A is formed and before the article W is accommodated in the pocket portion 2A.

  Furthermore, an accommodation device 14 is provided on the downstream side of the pocket portion forming device 13 as an accommodation means for accommodating the article W in the pocket portion 2A.

  Further, the original film of the lower layer film 3 </ b> B formed in a band shape is wound and arranged in a roll shape separately from the container film 2. The lower layer film 3 </ b> B drawn out from the original fabric is guided to the first receiving roller 15 provided on the downstream side of the storage device 14. The lower layer film 3 </ b> B is guided to the first receiving roller 15, so that the lower layer film 3 </ b> B is overlaid on the container film 2 so as to close the pocket portion 2 </ b> A.

  Further, the original film of the upper layer film 3A formed in a belt shape is wound in a roll shape in a state where the through holes 3C are formed in advance. The upper layer film 3 </ b> A drawn out from the original fabric is guided to the second receiving roller 16 provided downstream of the first receiving roller 15. The upper layer film 3A is guided to the second receiving roller 16 so as to be superimposed on the lower layer film 3B. At this timing, the conveyor 11 grasps the container film 2, the upper layer film 3A, and the lower layer film 3B again. Accordingly, the films 3 </ b> A and 3 </ b> B are intermittently transported together with the container film 2 as the container film 2 is transported. That is, in this embodiment, the conveyor 11 which conveys the container film 2 and each film 3A, 3B is equivalent to an upper layer film conveyance means.

  In the present embodiment, the distance L1 between the adjacent through holes 3C is relatively small. Specifically, the interval L1 is set to be smaller than the length L2 of the opening of the chamber portion 31 described later along the transport direction of the upper film 3A (particularly, the length of the portion facing the through hole 3C). (See FIG. 6).

  A sealing device 17 is provided downstream of the second receiving roller 16. By the sealing device 17, the container film 2, the upper film 3A, and the lower film 3B are heat-sealed. As a result, the band-shaped blister film 4 in which the pocket portion 2A in which the article W is accommodated is sealed with the cover film 3 is manufactured. The configuration of the sealing device 17 will be described later.

  On the downstream side of the sealing device 17, a punching device 18 is provided as a punching unit for punching the blister film 4 into one blister pack.

  Further, a conveyor 20 for transferring the obtained blister pack 1 to a finished product hopper (not shown) is provided below the punching device 18.

  Further, a cutting device (not shown) for cutting the scrap portion remaining after the blister pack 1 is punched is disposed downstream of the punching device 18. The scrap portion is cut into a predetermined size by the cutting device and stored in a predetermined scrap hopper (not shown). The scrap part includes the through hole 3C.

  Next, the configuration of the sealing device 17 will be described in detail. The seal device 17 includes a chamber portion 31, a seal portion 32, a lower mold 33, a gas supply device 34, and a seal control device 35. In the present embodiment, the chamber part 31 and the lower mold 33 correspond to the pressure contact means, and the seal part 32 and the lower mold 33 correspond to the attachment means.

  First, the gas supply device 34 and the seal control device 35 will be described.

  The gas supply device 34 is, for example, a compressor, and supplies a predetermined gas (inert gas, air in the present embodiment) to the chamber portion 31. The type of gas supplied from the gas supply device 34 may be changed as appropriate.

  The seal control device 35 is a computer system including a CPU for calculation, a ROM, a RAM for data storage, and the like. The operations of the chamber portion 31, the seal portion 32, the lower mold 33 and the gas supply device 34 are controlled by a seal control device 35. The seal control device 35 can obtain the transport amounts of the container film 2 and the cover film 3 by a signal from an encoder (not shown). The seal controller 35 intermittently conveys the container film 2 and the cover film 3 by controlling the operation of the conveyor 11 based on the obtained conveyance amount. In this embodiment, when the container film 2 or the like is temporarily stopped, the pocket portion 2A is disposed at a predetermined relative position along the conveyance direction of the container film 2 or the like with respect to the chamber portion 31, the seal portion 32, and the lower mold 33. It has come to be.

  Next, the chamber part 31, the seal part 32, and the lower mold | type 33 are demonstrated with reference to FIGS.

  The chamber portion 31 is disposed above the transport path of the films 2 and 3 and can be moved up and down by a driving means (not shown). The chamber portion 31 includes an internal space 31S that opens toward the opening side of the pocket portion 2A in the container film 2 (the surface side of the upper layer film 3A). The opening of the internal space 31S has a shape substantially corresponding to the opening of the pocket portion 2A, and the opening area of the internal space 31S is slightly larger than the opening area of the pocket portion 2A.

  Furthermore, the upper wall part of the chamber part 31 is formed with a first communication hole 31A and a second communication hole 31B that penetrate the upper wall part and communicate the internal space 31S with the outside.

  A rod-shaped rod portion 32A provided in the seal portion 32 is inserted through the first through hole 31A, and the rod portion 32A can be moved up and down by a driving means (not shown). In addition, an annular seal member (not shown) that is in close contact with the entire outer periphery of the rod portion 32A is disposed in a portion of the chamber portion 31 where the first through hole 31A is formed. Accordingly, even when the chamber portion 31 and the seal portion 32 are relatively moved in the vertical direction, the gas in the internal space 31S does not leak to the outside through the first series of through holes 31A.

  The second communication hole 31B is a vent hole for introducing the gas supplied from the gas supply device 34 into the internal space 31S. The gas supplied from the gas supply device 34 flows into the internal space 31S through a predetermined gas pipe (not shown) and the second communication hole 31B. In the present embodiment, the gas supply device 34, the gas pipe or the chamber portion 31 and the like are provided with an atmospheric pressure sensor (not shown) for measuring the atmospheric pressure in the internal space 31S. And the signal which shows the information regarding the atmospheric | air pressure of the internal space 31S is sent with respect to the seal | sticker control apparatus 35 from the said atmospheric | air pressure sensor.

  The seal portion 32 moves up and down as the rod portion 32A moves up and down. The main body portion 32B is connected to the center of the rod portion 32A, and the rectangular heat generation is fixed to the lower portion of the main body portion 32B. 32C. The main body portion 32 </ b> B and the heat generating portion 32 </ b> C are disposed in the internal space 31 </ b> S of the chamber portion 31. The heat generating part 32C can generate heat by a heater or the like (not shown). And the lower surface (surface which faces the cover film 3) of 32 C of heat generating parts is made into the shape where the inner periphery corresponds to the opening periphery of 2 A of pocket parts.

  The lower mold 33 includes a recess 33A in which the pocket portion 2A is accommodated. The flat surface extending from the opening of the recess 33 </ b> A to the outer periphery of the lower mold 33 is between the opening side end (lower end) of the chamber portion 31 and the heat generating portion 32 </ b> C of the seal portion 32. 3 is a pressing surface 33B that sandwiches 3. In this embodiment, the support part and the receiving part are comprised by the lower mold | type 33, and both are united.

  Further, a vent hole 33C is formed through the bottom wall portion of the lower mold 33, and the inside and the outside of the recess 33A communicate with each other through the vent hole 33C. The vent hole 33C is provided at a position overlapping the hole 2D of the container film 2 in the gas supply process described later.

In the sealing device 17 described above, the pressure contact process, the gas supply process, and the attachment process are performed each time the films 2 and 3 are conveyed by a predetermined amount. And the blister pack 1 is obtained by performing the punching process after each of these processes. Next, each of the steps executed by the sealing device 17 and the punching step will be described. First, prior to the press-contacting step, the container film 2 and the cover film 3 are conveyed by a predetermined amount, and pocketed against the chamber portion 31 and the like. When the part 2A is disposed at a predetermined relative position, both the films 2 and 3 are temporarily stopped. And in a press-contacting process, as shown in FIG. 10, while lowering the chamber part 31 and the seal part 32, the lower mold | type 33 is moved up. Thereby, the container film 2 (flange part 2B) and the cover film 3 are sandwiched between the opening side end part of the internal space 31S in the chamber part 31 and the pressing surface 33B of the lower mold 33. As a result, the cover film 3 is pressed against the flange portion 2B in the first annular region R1 (region with a dotted pattern in FIG. 14) on the outer peripheral side of the opening periphery of the pocket portion 2A. Note that the portion of the lower layer film 3B that closes the pocket portion 2A is actually slightly loosened toward the inside of the pocket portion 2A. At this stage, the seal portion 32 is in a state of being separated from the cover film 3.

  11 and 12 (in FIG. 12, for convenience, the lower layer film 3B is shown to be thicker than the actual thickness), in the gas supply step, the gas supply device 34 is maintained while maintaining the pressure contact state in the pressure contact step. The gas is supplied to the internal space 31S of the chamber portion 31 through the gas pipe and the second communication hole 31B. Thereby, gas is supplied between the upper layer film 3A and the lower layer film 3B through the through-hole 3C arranged corresponding to the flange portion 2B, and the portion of the lower layer film 3B corresponding to the pocket portion 2A is the pocket portion 2A. It bulges out toward the inner space. With the expansion of the lower layer film 3B, the air in the pocket portion 2A is discharged to the outside through the hole portion 2D and the vent hole 33D. As described above, since the vent hole 33C is provided at a position overlapping the hole 2D, the air in the pocket 2A is efficiently discharged to the outside.

  Then, when the atmospheric pressure in the internal space 31S obtained based on the signal from the atmospheric pressure sensor reaches a predetermined value, the gas supply from the gas supply device 34 is stopped by the seal control device 35. Thereby, a sufficient gas is filled between the films 3A and 3B, and the article W is sandwiched between the swelled lower layer film 3B and the pocket portion 2A (rib portion 2C) at a predetermined pressure. Become. Note that the tip of the rib portion 2 </ b> C is slightly crushed and deformed by being pressed by the article W. In addition, after the gas supply is stopped, the internal space 31S and the space between the upper film 3A and the lower film 3B are maintained at a constant pressure.

  Next, in the attachment step, as shown in FIG. 13, the seal portion 32 is moved downward while maintaining the pressure contact state in the pressure contact step and with the lower layer film 3B bulging. Accordingly, the container film 2 (flange portion 2B) and the cover film 3 are sandwiched between the lower surface of the heat generating portion 32C and the pressing surface 33B of the lower mold 33. That is, the second annular region R2 (on the outer peripheral side of the opening periphery of the pocket portion 2A, on the inner peripheral side of the first annular region R1, and further on the opening side of the pocket portion 2A with respect to the through hole 3C) In FIG. 14, the cover film 3 is pressed against the container film 2 while heating the container film 2 (flange portion 2 </ b> B) and the cover film 3 in the hatched area. As a result, both the films 3A and 3B are sealed so that the space between the upper film 3A and the lower film 3B is in an airtight state not communicating with the through-hole 3C, and the cover film 3 is attached to the flange portion 2B. Worn. As a result, the blister film 4 in which the article W is held by the expanded lower layer film 3B and the pocket portion 2A is obtained. In addition, the obtained blister film 4 will be conveyed downstream after the chamber part 31 grade | etc., Evacuates from the conveyance path | route of the blister film 4. FIG.

  In the subsequent punching process, the blister film 4 is punched by the punching device 18 at a portion near the outer periphery of the seal portion. As a result, the blister pack 1 is obtained, and the obtained blister pack 1 has no through-hole 3C.

  As described above in detail, according to the present embodiment, when the gas is supplied between the films 3A and 3B through the through-hole 3C, the cover film 3 is provided to the flange portion 2B in the first annular region R1. It is in a pressed state. Therefore, in the second annular region R2 located between the opening periphery of the pocket portion 2A and the first annular region R1, the swelling of the upper film 3A can be suppressed. And the cover film 3 is attached with respect to the flange part 2B in 2nd cyclic | annular area | region R2, maintaining the state by which 3 A of upper layer films were suppressed. Thereby, both film 3A, 3B can be sealed more reliably, sealing sufficient gas between both film 3A, 3B in order to aim at the damage suppression of articles | goods. As a result, the blister pack 1 that can suppress damage to the article W can be more reliably manufactured.

  The manufactured blister pack 1 is in a state in which the article W is sandwiched between the pocket portion 2A (rib portion 2C) and the bulging lower layer film 3B. Therefore, the movement of the article W in the pocket portion 2A can be restricted, and when the blister pack 1 is vibrated, the article W can be more reliably prevented from colliding with the pocket portion 2A. Furthermore, a gap can be formed between the cover film 3 (upper layer film 3A) or the container film 2 and the article W as the lower layer film 3B bulges. Therefore, when an impact is applied to the blister pack 1, the impact applied to the article W can be reduced. Due to these operational effects, damage suppression of the article W can be more effectively achieved in the obtained blister pack 1.

  In addition, the obtained blister pack 1 has no through-hole 3C. Therefore, the appearance quality of the blister pack 1 can be improved, the size of the blister pack 1 can be reduced, and the handling becomes easy.

  In addition, if the amount of gas to be supplied is adjusted according to the size and amount of the article W, and the amount of swelling of the lower film 3B is adjusted, the article W is placed between the container film 2 and the lower film 3B. The cover film 3 can be more securely attached to the flange portion 2B while being sandwiched with an appropriate pressure. Therefore, it is possible to flexibly cope with articles having different sizes and quantities while suppressing an increase in manufacturing cost.

  In addition, gas is supplied between the films 3A and 3B from the gas supply device 34 via the internal space 31S of the chamber portion 31. That is, the chamber part 31 has a function as a gas flow path as well as a function of pressing the cover film 3 against the flange part 2B. Therefore, it is not necessary to separately provide a device for supplying gas between the films 3A and 3B. As a result, the apparatus can be simplified and the cost can be reduced.

  Further, when the upper layer film 3A is temporarily stopped so as to perform a pressure contact process or the like, the through hole 3C and the internal space 31S can be communicated without specially adjusting the stop position of the upper layer film 3A. Therefore, control such as adjusting the stop position according to the formation position of the through-hole 3C is not required, and the apparatus can be simplified and the productivity can be further improved.

  In addition, since the heat generating portion 32C is disposed in the internal space 31S, the unit of the device can be improved, and the size of the device can be more reliably reduced.

  Since the through-hole 3C is provided only at one end in the width direction of the upper film 3A, when punching is performed so that the through-hole 3C does not exist in the blister pack 1, the scrap portion (through-holes remaining after punching) is removed. The existing part) can be reduced. Therefore, the material can be effectively used and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

  Furthermore, when the lower layer film 3 </ b> B is bulged, air escapes from the hole 2 </ b> D formed in the container film 2. Therefore, sufficient gas can be filled between the films 3A and 3B more easily and more reliably, and damage to the article W can be more effectively prevented. Further, in order to fill a sufficient gas between the films 3A and 3B, it is not necessary to excessively increase the gas supply pressure. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably prevent the film 3A, 3B and the seal portions of the films 3A, 3B from being damaged due to the high pressure of the filled gas. Furthermore, since excessive swelling of the upper layer film 3A can be suppressed, both the films 3A and 3B can be more reliably sealed. As a result, the blister pack 1 that can suppress damage to the article W can be more reliably manufactured.

  In the present embodiment, since the hole 2D is formed in the pocket portion 2A, the air in the pocket portion 2A becomes very easy to escape when the lower layer film 3B bulges. Therefore, the lower layer film 3B can be more easily bulged, and as a result, the article W can be more reliably prevented from being damaged. In addition, excessively high pressure of the filled gas can be more reliably suppressed, and problems associated with the high pressure of the filled gas can be more reliably prevented.

  Furthermore, a gap can be formed between the pocket portion 2A and the article W by the rib portion 2C. Thereby, when an impact is applied to the blister pack 1, the impact is less likely to be directly applied to the article W. Further, the article W can be sandwiched and held more reliably by the bulging lower layer film 3B and the rib portion 2C. As a result, in the obtained blister pack 1, damage to the article W can be more effectively suppressed.

  In addition, since the rib portion 2C has a frustum shape, the tip portion of the rib portion 2C is easily crushed and deformed when the lower layer film 3B bulges. Thereby, it can suppress that the pressure added with respect to the articles | goods W from the rib part 2C increases too much. In addition, the article W can be more securely sandwiched and held by the bulging lower layer film 3B and the crushed rib portion 2C. As a result, in the obtained blister pack 1, damage to the article W can be more effectively prevented.

  In addition, the support part and the receiving part are constituted by the lower mold 33, and the support part and the receiving part are integrated. Therefore, compared with the case where a support part and a receiving part are provided separately, simplification and size reduction of an apparatus can be achieved more effectively.

  In addition, it is not limited to the description content of the said embodiment, For example, you may implement as follows. Of course, other application examples and modification examples not illustrated below are also possible.

  (A) In the said embodiment, after obtaining the strip | belt-shaped blister film 4, it is comprised so that the blister pack 1 may be manufactured by punching out the said blister film 4, However, The strip | belt-shaped blister film 4 is obtained. Instead, the blister pack 1 may be manufactured. Therefore, for example, a container film 2 having a pocket portion 2A and an annular flange portion 2B, which has been previously formed into a final shape, and a cover film 3 (an upper film 3A and an upper layer film 3A) each having a shape corresponding to the outer edge of the flange portion 2B. A lower layer film 3B) is prepared in advance. Then, after the article W is accommodated in the pocket portion 2A, the cover film 3 is disposed so as to close the pocket portion 2A, and then, in the pressure contact process, in the first annular region on the outer peripheral side of the opening periphery of the pocket portion 2A The cover film 3 is pressed against the flange portion 2B. Next, in the gas supply step, the gas is supplied between the films 3A and 3B through the through holes 3C provided in the upper film 3A while maintaining the pressure contact state, and the lower film 3B is bulged. And finally, in the attaching step, while maintaining the state in which the cover film 3 is pressed against the flange portion 2B and the state in which the lower layer film 3B is expanded, the outer peripheral side of the opening periphery of the pocket portion 2A. In addition, in the second annular region on the inner peripheral side of the first annular region, the cover film 3 is attached to the flange portion 2B, and the through hole 3C and the space between the two films 2A and 2B are not communicated. . Thus, the blister pack 1 can be obtained without obtaining the blister film 4 by passing through each process. Note that a predetermined position of the blister pack 1 may be excised to remove the through-hole 3C.

  (B) In the above embodiment, the hole 2D is provided in the center of the bottom wall of the pocket 2A, but the hole can evacuate the air in the pocket 2A when the lower layer film 3B bulges. What is necessary is just to be formed in the position. Therefore, it is good also as forming a hole in the position which does not exist in the blister pack 1 obtained by punching with the punching device 18. For example, as shown in FIG. 15, the hole 2E is formed in the flange 2B of the container film 2, and the blister film 4 is placed on the opening side of the pocket 2A with respect to the hole 2E in the punching process. It can be realized by punching. In this case, the obtained blister pack 1 has no hole 2E. Therefore, the article W can be sealed with the container film 2 and the cover film 3, and it is possible to more reliably prevent inconveniences such as mixing of foreign matters into the pocket portion 2 </ b> A and water intrusion during transportation. Further, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the article W can be visually recognized through the hole. Furthermore, the appearance quality of the blister pack 1 can be further improved.

  In providing the hole 2E, as shown in FIG. 16 (in FIGS. 16 and 17, the container film 2 and the lower layer film 3B are shown to be thicker than actual), the air in the pocket 2A is more It is preferable to provide a vent hole 33D at a position corresponding to the hole 2E in the lower mold 33 in order to ensure removal. By configuring in this way, as shown in FIG. 17, when the lower layer film 3B bulges, the air in the pocket portion 2A is discharged between the container film 2 and the lower layer film 3B, through the hole portion 2E and the vent hole 33D to the outside. It can be discharged smoothly.

  (C) As shown in FIG. 18, when gas is supplied between the upper film 3A and the lower film 3B by the gas supply device 34, the restriction as a bulging restricting means adjacent to the upper film 3A on the opening of the pocket 2A. A portion 32D may be provided to restrict the bulging of the upper layer film 3A facing away from the inside of the pocket portion 2A. In this case, the swelling of the upper layer film 3A can be more reliably suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent deterioration of the appearance quality due to excessive swelling of the upper layer film 3A, as well as to seal both the films 3A while enclosing sufficient gas between the upper layer film 3A and the lower layer film 3B in order to suppress damage to the article W. , 3B can be more reliably sealed. Therefore, the blister pack 1 that can suppress the breakage of the article W can be obtained more reliably.

  Moreover, as shown in FIG.19 and FIG.20, you may comprise the control parts 32E and 32F so that it may contact with the upper film 3A on the opening of the pocket part 2A at the time of supply of gas. In the attachment process, an elastic member 32G (for example, a spring or the like) is provided between the restricting portion 32E and the main body portion 32B, or the restricting portion 32F is movable relative to the main body portion 32B in the vertical direction. When the seal part 32 is moved downward, the restriction parts 32E and 32F may be configured not to be pressed against the cover film 3 with an excessively large pressure.

  Further, the heating portions for the restriction portions 32D, 32E, and 32F are prevented in order to prevent the films 3A and 3B from being fused on the opening of the pocket portion 2A due to the restriction portions 32D, 32E, and 32F becoming high temperature. It is good also as providing the heat insulation member which suppresses the heat conduction of 32C in the seal | sticker part 32 (for example, main-body part 32B).

  (D) In the above embodiment, the blister film 4 is punched at a position where the blister pack 1 no longer has the through-hole 3C, but the through-hole 3C remains in the blister pack 1 after punching. You may do it. In this case, for example, the through-hole 3C can be used for various purposes such as a hole for hanging, and the through-hole 3C required at the time of manufacture can be effectively used even after the manufacture.

  (E) In the above embodiment, a package containing a DVD or the like is cited as the article W, but the type, shape, etc. of the article are not particularly limited. For example, the article may be an electronic component, a medical instrument (such as a syringe), a tablet, a capsule, or the like.

  (F) In the above-described embodiment, the upper layer film 3A and the lower layer film 3B are configured to be supplied from different original fabrics, but are wound in a state where the films 3A and 3B are overlapped. You may comprise so that both film 3A, 3B may be supplied from one original fabric.

  (G) In the above-described embodiment, the upper film 3A having the through holes 3C formed in advance is used, but the upper film 3A in which the through holes 3C are not formed is supplied from the original fabric. May be. In this case, a through-hole forming means for forming the through-hole 3C in the upper film 3A (for example, formed by punching) is provided after the supply from the raw material and before reaching the chamber portion 31 and the like. It is good as well. That is, the through hole 3C in the upper film 3A may be formed at any time as long as it is before being supplied to the chamber portion 31.

  (H) The material of the container film 2 and the cover film 3 in the above embodiment is an example, and the material of the container film 2 and the like may be changed as appropriate.

  The upper film 3A is preferably made of a material harder than the lower film 3B. In this case, when the lower layer film 3B is bulged, the upper layer film 3A can be further prevented from bulging toward the opposite side to the pocket portion 2A. Therefore, both the films 3A and 3B can be sealed very easily and reliably, and the blister pack 1 that can more effectively suppress damage to the article W can be more reliably manufactured.

  The container film 2 and the cover film 3 (upper film 3A) may be made of an opaque material that does not transmit visible light but transmits infrared light. In this case, the article W accommodated in the pocket portion 2A cannot be visually confirmed. For example, when the blister pack 1 is delivered as it is, the privacy of the user can be protected. By using an infrared camera, it can be confirmed whether or not the correct article W is stored in the pocket portion 2A even after the cover film 3 is attached.

  (I) In the above embodiment, the storage device 14 is configured to store the article W in the pocket portion 2A. However, the storage device 14 is not necessarily provided. The article W may be accommodated in 2A.

  Moreover, it is good also as using the container film 2 in which the pocket part 2A was provided previously, without providing the heating apparatus 12 and the pocket part formation apparatus 13. FIG.

  (J) The shape of the rib portion 2C is not limited to that described in the above embodiment. Moreover, it is good also as not providing the rib part 2C.

  (K) In the gas supply step, the lower layer film 3B may be preheated before supplying the gas so that the lower layer film 3B is more easily expanded.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Blister pack, 2 ... Container film, 2A ... Pocket part, 2B ... Flange part, 2C ... Rib part, 2D ... Hole part, 3 ... Cover film, 3A ... Upper layer film, 3B ... Lower layer film, 3C ... Through-hole, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 4 ... Blister film, 10 ... Blister packaging machine, 11 ... Conveyor (upper film conveyance means), 18 ... Punching device (punching means), 31 ... Chamber part, 31S ... (in chamber part) internal space, 32 ... Seal Part, 32C ... heating part, 32D, 32E, 32F ... restricting part (bulging restricting means), 33 ... lower mold (supporting part, receiving part), 34 ... gas supply device (gas supplying means), R1 ... first ring Region, R2 ... second annular region.

The present invention, sealing device you produce blister pack containing a predetermined article, blister packaging machine, and to a method for manufacturing a blister pack.

  The blister pack seals a container film in which a pocket part for accommodating various articles (for example, electric devices, medical instruments, tablets, CDs, DVD packages, etc.) is formed and the opening side of the pocket part with respect to the container film. Cover film attached.

  In addition, as a blister packaging machine for producing blister packs, a pocket portion forming means for forming a pocket portion with respect to a belt-like container film, an accommodating means for storing articles in the pocket portion, and a cover film being attached to the container film Thus, there are known ones having attachment means for obtaining a strip-shaped blister film and punching means for punching the blister film in sheet units to obtain blister packs.

  By the way, when an impact is applied to the blister pack during transportation or handling, the article may be damaged. Therefore, in order to prevent damage to the article, a buffer part in which air is sealed is provided in advance on the back surface of the cover film, and the buffer part is in contact with the article when the cover film is attached to the container film. This technique is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  In addition, in order to prevent damage to the article, the inner web band is sandwiched between the two inner web belts that are sealed in the four parts of the article so as to enclose the article, and both end edges are sealed. In addition, a packaging body is proposed that includes two exterior film bands that are sealed in the width direction together with the interior web band at a position sandwiching an article, and gas is sealed between the interior web band and the exterior film band. (For example, see Patent Document 2).

  The manufacturing method of this package is as follows. First, in a state where the article is disposed between the two interior web bands, both the interior web bands are sealed on four sides of the article. Next, after arranging the two exterior film bands so as to sandwich the interior web band, both end edges of both exterior film bands are sealed, and the exterior film band is sealed in the width direction together with the interior web. Is a bag. Then, after filling the bag-shaped outer film band with gas, the outer film band is sealed in the width direction together with the inner web band so as to close the opening of the bag-shaped outer film band. And finally, a package body is obtained by cutting an interior web belt and an exterior film belt at a predetermined position.

JP-A-5-319403 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-201427

  However, the technique using the buffer unit described above may not be able to respond flexibly when the size (thickness or the like) or amount of the article changes. For example, when the size of the article is small, the buffer portion does not sufficiently contact the article, and the article may move in the pocket portion. In addition, when the size of the article is large, there is a risk that the presence of the buffer part may hinder the attachment of the cover film to the container film, or the article may be excessively pressed by the buffer part. On the other hand, for example, it is conceivable to change the size (thickness, etc.) of the buffer part according to the size of the article. May increase.

  Moreover, in the manufacturing method of the package mentioned above, when there is much filling amount of gas, an exterior film belt will expand | swell largely and there exists a possibility that the trouble of the final seal for sealing gas may arise. On the other hand, if the gas filling amount is reduced, the final sealing can be performed more surely, but the amount of gas to be sealed is also reduced, so that it may not be possible to sufficiently prevent damage to the article. .

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to flexibly cope with changes in the size and quantity of an article while suppressing an increase in manufacturing cost, and An object of the present invention is to provide a sealing device, a blister packaging machine , and a blister pack manufacturing method that can more reliably manufacture a blister pack capable of suppressing damage.

  In the following, each means suitable for solving the above-described object will be described in terms of items. In addition, the effect specific to the means to respond | corresponds as needed is added.

Means 1. A container portion including a pocket portion for accommodating an article, and a flange portion formed to extend outward from an opening end of the pocket portion;
A cover film having an upper layer film and a lower layer film attached to the container film so as to close the pocket part in a state where the article is accommodated in the pocket part;
A sealing device you produce blister packs having a,
In the upper film, a through hole is formed in advance at a predetermined position,
Pressure contact means for pressing the cover film against the flange portion in the first annular region on the outer peripheral side of the pocket portion in the state where the article is accommodated in the pocket portion;
In a pressure contact state by the pressure contact means, a predetermined gas is supplied between the upper layer film and the lower layer film through the through-holes disposed corresponding to the flange portion, and the pocket portion of the lower layer film is supplied to the pocket portion. A gas supply means for bulging a corresponding portion toward the internal space of the pocket portion;
In the pressure contact state by the pressure contact means and the bulging state of the lower layer film, the upper layer in the second annular region on the outer peripheral side of the opening peripheral edge of the pocket portion and on the inner peripheral side of the first annular region Attachment means for attaching the cover film to the flange portion so that a space between the film and the lower layer film is in an airtight state in communication with the through hole;
A sealing device comprising:

  According to the said means 1, when supplying gas between an upper layer film and a lower layer film through a through-hole, it will be in the state by which the cover film was press-contacted with the flange part in the 1st annular area by the press-contacting means. Yes. Therefore, in the second annular region located between the opening periphery of the pocket portion and the first annular region, the bulging of the upper layer film can be suppressed. And a cover film is attached with respect to a flange part in a 2nd cyclic | annular area | region, maintaining the state by which the cover film was pressed to the flange part, ie, the state by which the swelling of the upper layer film was suppressed. Thereby, the lower layer film and the upper layer film can be more reliably sealed while enclosing sufficient gas between the lower layer film and the upper layer film in order to suppress damage to the article. As a result, a blister pack that can suppress damage to the article can be more reliably manufactured.

  Moreover, according to the said means 1, the manufactured blister pack will be in the state which pinched | interposed the goods by the container film (pocket part) and the bulging lower layer film. Therefore, the movement of the article within the pocket portion can be restricted, and when the blister pack is vibrated, the article can be more reliably prevented from colliding with the pocket portion. Furthermore, a gap can be formed between the cover film (upper layer film) or container film and the article as the lower layer film bulges. Therefore, when an impact is applied to the blister pack, the impact applied to the article can be reduced. Due to these effects, the resulting blister pack can more effectively suppress damage to the article.

  In addition, according to the means 1, the amount of gas to be supplied is adjusted according to the size and amount of the article, and the amount of swelling of the lower layer film can be adjusted between the container film and the lower layer film. The cover film can be more securely attached to the flange portion while sandwiching the article with an appropriate pressure. Therefore, it is possible to flexibly cope with articles having different sizes and quantities while suppressing an increase in manufacturing cost.

Mean 2. The pressure contact means is
A chamber portion that has an internal space to which gas is supplied from the gas supply means, and the internal space opens toward the opening side of the pocket portion in the container film;
A support part disposed at a position sandwiching the cover film and the container film between the opening side end of the internal space in the chamber part,
The cover film and the flange portion are sandwiched between the opening-side end portion and the support portion of the chamber portion so that the through hole and the internal space of the chamber portion communicate with each other with respect to the flange portion. Press the film,
The gas supply means is configured to supply gas between the upper layer film and the lower layer film through the through hole by supplying gas to the internal space of the chamber portion. The sealing device according to means 1.

  According to the means 2, the gas is supplied from the gas supply means between the upper layer film and the lower layer film through the internal space of the chamber part constituting the pressure contact means. That is, the press contact means has a function as a gas flow path as well as a function of pressing the cover film against the flange portion. Therefore, it is not necessary to separately provide a device for supplying gas between the films from the gas supply means (for example, a pipe inserted between the films through a through hole). As a result, the apparatus can be simplified and the cost can be reduced.

Means 3. At the time of pressure welding by the pressure welding means, at least the upper layer film has a band shape,
An upper layer film transporting means for transporting at least the belt-shaped upper layer film along its longitudinal direction and temporarily stopping the upper layer film at the time of pressure welding by the pressure welding means;
A plurality of the through holes are provided along the transport direction of the upper film,
The sealing device according to means 2, wherein the interval between the adjacent through holes is smaller than the length of the opening of the chamber portion along the transport direction.

  According to the above means 3, when the upper film is temporarily stopped so as to sandwich the cover film or the like by the pressure contact means, the through hole and the internal space of the chamber part are communicated without specially adjusting the stop position of the upper film. be able to. Therefore, control such as adjusting the stop position in accordance with the formation position of the through hole is not required, and the apparatus can be simplified and productivity can be further improved.

Means 4. The attachment means includes
A seal portion having a heat generating portion having a shape corresponding to the second annular region;
A receiving portion disposed at a position sandwiching the cover film and the container film between the heat generating portion,
By sandwiching the flange part and the cover film by the heat generating part and the receiving part, the cover film is configured to be heat-sealed to the flange part,
The sealing device according to means 2 or 3, wherein the heat generating part is arranged in an internal space of the chamber part.

  According to the means 4, the heat generating part of the attaching means is arranged in the internal space of the chamber part. Therefore, the unit of the apparatus can be improved, and the apparatus can be more reliably downsized.

Means 5 . At least when the gas is supplied by the gas supply means, the container film is formed with a hole for allowing air in the pocket portion to escape when the lower layer film is expanded. The sealing device according to any one of means 1 to 4 .

According to the above means 5 , when the lower layer film is bulged to the inside of the pocket portion, air escapes from the hole portion formed in the container film. Therefore, sufficient gas can be filled between the upper layer film and the lower layer film more easily and more reliably, and the damage of the article can be prevented more effectively.

  Moreover, in order to fill a sufficient gas between the upper layer film and the lower layer film, it is not necessary to excessively increase the gas supply pressure. For this reason, it is possible to more reliably prevent the upper layer film, the lower layer film, the seal portion of both films from being damaged due to the high pressure of the filled gas. Moreover, since the swelling of the upper layer film can be further suppressed, both films can be more reliably sealed. As a result, a blister pack that can suppress damage to the article can be more reliably manufactured.

Means 6 . The pocket portion includes a rib portion formed to protrude toward the inner space side,
The gas supply means, by bulging the lower film by the supply of gas, means 1 to 5, characterized in that it is configured so as to pressed against the article to said rib portion The sealing apparatus in any one.

According to the means 6 , a gap can be formed between the pocket portion and the article by the rib portion. Thereby, when an impact is applied to the blister pack, the impact is less likely to be directly applied to the article. Further, the article can be more securely sandwiched and held by the bulged lower layer film and the rib portion. As a result, in the obtained blister pack, damage to the article can be more effectively suppressed.

Means 7 . The sealing device according to claim 6 , wherein the rib portion has a frustum shape that gradually narrows toward a tip end side of the rib portion against which the article is pressed.

According to the means 7 , when the article is pressed against the tip portion of the rib portion as the lower layer film bulges, the tip portion of the rib portion is easily crushed and deformed. Thereby, it can suppress that the pressure added with respect to articles | goods from a rib part increases too much. Further, the article can be more securely sandwiched and held by the bulging lower layer film and the crushed rib portion. As a result, in the obtained blister pack, the article can be more effectively prevented from being damaged.

Means 8 . When the gas is supplied between the upper layer film and the lower layer film by the gas supply means, the upper layer is in contact with or close to the upper layer film on the opening of the pocket portion, and is directed to the opposite side to the inside of the pocket portion. 8. The sealing device according to any one of means 1 to 7 , further comprising bulge regulating means for regulating bulge of the film.

According to the said means 8 , the swelling of an upper film can be suppressed more reliably by the swelling control means. Therefore, it is possible to prevent deterioration of the appearance quality due to excessive bulging of the upper layer film, and more reliably seal both films while enclosing sufficient gas between the upper layer film and the lower layer film in order to suppress damage to the article. be able to. Therefore, a blister pack capable of suppressing damage to the article can be obtained more reliably.

Means 9 . The sealing device according to any one of means 1 to 10, wherein the upper film is thicker than the lower film.

  According to the said means 11, the swelling of the upper layer film at the time of filling gas between an upper layer film and a lower layer film can further be suppressed. Therefore, the upper layer film and the lower layer film can be more easily and more reliably sealed. As a result, a blister pack capable of suppressing damage to the article can be manufactured more reliably.

Means 10. A blister packaging machine comprising the sealing device according to any one of the above means 1 to 9.

According to the means 10, the same effects as the means 1 and the like can be obtained.

Means 11. While being configured to obtain a band-shaped blister film in which the band-shaped cover film is attached to the band-shaped container film by the attachment means,
A punching means for punching the blister pack from the blister film is provided,
The blister package according to means 10, wherein the punching means is configured to punch the blister film at a position where the through-hole does not exist in the blister pack obtained by punching. Machine.

According to the means 11, the obtained blister pack has no through hole. Therefore, the appearance quality of the blister pack can be improved, the size of the blister pack can be reduced, and the handling thereof can be facilitated.

Means 12. The blister packaging machine according to means 11, wherein the through hole is provided only at one end in the width direction of the belt-like upper layer film.

According to the above means 12, since the through hole is provided only at one end in the width direction of the upper layer film, when punching is performed so that the through hole does not exist in the blister pack, the scrap portion (through hole remaining after punching) Can be reduced. Therefore, the material can be effectively used and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

Means 13 . A container for providing a pocket for accommodating a predetermined article, and a flange formed to extend outward from the opening end of the pocket;
A cover film having a lower layer film and an upper layer film attached to the container film so as to close the pocket portion in a state where the article is accommodated in the pocket portion;
A blister pack manufacturing method comprising:
In the upper film, a through hole is formed in advance at a predetermined position,
In the state where the article is accommodated in the pocket portion, a pressure-contacting step of pressing the cover film against the flange portion in the first annular region on the outer peripheral side of the opening periphery of the pocket portion;
In the pressure contact state by the pressure welding process, a predetermined gas is supplied between the upper layer film and the lower layer film through the through-holes arranged corresponding to the flange portion to the pocket portion of the lower layer film. A gas supply step of bulging the corresponding portion toward the internal space of the pocket portion;
In the pressure contact state in the pressure contact step and the bulging state of the lower layer film, in the second annular region on the outer peripheral side of the opening periphery of the pocket portion and on the inner peripheral side with respect to the first annular region, the upper layer An attachment step of attaching the cover film to the flange portion so that a space between the film and the lower layer film is in an airtight state in communication with the through hole;
A blister pack manufacturing method comprising:

According to the means 13 , basically the same operational effects as the means 1 can be obtained.

It is a perspective view of a blister pack. It is sectional drawing of a blister pack. It is a perspective view of a container film. It is a partially broken perspective view of a blister film. It is a schematic diagram which shows schematic structure of a blister packaging machine. It is a cross-sectional schematic diagram for showing the magnitude | size relationship of the space | interval of through-holes, and the length of the opening of a chamber part. It is a front view, such as a chamber part. It is a disassembled perspective view of a chamber part, a seal part, and a lower mold | type. It is a disassembled cross-sectional perspective view of a chamber part, a seal part, and a lower mold | type. It is a cross-sectional perspective view which shows the chamber part etc. in a press process. It is a cross-sectional perspective view which shows the lower layer film etc. in a gas supply process. It is an expanded sectional view which shows the lower layer film etc. in a gas supply process. It is a cross-sectional perspective view which shows the seal part etc. in an attachment process. It is a schematic diagram for showing a 1st annular region and a 2nd annular region. It is a perspective view of the container film for showing the hole in another embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the lower mold | type etc. in another embodiment. In another embodiment, it is a partial expanded cross-section schematic diagram which shows a mode that the air in a pocket part escapes. It is sectional drawing which shows the control part in another embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the control part in another embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the control part in another embodiment.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the blister pack 1 includes a container film 2 and a cover film 3 attached to the container film 2.

  The container film 2 is made of a thermoplastic resin material such as PP (polypropylene), PVC (polyvinyl chloride), or PE (polyethylene). The container film 2 includes a pocket portion 2A for storing a predetermined article W (for example, a package containing a DVD or the like), and an annular flange formed to extend outward from the opening end of the pocket portion 2A. Part 2B.

  A plurality of rib portions 2C are formed on the bottom wall portion and the side wall portion of the pocket portion 2A so as to project toward the inner space side of the pocket portion 2A (see FIG. 3 and the like). Each rib part 2C supports the article W by contacting the article W. In addition, the rib portion 2C provided on the bottom wall portion of the pocket portion 2A has a shape that gradually narrows toward the tip end side, that is, the portion side against which the article W is pressed. It has a quadrangular pyramid shape. The rib portion 2C may have a frustum shape other than the quadrangular frustum shape (for example, a frustum shape, a triangular frustum shape, a polygonal frustum shape, etc.).

  Furthermore, a hole 2D is formed through the center of the bottom wall of the pocket 2A. In the present embodiment, the hole 2D is provided at a position deviating from the formation position of the rib 2C. Accordingly, the hole 2D is not blocked by the article W in a state where the article W is accommodated in the pocket portion 2A.

  The cover film 3 has a two-layer structure including an upper layer film 3A and a lower layer film 3B. In the present embodiment, by attaching a predetermined address label (not shown) to the surface of the upper layer film 3A, the blister pack 1 can be delivered as it is by courier service or the like.

  The upper layer film 3A and the lower layer film 3B are formed of a thermoplastic resin that is compatible with the container film 2. In particular, the lower layer film 3B is formed of a stretchable material (for example, a film having a low degree of stretching). ing. The upper film 3A is preferably thicker and more rigid than the lower film 3B. For convenience, the upper film 3A in each figure is shown to be thicker than actual.

  Further, a predetermined gas (inert gas, air in the present embodiment) is filled between the films 3A and 3B, and the lower layer film 3B bulges toward the internal space side of the pocket portion 2A ( (See FIG. 2). The article W is sandwiched and supported by the swollen lower layer film 3B and the pocket portion 2A (in this embodiment, the rib portion 2C). In addition, since the whole area of the outer peripheral edge parts of both films 3A and 3B is sealed, the space between both films 3A and 3B becomes an airtight state, and the bulging state of the lower layer film 3B is maintained. .

  As shown in FIG. 4, the blister pack 1 is manufactured by punching a strip-shaped blister film 4 formed from a strip-shaped container film 2 and a strip-shaped cover film 3 into a sheet shape. Before punching the blister pack 1, the upper film 3A has a plurality of through holes 3C. The through holes 3C are provided in a line along the longitudinal direction of the upper layer film 3A, that is, along the conveying direction of the upper layer film 3A when the blister pack 1 is manufactured. Moreover, 3 C of through-holes are provided only in the width direction one end part of 3 A of upper layer films, and overlap with the flange part 2B.

  Next, the structure of the blister packaging machine 10 for manufacturing the blister pack 1 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 5, in the blister packaging machine 10, the strip-shaped container film 2 drawn out from the roll-shaped raw fabric is intermittently conveyed downstream by a predetermined conveyor 11 (for example, a chain clip conveyor). .

  First, a heating device 12 and a pocket portion forming device 13 are provided on the downstream side of the container film 2 original fabric. The heating device 12 and the pocket portion forming device 13 constitute the pocket portion forming means in this embodiment.

  The heating device 12 includes an upper mold 12a and a lower mold 12b that are arranged above and below the container film 2, and is configured to be able to partially heat the formation range of the pocket portion 2A of the container film 2.

  The pocket portion forming apparatus 13 is similar to the shape of the pocket portion 2A and has an upper die 13a having a small plug (not shown) and a lower die having a molding recess (not shown) corresponding to the shape of the pocket portion 2A. 13b.

  First, in a state where the container film 2 is heated by the heating device 12 and becomes relatively flexible, the upper mold 13a and the lower mold 13b relatively move in a direction in which they approach each other. Subsequently, the plug protrudes from the upper mold 13a to form a rough shape of the pocket portion 2A. Finally, gas is blown from the upper mold 13 a and the container film 2 is pressed against the molding recess of the lower mold 13 b, thereby forming the pocket portion 2 </ b> A at a predetermined position of the container film 2. The pocket portion 2A is formed at an interval between the transport operations of the container film 2. In addition, with the molding of the pocket portion 2A, the rib portion 2C and the hole portion 2D are also formed. The hole portion 2D may be formed after the pocket portion 2A is formed and before the article W is accommodated in the pocket portion 2A.

  Furthermore, an accommodation device 14 is provided on the downstream side of the pocket portion forming device 13 as an accommodation means for accommodating the article W in the pocket portion 2A.

  Further, the original film of the lower layer film 3 </ b> B formed in a band shape is wound and arranged in a roll shape separately from the container film 2. The lower layer film 3 </ b> B drawn out from the original fabric is guided to the first receiving roller 15 provided on the downstream side of the storage device 14. The lower layer film 3 </ b> B is guided to the first receiving roller 15, so that the lower layer film 3 </ b> B is overlaid on the container film 2 so as to close the pocket portion 2 </ b> A.

  Further, the original film of the upper layer film 3A formed in a belt shape is wound in a roll shape in a state where the through holes 3C are formed in advance. The upper layer film 3 </ b> A drawn out from the original fabric is guided to the second receiving roller 16 provided downstream of the first receiving roller 15. The upper layer film 3A is guided to the second receiving roller 16 so as to be superimposed on the lower layer film 3B. At this timing, the conveyor 11 grasps the container film 2, the upper layer film 3A, and the lower layer film 3B again. Accordingly, the films 3 </ b> A and 3 </ b> B are intermittently transported together with the container film 2 as the container film 2 is transported. That is, in this embodiment, the conveyor 11 which conveys the container film 2 and each film 3A, 3B is equivalent to an upper layer film conveyance means.

  In the present embodiment, the distance L1 between the adjacent through holes 3C is relatively small. Specifically, the interval L1 is set to be smaller than the length L2 of the opening of the chamber portion 31 described later along the transport direction of the upper film 3A (particularly, the length of the portion facing the through hole 3C). (See FIG. 6).

  A sealing device 17 is provided downstream of the second receiving roller 16. By the sealing device 17, the container film 2, the upper film 3A, and the lower film 3B are heat-sealed. As a result, the band-shaped blister film 4 in which the pocket portion 2A in which the article W is accommodated is sealed with the cover film 3 is manufactured. The configuration of the sealing device 17 will be described later.

  On the downstream side of the sealing device 17, a punching device 18 is provided as a punching unit for punching the blister film 4 into one blister pack.

  Further, a conveyor 20 for transferring the obtained blister pack 1 to a finished product hopper (not shown) is provided below the punching device 18.

  Further, a cutting device (not shown) for cutting the scrap portion remaining after the blister pack 1 is punched is disposed downstream of the punching device 18. The scrap portion is cut into a predetermined size by the cutting device and stored in a predetermined scrap hopper (not shown). The scrap part includes the through hole 3C.

  Next, the configuration of the sealing device 17 will be described in detail. The seal device 17 includes a chamber portion 31, a seal portion 32, a lower mold 33, a gas supply device 34, and a seal control device 35. In the present embodiment, the chamber part 31 and the lower mold 33 correspond to the pressure contact means, and the seal part 32 and the lower mold 33 correspond to the attachment means.

  First, the gas supply device 34 and the seal control device 35 will be described.

  The gas supply device 34 is, for example, a compressor, and supplies a predetermined gas (inert gas, air in the present embodiment) to the chamber portion 31. The type of gas supplied from the gas supply device 34 may be changed as appropriate.

  The seal control device 35 is a computer system including a CPU for calculation, a ROM, a RAM for data storage, and the like. The operations of the chamber portion 31, the seal portion 32, the lower mold 33 and the gas supply device 34 are controlled by a seal control device 35. The seal control device 35 can obtain the transport amounts of the container film 2 and the cover film 3 by a signal from an encoder (not shown). The seal controller 35 intermittently conveys the container film 2 and the cover film 3 by controlling the operation of the conveyor 11 based on the obtained conveyance amount. In this embodiment, when the container film 2 or the like is temporarily stopped, the pocket portion 2A is disposed at a predetermined relative position along the conveyance direction of the container film 2 or the like with respect to the chamber portion 31, the seal portion 32, and the lower mold 33. It has come to be.

  Next, the chamber part 31, the seal part 32, and the lower mold | type 33 are demonstrated with reference to FIGS.

  The chamber portion 31 is disposed above the transport path of the films 2 and 3 and can be moved up and down by a driving means (not shown). The chamber portion 31 includes an internal space 31S that opens toward the opening side of the pocket portion 2A in the container film 2 (the surface side of the upper layer film 3A). The opening of the internal space 31S has a shape substantially corresponding to the opening of the pocket portion 2A, and the opening area of the internal space 31S is slightly larger than the opening area of the pocket portion 2A.

  Furthermore, the upper wall part of the chamber part 31 is formed with a first communication hole 31A and a second communication hole 31B that penetrate the upper wall part and communicate the internal space 31S with the outside.

  A rod-shaped rod portion 32A provided in the seal portion 32 is inserted through the first through hole 31A, and the rod portion 32A can be moved up and down by a driving means (not shown). In addition, an annular seal member (not shown) that is in close contact with the entire outer periphery of the rod portion 32A is disposed in a portion of the chamber portion 31 where the first through hole 31A is formed. Accordingly, even when the chamber portion 31 and the seal portion 32 are relatively moved in the vertical direction, the gas in the internal space 31S does not leak to the outside through the first series of through holes 31A.

  The second communication hole 31B is a vent hole for introducing the gas supplied from the gas supply device 34 into the internal space 31S. The gas supplied from the gas supply device 34 flows into the internal space 31S through a predetermined gas pipe (not shown) and the second communication hole 31B. In the present embodiment, the gas supply device 34, the gas pipe or the chamber portion 31 and the like are provided with an atmospheric pressure sensor (not shown) for measuring the atmospheric pressure in the internal space 31S. And the signal which shows the information regarding the atmospheric | air pressure of the internal space 31S is sent with respect to the seal | sticker control apparatus 35 from the said atmospheric | air pressure sensor.

  The seal portion 32 moves up and down as the rod portion 32A moves up and down. The main body portion 32B is connected to the center of the rod portion 32A, and the rectangular heat generation is fixed to the lower portion of the main body portion 32B. 32C. The main body portion 32 </ b> B and the heat generating portion 32 </ b> C are disposed in the internal space 31 </ b> S of the chamber portion 31. The heat generating part 32C can generate heat by a heater or the like (not shown). And the lower surface (surface which faces the cover film 3) of 32 C of heat generating parts is made into the shape where the inner periphery corresponds to the opening periphery of 2 A of pocket parts.

  The lower mold 33 includes a recess 33A in which the pocket portion 2A is accommodated. The flat surface extending from the opening of the recess 33 </ b> A to the outer periphery of the lower mold 33 is between the opening side end (lower end) of the chamber portion 31 and the heat generating portion 32 </ b> C of the seal portion 32. 3 is a pressing surface 33B that sandwiches 3. In this embodiment, the support part and the receiving part are comprised by the lower mold | type 33, and both are united.

  Further, a vent hole 33C is formed through the bottom wall portion of the lower mold 33, and the inside and the outside of the recess 33A communicate with each other through the vent hole 33C. The vent hole 33C is provided at a position overlapping the hole 2D of the container film 2 in the gas supply process described later.

In the sealing device 17 described above, the pressure contact process, the gas supply process, and the attachment process are performed each time the films 2 and 3 are conveyed by a predetermined amount. And the blister pack 1 is obtained by performing the punching process after each of these processes. Next, each of the steps executed by the sealing device 17 and the punching step will be described. First, prior to the press-contacting step, the container film 2 and the cover film 3 are conveyed by a predetermined amount, and pocketed against the chamber portion 31 and the like. When the part 2A is disposed at a predetermined relative position, both the films 2 and 3 are temporarily stopped. And in a press-contacting process, as shown in FIG. 10, while lowering the chamber part 31 and the seal part 32, the lower mold | type 33 is moved up. Thereby, the container film 2 (flange part 2B) and the cover film 3 are sandwiched between the opening side end part of the internal space 31S in the chamber part 31 and the pressing surface 33B of the lower mold 33. As a result, the cover film 3 is pressed against the flange portion 2B in the first annular region R1 (region with a dotted pattern in FIG. 14) on the outer peripheral side of the opening periphery of the pocket portion 2A. Note that the portion of the lower layer film 3B that closes the pocket portion 2A is actually slightly loosened toward the inside of the pocket portion 2A. At this stage, the seal portion 32 is in a state of being separated from the cover film 3.

  11 and 12 (in FIG. 12, for convenience, the lower layer film 3B is shown to be thicker than the actual thickness), in the gas supply step, the gas supply device 34 is maintained while maintaining the pressure contact state in the pressure contact step. The gas is supplied to the internal space 31S of the chamber portion 31 through the gas pipe and the second communication hole 31B. Thereby, gas is supplied between the upper layer film 3A and the lower layer film 3B through the through-hole 3C arranged corresponding to the flange portion 2B, and the portion of the lower layer film 3B corresponding to the pocket portion 2A is the pocket portion 2A. It bulges out toward the inner space. With the expansion of the lower layer film 3B, the air in the pocket portion 2A is discharged to the outside through the hole portion 2D and the vent hole 33D. As described above, since the vent hole 33C is provided at a position overlapping the hole 2D, the air in the pocket 2A is efficiently discharged to the outside.

  Then, when the atmospheric pressure in the internal space 31S obtained based on the signal from the atmospheric pressure sensor reaches a predetermined value, the gas supply from the gas supply device 34 is stopped by the seal control device 35. Thereby, a sufficient gas is filled between the films 3A and 3B, and the article W is sandwiched between the swelled lower layer film 3B and the pocket portion 2A (rib portion 2C) at a predetermined pressure. Become. Note that the tip of the rib portion 2 </ b> C is slightly crushed and deformed by being pressed by the article W. In addition, after the gas supply is stopped, the internal space 31S and the space between the upper film 3A and the lower film 3B are maintained at a constant pressure.

  Next, in the attachment step, as shown in FIG. 13, the seal portion 32 is moved downward while maintaining the pressure contact state in the pressure contact step and with the lower layer film 3B bulging. Accordingly, the container film 2 (flange portion 2B) and the cover film 3 are sandwiched between the lower surface of the heat generating portion 32C and the pressing surface 33B of the lower mold 33. That is, the second annular region R2 (on the outer peripheral side of the opening periphery of the pocket portion 2A, on the inner peripheral side of the first annular region R1, and further on the opening side of the pocket portion 2A with respect to the through hole 3C) In FIG. 14, the cover film 3 is pressed against the container film 2 while heating the container film 2 (flange portion 2 </ b> B) and the cover film 3 in the hatched area. As a result, both the films 3A and 3B are sealed so that the space between the upper film 3A and the lower film 3B is in an airtight state not communicating with the through-hole 3C, and the cover film 3 is attached to the flange portion 2B. Worn. As a result, the blister film 4 in which the article W is held by the expanded lower layer film 3B and the pocket portion 2A is obtained. In addition, the obtained blister film 4 will be conveyed downstream after the chamber part 31 grade | etc., Evacuates from the conveyance path | route of the blister film 4. FIG.

  In the subsequent punching process, the blister film 4 is punched by the punching device 18 at a portion near the outer periphery of the seal portion. As a result, the blister pack 1 is obtained, and the obtained blister pack 1 has no through-hole 3C.

  As described above in detail, according to the present embodiment, when the gas is supplied between the films 3A and 3B through the through-hole 3C, the cover film 3 is provided to the flange portion 2B in the first annular region R1. It is in a pressed state. Therefore, in the second annular region R2 located between the opening periphery of the pocket portion 2A and the first annular region R1, the swelling of the upper film 3A can be suppressed. And the cover film 3 is attached with respect to the flange part 2B in 2nd cyclic | annular area | region R2, maintaining the state by which 3 A of upper layer films were suppressed. Thereby, both film 3A, 3B can be sealed more reliably, sealing sufficient gas between both film 3A, 3B in order to aim at the damage suppression of articles | goods. As a result, the blister pack 1 that can suppress damage to the article W can be more reliably manufactured.

  The manufactured blister pack 1 is in a state in which the article W is sandwiched between the pocket portion 2A (rib portion 2C) and the bulging lower layer film 3B. Therefore, the movement of the article W in the pocket portion 2A can be restricted, and when the blister pack 1 is vibrated, the article W can be more reliably prevented from colliding with the pocket portion 2A. Furthermore, a gap can be formed between the cover film 3 (upper layer film 3A) or the container film 2 and the article W as the lower layer film 3B bulges. Therefore, when an impact is applied to the blister pack 1, the impact applied to the article W can be reduced. Due to these operational effects, damage suppression of the article W can be more effectively achieved in the obtained blister pack 1.

  In addition, the obtained blister pack 1 has no through-hole 3C. Therefore, the appearance quality of the blister pack 1 can be improved, the size of the blister pack 1 can be reduced, and the handling becomes easy.

  In addition, if the amount of gas to be supplied is adjusted according to the size and amount of the article W, and the amount of swelling of the lower film 3B is adjusted, the article W is placed between the container film 2 and the lower film 3B. The cover film 3 can be more securely attached to the flange portion 2B while being sandwiched with an appropriate pressure. Therefore, it is possible to flexibly cope with articles having different sizes and quantities while suppressing an increase in manufacturing cost.

  In addition, gas is supplied between the films 3A and 3B from the gas supply device 34 via the internal space 31S of the chamber portion 31. That is, the chamber part 31 has a function as a gas flow path as well as a function of pressing the cover film 3 against the flange part 2B. Therefore, it is not necessary to separately provide a device for supplying gas between the films 3A and 3B. As a result, the apparatus can be simplified and the cost can be reduced.

  Further, when the upper layer film 3A is temporarily stopped so as to perform a pressure contact process or the like, the through hole 3C and the internal space 31S can be communicated without specially adjusting the stop position of the upper layer film 3A. Therefore, control such as adjusting the stop position according to the formation position of the through-hole 3C is not required, and the apparatus can be simplified and the productivity can be further improved.

  In addition, since the heat generating portion 32C is disposed in the internal space 31S, the unit of the device can be improved, and the size of the device can be more reliably reduced.

  Since the through-hole 3C is provided only at one end in the width direction of the upper film 3A, when punching is performed so that the through-hole 3C does not exist in the blister pack 1, the scrap portion (through-holes remaining after punching) is removed. The existing part) can be reduced. Therefore, the material can be effectively used and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

  Furthermore, when the lower layer film 3 </ b> B is bulged, air escapes from the hole 2 </ b> D formed in the container film 2. Therefore, sufficient gas can be filled between the films 3A and 3B more easily and more reliably, and damage to the article W can be more effectively prevented. Further, in order to fill a sufficient gas between the films 3A and 3B, it is not necessary to excessively increase the gas supply pressure. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably prevent the film 3A, 3B and the seal portions of the films 3A, 3B from being damaged due to the high pressure of the filled gas. Furthermore, since excessive swelling of the upper layer film 3A can be suppressed, both the films 3A and 3B can be more reliably sealed. As a result, the blister pack 1 that can suppress damage to the article W can be more reliably manufactured.

  In the present embodiment, since the hole 2D is formed in the pocket portion 2A, the air in the pocket portion 2A becomes very easy to escape when the lower layer film 3B bulges. Therefore, the lower layer film 3B can be more easily bulged, and as a result, the article W can be more reliably prevented from being damaged. In addition, excessively high pressure of the filled gas can be more reliably suppressed, and problems associated with the high pressure of the filled gas can be more reliably prevented.

  Furthermore, a gap can be formed between the pocket portion 2A and the article W by the rib portion 2C. Thereby, when an impact is applied to the blister pack 1, the impact is less likely to be directly applied to the article W. Further, the article W can be sandwiched and held more reliably by the bulging lower layer film 3B and the rib portion 2C. As a result, in the obtained blister pack 1, damage to the article W can be more effectively suppressed.

  In addition, since the rib portion 2C has a frustum shape, the tip portion of the rib portion 2C is easily crushed and deformed when the lower layer film 3B bulges. Thereby, it can suppress that the pressure added with respect to the articles | goods W from the rib part 2C increases too much. In addition, the article W can be more securely sandwiched and held by the bulging lower layer film 3B and the crushed rib portion 2C. As a result, in the obtained blister pack 1, damage to the article W can be more effectively prevented.

  In addition, the support part and the receiving part are constituted by the lower mold 33, and the support part and the receiving part are integrated. Therefore, compared with the case where a support part and a receiving part are provided separately, simplification and size reduction of an apparatus can be achieved more effectively.

  In addition, it is not limited to the description content of the said embodiment, For example, you may implement as follows. Of course, other application examples and modification examples not illustrated below are also possible.

  (A) In the said embodiment, after obtaining the strip | belt-shaped blister film 4, it is comprised so that the blister pack 1 may be manufactured by punching out the said blister film 4, However, The strip | belt-shaped blister film 4 is obtained. Instead, the blister pack 1 may be manufactured. Therefore, for example, a container film 2 having a pocket portion 2A and an annular flange portion 2B, which has been previously formed into a final shape, and a cover film 3 (an upper film 3A and an upper layer film 3A) each having a shape corresponding to the outer edge of the flange portion 2B. A lower layer film 3B) is prepared in advance. Then, after the article W is accommodated in the pocket portion 2A, the cover film 3 is disposed so as to close the pocket portion 2A, and then, in the pressure contact process, in the first annular region on the outer peripheral side of the opening periphery of the pocket portion 2A The cover film 3 is pressed against the flange portion 2B. Next, in the gas supply step, the gas is supplied between the films 3A and 3B through the through holes 3C provided in the upper film 3A while maintaining the pressure contact state, and the lower film 3B is bulged. And finally, in the attaching step, while maintaining the state in which the cover film 3 is pressed against the flange portion 2B and the state in which the lower layer film 3B is expanded, the outer peripheral side of the opening periphery of the pocket portion 2A. In addition, in the second annular region on the inner peripheral side of the first annular region, the cover film 3 is attached to the flange portion 2B, and the through hole 3C and the space between the two films 2A and 2B are not communicated. . Thus, the blister pack 1 can be obtained without obtaining the blister film 4 by passing through each process. Note that a predetermined position of the blister pack 1 may be excised to remove the through-hole 3C.

  (B) In the above embodiment, the hole 2D is provided in the center of the bottom wall of the pocket 2A, but the hole can evacuate the air in the pocket 2A when the lower layer film 3B bulges. What is necessary is just to be formed in the position. Therefore, it is good also as forming a hole in the position which does not exist in the blister pack 1 obtained by punching with the punching device 18. For example, as shown in FIG. 15, the hole 2E is formed in the flange 2B of the container film 2, and the blister film 4 is placed on the opening side of the pocket 2A with respect to the hole 2E in the punching process. It can be realized by punching. In this case, the obtained blister pack 1 has no hole 2E. Therefore, the article W can be sealed with the container film 2 and the cover film 3, and it is possible to more reliably prevent inconveniences such as mixing of foreign matters into the pocket portion 2 </ b> A and water intrusion during transportation. Further, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the article W can be visually recognized through the hole. Furthermore, the appearance quality of the blister pack 1 can be further improved.

  In providing the hole 2E, as shown in FIG. 16 (in FIGS. 16 and 17, the container film 2 and the lower layer film 3B are shown to be thicker than actual), the air in the pocket 2A is more It is preferable to provide a vent hole 33D at a position corresponding to the hole 2E in the lower mold 33 in order to ensure removal. By configuring in this way, as shown in FIG. 17, when the lower layer film 3B bulges, the air in the pocket portion 2A is discharged between the container film 2 and the lower layer film 3B, through the hole portion 2E and the vent hole 33D to the outside. It can be discharged smoothly.

  (C) As shown in FIG. 18, when gas is supplied between the upper film 3A and the lower film 3B by the gas supply device 34, the restriction as a bulging restricting means adjacent to the upper film 3A on the opening of the pocket 2A. A portion 32D may be provided to restrict the bulging of the upper layer film 3A facing away from the inside of the pocket portion 2A. In this case, the swelling of the upper layer film 3A can be more reliably suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent deterioration of the appearance quality due to excessive swelling of the upper layer film 3A, as well as to seal both the films 3A while enclosing sufficient gas between the upper layer film 3A and the lower layer film 3B in order to suppress damage to the article W. , 3B can be more reliably sealed. Therefore, the blister pack 1 that can suppress the breakage of the article W can be obtained more reliably.

  Moreover, as shown in FIG.19 and FIG.20, you may comprise the control parts 32E and 32F so that it may contact with the upper film 3A on the opening of the pocket part 2A at the time of supply of gas. In the attachment process, an elastic member 32G (for example, a spring or the like) is provided between the restricting portion 32E and the main body portion 32B, or the restricting portion 32F is movable relative to the main body portion 32B in the vertical direction. When the seal part 32 is moved downward, the restriction parts 32E and 32F may be configured not to be pressed against the cover film 3 with an excessively large pressure.

  Further, the heating portions for the restriction portions 32D, 32E, and 32F are prevented in order to prevent the films 3A and 3B from being fused on the opening of the pocket portion 2A due to the restriction portions 32D, 32E, and 32F becoming high temperature. It is good also as providing the heat insulation member which suppresses the heat conduction of 32C in the seal | sticker part 32 (for example, main-body part 32B).

  (D) In the above embodiment, the blister film 4 is punched at a position where the blister pack 1 no longer has the through-hole 3C, but the through-hole 3C remains in the blister pack 1 after punching. You may do it. In this case, for example, the through-hole 3C can be used for various purposes such as a hole for hanging, and the through-hole 3C required at the time of manufacture can be effectively used even after the manufacture.

  (E) In the above embodiment, a package containing a DVD or the like is cited as the article W, but the type, shape, etc. of the article are not particularly limited. For example, the article may be an electronic component, a medical instrument (such as a syringe), a tablet, a capsule, or the like.

  (F) In the above-described embodiment, the upper layer film 3A and the lower layer film 3B are configured to be supplied from different original fabrics, but are wound in a state where the films 3A and 3B are overlapped. You may comprise so that both film 3A, 3B may be supplied from one original fabric.

  (G) In the above-described embodiment, the upper film 3A having the through holes 3C formed in advance is used, but the upper film 3A in which the through holes 3C are not formed is supplied from the original fabric. May be. In this case, a through-hole forming means for forming the through-hole 3C in the upper film 3A (for example, formed by punching) is provided after the supply from the raw material and before reaching the chamber portion 31 and the like. It is good as well. That is, the through hole 3C in the upper film 3A may be formed at any time as long as it is before being supplied to the chamber portion 31.

  (H) The material of the container film 2 and the cover film 3 in the above embodiment is an example, and the material of the container film 2 and the like may be changed as appropriate.

  The upper film 3A is preferably made of a material harder than the lower film 3B. In this case, when the lower layer film 3B is bulged, the upper layer film 3A can be further prevented from bulging toward the opposite side to the pocket portion 2A. Therefore, both the films 3A and 3B can be sealed very easily and reliably, and the blister pack 1 that can more effectively suppress damage to the article W can be more reliably manufactured.

  The container film 2 and the cover film 3 (upper film 3A) may be made of an opaque material that does not transmit visible light but transmits infrared light. In this case, the article W accommodated in the pocket portion 2A cannot be visually confirmed. For example, when the blister pack 1 is delivered as it is, the privacy of the user can be protected. By using an infrared camera, it can be confirmed whether or not the correct article W is stored in the pocket portion 2A even after the cover film 3 is attached.

  (I) In the above embodiment, the storage device 14 is configured to store the article W in the pocket portion 2A. However, the storage device 14 is not necessarily provided. The article W may be accommodated in 2A.

  Moreover, it is good also as using the container film 2 in which the pocket part 2A was provided previously, without providing the heating apparatus 12 and the pocket part formation apparatus 13. FIG.

  (J) The shape of the rib portion 2C is not limited to that described in the above embodiment. Moreover, it is good also as not providing the rib part 2C.

  (K) In the gas supply step, the lower layer film 3B may be preheated before supplying the gas so that the lower layer film 3B is more easily expanded.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Blister pack, 2 ... Container film, 2A ... Pocket part, 2B ... Flange part, 2C ... Rib part, 2D ... Hole part, 3 ... Cover film, 3A ... Upper layer film, 3B ... Lower layer film, 3C ... Through-hole, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 4 ... Blister film, 10 ... Blister packaging machine, 11 ... Conveyor (upper film conveyance means), 17 ... Sealing device, 18 ... Punching device (punching means), 31 ... Chamber part, 31S ... (in chamber part) Space, 32 ... Sealing part, 32C ... Heat generating part, 32D, 32E, 32F ... Restricting part (bulging restricting means), 33 ... Lower mold (supporting part, receiving part), 34 ... Gas supply device (gas supplying means), R1 ... 1st annular region, R2 ... 2nd annular region.

Claims (12)

A container portion including a pocket portion for accommodating an article, and a flange portion formed to extend outward from an opening end of the pocket portion;
A cover film having an upper layer film and a lower layer film attached to the container film so as to close the pocket part in a state where the article is accommodated in the pocket part;
A blister packaging machine for producing blister packs comprising:
In the upper film, a through hole is formed in advance at a predetermined position,
Pressure contact means for pressing the cover film against the flange portion in the first annular region on the outer circumferential side of the opening periphery of the pocket portion in a state where the article is accommodated in the pocket portion;
In a pressure contact state by the pressure contact means, a predetermined gas is supplied between the upper layer film and the lower layer film through the through-holes disposed corresponding to the flange portion, and the pocket portion of the lower layer film is supplied to the pocket portion. A gas supply means for bulging a corresponding portion toward the internal space of the pocket portion;
In the pressure contact state by the pressure contact means and the bulging state of the lower layer film, the upper layer in the second annular region on the outer peripheral side of the opening peripheral edge of the pocket portion and on the inner peripheral side of the first annular region Attachment means for attaching the cover film to the flange portion so that a space between the film and the lower layer film is in an airtight state in communication with the through hole;
A blister packaging machine comprising: The pressure contact means is
A chamber portion that has an internal space to which gas is supplied from the gas supply means, and the internal space opens toward the opening side of the pocket portion in the container film;
A support part disposed at a position sandwiching the cover film and the container film between the opening side end of the internal space in the chamber part,
The cover film and the flange portion are sandwiched between the opening-side end portion and the support portion of the chamber portion so that the through hole and the internal space of the chamber portion communicate with each other with respect to the flange portion. Press the film,
The gas supply means is configured to supply gas between the upper layer film and the lower layer film through the through hole by supplying gas to the internal space of the chamber portion. The blister packaging machine according to claim 1. At the time of pressure welding by the pressure welding means, at least the upper layer film has a band shape,
An upper layer film transporting means for transporting at least the belt-shaped upper layer film along its longitudinal direction and temporarily stopping the upper layer film at the time of pressure welding by the pressure welding means;
A plurality of the through holes are provided along the transport direction of the upper film,
The blister packaging machine according to claim 2, wherein an interval between adjacent through holes is smaller than a length of an opening of the chamber portion along the transport direction. The attachment means includes
A seal portion having a heat generating portion having a shape corresponding to the second annular region;
A receiving portion disposed at a position sandwiching the cover film and the container film between the heat generating portion,
By sandwiching the flange part and the cover film by the heat generating part and the receiving part, the cover film is configured to be heat-sealed to the flange part,
The blister packaging machine according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the heat generating portion is disposed in an internal space of the chamber portion. While being configured to obtain a band-shaped blister film in which the band-shaped cover film is attached to the band-shaped container film by the attachment means,
A punching means for punching the blister pack from the blister film is provided,
The punching means is configured to punch the blister film at a position where the through-hole does not exist in the blister pack obtained by punching. The blister packaging machine according to claim 1.   The blister packaging machine according to claim 5, wherein the through hole is provided only at one end in the width direction of the belt-like upper layer film.   At least when the gas is supplied by the gas supply means, the container film is formed with a hole for allowing air in the pocket portion to escape when the lower layer film is expanded. The blister packaging machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The pocket portion includes a rib portion formed to protrude toward the inner space side,
The said gas supply means is comprised so that it may be in the state which pressed the said article | item with respect to the said rib part by expanding the said lower layer film by supply of gas. The blister packaging machine according to any one of the above.   The blister packaging machine according to claim 8, wherein the rib portion has a frustum shape that gradually narrows toward a tip end side of the rib portion to which the article is pressed.   When the gas is supplied between the upper layer film and the lower layer film by the gas supply means, the upper layer is in contact with or close to the upper layer film on the opening of the pocket portion, and is directed to the opposite side to the inside of the pocket portion. The blister packaging machine according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising bulge regulating means for regulating bulge of the film.   The blister packaging machine according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the upper film is thicker than the lower film. A container for providing a pocket for accommodating a predetermined article, and a flange formed to extend outward from the opening end of the pocket;
A cover film having a lower layer film and an upper layer film attached to the container film so as to close the pocket portion in a state where the article is accommodated in the pocket portion;
A blister pack manufacturing method comprising:
In the upper film, a through hole is formed in advance at a predetermined position,
In the state where the article is accommodated in the pocket portion, a pressure-contacting step of pressing the cover film against the flange portion in the first annular region on the outer peripheral side of the opening periphery of the pocket portion;
In the pressure contact state by the pressure welding process, a predetermined gas is supplied between the upper layer film and the lower layer film through the through-holes arranged corresponding to the flange portion to the pocket portion of the lower layer film. A gas supply step of bulging the corresponding portion toward the internal space of the pocket portion;
In the pressure contact state in the pressure contact step and the bulging state of the lower layer film, in the second annular region on the outer peripheral side of the opening periphery of the pocket portion and on the inner peripheral side with respect to the first annular region, the upper layer An attachment step of attaching the cover film to the flange portion so that a space between the film and the lower layer film is in an airtight state in communication with the through hole;
A blister pack manufacturing method comprising:

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