JP2020081219A - Tablet printing device - Google Patents

Abstract

To print predetermined identification information along marks such as secant with high accuracy to both sides of the surface and back sides of tablets.SOLUTION: A first printing unit 201 prints identification information along a secant T1 of a tablet T to the surface or back side of the other side of the tablet T, based on the secant T1 of the tablet T imaged by a first imaging unit 101 and a second imaging unit 102 arranged just before an upstream side and image data concerning the position. A second printing unit 202 prints identification information along the secant T1 of the tablet T to the surface or back side of the one side of the tablet T, based on the secant T1 of the tablet T imaged by the second imaging unit 102 and a third imaging unit 103 arranged just before the upstream side and the image data concerning the position. Accordingly, predetermined identification information can be printed along the secant T1 of the tablet T with high accuracy to both sides of the surface and back side of the tablet T.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a tablet printing apparatus that prints predetermined identification information on the front and back surfaces of a tablet that has marks such as score lines on the front surface of the tablet.

In recent years, identification information about manufacturers, product categories, etc. is often printed on tablets such as pharmaceuticals and foods. This identification information is generally composed of alphabets, numbers, or symbols so that the dispensing pharmacy, the patient, or the consumer can know the type of tablet.

As a device for printing identification information on tablets in this way, a tablet printing device proposed by the present applicant is known (see Patent Document 1). This tablet printing apparatus includes a tablet carrying means for carrying a plurality of tablets, a tablet imaging means for introducing a tablet in a predetermined area during the transportation by the tablet carrying means, and a tablet imaging means for imaging the tablet in the area. Based on the image, the position and orientation of each of the tablets in the area, tablet information detection means for detecting tablet information including the front and back, and the tablet information detected by the tablet information detection means Based on the print pattern creating means for collectively creating a print pattern to be printed on the plurality of tablets in the area, and based on the print pattern created by the print pattern creating means, the area passed through the area. And a printing unit that prints on a plurality of tablets. This tablet printing apparatus can print identification information on tablets that are randomly supplied, and is known as a groundbreaking invention in the field of tablet printing.

By the way, in some cases, a score line is formed on the surface of the tablet for dividing the tablet into a plurality of parts. As a result, for example, in a dispensing pharmacy, tablets are divided according to a patient's prescription by dividing lines and packaged in a medicine bag. At this time, if the identification information is printed so as to cross the score line of the tablet, the identification information will be divided when the tablet is divided by the score line, and the identification information of the tablet can be recognized thereafter. There is a risk of disappearing.

Therefore, the applicant of the present invention detects the direction of the secant of the tablet surface by imaging the surface of the tablet with the imaging unit, and prints predetermined identification information on the surface of the tablet along the direction of the secant. It had been proposed (see Patent Document 2). According to this, the identification information is not printed so as to cross the score line of the tablet, and when the tablet is divided by the score line, it is possible to prevent the identification information from being divided.

Recently, it has been desired to print predetermined identification information not only on the front surface of the tablet where score lines are engraved, but also on the back surface where the tablet score lines are not engraved.

Japanese Patent No. 5469389 JP, 2013-013711, A

However, if the predetermined identification information is printed on the back surface of the tablet in a random orientation, some tablets may have the identification information printed across the score line of the tablet, and such a tablet is marked with the score line. There is a problem that the identification information on the back side is divided when the division is performed.

Further, when the identification information is printed not only on the front surface of the tablet but also on the back surface, the transport route becomes longer, the tablet needs to be inverted in the transport route, or the tablet needs to be transferred in the transport route. There is a risk that the position or direction of the tablet (direction of the plane direction) may be displaced due to such a situation, and the printing accuracy of the identification information on the tablet may be reduced.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and prints predetermined identification information along the marks such as the dividing lines with high accuracy on both the front and back surfaces of the tablet having marks such as dividing lines on the surface. It is an object of the present invention to provide a tablet printing apparatus that can do the above.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is a tablet printing apparatus for printing predetermined identification information on the front and back surfaces of a tablet having marks such as score lines on the front surface thereof, and a transport mechanism for transporting a plurality of tablets. A first imaging unit that images one surface of a plurality of tablets that are transported by the transport mechanism, and a plurality of tablets that are provided downstream of the first imaging unit and that are transported by the transport mechanism. When a second image pickup section for picking up an image of the direction and a second side of the tablet which is provided on the downstream side of the second image pickup section and which is conveyed by the conveying mechanism is a surface having marks such as score lines, When the surface identification information is printed on the surface of the tablet along the direction of the tablet mark based on the image data of the tablet mark captured by the image capturing unit, while the other surface of the tablet is the back surface. A first printing unit that prints back surface identification information on the back surface of the tablet along the direction of the tablet mark based on image data relating to the tablet mark imaged by the first imaging unit; A third image pickup unit which is provided on the downstream side of the first printing unit and which picks up an image of one surface of the tablets conveyed by the conveying mechanism; and a third image pickup unit which is provided on the downstream side of the third image pickup unit, When one surface of the tablet transported by the transportation mechanism is a surface having a mark such as a score line, the surface of the tablet is compared with the surface of the tablet based on the image data of the tablet image captured by the third image capturing unit. When the one side of the tablet is the back side while the identification information of the is printed along the direction of the tablet mark, the back side of the tablet is determined based on the image data regarding the mark of the tablet imaged by the second imaging unit. On the other hand, the second printing unit prints the identification information for the back surface along the direction of the mark of the tablet.

According to this, the first printing unit, based on the image data regarding the mark of the tablet imaged by the first imaging unit and the second imaging unit arranged on the upstream side, the other surface of the tablet or The identification information is printed on the back surface along the tablet mark, and the second printing unit is an image regarding the tablet mark imaged by the second imaging unit and the third imaging unit arranged on the upstream side. Based on the data, the identification information is printed on the front surface or the back surface of one side of the tablet along the mark of the tablet, so that the predetermined identification information is printed on the front and back sides of the tablet along the mark of the tablet. Can be printed. Moreover, the first printing unit uses the image data regarding the marks of the first imaging unit and the second imaging unit arranged immediately before, and the second printing unit uses the second imaging unit arranged immediately before. Since the image data regarding the mark of the third imaging unit is used, the influence on printing when the position or direction of the tablet is misaligned during the transportation process can be reduced, and the printing accuracy of the identification information on the tablet can be improved.

Further, when the other surface of the tablet is the front surface, the first printing unit, when the other surface of the tablet is the front surface, image data regarding the mark of the tablet imaged by the second imaging unit, and the tablet imaged by the second imaging unit similarly. It is preferable to print the identification information for the surface on the surface of the tablet along the direction of the mark of the tablet based on the image data regarding the position of. According to this, when the other surface of the tablet is the front surface, the first printing unit detects the direction of the tablet mark based on the image data regarding the tablet mark imaged by the second imaging unit. In addition, it is possible to detect the position of the tablet based on the image data regarding the position of the tablet that is also imaged by the second imaging unit. Therefore, even when the position of the tablet is displaced during the process of the tablet being conveyed to the second imaging unit, the identification information for the surface is accurately printed on the surface of the tablet along the direction of the mark of the tablet. can do.

In addition, when the other side of the tablet is the back side, the first printing unit displays the image data relating to the mark of the tablet imaged by the first imaging unit and the tablet imaged by the second imaging unit. It is preferable to print identification information for the back surface on the back surface of the tablet along the direction of the mark of the tablet based on the image data regarding the position. According to this, when the other surface of the tablet is the back surface, the first printing unit detects the direction of the tablet mark based on the image data regarding the tablet mark imaged by the first imaging unit. In addition, the position of the tablet can be detected based on the image data regarding the position of the tablet imaged by the second imaging unit. Therefore, even if the position of the tablet is displaced during the process of transporting the tablet to the second imaging unit, the back side identification information is accurately printed on the back side of the tablet along the direction of the tablet mark. can do.

Further, in the second printing unit, when one side of the tablet is a front surface, the image data regarding the mark of the tablet imaged by the third imaging unit and the tablet imaged by the third imaging unit are the same. It is preferable to print the identification information for the surface on the surface of the tablet along the direction of the mark of the tablet based on the image data regarding the position of. According to this, when one surface of the tablet is the front surface, the second printing unit detects the direction of the tablet mark based on the image data regarding the tablet mark imaged by the third imaging unit. In addition, the position of the tablet can be detected based on the image data regarding the position of the tablet imaged by the third imaging unit. Therefore, even if the position of the tablet shifts in the process of the tablet being conveyed to the third imaging unit, the identification information for the surface is accurately printed on the surface of the tablet along the direction of the mark of the tablet. can do.

In addition, when the one side of the tablet is the back side, the second printing unit displays the image data regarding the mark of the tablet imaged by the second imaging unit and the tablet imaged by the third imaging unit. It is preferable to print identification information for the back surface on the back surface of the tablet along the direction of the mark of the tablet based on the image data regarding the position. According to this, when the one side of the tablet is the back side, the second printing unit detects the direction of the tablet mark based on the image data regarding the tablet mark imaged by the second imaging unit. In addition, the position of the tablet can be detected based on the image data regarding the position of the tablet imaged by the third imaging unit. Therefore, even if the position of the tablet shifts in the process of the tablet being conveyed to the third imaging unit, the back side identification information is accurately printed on the back side of the tablet along the direction of the tablet mark. can do.

Further, a mechanism for reversing the front and back of the tablet may be provided in the tablet conveyance path between the first printing unit and the third imaging unit. According to this, since the first printing unit that prints one side of the tablet and the second printing unit that prints the other side of the tablet are arranged in the vertical direction, the device can be configured compactly. Become.

In addition, the transport mechanism includes a first transport unit that transports the tablet in a suspended state, and the first imaging unit is a lower surface of a plurality of tablets transported by the first transport unit. May be imaged. According to this, the one surface of the lower side of the tablet can be reliably imaged.

Further, the transport mechanism includes a second transport unit that is provided on the downstream side of the first transport unit and transports tablets in a mounted state, and the second imaging unit is the second transport unit. You may image the other surface of the upper side of the some tablet conveyed by. According to this, after imaging the lower one surface of the tablet, it is possible to reliably capture the other upper surface of the tablet.

Further, the transport mechanism includes a third transport unit that is provided on the downstream side of the second transport unit and transports the tablet in a placed state, and the third image capturing unit is the third transport unit. You may image one surface of the upper side of the some tablet conveyed by. According to this, the upper one surface of the tablet can be reliably imaged.

Further, an inspection image pickup unit may be provided for picking up an image of the tablet on which the predetermined identification information is printed for the inspection. According to this, it is possible to inspect tablets for cracks, chips, printing defects, and the like.

In addition, the first imaging unit, the second imaging unit, and the third imaging unit all image a plurality of tablets conveyed by the conveyance mechanism for each row in the width direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction. In addition to the line camera, the inspection imaging unit may be composed of a plurality of area cameras that image a plurality of tablets carried by the carrying mechanism for each row in the carrying direction. According to this, the position or direction of the plurality of tablets conveyed by the conveying mechanism is changed in the width direction by the first image pickup unit, the second image pickup unit, and the third image pickup unit, each of which is composed of one line camera. In addition to being able to detect with high accuracy collectively for each row, the inspection imaging unit, which is composed of multiple area cameras for each, inspects tablets for cracks, chips, printing defects, etc., for each row in the transport direction with high accuracy. be able to.

According to the present invention, the first printing unit is configured to detect the surface of the other surface of the tablet based on the image data regarding the tablet marks imaged by the first imaging unit and the second imaging unit arranged on the upstream side. Alternatively, the identification information is printed on the back surface along the tablet mark, and the second printing section relates to the tablet mark imaged by the second imaging section and the third imaging section arranged on the upstream side. Based on the image data, the identification information is printed on the front surface or the back surface of one side of the tablet along the tablet mark, so that the predetermined identification information is printed on the front and back surfaces of the tablet along the tablet mark. Can be printed. Moreover, the first printing unit uses the image data regarding the marks of the first imaging unit and the second imaging unit arranged immediately before, and the second printing unit uses the second imaging unit arranged immediately before. Since the image data regarding the mark of the third imaging unit is used, the influence on printing when the position or direction of the tablet is misaligned during the transportation process can be reduced, and the printing accuracy of the identification information on the tablet can be improved.

It is a schematic configuration diagram showing a tablet printing apparatus according to the present embodiment. It is a side view which shows the ceiling-mounted conveyor of the tablet printing apparatus of FIG. It is a top view which shows the ceiling-mounted conveyor of the tablet printing apparatus of FIG. It is an enlarged side view which shows the connection part of the multi-row distribution trough and ceiling suspension conveyor of the tablet printing apparatus of FIG. It is a top view which shows the surface of a tablet. It is a figure which shows the process of imaging and printing of a tablet. It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of the tablet printing apparatus of FIG. 6 is a first flowchart showing a tablet printing method. 6 is a second flowchart showing a tablet printing method.

Next, an embodiment of a tablet printing apparatus according to the present invention (hereinafter referred to as the present apparatus) will be described with reference to FIGS.

<Structure of transport related device>
As shown in FIG. 1, the present apparatus includes a base 1, a loading unit 2 provided on the upper portion of the base 1, and an upstream transport unit 3 provided below the loading unit 2 in the base 1. A downstream transport unit 4 provided below the upstream transport unit 3, a drying unit 5 provided below the downstream transport unit 4, and a control unit 6 for controlling each unit, As shown in FIG. 7, each unit is controlled by the control unit 6.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, a dividing line T1 for dividing the tablet T into halves is engraved on the surface of the tablet T. Further, the front surface of the tablet T means a surface on which the dividing line T1 of the tablet T is engraved, and the back surface of the tablet T means a surface on which the dividing line T1 of the tablet T is not engraved. Further, the one surface of the tablet T refers to the lower surface of the upstream transport unit 3 or the upper surface of the downstream transport unit 4 regardless of the front and back of the tablet T. The other surface of the tablet T refers to the upper surface of the upstream transport unit 3 or the lower surface of the downstream transport unit 4 regardless of the front and back of the tablet T.

The charging unit 2 includes a hopper 21 having a charging port 21a formed in an upper portion thereof. When a plurality of tablets T are charged from the charging port 21a into the hopper 21, the tablets T pass through the inside of the hopper 21. , And is discharged to the upstream transport unit 3.

The upstream transport unit 3 transports a plurality of tablets T loaded from the loading unit 2 in a predetermined direction (rightward in FIG. 1), and is arranged below the loading unit 2 in a multi-row distribution. The trough 31, the ceiling-mounted conveyor 32 (first conveyor) provided in front of the multi-row distribution trough 31 in the transportation direction, and the placement-type conveyor 33 (first in the transportation direction of the ceiling-mounted conveyor 32). 2), and the multi-row sorting trough 31, the ceiling-mounted conveyor 32, and the placement-type conveyor 33 are arranged side by side in the transportation direction.

The multi-row distribution trough 31 is arranged in such a manner that it gradually inclines downward toward the front in the transport direction, and the plurality of tablets T are gradually aligned in the width direction (depth direction in FIG. 1) orthogonal to the transport direction. While carrying.

The tablets T discharged from the charging section 2 to the multi-row distribution trough 31 are those in which the front surface on which the score line T1 is engraved and the back surface on which the score line T1 is not engraved are upward. There is a state in which items that are facing upwards are mixed, and thereafter, they are transported in that state.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the ceiling-mounted conveyor 32 includes a drive shaft 321 disposed in the front in the transport direction, a driven shaft 322 disposed in the rear in the transport direction, a drive shaft 321 and a driven shaft 322. A timing belt 323 wound around in an endless state is provided therebetween, and the timing belt 323 rotates counterclockwise in FIG. 1 when the drive shaft 321 rotates by its own axis by a drive motor (not shown).

As shown in FIG. 3, the timing belt 323 is composed of a plurality of elongated timing belt pieces 323a, and each timing belt piece 323a is arranged with a gap narrower than the width of the tablet T in the width direction. .. Then, the negative pressure chamber (not shown) sucks air from each gap of the timing belt piece 323a to suck the tablet T.

Thus, when the plurality of tablets T conveyed from the multi-row distribution trough 31 reach the ceiling-mounted conveyor 32, they are adsorbed to the timing belt 323 of the ceiling-mounted conveyor 32 in a ceiling-mounted state. It is delivered on the same plane and is conveyed forward in the conveying direction in accordance with the rotation of the timing belt 323 while maintaining its suspended state.

Note that, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, at the position in front of the multi-row distribution trough 31 in the transport direction and below the rear end of the ceiling-mounted conveyor 32, the self-axis is rotated clockwise in FIG. A rotating auxiliary roller 324 is provided. The auxiliary roller 324 is arranged such that the highest point on the peripheral surface is higher than the multi-row distribution trough 31 and lower than the ceiling-mounted conveyor 32. Therefore, the auxiliary roller 324 receives the plurality of tablets T from the multi-row distribution trough 31 on the peripheral surface, and then raises the tablets T on the peripheral surface in accordance with the rotation, and the auxiliary roller 324 at the highest point of the ceiling-mounted conveyor 32. It is delivered to the timing belt 323. Generally, the suction force is weak at the end portion of the ceiling-mounted conveyor 32, but the tablets T can be reliably delivered to the ceiling-mounted conveyor 32 by thus raising the tablets T by the auxiliary rollers 324. ..

The stationary conveyor 33 includes a reversing drum 331 arranged in the front in the conveying direction, a driven shaft 332 arranged in the rear in the conveying direction, and a timing belt wound endlessly between the reversing drum 331 and the driven shaft 332. 333, the timing belt 333 rotates clockwise in FIG. 1 when the reversing drum 331 rotates about its own axis by a drive motor (not shown).

Further, the timing belt 333 is composed of a plurality of elongated timing belt pieces, like the timing belt 323 of the ceiling-mounted conveyor 32, and each timing belt piece has a gap narrower than the width of the tablet T in the width direction. Are arranged. In the reversing drum 331, a negative pressure chamber (not shown) sucks air from the gap between the timing belts 333 to suck the tablets T.

An intermediate roller 334 is provided at the upper left position of the reversing drum 331, and the timing belt 333 delivered from the reversing drum 331 is lifted to the upper left position of the reversing drum 331 to move it below the placement type conveyor 33. A space for arranging each member such as a first imaging unit 101, a third imaging unit 103, a second printing unit 202, and a second inspection imaging unit 302, which will be described later, is formed.

Thus, when the plurality of tablets T conveyed from the ceiling-mounted conveyor 32 reach the placement-type conveyor 33, they are placed on the timing belt 333 of the placement-type conveyor 33 and received on the same plane. After being passed, it is conveyed forward in the conveying direction according to the rotation of the timing belt 333 while maintaining the mounted state. Then, the tablets T that have reached the reversing drum 331 are adsorbed to the timing belt 333 by a negative pressure chamber (not shown), and are conveyed downward in a state of being turned upside down according to the rotation of the reversing drum 331.

The downstream-side transport unit 4 receives the plurality of tablets T from the upstream-side transport unit 3 in an inverted state and transports the tablets T in a predetermined direction (leftward in FIG. 1). A ceiling-mounted conveyor 41 is provided.

The above-mentioned installation/ceiling-suspended conveyor 41 has an endless winding between the reversing drum 411 arranged at the front in the conveying direction, a driven shaft 412 arranged at the rear in the conveying direction, and between the reversing drum 411 and the driven shaft 412. The timing belt 413 is provided so that the timing belt 413 rotates counterclockwise in FIG. 1 when the reversing drum 411 rotates about its own axis by a drive motor (not shown).

Like the timing belt 323 of the ceiling-mounted conveyor 32, the timing belt 413 is also composed of a plurality of elongated timing belt pieces, and each timing belt piece is arranged with a gap narrower than the width of the tablet T in the width direction. Has been done. Then, in the reversing drum 411, a negative pressure chamber (not shown) sucks air from the gap between the timing belts 413 to suck the tablets T.

Thus, when the tablets T transported from the upstream-side transport unit 3 while being turned upside down reach the mounting/ceiling-type conveyor 41, the tablets T are transferred to the timing belt 413 of the mounting/ceiling-type conveyor 41. After being delivered in the manner of being placed, it is conveyed forward in the conveying direction according to the rotation of the timing belt 413 while maintaining the placed state. Then, the tablets T that have reached the reversing drum 411 are adsorbed to the timing belt 413 by the negative pressure chamber, are conveyed downward in a state of being turned upside down according to the rotation of the reversing drum 411, and then are directly suspended to the drying unit 5 to the drying unit 5. They are transported and delivered on the same plane.

In addition, a defective product discharge box 42 is provided below the front portion of the above-mentioned installation/ceiling-type conveyor 41 on the downstream side. As a result, the tablet T determined to be a defective product by the control unit 6 is moved downward by releasing the suction by the timing belt 413 in the process of being conveyed in the ceiling-suspended state on the mounting/ceiling-type conveyor 41. It falls and is discharged to the defective product discharge box 42.

The drying unit 5 receives a plurality of tablets T in a state in which the tablets T are turned upside down from the transport unit 4 on the downstream side, and dries while transporting the tablets T in a predetermined direction (right direction in FIG. 1). Yes, a mesh type conveyor 51 is provided.

The mesh type conveyor 51 includes a drive shaft 511 arranged at the front in the conveying direction, a driven shaft 512 arranged at the rear in the conveying direction, and a mesh wound endlessly between the drive shaft 511 and the driven shaft 512. 1, the mesh belt 513 rotates clockwise in FIG. 1 when the drive shaft 511 rotates by itself by a drive motor (not shown).

Thus, when the plurality of tablets T transported from the downstream-side transport unit 4 in a suspended state are reached on the mesh type conveyor 51, they are placed on the mesh belt 513 on the same plane. The sheet is delivered and is conveyed forward in the conveying direction according to the rotation of the mesh belt 513 while maintaining the placed state. At this time, the tablet T is blown with warm air by a heater (not shown) to dry the printed portions of the identification information on the front surface and the back surface.

A discharging section 7 is provided in front of the drying section 5 in the conveying direction, and the non-defective tablets T conveyed while being dried by the drying section 5 are discharged from the discharging section 7 to the outside of the apparatus.

<Configuration of imaging/printing-related device>
The upstream transport unit 3 includes a first image pickup unit 101 arranged below the ceiling-mounted conveyor 32, a second image pickup unit 102 arranged above the mountable conveyor 33 on the upstream side, and a mounting unit. The 1st printing part 201 arrange|positioned above the intermediate|middle part of the stationary conveyor 33, and the 1st imaging|photography part 301 for an inspection arrange|positioned above the downstream of the stationary conveyor 33 are each provided.

The first image capturing unit 101 captures an image of one surface of the tablet T conveyed by the ceiling-mounted conveyor 32 in a suspended state, which is exposed on the lower side of the tablet T. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6A, since the plurality of tablets T sequentially pass above the first imaging unit 101 in a row in the width direction, the first imaging unit 101 The one surface of the tablet T is imaged for each column, and the image data of the one surface of the tablet T is transmitted to the control unit 6. At this time, the first imaging unit 101 images the front surface on which the score line T1 is engraved or the back surface on which the score line T1 is not engraved, depending on the front and back states of the tablet T.

The second image capturing unit 102 captures an image of the other surface of the tablet T, which is conveyed by the mounting type conveyor 33 in a mounted state, exposed on the upper side of the tablet T. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6B, since the plurality of tablets T sequentially pass under the second image pickup unit 102 in a row in the width direction, the second image pickup unit 102 is The other surface of the tablet T is imaged for each column, and the image data of the other surface of the tablet T is transmitted to the control unit 6. At this time, the second image capturing unit 102 captures an image of the front surface on which the dividing line T1 is engraved, while the first image capturing unit 101 captures an image of the back surface on which the dividing line T1 is not engraved on the tablet T. For the tablet T of which the front surface on which the dividing line T1 is engraved is imaged by the first imaging unit 101, the back surface on which the dividing line T1 is not engraved is imaged. In addition, in FIG.6(b), the parting line T1 which the tablet T does not see is shown virtually by a broken line.

The first printing unit 201 prints predetermined identification information on the other surface of the tablet T according to a command from the control unit 6. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6C, since the plurality of tablets T sequentially pass below the first printing unit 201 in a line in the width direction, the first printing unit 201 Predetermined identification information is sequentially printed on the other surface of the tablet T row by row.

Specifically, as shown in the second, fourth, and fifth tablets T from the left in FIG. 6C, when the other surface of the tablet T is a surface having a secant T1, the control unit 6 An image of the position of the tablet T, which is also imaged by the second imaging unit 102, while detecting the direction of the secant T1 of the tablet T based on the image data of the secant T1 of the tablet T imaged by the second imaging unit 102. The position of the tablet T (for example, the position of the center of gravity) is detected based on the data. Then, the first printing unit 201, based on the direction of the dividing line T1 of the tablet T and the position of the tablet T detected by the control unit 6, identifies the front surface of the tablet T (for example, ABC). Is printed along the secant T1 of the tablet T. Thus, on the surface of the second, fourth, and fifth tablets T from the left in FIG. 6C, the identification information for the surface is printed in parallel to the dividing line T1 with a predetermined distance from the dividing line T1 of the tablet T. It will be in the state of being.

Further, as shown in the first and third tablets T from the left in FIG. 6C, when the other surface of the tablet T is the back surface having no secant T1, the control unit 6 causes the first image capturing unit 101 to operate. The direction of the secant T1 of the tablet T is detected based on the image data of the secant T1 on the other surface of the tablet T, which is imaged by, and based on the image data regarding the position of the tablet T, which is imaged by the second imaging unit 102. The position of the tablet T (for example, the position of the center of gravity) is detected. Then, the first printing unit 201, based on the direction of the dividing line T1 of the tablet T and the position of the tablet T detected by the control unit 6, identifies the back surface of the tablet T with identification information for the back surface (for example, 123). Is printed along the same direction as the dividing line T1 of the tablet T. Thus, on the back surface of the first and third tablets T from the left in FIG. 6C, the dividing line T1 is separated from the portion (dotted line) corresponding to the dividing line T1 of the tablet T by the back side with a predetermined distance. Will be printed in parallel with.

The first inspection imaging unit 301 images the other surface of the tablet T for the tablet T on which the predetermined identification information is printed by the first printing unit 201. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6C, a plurality of tablets T are sequentially passed under the first inspection imaging unit 301 in a row in the width direction. The imaging unit 301 images the other surface of the tablet T for each column, and transmits the image data of the other surface of the tablet T to the control unit 6. The image data of the other surface of the tablet T by the first inspection imaging unit 301 is used by the control unit 6 to inspect the printing state of the identification information on the other surface of the tablet T.

The downstream-side transport unit 4 is disposed above the third imaging unit 103, which is disposed above the loading/ceiling-type conveyor 41 on the upstream side, and above the intermediate portion of the loading/ceiling-type conveyor 41. Further, a second printing unit 202 and a second inspection imaging unit 302 arranged above the downstream side of the mounting/ceiling-type conveyor 41 are provided.

The third image capturing unit 103 captures an image of one surface of the tablet T conveyed by the mounting/ceiling-type conveyor 41 in a mounted state, which is exposed on the upper side of the tablet T. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6D, the plurality of tablets T sequentially pass below the third imaging unit 103 in a row in the width direction, so that the third imaging unit 103 The one surface of the tablet T is imaged for each column, and the image data of the one surface of the tablet T is transmitted to the control unit 6. At this time, the third imaging unit 103 images the front surface on which the dividing line T1 is engraved, while the second imaging unit 102 images the back surface on which the dividing line T1 is not engraved on the tablet T. For the tablet T of which the front surface on which the dividing line T1 is engraved is imaged by the second imaging unit 103, the back surface on which the dividing line T1 is not engraved is imaged. In addition, in FIG.6(d), the parting line T1 which the tablet T does not see is shown virtually by a broken line.

The second printing unit 202 prints predetermined identification information on one surface of the tablet T according to a command from the control unit 6. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6E, a plurality of tablets T are sequentially passed below the second printing unit 202 in a row in the width direction. Predetermined identification information is sequentially printed on the other surface of the tablet T row by row.

Specifically, as shown in the first and third tablets T from the left in FIG. 6E, when one surface of the tablet T is a surface having a secant T1, the control unit 6 controls the third imaging. The direction of the secant T1 of the tablet T is detected based on the image data of the secant T1 of the tablet T imaged by the unit 103, and based on the image data of the position of the tablet T also imaged by the third imager 103. Then, the position of the tablet T (for example, the position of the center of gravity) is detected. Then, the second printing unit 202, based on the direction of the dividing line T1 of the tablet T and the position of the tablet T detected by the control unit 6, identifies the surface of the tablet T (for example, ABC). Is printed along the direction of the secant T1 of the tablet T. Thus, on the surfaces of the first and third tablets T from the left in FIG. 6E, the identification information for the surface is printed in parallel to the secant line T1 with a predetermined distance from the secant line T1 of the tablet T. Becomes

Further, as shown in the second, fourth, and fifth tablets T from the left in FIG. 6E, when one surface of the tablet T is the back surface having no secant T1, the control unit 6 controls the second tablet. The direction of the secant T1 of the tablet T is detected based on the image data of the secant T1 of the tablet T captured by the image capturing unit 102, and the image data of the position of the tablet T captured by the third image capturing unit 103 is detected. Then, the position of the tablet T (for example, the position of the center of gravity) is detected. Then, the second printing unit 202, based on the direction of the dividing line T1 of the tablet T and the position of the tablet T detected by the control unit 6, identifies the back surface of the tablet T (for example, 123) for the back surface. Is printed along the same direction as the dividing line T1 of the tablet T. Thus, on the back surface of the second, fourth, and fifth tablets T from the left in FIG. 6(e), a predetermined distance is provided from the portion (dotted line) where the identification information for the back surface corresponds to the dividing line T1 of the tablet T. However, the printed state is parallel to the secant T1.

The second inspection imaging unit 302 images one surface of the tablet T of the tablet T on which predetermined identification information is printed by the second printing unit 202. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6E, a plurality of tablets T sequentially pass below the second inspection image pickup unit 302 in a row in the width direction, so that the second inspection The imaging unit 302 images one surface of the tablets T for each column, and transmits the image data of the one surface of the tablets T to the control unit 6. The image data of the one surface of the tablet T by the second image capturing unit 302 for inspection is used by the control unit 6 to inspect the printing state of the identification information on the one surface of the tablet T.

<Tablet printing method>
Next, a tablet printing method in this apparatus will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. In the following description, “step” is abbreviated as “S”.

First, when a plurality of tablets T are charged into the hopper 21 from the charging port 21a of the charging unit 2, the tablets T pass through the inside of the hopper 21 and are then discharged to the upstream transport unit 3 (S1).

Next, in the upstream transport unit 3, the plurality of tablets T loaded from the loading unit 2 are transported in a predetermined direction (rightward in FIG. 1).

Specifically, in the multi-row distribution trough 31, a plurality of tablets T are conveyed while being gradually aligned in the width direction (depth direction in FIG. 1) and then transferred to the ceiling-mounted conveyor 32 on the same plane. (S2).

Then, in the ceiling-mounted conveyor 32, the plurality of tablets T are adsorbed to the timing belt 323 in a ceiling-mounted state, and while being maintained in the ceiling-mounted state, they are transported forward in the transport direction according to the rotation of the timing belt 323, and then mounted. Delivered on the same plane to the stationary conveyor 33 (S3)

At this time, the first image capturing unit 101 captures an image of one surface of the tablet T, which is conveyed in a ceiling suspension state by the ceiling suspension conveyor 32, exposed on the lower side of the tablet T (S31).

Then, in the set-up type conveyor 33, a plurality of tablets T are placed on the timing belt 333, and while being kept in the placed state, they are conveyed forward in the conveying direction in accordance with the rotation of the timing belt 333, and then shown by the reversing drum 331. It is adsorbed to the timing belt 333 by a substantially negative pressure chamber, and is conveyed downward in a state of being turned upside down as the reversing drum 331 rotates (S4).

At this time, the second imaging unit 102 images the other surface of the tablet T that is conveyed by the mounting conveyor 33 in the mounted state, which is exposed on the upper side of the tablet T (S41).

Then, the first printing unit 201 prints predetermined identification information on the other surface of the tablet T based on a command from the control unit 6 (S42). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6C, the first printing unit 201 has one surface of the tablet T imaged by the first imaging unit 101 or the second imaging unit 102 or the other. On the basis of the image data of the direction, for the tablet T having the other surface as the front surface, the identification information for the surface (for example, ABC) is printed along the direction of the secant T1, and the tablet T having the other surface as the back surface is used. In contrast, the back side identification information (for example, 123) is printed along the same direction as the dividing line T1 of the tablet T.

Then, the first inspection imaging unit 301 images the other surface of the tablet T for the tablet T on which the predetermined identification information is printed by the first printing unit 201, and an image of the other surface of the tablet T. The data is transmitted to the control unit 6 (S43). The image data of the other surface of the tablet T by the first inspection imaging unit 301 is used by the control unit 6 to inspect the printing state of the identification information on the other surface of the tablet T.

Next, in the downstream-side transport unit 4, the plurality of tablets T are received from the upstream-side transport unit 3 in an inverted state and transported in the other direction (leftward in FIG. 1).

Specifically, in the placement/ceiling-type conveyor 41, a plurality of tablets T are delivered in a manner of being placed on the timing belt 413 of the placement/ceiling-type conveyor 41, and the placement state is maintained. Meanwhile, as the timing belt 413 rotates, it is transported forward in the transport direction. Then, the tablets T that have reached the reversing drum 411 are adsorbed to the timing belt 413 by the negative pressure chamber, are conveyed downward in a state of being turned upside down according to the rotation of the reversing drum 411, and are then conveyed as they are in a suspended state ( S5).

At this time, the third imaging unit 103 images one side of the plurality of tablets T received from the upstream-side transport unit 3 in the state of being turned upside down on the downstream mounting/ceiling-type conveyor 41. The image data of the one surface of the tablet T is transmitted to the control unit 6 (S51).

Then, the second printing unit 202 prints predetermined identification information on one surface of the tablet T based on a command from the control unit 6 (S52). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6( e ), the second printing unit 202 has the other surface or one side of the tablet T imaged by the second imaging unit 102 or the third imaging unit 103. Based on the image data of the direction, for the tablet T having one surface on the front side, the identification information for the surface (for example, ABC) is printed along the direction of the secant T1, and the tablet T having the one surface on the back side is printed. In contrast, the back side identification information (for example, 123) is printed along the same direction as the dividing line T1 of the tablet T.

Then, the second inspection imaging unit 302 images one surface of the tablet T of the tablet T on which the predetermined identification information is printed by the second printing unit 202, and image data of the one surface of the tablet T. Is transmitted to the control unit 6 (S53). The image data of the one surface of the tablet T by the second image capturing unit 302 for inspection is used by the control unit 6 to inspect the printing state of the identification information on the one surface of the tablet T.

Then, in the inspection of the printing state on the one surface and the other surface of the tablet T in S43 and S53, the tablet T that is determined to be a defective product by the control unit 6 is processed by the timing belt 413 in the process of being conveyed in the suspended state. When the suction is released, it falls down and is discharged to the defective product discharge box 42 (S54).

Next, in the drying unit 5, after the plurality of tablets T are transferred on the same plane from the downstream-side transport unit 4 onto the mesh belt 513 of the mesh type conveyor 51, the tablets T are placed on the same plane. While maintaining the state, the mesh belt 513 is conveyed forward in the conveying direction according to the rotation of the mesh belt 513. In the conveying process, warm air is blown by a heater (not shown) to dry the printed portions of the identification information on the front surface and the back surface (S6).

Next, in the discharging section 7 of the present apparatus, the non-defective tablets T that have been conveyed while being dried by the drying section 5 are discharged to the outside of the apparatus (S7).

According to this, the first printing unit 201 outputs image data relating to the secant T1 of the tablet T and the position of the tablet T imaged by the first imaging unit 101 and the second imaging unit 102 arranged on the upstream side. Based on this, the identification information is printed on the other surface or the back surface of the tablet T along the secant line T1 of the tablet T, and the second printing unit 202 causes the second image capturing unit 102 arranged on the upstream side. And, based on the image data regarding the secant line T1 and the position of the tablet T imaged by the third imaging unit 103, the identification information is printed on the front surface or the back surface of one surface of the tablet T along the secant line T1 of the tablet T. Therefore, predetermined identification information can be printed on both the front surface and the back surface of the tablet T along the secant line T1 of the tablet T. Moreover, the first printing unit 201 uses the image data relating to the dividing line T1 and the position of the tablet T of the first imaging unit 101 and the second imaging unit 102 arranged immediately before, and the second printing unit 202 immediately before. Since image data relating to the secant line T1 and the position of the tablet T of the second image pickup unit 102 and the third image pickup unit 103 arranged in the position is used, printing is performed when the position or direction of the tablet T is misaligned during the transportation process. The influence is reduced, and the printing accuracy of the identification information on the tablet T can be improved.

In this embodiment, one surface of the tablet T is imaged by transporting the tablet T in a suspended state, and the other surface of the tablet T is imaged by transporting the tablet T in a mounted state. However, as long as the one surface and the other surface of the tablet T can be imaged, the imaging method is not limited to this.

Further, as the order of imaging the one surface and the other surface of the tablet T, the one surface of the tablet T is imaged and then the other surface of the tablet T is imaged. However, the imaging order may be reversed.

Further, when printing is performed on the other surface of the tablet T by the first printing unit 201, the position of the tablet T is detected based on the image data regarding the position of the tablet T imaged by the second imaging unit 102. However, the position of the tablet T may be detected by another device.

Further, when printing on one surface of the tablet T by the second printing unit 202, the position of the tablet T is detected based on the image data regarding the position of the tablet T imaged by the third imaging unit 103. However, the position of the tablet T may be detected by another device.

In addition, the printing state of the identification information is inspected by imaging one surface and the other surface of the tablet T by the first inspection imaging unit 301 and the second inspection imaging unit 302. The inspection imaging unit 301 and/or the second inspection imaging unit 302 may not be provided.

Further, although the case where the dividing line T1 is engraved as the mark of the tablet T has been described, the case where other marks are provided may be used.

Further, although a plurality of tablets T are sequentially conveyed in a row in the width direction of the apparatus, the tablets T may be conveyed in a row in the conveyance direction.

In addition, the first imaging unit 101, the second imaging unit 102, and the third imaging unit 103 all have a plurality of tablets T conveyed by the conveying units 3 and 4 in a width direction orthogonal to the conveying direction. Each of the first inspection image pickup unit 301 and the second inspection image pickup unit 302 is configured by one line camera that picks up an image for each row of the tablets. It may be composed of a plurality of area cameras that capture images for each column. According to this, the plurality of tablets T transported by the transport units 3 and 4 by the first image capturing unit 101, the second image capturing unit 102, and the third image capturing unit 103 each including one line camera. The position or direction can be collectively detected for each row in the width direction with high accuracy, and the tablets can be detected by the first inspection imaging unit 301 and the second inspection imaging unit 302 each including a plurality of area cameras. It is possible to accurately inspect T columns for cracks, chips, printing defects, etc. for each row in the transport direction.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments. Various modifications and variations can be made to the illustrated embodiments within the same scope as the present invention or within an equivalent scope.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Base 2... Input part 21... Hopper 3... Upstream side conveyance part 31... Multi-row distribution trough 32... Ceiling-mounted conveyor 33... Stationary conveyor 4・・・Downstream side transport unit 41 ・・・Mounting/ceiling type conveyor 5 ・・・Drying unit 51 ・・・Mesh type conveyor 6 ・・・Control unit 7 ・・・Discharging unit 101 ・・・First Imaging unit 102... second imaging unit 103... third imaging unit 201... first printing unit 202... second printing unit 301... first inspection imaging unit 302... 2nd inspection imaging part T... tablet T1... secant

Claims (11)

A tablet printing apparatus for printing predetermined identification information on the front and back surfaces of a tablet having marks such as score lines on the surface,
A transport mechanism for transporting a plurality of tablets,
A first imaging unit that images one surface of a plurality of tablets transported by the transport mechanism;
A second imaging unit provided on the downstream side of the first imaging unit for imaging the other surface of the plurality of tablets transported by the transport mechanism;
When the other surface of the tablet, which is provided on the downstream side of the second imaging unit and is transported by the transport mechanism, is a surface having a mark such as a score line, it relates to the tablet mark captured by the second imaging unit. Based on the image data, the identification information for the front side is printed on the front side of the tablet along the direction of the mark of the tablet, while the other side of the tablet is the back side, the image is picked up by the first image pickup unit. A first printing unit that prints back surface identification information on the back surface of the tablet along the direction of the tablet mark based on image data relating to the tablet mark;
A third imaging unit provided on the downstream side of the first printing unit for imaging one surface of a plurality of tablets transported by the transport mechanism;
When the one surface of the tablet, which is provided on the downstream side of the third image capturing section and is transported by the transporting mechanism, is a surface having marks such as score lines, it relates to the tablet mark imaged by the third image capturing section. Based on the image data, the identification information for the front side is printed on the surface of the tablet along the direction of the mark of the tablet, and when one side of the tablet is the back side, the second image pickup unit takes an image. A tablet printing apparatus comprising: a second printing unit that prints back surface identification information on the back surface of the tablet along the direction of the tablet mark based on image data relating to the tablet mark. When the other surface of the tablet is the front surface, the first printing unit, when the other surface of the tablet is the surface, image data regarding the mark of the tablet imaged by the second imaging unit, and the position of the tablet imaged by the second imaging unit as well. The tablet printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the identification information for the surface is printed on the surface of the tablet along the direction of the mark of the tablet based on the image data regarding the tablet. When the other side of the tablet is the back side, the first printing unit relates to image data regarding the mark of the tablet imaged by the first imaging unit and the position of the tablet imaged by the second imaging unit. The tablet printing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the back surface identification information is printed on the back surface of the tablet along the direction of the mark of the tablet based on the image data. When the one surface of the tablet is the front surface, the second printing unit includes image data regarding the mark of the tablet imaged by the third imaging unit and the position of the tablet imaged by the third imaging unit. The tablet printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein identification information for the surface is printed on the surface of the tablet along the direction of the mark of the tablet based on the image data regarding. When one side of the tablet is the back side, the second printing unit relates to image data regarding the mark of the tablet imaged by the second imaging unit and the position of the tablet imaged by the third imaging unit. The tablet printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the back side identification information is printed on the back side of the tablet along the direction of the mark of the tablet based on the image data. The tablet printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a mechanism for reversing the front and back of the tablet is provided in the tablet transport path between the first printing unit and the third imaging unit. .. The transport mechanism includes a first transport unit that transports tablets in a suspended state,
7. The tablet printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first image capturing unit captures an image of one lower surface of a plurality of tablets transported by the first transporting unit. The transport mechanism includes a second transport unit that is provided on the downstream side of the first transport unit and transports tablets in a mounted state.
The tablet printing device according to claim 7, wherein the second imaging unit images the other upper surface of the plurality of tablets conveyed by the second conveying unit. The transport mechanism includes a third transport unit that is provided on the downstream side of the second transport unit and transports tablets in a placed state.
The tablet printing device according to claim 8, wherein the third imaging unit images one surface of an upper side of the plurality of tablets conveyed by the third conveying unit. The tablet printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising an inspection image pickup unit that picks up an image of a tablet on which predetermined identification information is printed for inspection. The first imaging unit, the second imaging unit, and the third imaging unit all image a plurality of tablets conveyed by the conveyance mechanism for each row in the width direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction. It consists of a line camera,
The tablet printing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the inspection image pickup unit includes a plurality of area cameras that image a plurality of tablets conveyed by the conveyance mechanism for each row in a conveyance direction.