KR20230034158A - Tablet printing apparatus and tablet printing method - Google Patents

Abstract

An objective of the present invention is to efficiently perform printing on a tablet. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a tablet printing apparatus (1) comprises: a detection unit (for example, a sensor (30), a first imaging unit (40), and a second imaging unit (60)) which detects a tablet (T) returned by a return belt (21); an inkjet head (51) which performs printing on the tablet (T) detected by the detection unit; a cover unit (70) which covers the detection unit; a blow unit (81) which injects gas in a direction horizontally crossing a returning direction (H1) of the tablet (T) toward a plane for a surface at a side of the return belt (21) of the cover unit (70); and a control unit (for example, a control device (100)) which controls the blow unit (81).

Description

Tablet printing apparatus and tablet printing method {TABLET PRINTING APPARATUS AND TABLET PRINTING METHOD}

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

Currently, in order to print various types of information such as identification information on tablets, a tablet printing apparatus that performs printing using an inkjet head is being developed. In this tablet printing device, a detection unit such as a sensor or a camera is used to detect a tablet to be printed. Foreign matter such as powder or dust of the tablet may adhere to the cover of the detection unit, and the adhesion of the foreign matter may cause the detection unit to erroneously detect the tablet, making it impossible to efficiently print on the tablet.

[Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2019-58220

An object to be solved by the present invention is to provide a tablet printing device and a tablet printing method capable of efficiently printing tablets.

A tablet printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a detection unit for detecting a tablet transported by a transport belt; an inkjet head for printing on the tablet detected by the detection unit; a cover unit for covering the detection unit; A blowing unit for ejecting gas in a direction crossing the transport direction of the tablets horizontally with respect to a surface of the cover unit on the transport belt side in a planar view, and a control unit for controlling the blowing unit.

A tablet printing method according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a detecting unit detecting a tablet transported by a transport belt, an inkjet head printing on the tablet detected by the detecting unit, and a blow unit including the detecting unit. and injecting gas in a direction crossing horizontally with the carrying direction of the tablet in a plan view on the surface of the carrying belt side of the cover part covering the cover, and controlling the blower by the control unit.

According to the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to efficiently print on tablets.

1 is a first diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a tablet printing device according to a first embodiment.
Fig. 2 is a second diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of the tablet printing device according to the first embodiment.
Fig. 3 is a first diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a cover portion and a blower according to the first embodiment;
Fig. 4 is a second diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a cover part and a blower according to the first embodiment;
Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a control device according to the first embodiment;
Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing example 1 according to the first embodiment;
Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing example 2 according to the first embodiment;
8 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing example 3 according to the first embodiment;
Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing example 4 according to the first embodiment;
Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing example 5 according to the first embodiment;
Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing example 6 according to the first embodiment;
Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a blower according to a second embodiment.

<First Embodiment>

The first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 11 .

(Example of configuration of tablet printing device)

A configuration example of the tablet printing device 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4 .

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the tablet printing device 1 according to the first embodiment includes a supply unit 10, a transport unit 20, a sensor 30, and a first imaging unit 40. ), a printing unit 50, a second imaging unit 60, a cover unit 70, a blowing device 80, a recovery unit 90, and a control unit 100. The sensor 30, the first imaging unit 40, and the second imaging unit 60 each function as a detection unit for detecting the tablet T.

The supply unit 10 has a hopper 11 and a shooter 12 . This supply unit 10 is located on one end side of the transport unit 20, and is configured to be able to supply the tablet T, which is an object to be printed, to the transport unit 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 aligns the tablets T supplied from the hopper 11 in a row and supplies them to the transport unit 20 . The supply unit 10 is electrically connected to the control device 100, and its driving is controlled by the control device 100.

The transport unit 20 has a transport belt 21, a drive pulley 22, a plurality of driven pulleys 23, a motor 24, a position detector 25, and a suction chamber 26. The transport belt 21 is an endless belt, and spans the drive pulley 22 and each driven pulley 23 . The drive pulley 22 and each driven pulley 23 are rotatably provided in the body of the device (not shown), and the drive pulley 22 is connected to a motor 24 . The motor 24 is electrically connected to the control device 100, and its driving is controlled by the control device 100. 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 100, and transmits a detection signal to the control device 100. The transport unit 20 rotates the transport belt 21 together with each driven pulley 23 by rotation of the drive pulley 22 by the motor 24 to transport the tablets T on the transport belt 21. It is conveyed in the rotation direction of arrow H1 in FIG. 1, ie, conveyance direction H1.

A plurality of circular suction holes 21a (see FIG. 2 ) are formed in the transport belt 21 . These suction holes 21a are through holes for adsorbing the tablets T, respectively, and are arranged in one row along the conveying direction H1 so as to form one conveying 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 suction force can be obtained by the suction chamber 26. it is supposed to be A pump is connected to the suction chamber 26 via a suction pipe (neither shown), and the inside of the suction chamber 26 is depressurized by operation of the pump. The suction pipe is connected to the substantially center of the side surface of the suction chamber 26 (surface parallel to the transport direction H1). In addition, the pump is electrically connected to the control device 100, and its driving is controlled by the control device 100. When the inside of the suction chamber 26 is depressurized, the tablet T placed on each suction hole 21a of the transport belt 21 is sucked by the suction hole 21a and held on the transport belt 21 .

The sensor 30 is located on the downstream side of the conveying direction H1 from the position where the supply part 10 is provided, and is provided above the conveying belt 21 . This sensor 30 detects a tablet T (the arrival of the tablet T) that has reached the detection position just below the sensor 30 by the transmission and reception of the laser beam, that is, on the transport belt 21. The position of the tablet T in the X direction (see Fig. 2) is detected. As the sensor 30, a displacement sensor, a proximity sensor, etc. are used, for example. In addition, as a displacement sensor, various laser sensors, such as a reflective laser sensor, are used, for example. The sensor 30 is electrically connected to the control device 100 and transmits a detection signal to the control device 100 .

The 1st imaging part 40 is located in the downstream side of the conveyance direction H1 from the position where the sensor 30 was provided, and is provided above the conveyance belt 21. Based on the positional information of the tablet T detected by the sensor 30 in the X direction, the first imaging unit 40 determines that the tablet T is positioned directly below the first imaging unit 40. At the first imaging timing that has reached , imaging is performed to acquire a first image including the upper surface of the tablet T, and the acquired first image is transmitted to the control device 100 . The first image is used to detect the position of the tablet T in the X direction, Y direction, and θ direction (see FIG. 2 ), and also whether or not the tablet T has cracks, chipping, or contamination (eg, adhesion of foreign matter). is used to detect As the first imaging unit 40, various cameras having an imaging device such as CCD (charge-coupled device) or CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) are used. The first imaging unit 40 is electrically connected to the control device 100, and its driving is controlled by the control device 100. In addition, lighting for imaging is provided as needed.

Here, the position of the tablet T in the X direction and the Y direction is, for example, the position of the XY coordinate system with respect to the center (reference position) of the imaging region of the first imaging unit 40 . In addition, 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 of the Y direction of the imaging area of the first imaging unit 40 . The position in the θ direction is the case where the tablet T has a directionality, such as when a tablet T is provided with a split line or when the tablet T is shaped into an oval, oval, or square shape. detected in the case of

The printing unit 50 has an inkjet head 51 . The inkjet head 51 is located on the downstream side in the transport direction H1 from the location where the first imaging unit 40 is provided, and is provided above the transport belt 21 . The inkjet head 51 has a plurality (for example, hundreds to thousands) of nozzles 51a (see Fig. 2), and the direction in which the nozzles 51a are arranged in one row (nozzle row) is the transport direction H1 in the horizontal plane. ) and orthogonal (an example of intersection). The inkjet head 51 discharges ink individually from each nozzle 51a by the operation of the driving element for each nozzle 51a. As the inkjet head 51, various inkjet type printheads having drive elements such as piezoelectric elements, heat generating elements, or magnetostrictive elements are used. The inkjet head 51 is electrically connected to the control device 100, and its driving is controlled by the control device 100.

The 2nd imaging part 60 is located in the downstream side of the conveyance direction H1 from the position where the printing part 50 was provided, and is provided above the conveyance belt 21. Based on the positional information of the tablet T detected by the sensor 30 in the X direction, the second imaging unit 60 determines that the tablet T is positioned directly below the second imaging unit 60. At the second imaging timing that has reached , imaging is performed to acquire a second image including the upper surface of the tablet T, and the acquired second image is transmitted to the control device 100 . The second image is used to inspect the print pattern printed on the tablet T. As the second imaging unit 60, similarly to the first imaging unit 40 described above, for example, various cameras having imaging elements such as CCD and CMOS are used. The second imaging unit 60 is electrically connected to the control device 100, and its driving is controlled by the control device 100. Lighting for imaging is also provided as needed.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 , the cover unit 70 includes the sensor 30, the first imaging unit 40, the inkjet head 51 of the printing unit 50, and the second imaging unit 60. It is a housing that accommodates The cover portion 70 is fitted to the transport belt 21 according to the thickness of the tablet T (for example, 2 to 4 mm) so that the lower surface thereof does not come into contact with the tablet T transported by the transport belt 21. It is provided above the upper surface of the transport belt 21 away from the upper surface by a predetermined distance (eg, 5 to 12 mm). In addition, for example, when imaging light (eg, line light or ring light) is provided, the light is also provided within the cover part 70 .

As shown in FIG. 3 , four through holes 70a, 70b, 70c, and 70d are formed on the lower surface of the cover portion 70 along the transport direction H1. The sensor 30 in the cover portion 70 is provided at a position facing the through hole 70a and is capable of detecting the tablet T on the transport belt 21 . Moreover, the 1st imaging part 40 in the cover part 70 is provided in the position facing the through hole 70b, and can image the tablet T on the transport belt 21. The inkjet head 51 in the cover portion 70 is inserted into the through hole 70c and is provided so that the tablet T on the transport belt 21 can be printed. The 2nd imaging part 60 in the cover part 70 is provided in the position facing the through hole 70d, and can image the tablet T on the transport belt 21.

Each of the through holes 70a, 70b, and 70d is blocked by light transmitting members 71 and 72 such as glass. Each light transmission member 71 is provided on the bottom surface inside the cover part 70, for example. Further, the through hole 70c is blocked by inserting the inkjet head 51 into the through hole 70c via a sealing member 73 made of silicon or the like. In this way, the cover portion 70 is formed in a sealed state, and the inside of the cover portion 70 is maintained at a positive pressure (positive pressure), for example. Further, each of the light transmitting members 71 and 72 may be provided, for example, by being fitted into each of the through holes 70a, 70b and 70d as long as each of the through holes 70a, 70b and 70d can be blocked, and the cover portion ( 70) may be provided on the outer surface.

The blow device 80 has a plurality of blow parts 81 as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 . These blowers 81 correspond to respective through-holes 70a, 70b, and 70d, that is, the sensor 30, the first imaging unit 40, and the second imaging unit 60, respectively, to cover the cover unit 70. It is provided on the underside. Each blower 81 ejects gas in a direction orthogonal to the horizontal with respect to the transport direction H1 in a planar view (Y direction: see FIG. 2), and the lower surface of the cover portion 70 [cover portion 70 ) on the transport belt 21 side], that is, the lower surfaces of the light transmitting members 71 and 72 blocking the respective through holes 70a, 70b and 70d. As a gas, air, nitrogen, etc. are used, for example. Each blower 81 is electrically connected to the control device 100, and each drive is individually controlled by the control device 100.

As shown in FIG. 4 , the blower 81 ejects gas toward the lower surface of the light transmitting member 71 blocking the through hole 70a and blows the gas onto the lower surface of the light transmitting member 71. , but is not limited to this. For example, the direction in which the blower 81 blows gas (gas blowing direction) is near the lower surface of the cover part 70 even if it is directed toward the lower surface of the light transmitting member 71, that is, the lower surface of the cover part 70. Alternatively, it may be directed toward the periphery. That is, the blowing direction of the gas is not particularly limited as long as the gas ejected from the blower 81 reaches the lower surface of the cover 70 .

Returning to FIGS. 1 and 2 , the recovery unit 90 is located on the downstream side of the transport direction H1 from the position where the second imaging unit 60 is provided, and the transport direction in the transport unit 20 ( It is provided at the downstream end of H1). The transport unit 20 is configured to transport the tablet T when the tablet T on the transport belt 21 reaches a predetermined position, for example, the downstream end of the transport direction H1 in the transport unit 20. release the retention of The collection unit 90 is configured to collect tablets T that fall after being released from being held by the transport unit 20 by dividing them into defective products and good products. For example, by injecting gas into the tablet T while it is falling, changing the falling direction of the tablet T into a defective product and a good product, or by changing the falling path with a member such as a plate, the tablet T falling It can be recovered by dividing it into defective and good products. For example, a defective product is a non-printing test or a printing unsatisfactory test, and the like, and a good product is a print pass test. In addition, as non-printing tablets, there are non-printing tablets with foreign matter attached (non-printing tablets with foreign matter attached) and non-printing tablets without foreign matter attached (non-printing tablets without foreign matter attached), and these non-printing tablets It can be recovered separately. The recovery unit 90 is electrically connected to the control device 100, and its driving is controlled by the control device 100.

The control device 100 controls each part of the tablet printing device 1 based on various types of information and various programs, such as the supply unit 10, the transport unit 20, the sensor 30, the first imaging unit 40, The printing unit 50, the second imaging unit 60, the blowing device 80, the recovery unit 90, and the like are controlled. In addition, the control device 100 receives detection information (e.g., a detection signal) transmitted from the position detector 25 or sensor 30, and furthermore, the first imaging unit 40 or the second imaging unit 60 ) Receives image information transmitted from . The control device 100 is realized by, for example, an electronic circuit such as an integrated circuit or a computer.

(Example of configuration of control device)

Next, a configuration example of the control device 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 5 .

As shown in FIG. 5 , the control device 100 includes an image processing unit 101 , a storage unit 102 , and a control unit 103 . To this control device 100, an input device 100a and an output device 100b are connected. The input device 100a is realized by, for example, a switch, a touch panel, a keyboard, or a mouse. Also, the output device 100b is realized by, for example, a display, a lamp, or a meter.

The image processing unit 101 captures a first image captured by the first imaging unit 40 and a second image captured by the second imaging unit 60, and processes the image using a known image processing technique. deal with For example, the image processing unit 101 processes the first image obtained from the first imaging unit 40 to obtain the presence or absence of cracks, chipping, or contamination of the tablet T, and furthermore, the X direction of the tablet T , the Y-direction and the θ-direction positions are acquired. In addition, the image processing unit 101 processes the second image obtained from the second imaging unit 60 to obtain the printing position, shape, and size of a print pattern (eg, a character or mark) printed on the tablet T do. The image processing unit 101 obtains information on the presence or absence of cracks, chipping, or contamination of the tablets T, acquired positional information in the X, Y, and θ directions of each tablet T, and also prints on each tablet T. The pattern printing position information, shape information and size information are transmitted to the control unit 103.

The storage unit 102 stores processing information, various programs, and the like. For example, it is realized by semiconductor memory elements such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and flash memory, or storage devices such as hard disks and optical disks. In the storage unit 102, print data related to printing, moving speed data of the transport belt 21, and the like are stored. Print data includes print pattern information such as characters and marks.

The control unit 103 is, for example, a computer such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), and controls each unit. For example, the control unit 103 controls the supply unit 10, the transport unit 20, the sensor 30, the first imaging unit 40, the printing unit 10, based on various types of information and various programs stored in the storage unit 102. The unit 50, the second imaging unit 60, the recovery unit 90, the image processing unit 101, the storage unit 102, and the like are controlled. In addition, the control unit 103 receives a detection signal or the like transmitted from the sensor 30 or the position detector 25 . In addition, the control unit 103 is realized by one or both of hardware and software, for example.

For example, the control part 103 always drives each blow part 81 of the blow apparatus 80. In detail, the control part 103 controls each blow part 81 so that each blow part 81 always blows gas. In accordance with this, each blower 81 always ejects gas and blows it to the lower surface of the cover part 70 . The gas ejected from each blower 81 is blown onto the lower surface of each of the light transmitting members 71 and 72 of the cover part 70, and the foreign matter adhering to the lower surface of each of the light transmitting members 71 and 72 (for example, , powder or dust) is removed. In addition, the control device 100 controls an adjustment valve (not shown) provided in a pipe (not shown) connected to each blow unit 81 to control the amount of gas ejected from each blow unit 81. It is possible to individually adjust the flow rate or flow rate. Normally, the flow rate and flow rate of the gas ejected from each blow unit 81 are set in advance and stored in the storage unit 102, for example. However, the flow rate and flow rate of gas ejected from each blow unit 81 may be changed according to predetermined conditions or may be changed according to a user's input operation to the input device 100a. In addition, the flow rate and flow rate of the gas from each blow unit 81 can be determined and set in advance by experimentation according to the diameter and shape of the tablet T and the transport speed of the tablet T.

In addition, the control unit 103 determines the X of the tablet T on the transport belt 21 based on the detection information transmitted from the sensor 30, that is, the timing at which the tablet T on the transport belt 21 was detected. The position in the direction is obtained, and based on the positional information indicating the position of the tablet T in the X direction, the first imaging timing of the first imaging unit 40 and the inkjet head 51 of the printing unit 50 are determined. The print start timing and the second imaging timing of the second imaging unit 60 are set, and timing information indicating these timings is generated and stored in the storage unit 102 . The printing start timing is the timing at which printing is started for the tablet T which has reached the printing position immediately below the inkjet head 51 . In addition, the control unit 103 can acquire information such as the movement amount (rotation amount) and speed of the transport belt 21 based on the detection information transmitted from the position detector 25 .

In addition, the control unit 103 sets whether or not to print the tablet T for which the presence or absence information has been obtained based on the information on whether or not the tablet T is cracked, chipped, or stained, transmitted from the image processing unit 101. Then, the control unit 103 sets printing conditions for the tablet T set to be printable. At this time, the control unit 103 determines printing conditions for the tablet T for which the positional information has been obtained, based on the position information of the tablet T transmitted from the image processing unit 101 in the X direction, Y direction, and θ direction. Set up. For example, the control unit 103 determines the range of nozzles 51a used for printing the target tablet T in the inkjet head 51, based on the Y-direction positional information and print data of the tablet T; That is, the range of nozzles to be used is determined, and printing conditions including the range of nozzles to be used and the timing of starting printing are set. In addition, when the tablet T has a directional shape, the control unit 103 sets printing conditions corresponding to the position of the tablet T in the θ direction based on the positional information of the tablet T in the θ direction. do. As an example, the control unit 103 registers 180 types of print patterns in the storage unit 102 in which the direction of the print patterns is rotated by 1 degree in the range of 0 degree to 179 degrees, and among these print patterns, tablets (T) Set printing conditions by selecting a print pattern with an angle suitable for the position of the θ direction.

In addition, the control unit 103, based on the print position information, shape information, and size information of the print pattern printed on the tablet T transmitted from the image processing unit 101, the print pattern has a predetermined shape and a predetermined size. It is determined whether or not the tablet T is printed at a predetermined position, that is, whether or not the print pattern is normally printed on the tablet T (printing state inspection). [ The printed pattern printed on the tablet (T)] is compared.

In addition, the control unit 103 appropriately stores various types of information (for example, information on the presence or absence of cracks, chipping, or contamination of the tablet T, location information, timing information, printing conditions, print quality information, etc.) into the storage unit 102. However, when the target tablet T is collected by the collection unit 90, for example, it falls from the downstream end of the transport unit 20 in the transport direction H1 and takes a predetermined time (e.g., several seconds). At the point of time that has elapsed, various types of information are deleted from the storage unit 102 . However, if these information is required in a later process or the like, it is also possible to leave various types of information for each tablet T without erasing them, or to store them in storage media other than the device. When storing various types of information for each tablet (T), this information is stored in association with the manufacturing date and time, lot number, etc., and the cause of the tablet (T) after printing is traced back to cases where defective products occurred after shipment, etc. It may be possible to do so.

(printing process)

Next, the printing process performed by the tablet printing apparatus 1 described above will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 . This printing process also includes an inspection process. In addition, various types of information, such as data required for printing and data required for gas ejection, are previously stored in the storage unit 102 .

When the tablet printing device 1 starts printing processing, the motor 24 is driven, and the conveying belt 21 rotates in the conveying direction according to the rotation of the driving pulley 22 and the driven pulley 23 by the motor 24. Rotate to (H1). With the conveying belt 21 rotating in the conveying direction H1, the tablets T are sequentially supplied from the hopper 11 to the shooter 12, and are arranged in a row by the shooter 12, thereby conveying the belt ( 21) is supplied randomly, not at regular intervals. The tablets T supplied on the transport belt 21 are transported side by side on the transport belt 21 in a row at a predetermined moving speed.

The tablet T on the transport belt 21 is detected by the sensor 30 . Specifically, the tablet T on the transport belt 21 is detected by the sensor 30 at the timing when it reaches the detection position immediately below the sensor 30 (e.g., the irradiation position of the laser beam), and the tablet ( Based on the timing at which T) was detected, the position of the tablet T in the X direction in the transport belt 21 is recognized by the control unit 103 . Then, positional information indicating the position of the tablet T in the X direction is generated by the control unit 103 and stored in the storage unit 102.

Next, the tablet T on the transport belt 21 is imaged by the first imaging unit 40 . In detail, the tablet T on the transport belt 21 is imaged by the first imaging unit 40 at the first imaging timing when it reaches the imaging position directly below the first imaging unit 40, A first image obtained by imaging by the first imaging unit 40 is transmitted to the control device 100 . Based on this first image, the image processing unit 101 generates information on the presence or absence of cracks, chipping, or contamination of the tablet T, and position information of the tablet T in the X, Y, and θ directions. and stored in the storage unit 102. Based on the information on the presence or absence of cracks, chipping, or contamination of the tablet T, whether or not to print on the tablet T of the target is set, and positional information and printing of the tablet T in the X direction, Y direction, and θ direction Based on information such as a pattern, printing conditions including a range of nozzles to be used for the tablet T set to be printable (the tablet T to be printed), printing start timing, and the like are set in the storage unit 102 . Also, based on the above-described printing start timing (timing to start printing for the tablet T), the ejection timing for the tablet T (timing for ejecting ink for the tablet T) is determined.

Printing is executed by the printing unit 50 based on these printing conditions. That is, the inkjet head 51 of the printing unit 50 is controlled by the control unit 103 to print a predetermined print pattern on the printable tablet T on the transport belt 21 . In detail, the printable tablet T on the transport belt 21 that passed below the first imaging unit 40 reached the printing position immediately below the inkjet head 51, at the start timing of printing, It is printed by the inkjet head 51 based on the above-mentioned printing conditions. In the inkjet head 51, ink is appropriately ejected from each nozzle 51a, and a print pattern (eg, numbers, alphabets, katakana, symbols, figures) is printed on the surface to be printed, which is the upper surface of the tablet T. The ink applied to this tablet T is dried during transportation. Alternatively, a drying unit (not shown) for drying by gas or heat may be provided, and ink may be dried by the drying unit.

After that, the printed tablet T on the transport belt 21 is imaged by the second imaging unit 60 . In detail, the tablet T of completion of printing on the transport belt 21 is imaged by the second imaging unit 60 at the second imaging timing when the imaging position immediately below the second imaging unit 60 is reached. Then, the second image obtained by the imaging by the second imaging unit 60 is transmitted to the control device 100 .

This second image is analyzed by the image processing unit 101 of the control device 100. In detail, the image processing unit 101 acquires information about the printed pattern printed on the tablet T, that is, the print position, shape, and size of the printed pattern. The second image transmitted from the second imaging unit 60 is analyzed by the image processing unit 101, and inspection information indicating the printing position, shape, and size of the printed pattern in the refinement T is generated, stored in the storage unit 102.

Based on this inspection information, a print condition inspection is executed by the control unit 103. Specifically, based on the above-described inspection information related to the printing position, shape, and size stored in the storage unit 102, the control unit 103 determines whether or not the print pattern has been normally printed on the tablet T, and , print quality information indicating the print quality of the tablet T is generated and stored in the storage unit 102 . For example, in the print state inspection, the print pattern used for printing is stored in the storage unit 102 as a print pattern for inspection, and good quality information about the predetermined printing position, shape, and size of the print pattern for inspection, and the storage unit 102 ) is compared with inspection information about the printed position, shape, and size of the actually printed printed pattern stored in the tablet T, and whether or not the printed pattern is normally printed on the tablet T (pass or fail) is determined.

Finally, the tablet T on the transport belt 21 is retrieved by the retrieval unit 90 . Specifically, when the tablet T after inspection is located at the downstream end of the transport belt 21 as the transport belt 21 moves, it is released from the state held by the transport belt 21, and the transport belt 21 ) and is recovered by the recovery unit 90. At this time, the tablets T, which are acceptable tablets, fall as they are and are collected as good products by the collection unit 90, but the tablets T, which are rejected tablets or non-printing tablets, are blown with air while falling from the transport belt 21. It is distinguished from the good product by , and is collected as a defective product by the recovery unit 90 .

In such a printing process, gas is always ejected from all the blowers 81, respectively. The gases ejected from all of the blowers 81 are directed to the lower surface of the cover 70, that is, to the sensor 30, the first imaging unit 40, and the second imaging unit 60 within the cover unit 70. It is sprayed on the lower surfaces of the opposing light transmitting members 71 and 72 . As a result, the lower surface of each of the light transmitting members 71 and 72, in detail, is attached to the lower surface of each of the light transmitting members 71 and 72 exposed through each of the through holes 70a, 70b and 70d shown in FIG. Since the foreign matter (for example, powder or dust) is removed, the sensor 30 detects the foreign matter adhering to the lower surface of the light transmitting member 71 and falsely detects the tablet T, and furthermore, the first imaging unit 40 It is possible to suppress erroneous detection of the tablet T by capturing images of the foreign matter adhering to the lower surfaces of the respective light transmitting members 71 and 72 by an imaging unit such as the second imaging unit 60 or the like. In addition, since gas is always ejected from all the blowers 81, the adhesion of foreign matter to the lower surfaces of the light transmitting members 71 and 72 exposed through the respective through holes 70a, 70b and 70d can be suppressed. there is. In this way, since it becomes possible to suppress erroneous detection due to adhesion of foreign matter, the tablet T can be printed efficiently.

Here, for example, when the sensor 30 detects a foreign material adhering to the lower surface of the light transmitting member 71, an erroneous detection of the timing when the tablet T arrives immediately below the sensor 30 occurs. . Accurate printing is not performed on the tablet T of this false detection, and the tablet T is discharged as a disqualified tablet (defective product). In addition, when an imaging unit such as the first imaging unit 40 or the second imaging unit 60 captures and detects a foreign material adhering to the lower surfaces of the light transmitting members 71 and 72, it is determined that the foreign material is attached to the tablet T. A false detection occurs. Printing is not performed on the tablet T of this false detection, and the tablet T is discharged as a non-printed tablet (defective product). In this way, if foreign substances adhere to the lower surface of each light transmitting member 71, 72, that is, the lower surface of the cover part 70, it is impossible to efficiently print on the tablet T, but as described above, each blow part 81 ) to remove foreign matter from the lower surface of the cover portion 70, thereby suppressing false detection due to adhesion of foreign matter, and printing on the tablet T can be performed efficiently.

In addition, the ejection direction of the gas by the blower part 81 is a direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction H1 horizontally in planar view. As a result, since the tablet T is exposed to the airflow at least only when the blower 81 passes downward, the effect of the gas ejected from the blower 81 on the posture of the tablet T can be suppressed. there is. For example, when the blowing direction of the gas by the blower 81 is parallel to the conveying direction H1, the airflow hits the plurality of tablets T aligned in the conveying direction for a long time, and the posture of the plurality of tablets T It is conceivable that is changed. When the posture of the tablet T is changed, the position of the tablet T detected by the sensor 30 and the position or posture of the tablet T to be imaged by the first imaging unit 40 change. That is, subsequent imaging and printing do not work well, making it difficult to efficiently print the tablet T. In addition, the influence of the gas ejected from the blower 81 on the printing of the inkjet head 51 can be suppressed. For example, if the advancing direction of the ink ejected from the inkjet head 51 is bent by the air flow, printing defects occur, making it difficult to efficiently print the tablet T. Therefore, the ejection direction of the gas is within a direction that horizontally intersects the conveyance direction H1 in plan view, and avoids directly below the inkjet head 51 (eg, a direction toward the downstream side of the conveyance direction H1). direction] is preferable, and a direction orthogonal to the transport direction H1 is most preferable.

In addition, when the tablet T to be printed is a tablet formed by hardening powder such as a tablet or an OD tablet (orally disintegrating tablet), the powder of the tablet T is on the transport belt 21 Since the powder accumulates or the powder floats, it is easy for the powder to adhere to the lower surface of the cover portion 70 . For this reason, you may make it change the intensity|strength of the flow of the gas ejected from each blow part 81 according to the kind of tablet T. For example, when the type of tablet (T) is a predetermined or OD tablet, the gas flow may be increased, or when the type of tablet (T) is a tablet that does not easily generate foreign substances (eg, powder), the gas flow may be weakened , Also, when the flow of gas is strengthened, you may return to the original intensity|strength.

(Processing example of gas ejection strength adjustment)

Next, processing examples 1 to 6 of gas ejection intensity adjustment are described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 11 . Each of these processing examples 1 to 6 may be used alone or in appropriate combination in parallel or in series.

(Processing Example 1)

As shown in FIG. 6 , in processing example 1, in step S1, the control unit 103 controls each blow unit 81 so that the flow of gas ejected from each blow unit 81 has a first strength. Control. After that, in step S2, the control unit 103 determines whether or not the sensor 30 has maintained the state in which it is detecting the tablet T for a predetermined period of time or longer.

In step S2, if the control unit 103 determines that the sensor 30 has maintained the state in which the tablet T is detected for a predetermined time or longer (Yes in step S2), in step S3, each blow unit ( Of 81), the blower 81 corresponding to the sensor 30 is controlled so that the flow of gas ejected from the blower 81 corresponding to the sensor 30 is changed from the first intensity to the second intensity. After that, the process returns to step S2. Further, the second intensity is greater than the first intensity (second intensity > first intensity).

On the other hand, in step S2, if the control unit 103 determines that the state in which the sensor 30 is detecting the tablet T has not been maintained for a predetermined time or longer (No in step S2), in step S4, each To maintain the flow of gas ejected from the blower 81 at the first intensity, or to maintain the flow of gas ejected from the blower 81 corresponding to the sensor 30 among the blowers 81 to the second strength. The blower 81 corresponding to the sensor 30 is controlled so as to return from the intensity to the first intensity. After that, the process returns to step S2.

Here, the state in which the sensor 30 such as a laser displacement meter is detecting the tablet T is a state in which the output value (detection value) of the sensor 30 is ON, and the sensor 30 detects the tablet T Whether or not the present state is maintained for a predetermined time or longer is determined by whether or not the output value of the sensor 30 continues to be “ON” for a predetermined time or longer. If the sensor 30 does not detect an error, it becomes "ON" every time the tablet T is conveyed directly below the sensor 30, and the tablet T does not exist below the sensor 30. If it disappears, it repeats turning "OFF". That is, in normal conditions, the sensor 30 alternately repeats "ON" and "OFF". In the event of an abnormality (when false detection occurs), the "ON" state is maintained for a predetermined period of time or longer. This judgment processing is the same in other processing examples, for example.

Also, the first intensity or the second intensity is a predetermined value. The strength of the flow of gas changes as the flow rate or flow rate of the gas is changed. For example, when the gas flow rate increases or the gas flow rate increases, the gas flow increases, and conversely, when the gas flow rate slows down or the gas flow rate decreases, the gas flow weakens. The above predetermined time is set longer than the time during which the sensor 30 maintains a state in which the tablet T is detected during normal times (other than during abnormal times), for example. Information such as the first intensity, the second intensity, and a predetermined time is set in the storage unit 102 in advance, but may be changed according to the user's input operation to the input device 100a.

In addition, the controller 103 controls the sensor 30 to return the gas flow from the second intensity to the first intensity when the state in which the sensor 30 is detecting the tablet T is not maintained for a predetermined time or longer, so that the sensor ( The blower 81 corresponding to 30) is controlled, but is not limited thereto. For example, in step S3, when a predetermined time elapses after the gas flow is strengthened, the gas flow is controlled at the second intensity. You may control the blow part 81 corresponding to the sensor 30 so that it may return to 1 intensity|strength. In this case, the process of step S4 can be made unnecessary.

In addition, the strength of the gas flow is the first strength or the second strength, and the strength or weakness is notified to the user by, for example, an output device 100b such as a display, a lamp, or a meter. also good With this, the user can grasp how strong the gas flow is.

According to this processing example 1, when the state in which the sensor 30 is detecting the tablet T is maintained for a predetermined time or more, the object detected as the tablet T by the sensor 30 is the tablet T flow of gas ejected from the blower 81 corresponding to the sensor 30 by determining that it is not, but a foreign substance (for example, powder or dust) attached to the lower surface of the light transmitting member 71 corresponding to the sensor 30. it gets stronger As a result, the foreign matter adhering to the lower surface of the light transmitting member 17 corresponding to the sensor 30, in detail, the lower surface of the light transmitting member 71 exposed through the through hole 70a shown in FIG. 3 is removed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the sensor 30 from erroneously detecting the arrival of the tablet T.

Here, the above-mentioned predetermined time is set for a time period in which the possibility of the tablets T being conveyed in tandem is remarkably low, such as a time longer than the time required for 10 tablets T to pass. That is, the "ON" output of the sensor 30 does not continue because the tablets T are transported in tandem, but the "ON" output continues due to foreign matter adhering to the cover 70. A time that can be estimated is obtained in advance by an experiment or the like, and this is set.

In addition, in step S2, detection of the tablet by sensor 30 is maintained for a predetermined time or longer, and in step S3, although the flow of gas is changed to the second intensity, again by sensor 30 in step S2. If the tablet detection continues for a predetermined period of time or longer, the process may be stopped and maintenance process may be performed. This is also the same in processing examples 2 to 6 later.

(Processing Example 2)

As shown in FIG. 7 , in the processing example 2, in step S11, the control unit 103 controls each blow unit 81 so as to set the flow of gas ejected from each blow unit 81 to a first intensity. Control. Then, in step S12, the control unit 103 determines whether or not the sensor 30 has maintained the state in which the tablet T is detected for a predetermined time or longer, and in step S13, the first imaging unit ( 40) or whether or not the tablet T does not exist in the captured image obtained by the second imaging unit 60 is determined.

In step S12, the control unit 103 determines that the state in which the sensor 30 is detecting the tablet T has been maintained for a predetermined time or more (Yes in step S12), and in step S13, the tablet in the captured image If it is determined that (T) does not exist (Yes in step S13), despite being detected as tablet T by sensor 30, since the tablet T does not exist in the captured image, sensor 30 It is determined that the target object detected by ) is not the tablet T, but a foreign substance (for example, powder or dust) adhering to the lower surface of the light transmitting member 71 corresponding to the sensor 30, and in step S14, each blow Of the parts 81, the blower 81 corresponding to the sensor 30 is controlled so that the flow of gas ejected from the blower 81 corresponding to the sensor 30 is changed from the first intensity to the second intensity. After that, the process returns to step S12.

On the other hand, in step S12, if the control unit 103 determines that the state in which the sensor 30 is detecting the tablet T has not been maintained for a predetermined time or longer (No in step S12), or in step S13 , If it is determined that the tablet T is present in the captured image (No in step S13), in step S15, the flow of gas ejected from each blow unit 81 is maintained at a first intensity, or each blow Of the parts 81, the blower 81 corresponding to the sensor 30 is controlled to return the flow of gas ejected from the blower 81 corresponding to the sensor 30 from the second strength to the first strength. . After that, the process returns to step S12.

According to this processing example 2, despite the fact that the sensor 30 maintains a state in which the tablet T is detected for a predetermined time or more, the first imaging unit 40 or the second imaging unit 60 obtains When the tablet T does not exist in the captured image, the flow of gas ejected from the blower 81 corresponding to the sensor 30 becomes strong. As a result, the foreign matter adhering to the lower surface of the light transmitting member 71 corresponding to the sensor 30, specifically, the lower surface of the light transmitting member 71 exposed through the through hole 70a shown in FIG. 3 is removed. Therefore, it is possible to reliably suppress the sensor 30 from erroneously detecting the arrival of the tablet T.

(Processing Example 3)

As shown in FIG. 8 , in the processing example 3, in step S21, the control unit 103 controls each blow unit 81 so as to set the flow of gas ejected from each blow unit 81 to a first intensity. Control. After that, in step S22, the control unit 103 detects a predetermined number of foreign objects in one or both of the captured images obtained by the first imaging unit 40 and the second imaging unit 60 (predetermined imaging unit 60). Number of images) Determines whether or not an error is confirmed.

In step S22, if the control unit 103 determines that one or both of the captured images have a predetermined number of foreign objects confirmed (Yes in step 22), in step S23, a predetermined number of foreign objects are confirmed. The flow of the gas ejected from the blower 81 corresponding to the imaging unit (one or both of the first imaging unit 40 and the second imaging unit 60) that has acquired the captured image is changed from the first intensity to the second intensity. The corresponding blower 81 is controlled so as to be. After that, the process returns to step S22.

On the other hand, in step S22, if the control unit 103 determines that one or both of the captured images do not have a predetermined number of foreign objects confirmed (No in step S22), in step S24, each blow unit 81 ) to maintain the flow of gas ejected from the first intensity, or the flow of gas ejected from the blower unit 81 corresponding to the imaging unit that has acquired captured images in which a predetermined number or more of foreign substances are confirmed is adjusted to a second intensity Controls the corresponding blow unit 81 so as to return to the first intensity at . After that, the process returns to step S22.

According to this processing example 3, when a predetermined number or more of the foreign material is confirmed in one or both of the respective captured images obtained by the first imaging unit 40 and the second imaging unit 60, the predetermined number of foreign materials The flow of gas ejected from the blower 81 corresponding to the imaging unit (either one or both of the first imaging unit 40 and the second imaging unit 60) that has acquired the captured image confirmed as abnormal increases. That is, if foreign matter adhered to the same position in the captured image is confirmed by a predetermined number or more, it is determined that the foreign matter is not dust attached to the tablet T, but dust attached to the cover part 70, and the corresponding blow unit ( 81), the flow of gas ejected from it becomes stronger. As a result, the lower surface of the light transmitting member 71 for the first imaging unit 40 or the light transmitting member 72 for the second imaging unit 60, in detail, each through hole 70b shown in FIG. Since the foreign matter adhering to the lower surface of each of the light transmitting members 71 and 72 exposed from 70d) is removed, the first imaging unit 40 and the second imaging unit 60, etc. ) It is possible to suppress erroneous detection of the tablet T by imaging the foreign matter attached to the lower surface of the tablet T.

Here, the predetermined number of sheets is set as the number of sheets of a plurality of captured images obtained by imaging different tablets T with the same imaging unit. For example, when a foreign material is confirmed at the same position (within the same range) in five captured images obtained by sequentially capturing a plurality of tablets T to be conveyed by the first imaging unit 40, It is determined that the foreign matter is not attached to the tablet T, but is attached to the lower surface of the cover part 70 . When the same tablet is imaged by the first imaging unit 40 and the second imaging unit 60, and a foreign material is confirmed at the same position in the two captured images, the possibility that the foreign material is attached to the tablet T high. On the other hand, in the captured image obtained by capturing the different tablets T, by confirming a predetermined number or more foreign substances, it can be estimated that foreign substances are adhering to the cover portion 70 .

Further, it is judged whether or not more than a predetermined number of foreign objects are confirmed in the captured image, but a predetermined time, which is a time for obtaining a predetermined number of captured images, may be used instead of the predetermined number. For example, when the intervals of the tablets T lined up in one row on the transport belt 21 are not constant and irregular, it is preferable to use a predetermined number of sheets. On the other hand, when the interval between the tablets T lined up in one row on the transport belt 21 is constant, a predetermined number of sheets or a predetermined time is used.

(Processing Example 4)

As shown in FIG. 9 , processing example 4 is basically the same processing flow as processing example 3, but in processing example 4, instead of step S22 of processing example 3 (see FIG. 8 ), in step S32, the control unit (103) indicates a position where the tablet T does not exist (a tablet in the captured image) in one or both of the captured images obtained by the first imaging unit 40 and the second imaging unit 60 It is determined whether more than a predetermined number of foreign objects are confirmed in the area where (T) does not exist]. The processing flow thereafter is the same as that of Processing Example 3.

According to this processing example 4, in one or both of the captured images respectively obtained by the first imaging unit 40 and the second imaging unit 60, a foreign material is confirmed at a position where the tablet T does not exist. And the foreign matter blows out from the blower 81 corresponding to the imaging unit (one or both of the first imaging unit 40 and the second imaging unit 60) that has acquired a predetermined number of confirmed images. The gas flow becomes stronger. That is, if foreign matter adhered to a position where the tablet T does not exist in the captured image is confirmed for a predetermined number of times (predetermined time) or more, it is determined that the foreign matter is powder or dust attached to the cover part 70, and It is determined that the foreign matter cannot be removed in the blow at the strength of 1, and the flow of the gas ejected from the blower 81 becomes stronger. As a result, the lower surface of the light transmitting member 71 for the first imaging unit 40 or the light transmitting member 72 for the second imaging unit 60, in detail, each through hole 70b shown in FIG. Since the foreign matter adhering to the lower surface of each of the light transmitting members 71 and 72 exposed from 70d) is removed, the first imaging unit 40 and the second imaging unit 60, etc. ) It is possible to suppress erroneous detection of the tablet T by imaging the foreign matter attached to the lower surface of the tablet T.

(Processing Example 5)

As shown in FIG. 10 , processing example 5 is basically the same processing flow as processing example 3, but in processing example 5, instead of step S22 (see FIG. 8 ) of processing example 3, in step S42, the control unit In (103), in both the captured images obtained by the first imaging unit 40 and the second imaging unit 60 (two captured images), whether or not there is a foreign object or whether the foreign object position does not match judge The flow of processing thereafter is the same as that of Processing Example 3, but in step S23, the control unit 103 performs each blow unit 81 corresponding to both the first imaging unit 40 and the second imaging unit 60. ) Controls each corresponding blow unit 81 so that the flow of the gas ejected from the first intensity to the second intensity.

According to this processing example 5, in both the respective captured images obtained by the first imaging unit 40 and the second imaging unit 60, when the presence or absence of a foreign object or the position of the foreign object does not match, the first image capture The flow of the gas respectively ejected from each blow part 81 corresponding to both the part 40 and the 2nd imaging part 60 becomes strong. That is, in the case where the presence or absence of a foreign object and the position of the same tablet T do not match in the image captured by the first imaging unit 40 and the image captured by the second imaging unit 60, the foreign material is It is determined that the powder or dust attached to the cover part 70 is not the powder or dust attached to the tablet T, and the flow of gas ejected from each corresponding blow part 81 becomes stronger. As a result, the lower surface of the light transmitting member 71 for the first imaging unit 40 or the light transmitting member 72 for the second imaging unit 60, in detail, each through hole 70b shown in FIG. Since the foreign matter adhering to the lower surface of each of the light transmitting members 71 and 72 exposed from 70d) is removed, the first imaging unit 40 and the second imaging unit 60, etc. ) It is possible to suppress erroneous detection of the tablet T by imaging the foreign matter attached to the lower surface of the tablet T.

(Processing Example 6)

As shown in FIG. 11 , processing example 6 is basically the same processing flow as processing example 3, but in processing example 6, instead of step S22 of processing example 3 (see FIG. 8 ), in step S52, the control unit (103) judges whether maintenance of the inkjet head 51 is in progress. The flow of processing thereafter is the same as that of Processing Example 3, but in step S23, the control unit 103 adjusts the flow of the gas ejected from all the blowers 81 from the first intensity to the second intensity so that all applicable Each blow part 81 is controlled.

According to this processing example 6, when maintenance of the inkjet head 51 is in progress, the flow of the gas respectively ejected from all the blowers 81 becomes strong. As a result, during maintenance, the lower surfaces of the light transmitting members 71 and 72 for the sensor 30, the first image capturing unit 40 and the second image capturing unit 60, each penetrating layer shown in FIG. Since the foreign matter adhering to the lower surface of each of the light transmitting members 71 and 72 exposed through the holes 70a, 70b and 70d is removed, the sensor 30 detects the foreign material adhering to the lower surface of the light transmitting member 71 and Falsely detecting the tablet T, and imaging the foreign matter adhering to the lower surfaces of the light transmitting members 71 and 72 by an imaging unit such as the first imaging unit 40 or the second imaging unit 60 to detect the tablet T ) can be suppressed.

Whether or not the inkjet head 51 is under maintenance is, for example, whether the detection of the tablet T by the sensor 30, the first imaging unit 40, or the second imaging unit 60 is performed for a predetermined period of time or longer. When it is not, it can be judged that it is under maintenance. Alternatively, the control device 100 may detect that the "maintenance mode" is selected by the operator, and may determine that maintenance is in progress.

Normally, during maintenance, since the tablet T is not present on the transport belt 21 and the attitude of the tablet T is not changed by the flow of gas ejected from each blow unit 81, Air currents may occur. In addition, in the case of maintenance of the inkjet head 51, liquid droplets are sometimes sucked by a suction unit provided in the maintenance unit, and this causes air to flow, and powder or dust adhering to the inkjet head 51. Although there are cases where the light flies up and adheres to the cover part 70, by strengthening the flow of gas ejected from each blow part 81, flying powder, dust, etc. can be prevented from adhering to the lower surface of the cover part 70. can be suppressed In addition, even if flying powder or dust adheres to the lower surface of the cover part 70, it is also possible to remove the powder or dust.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, the tablet printing apparatus 1 includes a detecting unit (e.g., a sensor 30, a first imaging unit ( 40) or second imaging unit 60], an inkjet head 51 that prints on the tablet T detected by the detection unit, a cover unit 70 covering the detection unit, and conveyance of the cover unit 70 With respect to the surface on the side of the belt 21, a blowing unit 81 for blowing gas in a direction crossing horizontally with the transport direction H1 of the tablets T in a planar view, and a control unit for controlling the blowing unit 81 (103). As a result, gas is blown to the lower surface of the cover part 70 by the blower 81 and foreign matter (e.g. powder or dust) adhering to the lower surface of the cover part 70 is removed, so that the detection unit covers the cover part 70. By detecting a foreign material adhering to the lower surface of the unit 70, it is possible to suppress false detection of the tablet T. Therefore, erroneous detection due to adhesion of foreign matter can be suppressed, and the tablet T can be printed efficiently.

<Second Embodiment>

The second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 12 .

In the second embodiment, as shown in Fig. 12, tablets T are conveyed in two rows. In this case, the supply unit 10 supplies the tablets T in two rows with respect to the transport belt 21 . In the example of FIG. 12 , the tablets T are transported in two rows, but this is not the case. When the tablets T are conveyed in two rows, the sensors 30, the first imaging section 40, and the second imaging section 60 are provided for each row. In addition, although the inkjet head 51 is provided common to each row, it is not limited to this and may be provided for each row.

The blow unit 81 is provided for each of the plurality of sensors 30 , the plurality of first imaging units 40 , and the plurality of second imaging units 60 . In the example of FIG. 12, six blower parts 81 are provided, and they are arranged in two rows in the conveyance direction H1. The blower 81 for each row ejects gas toward the outside while avoiding the inside of each row. In detail, each blow part 81 is provided on the lower surface of the cover part 70 so that the some suction hole 21a may be located between rows in two rows in plan view. These blowers 81 eject gas in opposite directions toward the outside of the space between the cover portion 70 and the transport belt 21 along the lower surface of the cover portion 70, respectively.

In the case of conveying in three or more rows, each blower 81 ejects gas outward. At this time, the blower 81 corresponding to the transfer heat located on the inside ejects the gas toward the tablet T of the transfer heat located on the outside, but blows the gas toward the outside (ie, the direction where the adjacent transfer heat is small). By doing so, the risk that the gas ejected from the blower 81 affects the posture of the tablet T can be minimized.

According to this configuration, the ejection direction of the gas is a direction that horizontally intersects the transport direction H1 in plan view, and is a direction that does not face the adjacent transport trains, that is, a direction toward the outside of the adjacent transport trains. As a result, since the tablet T is exposed to the air flow at least when the blower 81 passes downward, it is possible to suppress the air flow due to the ejection of gas from affecting the attitude of the tablet T. As a result, the tablet T can be printed. Also, since the influence of the gas ejected from the blower 81 on the printing of the inkjet head 51 can be suppressed, the tablet T can be printed efficiently.

In addition, although the ejection direction of each gas of each blow part 81 lined up in the conveyance direction H1 is the same, it is not limited to this, It may differ. In addition, since the ejection direction of each gas of each blower 81 is a direction that horizontally intersects the conveyance direction H1 in a plan view, even if it is a direction inclined to the upstream side of the conveyance direction H in a plan view, It may be a direction inclined downstream of the transport direction H in plan view, but is preferably a direction inclined toward the side opposite to the inkjet head 51 side in order to suppress ejection of gas toward the inkjet head 51 side. For example, the ejection direction of each gas of each blower 81 corresponding to the sensor 30 and the first imaging unit 40 is a direction inclined upstream of the conveyance direction H1 in a planar view, and the second It is preferable that the ejection direction of the gas of the blower part 81 corresponding to the imaging part 60 is a direction inclined to the downstream side of the conveyance direction H1 in planar view.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained. In addition, even when the tablets T are conveyed in a plurality of rows, since the airflow caused by the ejection of the gas can suppress the attitude of the tablets T or the printing of the inkjet head 51, the tablets (T) can be effectively suppressed. ) can be printed.

<Other Embodiments>

In the above description, printing is performed on the tablet T using the tablet printing apparatus 1 (tablet printing method) according to one embodiment, but this is not the same as the tablet printing apparatus 1 according to one embodiment. It can also be said that printing is performed on tablets (T) using (a tablet printing method) to produce printed tablets (T). That is, the tablet printing device 1 can be referred to as a tablet manufacturing device, and the tablet printing method can be referred to as a tablet manufacturing method.

In addition, in the above description, transporting the tablets (T) in one or two rows was exemplified, but it is not limited to this, and the number of rows may be three or five or more rows, and is not particularly limited. The number of 21) may also be two (two quantities) or more, and is not particularly limited. Moreover, the number of inkjet heads 51 may also be 2 or more, and it is not specifically limited.

In the above description, a print head in which nozzles 51a are arranged in one row has been exemplified as the inkjet head 51, but it is not limited to this, and a print head in which nozzles 51a are arranged in a plurality of rows is used, for example. You can do it. Alternatively, a plurality of inkjet heads 51 may be arranged and used in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction H1 in a horizontal plane.

In the above description, it has been exemplified that the inkjet head 51 is provided so that the direction in which the nozzles 51a are aligned is in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction H1 in a horizontal plane, but is not limited to this. For example, It may be provided so that the direction in which the nozzles 51a line up may become a direction crossing the conveyance direction H1 in a horizontal plane.

In addition, in the above description, printing on one side of the tablet T was exemplified, but it is not limited to this, and for example, the conveying unit 20, the sensor 30, the first imaging unit 40, the printing The unit 50 and the second imaging unit 60 are made into one unit, and the units are overlapped vertically, and the tablet T printed in the upper transport unit 20 is turned over and the lower transport unit 20 ) to print both sides of the tablet T.

In the above description, it was said that the tablets T were supplied randomly rather than at regular intervals on the transport belt 21, but it is not limited to this and may be supplied at regular intervals. In the above description, it is said that the tablet T is sucked and held by the suction hole 21a formed on the transport belt 21, but it is not limited to this, and it may be accommodated and held in a pocket or the like and transported. Alternatively, it may be conveyed while being held by its own weight on the conveyance belt 21 .

Here, the above-mentioned tablet (T) may include a tablet used for medicine, food, cleaning, industrial or aromatic purposes. In addition, as the tablet (T), there are uncoated tablets (prescribed), dragee tablets, film-coated tablets, enteric coated tablets, gelatin encapsulated tablets, multi-layer tablets, press-coated tablets, etc., and various capsule-sized tablets such as hard capsules and soft capsules (T ) can be included. In addition, as the shape of the tablet T, there are various shapes such as a disk shape, a lens shape, a triangular shape, and an elliptical shape. In addition, when the tablet T to be printed is for medicine or food, edible ink is suitable as the ink to be used. As this edible ink, any of synthetic color ink, natural color ink, dye ink, and pigment ink may be used.

As mentioned above, several embodiments of the present invention have been described, but 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 variations thereof are included in the scope and summary of the invention, as well as the invention described in the claims and the scope of their equivalents.

1: tablet printing device 10: supply unit
11: Hopper 12: Shooter
20: conveying unit 21: conveying belt
21a: suction hole 22: driving pulley
23: driven pulley 24: motor
25: position detector 26: suction chamber
30: sensor 40: first imaging unit
50: printing unit 51: inkjet head
51a: Nozzle 60: Second imaging unit
70: cover part 70a: through hole
70b: through hole 70c: through hole
70d: through hole 71: light transmission member
72: light transmission member 73: sealing member
80: blow device 81: blow unit
90: recovery unit 100: control device
100a: input device 100b: output device
101: image processing unit 102: storage unit
103: control unit T: tablet
H1: conveying direction

Claims (10)

a detecting unit for detecting tablets conveyed by the conveying belt;
an inkjet head for printing on the tablet detected by the detection unit;
a cover portion covering the detection portion;
a blower for ejecting gas in a direction horizontally crossing the carrying direction of the tablets in a plan view with respect to a surface of the cover part on the conveying belt side; and
A controller for controlling the blower
Tablet printing apparatus having a. The method of claim 1, wherein the detecting unit is provided for each row when the tablets are conveyed in a plurality of rows by the conveying belt,
The cover part covers a plurality of the detection parts,
The blow unit is provided for each detection unit,
The tablet printing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the blowing section for each of the detection sections blows the gas outward while avoiding an inside of the plurality of rows. The tablet printing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the controller controls the blower to increase the flow of the gas when it is determined that the detecting unit maintains the detection unit for a predetermined period of time or more. The method according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the detection units are provided,
The cover part covers a plurality of the detection parts,
A first detection unit among the plurality of detection units detects the arrival of the tablet transported by the transport belt;
A second detection unit among the plurality of detection units captures an image of the tablet transported by the transport belt;
When the control unit determines that the state in which the first detection unit is detecting the tablet has been maintained for a predetermined period of time or longer, and also determines that the tablet does not exist in the image obtained by the second detection unit, the flow of the gas The tablet printing device to control the blow unit to be strong. The method according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit captures an image of the tablet transported by the transport belt;
Wherein the control unit controls the blow unit so that the flow of the gas becomes stronger when it is determined that a foreign material is confirmed in the same position of the image obtained by the detection unit for a predetermined number of images or a predetermined time or longer. The method according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit captures an image of the tablet transported by the transport belt;
wherein the control unit controls the blow unit to increase the flow of the gas when it is determined that a foreign material is confirmed in a position where the tablet does not exist in the image obtained by the detection unit. The method according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the detection units are provided,
The cover part covers a plurality of the detection parts,
A first detection unit among the plurality of detection units is provided upstream of the inkjet head in the transport direction of the tablet, and captures an image of the tablet transported by the transport belt;
a second detection unit among the plurality of detection units is provided downstream of the inkjet head in the transport direction of the tablets, and captures an image of the tablets transported by the transport belt;
When the control unit determines that the presence or absence of a foreign object or the position of a foreign object does not match in the first image obtained by the first detection unit and the second image obtained by the second detection unit, the flow of the gas is strengthened. A tablet printing device that controls the blow unit. The tablet printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the controller controls the blower to increase the flow of the gas when it is determined that the inkjet head is being maintained. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 8, wherein the control unit, after controlling the blow unit so that the flow of the gas becomes strong, does not maintain a state in which the detection unit is detecting the tablet for a predetermined time or longer. If it is determined that
The tablet printing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the blow unit is controlled so that the flow of the gas returns to a strength before becoming stronger. The detecting unit detects tablets conveyed by the conveying belt;
an inkjet head printing on the tablet detected by the detection unit;
The blowing unit injects gas in a direction that horizontally intersects the carrying direction of the tablets in a planar view with respect to a surface of the carrying belt side of the cover part covering the detecting unit, and
A control unit controls the blow unit
Tablet printing method comprising a.

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