KR102053975B1 - Tablet printing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of this invention is to provide the tablet printing apparatus which can suppress the fall of print quality.
In the tablet printing apparatus 1 which concerns on embodiment, the tablet printing apparatus 1 which prints to the tablet T conveyed by the conveying apparatus 21 using the inkjet system printhead apparatus 24 is a conveying apparatus ( 21 has a suction hole for sucking the tablet T, and has a conveyance belt 21a for sucking and conveying the tablet T in the suction hole, and is separated from the conveying belt 21a to convey the conveyance belt 21a. It is provided so that it may face the surface of, and it is provided with the rectifying plate 27 which has gas permeability which allows the airflow which flows toward a suction hole.

Description

Tablet printing device {TABLET PRINTING APPARATUS}

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

In order to print identification information, such as a character and a mark, on a tablet, the technique of printing using the inkjet printing head is known. A tablet printing apparatus using this technique conveys tablets by a conveying apparatus such as a conveyor, and the ink (eg, for example, is directed from the nozzle of the inkjet printing head disposed above the conveying apparatus toward the tablet passing under the printing head). Edible ink) is discharged to print identification information on the tablet. As a conveying apparatus, the conveying apparatus which conveys, holding | maintaining tablet on the conveyance belt by suction, is developed. In the conveyance belt in this suction type conveying apparatus, in order to attract and hold | maintain a tablet, the some suction hole is formed so that it may be arranged in the conveyance direction of a tablet.

In the above-mentioned suction type conveying apparatus, the tablet supplied on the suction hole of a conveyance belt is hold | maintained on a conveyance belt by suction from a suction hole. By the way, the suction hole may not be completely blocked by a tablet. Depending on the size and shape of the tablet, a portion of the suction hole is not blocked, or a suction hole is not completely blocked by random supply of tablets. When the suction hole is not completely blocked by the tablet, air is sucked from the suction hole, so that turbulence occurs due to the suction. When such turbulence occurs, the posture of the tablet held on the conveying belt may change from the desired posture (for example, the horizontal posture) due to the wind pressure. When the posture of the tablet changes from the desired posture, the ink discharged from the nozzle reaches the portion other than the desired position on the tablet, so that the print quality is deteriorated.

Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. Hei 7-081050

An object of the present invention is to provide a tablet printing apparatus capable of suppressing a decrease in print quality.

A tablet printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is a tablet printing apparatus for printing a tablet conveyed by a conveying apparatus using an inkjet printing head apparatus, wherein the conveying apparatus includes a suction hole for sucking the tablet. And a rectifying plate having a conveying belt for sucking and conveying tablets to the suction hole, facing away from the conveying belt to face the surface of the conveying belt, and having a gas passage through which air flows toward the suction hole. .

According to embodiment of this invention, the fall of a print quality can be suppressed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the tablet printing apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment.
It is a perspective view which shows the relay conveyance apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment.
3 is a perspective view illustrating a first printing device according to the first embodiment.
4 is a plan view of the first printing device according to the first embodiment.
5 is a view showing a part of the first printing device according to the first embodiment.
It is a perspective view which shows the relay conveyance apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment.
7 is a perspective view showing a first printing device according to a second embodiment.
It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the tablet printing apparatus which concerns on other embodiment.
9 is a view showing a part of a first printing device according to another embodiment.
It is a figure which shows a part of 1st printing apparatus which concerns on the modification of other embodiment.

First Embodiment

A first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. In addition, in this specification, "upper" and "lower" refer to the upper and lower sides in a vertical direction. In addition, in this specification, the "lower surface" of the conveyance belt 13a is between code | symbol a and b of FIG. 1, the "upper surface" of the conveyance belt 21a is between code | symbol c and d, and the "curved surface" is code | symbol d and Between e, "lower surface" points out the conveyance surface of the tablet T between code | symbol e and f. The "upper surface" of the conveyance belt 31a indicates the conveying surface of the tablet T between the symbols g and h in FIG. 1, the "curved surface" between the symbols h and i, and the "lower surface" between the symbols i and j. .

(Default configuration)

As shown in FIG. 1, the tablet printing apparatus 1 which concerns on 1st Embodiment has the supply apparatus 10, the 1st printing apparatus 20, the 2nd printing apparatus 30, and the collection | recovery apparatus 40 ) And a control device 50. In addition, the 1st printing apparatus 20 and the 2nd printing apparatus 30 are basically the same structure.

The supply apparatus 10 has the hopper 11, the alignment conveyance apparatus (alignment feeder) 12, and the relay conveyance apparatus (transfer feeder) 13. This supply apparatus 10 is comprised so that supply of the tablet T used as a printing object to the 1st printing apparatus 20 is possible, and the one end side of the 1st printing apparatus 20, namely, of the tablet T, It is positioned on the upstream side in the conveyance direction A1 (hereinafter simply referred to as the conveyance direction A1). The hopper 11 accommodates a plurality of tablets T and sequentially supplies tablets T to the alignment conveying device 12. The alignment conveying apparatus 12 aligns the supplied tablet T in two rows, and conveys toward the relay conveying apparatus 13. The relay conveying apparatus 13 sucks and holds each tablet T arranged in two rows on the alignment conveying apparatus 12 sequentially from the upper side of the tablet T, and prints each retained tablet T by 1st printing. The apparatus 20 is conveyed in two rows and transferred to the first printing apparatus 20. When the tablet T is suction-held from the stomach by the relay conveyance apparatus 13, it is hold | maintained in the state which resists gravity. For this reason, the suction force of the relay conveyance apparatus 13 is set to the suction force which does not drop the tablet T during the conveyance of the tablet T, and supports and hold | maintains the tablet T from the lower side of the tablet T, and suction hold | maintains it. It is set strongly compared with the conveying apparatus of the said type. This supply apparatus 10 is electrically connected to the control apparatus 50, and the drive is controlled by the control apparatus 50. As shown in FIG. In addition, as the alignment conveyance apparatus 12 and the relay conveyance apparatus 13, it is possible to use a belt conveyance mechanism, for example.

The relay conveying apparatus 13 is the conveyance belt 13a, the drive pulley (pulley body) 13b, the driven pulley (pulley body) 13c, the motor (drive part) 13d, and the suction chamber (suction part) 13e. Have The conveyance belt 13a is an endless belt having the property of passing gas, that is, gas passing property, and is provided on the driving pulley 13b and the driven pulley 13c. The drive pulley 13b and the driven pulley 13c are rotatably provided in the apparatus main body, and the drive pulley 13b is connected to the motor 13d. The motor 13d is electrically connected to the control device 50, and the driving thereof is controlled by the control device 50. This relay conveying apparatus 13 rotates the conveyance belt 13a with the driven pulley 13c by rotation of the drive pulley 13b by the motor 13d, and arrange | positions by the suction action of the suction chamber 13e. The tablet T from the conveying apparatus 12 is suction-held from the lower side of the conveyance belt 13a, and the suction-retained tablet T in the direction (conveying direction A1) of arrow A1 of FIG. It conveys and guides it to the 1st printing apparatus 20 in the position from which the suction action of the suction chamber 13e does not act.

2, the rectangular suction hole 13f is formed in multiple numbers on the surface of the conveyance belt 13a. These suction holes 13f are through holes for absorbing the tablets T, respectively, and are arranged in ladder form in two rows in parallel along the conveying direction A1 to form two conveying paths (conveying paths). have. Each suction hole 13f is connected to the suction chamber 13e via a suction path (suction path) formed in the suction chamber 13e, and a suction force can be obtained by the suction chamber 13e. An intake apparatus such as a pump is connected to the intake chamber 13e via a suction engine (all not shown), and the inside of the intake chamber 13e is depressurized by the operation of the intake apparatus. Moreover, the suction engine is connected to the substantially center of the side surface (surface parallel to the conveyance direction A1) of the suction chamber 13e. The intake apparatus is electrically connected to the control device 50, and the driving thereof is controlled by the control device 50.

As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the rectifying plate 14 having gas permeability is provided on the lower surface of the above-mentioned relay conveying apparatus 13. The rectifying plate 14 is a predetermined distance from the conveying path on which the tablet T is conveyed by the relay conveying device 13, that is, the conveying surface (lower surface of the conveying belt 13a) below the relay conveying device 13. They are spaced apart by and arranged horizontally to face the conveying surface. The predetermined distance is longer than the thickness of the tablet T (e.g., 2 to 4 mm), and is a range (e.g., 5 to 5) in which the air flow generated by suction by the suction chamber 13e of the relay transport device 13 can be adjusted. 12 mm). The rectifying plate 14 is provided at a position through which air flow generated by suction by the suction chamber 13e passes, and adjusts the air flow generated below or around the lower surface of the conveyance belt 13a. The rectifying plate 14 is provided so that the tablet T is attracted from above in the relay conveying apparatus 13 so as to face the conveying path which is conveyed, and receives the tablet T dropped from the lower surface of the conveying belt 13a. It also functions as a receiving dish. That is, the rectifying plate 14 has a receiving surface M1 receiving the tablet T that has fallen. In addition, the length of the width direction (direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction A1 horizontally) of the rectifying plate 14 is the length of the width direction (direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction A1 horizontally) of the conveyance belt 13a. That's it. In addition, although the length of the conveyance direction A1 of the rectifying plate 14 is shorter than the length of the conveyance direction A1 of the relay conveyance apparatus 13, it is not limited to this.

As the rectifying plate 14 having gas permeability, a mesh-like plate material is used, but is not limited thereto. For example, a plurality of through holes, such as a punching board having a plurality of round holes and a board having a plurality of slit holes, are used. It is possible to use various board members having holes. As the material of the rectifying plate 14, a metal such as SUS (stainless steel) can be used, but the material is not limited thereto, and may be a food hygiene method-compliant article, and a material other than SUS, such as aluminum or resin, may be used. It is also possible.

Here, when the suction hole 13f of the lower surface of the conveyance belt 13a is not completely blocked by the tablet T, by the suction by the suction chamber 13e, the suction hole of the lower surface of the conveyance belt 13a ( Since air is sucked from 13f, airflow which flows toward the suction hole 13f below or around the lower surface of the conveyance belt 13a is generated, but the airflow causes the through hole in the rectifying plate 14 to flow. It adjusts by passing and weakens because some airflow is shielded by parts other than the through-hole in the rectifying plate 14. Thereby, since generation | occurrence | production of turbulence is suppressed, it can suppress that the attitude | position of the tablet T hold | maintained on the lower surface of the conveyance belt 13a changes from a desired attitude | position (for example, a horizontal attitude | position).

Returning to FIG. 1, the 1st printing apparatus 20 is a conveying apparatus (refining conveying apparatus) 21, the detection apparatus 22, the 1st imaging apparatus (imaging apparatus for printing) 23, and a print head. The apparatus 24, the 2nd imaging device (imaging apparatus for inspection) 25, and the drying apparatus 26 are provided.

The conveying apparatus 21 is the conveyance belt 21a, the drive pulley (pulley body) 21b, the driven pulley (pulley body) 21c of plurality (three in the example of FIG. 1), and the motor (drive part) 21d. ), A position detector 21e and a suction chamber (suction part) 21f. The conveyance belt 21a is an endless belt having gas permeability, and is provided on the driving pulley 21b and each driven pulley 21c. The drive pulley 21b and each driven pulley 21c are rotatably provided in the apparatus main body, and the drive pulley 21b is connected to the 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 apparatus 50, and transmits a detection signal to the control apparatus 50. As shown in FIG. The control apparatus 50 can obtain the information, such as the position, the speed, and the movement amount of the conveyance belt 21a, based on the detection signal. This conveying apparatus 21 rotates the conveyance belt 21a with each driven pulley 21c by rotation of the drive pulley 21b by the motor 21d, and the tablet T on the conveyance belt 21a is carried out. Is conveyed in the direction (the conveying direction A1) of the arrow A1 of FIG.

As shown in FIG.3 and FIG.4, 21 g of circular suction holes are formed in the surface of the conveyance belt 21a in plurality. 21 g of these suction holes are through-holes which adsorb | suck a tablet T, respectively, and are arrange | positioned in two rows in parallel along the conveyance direction A1 so that two conveyance paths may be formed. Each suction hole 21g is connected to the suction chamber 21f via a suction path formed in the suction chamber 21f, and a suction force can be obtained by the suction chamber 21f. An intake apparatus such as a pump is connected to the intake chamber 21f via a suction engine (all not shown), and the inside of the intake chamber 21f is depressurized by the operation of the intake apparatus. Moreover, the suction engine is connected to the substantially center of the side surface (surface parallel to the conveyance direction A1) of the suction chamber 21f. Moreover, the intake apparatus is electrically connected to the control apparatus 50, and the drive is controlled by the control apparatus 50. As shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 4, the detection apparatus 22 has some detection part 22a (two in the example of FIG. 4). The detection part 22a intersects the conveyance direction A1 in a horizontal plane as a downstream side of the conveyance direction A1 rather than the position where the tablet T in the conveyance belt 21a is supplied by the supply apparatus 10. It is arranged one by one for each conveyance path of tablet T in the direction (for example, the direction orthogonal to each other), and is provided above the upper surface of the conveyance belt 21a. The detection part 22a detects the position (the position of the conveyance direction A1) of the tablet T on the conveyance belt 21a by the light transmitted by the laser beam, and functions as a trigger sensor of each apparatus located downstream. As the detection unit 22a, it is possible to use various laser sensors such as a reflective laser sensor. Each detection part 22a is electrically connected to the control apparatus 50, and transmits a detection signal to the control apparatus 50. As shown in FIG.

The first imaging device 23 has a plurality of imaging sections 23a (two in the example of FIG. 4). The imaging part 23a is a conveyance path of the tablet T in the direction (for example, the direction orthogonal to) which cross | intersects the conveyance direction A1 in a horizontal plane as a downstream side of the conveyance direction A1 rather than the position where the detection apparatus 22 was provided. It is arranged one by one and is provided above the upper surface of the conveyance belt 21a. The imaging section 23a captures images at the timing when the tablet T reaches just below the imaging section 23a based on the positional information of the tablet T described above, and includes the upper surface of the tablet T. An image to be printed (image for printing) is acquired, and the acquired image is transmitted to the control device 50. As the imaging section 23a, it is possible to use various cameras having imaging devices such as CCD (charge coupled device) and CMOS (complementary metal oxide film semiconductor). Each imaging unit 23a is electrically connected to the control device 50, and their driving is controlled by the control device 50. Moreover, illumination for imaging is also provided as needed.

The print head device 24 has a plurality of print heads 24a (two in the example of FIG. 4) of the inkjet method. The print head 24a is positioned downstream of the conveying direction A1 from the position where the first imaging device 23 is provided, so that the tablet T is disposed in a direction (for example, orthogonal direction) that intersects the conveying direction A1 in the horizontal plane. It is arranged one by one for each conveyance path and is provided above the upper surface of the conveyance belt 21a. The print head 24a is provided with a plurality of nozzles 24b (refer to Fig. 4: only four are shown in the figure), and ejects ink individually from these nozzles 24b. This print head 24a is provided so that the alignment direction in which the nozzle 24b is arranged may intersect (for example, orthogonal to) the conveyance direction A1 in a horizontal plane. As the print head 24a, it is possible to use a print head of various inkjet systems having a drive element such as a piezoelectric element, a heat generating element, or a magnetization distortion element. Each print head 24a is electrically connected to the control apparatus 50, and these drive is controlled by the control apparatus 50. As shown in FIG.

The second imaging device 25 has a plurality of imaging sections 25a (two in the example of FIG. 4). The imaging part 25a conveys the tablet T in the direction (for example, the direction orthogonal) which cross | intersects a conveyance direction A1 in a horizontal plane as a downstream side of the conveyance direction A1 rather than the position in which the print head apparatus 24 was provided. It is arranged one by one for each furnace and provided above the upper surface of the conveyance belt 21a. The imaging section 25a captures images at the timing when the tablet T reaches just below the imaging section 25a based on the positional information of the tablet T described above, and includes the upper surface of the tablet T. An image to be examined (image for inspection) is acquired, and the acquired image is transmitted to the control device 50. As the imaging section 25a, it is possible to use various cameras having imaging devices such as CCD and CMOS, similarly to the imaging section 23a described above. Each imaging unit 25a is electrically connected to the control device 50, and their driving is controlled by the control device 50. Moreover, illumination for imaging is also provided as needed.

Each device 22-25 mentioned above is covered by the cover 60, as shown to FIG. The cover 60 includes a detection device 22 (two detection sections 22a), a first imaging device 23 (two imaging sections 23a), and a print head device 24 (two print heads 24a). ) And the second imaging device 25 (two imaging sections 25a). The cover 60 is adapted to the thickness of the tablet T (for example, 2 to 4 mm) so that the bottom surface thereof does not contact the tablet T conveyed by the conveyance belt 21a. It is provided above the upper surface of the conveyance belt 21a by a predetermined distance (for example, 5 to 12 mm) from the upper surface.

On the lower surface of the cover 60, as shown in FIG. 5, the two through-holes 60a so that each detection part 22a in the cover 60 can detect the tablet T on the conveyance belt 21a, respectively. ) Is arranged in the direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction A1 in the horizontal plane, so that each imaging section 23a in the cover 60 can respectively image the tablet T on the conveyance belt 21a. The two through holes 60b are arranged in the same direction as the direction in which the above-described through holes 60a are arranged. In addition, the two through holes 60c are described in the lower surface of the cover 60 so that each print head 24a in the cover 60 can respectively print on the tablet T on the conveyance belt 21a. It is arranged in the same direction as the direction in which the through-hole 60a is arranged, and it is formed so that each imaging part 25a in the cover 60 can respectively image the tablet T on the conveyance belt 21a, 2 Two through holes 60d are arranged in the same direction as the direction in which the above-described through holes 60a are arranged.

Each through hole 60a, 60b, 60d is blocked by light transmitting members 61, 62, such as glass, provided on the bottom surface inside the cover 60. As shown in FIG. In addition, each of the through holes 60c is blocked by inserting the print head 24a into the through holes 60c through a sealing member 63 such as silicon. In this way, the cover 60 is formed in a sealed state, and the inside of the cover 60 is maintained at a positive pressure (static pressure).

3 to 5, two rectifying plates 27 and 28 having gas permeability are provided on the side surface of the cover 60. One of the rectifying plates 27 is attached to the lower end of the side surface on the upstream side of the conveying direction A1 in the cover 60, and the other of the rectifying plates 28 is conveying direction (in the cover 60). It is attached to the lower end part of the side surface downstream of A1). These rectifying plates 27 and 28 are predetermined distances from the conveying path by which the tablet T is conveyed by the conveying apparatus 21, ie, the conveying surface (upper surface of the conveying belt 21a) above the conveying apparatus 21. They are spaced apart from each other and are arranged horizontally to face the conveying surface. The predetermined distance is longer than the thickness of the tablet T (for example, 2 to 4 mm), and the range in which the air flow generated by the suction by the suction chamber 21f of the conveying device 21 can be adjusted (for example, 5 to 12). Mm). Each rectifying plate 27 and 28 is provided in the position which the airflow which arises by the suction by the suction chamber 21f passes, and adjusts the airflow which arises above and around the upper surface of the conveyance belt 21a, respectively. In addition, the length of each width direction of each of the rectifying plates 27 and 28 is more than the length of the width direction of the conveyance belt 21a. In addition, the length of each conveyance direction A1 of each rectifying plate 27 and 28 is shorter than the length of the conveyance direction A1 of the conveying apparatus 21.

As the rectifying plates 27 and 28 having gas permeability, a mesh plate is used, but is not limited thereto. For example, a punching board having a plurality of round holes, a board having a plurality of slit holes, and the like, It is possible to use various plate materials having a plurality of through holes. As the material of the rectifying plates 27 and 28, metals such as SUS can be used, but the material is not limited thereto, and any food hygiene method suitable may be used. Materials other than SUS, for example, aluminum or resin can also be used. Do.

Here, when the suction hole 21g of the upper surface of the conveyance belt 21a is not completely blocked by the tablet T, by the suction by the suction chamber 21f, the suction hole of the upper surface of the conveyance belt 21a ( Since air is sucked from 21g), the airflow which flows toward the suction hole 21g above and around the upper surface of the conveyance belt 21a generate | occur | produces, but the airflow is in each rectifying plate 27,28. It adjusts by passing through a through hole, and it weakens because some airflow is shielded by parts other than the through hole in each rectifying plate 27 and 28. FIG. Thereby, since generation | occurrence | production of turbulence is suppressed, it can suppress that the attitude | position of the tablet T hold | maintained on the upper surface of the conveyance belt 21a changes from a desired attitude | position (for example, a horizontal attitude | position). In addition, since the separation distance between the upper surface of the conveyance belt 21a and the lower surface of the cover 60 is short, for example, 5 to 12 mm, the airflow flowing into this space tends to become strong (flow velocity tends to be faster). Is adjusted by each of the rectifying plates 27 and 28 and becomes weak. Thereby, since generation | occurrence | production of turbulence is suppressed, it can reliably suppress that the attitude | position of the tablet T hold | maintained on the upper surface of the conveyance belt 21a changes from a desired attitude | position. The desired posture is a posture in which the ink discharged from the nozzle 24b can reach a desired position on the tablet T (a posture that does not cause a poor printing of the tablet T) (others are the same).

Returning to FIG. 1, the drying apparatus 26 is positioned downstream of the conveyance direction A1 rather than the position where the 2nd imaging device 25 was provided, and is provided below the conveyance apparatus 21, for example. This drying apparatus 26 is a drying apparatus common to two conveyance paths, and dries the ink apply | coated to each tablet T on the conveyance belt 21a. As the drying apparatus 26, various drying parts, such as a blower which dries a drying object with air, a heater which dries a drying object by radiant heat, or a blower which dries a drying object with warm air or hot air in combination with air and a heater, It is possible to use. The drying apparatus 26 is electrically connected to the control apparatus 50, and the drive is controlled by the control apparatus 50. FIG.

In addition, the tablet T which passed the upper part of the drying apparatus 26 is conveyed according to the movement of the conveyance belt 21a, and is the position of the edge vicinity of each driven pulley 21c side in the conveyance belt 21a. To reach. At this position, the suction action does not act on the tablet T, so that the tablet T is released from the state held by the conveying belt 21a, and thus the second printing apparatus 30 from the first printing apparatus 20. Is delivered).

Below the conveying apparatus 21 mentioned above, as shown to FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, the rectifying plate 29 which has gas permeability is provided. The rectifying plate 29 is spaced apart by a predetermined distance from the conveying path on which the tablet T is conveyed by the conveying apparatus 21, that is, the conveying surface (lower surface of the conveying belt 21a) below the conveying apparatus 21. It is arrange | positioned horizontally so that the conveyance surface may face. The predetermined distance is longer than the thickness of the tablet T (for example, 2 to 4 mm), and the range in which the air flow generated by the suction by the suction chamber 21f of the conveying device 21 can be adjusted (for example, 5 to 12). Mm). The rectifying plate 29 is provided at a position through which air flow generated by suction by the suction chamber 21f passes, and adjusts the air flow generated below or around the lower surface of the conveyance belt 21a. This rectifying plate 29 is provided in the conveying apparatus 21 so that the tablet T may be attracted from the upper side and oppose the conveying path conveyed. When the tablet T is suction-held from above by the conveying apparatus 21, since it is maintained in the state which opposes gravity, the rectifying plate 29 fell from the lower surface of the conveyance belt 21a, and the tablet T fell. It also serves as a receiving dish. That is, the rectifying plate 29 has a receiving surface M1 that receives the tablet T that has fallen. In addition, the length of the width direction of the rectifying plate 29 is more than the length of the width direction of the conveyance belt 21a. In addition, although the length of the conveyance direction A1 of the rectifying plate 29 is shorter than the length of the conveyance direction A1 of the conveying apparatus 21, it is not limited to this.

In addition, although the rectifying plate 29 is arrange | positioned horizontally in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, you may incline. In this case, the rectifying plate 29 is provided so as to face the conveying path where the tablet T is sucked and conveyed from above the tablet T, and the tablet T moves so as to slide along the inclined rectifying plate 29. It may be made to be received by a receiving plate provided near the end of the rectifying plate 29.

As the rectifying plate 29 having gas permeability, a mesh-like plate material is used, but is not limited thereto. For example, a plurality of through holes, such as a punching board having a plurality of round holes and a board having a plurality of slit holes, are used. It is possible to use various sheet materials having holes. As the material of the rectifying plate 29, a metal such as SUS (stainless steel) can be used, but the material is not limited thereto. A material suitable for the food hygiene method may be used, and materials other than SUS, such as aluminum or resin, may be used. It is also possible.

Here, when 21 g of suction holes of the lower surface of the conveyance belt 21a are not completely blocked by the tablet T, by the suction by the suction chamber 21f, the suction hole of the lower surface of the conveyance belt 21a ( Since air is sucked from 21g), the airflow which flows toward the suction hole 21g below or around the lower surface of the conveyance belt 21a generate | occur | produces, but the airflow does not penetrate the through-hole in the rectifying plate 29. It adjusts by passing and weakens because some airflow is shielded by parts other than the through hole in the rectifying plate 29. Thereby, since generation | occurrence | production of turbulence is suppressed, it becomes possible to suppress that the attitude | position of the tablet T hold | maintained on the lower surface of the conveyance belt 21a changes from a desired attitude | position (for example, a horizontal attitude | position). As a result, the position of the tablet T is shifted and the tablet T is not attracted and can be prevented from falling. Moreover, the delivery position of the tablet T to the next 2nd printing apparatus 30 shifts, and it becomes impossible to detect a tablet T, and it can suppress that a printing defect arises. Moreover, in the tablet T used as a printing object, when the surface attracted at the time of conveyance is a curved surface, compared with the case where the surface suctioned is flat, the area | region held by suction becomes narrow and it is easy to roll. Even when conveying the tablet T which has such a curved surface, if generation | occurrence | production of turbulence is suppressed, it can suppress that it shakes on the conveyance belt 21a by the wind pressure. Thereby, the position and attitude | position of the tablet T can be conveyed stably, and it can suppress that the printing position with respect to the tablet T by the 1st printing apparatus 20 shifts, and it becomes a print defect. It can suppress that productivity falls by the above.

Returning to FIG. 1, the second printing apparatus 30 includes the conveying apparatus 31, the detecting apparatus 32, the first imaging apparatus (the imaging apparatus for printing) 33, the print head apparatus 34, And a second imaging device (imaging device for inspection) 35 and a drying device 36. The conveying apparatus 31 is the conveyance belt 31a, the drive pulley (pulley body) 31b, the driven pulley (pulley body) 31c of plurality (three in the example of FIG. 1), and the motor (drive part) 31d. ), A position detector 31e and a suction chamber (suction part) 31f. Each device 32-35 is accommodated in the cover 60, and the cover 60 is provided with two rectifying plates 37 and 38. As shown in FIG. In addition, since each element which comprises the 2nd printing apparatus 30 is basically the same structure as the corresponding component of the above-mentioned 1st printing apparatus 20, the description is abbreviate | omitted. The conveyance direction of the 2nd printing apparatus 30 is the direction (conveying direction A2) of the arrow A2 of FIG.

The recovery apparatus 40 includes a defective article recovery apparatus 41 and a good quality recovery apparatus 42. This collection | recovery apparatus 40 is provided in the position downstream of the conveyance direction A2 rather than the position where the drying apparatus 36 of the 2nd printing apparatus 30 was provided, and refine | purifies a defective article by the defective article collection apparatus 41. (T) is collect | recovered and refinement | purification (T) of a good article is collect | recovered by the good-quality collection apparatus 42.

The defective article recovery device 41 has an injection nozzle 41a and a housing portion 41b. The injection nozzle 41a is provided in the suction chamber 31f of the 2nd printing apparatus 30, and it is a gas (for example, toward the tablet T) (refining of the defective article T) conveyed by the conveyance belt 31a. Air) is blown and the tablet T is dropped from the conveyance belt 31a. At this time, the gas injected from the injection nozzle 41a passes through the suction hole (same as the suction hole 21g shown in FIGS. 3 and 4) of the conveyance belt 31a to reach the tablet T. The injection nozzle 41a is electrically connected to the control apparatus 50, and the drive is controlled by the control apparatus 50. FIG. The storage part 41b receives and accommodates the tablet T dropped from the conveyance belt 31a.

The goods recovery apparatus 42 has a gas extraction part 42a, the discharge conveyance apparatus (discharge feeder) 42b, the drying apparatus 42c, and the accommodating part 42d. The non-defective product recovery device 42 is positioned and provided downstream of the conveyance direction A2 from the position where the defective article recovery device 41 is provided.

The gas extraction part 42a is inside the conveying apparatus 31 of the 2nd printing apparatus 30, and is at the end of the conveying apparatus 31, ie, the edge part of each driven pulley 31c side in the conveyance belt 31a. It is prepared. The gas extraction part 42a always takes out a gas (for example, air) toward the conveyance belt 31a during the printing process, and drops the tablet T from the conveyance belt 31a. At this time, the gas blown out from the gas extraction part 42a passes through the suction hole (same as the suction hole 21g shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4) of the conveyance belt 31a, and touches the tablet T. As shown in FIG. As this gas extraction part 42a, it is possible to use the air blow which has a slit opening extended in the direction (for example, orthogonal direction) which cross | intersects in the horizontal plane with the conveyance direction A2, for example. The gas extraction part 42a is electrically connected to the control apparatus 50, and the drive is controlled by the control apparatus 50. FIG.

Here, the tablet T which has passed through the defective product collection | recovery apparatus 41 is conveyed according to the movement of the conveyance belt 31a, and is located in the position near the edge part on the side of each driven pulley 31c in the conveyance belt 31a. To reach. At this position, the suction action does not act on the tablet T. However, by providing the gas extraction section 42a, the tablet T can be reliably dropped from the conveyance belt 31a and supplied to the discharge conveying device 42b. have.

The discharge conveying apparatus 42b receives the tablet T which fell from the lower surface of the conveyance belt 31a, and conveys the received tablet T to the accommodating part 42d. In addition, as the discharge conveying apparatus 42b, it is possible to use a belt conveyance mechanism, for example. The discharge conveying apparatus 42b is electrically connected to the control apparatus 50, and the drive is controlled by the control apparatus 50. FIG.

The drying apparatus 42c is provided above the discharge conveying apparatus 42b. This drying apparatus 42c dries the ink apply | coated to each tablet T in addition to each drying apparatus 26,36. As the drying apparatus 42c, various drying parts, such as a blower which dries a drying target with air, a heater which dries a drying target with radiant heat, or a blower which dries a drying target with warm air or hot air in combination with air and a heater, It is possible to use. The drying apparatus 42c is electrically connected to the control apparatus 50, and the drive is controlled by the control apparatus 50. FIG.

Here, an example of the drying apparatus 42c which performs drying by air is demonstrated. The case of this air type drying apparatus 42c is formed in the cross-section U shape which opened the lower surface so that it may be covered by the discharge conveyance apparatus 42b. In the case of the drying apparatus 42c, the air nozzle which blows out air is arrange | positioned, and air is blown out from the air nozzle toward the conveyance surface of the upper surface of the discharge conveying apparatus 42b. This air flows toward the upstream end or the downstream end of the discharge conveying device 42b along the conveying surface of the discharge conveying device 42b. In addition, the form of an air nozzle may be any form, for example, it is possible to provide a some opening in the longitudinal direction of a pipe, and to arrange | position one or more pipes which blow out air from these openings. Each opening is arranged to be arranged in the longitudinal direction of the pipe. The pipe may be provided so that the longitudinal direction may follow the conveyance direction A1, and may be provided so that it may cross | intersect (for example, it may cross at right angles).

42 d of accommodation parts are located in the downstream end of the discharge conveying apparatus 42b, ie, the edge part on the opposite side to the 2nd conveying apparatus 31 side in the discharge conveying apparatus 42b, It is provided outside the case. This storage part 42d receives and receives the tablet T from which the ink was dried by the drying apparatus 42c from the discharge conveying apparatus 42b.

The control device 50 includes an image processing unit 51, a print processing unit 52, an inspection processing unit 53, and a storage unit 54. The image processing unit 51 processes the image. The print processing unit 52 performs processing in accordance with printing. The inspection processor 53 performs a process corresponding to the inspection. The storage unit 54 stores various information such as processing information and various programs. The control device 50 controls the supply device 10, the first printing device 20, and the second printing device 30, and each of the first printing device 20 and the second printing device 30. The positional information of the tablet T transmitted from the detection devices 22 and 32 of the device, and from the imaging devices 23, 25, 33, 35 of each of the first printing device 20 and the second printing device 30. Receive an image or the like.

(Printing process)

Next, the print process and the inspection process which the above-mentioned tablet printing apparatus 1 performs are demonstrated.

First, various kinds of information such as print data required for printing are stored in the storage unit 54 of the control device 50. And when many tablets T for printing are thrown into the hopper 11 of the supply apparatus 10, the tablets T will be supplied sequentially from the hopper 11 to the alignment conveyance apparatus 12, and alignment conveyance will be carried out. The device 12 is arranged in two rows and moved. The tablets T moving in two rows in this way are sequentially supplied to the conveyance belt 21a of the first printing apparatus 20 by the relay conveying apparatus 13. At this time, the attitude | position of the tablet T in the relay conveyance apparatus 13 leads to the conveyance belt 21a. 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. For this reason, the tablet T supplied on the conveyance belt 21a is arrange | positioned in 2 rows on the conveyance belt 21a, and is conveyed at the predetermined moving speed. Moreover, the conveyance belt 31a is also rotating in the conveyance direction A2 by rotation of the drive pulley 31b and each driven pulley 31c by the motor 31d.

Thereafter, the tablet T on the conveyance belt 21a is detected by the detection device 22. Thereby, the positional information (position of the conveyance direction A1) of the tablet T is acquired and input into the control apparatus 50. As shown in FIG. The positional information of the tablet T is stored in the storage unit 54 and used in post processing. Next, the tablet T on the conveyance belt 21a is picked up by the first imaging device 23 at a timing based on the positional information of the tablet T described above, and the captured image is transmitted to the control device 50. do. Position shift information of the tablet T (for example, position shift of the tablet T in the X direction, the Y direction, and the θ direction in FIG. 4) based on the individual images transmitted from the first imaging device 23. ] Is generated by the image processing unit 51 and stored in the storage unit 54. On the basis of the position shift information of the tablet T, the printing conditions (the ejection position of the ink, the ejection speed of the ink, etc.) for the tablet T are set by the print processing unit 52 and stored in the storage unit 54. .

Subsequently, the individual tablets T on the conveyance belt 21a have a timing based on the above-described positional information of the tablets T, that is, when the tablets T reach below the print head device 24, Printing is executed by the print head device 24 based on the above printing conditions. In each print head 24a of the print head device 24, ink is appropriately discharged from each nozzle 24b, and letters (e.g., alphabet, katakana, numbers) and marks (e.g., on the upper surface of the tablet T) Identification information such as symbols, figures) is printed.

The tablet T on which the identification information is printed is imaged by the second imaging device 25 at a timing based on the positional information of the tablet T described above, and the captured image is transmitted to the control device 50. Based on the individual images transmitted from the second imaging device 25, print position information indicating the print position of the print pattern for each tablet T is generated by the image processing unit 51, and stored in the storage unit 54. Are preserved. Based on the printing positional information, the printing transfer result for the tablet T is judged by the inspection processing unit 53, and the printing transfer result information indicating the result of printing transfer for each tablet T is stored in the storage unit 54. Are preserved. For example, it is determined whether the print pattern is printed at a predetermined position of the tablet T.

The tablet T after the inspection is conveyed in accordance with the movement of the conveyance belt 21a and passes above the drying apparatus 26. At this time, the ink applied to the tablet T is dried by the drying device 26 while the tablet T passes above the drying device 26, and the tablet T on which the ink is dried is the conveyance belt 21a. It is conveyed with the movement of), and it is located in the vicinity of the edge part on the side of each driven pulley 21c in the conveyance belt 21a. At this position, the suction action does not act on the tablet T, and the tablet T is released from the state held on the lower surface of the conveyance belt 21a, and the second printing device 30 is removed from the first printing device 30. It is told.

Even in the second printing apparatus 30, print processing and inspection processing are performed in the same manner as described above. The tablet T after inspection is conveyed in accordance with the movement of the conveyance belt 31a, and passes above the drying apparatus 36. Then, the tablet T in which the ink is dried reaches the defective article recovery device 41. The tablet T which is a defective product at this position falls from the lower surface of the conveyance belt 31a by the injection of the gas by the injection nozzle 41a and is recovered by the storage portion 41b. On the other hand, the tablet T as a good product passes through the defective product collecting device 41 and reaches the good product collecting device 42. In this position, the tablet T, which is a good product, does not have a suction action on the tablet T, and falls from the lower surface of the conveyance belt 31a by ejecting the gas by the gas ejection section 42a, thereby discharging the conveyance device. Guided by (42b). And the tablet T which is a good article is conveyed by the discharge conveying apparatus 42b, and the ink on tablet T is completely dried by the drying apparatus 42c in the middle of the conveyance. The tablet T in which the ink is dried is conveyed to the upper part of the accommodating part 42d by the discharge conveying apparatus 42b, falls from the downstream end of the discharging conveying apparatus 42b, and is collected by the accommodating portion 42d. .

In such a printing process, in the relay conveyance apparatus 13, although the tablet T is hold | maintained at the lower surface of the conveyance belt 13a by suction from the suction hole 13f of the lower surface of the conveyance belt 13a, tablet ( A part of the suction hole 13f of the lower surface of the conveyance belt 13a is not blocked by the size or shape of T), or the suction hole 13f of the lower surface of the conveyance belt 13a by random supply of tablets T. ) May not be completely blocked by the tablet (T). In this case, since air is sucked from the suction hole 13f of the lower surface of the conveyance belt 13a, the airflow which flows toward the suction hole 13f below and around the lower surface of the conveyance belt 13a arises. Airflow is generated in this manner, but the airflow generated below or around the lower surface of the conveyance belt 13a is adjusted by passing through the through hole in the rectifying plate 14, and further, the penetration in the rectifying plate 14. It is weakened by blocking some airflow in parts other than a hole. Thereby, since generation | occurrence | production of turbulence is suppressed, it becomes possible to maintain the attitude | position of the tablet T hold | maintained at the lower surface of the conveyance belt 13a to a desired attitude | position. For this reason, the position of tablet T shifts | deviates, and tablet T is not attracted and it can suppress that it falls. Moreover, since the delivery position of the tablet T to the next conveying apparatus 21 shifts | deviates, tablet T cannot be detected and a printing defect arises, and it can suppress that productivity falls. In addition, when the attitude | position of the tablet T in the relay conveyance apparatus 13 changes from a desired attitude | position, since the attitude of the said tablet T leads to the 1st printing apparatus 20, the 1st printing apparatus 20 The posture of the tablet T in) also changes from the desired posture. By the way, since the posture of the tablet T is maintained in a desired posture in the relay conveying apparatus 13 as mentioned above, the tablet T of the desired posture is supplied to the 1st printing apparatus 20. FIG.

Moreover, in the conveying apparatus 21 of the 1st printing apparatus 20, the tablet T received in the state in which the posture was maintained from the relay conveying apparatus 13 is 21 g of suction holes of the upper surface of the conveyance belt 21a. ) Is supplied. The tablet T supplied from the relay conveying device 13 is held on the upper surface of the conveying belt 21a by suction from the suction hole 21g on the upper surface of the conveying belt 21a, but the size of the tablet T According to the shape or the like, a part of the suction hole 21g on the upper surface of the conveying belt 21a is not blocked or the suction hole 21g on the upper surface of the conveying belt 21a is unrefined by the random supply of the tablet T. May not be completely blocked by). In this case, since air is sucked from the suction hole 21g of the upper surface of the conveyance belt 21a, the airflow which flows toward the suction hole 21g is generated above or around the upper surface of the conveyance belt 21a. Airflow is generated in this manner, but the airflow generated above or around the upper surface of the conveyance belt 21a is adjusted by passing through the through holes in the respective rectifying plates 27 and 28, and the respective rectifying plates 27, Part of the airflow is weakened by shielding a part of the airflow in a part other than the through hole in 28), so that the generation of turbulence is suppressed. Since the separation distance between the upper surface of the conveyance belt 21a and the lower surface of the cover 60 (surface facing the conveyance belt 21a) is, for example, 5 to 12 mm, the airflow flowing into this space tends to be strong. However, since this airflow is adjusted by each of the rectifying plates 27 and 28, and also weakens, generation of turbulent airflow is suppressed. Thereby, it becomes possible to maintain the attitude | position of the tablet T hold | maintained on the upper surface of the conveyance belt 21a to a desired attitude, and the ink discharged from the print head apparatus 24 of the 1st printing apparatus 20 refine | purifies Since it lands at the desired position on (T), the fall of print quality can be suppressed.

In addition, in the conveying apparatus 21 of the 1st printing apparatus 20, while the tablet T finished printing is hold | maintained in the conveyance belt 21a by suction from the suction hole 21g of the conveyance belt 21a. And move to the lower surface of the conveyance belt 21a. By the way, as mentioned above, according to the size, shape, etc. of the tablet T, a part of the suction hole 21g of the lower surface of the conveyance belt 21a is not blocked, or the conveyance belt (by the random supply of the tablet T) The suction hole 21g of the lower surface of 21a) may not be completely blocked by the tablet T in some cases. In this case, since air is sucked from the suction hole 21g of the lower surface of the conveyance belt 21a, the airflow which flows toward the suction hole 21g below or around the lower surface of the conveyance belt 21a generate | occur | produces. Airflow is generated in this manner, but the airflow generated below or around the lower surface of the conveyance belt 21a is adjusted by passing through the through hole in the rectifying plate 29, and further, the penetration in the rectifying plate 29. It is weakened by blocking some airflow in parts other than a hole. Thereby, since generation | occurrence | production of turbulence is suppressed, it becomes possible to maintain the attitude | position of the tablet T hold | maintained at the lower surface of the conveyance belt 21a to a desired attitude | position. For this reason, the position of tablet T shifts | deviates, and tablet T is not attracted and it can suppress that it falls. Moreover, since the delivery position of the tablet T to the next conveying apparatus 31 shifts, it becomes impossible to detect the tablet T, and a printing defect arises, and it can suppress that productivity falls. In addition, when the attitude | position of the tablet T in the 1st printing apparatus 20 turns into a desired attitude, since the attitude | position of the tablet T leads to the 2nd printing apparatus 30, the 2nd printing apparatus ( The posture of the tablet T in 20) also changes to a desired posture. By the way, since the posture of the tablet T in the 1st printing apparatus 20 is maintained in a desired posture as mentioned above, the tablet T of the desired posture is supplied to the 2nd printing apparatus 30.

Moreover, also in the conveying apparatus 31 of the 2nd printing apparatus 30, since air is sucked in from the suction hole 31g of the upper surface of the conveyance belt 31a, as mentioned above, the upper surface of the conveyance belt 31a Airflow which flows toward the suction hole 21g is generated above or around it. Airflow is generated in this manner, but the airflow generated above and around the upper surface of the conveyance belt 31a is adjusted by passing through the through holes in the respective rectifying plates 37 and 38, and the respective rectifying plates 37, Since some airflow is weakened by shielding a part other than the through-hole in 38), generation of turbulence is suppressed. Since the separation distance between the upper surface of the conveyance belt 31a and the lower surface of the cover 60 is, for example, 5 to 12 mm, the airflow flowing into this space tends to be strong. However, since this airflow is adjusted by each of the rectifying plates 37 and 38, and also weakens, the generation of turbulence is suppressed. Thereby, it becomes possible to maintain the attitude | position of the tablet T hold | maintained on the upper surface of the conveyance belt 31a to a desired attitude, and the ink discharged from the print head apparatus 34 of the 2nd printing apparatus 30 refine | purifies Since it lands at the desired position on (T), the fall of print quality can be suppressed.

Here, for example, when the rectifying plate 14 is not provided with respect to the purified falling water from the conveying surface below the relay conveying apparatus 13, the tablet T may be flown by the tablet belt 13a by 1000 tablets. At that time, tablet T dropped by 20 to 40 tablets. In addition, the printing defect (poor printing posture on the conveyance belt 21a) was about 80% at this time. Moreover, the same result was obtained even if the rectifying plate which does not have a through hole was provided. Therefore, in the space between the alignment conveyance apparatus 12 and the conveying apparatus 21 of the 1st printing apparatus 20, as a rectifying plate 14, it opposes the conveying surface below the relay conveying apparatus 13, When a mesh-shaped plate (□ 1 mm mesh) having a through hole was placed, when the tablet T was flown by the tablet tablet 1000a by 1000 tablets, the number of drops was 0 tablets, resulting in poor printing (conveyance). Poor printing posture on the belt 21a] was reduced to 20 to 30%.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, the rectifying plate (for example, the rectifying plate 14, the respective rectifying plates 27 and 28, the rectifying plate 29, and the respective rectifying plates 37 and 38 having gas permeability) is described. )] Is provided so as to face the conveying path away from the conveying path where the tablet T is conveyed by the conveying apparatus (for example, the relay conveying apparatus 13, the conveying apparatus 21, and the conveying apparatus 31). The airflow which flows toward a suction hole (for example, each suction hole 13f, 21g) generate | occur | produces around the conveyance surface of a conveying apparatus by suction by a conveying apparatus, but the airflow is a through hole in the said rectification plate. It is adjusted by passing through and weakens by shielding a part of the air flow in portions other than the through-holes in the above-mentioned rectifying plate, so that the generation of turbulence is suppressed. Thereby, it becomes possible to maintain the attitude | position of the tablet T conveyed by a conveying apparatus to a desired attitude, and the ink discharged from the printhead apparatus (for example, the printhead apparatus 24 or the printhead apparatus 34) Since it lands at the desired position on tablet T, the fall of a print quality can be suppressed. Moreover, since the attitude | position of the tablet T conveyed by a conveying apparatus is stabilized to a desired attitude | position, the position of the tablet T shifts | deviates, and the tablet T falls without being attracted, and the following conveying apparatuses 21 and 31 The transfer position to () is shifted and the tablet T cannot be detected, so that printing failure can be suppressed. Moreover, in the tablet T used as a printing object, when the surface attracted at the time of conveyance is a curved surface, compared with the case where the surface suctioned is flat, the area | region held by suction becomes narrow and it is easy to roll. Even when conveying the tablet T which has such a curved surface, if generation | occurrence | production of turbulence is suppressed, it can suppress that it shakes on the conveyance belt 21a by the wind pressure. Thereby, the position and attitude | position of the tablet T can be conveyed stably, and it can suppress that the printing position with respect to the tablet T shifts and it becomes a print defect. It can suppress that productivity falls by the above.

In addition, by stopping the operation of the tablet printing apparatus 1 and cleaning the entire apparatus, by removing the cover 60, the respective rectifying plates 27 and 28 attached to the cover 60 can also be removed. have. This makes it possible to clean the cover 60 and the rectifying plates 27 and 28 at once, so that the cleaning operation can be performed efficiently. In addition, the detection apparatus 22, the 1st imaging device 23, and the 2nd imaging device 25 are covered with the cover 60, and the powder of tablet T does not adhere, and cleaning is performed. Since there is no need to perform it, the cleaning operation can be simplified.

Second Embodiment

The second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. In addition, in 2nd Embodiment, the difference (addition of a rectifying plate) from 1st Embodiment is demonstrated, and other description is abbreviate | omitted.

In 2nd Embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, in the relay conveyance apparatus 13, in addition to one rectifier plate 14, two rectifier plates 14a and 14b are provided.

The two rectifying plates 14a and 14b are formed on the upper surface of the rectifying plate 14 and the lower surface of the conveying belt 13a from the width direction (direction perpendicular to the conveying direction A1 in the horizontal direction) of the single rectifying plate 14. It is provided so that the space between them may be interposed. The two rectifying plates 14a and 14b are spaced apart by a predetermined distance and arranged vertically. This predetermined distance is almost equal to the length of the conveyance belt 13a in the width direction, but is not limited thereto. In addition, as two rectifying plates 14a and 14b, although it is possible to use the same board | plate material and material as the rectifying plate 14, it is not limited to this, For example, the kind and the kind of material of the rectifying plate 14 and a board | plate material It is also possible to change.

Here, when the suction hole 13f of the lower surface of the conveyance belt 13a is not completely blocked by the tablet T, the suction hole 13f of the lower surface of the conveyance belt 13a by suction by the suction chamber 13e. Air is sucked from the bottom of the conveyance belt 13a, so that air flows toward the suction hole 13f is generated, but the air flow in each of the rectifying plates 14, 14a, 14b. It is adjusted by passing through the through hole, and a part of airflow is weakened by shielding a part of airflow in portions other than the through hole in each of the rectifying plates 14, 14a, and 14b. Thereby, the attitude | position of the tablet T hold | maintained on the lower surface of the conveyance belt 13a is reliably suppressed from changing from a desired attitude | position (for example, a horizontal attitude | position).

In addition, as shown in FIG. 7, above the conveying apparatus 21 of the first printing apparatus 20, two rectifying plates 27a and 27b are provided in addition to the two rectifying plates 27 and 28. have. Moreover, it is also possible to add a rectifying plate similarly to the conveying apparatus 21 of the 1st printing apparatus 20, ie, the rectifying plate 29.

The two rectifying plates 27a and 27b are formed on the lower surface of the rectifying plate 27 and the conveyance belt 21a from the respective width directions (directions perpendicular to the transport direction A1 in the horizontal direction) of the respective rectifying plates 27 and 28. The space between the upper surface of the (), the lower surface of the cover 60 and the upper surface of the conveying belt 21a, the space between the lower surface of the rectifying plate 28 and the upper surface of the conveying belt 21a are provided. The two rectifying plates 27a and 27b are spaced apart by a predetermined distance and arranged vertically. The predetermined distance is almost equal to the length of the conveyance belt 21a in the width direction, but is not limited thereto. As the two rectifying plates 27a and 27b, it is possible to use the same plate material and material as the two rectifying plates 27 and 28, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the two rectifying plates 27 and 28 can be used. It is also possible to change the type of plate and the type of material.

Here, when the suction hole 21g of the upper surface of the conveyance belt 21a is not completely blocked by the tablet T, by the suction by the suction chamber 21f, the suction hole 21g of the upper surface of the conveyance belt 21a is here. Air is sucked from the upper side of the conveyance belt 21a, so that air flows toward the suction hole 21g is generated, but the air flow is the respective rectifying plates 27, 28, 27a, and 27b. It adjusts by passing through the through-hole in, and it weakens because some airflow is shielded by parts other than the through-hole in each rectifying plate 27, 28, 27a, 27b. Thereby, the attitude | position of the tablet T hold | maintained on the upper surface of the conveyance belt 21a is reliably suppressed from changing from a desired attitude | position (for example, a horizontal attitude | position).

As described above, according to the second embodiment, the same effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained. In addition to the rectifying plate 14, the two rectifying plates 27 and 28, and the rectifying plate 29, the respective rectifying plates 14a, 14b, 27a, and 27b are provided. Air flow which flows toward a suction hole (for example, each suction hole 13f, 21g) around the conveyance surface of a conveying apparatus by suction by a conveying apparatus (for example, relay conveying apparatus 13 or conveying apparatus 21). Is generated, the air flow is adjusted by passing through the through holes in the above-described rectifying plates (e.g., each of the rectifying plates 14, 14a, 14b, 27, 27a, 27b, 28, 29). Since a part of air flow is shielded by portions other than the through-holes in each of the rectifying plates, the generation of turbulence is suppressed. Thereby, it becomes possible to reliably hold the attitude | position of the tablet T conveyed by a conveying apparatus to a desired attitude, and the ink discharged from the printhead apparatus (for example, the printhead apparatus 24) is carried out on the tablet T. Since it lands at a desired position, the fall of print quality can be suppressed reliably. Moreover, since the attitude | position of the tablet T conveyed by a conveying apparatus is stabilized to a desired attitude | position, the position of the tablet T shifts | deviates, and the tablet T falls without being attracted, and the following conveying apparatuses 21 and 31 The transfer position to () is shifted and the tablet T cannot be detected, so that printing failure can be suppressed. Moreover, in the tablet T made into printing object, when the surface attracted at the time of conveyance is a curved surface, compared with the case where the surface suctioned is flat, the area | region hold | maintained by suction becomes narrow and it is easy to roll. Even when conveying the tablet T which has such a curved surface, if generation | occurrence | production of turbulence is suppressed, it can suppress that it shakes on the conveyance belt 21a by the wind pressure. Thereby, the position and attitude | position of the tablet T can be conveyed stably, and it can suppress that the printing position with respect to the tablet T shifts and it becomes a print defect. It can suppress that productivity falls by the above.

<Other embodiment>

In the above description, the rectifying plates 14, 14a, 14b, the rectifying plates 27, 27a, 27b, 28, the rectifying plates 29, and the rectifying plates 37, 38 are illustrated as flat plates. However, the present invention is not limited thereto and may be, for example, a curved plate.

In addition, in the above description, although providing the two rectifying plates 27 and 28 with respect to the cover 60 was illustrated, it is not limited to this, For example, either one of the two rectifying plates 27 and 28 is shown. It is also possible to make the number of sheets one by one or eliminate the number of sheets. In addition, since the surface of the conveyance belt 21a moves along the conveyance direction A1 at the time of conveyance of the tablet T, when there is no each rectifying plate 27 and 28, the upper surface of the conveyance belt 21a On the upstream side upstream, stronger turbulence may occur than the downstream side. For this reason, when one of the two rectifying plates 27 and 28 is removed, it is preferable to leave the rectifying plate 27 on the upstream side and to remove the downstream rectifying plate 28. In addition, in the conveyance direction A1, since the downstream of the cover 60 has already passed below the print head apparatus, printing is complete | finished, and the attitude | position of the downstream tablet T may not be a problem. Also in this case, the rectifying plate 27 on the upstream side can be left, and the rectifying plate 28 on the downstream plate can be removed.

In addition, in the above-mentioned description, two rectifying plates are provided with respect to the side surface of the rectangular parallelepiped cover 60, ie, the two sides of the upstream and downstream side of the conveyance direction A1 in the rectangular parallelepiped cover 60. As shown in FIG. Although (27, 28) was prepared one by one, it is not limited to this. For example, two side surfaces parallel to the conveying direction A1 in the rectangular parallelepiped cover 60, that is, two facing in a direction orthogonal to the conveying direction A1 in the rectangular parallelepiped cover 60. The two rectifying plates 27 and 28 may be provided one by one on the side surface, and the attachment positions of the rectifying plates 27 and 28 with respect to the side surface of the cover 60 can be changed.

In addition, in the above description, although the two rectifying plates 14a and 14b and the two rectifying plates 27a and 27b are arrange | positioned perpendicularly, it is not limited to this, For example, it is inclined at a predetermined angle. Or it may arrange | position horizontally. Further, even when the two rectifying plates 14a and 14b and the two rectifying plates 27a and 27b are inclined or arranged horizontally, the upper and lower surfaces of the upper and lower surfaces of the conveying belt 21a and the surrounding area It is possible to adjust the generated airflow and to weaken it.

In the above description, the cover 60 is formed in a sealed state, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a gap is formed in the cover 60, or an upper portion of the cover 60 is opened. It is also possible. In this case, it is preferable that the light transmitting members 61 and 62 of the cover 60 are constituted by the rectifying plate having gas permeability. Thereby, since the airflow which flows downward from the inside of the cover 60 toward the conveyance surface of the conveyance belt 21a arises, the airflow which returns to the lower surface of the cover 60 from the periphery of the cover 60 is replaced with the airflow which flows downward. It becomes possible to adjust.

In addition, in the above-mentioned description, although the detection apparatus 22, the 1st imaging device 23, the printhead apparatus 24, and the 2nd imaging device 25 were accommodated in the cover 60, it is limited to this. For example, when adhesion of the powder of the tablet T does not become a problem, the cover 60 may not be provided. When the cover 60 is not provided, a rectifying plate having gas permeability is provided below the detection device 22, the first imaging device 23, the print head device 24, and the second imaging device 25. May be provided. This rectifying plate is formed so that the operation | movement of the detection apparatus 22, the 1st imaging device 23, the printhead apparatus 24, and the 2nd imaging device 25 is each possible.

In addition, in the above-mentioned description, although providing the rectifying plate 29 below the conveying apparatus 21 was illustrated, it is not limited to this, For example, even if it provides a rectifying plate below the conveying apparatus 31, even if it is provided. good. In this case, when discharging tablet T to the defective article collection apparatus 41, the position of tablet T shifts and it can suppress that tablet T cannot be discharged. In addition, regarding the installation of the rectifying plate, it is also possible to provide the rectifying plate so as to cover the upper surface of the drying apparatus 36 (the surface facing the conveyance belt 31a). In this case, the rectifying plate is formed so as not to interfere with air or heat radiated from the drying apparatus 36 to the lower surface of the conveyance belt 31a. As the material of the rectifying plate, a heat resistant material is used. In addition, it is possible to provide the rectifying plate 29 so as to cover the upper surface of the drying apparatus 26 (surface facing the conveyance belt 21a).

In addition, in the above-mentioned description, the aeration amount of each rectifying plate 14, 14a, 14b, each rectifying plate 27, 27a, 27b, 28, the rectifying plate 29, and each of the rectifying plates 37, 38 is measured. Although not changing is illustrated, it is not limited to this, You may make it change the air flow amount of a rectifying plate. For example, by providing a double rectifying plate and sliding or rotating one or both of the double rectifying plates to adjust the overlap of the through holes of the rectifying plate to change the size of the through holes, and to adjust the ventilation amount. It is possible.

In addition, the size of each through hole of the rectifying plate (for example, each of the rectifying plates 14, 14a, 14b, 27, 27a, 27b, 28, 29, 37, 38) is large enough to obtain gas permeability. What is necessary is just to be small so that the tablet T which fell may not escape. For example, the diameter may be smaller than the diameter of the tablet T.

It is also possible to change the airflow amount at each installation place of the rectifying plates (for example, the respective rectifying plates 14, 14a, 14b, 27, 27a, 27b, 28, 29, 37, 38). For example, as will be described later, when there is a place where the suction force for the tablet T is strong and a place where the suction force is weak in the conveyance belt 21a, a rectifying plate having a different size of the through hole is provided according to the place, and the ventilation amount is provided. As described above, the air flow may be changed by moving one or both of the rectifying plates provided in duplicate as described above.

In addition, when the through hole provided in the rectifying plate (for example, each of the rectifying plates 14, 14a, 14b, 27, 27a, 27b, 28, 29, 37, 38) is a round hole or a slit type, the hole axis of the rectifying plate is It may be perpendicular to the surface or may be inclined. In the case where the hole shaft is inclined, the inclination angle may be set in accordance with the flow of airflow directed toward the surfaces of the conveyance belts 21a and 31a.

In addition, in the above description, although the suction force of the suction chamber 21f was illustrated as being constant, it is not limited to this, For example, the inside of the suction chamber 21f is divided into several compartments (2 or more compartments), and every division By applying different suction force, it is possible to change the suction force for each predetermined region of the conveyance belt 21a. As an example, the inside of the suction chamber 21f is divided into two sections, the suction force of the first section (the section leading to each suction hole 21g on the upper surface of the conveying belt 21a) is weakly set, and the second section [ The suction force of the surface (curved surface) which connects the upper surface and the lower surface of the conveyance belt 21a, and the division which leads to each suction hole 21g of the lower surface] may be set strong. In this case, since the suction force of the suction hole 21g of the lower surface of the conveyance belt 21a becomes strong compared with the suction hole 21g of the upper surface of the conveyance belt 21a, it is below the lower surface of the conveyance belt 21a, or its There is a concern that turbulence occurs in the surroundings.

By the way, the presence of the rectifying plate 29 suppresses the generation of turbulent air below and below the lower surface of the conveyance belt 21a, so that the tablet T held on the lower surface of the conveyance belt 21a is prevented. It is possible to maintain the posture in the desired posture. Thereby, since the ink discharged | emitted from the print head apparatus 24 will reach the desired position on tablet T, the fall of print quality can be reliably suppressed. Moreover, since the attitude | position of the tablet T conveyed by the conveyance belt 21a is stabilized to a desired attitude | position, the position of the tablet T shifts | deviates and the tablet T falls without being attracted, and also the following conveying apparatus ( The transfer position to 31) cannot be shifted, the tablet T can not be detected, print failure occurs, and the productivity decrease can be suppressed. In addition, as described above, there is a concern that turbulence occurs in the portion of the drive pulley 21b. This is because the suction force is strengthened in the part of the drive pulley 21b in order to prevent the position shift of the tablet T generated by centrifugal force or gravity. Therefore, the rectifying plate may be provided to face all of the conveying surfaces of the conveying belt 21a to be sucked and conveyed. In addition, it is possible to apply the same structure to the conveyance belt 31a and the drive pulley 31b.

For example, as shown in FIG. 8, in the part of the drive pulley 21b, the shape of the rectifying plate 29 can be made into the similar shape which follows the outer peripheral surface of the drive pulley 21b. As described above, the suction force is strengthened in the portion of the driving pulley 21b, and even though a stronger air flow is generated toward the suction hole 21g, the air flow passes through the through hole in the rectifying plate 29. It is adjusted by this, and also weakens by shielding a part of airflow in parts other than the through-hole in the rectifying plate 29, and generation | occurrence | production of turbulence is suppressed. At this time, although the strengthened suction force may decrease, the air flow rate (amount of air sucked into the suction chamber 21f) that can maintain the opening ratio of the hole of the rectifying plate 29 to maintain the suction force capable of suction-holding the tablet T It may be appropriately set to obtain.

Particularly, when the tablet T to be sucked and held is small, such as when the device is started or restarted by maintenance, that is, when there are many suction holes 21g not blocked by the tablet T, the vicinity of the outer periphery of the driving pulley 21b is maintained. Compared with the case where the rectifying plate 29 was not provided in the case, when the rectifying plate 29 having a plurality of through holes was provided, the number of drops of purified water decreased. As described above, when the rectifying plate 29 having a plurality of through holes is provided, even if the number of suction holes 21g not blocked by the tablet T increases, generation of turbulence can be suppressed while suppressing a decrease in suction force. Thereby, suction holding can be performed stably.

The distance between the surface of the conveyance belt 21a side and the conveyance surface of the outer periphery of the drive pulley 21b in the rectifying plate 29 according to the present embodiment acts on the tablet T without hitting the tablet T. What is necessary is just a distance so that a change of suction force may not occur. For example, it can be made the same distance constant.

For example, as shown to FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, the rectifying plate 29a can also be provided in the part of the drive pulley 21b. In this case, the rectifying plate 29a may have a receiving surface M1 that receives the tablet T falling from the transport path near the driving pulley 21b. The receiving surface M1 may be flat as shown in FIG. 9, or may be curved as shown in FIG. 10. This receiving surface M1 has gas permeability similarly to each said rectification plate (for example, each rectification plate 14, 14a, 14b, 27, 27a, 27b, 28, 29, 37, 38). Thereby, the rectification of the drive pulley 21b is performed and it becomes difficult to shake the tablet T, and the posture of the tablet T can be stabilized to a desired posture. Further, even if the position of the tablet T is shifted and the tablet T falls without being sucked, or if the tablet T falls due to insufficient suction force, the dropped tablet T can be picked up. In addition, the periphery of the receiving surface M1 may be surrounded by the side surface. By this side surface, the tablet T which fell to the receiving surface M1 can be prevented from rolling off from the receiving surface M1 further.

When the present inventors verified, in the part of the drive pulley 21b, when the through-hole of the rectifying plate 29a as shown to FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 was blocked, the refined fall water increased compared with the case where it was not blocked. That is, by providing the rectifying plate 29 having a plurality of through holes, it is possible to pick up the dropped tablet T and suppress the increase of the tablet falling water. After taking out the tablet T which fell, since it can collect | recover and separate from the tablet T of a print process object, mixing with the tablet T of a print process object can be prevented.

In addition, in the above-mentioned description, although conveying tablet T in 2 rows was illustrated, it is not limited to this, The number of rows may be 1 row, 3 rows, or 4 rows or more, and the number of conveyance paths and a conveyance belt may be sufficient as it. The number of (13a, 21a, 31a) is not specifically limited. In addition, the shape of the suction holes 13f and 21g of the conveyance belt 13a, 21a, 31a is not specifically limited, either.

In addition, in the above-mentioned description, although providing the print head 24a for every conveyance path of the tablet T was illustrated, it is not limited to this, For example, two or more rows of tablets by one print head 24a ( You may print on T).

Incidentally, in the above description, as the inkjet printhead 24a, the printhead in which the nozzles 24b are arranged in one row is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the nozzles 24b are arranged in a plurality of rows. The print head may be used. In addition, a plurality of print heads 24a may be arranged and used along the conveyance direction A1.

In addition, in the above-mentioned description, although the 1st printing apparatus 20 and the 2nd printing apparatus 30 were piled up and down, and printing the both sides or one side of the tablet T was illustrated, it is limited to this. For example, only the 1st printing apparatus may be provided and only one side of tablet T may be printed.

In addition, in the above description, although providing the three drying apparatuses 26, 36, 42c was illustrated, it is not limited to this, The number is not limited. That is, when providing drying apparatuses, at least one may be used instead of three, for example, there may be only one drying apparatus 26 and two drying apparatuses 36 and 42c, and two drying apparatuses 26 may be provided. It is sufficient that there is one drying apparatus 42c without 36, and that there is no drying apparatus 42c and that there are drying apparatuses 26 and 36. In addition, depending on the type of ink and tablet T, a drying device may not be required, so all three drying devices 26, 36 and 42c may be omitted.

In addition, in the conveying apparatus 21, in the horizontal plane with respect to the conveyance path by which the tablet T is attracted and conveyed from below in the conveying apparatus 21, the some storage member 70 which has the receiving surface M1 which receives the falling tablet T is conveyed. You may provide so that the conveyance belt 21a may interpose in the direction (for example, orthogonal direction) which intersects (refer FIG. 4). In the conveying apparatus 21, the tablet T may fall also from the conveyance belt 21a which aspirates and conveys the tablet T from below. For example, in the upstream of the conveyance direction A1 rather than the print head apparatus 24, in order to align the tablet T, when the guide member which moves the tablet T in a horizontal direction is provided, the tablet T conveys It may shift from a furnace and fall from the upper surface of the conveyance belt 21a. The storage member 70 has a function of receiving the tablet T falling in this way. Therefore, what is necessary is just to provide it in the place where tablet T may fall from the upper surface of the conveyance belt 21a, and the magnitude | size is not limited. The receiving surface M1 can have gas permeability similarly to the rectifying plate 14. In addition, in the conveying apparatus 31, the storage member 70 can be similarly provided also with respect to the conveyance path | route which the tablet T is attracted from below and conveyed. In addition, it is also possible to provide the storage member 70 over the whole upper surface of the conveyance belt 21a, and the magnitude | size of the storage member 70 is not limited.

Here, the tablet mentioned above may include the tablet used for medical use, food use, washing | cleaning, industrial use, or fragrance use. As tablets, there are uncoated tablets (coated tablets), dragees, film coated tablets, enteric tablets, gelatin encapsulated tablets, multilayer tablets, nucleated tablets, and the like. Various capsules such as hard capsules and soft capsules can also be included in the tablets. Moreover, as a shape of a tablet, there are various shapes, such as disk shape, a lens shape, a triangle, and an oval. In addition, when the tablet for printing is for medical use or food use, an edible ink is suitable as an ink to be used. As this decorative ink, any of a synthetic dye ink, a natural dye ink, a dye ink, and a pigment ink may be used.

While certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the inventions. These novel embodiments can be implemented in other various forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and its modifications are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and their equivalents.

1 tablet printing device
10 feeder
13 relay conveying device
13a return belt
13f suction hole
14 rectification plate
14a rectifying plate
14b rectifying plate
20 First printing device
21 Carrier
21a return belt
21g suction hole
24 print head unit
27 rectification plate
27a rectifying plate
27b rectifying plate
28 rectification plate
29 rectification plate
29a rectifying plate
30 second printing unit
31 Carrier
31a return belt
34 print head unit
37 rectification plate
38 rectification plate
40 recovery unit
60 covers
M1 receiving surface
T tablet

Claims (9)

delete In the tablet printing apparatus which prints on the tablet conveyed by a conveying apparatus using the inkjet system printhead apparatus,
The conveying apparatus has a suction hole for sucking the tablet, and has a conveying belt for sucking and conveying the tablet to the suction hole,
It is provided so as to face the surface of the said conveyance belt and spaced apart from the said conveyance belt, Comprising: It is provided with the rectifying plate which has gas permeability which allows the airflow which flows toward a said suction hole,
The said rectifying plate is provided so as to oppose the curved surface of the said conveyance belt, and has a receiving surface which receives the tablet which fell from the surface of the said conveyance belt. The method of claim 2,
A feeder for supplying tablets,
A first printing device for printing the tablet supplied by the supply device;
A second printing device for printing the tablet supplied by the supply device;
A recovery device for recovering the tablets printed by either or both of the first printing device and the second printing device.
And
The said supply apparatus, the said 1st printing apparatus, and the said 2nd printing apparatus have the said conveyance belt,
The said 1st printing apparatus and the said 2nd printing apparatus have the said print head apparatus, The tablet printing apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned. delete delete delete The method according to claim 2 or 3,
The ventilation amount of the said rectifying plate is changeable, The tablet printing apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned. The method according to claim 2 or 3,
A suction force applied to the suction hole in the curved surface of the transfer belt is stronger than a suction force applied to the suction hole in a portion other than the curved surface of the transfer belt. The method of claim 7, wherein
A suction force applied to the suction hole in the curved surface of the transfer belt is stronger than a suction force applied to the suction hole in a portion other than the curved surface of the transfer belt.

Images