JP7377137B2 - Tablet printing device and tablet printing method - Google Patents

Description

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

In order to print identification information (an example of information) such as letters and marks on tablets, a printing technique is known that uses an inkjet head. Tablet printing devices using this technology transport tablets using a conveyor or other transport device, and eject ink from each nozzle of an inkjet head placed above the transport device toward the tablets passing below the inkjet head. , printing identification information on the tablet.

The tablet printing device inspects the tablet T before and after printing identification information on the tablet, and discharges tablets determined to be non-defective as defective. Defective products include tablets with cracks or chips, or tablets with poor printing (hereinafter referred to as "defective tablets"), and tablets that do not have defects such as cracks or chips, but have a bad posture (for example, a deviation from the desired posture). This includes tablets that cannot be printed (hereinafter referred to as unprinted tablets) because they have been transported in a state in which printing has occurred) or in a malpositioned state (for example, a state in which a positional deviation from a desired position has occurred). These defective tablets and unprinted tablets are both discharged as defective products. In other words, unprinted tablets that can be determined to be good if they are reinserted and printed are also discharged as defective. For this reason, the rate of non-defective products decreases and productivity decreases.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 7-081050

The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a tablet printing device and a tablet printing method that can increase productivity.

The tablet printing device according to the embodiment of the present invention includes:
a conveyance device for conveying tablets;
a detection device that detects either or both of the posture and position of the tablet transported by the transport device;
a print head device that is provided downstream of the detection device in the transporting direction of the tablet in the transporting device and prints on the tablet that is transported by the transporting device;
a return device that returns the tablets transported by the transport device from a downstream side in the tablet transport direction from the detection device in the transport device to an upstream side in the tablet transport direction from the detection device in the transport device; ,
determining whether or not the printing by the print head device is defective based on one or both of the posture and position of the tablet detected by the detection device; and determining whether the printing by the print head device is defective. control that causes the print head device to perform the printing for tablets that are determined not to be defective; and causes the return device to perform a return operation for tablets that are determined to be poorly printed by the print head device; a device;
Equipped with

The tablet printing method according to the embodiment of the present invention includes:
a step of transporting the tablets using a transport device;
a step of detecting either or both of the posture and position of the tablet conveyed by the conveyance device using a detection device;
Based on one or both of the posture and position of the tablet detected by the detection device, printing by a print head device provided in the conveyance device downstream of the detection device in the tablet conveyance direction is defective. a step of determining by a control device whether or not the
For tablets for which it has been determined that the printing by the print head device will not result in defects, performing the printing by the print head device;
For tablets for which it is determined that the printing by the print head device is defective, from the downstream side of the tablet in the conveying direction of the tablet from the detecting device in the conveying device, and from the downstream side of the tablet in the conveying direction of the tablet from the detecting device in the conveying device. a step of returning to the upstream side of the
has.

According to embodiments of the present invention, productivity can be increased.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a tablet printing device according to a first embodiment. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a part of a tablet printing device according to a first embodiment. It is a figure showing a part of supply device concerning a 1st embodiment. FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a printing apparatus according to a first embodiment. It is a figure showing a return device concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a figure showing a part of tablet printing device concerning a 2nd embodiment. It is a figure showing a part of tablet printing device concerning a 3rd embodiment. It is a figure showing the return device concerning a 3rd embodiment.

<First embodiment>
A first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. Note that the intervals between the tablets T illustrated in each figure are merely examples and are not accurate (the same applies to FIGS. 6 to 8).

(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 collection 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, the first printing device 20, the second printing device 30, and the collection device 40, which are each component of the tablet printing device 1, are arranged in this order to form a transport path P for the tablet T. A series of processes of supplying, printing, and collecting the tablets T are performed along the conveyance path P. That is, the conveyance path P is a path along which the tablet T is conveyed in the tablet printing device 1, and the upstream side of the conveyance path P is the supply device 10 side, and the downstream side is the recovery device 40 side. In the first embodiment, one conveyance path P is formed.

The supply device 10 includes a hopper 11, an alignment feeder 12, and a delivery feeder 13. This supply device 10 is configured to be able to supply tablets T to be printed to the first printing device 20, and is positioned at one end of the first printing device 20. The hopper 11 accommodates a large number of tablets T, and sequentially supplies the tablets T to the alignment feeder 12. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the alignment feeder 12 aligns the supplied tablets T in a line and conveys them toward the delivery feeder 13 in the direction of arrow A1 in the figure (conveying direction A1). The delivery feeder 13 sequentially suctions and holds the tablets T lined up on the alignment feeder 12 from above the tablets T, and conveys the held tablets T in a line to the first printing device 20 to print the tablets T in a row on the alignment feeder 12. It is delivered to the printing device 20. The supply device 10 is electrically connected to a control device 50, and its driving is controlled by the control device 50. As the alignment feeder 12 and the delivery feeder 13, for example, a belt conveyance mechanism is used. Note that as the alignment feeder 12, for example, a vibration feeder can be used.

The alignment feeder 12 has a stopper 12a, as shown in FIG. The stopper 12a is rotatably provided around one end in the stretching direction as a rotation center, and has a stop position where the stretching direction of the stopper 12a intersects (for example, perpendicularly) the conveying direction A1 in a horizontal plane, and a stopping position where the stretching direction of the stopper 12a is in the conveying direction. It is formed so as to be movable to a passing position parallel to A1 in a horizontal plane. This stopper 12a moves from the passing position to the stop position at predetermined time intervals (for example, the time when 200 tablets T have passed), blocks the tablets T, and stops the tablets T, thereby predetermining the interval between the tablets T arranged in a row. Adjust to desired spacing. The stopper 12a is electrically connected to a control device 50, and its driving is controlled by the control device 50.

The conveyance speed of the alignment feeder 12 is slower than the conveyance speed of the delivery feeder 13. That is, since the conveyance speed of the delivery feeder 13 is faster than the conveyance speed of the alignment feeder 12, an interval is provided between two adjacent tablets T in the delivery feeder 13. This spacing is usually less than or equal to the diameter of the tablet T. On the other hand, the distance between two adjacent tablets T provided by the stopper 12a also increases due to the speed difference between the delivery feeder 13 and the alignment feeder 12. This expanded spacing is wider than the diameter of the tablet T. That is, after the delivery feeder 13 of the conveyance path P, the interval between two adjacent tablets T is basically equal to or less than the diameter of the tablet T, but is wider than the diameter of the tablet T, for example, every 200 tablets. The interval wider than the diameter of the tablet T is, for example, within a range of more than 1 time and less than 2 times the diameter of the tablet T.

Returning to FIGS. 1 and 2, the first printing device 20 includes a transport device 21, a detection unit 22, a first imaging device 23, a print head device 24, a second imaging device 25, and a return device. 26 and a drying device 27.

The conveying device 21 includes a conveying belt 21a, a driving pulley 21b, a plurality of (three in the example of FIG. 1) driven pulleys 21c, a motor 21d, a position detector 21e, and a suction chamber 21f. The conveyor belt 21a is an endless belt, and is stretched over a driving 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 device, and the drive pulley 21b is connected to a motor 21d. The motor 21d is electrically connected to the control device 50, and its driving 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. This 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 and speed of the conveyor belt 21a, the amount of movement, and the position of the tablet T based on the detection signal. This conveyance device 21 rotates a conveyance belt 21a together with each driven pulley 21c by rotation of a drive pulley 21b by a motor 21d, and conveys the tablets T on the conveyance belt 21a in a conveyance direction A1.

As shown in FIG. 4, a plurality of circular suction holes 21g are formed on the surface (suction surface) of the conveyor belt 21a. These suction holes 21g are through-holes that suck the tablets T onto the surface of the conveyor belt 21a, and are arranged in a line along the conveyance direction A1 so as to form one conveyance path P. Each suction hole 21g is connected to the suction chamber 21f via a suction path (not shown) formed in the suction chamber 21f, and it is possible to obtain suction force from the suction chamber 21f. A suction device such as a pump is connected to the suction chamber 21f via an intake pipe (none of which is shown), and the pressure inside the suction chamber 21f is reduced by the operation of the suction device. Note that the intake pipe is connected to approximately the center of the side surface (surface parallel to the conveyance direction A1) of the suction chamber 21f. Further, the intake device is electrically connected to the control device 50, and its driving is controlled by the control device 50.

The detection unit 22 has one proximity sensor 22a (see FIG. 4). The proximity sensor 22a is provided above the conveyor belt 21a and downstream in the conveyance direction A1 from the position on the conveyor belt 21a where the tablets T are supplied by the supply device 10. The proximity sensor 22a detects the position of the tablet T on the conveyor belt 21a (the position of the tablet T in the conveyance direction A1) by emitting and receiving laser light, and functions as a trigger sensor for each device located downstream. As the proximity sensor 22a, various laser sensors such as a reflective laser sensor can be used. The proximity sensor 22a is electrically connected to the control device 50 and transmits a detection signal to the control device 50. The detection unit 22 functions as a detection device that detects the position of the tablet T and the like.

The first imaging device 23 has one imaging section 23a (see FIG. 4). The imaging unit 23a is provided on the downstream side in the transport direction A1 from the position where the detection unit 22 is provided, and above the transport belt 21a. The imaging unit 23a performs imaging at the timing when the tablet T reaches directly below the imaging unit 23a based on the above-mentioned position information of the tablet T, acquires an image including the top surface of the tablet T, and transmits the acquired image to the control device 50. Send to. As the imaging section 23a, it is possible to use various cameras having an imaging element such as a CCD (charge coupled device) or a CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor). The imaging unit 23a is electrically connected to the control device 50, and its driving is controlled by the control device 50. Note that lighting for imaging is also provided if necessary. The first imaging device 23 functions as a detection device that detects either or both of the posture and position of the tablet T. The posture of the tablet T is, for example, the inclination of the tablet T with respect to the suction surface of the conveyor belt 21a. Further, the position of the tablet T is, for example, a position determined by the positions in the X direction, Y direction, and θ direction in FIG. 4.

The print head device 24 has one inkjet print head 24a (see FIG. 4). The print head 24a is provided downstream in the transport direction A1 from the position where the first imaging device 23 is provided, and above the transport belt 21a. The print head 24a includes a plurality of nozzles 24b (for example, about several hundred to several thousand), and ink is ejected individually from these nozzles 24b. This print head 24a is provided so that the alignment direction in which the nozzles 24b are lined up intersects (for example, perpendicularly) with the transport direction A1 in a horizontal plane. As the print head 24a, it is possible to use various inkjet type print heads having driving elements such as piezoelectric elements, heating elements, or magnetostrictive elements. The print head 24a is electrically connected to a control device 50, and its driving is controlled by the control device 50.

The second imaging device 25 has one imaging section 25a (see FIG. 4). The imaging unit 25a is provided on the downstream side in the transport direction A1 from the position where the print head device 24 is provided, and above the transport belt 21a. The imaging unit 25a performs imaging at the timing when the tablet T reaches directly below the imaging unit 25a based on the above-mentioned position information of the tablet T, acquires an image including the top surface of the tablet T, and transmits the acquired image to the control device 50. Send to. As the imaging section 25a, it is possible to use various cameras having an imaging device such as a CCD or CMOS, similar to the above-mentioned imaging section 23a. The imaging unit 25a is electrically connected to a control device 50, and its driving is controlled by the control device 50. Note that lighting for imaging is also provided if necessary.

The return device 26 has a return pipe 61 and a tablet moving section 62, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. This return device 26 passes the tablets T located on the upper surface of the conveyor belt 21a through the return piping 61 by the tablet moving section 62, stops the tablets T moving inside the return piping 61 once in the return piping 61, and stops the tablets T that have been stopped. is moved to the upper surface of the conveyor belt 21a. That is, the return device 26 in the first embodiment returns the tablets T from the downstream side to the upstream side in the conveyance direction A1 on the upper surface of the conveyor belt 21a.

The return piping 61 detects the tablets T transported by the transport device 21 from the downstream side in the transport direction A1 from the position where the second imaging device 25 is provided on the upper surface of the transport belt 21a. 22 is a pipe (return path) for returning to the upstream side in the conveying direction A1 from the position where it is provided. This return piping 61 extends in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction A1 in a horizontal plane, curves at a predetermined R value, extends parallel to the extending direction of the conveyor belt 21a, and bends at a predetermined angle (for example, 90 degrees) in the middle. are doing. The return piping 61 is formed so that when the tablet T moves inside the return piping 61, the tablet T does not turn over, that is, the tablet T moves without changing its top or bottom. As the return piping 61, for example, a tube with a rectangular cross-section, a tube with a cross-section similar to the cross-sectional shape of the tablet T, or a rail with a U-shaped cross-section similar to the cross-sectional shape of the tablet T is used. Is possible.

Further, the return piping 61 has an inlet H1 (an opening into which the tablet T enters) and an outlet H2 (an opening through which the tablet T exits). The return piping 61 has an inlet H1 located on the upper surface of the conveyor belt 21a on the downstream side in the conveyance direction A1 than the position where the second imaging device 25 is provided, and an outlet H2 located on the upper surface of the conveyor belt 21a where the detection unit 22 is located downstream. It is provided so as to be located upstream in the transport direction A1 from the provided position. The respective lower ends of the inlet H1 and the outlet H2 are aligned with the height position of the upper surface (adsorption surface) of the conveyor belt 21a, and are positioned at the end of the upper surface of the conveyor belt 21a in a direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction A1 in a horizontal plane. It is being

The tablet moving section 62 has two nozzles 62a and 62b. This tablet moving unit 62 injects gas (for example, air) from a nozzle 62a, blows the tablet T conveyed by the conveyor belt 21a into the return pipe 61, moves it to the bent part B1 of the return pipe 61, and moves it from the nozzle 62b to the bent part B1 of the return pipe 61. Gas (for example, air) is injected to cause the tablets T to pass through the return pipe 61, that is, the tablets T transported by the conveyor belt 21a are passed through the return pipe 61.

The nozzle 62a is formed to blow gas toward the inlet H1 of the return piping 61 without contacting the upper surface of the conveyor belt 21a, and the blown gas moves the tablets T on the conveyor belt 21a toward the inlet of the return piping 61. Move towards H1. The gas blowing direction is a direction in which the tablets T on the conveyor belt 21a are moved in a direction intersecting (for example, perpendicular to) the conveyance direction A1 in a horizontal plane. A valve (not shown) that controls the blowing of gas by the nozzle 62a is electrically connected to the control device 50, and its driving is controlled by the control device 50.

The nozzle 62b is located at the bent portion B1 of the return pipe 61, and is formed to blow out gas toward the outlet H2 of the return pipe 61. It is moved toward the outlet H2 of the pipe 61. The direction in which the gas is blown is a direction in which the tablet T, once stopped in the return pipe 61, is moved in a direction intersecting (for example, perpendicular to) the transport direction A1 in a horizontal plane. A valve (not shown) that controls the blowing of gas by the nozzle 62b is electrically connected to the control device 50, and its driving is controlled by the control device 50.

For example, when an unprinted tablet without any cracks or chips (hereinafter simply referred to as "unprinted tablet T") on the conveyor belt 21a reaches a position facing the inlet H1 of the return pipe 61, gas is blown out from the nozzle 62a. The unprinted tablets T on the conveyor belt 21a are moved to the return pipe 61 by the gas blown out by the nozzle 62a, and are stopped at the bent portion B1 of the return pipe 61. Thereafter, at a predetermined timing when the unprinted tablet T is returned between two adjacent tablets T with an interval wider than the diameter of the tablets T on the conveyor belt 21a, gas is blown out from the nozzle 62b and the unprinted tablet T is placed at the bent portion B1. The tablet T moves from the bent portion B1 between two adjacent tablets T with an interval wider than the diameter of the tablet T on the conveyor belt 21a. In this way, the unprinted tablets T on the conveyor belt 21a move from the conveyor belt 21a to the return piping 61 and pass through the return piping 61, and the unprinted tablets T on the conveyor belt 21a move from the conveyor belt 21a to the return piping 61, and the unprinted tablets T on the conveyor belt 21a pass through the return piping 61. Return to Tablet T.

In order to provide an interval between two adjacent tablets T that is wider than the diameter of the tablets T, the time interval at which the stopper 12a of the alignment feeder 12 described above is moved from the passing position to the stop position is set in advance. The time interval is set based on, for example, the number of tablets expected to pass through the return pipe 61 and the transport speed. The number of tablets expected to pass through the return pipe 61 is determined empirically or experimentally and is known in advance.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4, a positioning member 62c is provided on the conveyor belt 21a on the side opposite to the outlet H2 of the return pipe 61 so as to face the outlet H2 of the return pipe 61. That is, the positioning member 62c is disposed on the opposite side of the outlet H2 of the return pipe 61 across the row of suction holes 21g. The unprinted tablets T returned onto the conveyor belt 21a from the outlet H2 of the return pipe 61 hit the positioning member 62c, so that they are positioned above the rows of suction holes 21g that the conveyor belt 21a has. .

Returning to FIGS. 1 and 2, the drying device 27 is located downstream in the transport direction A1 from the position where the print head device 24 is provided, and is provided below the transport device 21, for example. This drying device 27 is a drying device corresponding to one conveyance path P, and dries the ink applied to each tablet T on the conveyance belt 21a. As the drying device 27, various types of drying parts may be used, such as a blower that performs drying using gas such as air, a heater that performs drying using radiant heat, or a blower that uses warm air or hot air using a combination of gas and a heater. is possible. The drying device 27 is electrically connected to the control device 50, and its driving is controlled by the control device 50.

The tablet T that has passed above the drying device 27 is conveyed as the conveyor belt 21a moves, and reaches a position near the end of the conveyor belt 21a on the side of each driven pulley 21c. At this position, the suction action no longer acts on the tablet T, the tablet T is released from the state held by the conveyor belt 21a, and is transferred from the first printing device 20 to the second printing device 30.

The second printing device 30 includes a transport device 31, a detection unit 32, a first imaging device 33, a print head device 34, a second imaging device 35, a return device 36, and a drying device 37. We are prepared. The conveying device 31 includes a conveying belt 31a, a driving pulley 31b, a plurality of (three in the example of FIG. 1) driven pulleys 31c, a motor 31d, a position detector 31e, and a suction chamber 31f. The return device 36 has a return pipe 61 and a tablet moving section 62, as shown in FIG. The tablet moving section 62 has two nozzles 62a and 62b. Further, although not shown, a positioning member 62c similar to the positioning member 62c provided in the first printing device 20 is provided on the conveyor belt 31a, facing the outlet of the return pipe 61 constituting the return device 36. ing. The return device 36 in the first embodiment returns the tablets T from the downstream side to the upstream side in the conveying direction A2 on the upper surface of the conveying belt 31a. Note that each element constituting the second printing device 30 corresponds to the above-described first printing device 20 and has essentially the same structure, so a description thereof will be omitted. The transport direction of the second printing device 30 is the direction of 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. This recovery device 40 is provided downstream in the transport direction A2 from the position where the drying device 37 of the second printing device 30 is provided. In the collecting device 40, a defective product collecting device 41 collects defective tablets T, and a non-defective product collecting device 42 collects non-defective tablets T.

The defective product recovery device 41 includes an injection nozzle 41a and a storage box (collection box) 41b. The injection nozzle 41a and the storage box 41b are provided at positions corresponding to one conveyance path P.

The injection nozzle 41a is positioned to face the conveyance path P, and is provided within the suction chamber 31f of the second printing device 30. The injection nozzle 41a, for example, injects gas (for example, air) toward the conveyor belt 31a, and causes the tablets T to fall from the conveyor belt 31a. At this time, the gas injected from the injection nozzle 41a passes through the suction hole (similar to the suction hole 21g shown in FIG. 2) of the conveyor belt 31a and hits the tablet T. The injection nozzle 41a is electrically connected to a control device 50, and its driving is controlled by the control device 50.

The storage box 41b is provided directly below the injection nozzle 41a and below the transport device 31. This storage box 41b receives and stores the tablets T dropped from the conveyor belt 31a by the gas jetted from the jet nozzle 41a.

The non-defective product recovery device 42 includes a gas blowing section 42a and a storage box (collection box) 42b. This good product recovery device 42 is provided downstream in the conveyance direction A2 from the position where the defective product recovery device 41 is provided, and the gas blowing section 42a and the storage box 42b are provided corresponding to the conveyance path P. There is.

The gas blowing section 42a is provided in the suction chamber 31f of the second printing device 30 at an end of the conveying device 31, that is, at an end of the conveying belt 31a on the side of each driven pulley 31c. For example, during the printing process, the gas blowing section 42a always blows out gas (for example, air) toward the conveyor belt 31a, and causes the tablets T to fall from the conveyor belt 31a. At this time, the gas blown out from the gas blowing part 42a passes through the suction hole (similar to the suction hole 21g shown in FIG. 2) of the conveyor belt 31a and hits the tablet T. As the gas blowing part 42a, it is possible to use, for example, an air blower having a slit-shaped opening extending in a direction intersecting (for example, perpendicular to) the conveying direction A2 in a horizontal plane. The gas blowing section 42a is electrically connected to a control device 50, and its driving is controlled by the control device 50.

Here, the tablet T that has passed through the defective product recovery device 41 is conveyed as the conveyor belt 31a moves, and reaches a position near the end of the conveyor belt 31a on the side of each driven pulley 31c. At this position, the suction action no longer acts on the tablet T, but gas is blown onto the tablet T from above by the gas blowing section 42a, and the tablet T falls from the conveyor belt 31a. Therefore, by providing the gas blowing part 42a, the tablets T can be reliably dropped from the conveyor belt 31a. The storage box 42b is provided directly below the gas blowing section 42a and below the transport device 31. This storage box 42b receives and stores the tablets T dropped from the conveyor belt 31a by the gas jetted from the gas blowing section 42a.

The control device 50 includes an image processing section 51, a print processing section 52, an inspection processing section (inspection section) 53, a storage section 54, and a transport processing section 55. The image processing unit 51 processes images. 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. The conveyance processing unit 55 controls the overall conveyance of the tablets T. Such a control device 50 controls the supply device 10, the first printing device 20, the second printing device 30, and the collecting device 40, and also controls each of the first printing device 20 and the second printing device 30. The position information of the tablet T transmitted from the detection units 22 and 32 of the tablet T, and the images transmitted from the individual imaging devices 23, 25, 33, and 35 of the first printing device 20 and the second printing device 30 are received. .

Note that the operating conditions are set in advance and stored in the storage section 54. The transport processing unit 55 controls the individual return devices 26 and 36 of the first printing device 20 and the second printing device 30 based on the operating conditions stored in the storage unit 54. Further, each conveyance section such as the alignment feeder 12, the delivery feeder 13, the conveyance device 21, and the conveyance device 31 constitutes the entire conveyance device of the tablet printing apparatus 1, and the conveyance processing section 55 controls the entire conveyance device based on the operating conditions. control the transport device.

(Printing process)
Next, the printing process and inspection process performed by the above-mentioned tablet printing apparatus 1 will be explained. In the following printing process, double-sided printing will be described in which identification information is printed on both sides of a tablet T with a score line formed on one side so as to be aligned with the score line (for example, parallel to the extending direction of the score line).

First, various information such as print data required for printing is stored in the storage unit 54 of the control device 50. When a large number of tablets T to be printed are loaded into the hopper 11 of the supply device 10, the tablets T begin to be sequentially supplied from the hopper 11 to the alignment feeder 12, and are moved in a line by the alignment feeder 12. The tablets T moving in one line are held by the delivery feeder 13 and are sequentially supplied from the alignment feeder 12 to the conveyor belt 21a of the first printing device 20. Note that the tablets T on the alignment feeder 12 are stopped by a stopper 12a (see FIG. 3) at predetermined time intervals (for example, the time when 200 tablets T have passed), and the interval between two adjacent tablets T is set in advance. Adjusted to desired spacing.

The conveyance belt 21a is rotated in the conveyance direction A1 by rotation of the drive pulley 21b and each driven pulley 21c by the motor 21d. Therefore, the tablets T supplied onto the conveyor belt 21a are lined up in a line at desired intervals on the conveyor belt 21a, and are conveyed at a predetermined moving speed. The interval between two adjacent tablets T on the conveyor belt 21a is basically equal to or less than the diameter of the tablet T, but becomes wider than the diameter of the tablet T every 200 tablets, for example. Note that the conveyor belt 31a is also rotated in the conveyance direction A2 by the rotation of the drive pulley 31b and each driven pulley 31c by the motor 31d. Similarly to the conveyor belt 21a, the interval between two adjacent tablets T on the conveyor belt 31a is basically equal to or less than the diameter of the tablet T, but becomes wider than the diameter of the tablet T, for example, every 200 tablets.

In the first printing device 20, the tablet T is sucked and held on the conveyor belt 21a, and the tablet T on the conveyor belt 21a is detected by the detection unit 22. As a result, the position information of the tablet T (position in the transport direction A1) is acquired and input to the control device 50. This position information of the tablet T is stored in the storage unit 54 and used in post-processing. Next, the tablet T on the conveyor belt 21a is imaged by the first imaging device 23 at a timing based on the aforementioned position information of the tablet T, and the captured image is transmitted to the image processing section 51 of the control device 50.

The image processing unit 51 captures the image transmitted from the first imaging device 23, processes the image using a known image processing technique, and generates position information (for example, Information regarding the position of the tablet T shown in the X direction, Y direction, and θ direction in FIG. The print processing unit 52 sets printing conditions for the tablet T (ink ejection position, ejection speed, etc.) based on the position information and orientation information of the tablet T stored in the storage unit 54 and stores them in the storage unit 54.

Further, the image processing unit 51 processes the image transmitted from the first imaging device 23 using a known image processing technique, and determines whether or not the tablet T is cracked or chipped. On the condition that the image processing unit 51 determines that the tablet T is cracked or chipped, the print processing unit 52 determines that the tablet T is defective (defective tablet), and prints the defective tablet T by the print head device 24. Prohibit printing. On the other hand, if the image processing unit 51 determines that the tablet T has no cracks or chips (cracks or chips), the print processing unit 52 prints the tablet T based on either or both of the position information and orientation information of the tablet T. It is determined whether or not the printing of the head device 24 becomes defective. In other words, the print processing unit 52 predicts the quality of printing before printing. When the print processing unit 52 determines that the printing of the print head device 24 is defective (for example, when the amount of positional deviation of the tablet T is larger than a predetermined tolerance), the print processing unit 52 adjusts the print head device 24 for the target tablet T. Prohibit printing. On the other hand, if the print processing unit 52 determines that the printing of the print head device 24 is not defective (for example, if the amount of positional deviation of the tablet T is less than or equal to a predetermined tolerance value), the print processing unit 52 prints the print head for the target tablet T. Allow device 24 to print.

Tablets T for which it is determined that printing is not defective (no cracks or chips) are determined at the timing based on the above-mentioned position information of the tablet T (position in the transport direction A1), that is, at the timing when the tablet T reaches the lower part of the print head device 24. Then, printing is executed by the print head device 24 based on the print data and print conditions described above. In the print head 24a of the print head device 24, ink is suitably ejected from each nozzle 24b, and identification information such as letters (for example, alphabets, katakana, numbers) and marks (for example, symbols, figures) are displayed on the dividing line on the top surface of the tablet T. They are printed aligned (for example, parallel to the extending direction of the secant line).

In addition, defective tablets (defective tablets) T that are cracked or chipped are prohibited from printing, and are not printed by the print head device 24, but pass below the print head device 24. Similarly, a tablet T that does not have defects such as cracks or chips, but has a defective print (cannot be printed) because it was transported in a bad position or posture is prohibited from printing. The tablets are not printed by the print head device 24 and pass below the print head device 24, resulting in unprinted tablets without cracks or chips. When the unprinted tablet T on the conveyor belt 21a reaches a position on the upper surface of the conveyor belt 21a facing the inlet H1 of the return piping 61, the conveyance processing unit 55 performs the operation of passing the unprinted tablet T through the return piping 61 as a tablet movement. section 62 to execute. As a result, gas is blown out from the nozzle 62a (see FIGS. 4 and 5).

The unprinted tablet T that has reached the position facing the inlet H1 of the return pipe 61 is moved to the return pipe 61 by the gas blown out by the nozzle 62a, moves through the return pipe 61, and stops at the bent part B1 of the return pipe 61. do. Thereafter, gas is blown out from the nozzle 62b at a predetermined timing, and is thrown between two adjacent tablets T at a distance wider than the diameter of the tablets T on the conveyor belt 21a from the bent part B1 of the return pipe 61. At this time, the unprinted tablet T returned from the bent portion B1 onto the conveyor belt 21a is positioned by the positioning member 62c. As a result, the unprinted tablets T on the conveyor belt 21a move from the conveyor belt 21a to the return piping 61, pass through the return piping 61, and move from the position where the detection unit 22 is provided on the upper surface of the conveyor belt 21a in the conveyance direction A1. It returns between two adjacent tablets T at an interval wider than the diameter of the tablets T on the upper surface of the conveyor belt 21a on the upstream side. This tablet T passes under the detection section 22 again, and when printing is permitted, it is printed by the print head device 24. In other words, the tablet itself does not have defects such as cracks or chips, but a tablet (unprinted tablet) T whose printing is defective because it was conveyed in a bad position or bad posture (unprinted tablet) will be printed after the bad posture or bad position has disappeared. The return device 26 returns the upper surface of the conveyor belt 21a from the downstream side of the print head device 24 in the conveyance direction A1 to the upstream side of the print head device 24, and is repeatedly conveyed below the print head device 24. . Through this operation, printing is performed on the unprinted tablet T whose position information and orientation information have been corrected, and if there is no abnormality in the printing result, it becomes a non-defective product.

The tablet T on which identification information is printed is imaged by the second imaging device 25 at a timing based on the above-mentioned position information of the tablet T, and the captured image is transmitted to the control device 50. The image processing unit 51 generates print position information indicating the print position of the print pattern of the tablet T based on the image transmitted from the second imaging device 25, and stores it in the storage unit 54. The inspection processing unit 53 determines whether the printing quality of the tablet T is good or bad (whether the tablet T is good or not) based on the printing position information stored in the storage unit 54, and determines whether the printing quality of the tablet T is good or bad. The printing quality result information (inspection result information) indicating the printing quality is stored in the storage unit 54. For example, the inspection processing unit 53 determines whether the print pattern is printed at a predetermined position on the tablet T in a predetermined pattern. A tablet T that is determined to have a printing pattern printed at a predetermined position on the tablet T in a predetermined pattern is considered to be a non-defective product that has passed the inspection. On the other hand, a tablet T for which it is determined that the printing pattern is not printed in a predetermined pattern at a predetermined position on the tablet T is considered to be a defective product (defective printing) that fails the inspection.

The inspected tablets T are conveyed as the conveyor belt 21a moves, and pass above the drying device 27 which is in drying operation. At this time, the ink that has reached (landed on) the tablet T is dried by the drying device 27 while the tablet T passes above the drying device 27, and the tablet T with the ink dried is transported as the transport belt 21a moves. It is located near the end of the conveyor belt 21a on the side of each driven pulley 21c. At this position, the suction action no longer acts on the tablet T, and the tablet T is released from being held on the lower surface of the conveyor belt 21a and is transferred from the first printing device 20 to the second printing device 30.

In the second printing device 30 as well, the tablet T is suctioned and held on the conveyor belt 31a, and the printing process and inspection process are performed in the same manner as described above. The inspected tablets T are conveyed as the conveyor belt 31a moves, and pass above the drying device 37 during drying operation. Then, the tablet T with the dried ink reaches the defective product collection device 41. At this position, the tablet T that is a defective product (for example, a defective product with cracks or chips, or a defective product with a printing defect) falls from the lower surface of the conveyor belt 31a due to the gas jet (blow) from the jet nozzle 41a, and is transferred to the storage box 41b. It will be collected. The good tablets T pass through the defective product collection device 41 and reach a position near the end of the conveyor belt 31a on the side of each driven pulley 31c. At this position, the suction action ceases to work on the tablet T and it falls. Furthermore, since gas is blown onto the tablet T from above by the gas blowing section 42a, the tablet T reliably falls from the conveyor belt 31a and is collected by the storage box 42b.

In such a printing process, in the first printing device 20, the unprinted tablets T on the conveyor belt 21a are conveyed by the return device 26 from the position where the second imaging device 25 is provided on the upper surface of the conveyor belt 21a. It is returned from the downstream side in the direction A1 to the upstream side in the conveyance direction A1 from the position where the detection section 22 is provided on the upper surface of the conveyance belt 21a. Specifically, when the unprinted tablet T on the conveyor belt 21a reaches a position facing the inlet H1 of the return pipe 61, gas is blown out from the nozzle 62a, and the unprinted tablet T is moved to the return pipe 61 by the gas blown out by the nozzle 62a. , it stops at the bend B1. Thereafter, at a predetermined timing when the unprinted tablet T is returned between two adjacent tablets T on the conveyor belt 21a with an interval wider than the diameter of the tablets T, gas is blown out from the nozzle 62b and the unprinted tablet T is placed at the bent portion B1. The tablet T moves from the bent portion B1 on the conveyor belt 21a between two adjacent tablets T with an interval wider than the diameter of the tablet T. As a result, tablets T that do not have defects such as cracks or chips, but have defective printing because they were transported in a bad position or posture, can be returned as good if they are re-injected and printed. It becomes possible to automatically reinsert unprinted tablets T into a desired position during transportation and print them, thereby increasing the number of non-defective products, thereby increasing the rate of non-defective products and improving productivity.

Similarly, in the second printing device 30, the unprinted tablet T on the conveyor belt 31a is moved by the return device 36 from the position where the second imaging device 35 is provided on the upper surface of the conveyor belt 31a in the conveyance direction A1. From the downstream side, it is returned to the upstream side in the conveying direction A2 from the position where the detection section 32 is provided on the upper surface of the conveying belt 31a. This makes it possible to automatically reinsert unprinted tablets T into a desired position during transportation and print them, which would otherwise be good if they are reinserted and printed, thereby increasing the number of non-defective tablets. It is possible to increase the rate of non-defective products and improve productivity.

Here, in a case where unprinted tablets are included in defective products as in the past, the non-defective product rate is assumed to be 95%, for example. As an example, if 500,000 tablets are processed per hour, the number of good tablets will be 475,000 and the number of defective tablets will be 25,000. On the other hand, if the proportion of unprinted tablets among defective products is approximately 10% (approximately 0.5% of the total), then by re-introducing these unprinted tablets, 25,000 tablets (number of defective products) x 10% (number of defective products) The proportion of unprinted tablets) x 95% (defective product rate) = 2,375 tablets, which means that the number of non-defective tablets can be increased by 2,375 tablets per 500,000 tablets input.

In addition, the permissible values for the positional deviation and posture (inclination angle) for printing on the tablet T are lowered, and the tablets T having the positional deviation amount and posture that were previously allowed can be reloaded and printed using the return devices 26 and 37. By doing so, it is possible to reduce printing blurs and omissions due to ejection failure caused by using the nozzle 24b that is used infrequently, or defects (distortion, etc.) in the printed pattern. In other words, it is possible to reduce the number of defective products due to printing defects. Furthermore, even in the case of printed non-defective products, the misalignment of printing is reduced, resulting in a clean tablet T (less variation in appearance), and the printing quality of non-defective products can be improved.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, when the first printing device 20 determines that printing by the print head device 24 will be defective, printing by the print head device 24 is prohibited, and the transport device 21 The tablet T conveyed by return. This makes it possible to automatically reinsert unprinted tablets T into a desired position and print them during transportation, which can be determined as non-defective products by re-inserting the tablets and printing, thereby increasing the number of non-defective products. Therefore, it is possible to increase the rate of non-defective products and improve productivity. Similarly, in the second printing device 30, it becomes possible to automatically reinsert unprinted tablets T into a desired position and print them during transportation, which can be determined as non-defective products by re-inserting the tablets and printing. Therefore, we can increase the number of quality products. Therefore, it is possible to increase the rate of non-defective products and improve productivity.

<Second embodiment>
A second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 6. In the second embodiment, differences from the first embodiment (configuration of the return device, operation of the stopper) will be explained, and other explanations will be basically omitted.

As shown in FIG. 6, the return piping 61 of the return device 26 according to the second embodiment allows the tablets T transported by the transport device 21 to be transported by the second imaging device 25 on the upper surface of the transport belt 21a. It is formed so as to be returned from the downstream side in the conveying direction A1 from the position to the downstream side in the conveying direction A1 from the position where the stopper 12a is provided on the top surface of the alignment feeder 12.

The stopper 12a according to the second embodiment moves from the passing position to the stop position, blocks the tablets T, and stops the tablets for a predetermined period of time. Adjust the spacing to a predetermined desired spacing, that is, a spacing wider than the diameter of the tablet T. For example, the stopper 12a moves from the passing position to the stop position at the time when or just before the unprinted tablet T on the conveyor belt 21a reaches the position facing the inlet H1 of the return pipe 61, and stops the tablet T for a predetermined period of time. dam up. As a result, the distance between some two adjacent tablets T in the alignment feeder 12 is made wider than the diameter of the tablets T by the stopper 12a.

The tablet moving section 62 of the return device 26 according to the second embodiment has only a nozzle 62a. For example, when the unprinted tablet T on the conveyor belt 21a reaches a position facing the inlet H1 of the return pipe 61, gas is blown out from the nozzle 62a. Due to the gas blown out by the nozzle 62a, the unprinted tablets T on the conveyor belt 21a move to the return piping 61 and pass through the return piping 61, and in the alignment feeder 12, two adjacent tablets T are placed at a distance wider than the diameter of the tablets T. Move between tablets T.

According to the return device 26 having such a configuration, the unprinted tablets T on the conveyor belt 21a are aligned from the downstream side in the conveyance direction A1 from the position where the second imaging device 25 is provided on the upper surface of the conveyor belt 21a. The feeder 12 is returned to the downstream side in the conveyance direction A1 from the position where the stopper 12a is provided on the upper surface of the feeder 12. This makes it possible to automatically reinsert unprinted tablets T into a desired position during transportation and print them, which would otherwise be good if they are reinserted and printed, thereby increasing the number of non-defective tablets. It is possible to increase the rate of non-defective products and improve productivity.

As explained above, according to the second embodiment, the same effects as the first embodiment can be obtained. Further, the return route can be freely changed by simply changing the arrangement of the return piping 61.

<Third embodiment>
A third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. In the third embodiment, differences from the first embodiment (installation and configuration of the return device, operation of the stopper) will be explained, and other explanations will be basically omitted.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the first printing device 20 according to the third embodiment does not include the return device 26 according to the first embodiment, and the second printing device 20 according to the third embodiment does not include the return device 26 according to the first embodiment. Only the printing device 30 is equipped with a return device 36.

The return pipe 61 of the return device 36 according to the third embodiment is connected to the stopper 12a on the top surface of the alignment feeder 12 from the downstream side in the transport direction A2 from the position where the second imaging device 35 is provided on the top surface of the transport belt 31a. (See FIG. 8) is formed so as to return the tablet T conveyed by the conveyance device 31 downstream in the conveyance direction A1 from the position where it is provided.

Similarly to the second embodiment, the stopper 12a according to the third embodiment moves from the passing position to the stop position, blocks the tablets T, and stops the tablets T for a predetermined time. The interval between the two tablets T is adjusted to a predetermined desired interval, that is, an interval wider than the diameter of the tablets T. For example, the stopper 12a moves from the passing position to the stop position at the time when or just before the unprinted tablet T on the conveyor belt 31a reaches the position facing the inlet H1 of the return pipe 61, and stops the tablet T for a predetermined period of time. dam up. As a result, the distance between some two adjacent tablets T in the alignment feeder 12 is made wider than the diameter of the tablets T by the stopper 12a.

The tablet moving section 62 of the return device 36 according to the third embodiment has only a nozzle 62a. For example, when the unprinted tablet T on the conveyor belt 31a reaches a position facing the inlet H1 of the return pipe 61, gas is blown out from the nozzle 62a. Due to the gas blown out by the nozzle 62a, the unprinted tablets T on the conveyor belt 31a move to the return piping 61 and pass through the return piping 61, and in the alignment feeder 12, two adjacent tablets T are placed at a distance wider than the diameter of the tablets T. Move between tablets T.

According to the return device 36 having such a configuration, the unprinted tablets T on the conveyor belt 31a are aligned from the downstream side in the conveyance direction A2 from the position where the second imaging device 35 is provided on the upper surface of the conveyor belt 31a. The feeder 12 is returned to the downstream side in the conveyance direction A1 from the position where the stopper 12a is provided on the upper surface of the feeder 12. This makes it possible to automatically reinsert unprinted tablets T into a desired position during transportation and print them, which would otherwise be good if they are reinserted and printed, thereby increasing the number of non-defective tablets. It is possible to increase the rate of non-defective products and improve productivity. Note that the unprinted tablet T in the third embodiment does not have defects such as cracks or chips on the tablet itself, but may be printed on only one side or both sides due to poor positioning or posture of the tablet T. Tablets that failed the print quality test are not included.

Of the tablets T that have been reinserted, for tablets T that have already been printed on one side, the printed one side is recognized by the image, and printing on that printed side is prohibited, so that one side of the tablet T is Double printing can be suppressed.

As explained above, according to the third embodiment, the same effects as the first embodiment can be obtained. Further, the return route can be freely changed by simply changing the arrangement of the return piping 61. Further, by providing the return device 36 only in the second printing device 30, compared to the case where both the first printing device 20 and the second printing device 30 are provided with separate return devices 26, 36, the tablet printing device 1 can be simplified.

<Other embodiments>
In the above description, the tablet T is printed using any of the tablet printing apparatuses 1 of the above-described embodiments. This can also be said to produce a printed tablet T by printing on the tablet T using any of the tablet printing apparatuses 1 of the above-described embodiments.

Further, in the above description, it has been exemplified that the intervals between the tablets T in a row at which the tablets T are re-inserted are constant intervals, but the interval is not limited to this, and may be a random interval.

In addition, in the above description, an example was given in which the stopper 12a is rotated around one end in the extending direction of the stopper 12a, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, a shutter that can be raised and lowered is provided as the stopper 12a, and the shutter is The intervals between the tablets T may be adjusted to a desired interval by raising and lowering the tablets.

Further, in the above description, the interval between the tablets T is adjusted to a desired interval by the stopper 12a, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, instead of the stopper 12a, the conveyance of the first printing device 20 A return piping and a tablet moving part (return piping 61 related to return devices 26, 36 and A tablet moving unit 62) may be provided to thin out the tablets T arranged in a row on the upper surface of the conveyor belt 21a to adjust the interval between the tablets T. Alternatively, a portion that cannot be sucked may be created in the delivery feeder 13 so that the tablets T cannot be sucked and held (sucked) at regular intervals, and the interval between the tablets T may be adjusted. Alternatively, the delivery feeder 13 may be configured to be movable up and down, and the delivery feeder 13 may be raised periodically to suck and hold the tablets T, thereby adjusting the interval between the tablets T.

In addition, in the above description (see the third embodiment), alignment is performed from the downstream side in the transport direction A2 from the position where the second imaging device 35 is provided on the upper surface of the transport belt 31a of the second printing device 30. Although the example is shown in which the tablets T are reinjected into the upper surface of the feeder 12, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the tablets T may be reintroduced into the lower surface of the delivery feeder 13, or the first printing It is also possible to re-inject the paper on the upper surface of the conveyor belt 21a of the device 20 on the upstream side in the conveyance direction A1 from the position where the detection section 22 is provided.

Furthermore, in the above description, the inlet H1 of the return pipe 61 is located downstream in the tablet T transport direction from the position where the second imaging device 25 (35) is provided on the upper surface of the transport belt 21a (31a). However, it may be located between the first imaging device 23 (33) and the print head device 24 (34) or between the print head device 24 (34) and the second imaging device 25 (35). You can also do this. In other words, the return device 26 (36) is located downstream in the transport direction of the tablet T with respect to the position where the imaging device 23 (33) that detects either or both the posture and position of the tablet T is provided. Any method that returns the unprinted tablet to the upstream side in the transport direction of the tablet T may be used. Note that the imaging device 25 (35) constitutes a detection device.

Further, in the above description, the return piping 61 is formed so as to prevent the tablet T from inverting, that is, to move the tablet T without changing its top and bottom. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The tablet T may be formed to be reversed, that is, the tablet T may be moved upside down.

Further, in the above description, the nozzle 62b is provided in the middle of the return pipe 61 as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in addition to the nozzle 62b, a nozzle may be provided in the middle of the return pipe 61. It's okay. This nozzle is formed so as to blow out gas in a direction that pushes the tablet T traveling inside the return pipe 61. The gas blown out by this nozzle pushes the tablet T and promotes the movement of the tablet T, so that the tablet T can be moved reliably and quickly within the return pipe 61.

Further, in the above description, the tablet moving unit 62 is exemplified to move the tablet T by injecting gas, but the invention is not limited to this, and for example, the tablet may be struck by a striking member that strikes the tablet T. It may also be physically moved.

Furthermore, in the above description, an inkjet type print head (inkjet head) 24a was illustrated as the print head devices 24, 34, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a transfer type using a transfer roll or a transfer pad may be used. Print head devices can also be used.

Further, in the above description, a print head in which the nozzles 24b are arranged in one row is illustrated as an example of the inkjet print head 24a, but the present invention is not limited to this. You can also do this. Further, a plurality of print heads 24a may be used in parallel along the transport direction A1.

In addition, in the above explanation, the tablets T are conveyed in one row, but the number of rows is not limited to this, and the number of rows may be two, three, four or more. The number of paths P and the number of conveyor belts 21a and 31a are not particularly limited. When there are multiple rows of conveyance paths P, for example, one print head 24a may be provided for each row, or one print head 24a may be provided in common for the multiple rows, and the print head 24a may be provided with one print head 24a for each row. Two or more rows of tablets T may be printed. Furthermore, the shape of the suction holes 21g of the conveyor belts 21a, 31a is not particularly limited.

Furthermore, in the above description, an example was given in which the information is printed aligned with the score line of the tablet T, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the information may be printed according to the score line based on the print data.

Furthermore, in the above description, the drying devices 27, 37, and 43c are provided, but the number thereof is not limited. For example, it is sufficient to have two drying devices 37 and 43c instead of one drying device 27, or it is sufficient to have one drying device 43c instead of two drying devices 27 and 37, and there is no drying device 43c and only two drying devices 37 and 43c are required. , 37 is sufficient. Further, depending on the type of ink or tablet T, a drying device may not be necessary, so all three drying devices 27, 37, and 43c may not be necessary.

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

Here, the above-mentioned tablets T can include tablets used for medicine, for eating and drinking, for cleaning, for industrial purposes, or for aromatic purposes. In addition, tablets include plain tablets, sugar-coated tablets, film-coated tablets, enteric-coated tablets, gelatin-encapsulated tablets, multilayer tablets, and dry-coated tablets, as well as various types of capsule tablets such as hard capsules and soft capsules. can be included in Furthermore, tablets can have various shapes such as a disc, a lens, a triangle, and an ellipse. Furthermore, when the tablet to be printed is for pharmaceutical use or food or drink use, edible ink is suitable as the ink to be used. As this edible ink, any of synthetic pigment ink, natural pigment ink, dye ink, and pigment ink may be used.

Although several 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 forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and gist of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention described in the claims and its equivalents.

1 Tablet printing device 12 Alignment feeder (transport unit)
12a Stopper 21 Conveyance device (conveyance section)
22 Detection unit (detection device)
23 First imaging device (detection device)
24 Print head device 26 Return device 31 Conveyance device (conveyance section)
33 First imaging device (detection device)
34 Print head device 36 Return device 50 Control device 51 Image processing section 52 Print processing section 61 Return piping 62 Tablet moving section 62a Nozzle 62b Nozzle T Tablet

Claims (8)

a conveyance device for conveying tablets;
a detection device that detects either or both of the posture and position of the tablet transported by the transport device;
a print head device that is provided downstream from the detection device in the transport direction of the tablet and prints on the tablet that is transported by the transport device;
a return device that returns the tablets transported by the transport device from a downstream side in the tablet transport direction from the detection device in the transport device to an upstream side in the tablet transport direction from the detection device in the transport device; ,
determining whether or not the printing by the print head device is defective based on one or both of the posture and position of the tablet detected by the detection device; and determining whether the printing by the print head device is defective. control that causes the print head device to perform the printing for tablets that are determined not to be defective; and causes the return device to perform a return operation for tablets that are determined to be poorly printed by the print head device; a device;
A tablet printing device comprising: The return device is configured to transport the tablets, which are transported by the transport device, from a downstream side in the transport direction of the tablets from the print head device in the transport device to an upstream side in the transport direction of the tablets from the detection device in the transport device. put the pill back
The tablet printing device according to claim 1, wherein the control device prohibits the printing by the printhead device for tablets that are determined to be defective in the printing by the printhead device. The return device is
return piping for returning the tablets transported by the transport device;
a tablet moving unit that passes the tablets transported by the transport device through the return piping;
has
The tablet printing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control device causes the tablet moving unit to perform an operation of passing a tablet through the return piping for a tablet that is determined to be defective in the printing by the print head device. Device. 4. The tablet printing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the tablet moving section blows gas onto the tablets transported by the transport device and passes the gas through the return piping. The return piping further has a bent part that stops the movement of the tablet,
4. The tablet moving section further includes a nozzle that blows gas onto the tablet stopped at the bending section and introduces the tablet into the transporting device upstream of the detecting device in the transporting direction of the tablet. The tablet printing device described in . The transport device is
a first conveyance unit that conveys the tablet;
a second transport unit that receives the tablets transported by the first transport unit and transports the received tablets;
has
The detection device and the print head device are provided with respect to the second transport section,
The return device returns the tablets transported by the second transport unit to the first transport unit from a downstream side in the tablet transport direction from the print head device in the second transport unit. The tablet printing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 . The conveying device has a stopper that stops the tablet being conveyed,
The tablet printing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , wherein the control device controls the stopper so as to adjust the distance between two adjacent tablets. a step of transporting the tablets using a transport device;
a step of detecting either or both of the posture and position of the tablet conveyed by the conveyance device using a detection device;
Based on one or both of the posture and position of the tablet detected by the detection device, whether or not printing by a print head device provided downstream from the detection device in the conveying direction of the tablet becomes defective. a step of determining by a control device whether
For tablets for which it has been determined that the printing by the print head device will not result in defects, performing the printing by the print head device;
For tablets for which it is determined that the printing by the print head device is defective, from the downstream side of the tablet in the conveying direction of the tablet from the detecting device in the conveying device, and from the downstream side of the tablet in the conveying direction of the tablet from the detecting device in the conveying device. a step of using a return device to return the material to the upstream side of the
A tablet printing method having.

Images