JP7405663B2 - 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.

There are various types of tablets to be printed that differ in color, shape, etc. When changing tablet types in a tablet printing machine, in order to prevent tablets of different types from mixing in the machine, the next type of tablet must be switched until all the tablets of the previous type have been ejected from the tablet printing machine. Unable to input to printing device. For this reason, the operating rate of the tablet printing device decreases, and the series of production times required to obtain the desired number of printed tablets for each type of tablet becomes longer, resulting in a decrease in production efficiency (=production amount/production time).

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 suppress a decrease in production efficiency.

The tablet printing device according to the embodiment of the present invention includes:
a transport section that transports the tablets;
a print head that prints on the tablets transported by the transport unit;
a determination unit that determines the type of the tablet conveyed by the conveyance unit;
a storage unit that stores printing patterns for each type of tablet;
an acquisition unit that acquires a printing pattern according to the type of tablet determined by the determination unit from the printing pattern for each type of tablet stored in the storage unit;
a control unit that controls the print head so that the print head performs the printing using the print pattern acquired by the acquisition unit;
Equipped with
The determination unit includes:
an imaging unit that captures an image of the tablet before printing that is printed by the print head;
a processing unit that identifies the type of the tablet from the image obtained by the imaging unit;
has .
Furthermore, the tablet printing device according to the embodiment of the present invention includes:
a transport section that transports the tablets;
a print head that prints on the tablets transported by the transport unit;
a determination unit that determines the type of the tablet conveyed by the conveyance unit;
a storage unit that stores printing patterns for each type of tablet;
an acquisition unit that acquires a printing pattern according to the type of tablet determined by the determination unit from the printing pattern for each type of tablet stored in the storage unit;
a control unit that controls the print head so that the print head performs the printing using the print pattern acquired by the acquisition unit;
Equipped with
The determination unit includes:
a sensor configured to generate a signal for determining the type of the tablet in response to the passage of the tablet before printing by the print head and to transmit signal information regarding the signal;
a processing unit that identifies the type of the tablet based on the signal information transmitted from the sensor;
has.

The tablet printing method according to the embodiment of the present invention includes:
a step of capturing an image of the tablet conveyed by the conveying unit using an imaging unit;
determining the type of the tablet by a determination unit from the image obtained by the imaging unit ;
a step of acquiring, by an acquisition unit, a printing pattern according to the type of tablet determined by the determination unit from the printing pattern for each type of tablet stored in the storage unit;
controlling the print head by a control unit so that the print head that prints on the tablets transported by the transport unit performs the printing using the printing pattern acquired by the acquisition unit;
has.

According to the embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to suppress a decrease in production efficiency.

1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a tablet printing device according to an embodiment. FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a part of the schematic configuration of a tablet printing device according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a regulation table that defines printing patterns and box numbers for each color of tablets according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a regulation table that defines printing patterns and box numbers for each tablet shape according to an embodiment. 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of print processing according to an embodiment.

<One form of implementation>
One embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

(Basic configuration)
As shown in FIG. 1, the tablet printing apparatus 1 according to the embodiment includes a supply section 10, a conveyance section 20, a detection section 30, an imaging section 40, a printing section 50, an imaging section 60, and a collection section 10. 70 and a control device 80.

The supply section 10 has a hopper 11 and a chute 12. The supply section 10 is configured to be able to supply the tablets T to the conveyance section 20, and is positioned at one end side of the conveyance section 20. The hopper 11 accommodates a large number of tablets T, and sequentially supplies the accommodated tablets T to the shooter 12. The shooter 12 arranges the tablets T supplied from the hopper 11 in a line and supplies them to the transport section 20. The supply unit 10 is electrically connected to a control device 80, and its driving is controlled by the control device 80.

The conveyance unit 20 includes a conveyance belt 21, a drive pulley 22, a plurality of (three in the example of FIG. 1) driven pulleys 23, a motor (drive unit) 24, a position detector 25, and a suction chamber (suction unit) 26. ing. The conveyor belt 21 is an endless belt, and is stretched around a drive pulley 22 and each driven pulley 23 . The drive pulley 22 and each driven pulley 23 are rotatably provided in the device body, and the drive pulley 22 is connected to a motor 24. The motor 24 is electrically connected to a control device 80, and its driving is controlled by the control device 80. The position detector 25 is a device such as an encoder, and is attached to the motor 24. This position detector 25 is electrically connected to the control device 80 and transmits a detection signal to the control device 80. The conveyor unit 20 rotates the conveyor belt 21 together with each driven pulley 23 by the rotation of the drive pulley 22 by the motor 24, and conveys the tablets T on the conveyor belt 21 in the rotational direction of arrow H1 in FIG. 1, that is, in the conveyance direction H1. do.

As shown in FIG. 2, the conveyor belt 21 is provided with a plurality of circular suction holes 21a. These suction holes 21a are through holes that suck the tablets T, and are arranged in a line along the conveyance direction H1 so as to form one conveyance path. Each suction hole 21a is connected to the suction chamber 26 through a suction path (not shown) formed in the suction chamber 26 (see FIG. 1), and it is possible to obtain suction force from the suction chamber 26. It has become. A suction section such as a pump is connected to the suction chamber 26 via a suction pipe (none of which is shown), and the pressure inside the suction chamber 26 is reduced by the operation of the suction section. The suction tube is connected to approximately the center of the side surface of the suction chamber 26 (a surface parallel to the transport direction H1). Further, the intake section is electrically connected to a control device 80, and its driving is controlled by the control device 80. When the pressure inside the suction chamber 26 is reduced, the tablets T placed on each suction hole 21a of the conveyor belt 21 are suctioned by the suction chamber 26 and held on the conveyor belt 21.

The detection unit 30 is located downstream in the transport direction H1 from the position where the supply unit 10 is provided, and is provided above the transport belt 21. This detection unit 30 detects the tablets T on the conveyor belt 21 by emitting and receiving laser light, and functions as a trigger sensor for each device located downstream. As the detection unit 30, various laser sensors such as a reflective laser sensor are used, for example. The detection unit 30 is electrically connected to the control device 80 and transmits a detection signal to the control device 80.

The imaging unit 40 is located downstream in the transport direction H1 from the position where the detection unit 30 is provided, and is provided above the transport belt 21. The imaging unit 40 performs imaging at the timing when the tablet T reaches directly below the imaging unit 40 based on a detection signal (for example, a trigger signal) from the detection unit 30, and acquires a first image including the top surface of the tablet T. , transmits the acquired first image to the control device 80. The first image is used to understand the position and type (for example, color or shape) of the tablet T, as well as to understand cracks, chips (for example, cracks or chips), and poor posture of the tablet T (details will be described later). . As the imaging unit 40, various cameras having an imaging device such as a CCD (charge coupled device) or a CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) are used. The imaging unit 40 is electrically connected to a control device 80, and its driving is controlled by the control device 80. Illumination for imaging is also provided if necessary.

The printing unit 50 has an inkjet head (an example of a print head) 51, and the inkjet head 51 prints on the tablets T on the conveyor belt 21. The inkjet head 51 is located downstream of the position where the imaging unit 40 is provided in the transport direction H1, and is provided above the transport belt 21. As shown in FIG. 2, the inkjet head 51 has a plurality of nozzles 51a (for example, several hundred to several thousand), and the direction in which the nozzles 51a are lined up (nozzle row) is conveyed within a horizontal plane. It is provided so as to be perpendicular to the direction H1 (an example of crossing). The inkjet head 51 discharges ink individually from each nozzle 51a by driving a piezoelectric element or the like. As the inkjet head 51, various inkjet heads having drive elements such as piezoelectric elements, heating elements, or magnetostrictive elements are used. The inkjet head 51 is electrically connected to a control device 80, and its driving is controlled by the control device 80.

The imaging unit 60 is located downstream in the transport direction H1 from the position where the printing unit 50 is provided, and is provided above the transport belt 21. The imaging unit 60 performs imaging at the timing when the tablet T reaches directly below the imaging unit 60 based on a detection signal (for example, a trigger signal) from the detection unit 30, and acquires a second image including the top surface of the tablet T. , transmits the acquired second image to the control device 80. The second image is used to inspect the print pattern printed on the tablet T (details will be described later). As the imaging section 60, for example, similar to the above-described imaging section 40, various cameras having an imaging device such as a CCD or a CMOS are used. The imaging unit 60 is electrically connected to a control device 80, and its driving is controlled by the control device 80. Illumination for imaging is also provided if necessary.

The recovery unit 70 is located downstream in the transport direction H1 from the position where the imaging unit 60 is provided, and is provided below the transport unit 20. The collection unit 70 collects the printed tablets T printed by the inkjet head 51 (after printing) into defective and non-defective tablets, and collects the printed non-defective tablets T according to the type of tablet T. Separate and collect by (for example, color or shape). The determination of whether the printed tablets T are defective or non-defective is executed by the control device 80 based on, for example, the first image obtained by the imaging section 40 or the second image obtained by the imaging section 60 ( (Details will be explained later).

The above-mentioned recovery section 70 includes a gas blowing section 71 and a storage box 72. The collecting unit 70 blows gas (for example, air) from a gas blowing unit 71 to the tablets T being transported by the transport belt 21, causes the tablets T to fall from the transport belt 21, and stores the tablets T located below the transport belt 21. Collected by box 72.

The gas blowing section 71 has a blowing nozzle 71a for defective products and a plurality of (three in the example of FIG. 1) blowing nozzles 71b for good products. Each of the blowing nozzles 71 a and 71 b is provided in the suction chamber 26 , blows out gas toward the inner surface of the conveyor belt 21 , and causes the tablets T to fall from the conveyor belt 21 . At this time, the gas blown out from the blowing nozzles 71a and 71b located in the suction chamber 26 passes through the suction hole 21a of the conveyor belt 21 and hits the tablet T adsorbed by the suction hole 21a, so that the tablet T is transported. It falls from the belt 21. The gas blowing section 71 has an on-off valve (not shown) for each of the blowing nozzles 71a and 71b. These opening/closing valves are, for example, electromagnetic valves, and are valves for controlling the blowing of gas from each blowing nozzle 71a, 71b. Each of the on-off valves is electrically connected to a control device 80, and each drive is controlled by the control device 80. As each of the blowing nozzles 71a and 71b, for example, an air nozzle that blows out air or a gas nozzle that blows out dry gas is used.

The storage box 72 includes a box 72a for defective products and a plurality of (three in the example of FIG. 1) boxes 72b for non-defective products, and is provided below the conveyor belt 21. The box 72a is formed in a box shape with an open top, and is provided at a position facing the spray nozzle 71a with the conveyor belt 21 in between. This box 72a collects defective tablets T that have fallen from the conveyor belt 21. Each box 72b is formed in a box shape with an open top, and is located downstream in the transport direction H1 from the position where the box 72a is provided, and is located on either side of the transport belt 21 with respect to each spray nozzle 71b. are located opposite each other. These boxes 72b collect good tablets T that have fallen from the conveyor belt 21 for each type of tablet T.

The control device 80 includes a control section 81 , a processing section 82 , a storage section 83 , and an acquisition section 84 . Each part is composed of either or both of hardware (for example, an electric circuit) and software. The control section 81 is, for example, a microcomputer, and centrally controls each section. The processing unit 82 processes the image using a known image processing technique. The storage unit 83 stores processing information, various programs, and the like. The control unit 81 controls the supply unit 10, the transport unit 20, the imaging unit 40, the printing unit 50, the imaging unit 60, the collecting unit 70, etc. based on various information and various programs stored in the storage unit 83. Further, the control unit 81 receives detection information (for example, a detection signal) transmitted from the position detector 25 and the detection unit 30, and the processing unit 82 receives image information and the like transmitted from the imaging units 40 and 60. do.

The control unit 81 acquires information such as the movement amount (rotation amount) and speed of the conveyor belt 21 based on the detection information transmitted from the position detector 25 . Further, the control unit 81 determines the position of the tablet T in the transport direction H1 (X direction) on the transport belt 21 based on the detection information transmitted from the detection unit 30, that is, the timing at which the tablet T on the transport belt 21 is detected. The first position information (for example, trigger information) indicating this tablet position is generated and stored in the storage unit 83.

The processing unit 82 analyzes the image information transmitted from the imaging unit 40, that is, the first image included in the image information, and determines the position of the tablet T on the conveyor belt 21 in the X direction, Y direction, and θ direction (FIG. (see), generates second position information indicating this tablet position, and stores it in the storage unit 83. Furthermore, when analyzing the first image described above, the processing unit 82 determines whether or not the tablet T has cracks and chips or poor posture (presence or absence of cracks and chips or poor posture), and determines whether the target tablet T has cracks or chips. Alternatively, first test information indicating whether or not the patient has poor posture is generated and stored in the storage unit 83. Furthermore, the processing unit 82 analyzes the image information transmitted from the imaging unit 60, that is, the second image included in the image information, and analyzes the printing position and shape of the printing pattern (for example, characters and marks) printed on the tablet T. , size is acquired, second inspection information indicating the print position, shape, and size of this print pattern is generated and stored in the storage unit 83.

Here, the above-mentioned positions in the X direction and Y direction are, for example, positions in the XY coordinate system with respect to the center (reference position) of the imaging field of view of the imaging unit 40. Further, the position in the θ direction is, for example, a position indicating the degree of rotation of the tablet T with respect to the center line in the Y direction of the imaging field of view of the imaging unit 40. This position in the θ direction is detected when the tablet T has a directional shape, such as when the tablet T has a score line or when the tablet T is formed into an oval, oval, or square shape. be done. Further, the attitude of the tablet T is, for example, the inclination of the tablet T with respect to the suction surface of the conveyor belt 21.

The storage unit 83 stores regulation information (see FIG. 3 or 4) indicating the printing pattern and box number for each type of tablet T (for example, the color or shape of the tablet T). This regulation information is generated for each type of tablet T by associating the printing pattern and box number with the type of tablet T. As shown in FIG. 1, the box numbers are set, for example, as "0", "1", "2", and "3" from the upstream side in the transport direction H1 on the transport belt 21.

For example, as the above-mentioned regulation information, a regulation table showing the printing pattern and box number for each color of the tablet T as shown in FIG. 3 is used. In FIG. 3, when the color of the tablet T is white (it is actually white), the printing pattern is "ABCD" and the box number is "1". When the color of the tablet T is light gray (actually light blue), the printing pattern is "abc" and the box number is "2". When the color of the tablet T is dark gray (actually pink), the printing pattern is "1234" and the box number is "3".

Alternatively, as the above-mentioned regulation information, for example, a regulation table showing the printing pattern and box number for each shape of the tablet T, as shown in FIG. 4, is used. In FIG. 4, when the shape of the tablet T is round in plan view, the printing pattern is "ABCD" and the box number is "1". When the shape of the tablet T is triangular in plan view, the printing pattern is "abc" and the box number is "2". When the shape of the tablet T is elliptical in plan view, the printing pattern is "1234" and the box number is "3".

The processing unit 82 identifies the type of tablet T from the image information transmitted from the imaging unit 40, that is, the first image included in the image information. Specifically, when analyzing the first image described above, the processing unit 82 identifies the type of tablet T in the image (for example, the color or shape of the tablet T), and generates type information indicating the identified type of tablet T. and stores it in the storage unit 83. Note that the processing unit 82 and the imaging unit 40 function as a determination unit that determines the type of tablet T conveyed by the conveyance unit 20.

The acquisition unit 84 determines the type of tablet T (for example, the color or shape of the tablet T) specified by the processing unit 82 from the regulation information (see FIG. 3 or 4) and type information stored in the storage unit 83. The print pattern and box number are acquired, and acquisition information indicating the acquired print pattern and box number is generated and stored in the storage unit 83.

For example, if the regulation information is the regulation table shown in FIG. 3 (a regulation table based on the color of the tablet T) and the color of the tablet T included in the type information stored in the storage unit 83 is white, the acquisition unit 84 Obtain the print pattern "ABCD" and the box number "1". Further, when the color of the tablet T included in the type information stored in the storage unit 83 is light gray, the printing pattern "abc" and the box number "2" are acquired from the regulation table shown in FIG. When the color of the tablet T included in the type information stored in the storage unit 83 is dark gray, the printing pattern "1234" and the box number "3" are acquired from the regulation table shown in FIG. 3. Note that even when the regulation information is the regulation table shown in FIG. 4 (regulation table based on the shape of the tablet T), the same processing as described above is performed based on the shape of the tablet T.

The control unit 81 determines whether or not to set printing conditions for the tablet T based on the first inspection information stored in the storage unit 83, and if it is determined to set the printing conditions, the first inspection information stored in the storage unit 83 is Printing conditions for the tablet T are set based on the acquired information and the second position information. For example, when the control unit 81 determines that the first inspection information indicates that the target tablet T has cracks and chips or poor posture, the control unit 81 does not set the printing conditions for the target tablet T, and does not set the printing conditions for the target tablet T. Prohibit printing on. In addition, when the control unit 81 determines that the first inspection information indicates that the target tablet T has no cracks, chips, or poor posture, the control unit 81 controls the printing pattern and the second position information included in the acquired information. The range of the nozzle 51a used for printing the target tablet T in the inkjet head 51 (use nozzle range) is determined based on the position information in the Y direction of the tablet T included in the second position information. By determining the timing to start printing on the tablet T based on the positional information of the tablet T in the X direction, printing conditions are set and stored in the storage unit 83. For example, if the print pattern included in the acquired information is "ABCD" (see FIG. 3 or 4), the print pattern "ABCD" is used. In addition, when the tablet T has a directional form, the control unit 81 also uses the position information of the tablet T in the θ direction included in the second position information, and prints in correspondence with the position of the tablet T in the θ direction. Set conditions.

The control unit 81 also determines whether or not the printing pattern is printed at a predetermined position on the tablet T in a predetermined shape and size, based on the second inspection information stored in the storage unit 83. It is determined whether or not the tablet T has been printed normally (printing status inspection), and printing quality information indicating the quality of printing of the tablet T is generated and stored in the storage unit 83. For example, in determining the print position, shape, and size of the print pattern, the control unit 81 registers the print pattern used for printing in the storage unit 83 as a test print pattern, and compares the test print pattern with the actual print pattern. Compare the printing pattern on the printed tablet T (printing pattern printed on the tablet T) to determine whether the printing pattern was correctly printed on the printed tablet T printed by the inkjet head 51. to decide.

Furthermore, the control unit 81 controls the defective tablets T transported by the transport unit 20 to be transferred to a defective product based on the first inspection information, printing quality information, and first position information stored in the storage unit 83. The gas blowing section 71 is controlled so as to enter the box 72a. For example, when the first inspection information indicates that the target tablet T has cracks and chips or poor posture, or when the printing quality information indicates that the printing is defective, the control unit 81 controls the tablet T. If T is a defective product (for example, an unprinted tablet with cracks and chips, an unprinted tablet with no cracks and chips, or a poorly printed tablet), the defective tablet T is determined based on the first position information stored in the storage unit 83. At the timing when the box 72a with the box number "0" (see FIG. 1) reaches the position directly below the spray nozzle 71a facing the box 72a with the conveyor belt 21 in between, the gas is controlled to be blown out from the spray nozzle 71a.

In addition, the control unit 81 controls whether the printed non-defective tablets T are transported by the transport unit 20 based on the first inspection information, printing quality information, first position information, and acquisition information stored in the storage unit 83. The gas blowing section 71 is controlled so as to put the information into the box 72b corresponding to the box number included in the acquired information stored in the storage section 83. For example, if the first inspection information is that the target tablet T has no cracks or chips or poor posture, and the printing quality information is that the printing has passed, that is, the tablet T is a good product, based on the first position information stored in the storage unit 83, the printed non-defective tablet T is printed with the printing pattern included in the acquired information stored in the storage unit 83. At the timing when the box 72b corresponding to the box number included in the acquired information stored in the storage unit 83 reaches the position directly below the spray nozzle 71b facing across the conveyor belt 21, control is performed to blow out gas from the spray nozzle 71b. For example, if the box number included in the acquired information is "1" (see FIG. 1), the printed good tablet T is placed opposite the box 72b with the box number "1" across the conveyor belt 21. Control is performed to blow out the gas from the spray nozzle 71b at the timing when the gas reaches directly below the spray nozzle 71b.

Here, the aforementioned various information (for example, first position information, second position information, first inspection information, second inspection information, type information, acquisition information, printing quality information, etc.) is stored on the conveyor belt 21. It is generated for each tablet T conveyed by and stored in the storage unit 83, but when the target tablet T is collected by the collection unit 70, for example, at the time when the gas spraying operation by the gas spraying unit 71 is performed, It is deleted from the storage unit 83. However, if it is needed in a later process, etc., it is also possible to leave various information for each tablet T without erasing it.

(Printing process)
Next, a printing process (printing process) performed by the above-mentioned tablet printing apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 5. Various information such as data required for printing (for example, print data including a print pattern and the print position of the print pattern on the tablet T, movement speed data of the conveyor belt 21, etc.) is stored in the storage unit 83 of the control device 80. It is stored in advance. Note that when the tablet printing apparatus 1 starts the printing process, the conveyor belt 21 is driven and rotates in the conveyance direction H1 as the drive pulley 22 and the driven pulley 23 are rotated by the motor 24.

As shown in FIG. 5, in step S1, while the conveyor belt 21 is rotating in the conveyance direction H1, the tablets T are sequentially supplied from the hopper 11 to the chute 12, are arranged in a line by the chute 12, and are placed on the conveyor belt 21. The tablets T are supplied on the conveyor belt 21 at random rather than at regular intervals, and are conveyed in a line on the conveyor belt 21 at a predetermined moving speed.

In step S2, the tablet T on the conveyor belt 21 is detected by the detection unit 30. Specifically, the tablet T on the conveyor belt 21 is detected by the detection unit 30, and the position of the tablet T in the conveyance direction H1 (X direction) on the conveyor belt 21 is determined by the control unit 81 based on the timing at which the tablet T is detected. be understood. Then, first position information indicating the tablet position is generated by the control unit 81 and stored in the storage unit 83.

In step S3, the tablet T on the conveyor belt 21 is imaged by the imaging section 40. Specifically, the tablet T on the conveyor belt 21 is imaged by the imaging section 40 at the timing when the tablet T reaches directly below the imaging section 40 based on the above-mentioned first position information stored in the storage section 83; The first image obtained by imaging is transmitted to the control device 80.

In step S4, the processing unit 82 grasps the position, cracks, chips, posture, and type of the tablet T on the conveyor belt 21. Specifically, the first image transmitted from the imaging unit 40 is analyzed by the processing unit 82, second position information of the tablet T (for example, position information in the X direction, Y direction, and θ direction) is generated, and the second image is stored in the storage unit. Saved at 83. Furthermore, through the image analysis described above, the processing unit 82 determines whether the tablet T has cracks, chips, or poor posture, and generates first inspection information indicating whether or not the target tablet T has cracks, chips, or poor posture. is stored in the storage section 83. Furthermore, the type of tablet T (for example, the color or shape of tablet T) is also grasped by the above-described image analysis, and type information indicating the type of tablet T is generated and stored in the storage unit 83.

In step S5, the control unit 81 determines from the first inspection information stored in the storage unit 83 whether or not the first inspection information indicates that the target tablet T has cracks, chips, or poor posture. Ru. If it is determined that the first inspection information indicates that the target tablet T has no cracks, chips, or poor posture (NO), the process proceeds to step S6, and printing on the target tablet T is permitted. . On the other hand, if it is determined that the first inspection information indicates that the target tablet T has cracks, chips, or poor posture (YES), the process proceeds to step S12, and printing on the target tablet T is prohibited. .

In step S6, the printing pattern and box number corresponding to the type of tablet T are acquired by the acquisition unit 84. Specifically, a printing pattern is created according to the type of tablet T (for example, the color or shape of the tablet T) specified by the processing unit 82 from the regulation table (see FIG. 3 or 4) and type information stored in the storage unit 83. and the box number are acquired by the acquisition unit 84. For example, if the regulation table stored in the storage unit 83 is the regulation table shown in FIG. 3 and the color of the tablet T included in the type information stored in the storage unit 83 is white, the printing pattern “ABCD” and box number “1” are acquired, and acquisition information indicating the acquired print pattern “ABCD” and box number “1” is generated and stored in the storage unit 83.

In step S7, printing conditions are set by the control unit 81 based on the second position information and acquired information stored in the storage unit 83. Specifically, the printing conditions for the tablet T are set by the control unit 81 based on the second position information and the acquired information stored in the storage unit 83, and are stored in the storage unit 83. For example, the range of the nozzle 51a used for printing the target tablet T in the inkjet head 51 is determined based on the Y-direction position information of the tablet T included in the second position information and the printing pattern included in the acquired information. Furthermore, the timing to start printing on the tablet T is determined based on the position information in the X direction of the tablet T included in the second position information, and printing conditions are set and stored in the storage unit 83. . At this time, for example, if the print pattern included in the acquired information is "ABCD" (see FIG. 3 or 4), the print pattern "ABCD" is used.

In step S8, printing is performed based on the printing conditions stored in the storage unit 83. That is, the control unit 81 controls the inkjet head 51 to print using the print pattern acquired by the acquisition unit 84. Specifically, the tablet T on the conveyor belt 21 that has passed below the imaging unit 40 is set under the above-mentioned printing conditions at the timing when it reaches directly below the inkjet head 51 based on the first position information stored in the storage unit 83. The inkjet head 51 prints based on the image. In the inkjet head 51, ink is appropriately ejected from each nozzle 51a, and a printing pattern (for example, alphabet, katakana, number, symbol, figure) included in the acquired information is printed on the printing surface, which is the upper surface of the tablet T. The ink applied to this tablet T dries rapidly. Note that the ink may be dried using a drying section (not shown) that performs drying using gas or heat.

In step S9, the printed tablet T on the conveyor belt 21 is imaged by the imaging section 60. Specifically, the printed tablet T on the conveyor belt 21 is imaged by the imaging unit 60 at the timing when the printed tablet T reaches directly below the imaging unit 60 based on the first position information stored in the storage unit 83, and A second image obtained by imaging by 60 is transmitted to control device 80 .

In step S10, the processing unit 82 acquires information regarding the printed pattern printed on the tablet T, that is, the printing position, shape, and size of the printed pattern. Specifically, the second image transmitted from the imaging unit 60 is analyzed by the processing unit 82, second inspection information indicating the printing position, shape, and size of the printed pattern on the tablet T is generated, and the second image is stored in the storage unit. Saved at 83.

In step S11, a printing state inspection is performed based on the second inspection information stored in the storage unit 83. Specifically, the control unit 81 determines whether or not the printing pattern has been correctly printed on the tablet T based on the second inspection information related to the printing position, shape, and size stored in the storage unit 83, and the tablet Printing quality information indicating the quality of printing of T is generated and stored in the storage unit 83. For example, in a print condition inspection, the print pattern used for printing is stored in the storage unit 83 as a print pattern for inspection, and non-defective information regarding the predetermined printing position, shape, and size of the print pattern for inspection is stored in the storage unit 83. The stored second inspection information regarding the printing position, shape, and size of the actual printed printing pattern is compared, and it is determined whether or not the printing pattern has been correctly printed on the tablet T.

In step S12, the tablet T is collected by the collection unit 70. If the tablet T is defective (for example, an unprinted tablet with cracks and chips, an unprinted tablet with no cracks or chips, or a poorly printed tablet), the defective tablet T on the conveyor belt 21 is collected by the box 72a for defective products. Ru. Specifically, the timing when the defective tablet T on the conveyor belt 21 reaches directly below the spray nozzle 71a facing the box 72a with the conveyor belt 21 in between, based on the first position information stored in the storage unit 83. Then, gas is blown out from the blowing nozzle 71a. At this time, the gas blown out from the blowing nozzle 71a passes through the suction hole 21a of the conveyor belt 21 and hits the defective tablets T that are attracted to the suction hole 21a. As a result, the defective tablets T fall from the conveyor belt 21, enter the box 72a, and are collected.

On the other hand, if the tablet T is a good product, the good tablet T on the conveyor belt 21 is collected by each box 72b for non-defective products according to the type of tablet T. Specifically, based on the first position information and acquired information stored in the storage unit 83, a good tablet T on the conveyor belt 21 faces the box 72b with the box number included in the acquired information across the conveyor belt 21. At the timing when the gas reaches directly below the spray nozzle 71b, the gas is blown out from the spray nozzle 71b. At this time, the gas blown out from the blowing nozzle 71b passes through the suction hole 21a of the conveyor belt 21 and hits the good quality tablets T adsorbed by the suction hole 21a. As a result, the good tablets T fall from the conveyor belt 21, enter the box 72b with the box number included in the acquired information, and are collected. For example, if the box number included in the acquired information is "1" (see FIG. 1), the printed good tablet T is placed opposite the box 72b with the box number "1" across the conveyor belt 21. At the timing when the gas reaches directly below the spray nozzle 71b, the gas is blown out from the spray nozzle 71b.

In the tablet printing apparatus 1 according to one form of the present embodiment, printing is performed on one type of tablet T, and a desired number of printed tablets are produced. However, when changing the type of tablets T to be printed, Even if the tablet T of type T remains in the tablet printing device 1, it is possible to input the next type of tablet T (different type from the previous type). For example, as the number of printed tablets produced approaches a desired number (for example, from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands), the number of tablets in the hopper 11 of the supply unit 10 decreases, but the number of tablets in the hopper 11 is less than a predetermined number. At this point, even if the previous type of tablet T remains in the hopper 11, the next type of tablet T can be thrown into the hopper 11. It is also possible to simultaneously charge several types of tablets T into the hopper 11 from the beginning. That is, in the tablet printing device 1, even if several types of tablets T coexist in the tablet printing device 1, printing patterns corresponding to each can be printed on the tablets T, and the tablets can be collected for each type. Therefore, when switching the type of tablet T in the tablet printing device 1, the next type of tablet T is not fed into the tablet printing device 1 until all the tablets T of the previous type are discharged from the tablet printing device 1. No need to wait (time loss). As a result, a decrease in the operating rate of the tablet printing device 1 is suppressed, and a series of production times for obtaining a desired number of printed tablets for each type of tablet T is shortened, so a decrease in production efficiency can be suppressed. . For example, it is possible to input tablets T of a certain type A into the tablet printing device 1, and before all of the input tablets T of type A are discharged, it is possible to input the next tablet T of a different type B. become. Therefore, the time when there are no objects to be printed in the tablet printing device 1 or the time when there are few objects to be printed in the tablet printing device 1 can be reduced, so the operating rate of the tablet printing device 1 can be increased. , production efficiency can be improved.

As described above, according to the embodiment, the type of tablet T to be transported by the transport unit 20 is determined, and the determined tablet T is determined based on the printing pattern for each type of tablet T stored in the storage unit 83. By controlling the inkjet head 51 so that the inkjet head 51 prints using the acquired printing pattern by acquiring a printing pattern according to the type of tablet T, it is possible to prevent the case where several types of tablets T are mixed in the tablet printing apparatus 1. However, a printing pattern corresponding to each type of tablet T can be printed on the tablet T. Therefore, when switching the type of tablet T in the tablet printing device 1, the next type of tablet T is not fed into the tablet printing device 1 until all the tablets T of the previous type are discharged from the tablet printing device 1. There's no need to wait. As a result, a decrease in the operating rate of the tablet printing device 1 is suppressed, and a series of production times for obtaining a desired number of printed tablets for each type of tablet T is shortened, so a decrease in production efficiency can be suppressed. .

Here, a defective product (unprinted tablet with no cracks or chips) that did not have any defects such as cracks or chips on the tablet itself but was not printed because it was sucked and transported due to poor posture was replaced with another defective product (unprinted tablet with no cracks or chips). It is also possible to collect them in a new box, that is, an unprinted box, separately from missing, unprinted tablets and poorly printed tablets. In such a case, conventionally, in order to avoid mixing different types of tablets T, each time printing of one type of tablet T is completed, unprinted tablets with no cracks or chips are collected from the unprinted box or unprinted tablets are collected from the supply unit 10. It is necessary to reload the printer and empty the unprinted box. On the other hand, according to the embodiment described above, when switching the type of tablets T, it is possible to leave the tablets T in the unprinted box as they are without collecting or re-inserting them. Thereafter, when a certain amount of tablets T have accumulated in the unprinted box or at the end of one day's operation, the tablets T in the unprinted box containing a mixture of a plurality of types of tablets T may be reinjected into the supply unit 10.

<Other embodiments>
In the above description, the tablet T is printed using the tablet printing apparatus 1 (tablet printing method) according to the embodiment described above. This can also be said to produce a printed tablet T by printing on the tablet T using the tablet printing device 1 (tablet printing method) according to the embodiment described above.

Furthermore, in the above description, the printing pattern to be used and the box 72b (for example, the box number) are selected according to only the color of the tablet T or only the shape of the tablet T as an example of the type of the tablet T. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the print pattern or box 72b to be used may be selected depending on the combination of color and shape. That is, the types of tablets T are classified by either or both of shape and color. In addition, a plurality of inkjet heads 51 that supply ink of different colors are arranged side by side along the conveyance direction H1, and the inkjet head 51 to be used is selected from among these inkjet heads 51 according to the shape or color of the tablet T. You may also do so.

Furthermore, in the above description, the second image obtained by the imaging section 60 after printing is used in the collecting section 70, but the second image is not limited to this, and for example, the second image obtained by the imaging section 40 before printing is used. The obtained first image may be used in the collection unit 70, or a new imaging unit may be provided in the collection unit 70, and the image obtained by the new imaging unit provided in the collection unit 70 may be used in the collection unit 70. 70 may be used.

Furthermore, in the above description, the storage box 72 is configured by the box 72a for defective products and the box 72b for non-defective products for each type of tablet T. However, the storage box 72 is not limited to this. The storage box 72 may be provided with a storage chamber for tablets T and a storage chamber for non-defective tablets T for each type. Further, although the example is shown in which the tablets T are collected in the box 72b for each type of tablet T, the present invention is not limited to this, and the tablets T may be collected by mixing the types of tablets T in one box 72b. good.

Further, in the above description, the imaging unit 40 and the processing unit 82 are used as the determination unit, but the invention is not limited to this, and for example, a sensor such as a line sensor and the processing unit 82 may be used as the determination unit. Alternatively, it is also possible to use an input section such as a keyboard or buttons and the processing section 82 as the determination section. When using a sensor, the sensor generates a signal for determining the type of tablet T (for example, the color or shape of the tablet T), and transmits signal information regarding the generated signal to the processing unit 82. The processing unit 82 identifies the type of tablet T based on the signal information transmitted from the sensor. When using the input section, the operator operates the input section to input the type of tablet T (for example, the color or shape of the tablet T). The input unit transmits input information indicating the input type of tablet T to the processing unit 82. The processing unit 82 identifies the type of tablet T based on the input information transmitted from the input unit.

Furthermore, in the above description, the tablets T are conveyed in one row, but the number of rows is not limited to this, and may be two, three, or four or more, and is not particularly limited. The number of conveyor belts 21 may be two or more, and is not particularly limited. Further, the number of inkjet heads 51 may be two or more, and is not particularly limited.

Further, in the above description, a print head in which the nozzles 51a are arranged in one row is illustrated as the inkjet head 51, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a print head in which the nozzles 51a are arranged in a plurality of rows may be used. good. Alternatively, a plurality of inkjet heads 51 may be used in a horizontal plane in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction H1.

Further, in the above description, the inkjet head 51 is provided so that the direction in which the nozzles 51a are lined up is perpendicular to the conveying direction H1 in the horizontal plane, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the nozzles 51a They may be provided so that the direction in which they are lined up is a direction that intersects the conveyance direction H1 in a horizontal plane.

Further, in the above description, printing on one side of the tablet T was exemplified, but the invention is not limited to this. It is also possible to form one unit and arrange the units one above the other, so that the tablet T printed in the upper conveyance section 20 is reversed and delivered to the lower conveyance section 20, so that both sides of the tablet T can be printed. good.

Furthermore, in the above description, the tablets T are supplied onto the conveyor belt 21 at random rather than at regular intervals, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the tablets may be supplied at regular intervals. Furthermore, in the above description, the tablets T are sucked and held by the suction holes 21a formed on the conveyor belt 21, but the tablets T are not limited to this and may be stored and held in a pocket or the like and conveyed. Alternatively, it may be held on the conveyor belt 21 by its own weight and conveyed.

Further, in the above description, one hopper 11 was provided as the supply unit 10, but it is also possible to provide a hopper 11 for each type of tablet T and supply the tablets T from each hopper 11 to the conveyor belt 21. good.

Here, the above-mentioned tablets can include tablets used for medicine, for eating and drinking, for cleaning, for industrial purposes, and 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 20 Transport section 40 Imaging section 51 Inkjet head 70 Collection section 71 Gas blowing section 72 Storage box 80 Control device 81 Control section 82 Processing section 83 Storage section 84 Acquisition section T Tablet

Claims (6)

a transport section that transports the tablets;
a print head that prints on the tablets transported by the transport unit;
a determination unit that determines the type of the tablet conveyed by the conveyance unit;
a storage unit that stores printing patterns for each type of tablet;
an acquisition unit that acquires a printing pattern according to the type of tablet determined by the determination unit from the printing pattern for each type of tablet stored in the storage unit;
a control unit that controls the print head so that the print head performs the printing using the print pattern acquired by the acquisition unit;
Equipped with
The determination unit includes:
an imaging unit that captures an image of the tablet before printing that is printed by the print head;
a processing unit that identifies the type of the tablet from the image obtained by the imaging unit;
Tablet printing device with a transport section that transports the tablets;
a print head that prints on the tablets transported by the transport unit;
a determination unit that determines the type of the tablet conveyed by the conveyance unit;
a storage unit that stores printing patterns for each type of tablet;
an acquisition unit that acquires a printing pattern according to the type of tablet determined by the determination unit from the printing pattern for each type of tablet stored in the storage unit;
a control unit that controls the print head so that the print head performs the printing using the print pattern acquired by the acquisition unit;
Equipped with
The determination unit includes:
a sensor configured to generate a signal for determining the type of the tablet in response to the passage of the tablet before printing by the print head and to transmit signal information regarding the signal;
a processing unit that identifies the type of the tablet based on the signal information transmitted from the sensor;
Tablet printing device with 3. The tablet printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the tablet types are classified by one or both of color and shape. The tablet printing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a collection unit that collects the printed tablets that have been printed by the print head, sorted by type of tablet. The collection section is
a storage box that accommodates the printed tablets transported by the transport unit for each type of tablet;
a gas blowing unit that sprays gas onto the printed tablets conveyed by the conveyance unit so that the printed tablets conveyed by the conveyance unit are placed in the storage box for each type of tablet;
The tablet printing device according to claim 4, having: a step of capturing an image of the tablet conveyed by the conveying unit using an imaging unit;
determining the type of the tablet by a determination unit from the image obtained by the imaging unit ;
a step of acquiring, by an acquisition unit, a printing pattern according to the type of tablet determined by the determination unit from the printing pattern for each type of tablet stored in the storage unit;
controlling the print head by a control unit so that the print head that prints on the tablets transported by the transport unit performs the printing using the printing pattern acquired by the acquisition unit;
A tablet printing method having.

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