JP2019080987A - Tablet printing device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a tablet printing device capable of performing printing processing even on the back of a tablet provided with a mark.SOLUTION: A first dividing line camera 51 images one side of a plurality of tablets 2 conveyed by a conveyance drum 10. When tablets 2 are delivered from the conveyance drum 10 to a first conveyance belt 20, all the tablets 2 are turned over while maintaining the directivity. A second dividing line camera 52 images the other side of the plurality of tablets 2 conveyed by the first conveyance belt 20. The direction of the dividing line is specified on the basis of the image data on the front and back sides of the plurality of tablets 2 which is acquired by the first dividing line camera 51 and the second dividing line camera 52, a first inkjet head 61 performs printing process for the front surface with respect to the front surface of the tablet 2 along a predetermined direction to the dividing line, and a second inkjet head 62 performs printing process for the back surface with respect to the back surface of the tablet 2 along the same direction as the predetermined direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a tablet printing apparatus that performs a printing process on a tablet provided with a mark for identifying the direction only on the surface, of the front and back surfaces.

  Conventionally, tablets for medicines are often printed with codes for identifying medicines. Typically, the identification code printed on the tablet is, for example, a company code representing a manufacturer or a product code for distinguishing products. Such identification codes are mainly used for dispensing in medical institutions and pharmacies. In addition, in order to prevent accidental ingestion of a tablet (for example, accidental ingestion of an antihypertensive agent and a hypertensive agent), a tablet may be given an indication that can be clearly recognized by the patient. Furthermore, there is also a desire to number the tablets for the purpose of drug traceability.

  Such identification codes and the like may be imprinted on the surface of the tablet, but there is an increasing need for printing directly on tablets by printing due to problems with visibility. Patent Documents 1 and 2 propose printing techniques for tablets using an ink jet printer.

  In Patent Document 1, a plurality of randomly supplied workpieces (tablets) are imaged to detect information such as the position and posture of each workpiece, and a print pattern for each workpiece is created based on the workpiece information. It is disclosed. Further, Patent Document 2 discloses that a plurality of tablets supplied at random are imaged by a line sensor camera, and print data corresponding to the direction of the dividing line of the tablet is created based on the image data.

JP, 2011-20325, A JP, 2013-121432, A

  In the printing technology for tablets disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, the printing process is performed only on one side of the tablet (for example, the side on which a dividing line is formed in Patent Document 2). Printing is also expected. When printing is performed on both the front and back sides of the tablet, it is desirable to print in the same direction on the front and back sides from the viewpoint of preventing forgery of a drug or the like.

  In addition, tablets (especially uncoated tablets) are often provided with a dividing line for dividing in half. Patent Document 2 discloses that printing is performed according to the direction of the dividing line, but when printing is performed in different directions on the front surface and the back surface of the tablet, the tablet is divided in half by the dividing line. Sometimes there is a problem that printed information on the back side is divided and the information value is lost.

  This invention is made in view of the said subject, and it aims at providing the tablet printing apparatus which can also print-process also with respect to the back surface of the tablet in which the mark was provided.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned subject, invention of Claim 1 conveys the tablet in a tablet printing apparatus which performs printing processing to a tablet in which a mark for identifying a direction was provided only on the surface among front and back. Transport mechanism, a first imaging unit for imaging one side of the tablet transported by the transport mechanism, a second imaging unit for imaging the other side of the tablet transported by the transport mechanism, and the transport mechanism A first printing unit provided downstream of the first imaging unit and the second imaging unit along the conveying direction according to the first printing unit that performs printing processing on the other surface of the tablet, and the conveying direction by the conveying mechanism; A second printing unit provided downstream of the first imaging unit and the second imaging unit and performing printing processing on one surface of the tablet, and image data acquired by the first imaging unit and the second imaging unit On the basis of the A print control unit for controlling the first print unit and the second print unit, the print control unit specifying the direction of the mark on each surface of the tablet based on the image data; The first printing unit and the second printing unit are controlled so that the printing process is performed along the predetermined direction with respect to the mark on the back surface of the tablet, and the printing control unit controls the printing of the tablet based on the image data. Identifying the direction of the mark on each surface, and controlling the first printing unit and the second printing unit so as to print the surface of the tablet along the same direction as the predetermined direction. It features.

  According to the invention of claim 2, in the tablet printing apparatus according to the invention of claim 1, the printing control unit is configured to use surface printing data for each tablet of which the other side is a surface among the conveyed tablets. Based on the above, the first printing unit causes the first printing unit to perform printing processing for the front surface along the predetermined direction with respect to the mark on the front surface, and for each tablet the other surface is the back surface, based on the back surface printing data. The first printing unit causes the first printing unit to perform the back side printing process along the same direction as the predetermined direction, and the printing control unit performs the front side printing for each tablet of which the one side is the front side among the transported tablets. Based on the data, the second printing unit causes the second printing unit to perform printing processing for the surface along the predetermined direction with respect to the mark on the surface, and for each tablet whose one surface is the back surface, based on the printing data for the back surface Said place on the back side Characterized in that to perform the backside printing process along the same direction in the second printing unit.

  The invention according to claim 3 is characterized in that, in the tablet printing apparatus according to the invention according to claim 1 or 2, the predetermined direction is a direction parallel to the mark.

  The invention of claim 4 is characterized in that, in the tablet printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the mark is a dividing line provided on the surface of the tablet.

  The invention of claim 5 is the tablet printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first printing unit and the second printing unit are arranged along the transport direction by the transport mechanism. The image processing apparatus further includes a third imaging unit provided between the plurality of tablets and detecting a displacement of the tablet transported by the transport mechanism, and the print control unit determines the displacement based on the displacement detected by the third imaging unit. The printing position for each of the tablets by the second printing unit is adjusted.

  According to the invention of claims 1 to 5, the direction of the mark is specified based on the image data acquired by imaging the one side and the other side of the tablet, and the back side of the tablet follows the predetermined direction with respect to the mark. Since the printing process is performed, the printing process can also be performed on the back surface of the tablet provided with the mark.

It is a figure showing the whole outline composition of the tablet printing device concerning the present invention. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of a conveyance drum and a 1st conveyance belt. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the processing operation in the tablet printing apparatus of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the processing operation in the tablet printing apparatus of FIG. It is a top view of a tablet. It is a figure which shows an example of the imaging result by a 1st secant camera. It is a figure which shows an example of the imaging result by a 2nd secant camera. It is a figure which shows an example of the printing process result by a 1st inkjet head. It is a figure which shows an example of the imaging result by a 3rd secant camera. It is a figure which shows an example of the printing process result by a 2nd inkjet head.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a view showing the overall schematic configuration of a tablet printing apparatus 1 according to the present invention. The tablet printing apparatus 1 is an apparatus that performs printing processing on both sides of a tablet. In FIGS. 1 and 2, in order to clarify the directional relationship between them, an XYZ orthogonal coordinate system in which the Z-axis direction is a vertical direction and the XY plane is a horizontal plane is given as appropriate. Further, in FIG. 1 and the subsequent drawings, the dimensions and the numbers of the respective parts are drawn in an exaggerated or simplified manner as necessary for easy understanding.

  The tablet printing apparatus 1 includes, as main components, a hopper 8, a conveying drum 10, a first conveying belt 20, a second conveying belt 30, a third conveying belt 40, a first dividing camera 51, a second dividing camera 52, and a third dividing line. The camera 53, the first inkjet head 61, and the second inkjet head 62 are provided. Moreover, the tablet printing apparatus 1 is provided with the control part 3 which controls each drive part provided in the apparatus and advances the printing process with respect to a tablet.

  The hopper 8 is provided above the ceiling of the case 5 of the tablet printing apparatus 1. The hopper 8 is a loading unit for loading a large number of tablets into the apparatus at one time. The plurality of tablets loaded from the hopper 8 are guided to the transport drum 10 by the slider 9. The elements other than the hopper 8 are provided inside the housing 5 of the tablet printing apparatus 1.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the conveyance drum 10 and the first conveyance belt 20. As shown in FIG. The transport drum (first transport unit) 10 has a substantially cylindrical shape, and is rotated clockwise on the paper surface of FIG. 1 about a central axis along the Y-axis direction by a rotational drive motor (not shown). Ru. As shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of suction holes 11 are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the transport drum 10. In the present embodiment, the suction holes 11 are formed in five lines at equal intervals along the central axis of the transport drum 10. Further, one set of five suction holes 11 is provided in a plurality of lines at equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral surface of the transport drum 10.

  The shape of the suction holes 11 corresponds to the shape of the tablet to be subjected to the printing process. For example, in the present embodiment, in order to process a disk-shaped tablet, the shape of the suction hole 11 is also circular. The size of the adsorption holes 11 is slightly larger than the size of the tablet. For example, if the diameter of the disk-shaped tablet is about 10 mm, the diameter of the suction hole 11 is about 12 mm.

  A small hole smaller than the suction hole 11 is provided at the bottom of the plurality of suction holes 11, and each of the plurality of suction holes 11 is a suction mechanism (not shown) provided inside the conveyance drum 10 via the small holes. It communicates with (omitted). By operating the suction mechanism, negative pressure lower than atmospheric pressure can be applied to each of the plurality of adsorption holes 11. Thereby, each suction hole 11 of the conveyance drum 10 can adsorb and hold one tablet.

  Further, a blow mechanism is provided in the vicinity of a portion facing the first conveyance belt 20 inside the conveyance drum 10. The blow mechanism blows pressurized air toward the small holes provided at the bottom of the suction holes 11. A pressure higher than atmospheric pressure can be applied to the adsorption holes 11 by blowing air into the blow mechanism. Thereby, the adsorption state of the tablet by the adsorption holes 11 can be released. As described above, the suction mechanism is applied by the suction mechanism to all of the plurality of suction holes 11 provided in the conveyance drum 10, and the five rows and one line of suction holes 11 facing the first conveyance belt 20. Can release the suction by the blow mechanism.

  The first conveyance belt (second conveyance unit) 20 is configured by stretching a plurality of holding plates 22 connected together in a belt shape, around a pair of pulleys. The pair of pulleys is rotationally driven by a drive motor (not shown), whereby the belt-like body composed of the plurality of holding plates 22 travels in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. The first conveyance belt 20 is installed such that a part of a belt-like body including a plurality of holding plates 22 approaches and faces the outer peripheral surface of the conveyance drum 10.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of suction holes 21 are formed in each of the plurality of holding plates 22 at equal intervals along the belt width direction (Y-axis direction). In the present embodiment, suction holes 21 are formed in five rows in each holding plate 22 along the Y-axis direction. The shape and size of the suction holes 21 themselves of the first conveyance belt 20 are the same as the suction holes 11 of the conveyance drum 10. Further, the distance between the suction holes 21 arranged in five rows in each holding plate 22 is also equal to the distance between the suction holes 11 arranged in five rows along the central axis of the transport drum 10.

  Similar to the suction holes 11, small holes smaller than the suction holes 21 are provided at the bottoms of the plurality of suction holes 21, and each of the plurality of suction holes 21 passes through the small holes to form the first conveyance belt 20. It communicates with a suction mechanism provided inside the By operating the suction mechanism, negative pressure lower than atmospheric pressure can be applied to each of the plurality of adsorption holes 21. Thus, each suction hole 21 of the first conveyance belt 20 can hold one tablet by suction.

  Further, a blow mechanism is provided inside the first conveyance belt 20 in the vicinity of a portion facing the second conveyance belt 30 described later. The blow mechanism blows pressurized air toward the small holes provided at the bottom of the suction holes 21. A pressure higher than atmospheric pressure can be applied to the suction holes 21 by blowing air into the blow mechanism. Thereby, the adsorption state of the tablet by the adsorption holes 21 can be released.

  Next, the configurations of the second conveyance belt (third conveyance unit) 30 and the third conveyance belt (fourth conveyance unit) 40 are substantially the same as those of the first conveyance belt 20. That is, both of the second conveyor belt 30 and the third conveyor belt 40 are configured by connecting a plurality of holding plates in a belt shape and stretching them around a pair of pulleys. The pair of pulleys is rotationally driven by a drive motor (not shown), whereby the second conveyance belt 30 and the third conveyance belt 40 respectively travel in the directions shown by the arrows in FIG. The second conveyance belt 30 is installed such that a part of a belt-like body formed of a plurality of holding plates approaches and opposes the first conveyance belt 20. Similarly, the third conveyance belt 40 is installed so that a part of a belt-like body formed of a plurality of holding plates approaches and faces the second conveyance belt 30.

  A plurality of (five rows in the present embodiment) suction holes are formed on the holding plates of the second transport belt 30 and the third transport belt 40 at equal intervals along the belt width direction (Y-axis direction). Similarly to the above, a negative pressure lower than the atmospheric pressure can be applied to the suction holes of the second conveyance belt 30 by the suction mechanism provided inside the second conveyance belt 30. Thereby, each adsorption hole of the 2nd transportation belt 30 can carry out adsorption holding of one tablet. Further, a blow mechanism is provided inside the second conveyance belt 30 in the vicinity of a portion facing the third conveyance belt 40. When the blow mechanism blows air, a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure can be applied to the suction holes of the second conveyance belt 30, and the adsorption state of the tablets by the suction holes can be released.

  Similarly, a negative pressure lower than atmospheric pressure can be applied to the suction holes of the third conveyor belt 40 by the suction mechanism provided inside the third conveyor belt 40. Thereby, each adsorption hole of the 3rd transportation belt 40 can carry out adsorption holding of one tablet. Further, a blow mechanism is provided at three locations inside the third conveyance belt 40. When the blowing mechanism blows air, a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure can be applied to the suction holes of the third conveyor belt 40 to release the adsorption state of the tablets by the suction holes.

  Each of the three blow mechanisms of the third transport belt 40 blows air downward or obliquely downward. Therefore, among the three blow mechanisms, the blow mechanism provided at the portion facing the non-defective duct 48 blows air, thereby releasing the adsorption state of the tablet by the adsorption holes and releasing the tablet to the non-defective duct 48 be able to. The tablets released to the non-defective product duct 48 are collected in the non-defective product recovery box 58. In addition, when the blow mechanism provided at the portion facing the uninspected duct 47 blows air, it is possible to release the adsorbed state of the tablet by the adsorption holes and release the tablet to the uninspected duct 47. The tablets released into the uninspected duct 47 are collected in the uninspected box 57. Furthermore, when the blow mechanism provided at the portion facing the defective product duct 46 blows air, the tablet can be released to the defective product duct 46 by releasing the adsorption state of the tablet by the adsorption holes. The tablets released to the defective product duct 46 are collected in the defective product box 56.

  Next, the first secant camera (first imaging unit) 51, the second secant camera (second imaging unit) 52, and the third secant camera (third imaging unit) 53 all capture an image for capturing a predetermined area For example, a CCD camera. The first secant camera 51 is installed so as to face the outer peripheral surface of the conveyance drum 10 so that the imaging area is the outer peripheral surface. In addition, the first secant camera 51 is provided at a position where it can capture an image of the slider 9 on the downstream side along the transport direction of the transport drum 10. The first secant camera 51 picks up a plurality of tablets which are adsorbed and held by the suction holes 11 of the transport drum 10 and transported. The size of the imaging area of the first secant camera 51 can be set to an appropriate size, but since the cylindrical peripheral surface of the transport drum 10 is to be imaged, focusing over a wide range of the cylindrical peripheral surface It is difficult. For this reason, the imaging area of the first score line camera 51 may have a size capable of capturing an image of tablets in at least five rows and one row facing the at least the first score line camera 51.

  The second dividing line camera 52 is installed so as to face the transport surface of the first transport belt 20 so that the imaging area is the transport surface of the first transport belt 20. The second secant camera 52 is provided on the downstream side of the position facing the transport drum 10 along the transport direction of the first transport belt 20 and at a position where it can capture the upstream side of the first inkjet head 61. It is done. The second dividing line camera 52 captures an image of a plurality of tablets which are adsorbed and held by the first conveyance belt 20 and conveyed. The size of the imaging area of the second score line camera 52 can be set as appropriate, as long as at least a five-row, one-line tablet facing the second score line camera 52 can be captured. . Note that, unlike the transport drum 10, since the transport surface of the first transport belt 20 is substantially flat, it is relatively easy to focus on the entire surface even if the imaging area of the second dividing line camera 52 is wide.

  The third secant camera 53 is installed so as to face the transport surface of the second transport belt 30 so that the imaging area is the transport surface. The third secant camera 53 is a position downstream of the position facing the first transport belt 20 along the transport direction of the second transport belt 30 and capable of imaging the upstream side of the second inkjet head 62 Provided in The third secant camera 53 picks up images of a plurality of tablets that are held by suction and conveyed by the second conveyance belt 30. The size of the imaging area of the third secant camera 53 can be set appropriately, as long as at least the five rows and one row of tablets facing the third secant camera 53 can be imaged. . As with the second secant camera 52, the conveyance surface of the second conveyor belt 30 is substantially flat, so even if the imaging area of the third secant camera 53 is wide, it is relatively easy to focus on the entire surface .

  The first inkjet head 61 and the second inkjet head 62 are provided with a plurality of ejection nozzles, and eject ink droplets from the ejection nozzles by the inkjet method. The inkjet method may be a piezo method in which a piezoelectric element (piezoelectric element) is deformed by applying a voltage to discharge ink droplets, or a heater is energized to heat the ink, whereby the ink droplets are discharged. It may be a thermal method of discharging the ink. In the present embodiment, since the printing process is performed on the tablet of the pharmaceutical, as the ink discharged from the first ink jet head 61 and the second ink jet head 62, the edible ink manufactured by the raw material recognized by the food hygiene method is used. use. In addition, the first ink jet head 61 and the second ink jet head 62 can discharge four color inks of cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y) and black (K), and these should be mixed. Color printing is possible.

  The first inkjet head 61 is provided downstream of the second dividing line camera 52 along the transport direction of the first transport belt 20. The first inkjet head 61 performs a printing process on a plurality of tablets that are adsorbed and held by the first conveyance belt 20 and conveyed. Further, the second inkjet head 62 is provided downstream of the third dividing line camera 53 along the transport direction of the second transport belt 30. The second inkjet head 62 performs a printing process on a plurality of tablets which are adsorbed and held by the second conveyance belt 30 and conveyed. The first inkjet head 61 and the second inkjet head 62 are preferably full line heads that cover the entire area in the width direction of the first transport belt 20 and the second transport belt 30, respectively.

  The tablet printing apparatus 1 further includes a first inspection camera 71 and a second inspection camera 72. As the first inspection camera 71 and the second inspection camera 72, for example, a CCD camera can be used as in the case of the above-described secant camera. The first inspection camera 71 is installed opposite to the conveyance surface of the second conveyance belt 30 so that the imaging area is the conveyance surface of the second conveyance belt 30. The first inspection camera 71 is provided at a position at which the downstream side of the second inkjet head 62 can be imaged along the transport direction of the second transport belt 30. The first inspection camera 71 images a plurality of tablets which are held by suction by the second conveyance belt 30 and conveyed. In addition, as shown in FIG. 1, the first inspection camera 71 is provided below the second conveyance belt 30, but the second conveyance belt 30 adsorbs and holds the tablets so that the tablets are on the lower side. Even in the state of being oriented (the adsorption holes are opened downward), the tablets are transported without dropping.

  The second inspection camera 72 is installed opposite to the conveyance surface of the third conveyance belt 40 so that the imaging area is the conveyance surface of the third conveyance belt 40. The second inspection camera 72 captures an image of a plurality of tablets that are held by suction and conveyed by the third conveyance belt 40.

  The tablet printing apparatus 1 further includes a first heater 76 and a second heater 77. As the first heater 76 and the second heater 77, for example, a hot air drying type heater that blows hot air to heat and dry the tablet can be used. The first heater 76 is provided downstream of the first inkjet head 61 along the transport direction of the first transport belt 20. The first heater 76 blows hot air on the tablet on which the printing process has been performed by the first inkjet head 61 to dry it.

  The second heater 77 is provided downstream of the second inkjet head 62 along the transport direction of the second transport belt 30. The second heater 77 blows hot air on the tablet on which the printing process has been performed by the second inkjet head 62 to dry it. Although the first heater 76 and the second heater 77 are provided below the first conveyor belt 20 and the second conveyor belt 30, respectively, the first conveyor belt 20 and the second conveyor belt 30 are the same as described above. Since the tablet adsorbs and transports the tablet, the tablet is transported without falling even if the tablet is facing downward.

  Furthermore, the tablet printing apparatus 1 includes four cleaning mechanisms 81, 82, 83, 84. The powder generated from the tablets may adhere to the transport drum 10, the first transport belt 20, the second transport belt 30, and the third transport belt 40. The cleaning mechanisms 81, 82, 83, 84 clean the powder adhering to the conveyance drum 10, the first conveyance belt 20, the second conveyance belt 30, and the third conveyance belt 40, respectively. As the cleaning mechanism 81, 82, 83, 84, for example, one that blows air and sucks and recovers the surrounding atmosphere can be employed.

  The control unit 3 controls the above-described various operation mechanisms provided in the tablet printing apparatus 1. The hardware configuration of the control unit 3 is the same as that of a general computer. That is, the control unit 3 stores a CPU that performs various arithmetic processing, a ROM that is a read only memory that stores a basic program, a RAM that is a readable and writable memory that stores various information, control software, data, and the like. It comprises and holds a magnetic disk. When the CPU of the control unit 3 executes a predetermined processing program, processing on tablets in the tablet printing apparatus 1 proceeds. The control unit 3 also has a function as a print control unit that controls the first inkjet head 61 and the second inkjet head 62 based on the image data acquired by the first score line camera 51 and the second score line camera 52 etc. doing.

  Next, the processing operation in the tablet printing apparatus 1 having the above configuration will be described. 3 and 4 are flowcharts showing the procedure of the processing operation in the tablet printing apparatus 1. First, a plurality of tablets are collectively loaded into the hopper 8 of the tablet printing apparatus 1 (step S1). The batch loading of tablets may be manually performed by an operator using a bucket or the like, or may be automatically performed by a transport mechanism or the like separate from the tablet printing apparatus 1. However, the plurality of tablets to be batch-injected are all of the same type.

  In the present embodiment, a plurality of disc-shaped tablets 2 are introduced into the hopper 8. FIG. 5 is a plan view of the tablet 2. A dividing line 7 is formed on one side of the tablet 2 to divide in half. The dividing line 7 is a groove cut along the radial direction of the disk-shaped tablet 2. The dividing line 7 is engraved on only one side of the tablet 2.

  In the present embodiment, the surface on which the dividing line 7 is provided is taken as the surface of the tablet 2. The dividing line 7 is not formed on the back of the tablet 2. In addition, there is no difference in the property as a medicine in the surface and the back surface of the tablet 2, and the surface on the side where the dividing line 7 is provided is merely used as the surface for the sake of distinction.

  The plurality of tablets 2 fed to the hopper 8 are guided to the transport drum 10 by the slider 9, and the plurality of tablets 2 are adsorbed and held one by one in the suction holes 11 of the transport drum 10. In the transport drum 10, suction holes 11 are formed in five lines in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction (the circumferential direction of the transport drum 10), that is, along the central axis direction of the transport drum 10. Therefore, the transport drum 10 transports the plurality of tablets 2 in five rows in which five tablets are aligned in the direction perpendicular to the transport direction. In the present specification, a unit in which five tablets are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the transport drum 10 is referred to as a “row”. That is, the transport drum 10 adsorbs and holds the tablets 2 individually in each of the suction holes 11, and transports the plurality of tablets 2 in a state in which the plurality of tablets 2 are aligned in five rows and plural rows (step S2). In addition, an arrangement mechanism for aligning and feeding a plurality of tablets 2 by 5 to the hopper 8 is attached so that the conveying drum 10 can smoothly absorb and hold the tablets 2 input from the hopper 8 by 5 each. It is good. As such an alignment mechanism, for example, a ball folder type mechanism can be adopted.

  Next, the first dividing line camera 51 captures an image of the plurality of tablets 2 conveyed by the conveyance drum 10 (step S3). The plurality of tablets 2 are held by the suction holes 11 of the transport drum 10 and transported clockwise on the paper surface of FIG. 1 along the circumferential direction of the transport drum 10. The plurality of tablets 2 are aligned and conveyed in five rows, but it is completely random whether the surface of each tablet 2 is directed to the inside (the center side of the conveyance drum 10) or the outside of the conveyance drum 10 . Further, since the circular tablet 2 is held by the circular adsorption holes 11, the directionality of the tablet 2 is arbitrary, and the direction of the dividing line 7 of each tablet 2 transported by the transport drum 10 is also completely random. The first dividing line camera 51 captures an image of the tablet 2 from the outside of the transport drum 10. Therefore, the plurality of tablets 2 imaged by the first score line camera 51 randomly include ones with the front surface facing the first split line camera 51 and ones with the back surface facing.

  In other words, the first dividing line camera 51 captures an image of one surface of the plurality of tablets 2 transported by the transport drum 10. Here, “one side” is the side facing the outside of the tablet 2 being transported by the transport drum 10 regardless of whether it is the front surface or the back surface of the tablet 2.

  Further, the first dividing line camera 51 performs imaging for each row in which five tablets are arranged in the direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the conveyance drum 10. The reason for this is that since the outer peripheral surface of the transport drum 10 is cylindrical, it is difficult to focus the first score line camera 51 over a plurality of lines.

  FIG. 6 is a view showing an example of an imaging result by the first secant camera 51. As shown in FIG. The first dividing line camera 51 captures an image of one surface of the plurality of tablets 2 transported by the transport drum 10. Since it is random whether the surface faces outward or inward when each tablet 2 is adsorbed and held by the transport drum 10, a split line 7 is formed on one side of the plurality of tablets 2 imaged by the first secant camera 51. Are randomly included, and the reverse side which is the opposite side. In the example of FIG. 6, the surface of the tablet 2 at the left end and the center among the tablets 2 arranged in five rows is imaged, and the back surface of the other tablets 2 is imaged by the first camera 51. Image data as shown in FIG. 6 which is a result of imaging by the first score line camera 51 is transmitted to the control unit 3.

  Next, the tablets 2 in five columns and one row captured by the first secant camera 51 are further transported by the transport drum 10 and reach a position facing the first transport belt 20 in close proximity. At this time, the blow mechanism of the transport drum 10 blows air to the five adsorption holes 11 in which the tablets 2 in the 5 rows and 1 row are adsorbed and held, thereby releasing the adsorption state for the tablets 2 in the 5 rows and 1 row Do. On the other hand, negative pressure is applied to the suction holes 21 of the holding plate 22 of the first conveyance belt 20 at a position facing close to the conveyance drum 10. Therefore, the tablets 2 in five rows and one row whose suction state by the transport drum 10 is released are delivered from the suction holes 11 of the transport drum 10 to the suction holes 21 of the first transport belt 20 and are adsorbed and held. . In order to ensure such delivery of the tablet 2, the control unit 3 makes the transport speed of the transport drum 10 equal to the transport speed of the first transport belt 20, and the suction holes 11 and the suction holes 21 correctly Control is performed to synchronize the operations of both transport units so as to face each other.

  When the tablet 2 is delivered from the transport drum 10 to the first transport belt 20, the tablet 2 moves without rotating or the like. That is, each tablet 2 is delivered from the transport drum 10 to the first transport belt 20 while maintaining the direction of the dividing line 7.

  Further, when the tablets 2 are delivered from the conveyance drum 10 to the first conveyance belt 20, the respective tablets 2 are turned upside down. That is, in the transport drum 10, the tablet 2 adsorbed and held with the front surface on which the dividing line 7 is formed facing outward is adsorbed and held by the suction holes 21 of the first transport belt 20 with the back surface facing outward. On the contrary, in the transport drum 10, the tablets 2 adsorbed and held with the back surface facing outward are adsorbed and held by the first transport belt 20 with the surface facing outward. Therefore, each tablet 2 conveyed by the conveyance drum 10 is turned upside down while maintaining its direction, and is delivered to the first conveyance belt 20 and conveyed (step S4).

  Subsequently, the second dividing line camera 52 captures an image of the plurality of tablets 2 conveyed by the first conveyance belt 20 (step S5). The first conveyor belt 20 conveys the plurality of tablets 2 received by reversing the front and back sides from the conveyor drum 10 by aligning five rows in a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction. The second dividing line camera 52 captures an image of the tablet 2 from the outside of the first conveyance belt 20. Therefore, the plurality of tablets 2 imaged by the second score line camera 52 randomly include ones with the front surface facing the second split line camera 52 and ones with the back surface facing. However, since the front and back is reversed when each tablet 2 is delivered from the transport drum 10 to the first transport belt 20, the front and back of each tablet 2 captured by the first secant camera 51 and the corresponding captured by the second secant camera 52 The front and back of the tablet 2 are completely reversed.

  In other words, the second dividing line camera 52 images the other surface of the plurality of tablets 2 conveyed by the first conveyance belt 20. Here, “the other side” means a side opposite to the above-described one side, and is conveyed by the first conveyance belt 20 regardless of whether it is the front side or the back side of the tablet 2 It is a surface facing the outside of the tablet 2.

  Since the conveyance surface of the first conveyance belt 20 is substantially flat, it is possible for the second score line camera 52 to image the tablets 2 over a plurality of rows, but in the present embodiment, it is aligned with the imaging range of the first score line camera 51 As described above, the second dividing line camera 52 also performs imaging for each row in which five tablets are arranged in the direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the first conveyance belt 20.

  FIG. 7 is a view showing an example of an imaging result by the second secant camera 52. As shown in FIG. The second dividing line camera 52 captures an image of the other side of the plurality of tablets 2 conveyed by the first conveyance belt 20. The other side is a side opposite to one side of the plurality of tablets 2 imaged by the first score line camera 51. Therefore, the back of the tablet 2 whose surface is imaged by the first score line camera 51 is imaged by the second score line camera 52. Conversely, for the tablet 2 whose back surface is imaged by the first secant camera 51, the surface is imaged by the second secant camera 52.

  In the example of FIG. 7, reverse to FIG. 6, of the tablets 2 arranged in five rows, the back surface is imaged for the tablet 2 at the left end and the center, and the surface where the dividing line 7 is formed for the other tablets 2 Are captured by the second secant camera 52. Image data as shown in FIG. 7 which is a result of imaging by the second score line camera 52 is transmitted to the control unit 3. In FIG. 7, the dotted line indicates the dividing line 7 on one side of the tablet 2 which is picked up and recognized by the first dividing line camera 51, and is directly picked up by the second dividing line camera 52. is not.

  Next, the tablet 2 imaged by the second score line camera 52 is further transported by the first transport belt 20 and reaches a position facing the first inkjet head 61. Then, the first inkjet head 61 performs a printing process on the tablet 2 (step S6). Here, the control unit 3 controls the printing process by the first inkjet head 61 based on the image data acquired by the first score line camera 51 and the second score line camera 52. FIG. 8 is a view showing an example of the print processing result by the first inkjet head 61. As shown in FIG.

  As described above, the first dividing line camera 51 captures an image of one surface of the plurality of tablets 2 transported by the transport drum 10. When the tablets 2 are delivered from the transport drum 10 to the first transport belt 20, the front and back of all the tablets 2 are reversed. Then, the second dividing line camera 52 captures an image of the other side of the plurality of tablets 2 conveyed by the first conveyance belt 20. Therefore, with regard to all the tablets 2, both front and back sides are imaged by the first score line camera 51 and the second score line camera 52 to obtain image data. Specifically, for the tablet 2 whose surface is imaged by the first score line camera 51, the back surface is imaged by the second score line camera 52 (tablet 2 at the left end and the center in the example of FIGS. 6 and 7). Conversely, the surface of the tablet 2 whose back surface is imaged by the first secant camera 51 is imaged by the second secant camera 52 (in the example of FIGS. ).

  The first inkjet head 61 performs the printing process on the other side of the plurality of tablets 2 conveyed by the first conveyance belt 20. Among the plurality of tablets 2 conveyed by the first conveyance belt 20, the control unit 3 selects the tablet 2 whose other surface is the surface (the second, fourth and fifth tablets 2 from the left in the example of FIGS. 7 and 8) On the other hand, the first ink jet head 61 performs the printing process for the surface based on the printing data for the surface. Here, for example, character data of "ABCD" is used as print data for surface.

  In addition, the control unit 3 causes the first inkjet head 61 to perform the surface printing process on the surface along a predetermined direction with respect to the dividing line 7 provided on the surface of the tablet 2. In the present embodiment, the first inkjet head 61 performs a printing process along a direction parallel to the dividing line 7 of the surface of the tablet 2. The direction of the dividing line 7 in the tablet 2 of which the other surface is the surface among the plurality of tablets 2 conveyed by the first conveying belt 20 is controlled by applying image processing to the image data acquired by the second dividing line camera 52 Part 3 can be recognized (in the direction of the dividing line 7 shown by the solid line in FIG. 8). As a result, as shown in FIG. 8, among the plurality of tablets 2 conveyed by the first conveyance belt 20, the tablets 2 whose surface is the other surface are along the direction parallel to the dividing line 7 provided on the surface. The character string “ABCD” is printed on the surface of the tablet 2 by the first inkjet head 61.

  On the other hand, the control unit 3 controls the back of the plurality of tablets 2 transported by the first transport belt 20 to the tablet 2 whose other surface is the back surface (the tablet 2 at the left end and the center in the example of FIGS. The back surface printing process is performed by the first inkjet head 61 based on the printing data for printing. Here, for example, character data of "1234" is used as print data for the back side.

  Further, the control unit 3 causes the first inkjet head 61 to perform the back side printing process on the back side of the tablet 2 along the same direction as the predetermined direction with respect to the dividing line 7 provided on the front side of the tablet 2. . In the present embodiment, the printing process is performed on the surface of the tablet 2 along the direction parallel to the dividing line 7, and also on the back surface of the tablet 2 along the direction parallel to the dividing line 7 on the surface side. The first inkjet head 61 performs a printing process. The image data acquired by the first secant camera 51 is subjected to image processing for the direction of the dividing line 7 on the surface side of the tablet 2 whose other surface is the back surface among the plurality of tablets 2 transported by the first transport belt 20 Thus, the control unit 3 can recognize (the direction of the dividing line 7 shown by the dotted line in FIG. 8). As a result, as shown in FIG. 8, among the plurality of tablets 2 conveyed by the first conveyance belt 20, the tablets 2 whose other surface is the back surface are in a direction parallel to the dividing line 7 provided on the surface. The character string “1234” is printed on the back of the tablet 2 by the first inkjet head 61.

  Furthermore, based on the image data acquired by the second score line camera 52, the control unit 3 performs fine adjustment (correction) of the printing position for each tablet 2 by the first inkjet head 61. Since the size of the suction holes 21 of the first conveyor belt 20 is slightly larger than the size of the tablets 2, when the tablets 2 are delivered from the conveyor drum 10 to the first conveyor belt 20, the directionality of each tablet 2 is maintained However, slight variations in position occur within the range of the suction holes 21. The control unit 3 detects the displacement of the position of each tablet 2 in the suction hole 21 from the image data acquired by the second score line camera 52, and executes the fine adjustment of the printing position based on the detection result. In this manner, the printing process is performed on the other side of the plurality of tablets 2.

  Next, the tablet 2 on which the printing process has been performed on the other side is further transported by the first transport belt 20 and reaches the position facing the first heater 76. As shown in FIG. 1, the first heater 76 is disposed below the first conveyor belt 20, and when the tablet 2 reaches a position facing the first heater 76, the tablet 2 is placed on the first conveyor belt 20. Is held downward by the Since the first transport belt 20 adsorbs and holds the tablets 2 by applying a negative pressure to the suction holes 21, it is also possible to hold the tablets 2 downward.

  The first heater 76 blows hot air to the other surface of the plurality of tablets 2 conveyed by the first conveyance belt 20 to dry the plurality of tablets 2 (step S7). By performing such a drying process, it is possible to rapidly dry the ink discharged from the first ink jet head 61 to the plurality of tablets 2 and prevent bleeding.

  Next, the tablets 2 in five rows and one row dried by the first heater 76 are further transported by the first transport belt 20 and reach the position facing the second transport belt 30 in close proximity. At this time, the blowing mechanism of the first conveyor belt 20 blows air to the five suction holes 21 in which the tablets 2 in the 5 rows and 1 row are adsorbed and held, the adsorption state to the tablets 2 in the 5 rows and 1 row Release On the other hand, negative pressure is applied to the suction holes of the second transport belt 30 at a position facing close to the first transport belt 20. Therefore, the tablets 2 in five rows and one row whose suction state by the first conveyance belt 20 is released are transferred from the suction holes 21 of the first conveyance belt 20 to the suction holes of the second conveyance belt 30 and held by suction. It will be. In order to ensure delivery of such tablets 2, the control unit 3 equalizes the transport speed of the first transport belt 20 and the transport speed of the second transport belt 30, and the suction holes of both transport belts are accurate. Control is performed to synchronize the operation of both transport belts so as to face each other.

  When the tablets 2 are delivered from the first conveyor belt 20 to the second conveyor belt 30, the tablets 2 move as they are without rotation. That is, each tablet 2 is delivered from the first conveyor belt 20 to the second conveyor belt 30 while maintaining the direction of the dividing line 7.

  Further, when the tablets 2 are delivered from the first conveyor belt 20 to the second conveyor belt 30, the respective tablets 2 are turned upside down. That is, in the first conveyance belt 20, the tablet 2 adsorbed and held with the surface on which the dividing line 7 is formed facing outward is adsorbed and held by the second conveyance belt 30 with the back surface facing outward. Conversely, the tablets 2 adsorbed and held with the back surface facing outward on the first conveyor belt 20 are adsorbed and held by the second conveyor belt 30 with the front surface facing outward. Therefore, each tablet 2 conveyed by the first conveyance belt 20 is turned upside down while maintaining its direction, and is delivered to the second conveyance belt 30 and conveyed (step S8).

  Subsequently, the third dividing line camera 53 captures an image of the plurality of tablets 2 conveyed by the second conveyance belt 30 (step S9). The second conveyor belt 30 conveys the plurality of tablets 2 received from the first conveyor belt 20 by aligning them in five rows in the direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction. The third dividing line camera 53 captures an image of the tablet 2 from the outside of the second conveyance belt 30. Therefore, while the front and back of each tablet 2 imaged by the third secant camera 53 is completely opposite to the front and back of the corresponding tablet 2 imaged by the second secant camera 52, the correspondence captured by the first secant camera 51 The top and bottom of the tablet 2 completely match. That is, like the first secant camera 51, the third secant camera 53 captures an image of one surface of the plurality of tablets 2 transported by the second transport belt 30.

  Since the conveyance surface of the second conveyance belt 30 is substantially flat, the third dividing line camera 53 can also image the tablets 2 over a plurality of rows, but in the present embodiment, it is aligned with the imaging range of the first dividing line camera 51 As a result, the third secant camera 53 also performs imaging for each row in which five tablets are arranged in the direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the second transport belt 30.

  FIG. 9 is a view showing an example of an imaging result by the third secant camera 53. As shown in FIG. Similar to the first dividing line camera 51, the third dividing line camera 53 captures an image of one side of the plurality of tablets 2 conveyed by the second conveying belt 30. Therefore, the imaging result by the third secant camera 53 is substantially the same as the imaging result by the first secant camera 51. In particular, regarding the directionality of each of the plurality of tablets 2, the imaging result by the third score line camera 53 and the imaging result by the first score line camera 51 completely coincide with each other.

  In the example of FIG. 9, the surface on which the dividing line 7 is formed is imaged about the tablet 2 of the left end and the center among the tablets 2 arranged in 5 rows similarly to FIG. The image is captured by the third line camera 53. Image data as shown in FIG. 9 which is a result of imaging by the third line camera 53 is transmitted to the control unit 3. In FIG. 9, what is indicated by a dotted line is the dividing line 7 on the other surface side of the tablet 2 which is picked up and recognized by the second dividing line camera 52, which is directly picked up by the third dividing line camera 53. is not.

  However, the control unit 3 does not recognize the direction of the dividing line 7 formed on the surface of the tablet 2 from the image data acquired by the third dividing line camera 53. This is because the direction of the dividing line 7 is already recognized from the image data acquired by the first dividing line camera 51 for the tablet 2 whose one surface is the surface, and there is no need to perform it again. Rather, when the control unit 3 recognizes the direction of the dividing line 7 from the image data acquired by the third dividing line camera 53, there is a possibility that printing will be reversed 180 ° during the printing process by the second inkjet head 62 described later. There is.

  The imaging by the third score line camera 53 is performed to detect variations in the positions of the plurality of tablets 2 adsorbed and held by the second conveyance belt 30. The control unit 3 detects the displacement of the position of each tablet 2 in the suction hole of the second conveyance belt 30 from the image data acquired by the third score line camera 53.

  Next, the tablet 2 imaged by the third secant camera 53 is further transported by the second transport belt 30 and reaches a position facing the second inkjet head 62. Then, the second inkjet head 62 performs a printing process on the tablet 2 (step S10). Here, the control unit 3 controls the printing process by the second inkjet head 62 based on the image data acquired by the first score line camera 51 and the second score line camera 52. FIG. 10 is a view showing an example of the print processing result by the second inkjet head 62. As shown in FIG.

  The second inkjet head 62 performs printing on one surface of the plurality of tablets 2 transported by the second transport belt 30. The control unit 3 performs printing on the surface of the tablet 2 (one of the left end and the center tablet 2 in the example of FIGS. 9 and 10) having one surface of the plurality of tablets 2 transported by the second transport belt 30 Based on the data, the second inkjet head 62 performs the printing process for the surface. Here, the print data for surface is character data of "ABCD" similar to the above.

  Further, the control unit 3 causes the second inkjet head 62 to perform the surface printing process on the surface along the predetermined direction with respect to the dividing line 7 formed on the surface of the tablet 2. In the present embodiment, the second inkjet head 62 performs the printing process along the direction parallel to the dividing line 7 of the surface of the tablet 2. The direction of the dividing line 7 in the tablet 2 of which the surface is one of the plurality of tablets 2 conveyed by the second conveying belt 30 is controlled by performing image processing on the image data acquired by the first secant camera 51 The part 3 can recognize (in the direction of the dividing line 7 shown by the solid line in FIG. 10). As a result, as shown in FIG. 10, the tablets 2 having one surface of the plurality of tablets 2 transported by the second transport belt 30 are parallel to the direction parallel to the dividing line 7 provided on the surface. The character string “ABCD” is printed on the surface of the tablet 2 by the second inkjet head 62.

  On the other hand, the control unit 3 is a tablet 2 in which one surface is the back surface of the plurality of tablets 2 conveyed by the second conveyance belt 30 (the second, fourth and fifth tablets from the left in the example of FIGS. In the case of 2), the second inkjet head 62 performs the back side printing process based on the back side printing data. Here, the print data for back side is the character data of "1234" similar to the above.

  Further, the control unit 3 causes the second inkjet head 62 to perform the back side printing process on the back surface of the tablet 2 along the same direction as the predetermined direction with respect to the dividing line 7 provided on the surface of the tablet 2. . In the present embodiment, the printing process is performed on the surface of the tablet 2 along the direction parallel to the dividing line 7, and also on the back surface of the tablet 2 along the direction parallel to the dividing line 7 on the surface side. The second inkjet head 62 performs a printing process. The image data acquired by the second dividing line camera 52 is subjected to image processing with respect to the direction of the dividing line 7 on the surface side of the tablet 2 of which the one side is the back side among the plurality of tablets 2 conveyed by the second conveying belt 30 Thus, the control unit 3 can recognize (the direction of the dividing line 7 shown by the dotted line in FIG. 10). As a result, as shown in FIG. 10, among the plurality of tablets 2 conveyed by the second conveyance belt 30, the tablets 2 whose one side is the back side are along the direction parallel to the dividing line 7 provided on the front side. The character string “1234” is printed on the back of the tablet 2 by the second inkjet head 62.

  Furthermore, based on the image data acquired by the third score line camera 53, the control unit 3 finely adjusts (corrects) the printing position of each tablet 2 by the second inkjet head 62. As described above, when the tablets 2 are delivered from the first conveyor belt 20 to the second conveyor belt 30, although the directionality of each tablet 2 is maintained, slight variations in position within the range of the adsorption holes Will occur. The control unit 3 detects the displacement of the position of each tablet 2 in the suction hole of the second conveyor belt 30 from the image data acquired by the third dividing line camera 53, and finely adjusts the printing position based on the detection result. To do. In this manner, the printing process on one side of the plurality of tablets 2 is performed.

  Next, the tablet 2 on which printing processing has been performed on one side is further transported by the second transport belt 30 and reaches a position facing the first inspection camera 71. The first inspection camera 71 captures an image of one side of the plurality of tablets 2 conveyed by the second conveyance belt 30, and images the result of the printing process on the one side of the plurality of tablets 2 by the second inkjet head 62. The first inspection camera 71 transmits the acquired image data to the control unit 3. The control unit 3 confirms the print processing result of the second inkjet head 62 on one surface of the plurality of tablets 2 based on the image data acquired by the first inspection camera 71 (step S11).

  Subsequently, the tablet 2 whose print processing result on one side has been inspected is further conveyed by the second conveyance belt 30 and reaches a position facing the second heater 77. The second heater 77 blows hot air to one surface of the plurality of tablets 2 conveyed by the second conveyance belt 30 to dry the plurality of tablets 2 (step S12). By performing such a drying process, it is possible to rapidly dry the ink discharged from the second inkjet head 62 to the plurality of tablets 2 and prevent bleeding.

  Next, the tablets 2 in five rows and one row dried by the second heater 77 are further transported by the second transport belt 30 and reach a position facing the third transport belt 40 in close proximity. At this time, the blowing mechanism of the second transport belt 30 blows air to the five suction holes where the tablets 2 in the 5 rows and 1 row are adsorbed and held, and the adsorption state for the tablets 2 in the 5 rows and 1 row is To release. On the other hand, negative pressure is applied to the suction holes of the third transport belt 40 at a position facing close to and facing the second transport belt 30. Therefore, the tablets 2 in five rows and one row whose suction state by the second conveyance belt 30 has been released are delivered from the suction holes of the second conveyance belt 30 to the suction holes of the third conveyance belt 40 and held by suction. It becomes. In order to reliably deliver the tablet 2 as described above, the control unit 3 equalizes the transport speed of the second transport belt 30 and the transport speed of the third transport belt 40, and the suction holes of both transport belts are accurate. Control is performed to synchronize the operation of both transport belts so as to face each other.

  When the tablets 2 are delivered from the second conveyor belt 30 to the third conveyor belt 40, the tablets 2 move as they are without rotation. That is, each tablet 2 is delivered from the second conveyor belt 30 to the third conveyor belt 40 while maintaining the direction of the dividing line 7.

  When the tablets 2 are delivered from the second conveyor belt 30 to the third conveyor belt 40, the tablets 2 are turned upside down. That is, in the second conveyance belt 30, the tablet 2 adsorbed and held with the surface on which the dividing line 7 is formed facing outward is adsorbed and held by the third conveyance belt 40 with the back surface facing outward. Conversely, the tablets 2 adsorbed and held with the back surface facing outward on the second conveyor belt 30 are adsorbed and held by the third conveyor belt 40 with the front surface facing outward. Therefore, each tablet 2 conveyed by the second conveyance belt 30 is turned upside down while maintaining its direction, and is delivered to the third conveyance belt 40 and conveyed (step S13).

  Subsequently, the second inspection camera 72 captures an image of the plurality of tablets 2 conveyed by the third conveyance belt 40. Similar to the first transport belt 20, the third transport belt 40 adsorbs and holds the plurality of tablets 2 with the other surfaces of the plurality of tablets 2 directed outward. Therefore, the second inspection camera 72 images the other side of the plurality of tablets 2 conveyed by the third conveyor belt 40, and images the result of the printing process on the other side of the plurality of tablets 2 by the first inkjet head 61. . The second inspection camera 72 transmits the acquired image data to the control unit 3. The control unit 3 confirms the print processing result of the first inkjet head 61 with respect to the other side of the plurality of tablets 2 based on the image data acquired by the second inspection camera 72 (step S14).

  Finally, the sorting process of the tablets 2 for which the inspection of both the front and back sides is finished is performed (step S15). The tablets 2 having no problem in the inspection results of both the front and back sides in step S11 and step S14, that is, the tablets 2 of non-defective product, are introduced into the non-defective product duct 48 by air blowing from the blow mechanism. The tablets 2 released to the non-defective product duct 48 are collected in the non-defective product recovery box 58. On the other hand, the tablet 2 having a problem in any of the inspection results on both the front and back sides, that is, the tablet 2 of the defective product is put into the defective product duct 46 by air blowing from the blow mechanism. The tablets 2 discharged to the defective product duct 46 are collected in the defective product box 56. As described above, the printing process on the tablet 2 in the tablet printing apparatus 1 is completed.

  In the present embodiment, based on the image data of the front and back sides of the plurality of tablets 2 acquired by the first score line camera 51 and the second score line camera 52, a predetermined direction with respect to the dividing line 7 of the surface of the tablet 2 The printing process for the front surface is performed along with the back surface printing process for the back surface of the tablet 2 along the same direction as the predetermined direction of the back surface. Therefore, the printing process can be performed in the same direction with respect to the dividing line 7 on both the front and back sides of the tablet 2.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, various modifications can be made to the present invention other than those described above without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, in each of the above embodiments, the printing process is performed on the front and back along the direction parallel to the dividing line 7 of the tablet 2. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. In the case of the above, it is possible to perform the printing process in any direction with respect to the dividing line 7.

  The reference of the printing process direction is not limited to the dividing line 7 but may be a mark for identifying the direction, for example, an arrow drawn on the surface of the tablet 2 It is good. If the mark can identify the direction, the same printing process as the above embodiment can be performed along the predetermined direction with respect to the mark.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the dividing line 7 was incised on the surface of the tablet 2, as mentioned above, only the surface of the side in which the dividing line 7 is provided for convenience is made into the surface, and the dividing line 7 The surface on the side provided may be the back surface.

  Further, the shape of the tablet 2 is not limited to the disk shape, and may be another shape such as a substantially elliptical shape or a rod shape. In this case, the suction holes of each transport unit correspond to the shape of the tablet 2.

  In the above embodiment, the tablets 2 are conveyed in units of five columns and one row, but the invention is not limited to this, and the tablets 2 may be conveyed in one row, The tablets 2 may be transported in a plurality of two or more rows.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the tablets 2 are classified into non-defective products or defective products based on the inspection results by the first score line camera 51 and the second score line camera 52, but the tablet printing apparatus 1 performs an inspection It is also possible to select a mode in which only print processing is performed. When such a mode is selected, all tablets 2 for which printing processing has been performed are introduced from the third conveyor belt 40 into the uninspected duct 47. The tablets 2 input to the uninspected duct 47 are collected in the uninspected box 57. Furthermore, a mode in which only inspection processing for untested tablets 2 may be set in the tablet printing apparatus 1.

  The tablet printing apparatus according to the present invention can be suitably used for printing on both the front and back sides of a tablet or the like of a pharmaceutical product in which a dividing line is formed.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 tablet printing apparatus 2 tablet 3 control part 7 dividing line 8 hopper 10 conveyance drum 20 1st conveyance belt 30 2nd conveyance belt 40 3rd conveyance belt 51 1st secant camera 52 2nd secant camera 53 3rd secant camera 61 1st inkjet Head 62 second inkjet head 71 first inspection camera 72 second inspection camera 76 first heater 77 second heater

Claims (5)

A tablet printing apparatus that performs a printing process on a tablet provided with a mark for identifying the direction only on the surface, of the front and back surfaces,
A transport mechanism for transporting the tablet;
A first imaging unit configured to image one surface of the tablet transported by the transport mechanism;
A second imaging unit configured to image the other surface of the tablet transported by the transport mechanism;
A first printing unit provided downstream of the first imaging unit and the second imaging unit along the transport direction by the transport mechanism and performing printing on the other surface of the tablet;
A second printing unit provided downstream of the first imaging unit and the second imaging unit along the transport direction by the transport mechanism and performing printing processing on one surface of the tablet;
A print control unit that controls the first print unit and the second print unit based on image data acquired by the first imaging unit and the second imaging unit;
Equipped with
The print control unit specifies the direction of the mark on each surface of the tablet based on the image data, and performs printing on the back surface of the tablet along a predetermined direction with respect to the mark. Control the first printing unit and the second printing unit;
The print control unit identifies the direction of the mark on each surface of the tablet based on the image data, and performs printing on the surface of the tablet in the same direction as the predetermined direction. A tablet printing apparatus characterized by controlling a first printing unit and the second printing unit. In the tablet printing apparatus according to claim 1,
The printing control unit is configured to perform the first surface printing process on each of the tablets to be transported, the other surface being the surface, of the transported tablets, based on the surface printing data, along the predetermined direction for the mark on the surface. For each tablet having the other side as the back side, the printing unit performs the back side printing process to the first printing unit along the same direction as the predetermined direction of the back side based on the back side printing data. Please,
The printing control unit performs the surface printing process on each of the tablets having one surface as a surface of the transported tablet, based on the surface printing data, along the predetermined direction with respect to the mark on the surface. The second printing unit performs the printing process for the back surface along the same direction as the predetermined direction of the back surface based on the printing data for the back surface, for each tablet in which the printing portion performs the back surface printing process. A tablet printing apparatus characterized in that In the tablet printing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
The tablet printing apparatus, wherein the predetermined direction is a direction parallel to the mark. The tablet printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The tablet printing apparatus, wherein the mark is a dividing line formed on the surface of the tablet. The tablet printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
It further comprises a third imaging unit provided between the first printing unit and the second printing unit along the conveyance direction by the conveyance mechanism, and detecting a displacement of the tablet conveyed by the conveyance mechanism.
The said printing control part adjusts the printing position with respect to each of the said tablet by the said 2nd printing part based on the said positional offset detected by the said 3rd imaging part, The tablet printing apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned.

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