JP7042164B2 - Tablet printing equipment - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a tablet printing device.

In order to print identification information such as characters and marks on tablets, a technique of printing using an inkjet printing head is known. A tablet printing device using this technology transports tablets by a transport device such as a conveyor, and ink (for example,) is directed from a nozzle of an inkjet printing head located above the transport device toward a tablet passing under the print head. , Edible ink) and print the identification information on the tablet. As a transport device, a transport device has been developed that transports tablets while sucking and holding them on a transport belt. The transport belt in this suction type transport device is formed so that a plurality of suction holes are lined up in the transport direction of the tablet in order to suck and hold the tablet.

In the suction type transfer device described above, the tablets supplied on the suction holes of the transfer belt are held on the transfer belt by suction from the suction holes. However, the suction hole may not be completely closed by the tablet. Depending on the size and shape of the tablet, a part of the suction hole may not be closed, or the random supply of the tablet may not block the suction hole at all. If the suction hole is not completely closed by the tablet, air is sucked from the suction hole, and the suction causes eddy. When this turbulence occurs, the posture of the tablet held on the transport belt may change from the desired posture (for example, the horizontal posture) due to the wind pressure. If the posture of the tablet changes from the desired posture, the ink ejected from the nozzle will land on a portion other than the desired position on the tablet, and thus the print quality will deteriorate.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 7-081050

An object to be solved by the present invention is to provide a tablet printing apparatus capable of suppressing deterioration of print quality.

The tablet printing device according to the embodiment of the present invention is a tablet printing device that prints a tablet transported by a transport device using an inkjet printing head device. The transport device is provided with a suction hole for sucking the tablet. The suction hole has a transport belt for sucking and transporting tablets, is provided so as to face the surface of the transport belt away from the transport belt, and has gas passage property for passing an air flow flowing toward the suction hole. Equipped with a rectifying plate.

According to the embodiment of the present invention, deterioration of print quality can be suppressed.

It is a figure which shows the schematic structure of the tablet printing apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the relay transfer apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the 1st printing apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a top view which shows the 1st printing apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows a part of the 1st printing apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the relay transfer apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the 1st printing apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the schematic structure of the tablet printing apparatus which concerns on other embodiment. It is a figure which shows a part of the 1st printing apparatus which concerns on other embodiment. It is a figure which shows a part of the 1st printing apparatus which concerns on the modification of another embodiment.

<First Embodiment>
The first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. In the present specification, "upper" and "lower" refer to upper and lower in the vertical direction. Further, in the present specification, the "lower surface" of the transport belt 13a is between the reference numerals a and b in FIG. 1, the "upper surface" of the transport belt 21a is between the reference numerals c and d, and the "curved surface" is designated by the reference numerals d and e. In the meantime, the "bottom surface" refers to the transport surface of the tablet T between the symbols e and f. The "upper surface" of the transport belt 31a refers to the transport surface of the tablet T between the symbols g and h in FIG. 1, the "curved surface" refers to the symbols h and i, and the "lower surface" refers to the transport surface of the tablet T between the symbols i and j. ..

(Basic configuration)
As shown in FIG. 1, the tablet printing device 1 according to the first embodiment includes a supply device 10, a first printing device 20, a second printing device 30, a recovery device 40, and a control device 50. It is equipped with. The first printing device 20 and the second printing device 30 have basically the same structure.

The supply device 10 includes a hopper 11, an alignment transfer device (alignment feeder) 12, and a relay transfer device (delivery feeder) 13. The supply device 10 is configured to be able to supply the tablet T to be printed to the first printing device 20, and is one end side of the first printing device 20, that is, the transport direction A1 of the tablet T (hereinafter,). , Simply referred to as transport direction A1). The hopper 11 accommodates a large number of tablets T and sequentially supplies the tablets T to the aligned transfer device 12. The alignment transfer device 12 aligns the supplied tablets T in two rows and conveys them toward the relay transfer device 13. The relay transfer device 13 sequentially sucks and holds each tablet T arranged in two rows on the aligned transfer device 12 from the upper side of the tablet T, and conveys each held tablet T to the first printing device 20 in two rows. And hand it over to the first printing device 20. When the tablet T is sucked and held from above by the relay transport device 13, the tablet T is held in a state of resisting gravity. Therefore, the suction force of the relay transfer device 13 is set to a suction force that does not drop the tablet T during the transfer of the tablet T, and is a type of transfer device that supports and holds the tablet T from below the tablet T. It is set stronger than. Such a supply device 10 is electrically connected to the control device 50, and its drive is controlled by the control device 50. As the aligned transfer device 12 and the relay transfer device 13, for example, a belt transfer mechanism can be used.

The relay transfer device 13 includes a transfer belt 13a, a drive pulley (pulley body) 13b, a driven pulley (pulley body) 13c, a motor (drive unit) 13d, and a suction chamber (suction unit) 13e. The transport belt 13a is an endless belt having a property of passing gas, that is, gas passage, and is bridged between a drive pulley 13b and a driven pulley 13c. The drive pulley 13b and the driven pulley 13c are rotatably provided in the main body of the apparatus, and the drive pulley 13b is connected to the motor 13d. The motor 13d is electrically connected to the control device 50, and its drive is controlled by the control device 50. The relay transfer device 13 rotates the transfer belt 13a together with the driven pulley 13c by the rotation of the drive pulley 13b by the motor 13d, and the tablet T from the aligned transfer device 12 is transferred to the lower side of the transfer belt 13a by the suction action of the suction chamber 13e. The tablet T is sucked and held, and the tablet T sucked and held is conveyed in the direction of the arrow A1 in FIG. 1 (transportation direction A1), and is delivered to the first printing device 20 at a position where the suction action of the suction chamber 13e does not work.

As shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of rectangular suction holes 13f are formed on the surface of the transport belt 13a. Each of these suction holes 13f is a through hole for sucking the tablet T, and is arranged in two rows in parallel along the transport direction A1 in a ladder shape so as to form two transport paths (transport paths). There is. Each suction hole 13f is connected to the inside of the suction chamber 13e via a suction path (suction path) formed in the suction chamber 13e, and the suction chamber 13e makes it possible to obtain a suction force. An intake device such as a pump is connected to the suction chamber 13e via an intake pipe (neither is shown), and the inside of the suction chamber 13e is depressurized by the operation of the intake device. The intake pipe is connected to substantially the center of the side surface (plane parallel to the transport direction A1) of the suction chamber 13e. The intake device is electrically connected to the control device 50, and its drive is controlled by the control device 50.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a straightening vane 14 having gas permeability is provided on the lower surface of the above-mentioned relay transfer device 13. The straightening vane 14 is separated from the transport path on which the tablet T is transported by the relay transport device 13, that is, the transport surface (lower surface of the transport belt 13a) on the lower side of the relay transport device 13 by a predetermined distance, and faces the transport surface. It is arranged horizontally so that it does. The predetermined distance is longer than the thickness of the tablet T (for example, 2 to 4 mm) and within a range (for example, 5 to 12 mm) in which the air flow generated by the suction by the suction chamber 13e of the relay transfer device 13 can be adjusted. be. The straightening vane 14 is provided at a position through which the airflow generated by suction by the suction chamber 13e passes, and regulates the airflow generated below and around the lower surface of the transport belt 13a. The straightening vane 14 is provided in the relay transport device 13 so as to face the transport path where the tablet T is sucked and transported from above, and also functions as a saucer for receiving the tablet T dropped from the lower surface of the transport belt 13a. do. That is, the straightening vane 14 has a receiving surface M1 that receives the dropped tablet T. The length of the rectifying plate 14 in the width direction (direction orthogonal to the transport direction A1) is equal to or greater than the length of the transport belt 13a in the width direction (direction orthogonal to the transport direction A1). Further, the length of the transport direction A1 of the straightening vane 14 is shorter than the length of the transport direction A1 of the relay transport device 13, but the length is not limited to this.

A net-like plate material is used as the rectifying plate 14 having gas permeability, but the plate material is not limited to this, and for example, a punching board having a plurality of round holes, a board having a plurality of slit holes, and the like. It is possible to use various plate materials having through holes. Further, as the material of the straightening vane 14, a metal such as SUS (stainless steel) can be used, but the material is not limited to this, and any material other than SUS, for example, a product conforming to the Food Sanitation Law may be used. , Aluminum or resin can also be used.

Here, when the suction hole 13f on the lower surface of the transport belt 13a is not completely closed by the tablet T, air is sucked from the suction hole 13f on the lower surface of the transport belt 13a by suction by the suction chamber 13e. An air flow flowing toward the suction hole 13f is generated below or around the lower surface of the transport belt 13a, and the airflow is adjusted by passing through the through hole in the rectifying plate 14, and is also arranged by passing through the through hole in the rectifying plate 14. It is weakened by blocking some airflow in other parts. As a result, the generation of turbulence is suppressed, so that the posture of the tablet T held on the lower surface of the transport belt 13a can be suppressed from changing from the desired posture (for example, the horizontal posture).

Returning to FIG. 1, the first printing device 20 includes a transport device (tablet transport device) 21, a detection device 22, a first image pickup device (imaging device for printing) 23, a print head device 24, and a second printing device. The image pickup device (imaging device for inspection) 25 of 2 and the drying device 26 are provided.

The transport device 21 includes a transport belt 21a, a drive pulley (pulley body) 21b, a plurality of driven pulleys (pulley bodies) 21c (three in the example of FIG. 1), a motor (drive unit) 21d, a position detector 21e, and suction. It has a chamber (suction unit) 21f. The transport belt 21a is an endless belt having gas permeability, and is bridged to a drive pulley 21b and each driven pulley 21c. The drive pulley 21b and each driven pulley 21c are rotatably provided in the main body of the apparatus, and the drive pulley 21b is connected to the motor 21d. The motor 21d is electrically connected to the control device 50, and its drive is controlled by the control device 50. The position detector 21e is a device such as an encoder and is attached to the motor 21d. The position detector 21e is electrically connected to the control device 50 and transmits a detection signal to the control device 50. The control device 50 can obtain information such as the position, speed, and movement amount of the conveyor belt 21a based on the detection signal. The transport device 21 rotates the transport belt 21a together with each driven pulley 21c by the rotation of the drive pulley 21b by the motor 21d, and the tablet T on the transport belt 21a is directed in the direction of the arrow A1 in FIG. 1 (transport direction A1). Transport.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a plurality of circular suction holes 21g are formed on the surface of the transport belt 21a. Each of these suction holes 21g is a through hole for sucking the tablet T, and is arranged in two rows in parallel along the transport direction A1 so as to form two transport paths. Each suction hole 21g is connected to the inside of the suction chamber 21f via a suction path formed in the suction chamber 21f, and the suction chamber 21f makes it possible to obtain a suction force. An intake device such as a pump is connected to the suction chamber 21f via an intake pipe (neither is shown), and the inside of the suction chamber 21f is depressurized by the operation of the intake device. The intake pipe is connected to substantially the center of the side surface (plane parallel to the transport direction A1) of the suction chamber 21f. Further, the intake device is electrically connected to the control device 50, and its drive is controlled by the control device 50.

As shown in FIG. 4, the detection device 22 has a plurality of detection units 22a (two in the example of FIG. 4). The detection unit 22a is a tablet in a direction (for example, a direction orthogonal to the transport direction A1) that is downstream of the transport direction A1 and intersects the transport direction A1 in the horizontal plane with respect to the position where the tablet T is supplied in the transport belt 21a by the supply device 10. One is arranged for each transport path of T, and is provided above the upper surface of the transport belt 21a. The detection unit 22a detects the position of the tablet T on the transport belt 21a (the position in the transport direction A1) by the light emission / reception of the laser beam, and functions as a trigger sensor for each device located downstream. As the detection unit 22a, various laser sensors such as a reflection type laser sensor can be used. Each detection unit 22a is electrically connected to the control device 50 and transmits a detection signal to the control device 50.

The first image pickup apparatus 23 has a plurality of image pickup units 23a (two in the example of FIG. 4). One image pickup unit 23a is provided for each tablet T transport path in a direction (for example, a direction orthogonal to) which is downstream of the transport direction A1 and intersects the transport direction A1 in a horizontal plane from the position where the detection device 22 is provided. They are arranged one by one and provided above the upper surface of the transport belt 21a. Based on the above-mentioned position information of the tablet T, the image pickup unit 23a takes an image at the timing when the tablet T reaches directly under the image pickup unit 23a, and acquires an image (image for printing) including the upper surface of the tablet T. The acquired image is transmitted to the control device 50. As the image pickup unit 23a, various cameras having an image pickup device such as a CCD (charge-coupled device) or CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) can be used. Each image pickup unit 23a is electrically connected to the control device 50, and their drive is controlled by the control device 50. Lighting for imaging is also provided as needed.

The print head device 24 has a plurality of inkjet print heads 24a (two in the example of FIG. 4). The print head 24a is on the downstream side of the transport direction A1 from the position where the first image pickup device 23 is provided, and is in a direction intersecting the transport direction A1 in the horizontal plane (for example, in a direction orthogonal to each other) for each transport path of the tablet T. They are arranged one by one and provided above the upper surface of the transport belt 21a. The print head 24a includes a plurality of nozzles 24b (see FIG. 4: however, only four are shown in the figure), and ink is individually ejected from these nozzles 24b. The print head 24a is provided so that the alignment direction in which the nozzles 24b are lined up intersects the transport direction A1 in the horizontal plane (for example, so as to be orthogonal to each other). As the print head 24a, various inkjet print heads having a driving element such as a piezoelectric element, a heat generating element, or a magnetostrictive element can be used. Each print head 24a is electrically connected to the control device 50, and their drive is controlled by the control device 50.

The second image pickup apparatus 25 has a plurality of image pickup units 25a (two in the example of FIG. 4). The image pickup unit 25a is located downstream of the position where the print head device 24 is provided in the transport direction A1 and intersects the transport direction A1 in the horizontal plane (for example, in a direction orthogonal to each other) for each transport path of the tablet T. They are arranged one by one and provided above the upper surface of the transport belt 21a. Based on the above-mentioned position information of the tablet T, the imaging unit 25a performs imaging at the timing when the tablet T reaches directly under the imaging unit 25a, and acquires an image (image for inspection) including the upper surface of the tablet T. The acquired image is transmitted to the control device 50. As the image pickup unit 25a, it is possible to use various cameras having an image pickup element such as a CCD or CMOS, as in the above-mentioned image pickup unit 23a. Each image pickup unit 25a is electrically connected to the control device 50, and their drive is controlled by the control device 50. Lighting for imaging is also provided as needed.

Each of the above-mentioned devices 22 to 25 is covered with a cover 60 as shown in FIGS. 3 to 5. The cover 60 includes a detection device 22 (two detection units 22a), a first image pickup device 23 (two image pickup units 23a), a print head device 24 (two print heads 24a), and a second image pickup device 25 (two). It is a housing for accommodating the two image pickup units 25a). The cover 60 has a predetermined distance (for example, for example) from the upper surface of the transport belt 21a according to the thickness of the tablet T (for example, 2 to 4 mm) so that the lower surface thereof does not come into contact with the tablet T conveyed by the transport belt 21a. It is provided above the upper surface of the transport belt 21a, separated by a distance of 5 to 12 mm).

On the lower surface of the cover 60, as shown in FIG. 5, two through holes 60a are provided in the transport direction A1 so that each detection unit 22a in the cover 60 can detect the tablet T on the transport belt 21a. The two through holes 60b are described above so that the image pickup portions 23a in the cover 60 can image the tablet T on the transport belt 21a. The through holes 60a are arranged and formed in the same direction as the arrangement. Further, on the lower surface of the cover 60, the above-mentioned through holes 60a are lined up so that each printing head 24a in the cover 60 can print on the tablet T on the transport belt 21a. The two through holes 60d are formed so as to be arranged side by side in the same direction as the above-mentioned through holes so that each image pickup unit 25a in the cover 60 can take an image of the tablet T on the transport belt 21a. It is formed by arranging the 60a in the same direction as the arranging direction.

The through holes 60a, 60b, and 60d are closed by transparent members 61, 62 such as glass provided on the bottom surface inside the cover 60. Further, each through hole 60c is closed by inserting the print head 24a into the through hole 60c via a sealing member 63 such as silicon. In this way, the cover 60 is formed in a sealed state, and the inside of the cover 60 is maintained at a positive pressure (positive pressure).

As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, two straightening vanes 27 and 28 having gas permeability are provided on the side surface of the cover 60. One straightening vane 27 is attached to the lower end of the upstream side surface of the transport direction A1 in the cover 60, and the other straightening vane 28 is attached to the lower end of the downstream side surface of the transport direction A1 in the cover 60. There is. These straightening vanes 27 and 28 are separated from the transport path on which the tablet T is transported by the transport device 21, that is, the transport surface on the upper side of the transport device 21 (upper surface of the transport belt 21a) by a predetermined distance, and are separated from the transport surface by a predetermined distance. They are arranged horizontally so as to face each other. The predetermined distance is longer than the thickness of the tablet T (for example, 2 to 4 mm) and is within a range (for example, 5 to 12 mm) in which the air flow generated by suction by the suction chamber 21f of the transfer device 21 can be adjusted. .. Each of the straightening vanes 27 and 28 is provided at a position through which the airflow generated by the suction by the suction chamber 21f passes, and prepares the airflow generated above and around the upper surface of the transport belt 21a. The length of each of the straightening vanes 27 and 28 in the width direction is equal to or greater than the length of the transport belt 21a in the width direction. Further, the length of each of the straightening vanes 27 and 28 in the transport direction A1 is shorter than the length of the transport direction A1 of the transport device 21.

A net-like plate material is used as each of the straightening vanes 27 and 28 having gas permeability, but the plate material is not limited to this, and for example, a punching board having a plurality of round holes, a board having a plurality of slit holes, and the like. , Various plate materials having a plurality of through holes can be used. Further, as the material of the straightening vanes 27 and 28, a metal such as SUS can be used, but the material is not limited to this, and any material other than SUS, for example, aluminum, may be used as long as it complies with the Food Sanitation Law. And resin can also be used.

Here, when the suction hole 21g on the upper surface of the transport belt 21a is not completely closed by the tablet T, air is sucked from the suction hole 21g on the upper surface of the transport belt 21a by suction by the suction chamber 21f. An air flow flowing toward the suction hole 21g is generated above and around the upper surface of the transport belt 21a, and the airflow is adjusted by passing through the through holes in the rectifying plates 27 and 28, and is also arranged by each rectifying plate. It is weakened by blocking a part of the airflow in the portions other than the through holes in 27 and 28. As a result, the generation of turbulence is suppressed, so that the posture of the tablet T held on the upper surface of the transport belt 21a can be suppressed from changing from the desired posture (for example, the horizontal posture). Since the distance between the upper surface of the transport belt 21a and the lower surface of the cover 60 is as short as 5 to 12 mm, for example, the airflow flowing into this space tends to be strong (the flow velocity tends to be high). It is arranged and weakened by each of the straightening vanes 27 and 28. As a result, the generation of turbulence is suppressed, so that the posture of the tablet T held on the upper surface of the transport belt 21a can be reliably suppressed from changing from the desired posture. The desired posture is a posture in which the ink ejected from the nozzle 24b can land at a desired position on the tablet T (a posture that does not cause printing defects of the tablet T) (the same applies to the others).

Returning to FIG. 1, the drying device 26 is positioned downstream of the position where the second image pickup device 25 is provided in the transport direction A1, and is provided, for example, below the transport device 21. The drying device 26 is a drying device common to two rows of transport paths, and dries the ink applied to each tablet T on the transport belt 21a. The drying device 26 includes various drying units such as a blower that dries the object to be dried by air, a heater that dries the object to be dried by radiant heat, or a blower that dries the object to be dried by hot air or hot air in combination with air and a heater. Can be used. The drying device 26 is electrically connected to the control device 50, and its drive is controlled by the control device 50.

The tablet T that has passed above the drying device 26 is transported along with the movement of the transport belt 21a, and reaches a position near the end of each driven pulley 21c on the transport belt 21a. At this position, the suction action does not work on the tablet T, the tablet T is released from the state of being held by the transport belt 21a, and is transferred from the first printing device 20 to the second printing device 30.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, a straightening vane 29 having gas permeability is provided below the above-mentioned transport device 21. The straightening vane 29 is separated from the transport path on which the tablet T is transported by the transport device 21, that is, the transport surface on the lower side of the transport device 21 (lower surface of the transport belt 21a) by a predetermined distance, and faces the transport surface. It is arranged horizontally in. The predetermined distance is longer than the thickness of the tablet T (for example, 2 to 4 mm) and is within a range (for example, 5 to 12 mm) in which the air flow generated by suction by the suction chamber 21f of the transfer device 21 can be adjusted. .. The straightening vane 29 is provided at a position through which the airflow generated by suction by the suction chamber 21f passes, and prepares the airflow generated below and around the lower surface of the transport belt 21a. The straightening vane 29 is provided in the transport device 21 so as to face the transport path where the tablet T is sucked and transported from above. When the tablet T is sucked and held from above by the transport device 21, the rectifying plate 29 also functions as a saucer for receiving the tablet T dropped from the lower surface of the transport belt 21a because the tablet T is held in a state against gravity. That is, the straightening vane 29 has a receiving surface M1 that receives the dropped tablet T. The length of the straightening vane 29 in the width direction is equal to or greater than the length of the transport belt 21a in the width direction. Further, the length of the transport direction A1 of the straightening vane 29 is shorter than the length of the transport direction A1 of the transport device 21, but the length is not limited to this.

Further, although the straightening vane 29 is arranged horizontally in FIGS. 1 and 3, it may be inclined. In this case, the rectifying plate 29 is provided so as to face the transport path where the tablet T is sucked and transported from above the tablet T, and the tablet T moves so as to slide down along the inclined rectifying plate 29. , May be received by a saucer provided near the end of the straightening vane 29.

A net-like plate material is used as the straightening vane 29 having gas permeability, but the plate material is not limited to this, and for example, a punching board having a plurality of round holes, a board having a plurality of slit holes, and the like. It is possible to use various plate materials having through holes. Further, as the material of the straightening vane 29, a metal such as SUS (stainless steel) can be used, but the material is not limited to this, and any material other than SUS, for example, a product conforming to the Food Sanitation Law may be used. , Aluminum or resin can also be used.

Here, when the suction hole 21g on the lower surface of the transport belt 21a is not completely closed by the tablet T, air is sucked from the suction hole 21g on the lower surface of the transport belt 21a by suction by the suction chamber 21f. An air flow flowing toward the suction hole 21g is generated below or around the lower surface of the transport belt 21a, and the airflow is adjusted by passing through the through hole in the rectifying plate 29, and the through hole in the rectifying plate 29. It is weakened by blocking some airflow in other parts. As a result, the generation of turbulence is suppressed, so that the posture of the tablet T held on the lower surface of the transport belt 21a can be suppressed from changing from the desired posture (for example, the horizontal posture). As a result, it is possible to prevent the tablet T from being displaced and the tablet T from being sucked out and falling. Further, the delivery position of the tablet T to the next second printing device 30 is displaced, the tablet T cannot be detected, and it is possible to suppress the occurrence of printing defects. Further, in the tablet T to be printed, when the surface to be sucked during transportation is a curved surface, the area to be sucked and held becomes narrower than the case where the surface to be sucked is a flat surface, and it becomes easy to roll. Even when the tablet T having such a curved surface is transported, if the generation of eddy airflow is suppressed, it is possible to suppress the swaying on the transport belt 21a due to the wind pressure. As a result, the position and posture of the tablet T can be stably conveyed, and it is possible to prevent the printing position of the first printing device 20 from shifting with respect to the tablet T and causing printing defects. As a result, it is possible to prevent the productivity from decreasing.

Returning to FIG. 1, the second printing device 30 includes a transport device 31, a detection device 32, a first image pickup device (imaging device for printing) 33, a print head device 34, and a second image pickup device ( An image pickup device) 35 for inspection and a drying device 36 are provided. The transport device 31 includes a transport belt 31a, a drive pulley (pulley body) 31b, a plurality of driven pulleys (pulley bodies) 31c (three in the example of FIG. 1), a motor (drive unit) 31d, a position detector 31e, and suction. It has a chamber (suction portion) 31f. Each of the devices 32 to 35 is housed in a cover 60, and the cover 60 is provided with two straightening vanes 37 and 38. Since each element constituting the second printing device 30 has basically the same structure as the corresponding component of the first printing device 20 described above, the description thereof will be omitted. The transport direction of the second printing apparatus 30 is the direction of the arrow A2 in FIG. 1 (transport direction A2).

The collection device 40 includes a defective product collection device 41 and a non-defective product collection device 42. The recovery device 40 is positioned on the downstream side in the transport direction A2 from the position where the drying device 36 of the second printing device 30 is provided, and the defective product recovery device 41 is used to collect the defective tablet T. It is collected, and the non-defective tablet T is collected by the non-defective product collection device 42.

The defective product collecting device 41 has an injection nozzle 41a and an accommodating portion 41b. The injection nozzle 41a is provided in the suction chamber 31f of the second printing device 30, and injects gas (for example, air) toward the tablet T (defective tablet T) conveyed by the transfer belt 31a. , The tablet T is dropped from the transport belt 31a. At this time, the gas injected from the injection nozzle 41a passes through the suction holes of the transport belt 31a (similar to the suction holes 21g shown in FIGS. 3 and 4) and hits the tablet T. The injection nozzle 41a is electrically connected to the control device 50, and its drive is controlled by the control device 50. The accommodating portion 41b receives and accommodates the tablet T dropped from the transport belt 31a.

The non-defective product recovery device 42 has a gas blowing unit 42a, a discharge transport device (discharge feeder) 42b, a drying device 42c, and a storage unit 42d. The non-defective product recovery device 42 is positioned and provided on the downstream side in the transport direction A2 from the position where the defective product recovery device 41 is provided.

The gas blowing portion 42a is provided in the transport device 31 of the second printing device 30, at the end of the transport device 31, that is, at the end of the transport belt 31a on the side of each driven pulley 31c. For example, during the printing process, the gas blowing unit 42a always blows gas (for example, air) toward the transport belt 31a and drops the tablet T from the transport belt 31a. At this time, the gas blown out from the gas blowing portion 42a passes through the suction holes of the transport belt 31a (similar to the suction holes 21g shown in FIGS. 3 and 4) and hits the tablet T. As the gas blowing portion 42a, for example, an air blow having a slit-shaped opening extending in a direction intersecting the transport direction A2 in a horizontal plane (for example, a direction orthogonal to each other) can be used. The gas blowing unit 42a is electrically connected to the control device 50, and its drive is controlled by the control device 50.

Here, the tablet T that has passed through the defective product collecting device 41 is transported along with the movement of the transport belt 31a, and reaches a position near the end of each driven pulley 31c side of the transport belt 31a. At this position, the suction action does not work on the tablet T, but by providing the gas blowing portion 42a, the tablet T can be reliably dropped from the transport belt 31a and supplied to the discharge transport device 42b.

The discharge transport device 42b receives the tablet T that has fallen from the lower surface of the transport belt 31a, and transports the received tablet T to the accommodating portion 42d. As the discharge transfer device 42b, for example, a belt transfer mechanism can be used. The discharge transfer device 42b is electrically connected to the control device 50, and its drive is controlled by the control device 50.

The drying device 42c is provided above the discharge transport device 42b. The drying device 42c dries the ink applied to each tablet T in addition to the drying devices 26 and 36. The drying device 42c includes various drying units such as a blower that dries the object to be dried by air, a heater that dries the object to be dried by radiant heat, or a blower that dries the object to be dried by hot air or hot air in combination with air and a heater. Can be used. The drying device 42c is electrically connected to the control device 50, and its drive is controlled by the control device 50.

Here, an example of a drying device 42c that performs drying with air will be described. The housing of the air type drying device 42c is formed in a U-shaped cross section having an open lower surface so as to cover the discharge transport device 42b. An air nozzle for blowing air is arranged in the housing of the drying device 42c, and air is blown from the air nozzle toward the transport surface on the upper surface of the discharge transport device 42b. This air flows toward the upstream end and the downstream end of the discharge transfer device 42b along the transfer surface of the discharge transfer device 42b. The form of the air nozzle may be any form, and for example, a plurality of openings may be provided in the longitudinal direction of the pipe, and one or more pipes for blowing air from the openings may be arranged. Each opening is arranged so as to line up in the longitudinal direction of the pipe. The pipes may be provided so that the longitudinal direction is along the transport direction A1 or may be provided so as to intersect (for example, to intersect at a right angle).

The accommodating portion 42d is positioned at the downstream end of the discharge transport device 42b, that is, at the end of the discharge transport device 42b opposite to the second transport device 31 side, and is provided outside the housing of the tablet printing device 1. The storage unit 42d receives and stores the tablet T whose ink has been dried by the drying device 42c from the discharge transport device 42b.

The control device 50 includes an image processing unit 51, a printing processing unit 52, an inspection processing unit 53, and a storage unit 54. The image processing unit 51 processes the image. The print processing unit 52 performs processing related to printing. The inspection processing unit 53 performs processing related to inspection. The storage unit 54 stores various information such as processing information and various programs. Such a control device 50 controls a supply device 10, a first printing device 20, a second printing device 30, and an individual detection device 22 of the first printing device 20 and the second printing device 30. , 32 to receive the position information of the tablet T, images transmitted from the individual image pickup devices 23, 25, 33, 35 of the first printing device 20 and the second printing device 30 and the like.

(Printing process)
Next, the printing process and the inspection process performed by the tablet printing apparatus 1 described above will be described.

First, various information such as print data required for printing is stored in the storage unit 54 of the control device 50. Then, when a large number of tablets T to be printed are charged into the hopper 11 of the supply device 10, the tablets T start to be sequentially supplied from the hopper 11 to the alignment transfer device 12, and are arranged and moved in two rows by the alignment transfer device 12. .. The tablets T moving in the two rows are sequentially supplied to the transport belt 21a of the first printing device 20 by the relay transport device 13. At this time, the posture of the tablet T in the relay transfer device 13 is taken over by the transfer belt 21a. The transport belt 21a is rotated in the transport direction A1 by the rotation of the drive pulley 21b and each driven pulley 21c by the motor 21d. Therefore, the tablets T supplied on the transport belt 21a are transported in two rows on the transport belt 21a at a predetermined moving speed. The transport belt 31a is also rotated in the transport direction A2 by the rotation of the drive pulley 31b and each driven pulley 31c by the motor 31d.

After that, the tablet T on the transport belt 21a is detected by the detection device 22. As a result, the position information of the tablet T (the position in the transport direction A1) is acquired and input to the control device 50. The position information of the tablet T is stored in the storage unit 54 and used in the post-treatment. Next, the tablet T on the transport belt 21a is imaged by the first image pickup device 23 at the timing based on the position information of the tablet T described above, and the captured image is transmitted to the control device 50. Based on the individual images transmitted from the first image pickup apparatus 23, the misalignment information of the tablet T (for example, the misalignment of the tablet T in the X direction, the Y direction, and the θ direction in FIG. 4) is obtained by the image processing unit 51. It is generated and stored in the storage unit 54. Based on the misalignment information of the tablet T, printing conditions (ink ejection position, ejection speed, etc.) for the tablet T are set by the printing processing unit 52 and stored in the storage unit 54.

Next, the individual tablets T on the transport belt 21a are printed head devices based on the above-mentioned printing conditions at the timing based on the position information of the above-mentioned tablets T, that is, at the timing when the tablets T reach the lower part of the print head device 24. Printing is executed by 24. In each print head 24a of the print head device 24, ink is appropriately ejected from each nozzle 24b, and identification information such as characters (for example, alphabet, katakana, number) and marks (for example, symbols, figures) is printed on the upper surface of the tablet T. Will be done.

The tablet T on which the identification information is printed is imaged by the second image pickup device 25 at the timing based on the position information of the tablet T described above, and the captured image is transmitted to the control device 50. Based on the individual images transmitted from the second image pickup apparatus 25, print position information indicating the print position of the print pattern for each tablet T is generated by the image processing unit 51 and stored in the storage unit 54. Based on the print position information, the inspection processing unit 53 determines whether the tablet T is printable or not, and the print quality result information indicating the print quality result for each tablet T is stored in the storage unit 54. For example, it is determined whether or not the print pattern is printed at a predetermined position on the tablet T.

The tablet T after the inspection is transported along with the movement of the transport belt 21a and passes above the drying device 26. At this time, the ink applied to the tablet T is dried by the drying device 26 while the tablet T passes above the drying device 26, and the tablet T to which the ink has been dried is transported along with the movement of the transport belt 21a. It is located near the end of each driven pulley 21c on the transport belt 21a. At this position, the suction action does not work on the tablet T, the tablet T is released from the state of being held on the lower surface of the transport belt 21a, and is passed from the first printing device 30 to the second printing device 30.

In the second printing apparatus 30, the printing process and the inspection process are performed in the same manner as described above. The tablet T after the inspection is transported along with the movement of the transport belt 31a and passes above the drying device 36. Then, the tablet T whose ink has dried reaches the defective product recovery device 41. At this position, the defective tablet T is dropped from the lower surface of the transport belt 31a by the injection of gas by the injection nozzle 41a, and is collected by the accommodating portion 41b. On the other hand, the non-defective tablet T passes through the defective collection device 41 and reaches the non-defective product recovery device 42. At this position, the non-defective tablet T does not have a suction action on the tablet T, and at the same time, it falls from the lower surface of the transport belt 31a due to the gas blown out by the gas blowing portion 42a and is delivered to the discharge transport device 42b. Then, the non-defective tablet T is transported by the discharge transport device 42b, and the ink on the tablet T is completely dried by the drying device 42c during the transport. The tablet T from which the ink has dried is transported to the upper part of the storage unit 42d by the discharge transport device 42b, falls from the downstream end of the discharge transport device 42b, and is collected by the storage unit 42d.

In such a printing step, in the relay transfer device 13, the tablet T is held on the lower surface of the transfer belt 13a by suction from the suction hole 13f on the lower surface of the transfer belt 13a, but the transfer belt depends on the size and shape of the tablet T. The suction hole 13f on the lower surface of the transport belt 13a may not be completely closed by the tablet T due to a state in which a part of the suction hole 13f on the lower surface of the 13a is not closed or a random supply of the tablet T. In this case, since air is sucked from the suction hole 13f on the lower surface of the transport belt 13a, an air flow flowing toward the suction hole 13f is generated below or around the lower surface of the transport belt 13a. Although the airflow is generated in this way, the airflow generated below and around the lower surface of the transport belt 13a is adjusted by passing through the through hole in the straightening vane 14, and is also one in the portion other than the through hole in the straightening vane 14. It is weakened by blocking the airflow of the part. As a result, the generation of turbulence is suppressed, so that the posture of the tablet T held on the lower surface of the transport belt 13a can be maintained in a desired posture. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the tablet T from being displaced and the tablet T from being sucked out and falling. Further, it is possible to prevent the tablet T from being delivered to the next transfer device 21 at a different position, making it impossible to detect the tablet T, causing printing defects, and reducing productivity. If the posture of the tablet T in the relay transport device 13 changes from the desired posture, the posture of the tablet T is taken over by the first printing device 20, so that the posture of the tablet T in the first printing device 20 is also desired. It changes from the posture. However, since the posture of the tablet T is maintained in the desired posture in the relay transport device 13, the tablet T in the desired posture is supplied to the first printing device 20.

Further, in the transfer device 21 of the first printing device 20, the tablet T delivered from the relay transfer device 13 in a state where the posture is maintained is supplied onto the suction hole 21 g on the upper surface of the transfer belt 21a. The tablet T supplied from the relay transfer device 13 is held on the upper surface of the transfer belt 21a by suction from the suction hole 21g on the upper surface of the transfer belt 21a, but depending on the size and shape of the tablet T, the upper surface of the transfer belt 21a The suction hole 21g on the upper surface of the transport belt 21a may not be completely closed by the tablet T due to a state in which a part of the suction hole 21g is not closed or a random supply of the tablet T. In this case, since air is sucked from the suction hole 21g on the upper surface of the transport belt 21a, an air flow flowing toward the suction hole 21g is generated above or around the upper surface of the transport belt 21a. Although the airflow is generated in this way, the airflow generated above and around the upper surface of the transport belt 21a is adjusted by passing through the through holes in the straightening vanes 27 and 28, and also penetrates in the straightening vanes 27 and 28. Since a part of the airflow is blocked by the part other than the hole, it is weakened, so that the generation of turbulent airflow is suppressed. Since the separation distance between the upper surface of the transport belt 21a and the lower surface of the cover 60 (the surface facing the transport belt 21a) is as short as 5 to 12 mm, for example, the airflow flowing into this space tends to be strong. However, since this airflow is adjusted and weakened by the straightening vanes 27 and 28, the generation of eddy airflow is suppressed. This makes it possible to maintain the posture of the tablet T held on the upper surface of the transport belt 21a in a desired posture, and the ink ejected from the print head device 24 of the first printing device 20 is desired on the tablet T. Since it will land at the position, deterioration of print quality can be suppressed.

Further, in the transfer device 21 of the first printing device 20, the printed tablet T moves to the lower surface of the transfer belt 21a while being held by the transfer belt 21a by suction from the suction hole 21g of the transfer belt 21a. However, as described above, the suction hole 21g on the lower surface of the transport belt 21a is a tablet in a state where a part of the suction hole 21g on the lower surface of the transport belt 21a is not blocked due to the size and shape of the tablet T or due to the random supply of the tablet T. It may not be completely blocked by T. In this case, since air is sucked from the suction hole 21g on the lower surface of the transport belt 21a, an air flow flowing toward the suction hole 21g is generated below or around the lower surface of the transport belt 21a. Although the airflow is generated in this way, the airflow generated below and around the lower surface of the transport belt 21a is arranged by passing through the through hole in the straightening vane 29, and is arranged in a portion other than the through hole in the straightening vane 29. It is weakened by blocking the airflow of the part. As a result, the generation of turbulence is suppressed, so that the posture of the tablet T held on the lower surface of the transport belt 21a can be maintained in a desired posture. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the tablet T from being displaced and the tablet T from being sucked out and falling. Further, it is possible to prevent the tablet T from being delivered to the next transfer device 31 at a different position, making it impossible to detect the tablet T, causing printing defects, and reducing productivity. If the posture of the tablet T in the first printing device 20 changes from the desired posture, the posture of the tablet T is taken over by the second printing device 30, so that the posture of the tablet T in the second printing device 20 is taken over. Will change from the desired posture. However, since the posture of the tablet T is maintained in the desired posture in the first printing device 20, the tablet T in the desired posture is supplied to the second printing device 30.

Further, also in the transfer device 31 of the second printing device 30, since air is sucked from the suction hole 31 g on the upper surface of the transfer belt 31a as described above, the suction holes are above and around the upper surface of the transfer belt 31a. An air flow flowing toward 21 g is generated. Although the airflow is generated in this way, the airflow generated above and around the upper surface of the transport belt 31a is adjusted by passing through the through holes in the straightening vanes 37 and 38, and is arranged through the through holes in the straightening vanes 37 and 38. Since a part of the airflow is blocked by the part other than the hole, it is weakened, so that the generation of turbulent airflow is suppressed. Since the distance between the upper surface of the transport belt 31a and the lower surface of the cover 60 is as short as 5 to 12 mm, for example, the airflow flowing into this space tends to be strong. However, since this airflow is adjusted and weakened by the straightening vanes 37 and 38, the generation of eddy airflow is suppressed. This makes it possible to maintain the posture of the tablet T held on the upper surface of the transport belt 31a in a desired posture, and the ink ejected from the print head device 34 of the second printing device 30 is desired on the tablet T. Since it will land at the position, deterioration of print quality can be suppressed.

Here, for example, regarding the number of tablets dropped from the lower transport surface of the relay transport device 13, when the rectifying plate 14 is not provided, when 1000 tablets T are flown on the transport belt 13a, the tablets T are 20 to 40. The lock fell. At this time, the printing defect (improper printing posture on the transport belt 21a) was about 80%. The same result was obtained even if a straightening vane having no through hole was provided. Therefore, as the rectifying plate 14, a plurality of through holes are provided in the space between the aligned transfer device 12 and the transfer device 21 of the first printing device 20 so as to face the lower transfer surface of the relay transfer device 13. When the net-like plate material (□ 1 mm mesh) to be held was placed, when 1000 tablets T were flown on the transport belt 13a, the number of drops became zero, and printing defects (printing posture defects on the transport belt 21a) were found. It decreased to 20-30%.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, the straightening vane having gas permeability (for example, the straightening vane 14 and the straightening vanes 27 and 28, the straightening vanes 29, and the straightening vanes 37 and 38) is conveyed. The device (for example, the relay transfer device 13, the transfer device 21, and the transfer device 31) is provided so as to be separated from the transfer path to which the tablet T is conveyed and to face the transfer path. The suction by the transfer device generates an air flow that flows toward the suction holes (for example, each suction hole 13f, 21 g) around the transfer surface of the transfer device, and the air flow passes through the through hole in the above-mentioned straightening vane. In addition, since a part of the airflow is shielded by a portion other than the through hole in the above-mentioned straightening vane, the generation of turbulent airflow is suppressed. This makes it possible to maintain the posture of the tablet T transported by the transport device in a desired posture, and the ink ejected from the print head device (for example, the print head device 24 or the print head device 34) is on the tablet T. Since the landing is performed at a desired position, deterioration of print quality can be suppressed. Further, since the posture of the tablet T transported by the transport device is stabilized in the desired posture, the position of the tablet T shifts and the tablet T falls without being sucked, or the tablet T is delivered to the next transport devices 21 and 31. It is possible to suppress the occurrence of printing defects due to misalignment and the inability to detect the tablet T. Further, in the tablet T to be printed, when the surface to be sucked during transportation is a curved surface, the area to be sucked and held becomes narrower than the case where the surface to be sucked is a flat surface, and it becomes easy to roll. Even when the tablet T having such a curved surface is transported, if the generation of eddy airflow is suppressed, it is possible to suppress the swaying on the transport belt 21a due to the wind pressure. As a result, the position and posture of the tablet T can be stably conveyed, and it is possible to prevent the printing position from being displaced with respect to the tablet T from causing printing defects. As a result, it is possible to prevent the productivity from decreasing.

Further, when the operation of the tablet printing device 1 is stopped and the entire device is cleaned, the rectifying plates 27 and 28 attached to the cover 60 can also be removed by removing the cover 60. As a result, the cover 60 and the straightening vanes 27 and 28 can be cleaned at once, so that the cleaning work can be performed efficiently. Further, since the detection device 22, the first image pickup device 23, and the second image pickup device 25 are covered with the cover 60, the powder of the tablet T does not adhere to the detection device 22, and the cleaning work does not need to be performed. Can be simplified.

<Second embodiment>
The second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. In the second embodiment, the difference from the first embodiment (addition of a straightening vane) will be described, and other description will be omitted.

In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, in the relay transfer device 13, in addition to one straightening vane 14, two straightening vanes 14a and 14b are provided.

The two straightening vanes 14a and 14b sandwich a space between the upper surface of the straightening vane 14 and the lower surface of the transport belt 13a from the width direction of one straightening vane 14 (the direction horizontally orthogonal to the transport direction A1). It is provided as follows. The two straightening vanes 14a and 14b are vertically arranged apart from each other by a predetermined distance. This predetermined distance is substantially the same as, but is not limited to, the length in the width direction of the transport belt 13a. As the two straightening vanes 14a and 14b, the same plate materials and materials as those of the straightening vanes 14 can be used, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the types and materials of the straightening vanes 14 and the plate materials are used. It is also possible to change the type.

Here, when the suction hole 13f on the lower surface of the transfer belt 13a is not completely closed by the tablet T, air is sucked from the suction hole 13f on the lower surface of the transfer belt 13a by the suction by the suction chamber 13e, so that the transfer belt An air flow flowing toward the suction hole 13f is generated below or around the lower surface of the 13a, and the airflow is adjusted by passing through the through holes in the rectifying plates 14, 14a, 14b, and each rectifying plate is also arranged. It is weakened by blocking a part of the airflow in the portions other than the through holes in 14, 14a and 14b. This ensures that the posture of the tablet T held on the lower surface of the transport belt 13a does not change from the desired posture (for example, the horizontal posture).

Further, as shown in FIG. 7, above the transport device 21 of the first printing device 20, in addition to the two straightening vanes 27 and 28, two straightening vanes 27a and 27b are provided. It is also possible to add a straightening vane to the lower part of the transporting apparatus 21 of the first printing apparatus 20, that is, the straightening vane 29.

The two straightening vanes 27a and 27b are the spaces between the lower surface of the straightening vane 27 and the upper surface of the conveyor belt 21a from the width direction of each of the straightening vanes 27 and 28 (the direction horizontally orthogonal to the transport direction A1). The space is provided so as to sandwich the space between the lower surface of the cover 60 and the upper surface of the transport belt 21a, and the space between the lower surface of the straightening vane 28 and the upper surface of the transport belt 21a. The two straightening vanes 27a and 27b are vertically arranged apart from each other by a predetermined distance. The predetermined distance is substantially the same as, but is not limited to, the length in the width direction of the transport belt 21a. As the two straightening vanes 27a and 27b, the same plate materials and materials as those of the two straightening vanes 27 and 28 can be used, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the two straightening vanes are used. It is also possible to change the type of plate material and the type of material such as 27 and 28.

Here, when the suction hole 21g on the upper surface of the transfer belt 21a is not completely closed by the tablet T, air is sucked from the suction hole 21g on the upper surface of the transfer belt 21a by the suction by the suction chamber 21f, so that the transfer belt An air flow flowing toward the suction hole 21g is generated above and around the upper surface of the 21a, and the airflow is adjusted by passing through the through holes in the rectifying plates 27, 28, 27a, and 27b, and each of them. The rectifying plate 27, 28, 27a, 27b is weakened by blocking a part of the airflow in a portion other than the through hole. This ensures that the posture of the tablet T held on the upper surface of the transport belt 21a does not change from the desired posture (for example, the horizontal posture).

As described above, according to the second embodiment, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained. Further, in addition to the straightening vane 14, the two straightening vanes 27, 28, and the straightening vane 29, the straightening vanes 14a, 14b, 27a, and 27b are provided. The airflow that flows toward the suction holes (for example, the suction holes 13f and 21g) is generated around the transfer surface of the transfer device by suction by the transfer device (for example, the relay transfer device 13 and the transfer device 21). Is arranged by passing through the through holes in each of the above-mentioned straightening vanes (for example, each of the straightening plates 14, 14a, 14b, 27, 27a, 27b, 28, 29), and other than the through holes in each of the above-mentioned straightening plates. Since a part of the airflow is blocked by this part, it is weakened, so that the generation of turbulence is suppressed. This makes it possible to reliably maintain the posture of the tablet T transported by the transport device in the desired posture, and the ink discharged from the print head device (for example, the print head device 24) is placed at the desired position on the tablet T. Since it will land, it is possible to reliably suppress the deterioration of print quality. Further, since the posture of the tablet T transported by the transport device is stabilized in the desired posture, the position of the tablet T shifts and the tablet T falls without being sucked, or the tablet T is delivered to the next transport devices 21 and 31. It is possible to suppress the occurrence of printing defects due to misalignment and the inability to detect the tablet T. Further, in the tablet T to be printed, when the surface to be sucked during transportation is a curved surface, the area to be sucked and held becomes narrower than the case where the surface to be sucked is a flat surface, and it becomes easy to roll. Even when the tablet T having such a curved surface is transported, if the generation of eddy airflow is suppressed, it is possible to suppress the swaying on the transport belt 21a due to the wind pressure. As a result, the position and posture of the tablet T can be stably conveyed, and it is possible to prevent the printing position from being displaced with respect to the tablet T from causing printing defects. As a result, it is possible to prevent the productivity from decreasing.

<Other embodiments>
In the above description, it is exemplified that the straightening vanes 14, 14a, 14b, the straightening vanes 27, 27a, 27b, 28, the straightening vanes 29, and the straightening vanes 37, 38 are flat plates, but the present invention is limited thereto. Instead, for example, it may be a curved plate.

Further, in the above description, it is exemplified that two straightening vanes 27 and 28 are provided for the cover 60, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, either one of the two straightening vanes 27 or 28 is provided. It is also possible to eliminate the above and reduce the number of sheets to one, or to increase the number of sheets to three or more. When the tablet T is transported, the surface of the transport belt 21a moves along the transport direction A1. Therefore, if the rectifying plates 27 and 28 are not provided, the upstream side above the upper surface of the transport belt 21a is from the downstream side. Strong eddy may occur. Therefore, when removing either one of the two straightening vanes 27 and 28, it is desirable to leave the straightening vane 27 on the upstream side and eliminate the straightening vane 28 on the downstream side. Further, in the transport direction A1, the downstream side of the cover 60 has already passed under the print head device, so that printing has been completed, and the posture of the tablet T on the downstream side may not be a problem. In this case as well, the straightening vane 27 on the upstream side can be left and the straightening vane 28 on the downstream side can be eliminated.

Further, in the above description, two straightening vanes 27 and 28 are provided on the side surface of the rectangular parallelepiped cover 60, that is, on the two side surfaces of the rectangular parallelepiped cover 60 on the upstream side and the downstream side of the transport direction A1. It is illustrated that they are provided one by one, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, two straightening vanes 27 and 28 for two sides of the rectangular parallelepiped cover 60 parallel to the transport direction A1, that is, two side surfaces of the rectangular parallelepiped cover 60 facing in a direction horizontally orthogonal to the transport direction A1. May be provided one by one, and the mounting positions of the rectifying plates 27 and 28 with respect to the side surface of the cover 60 can be changed.

Further, in the above description, it is exemplified that the two straightening vanes 14a and 14b and the two straightening vanes 27a and 27b are arranged vertically, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, at a predetermined angle. It can be tilted or placed horizontally. Even if the two straightening vanes 14a and 14b and the two straightening vanes 27a and 27b are tilted or arranged horizontally, they occur above the upper surface of the transport belt 21a, below the lower surface, and around the same. It is possible to regulate and weaken the airflow.

Further, in the above description, it is exemplified that the cover 60 is formed in a sealed state, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a gap may be formed in the cover 60 or the upper portion of the cover 60 may be opened. It is also possible to do. In this case, it is desirable to configure the translucent members 61 and 62 of the cover 60 with a straightening vane having gas permeability. As a result, an air flow that flows downward from the inside of the cover 60 toward the transport surface of the transport belt 21a is generated, so that the airflow that wraps around the cover 60 to the lower surface of the cover 60 can be changed to an airflow that flows downward.

Further, in the above description, it is exemplified that the detection device 22, the first image pickup device 23, the print head device 24, and the second image pickup device 25 are housed in the cover 60, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, if the adhesion of the powder of the tablet T is not a problem, the cover 60 may not be provided. When the cover 60 is not provided, a rectifying plate having gas permeability may be provided below the detection device 22, the first image pickup device 23, the print head device 24, and the second image pickup device 25. The straightening vane is formed so that the detection device 22, the first image pickup device 23, the print head device 24, and the second image pickup device 25 can operate respectively.

Further, in the above description, it is exemplified that the straightening vane 29 is provided on the lower side of the transporting device 21, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the straightening vane may be provided on the lower side of the transporting device 31. good. In this case, it is possible to prevent the tablet T from being displaced and the tablet T cannot be discharged when the tablet T is discharged by the defective product recovery device 41. Further, regarding the installation of the straightening vane, it is also possible to provide the straightening vane so as to cover the upper surface of the drying device 36 (the surface facing the transport belt 31a). In this case, the straightening vane is formed so as not to interfere with the air and heat radiated from the drying device 36 to the lower surface of the transport belt 31a. A heat-resistant material is used as the material of the straightening vane. Similarly, the straightening vane 29 can be provided so as to cover the upper surface of the drying device 26 (the surface facing the transport belt 21a).

Further, in the above description, it is exemplified that the air flow rates of the straightening vanes 14, 14a, 14b, the straightening vanes 27, 27a, 27b, 28, the straightening vanes 29, and the straightening vanes 37, 38 are not variable. Not limited to this, the air flow rate of the straightening vane may be varied. For example, by providing a double straightening vane and sliding or rotating one or both of the double straightening vanes, the overlap of the through holes of the straightening vanes can be adjusted to make the size of the through holes variable. , It is possible to adjust the air volume.

Further, the size of each through hole of the straightening vane (for example, each straightening vane 14, 14a, 14b, 27, 27a, 27b, 28, 29, 37, 38) is large enough to obtain gas passage. It suffices if the dropped tablet T is small enough not to slip through. For example, it may be smaller than the diameter of the tablet T.

It is also possible to change the air flow rate for each installation location of the straightening vane (for example, each straightening vane 14, 14a, 14b, 27, 27a, 27b, 28, 29, 37, 38). For example, as will be described later, when there is a place where the suction force for the tablet T is strong and a place where the suction force is weak in the transport belt 21a, a straightening vane having a different size of the through hole is installed according to the place and the ventilation amount. Or may be changed by moving one or both of the double straightening vanes as described above.

Further, when the through hole provided in the straightening vane (for example, each straightening vane 14, 14a, 14b, 27, 27a, 27b, 28, 29, 37, 38) is a round hole or a slit shape, the hole axis is , It may be perpendicular to the surface of the straightening vane or tilted. When tilting the hole axis, the tilt angle may be set according to the flow of the airflow toward the surfaces of the transport belts 21a and 31a.

Further, in the above description, it is exemplified that the suction force of the suction chamber 21f is constant, but the suction force is not limited to this, and for example, the inside of the suction chamber 21f is divided into a plurality of sections (two or more sections). It is possible to apply different suction forces to each section and change the suction force for each predetermined region of the transport belt 21a. As an example, the inside of the suction chamber 21f is divided into two sections, the suction force of the first section (the section connected to each suction hole 21g on the upper surface of the transfer belt 21a) is weakened, and the suction force of the second section (the upper surface of the transfer belt 21a) is weakened. The suction force of the surface (curved surface) connecting the lower surface and the lower surface (the section connected to each suction hole 21g on the lower surface) may be set to be strong. In this case, the suction force of the suction hole 21g on the lower surface of the transport belt 21a is stronger than that of the suction hole 21g on the upper surface of the transport belt 21a, so that turbulence may occur below or around the lower surface of the transport belt 21a. I am concerned.

However, since the presence of the straightening vane 29 suppresses the generation of turbulence below and around the lower surface of the transport belt 21a, it is possible to maintain the posture of the tablet T held on the lower surface of the transport belt 21a in a desired posture. Will be. As a result, the ink ejected from the print head device 24 will land at a desired position on the tablet T, so that deterioration of print quality can be reliably suppressed. Further, since the posture of the tablet T transported by the transport belt 21a is stabilized in the desired posture, the position of the tablet T shifts and the tablet T falls without being sucked, or the delivery position to the next transport device 31. It is possible to prevent the productivity from being lowered due to the fact that the tablet T cannot be detected due to misalignment and printing defects occur. As described above, there is a concern that eddy may occur in the drive pulley 21b as well. This is because the suction force is strengthened in the portion of the drive pulley 21b in order to prevent the tablet T from being displaced due to centrifugal force or gravity. Therefore, a straightening vane may be provided so as to face all the transport surfaces of the transport belt 21a that is sucked and transported. The same configuration can be applied to the transport belt 31a and the drive pulley 31b.

For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the shape of the straightening vane 29 can be similar to the shape of the drive pulley 21b along the outer peripheral surface of the drive pulley 21b. As described above, even if the suction force is strengthened in the portion of the drive pulley 21b and a stronger airflow is generated toward the suction hole 21g, the airflow is adjusted by passing through the through hole in the straightening vane 29. Further, since a part of the airflow is shielded by the portion other than the through hole in the straightening vane 29, the generation of turbulent airflow is suppressed. At this time, the increased suction force may decrease, but the opening ratio of the holes in the straightening vane 29 is the air volume that can maintain the suction force that can hold the tablet T by suction (the amount of air that is sucked into the suction chamber 21f). It may be set appropriately so that

In particular, when the number of tablets T to be sucked and held is small, that is, when the number of suction holes 21g that cannot be blocked by the tablets T is large, such as when the device is in operation or restarted due to maintenance, a straightening vane 29 is provided near the outer periphery of the drive pulley 21b. The number of dropped tablets was reduced when the straightening vane 29 having a plurality of through holes was provided as compared with the case where there was no through hole. In this way, when the straightening vane 29 having a plurality of through holes is provided, even if the number of suction holes 21g that are not blocked by the tablet T increases, turbulence is generated while suppressing a decrease in suction force. It can be suppressed and stable suction and holding can be performed.

The distance between the surface on the transport belt 21a side of the straightening vane 29 according to the present embodiment and the transport surface on the outer periphery of the drive pulley 21b is such that the tablet T does not collide with the tablet T and the suction force acting on the tablet T does not change. It should be. For example, it can be the same constant distance.

Further, for example, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, a straightening vane 29a may be provided on the portion of the drive pulley 21b. In this case, the straightening vane 29a may have a receiving surface M1 for receiving the tablet T falling from the transport path near the drive pulley 21b. The receiving surface M1 may be a flat surface as shown in FIG. 9 or a curved surface as shown in FIG. The receiving surface M1 has gas passage like the above-mentioned straightening vanes (for example, the straightening vanes 14, 14a, 14b, 27, 27a, 27b, 28, 29, 37, 38). As a result, rectification is performed in the vicinity of the drive pulley 21b to make the tablet T less likely to shake, so that the posture of the tablet T can be stabilized in a desired posture. Moreover, even if the position of the tablet T shifts and the tablet T falls without being sucked, or the tablet T falls due to insufficient suction force, the dropped tablet T can be received. The circumference of the receiving surface M1 may be surrounded by the side surface. With this side surface, the tablet T that has fallen on the receiving surface M1 can be further prevented from rolling off the receiving surface M1.

As a result of verification by the present inventor, when the through hole of the straightening vane 29a as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 is closed in the portion of the drive pulley 21b, the number of tablets dropped increases as compared with the case where the through hole is not closed. That is, by providing the straightening vane 29 having a plurality of through holes, the dropped tablet T can be received and the increase in the number of dropped tablets can be suppressed. After receiving the dropped tablet T, it can be collected separately from the tablet T to be printed, so that it can be prevented from being mixed with the tablet T to be printed.

Further, in the above description, it is exemplified that the tablets T are transported in two rows, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the number of rows may be one row, or may be three rows or four rows or more. The number of roads and the number of transport belts 13a, 21a, 31a are not particularly limited. Further, the shapes of the suction holes 13f and 21g of the transport belts 13a, 21a and 31a are not particularly limited.

Further, in the above description, it is exemplified that the print head 24a is provided for each transport path of the tablet T, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, printing is performed on two or more rows of tablets T by one print head 24a. You may do it.

Further, in the above description, as the inkjet type print head 24a, a print head in which the nozzles 24b are arranged in a single row is exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a print head in which the nozzles 24b are arranged in a plurality of rows is used. You can do it. Further, a plurality of print heads 24a may be used side by side along the transport direction A1.

Further, in the above description, it is exemplified that the first printing device 20 and the second printing device 30 are arranged one above the other to print both sides or one side of the tablet T, but the present invention is not limited to this. Instead, for example, only the first printing device may be provided to print only one side of the tablet T.

Further, in the above description, it is exemplified that three drying devices 26, 36, 42c are provided, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the number thereof is not limited. That is, when providing a drying device, at least one is required instead of three, for example, it is sufficient that there are two drying devices 36, 42c without one drying device 26, and two drying devices 26, 36 are provided. It suffices if there is only one drying device 42c, and it is sufficient if there is no drying device 42c and there are drying devices 26 and 36. Further, since a drying device may not be required depending on the type of ink and tablet T, all three drying devices 26, 36, and 42c may be omitted.

Further, a plurality of receiving members 70 having a receiving surface M1 for receiving the falling tablet T are crossed in a horizontal plane with respect to a transport path in which the tablet T is sucked and transported from below in the transport device 21 (for example, orthogonal to each other). It may be provided so as to sandwich the transport belt 21a in the direction) (see FIG. 4). In the transport device 21, the tablet T may also fall from the transport belt 21a that sucks and transports the tablet T from below. For example, when a guide member for moving the tablet T in the horizontal direction is provided in order to align the tablet T upstream of the print head device 24 in the transport direction A1, the tablet T is displaced from the transport path and the transport belt 21a is provided. It may fall from the top surface. The receiving member 70 has a function of receiving such a falling tablet T. Therefore, the tablet T may be provided at a place where the tablet T may fall from the upper surface of the transport belt 21a, and its size is not limited. The receiving surface M1 may have gas permeability like the straightening vane 14. Similarly, the receiving member 70 can be provided in the transport path in which the tablet T is sucked and transported from below in the transport device 31. Further, the receiving member 70 can be provided over the entire upper surface of the transport belt 21a, and the size of the receiving member 70 is not limited.

Here, the above-mentioned tablets may include tablets used for medicine, food and drink, cleaning, industrial use, or fragrance. In addition, as tablets, there are naked tablets (bare tablets), sugar-coated tablets, film-coated tablets, enteric coated tablets, gelatin-encapsulated tablets, multi-layer tablets, nucleated tablets, etc., and various capsule tablets such as hard capsules and soft capsules are also tablets. Can be included in. Further, as the shape of the tablet, there are various shapes such as a disk shape, a lens shape, a triangle shape, and an ellipse shape. When the tablet to be printed is for pharmaceutical use or food and drink, edible ink is suitable as the ink to be used. As the edible ink, any of synthetic dye ink, natural dye ink, dye ink, and pigment ink may be used.

Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other embodiments, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

1 Tablet printing device 10 Supply device 13 Relay transfer device 13a Conveyance belt 13f Suction hole 14 rectifying plate 14a rectifying plate 14b rectifying plate 20 First printing device 21 Conveying device 21a Conveying belt 21g Suction hole 24 Printing head device 27 rectifying plate 27a rectifying Plate 27b rectifying plate 28 rectifying plate 29 rectifying plate 29a rectifying plate 30 second printing device 31 transfer device 31a transfer belt 34 print head device 37 rectifying plate 38 rectifying plate 40 recovery device 60 cover M1 receiving surface T tablet

Claims (9)

In a tablet printing device that prints tablets transported by a transport device using an inkjet printing head device.
The transport device includes a suction hole for sucking the tablet, and has a transport belt for sucking and transporting the tablet in the suction hole.
A tablet printing apparatus provided with a rectifying plate which is provided so as to face the surface of the transport belt at a distance from the transport belt and has a gas passage property for passing an air flow flowing toward the suction hole. The tablet printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the rectifying plate is provided so as to face the transport belt that sucks and transports the tablet from above. The tablet printing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the straightening vane has a receiving surface for receiving tablets dropped from the surface of the transport belt. Further, a housing provided so as to face the surface of the transport belt at a distance from the transport belt and accommodating the print head device is provided.
The tablet printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the straightening vane is provided in the housing. A supply device that supplies tablets,
A first printing device that prints on the tablets supplied by the feeding device, and
A second printing device that prints on the tablets supplied by the feeding device, and
A collection device for collecting the tablets printed by either or both of the first printing device and the second printing device, and a collection device.
Equipped with
The supply device, the first printing device, and the second printing device have the transport belt.
The tablet printing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the first printing device and the second printing device include the print head device. The tablet printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein the straightening vane has a plurality of through holes and is provided horizontally. The tablet printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein the straightening vane has a plurality of through holes and is provided so as to be inclined with respect to a horizontal surface. A claim characterized by further comprising a plurality of straightening vanes which are arranged so as to sandwich a space between the upper surface of the straightening vane and the lower surface of the transport belt and have gas permeability for passing an air flow flowing toward the suction hole. The tablet printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7 . The tablet printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8 , wherein the air volume of the straightening vane is variable.

Images