JP7023216B2 - Tablet printing equipment - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a tablet printing apparatus that prints predetermined identification information on the front surface and the back surface of a tablet having a mark such as a score line on the surface of the tablet.

In recent years, identification information regarding 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, which allows dispensing pharmacies, patients or consumers to know the type of tablet.

As a device for printing identification information on a tablet as described above, a tablet printing device proposed by the present applicant is known (see Patent Document 1). This tablet printing device is introduced into a predetermined area during transportation by a tablet transporting means for transporting a plurality of tablets, a tablet imaging means for imaging tablets in the area, and a tablet imaging means for imaging. The tablet information detecting means for detecting the position and orientation of each of the plurality of tablets in the area, and also the tablet information including the front and back sides, and the tablet information detected by the tablet information detecting means based on the images obtained. Based on the print pattern creating means for collectively creating the print pattern to be printed on the plurality of tablets in the area and the print pattern created by the print pattern creating means, the area was passed through the area. It is provided with a printing means for printing on a plurality of tablets. According to this tablet printing apparatus, identification information can be printed on randomly supplied tablets, which is known as a pioneering invention in the field of tablet printing.

By the way, the surface of the tablet may be engraved with a score line for dividing the tablet into a plurality of pieces. As a result, for example, in a dispensing pharmacy, tablets are divided by a score line according to a patient's prescription and packaged in a drug bag. At this time, if the identification information is printed so as to straddle the score line of the tablet, the identification information is divided when the tablet is divided by the score line, and the tablet identification information can be recognized thereafter. There is a risk that it will disappear.

Therefore, the applicant can detect the direction of the score line on the surface of the tablet by imaging the surface of the tablet with the image pickup unit, and print predetermined identification information on the surface of the tablet along the direction of the score line. It was proposed (see Patent Document 2). According to this, the identification information is not printed so as to straddle 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 requested to print predetermined identification information not only on the front surface on which the score line of the tablet is engraved but also on the back surface on which the score line of the tablet is not engraved.

Japanese Patent No. 5469389 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2013-013711

However, when the predetermined identification information is printed on the back surface of the tablet in a random direction, some tablets have the identification information printed so as to straddle the score line of the tablet, and such a tablet is printed with the score line. When divided, there was a problem that the identification information on the back surface was divided.

Further, when printing the identification information not only on the front surface of the tablet but also on the back surface, the transport path becomes longer, the tablet needs to be inverted in the transport path, or the tablet needs to be transferred in the transport path. There is a possibility that the position and direction (direction in the plane direction) of the tablet may be deviated due to the presence of the tablet, and there is a problem that the printing accuracy of the identification information for the tablet is lowered.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and predetermined identification information is accurately printed along the marks such as secant lines on both the front surface and the back surface of the tablet having marks such as secant lines on the front surface. It is an object of the present invention to provide a tablet printing apparatus capable of printing.

The present invention is a tablet printing device that prints predetermined identification information on the front surface and the back surface of a tablet having a mark such as a split line on the front surface in order to achieve the above object, and is a transport mechanism for transporting a plurality of tablets. In addition to the first imaging unit that images one side of the plurality of tablets transported by the transport mechanism, and the plurality of tablets provided on the downstream side of the first image pickup unit and transported by the transport mechanism. When the other surface of the tablet provided on the downstream side of the second imaging unit for imaging the direction and the tablet transported by the transport mechanism is a surface having a mark such as a split line, the second image is taken. When the identification information for the front surface is printed on the front surface of the tablet along the direction of the mark of the tablet, while the other side of the tablet is the back surface, based on the image data regarding the mark of the tablet imaged by the imaging unit of the tablet. , The detection was performed based on the direction of the tablet mark detected based on the image data regarding the tablet mark imaged by the first imaging unit and the image data regarding the position of the tablet imaged by the second imaging unit. Based on the position of the center of gravity of the tablet, a first printing unit for printing identification information for the back surface of the tablet along the direction of the tablet mark and a downstream side of the first printing unit are provided. A third imaging unit that captures one side of a plurality of tablets transported by the transport mechanism and one side of the tablet provided on the downstream side of the third image pickup unit and transported by the transport mechanism are split lines and the like. In the case of a surface having the mark of, the image data regarding the tablet mark imaged by the third imaging unit is used as the basis for re-recognizing the image data regarding the tablet mark imaged by the first imaging unit. (Except for cases) , the identification information for the front surface is printed on the front surface of the tablet along the direction of the mark of the tablet, while when one side of the tablet is the back surface, the tablet imaged by the second imaging unit is performed. For the back surface with respect to the back surface of the tablet based on the direction detected based on the image data relating to the mark and the position of the center of gravity of the tablet detected based on the image data relating to the position of the tablet imaged by the third imaging unit . It is characterized by comprising a second printing unit for printing the identification information of the tablet along the direction of the mark of the tablet.

According to this, the first printing unit is the surface of the other side of the tablet or the surface of the tablet 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 identification information is printed on the back surface along the tablet mark, and the second printing unit is an image relating to the tablet mark imaged by the second imaging unit and the third imaging unit arranged on the upstream side. Based on the data, in order to print the identification information along the tablet mark on the front or back surface of the tablet, the predetermined identification information is printed along the tablet mark on both the front and back surfaces of the tablet. Can be printed. Moreover, the first printing unit uses the image data related to the marks of the first imaging unit and the second imaging unit arranged immediately before, and the second printing unit is the second imaging unit arranged immediately before. Since the image data related to the mark of the third image pickup unit is used, the influence on printing when the position or direction of the tablet is displaced during the transport process is reduced, and the printing accuracy of the identification information for the tablet can be improved.

Further, in the case where the other side of the tablet is the surface, the first printing unit includes image data regarding the mark of the tablet imaged by the second imaging unit and the tablet imaged by the second imaging unit. Based on the image data regarding the position of the tablet, 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. According to this, when the other side of the tablet is the 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. At the same time, 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 in the process of transporting the tablet to the second imaging unit, the identification information for the surface is printed accurately on the surface of the tablet along the direction of the mark of the tablet. can do.

Further, in the first printing unit, when the other side of the tablet is the back surface, the image data regarding the mark of the tablet imaged by the first image pickup unit and the tablet imaged by the second image pickup unit. Based on the image data regarding the position, it is preferable to print the identification information for the back surface on the back surface of the tablet along the direction of the mark of the tablet. According to this, when the other side 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. At the same time, 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 in the process of transporting the tablet to the second imaging unit, the identification information for the back surface is printed accurately on the back surface of the tablet along the direction of the mark of the tablet. can do.

Further, in the second printing section, when one side of the tablet is the surface, the image data regarding the mark of the tablet imaged by the third image pickup unit and the tablet imaged by the third image pickup section are also used. Based on the image data regarding the position of the tablet, 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. According to this, when one side of the tablet is the 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. At the same time, 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 is displaced in the process of transporting the tablet to the third imaging unit, the identification information for the surface is printed accurately on the surface of the tablet along the direction of the mark of the tablet. can do.

Further, in the second printing unit, when one side of the tablet is the back surface, the image data regarding the mark of the tablet imaged by the second image pickup unit and the tablet imaged by the third image pickup unit. Based on the image data regarding the position, it is preferable to print the identification information for the back surface on the back surface of the tablet along the direction of the mark of the tablet. According to this, when one side of the tablet is the back surface, 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. At the same time, 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 is displaced in the process of transporting the tablet to the third imaging unit, the identification information for the back surface is printed accurately on the back surface of the tablet along the direction of the mark of the tablet. can do.

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

Further, the transport mechanism includes a first transport unit for transporting the tablets in a ceiling-suspended state, and the first image pickup unit is a lower one surface of a plurality of tablets transported by the first transport unit. May be imaged. According to this, one side of the lower side of the tablet can be reliably imaged.

Further, the transport mechanism is provided on the downstream side of the first transport unit and includes a second transport unit that transports the tablet in a placed state, and the second image pickup unit is the second transport unit. The other side of the upper side of the plurality of tablets conveyed by the tablet may be imaged. According to this, it is possible to reliably image the other side of the upper side of the tablet after the image of one side of the lower side of the tablet is performed.

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

Further, an inspection imaging unit for imaging a tablet on which predetermined identification information is printed may be provided for inspection. According to this, it is possible to inspect tablets for cracking, chipping, printing defects, and the like.

Further, the first imaging unit, the second imaging unit, and the third imaging unit all image a plurality of tablets transported by the transport mechanism for each row in the width direction orthogonal to the transport direction. The inspection imaging unit may be composed of a plurality of area cameras that image a plurality of tablets transported by the transport mechanism for each row in the transport direction. According to this, the positions or directions of a plurality of tablets transported by the transport mechanism are set 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 each row with high accuracy, cracks, chips, printing defects, etc. of tablets are inspected accurately for each row in the transport direction by the inspection imaging unit consisting of multiple area cameras. be able to.

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

It is a block diagram which shows the tablet printing apparatus which concerns on this 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 of the tablet printing apparatus of FIG. 1 and the ceiling-mounted conveyor. 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 structure of the tablet printing apparatus of FIG. It is a 1st flowchart which shows the tablet printing method. It is a 2nd flowchart which shows the tablet printing method.

Next, an embodiment of the tablet printing apparatus (hereinafter referred to as the present apparatus) according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9.

<Configuration of transport-related equipment>
As shown in FIG. 1, the present apparatus includes a base 1, a charging unit 2 provided on the upper part of the base 1, and an upstream transport unit 3 provided below the charging 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 are provided. As shown in FIG. 7, each unit is controlled by the control unit 6.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, a score line T1 for dividing the tablet T in half is engraved on the surface of the tablet T. The front surface of the tablet T is the surface on which the secant line T1 of the tablet T is engraved, and the back surface of the tablet T is the surface on which the secant line T1 of the tablet T is not engraved. Further, one side of the tablet T means the lower surface of the transport portion 3 on the upstream side or the upper surface of the transport portion 4 on the downstream side regardless of the front and back surfaces of the tablet T. Further, the other surface of the tablet T means the upper surface of the transport unit 3 on the upstream side or the lower surface of the transport unit 4 on the downstream side regardless of the front and back surfaces of the tablet T.

The loading section 2 includes a hopper 21 having a loading port 21a formed in the upper portion. When a plurality of tablets T are loaded into the hopper 21 from the loading port 21a, the tablets T pass through the inside of the hopper 21. , Is discharged to the transport unit 3 on the upstream side.

The transport unit 3 on the upstream side transports a plurality of tablets T loaded from the loading unit 2 in a predetermined direction (right direction in FIG. 1), and is provided in the lower part of the loading unit 2 for multi-row distribution. The trough 31, the ceiling-mounted conveyor 32 (first transport section) provided in front of the transport direction of the multi-row distribution trough 31, and the mounted conveyor 33 (first) provided in front of the transport direction of the ceiling-mounted conveyor 32. The multi-row distribution trough 31, the ceiling-mounted conveyor 32, and the mounted conveyor 33 are arranged side by side along the transport direction.

The multi-row distribution trough 31 is arranged so as to be gently inclined downward toward the front in the transport direction, and a plurality of tablets T are gradually aligned in the width direction (depth direction in FIG. 1) orthogonal to the transport direction. While transporting.

The plurality of tablets T discharged from the charging section 2 to the multi-row distribution trough 31 have a front surface on which the secant line T1 is engraved faces upward and a back surface on which the secant line T1 is not engraved. Those facing upward are in a mixed state, and after that, they are transported in that state.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the ceiling-mounted conveyor 32 includes a drive shaft 321 arranged in front of the transport direction, a driven shaft 322 arranged in the rear of the transport direction, and a drive shaft 321 and a driven shaft 322. A timing belt 323 wound in an endless state is provided between the timing belts 323, and the drive shaft 321 is rotated on its own axis by a drive motor (not shown), so that the timing belt 323 rotates counterclockwise in FIG.

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 in the width direction with a gap narrower than the width of the tablet T. .. Then, the tablet T is adsorbed by sucking air from each gap of the timing belt piece 323a by a negative pressure chamber (not shown).

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

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the self-axis is clockwise in FIG. 1 at a position in front of the transport direction of the multi-row distribution trough 31 and below the rear end portion of the ceiling-mounted conveyor 32. A rotating auxiliary roller 324 is provided. The auxiliary roller 324 is arranged so that the uppermost point of 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 a plurality of tablets T on the peripheral surface from the multi-row distribution trough 31, and then lifts the tablets T on the peripheral surface according to the rotation. Hand over to the timing belt 323. Generally, the end of the ceiling-mounted conveyor 32 has a weak suction force, but by holding the tablet T in a state of being lifted by the auxiliary roller 324 in this way, the tablet T can be reliably delivered to the ceiling-mounted conveyor 32. ..

The above-mentioned stationary conveyor 33 includes a reversing drum 331 arranged in the front in the transport direction, a driven shaft 332 arranged in the rear in the transport direction, and a timing belt wound endlessly between the reversing drum 331 and the driven shaft 332. The timing belt 333 is rotated clockwise in FIG. 1 by rotating the reversing drum 331 on 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. Is arranged. Then, in the reversing drum 331, the tablet T is adsorbed by sucking air from the gap of the timing belt 333 by a negative pressure chamber (not shown).

An intermediate roller 334 is provided at the upper left position of the reversing drum 331, and the timing belt 333 sent out from the reversing drum 331 is lifted to the upper left of the reversing drum 331 to be below the stationary conveyor 33. A space is formed in which each member such as the first image pickup unit 101, the third image pickup unit 103, the second printing unit 202, and the second inspection image pickup unit 302, which will be described later, is arranged.

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

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

The previously described stationary / ceiling suspension type conveyor 41 winds endlessly between the reversing drum 411 arranged in the front in the transport direction, the driven shaft 412 arranged in the rear in the transport direction, and the reversing drum 411 and the driven shaft 412. The timing belt 413 is provided with a mounted timing belt 413, and the timing belt 413 is rotated counterclockwise in FIG. 1 by rotating the reversing drum 411 on 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, the tablet T is adsorbed by sucking air from the gap of the timing belt 413 by a negative pressure chamber (not shown).

Therefore, when the tablet T transported from the upstream side transport unit 3 while being turned upside down reaches the mounting / ceiling suspension type conveyor 41, it is attached to the timing belt 413 of the mounting / ceiling suspension type conveyor 41. After being delivered in a manner of being mounted, the belt is conveyed forward in the transport direction according to the rotation of the timing belt 413 while maintaining the mounted state. Then, the tablet T that has reached the reversing drum 411 is attracted to the timing belt 413 by the negative pressure chamber, is conveyed downward in a state of being turned upside down according to the rotation of the reversing drum 411, and then is suspended from the ceiling to the drying portion 5. It is transported and delivered on the same plane.

A defective product discharge box 42 is provided below the front portion of the previously described / ceiling-suspended conveyor 41 on the downstream side. As a result, the tablet T determined to be defective by the control unit 6 is released downward by the timing belt 413 in the process of being transported in the ceiling-suspended state on the mounting / ceiling-suspended conveyor 41. It falls and is discharged to the defective product discharge box 42.

The drying unit 5 receives a plurality of tablets T from the transport unit 4 on the downstream side in an inverted state, and dries the tablets T while transporting the plurality of tablets T in a predetermined direction (right direction in FIG. 1). Yes, it is equipped with a mesh type conveyor 51.

The mesh type conveyor 51 has a drive shaft 511 arranged in the front in the transport direction, a driven shaft 512 arranged in the rear in the transport direction, and a mesh wound endlessly between the drive shaft 511 and the driven shaft 512. A belt 513 is provided, and the mesh belt 513 rotates clockwise in FIG. 1 when the drive shaft 511 rotates on its own axis by a drive motor (not shown).

Thus, when the plurality of tablets T transported from the downstream transport unit 4 in a ceiling-suspended state reach the mesh type conveyor 51, they are placed on the mesh belt 513 on the same plane. It is delivered and conveyed forward in the transport direction according to the rotation of the mesh belt 513 while maintaining its mounted 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 discharge unit 7 is provided in front of the drying unit 5 in the transport direction, and the non-defective tablet T that has been transported while being dried by the drying unit 5 is discharged from the discharge unit 7 to the outside of the device.

<Configuration of imaging / printing related equipment>
The upstream side transport unit 3 is mounted on a first image pickup unit 101 arranged below the ceiling-mounted conveyor 32 and a second image pickup unit 102 arranged above the upstream side of the mounted conveyor 33. A first printing unit 201 arranged above the intermediate portion of the stationary conveyor 33 and a first inspection imaging unit 301 arranged above the downstream side of the stationary conveyor 33 are provided, respectively.

The first image pickup unit 101 takes an image of one side of the tablet T, which is conveyed in a ceiling-suspended state by the ceiling-suspended conveyor 32, exposed to the lower side of the tablet T. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6A, since a plurality of tablets T sequentially pass in a row in the width direction above the first image pickup unit 101, the first image pickup unit 101 One side of the tablet T is imaged for each row, and the image data of the one side 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 secant line T1 is engraved or the back surface on which the secant line T1 is not engraved, depending on the front and back states of the tablet T.

The second image pickup unit 102 images the other surface of the tablet T, which is conveyed in a mounted state by the mounting conveyor 33, exposed on the upper side of the tablet T. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6B, since a plurality of tablets T sequentially pass in a row in the width direction below the second image pickup unit 102, the second image pickup unit 102 The other side of the tablet T is imaged for each row, and the image data of the other side of the tablet T is transmitted to the control unit 6. At this time, the second imaging unit 102 images the front surface on which the secant line T1 is engraved for the tablet T whose back surface is imaged by the first imaging unit 101 on which the secant line T1 is not engraved. For the tablet T on which the front surface on which the secant line T1 is engraved is imaged by the first imaging unit 101, the back surface on which the secant line T1 is not engraved is imaged. In FIG. 6B, the invisible secant line T1 of the tablet T is virtually shown by a broken line.

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

Specifically, as shown in the second, fourth, and fifth tablets T from the left in FIG. 6 (c), when the other surface of the tablet T is a surface having a secant line T1, the control unit 6 is the first. Based on the image data regarding the score line T1 of the tablet T imaged by the image pickup unit 102 of 2, the direction of the score line T1 of the tablet T is detected, and the image regarding the position of the tablet T also imaged by the second image pickup unit 102. Based on the data, the position of the tablet T (for example, the position of the center of gravity) is detected. Then, the first printing unit 201 has identification information (for example, ABC) for the surface of the tablet T with respect to the surface of the tablet T based on the direction of the score line T1 of the tablet T detected by the control unit 6 and the position of the tablet T. Is printed along the score line T1 of the tablet T. Thus, on the surface of the second, fourth, and fifth tablet T from the left in FIG. 6 (c), the identification information for the surface is printed parallel to the secant T1 at a predetermined distance from the secant T1 of the tablet T. It will be in the state of being printed.

Further, as shown in the first and third tablets T from the left in FIG. 6 (c), when the other surface of the tablet T is the back surface having no secant line T1, the control unit 6 is the first image pickup unit 101. Based on the image data regarding the score line T1 on the other side of the tablet T imaged by, the direction of the score line T1 of the tablet T is detected, and based on the image data regarding the position 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. Then, the first printing unit 201 has identification information for the back surface (for example, 123) with respect to the back surface of the tablet T based on the direction of the score line T1 of the tablet T detected by the control unit 6 and the position of the tablet T. Is printed along the same direction as the score 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 score line T1 is separated from the site (dotted line) where the identification information for the back surface corresponds to the score line T1 of the tablet T. It will be printed in parallel with.

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

The transport unit 4 on the downstream side is arranged above the intermediate portion between the third image pickup unit 103 arranged above the upstream side of the mounting / ceiling type conveyor 41 and the mounting / ceiling type conveyor 41. A second printing unit 202 and a second inspection image pickup unit 302 arranged above the downstream side of the mounted / ceiling conveyor 41 are provided.

The third image pickup unit 103 takes an image of one side of the tablet T, which is conveyed in a mounted state by the mounting / ceiling-suspended conveyor 41, exposed on the upper side of the tablet T. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6D, since a plurality of tablets T sequentially pass in a row in the width direction below the third image pickup unit 103, the third image pickup unit 103 has a third image pickup unit 103. One side of the tablet T is imaged for each row, and the image data of the one side 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 secant line T1 is engraved for the tablet T whose back surface is imaged by the second imaging unit 102 on which the secant line T1 is not engraved. For the tablet T on which the front surface on which the secant line T1 is engraved is imaged by the second imaging unit 103, the back surface on which the secant line T1 is not engraved is imaged. In FIG. 6D, the invisible secant line T1 of the tablet T is virtually shown by a broken line.

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

Specifically, as shown in the first and third tablets T from the left in FIG. 6 (e), when one side of the tablet T is a surface having a secant line T1, the control unit 6 receives a third image. Based on the image data regarding the score line T1 of the tablet T imaged by the unit 103, the direction of the score line T1 of the tablet T is detected, and based on the image data regarding the position of the tablet T also imaged by the third image pickup unit 103. The position of the tablet T (for example, the position of the center of gravity) is detected. Then, the second printing unit 202 provides identification information (for example, ABC) for the surface of the tablet T with respect to the surface of the tablet T based on the direction of the score line T1 of the tablet T detected by the control unit 6 and the position of the tablet T. Is printed along the direction of the score line T1 of the tablet T. Thus, on the surface of the first and third tablets T from the left in FIG. 6 (e), the identification information for the surface is printed in parallel with the secant T1 at a predetermined distance from the secant T1 of the tablet T. It becomes.

Further, as shown in the second, fourth and fifth tablets T from the left in FIG. 6 (e), when one side of the tablet T is the back surface having no secant line T1, the control unit 6 has a second surface. Based on the image data regarding the score line T1 of the tablet T imaged by the image pickup unit 102, the direction of the score line T1 of the tablet T is detected, and based on the image data regarding the position of the tablet T imaged by the third image pickup unit 103. The position of the tablet T (for example, the position of the center of gravity) is detected. Then, the second printing unit 202 provides identification information for the back surface of the tablet T with respect to the back surface of the tablet T (for example, 123) based on the direction of the score line T1 of the tablet T detected by the control unit 6 and the position of the tablet T. Is printed along the same direction as the score line T1 of the tablet T. Thus, on the back surface of the second, fourth, and fifth tablet T from the left in FIG. 6 (e), the identification information for the back surface is separated from the site (dotted line) corresponding to the score line T1 of the tablet T by a predetermined distance. However, it is in a state of being printed in parallel with the dotted line T1.

The second inspection imaging unit 302 images one side of the tablet T with respect to 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, since a plurality of tablets T sequentially pass in a row in the width direction below the second inspection imaging unit 302, the second inspection is performed. The image pickup unit 302 takes an image of one side of the tablet T for each row, and transmits the image data of the one side of the tablet T to the control unit 6. The image data of one side of the tablet T by the second inspection imaging unit 302 is used by the control unit 6 to inspect the printed state of the identification information on one side of the tablet T.

<Tablet printing method>
Next, a method of printing tablets 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 then are discharged to the transport unit 3 on the upstream side (S1).

Next, in the transport unit 3 on the upstream side, the plurality of tablets T loaded from the loading unit 2 are transported in a predetermined direction (right direction 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 delivered to the ceiling-mounted conveyor 32 on the same plane. (S2).

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

At this time, the first image pickup unit 101 takes an image of one side of the tablet T transported in a ceiling-suspended state by the ceiling-suspended conveyor 32, which is exposed to the lower side of the tablet T (S31).

Then, in the above-mentioned stationary conveyor 33, a plurality of tablets T are placed on the timing belt 333, and while maintaining the placed state, they are conveyed forward in the conveying direction according to the rotation of the timing belt 333, and then illustrated by the reversing drum 331. It is attracted to the timing belt 333 by a substantially negative pressure chamber, and is conveyed downward in a state of being inverted upside down according to the rotation of the inversion drum 331 (S4).

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

Then, the first printing unit 201 prints predetermined identification information on the other side of the tablet T based on the command from the control unit 6 (S42). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6C, the first printing unit 201 is one side or the other of the tablet T imaged by the first imaging unit 101 or the second imaging unit 102. Based on the image data in the direction, the identification information for the front surface (for example, ABC) is printed along the direction of the split line T1 for the tablet T having the front surface on the other side, and the tablet T having the back surface on the other side. The identification information for the back surface (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 side of the tablet T with respect to the tablet T on which the predetermined identification information is printed by the first printing unit 201, and the image of the other surface of the tablet T is taken. Data is transmitted to the control unit 6 (S43). The image data of the other side of the tablet T by the first inspection imaging unit 301 is used by the control unit 6 to inspect the printed state of the identification information on the other side of the tablet T.

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

Specifically, in the mounting / ceiling-suspended conveyor 41, a plurality of tablets T are delivered in such a manner that they are mounted on the timing belt 413 of the mounting / ceiling-suspended conveyor 41, and the mounted state is maintained. While doing so, it is conveyed forward in the conveying direction according to the rotation of the timing belt 413. Then, the tablet T that has reached the reversing drum 411 is attracted to the timing belt 413 by the negative pressure chamber, is transported downward in a state of being turned upside down according to the rotation of the reversing drum 411, and then is transported in a ceiling-suspended state as it is (. S5).

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

Then, the second printing unit 202 prints predetermined identification information on one side of the tablet T based on a command from the control unit 6 (S52). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6E, the second printing unit 202 is the other side or one of the tablet T imaged by the second imaging unit 102 or the third imaging unit 103. Based on the image data in the direction, the identification information for the front surface (for example, ABC) is printed along the direction of the split line T1 for the tablet T having one side on the front surface, and the tablet T having one side on the back surface. The identification information for the back surface (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 side of the tablet T with respect to the tablet T on which the predetermined identification information is printed by the second printing unit 202, and the image data of the one side of the tablet T is taken. Is transmitted to the control unit 6 (S53). The image data of one side of the tablet T by the second inspection imaging unit 302 is used by the control unit 6 to inspect the printed state of the identification information on one side of the tablet T.

Then, when the printing state of the tablets T of S43 and S53 is inspected on one side and the other side, the tablet T determined to be a defective product by the control unit 6 is transported by the timing belt 413 in the ceiling-suspended state. When the adsorption is released, it falls downward and is discharged to the defective product discharge box 42 (S54).

Next, in the drying unit 5, a plurality of tablets T are delivered on the same plane from the transport unit 4 on the downstream side in a manner of being placed on the mesh belt 513 of the mesh type conveyor 51, and then placed therefor. While maintaining the state, it is conveyed forward in the transfer direction according to the rotation of the mesh belt 513, and in the transfer 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 discharge unit 7 of the present device, the non-defective tablet T that has been transported while being dried by the drying unit 5 is discharged to the outside of the device (S7).

According to this, the first printing unit 201 is used for image data regarding the positions of the dividing line T1 and the tablet T 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 along the dividing line T1 of the tablet T on the front surface or the back surface of the other surface of the tablet T, and the second printing unit 202 is the second imaging unit 102 arranged on the upstream side. Based on the image data regarding the tablet T's dividing line T1 and the position imaged by the third imaging unit 103, identification information is printed along the tablet T's dividing line T1 on the front surface or the back surface of one side of the tablet T. Therefore, predetermined identification information can be printed along the dividing line T1 of the tablet T on both the front surface and the back surface of the tablet T. Moreover, the first printing unit 201 uses the image data regarding the allocation 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 the image data regarding the split 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 above is used, the printing is performed when the position or direction of the tablet T is deviated during the transport process. The influence is reduced, and the printing accuracy of the identification information for the tablet T can be improved.

In the present embodiment, one side of the tablet T is imaged by transporting the tablet T in a ceiling-suspended state, and the other side of the tablet T is imaged by transporting the tablet T in a mounted state. However, the present invention is not limited to this imaging method as long as it can image one side and the other side of the tablet T.

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

Further, when printing on the other side 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 side 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.

Further, the printing state of the identification information is inspected by imaging one side and the other side of the tablet T by the first inspection imaging unit 301 and the second inspection imaging unit 302. It is not necessary to provide the inspection imaging unit 301 and / or the second inspection imaging unit 302.

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

Further, although the plurality of tablets T are sequentially transported in a row in the width direction of the present apparatus, the tablets T may be transported in a row in the transport direction.

Further, the first image pickup unit 101, the second image pickup unit 102, and the third image pickup unit 103 all carry a plurality of tablets T transported by the transport units 3 and 4 in a width direction orthogonal to the transport direction. The first inspection image pickup unit 301 and the second inspection image pickup unit 302 are composed of one line camera that captures images for each row, and the first inspection image pickup unit 301 and the second inspection image pickup unit 302 carry a plurality of tablets T conveyed by the transfer mechanism in the transfer direction. It may be composed of a plurality of area cameras that capture images in each row. According to this, a plurality of tablets T transported by the transport units 3 and 4 by the first image pickup unit 101, the second image pickup unit 102, and the third image pickup unit 103, each of which is composed of one line camera. The position or direction can be collectively detected for each row in the width direction with high accuracy, and the tablet can be detected by the first inspection image pickup unit 301 and the second inspection image pickup unit 302 composed of a plurality of area cameras, respectively. Cracks, chips, printing defects, etc. of T can be inspected accurately 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 those of the illustrated embodiments. Various modifications and modifications can be made to the illustrated embodiments within the same range as the present invention or within the same range.

1 ... Base 2 ... Input section 21 ... Hopper 3 ... Upstream transfer section 31 ... Multi-row distribution trough 32 ... Ceiling-mounted conveyor 33 ... Mounted conveyor 4 ... Downstream transport unit 41 ... Mounted / ceiling-mounted conveyor 5 ... Drying unit 51 ... Mesh type conveyor 6 ... Control unit 7 ... Discharge 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 ... Second inspection imaging unit T ... Tablet T1 ... Split line

Claims (7)

A tablet printing device that prints predetermined identification information on the front and back surfaces of a tablet having a mark such as a score line on the front surface.
A transport mechanism that transports multiple tablets and
A first image pickup unit that images one side of a plurality of tablets transported by the transfer mechanism, and a first image pickup unit.
A second image pickup unit provided on the downstream side of the first image pickup unit and capturing the other surface of the plurality of tablets conveyed by the transfer mechanism, and a second image pickup unit.
When the other surface of the tablet provided on the downstream side of the second image pickup unit and conveyed by the transfer mechanism is a surface having a mark such as a split line, the tablet mark imaged by the second image pickup unit is concerned. Based on the image data, the identification information for the front surface is printed on the front surface of the tablet along the direction of the mark of the tablet, while when the other surface of the tablet is the back surface, the image is taken by the first imaging unit. The back surface of the tablet is based on the direction of the tablet mark detected based on the image data regarding the tablet mark and the position of the center of gravity of the tablet detected based on the image data regarding the position of the tablet imaged by the second imaging unit. A first printing unit that prints identification information for the back surface along the direction of the tablet mark, and
A third imaging unit, which is provided on the downstream side of the first printing unit and captures one side of a plurality of tablets transported by the transport mechanism, and a third image pickup unit.
When one side of the tablet provided on the downstream side of the third image pickup unit and conveyed by the transfer mechanism is a surface having a mark such as a split line, the tablet mark imaged by the third image pickup unit is concerned. Based on the image data (except when re-recognizing the image data regarding the tablet mark imaged by the first imaging unit) , the identification information for the surface with respect to the tablet surface is directed toward the tablet mark. When one side of the tablet is the back side, the direction detected based on the image data regarding the mark of the tablet imaged by the second image pickup unit and the direction imaged by the third image pickup unit are taken. A second printing unit for printing identification information for the back surface of the tablet along the direction of the mark of the tablet is provided on the back surface of the tablet based on the position of the center of gravity of the tablet detected based on the image data regarding the position of the tablet. A tablet printing device characterized by. The tablet printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a mechanism for inverting 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 ceiling-suspended state.
The tablet printing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the first image pickup unit captures an image on one lower surface of a plurality of tablets conveyed by the first transfer unit. The transport mechanism is provided on the downstream side of the first transport unit, and includes a second transport unit that transports the tablet in a placed state.
The tablet printing apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the second imaging unit captures an image of the other upper surface of a plurality of tablets transported by the second transport unit. The transport mechanism is provided on the downstream side of the second transport unit, and includes a third transport unit that transports the tablet in a placed state.
The tablet printing apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the third image pickup unit images one upper surface of a plurality of tablets conveyed by the third transfer unit. The tablet printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein an inspection imaging unit for imaging a tablet on which predetermined identification information is printed is provided. The first image pickup unit, the second image pickup unit, and the third image pickup unit all image a plurality of tablets transported by the transport mechanism for each row in the width direction orthogonal to the transport direction. It consists of a line camera and
The tablet printing device according to claim 6 , wherein the inspection imaging unit includes a plurality of area cameras that image a plurality of tablets transported by the transport mechanism for each row in the transport direction.

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