＜第1實施形態＞
針對第1實施形態參閱第1圖至第4圖說明。
(基本構成)
如第1圖表示，實施之一形態有關的錠劑印刷裝置1A具備：搬運部10、檢測部20、攝影部30、印刷部40、攝影部50、攝影部60、攝影部70及控制部80。檢測部20是有無分割線檢測用及攝影時機檢測用，攝影部30是印刷位置檢測用及分割線角度檢測用，攝影部50是檢查用及分割線角度檢測用，攝影部60為印刷位置檢測用，攝影部70為檢查用。
搬運部10具有兩條搬運帶11、12，將從料斗等供應部(未圖示)供應至搬運帶11之端部的錠劑T藉搬運帶11朝著搬運方向A1(第1圖中的箭頭A1的方向)成一列地搬運，並在與供應錠劑T之一側相反側的端部折返後藉搬運帶12成一列地朝搬運方向A2(第1圖中的箭頭A2的方向)搬運。
並且，單面形成有分割線(直線形的凹部)的錠劑T，在以形成有分割線的面為表面，並以未形成有分割線的面為背面時，表背面是以隨機的狀態搬運。分割線是可判別表背面之標記的一例。
檢測部20是較搬運帶11供應錠劑T的位置更定位於搬運方向A1的下游側，設置在搬運帶11的上方。此檢測部20是藉雷射光的投受光，檢測搬運帶11上的錠劑T之分割線的有無(有無分割線檢測用)，並且，檢測搬運帶11上的錠劑T之搬運方向A1的位置(攝影時機用)。作為檢測部20是可使用反射型雷射感測器等各種的雷射感測器。檢測部20是電連接於控制部80，對控制部80送出檢測訊號。並且，檢測部20雖是兼用於有無分割線檢測與錠劑到達檢測，但也可以分別設置不同的機器。
在上述搬運部10設有反轉部13與反轉部14。反轉部13是較設置檢測部20的位置更位在搬運方向A1的下游側，相對於搬運部10的搬運帶11設置。反轉部14是設置在搬運部10之折返側的端部作為連結搬運帶11與搬運帶12的路徑。
反轉部13具有反轉用管13a與反轉噴嘴13b。反轉用管13a具有作為使錠劑T反轉之反轉路的功能，反轉噴嘴13b具有作為使錠劑T移動至反轉路之移動部的功能。
反轉用管13a是呈180度彎曲(扭轉)在錠劑T通過上述反轉用管13a的內部時使得此錠劑T的表背面反轉，相對於搬運部10的搬運帶11設置。此反轉用管13a具有入口(錠劑T入口)H1及出口(錠劑T出口)H2(也參閱第2圖)。入口H1及出口H2是配置成與搬運帶11所搬運的錠劑T的側面相對，入口H1及出口H2的各下端是配合搬運帶11的上面(搬運面)的高度位置(例如，相同的高度位置)。又，出口H2比入口H1更位在搬運方向A1的下游側。錠劑T從搬運帶11朝反轉用管13a移動，通過此反轉用管13a內時，使錠劑T反轉，回到朝反轉部13移動前所存在之搬運帶11上的相同位置(詳細如後述)。
反轉噴嘴13b是設置在朝反轉用管13a的入口H1噴出氣體(例如空氣)的位置，將搬運帶11上的錠劑T朝反轉用管13a的入口H1移動，通過反轉用管13a內。氣體的噴出方向是使搬運帶11上的錠劑T於搬運方向A1朝著在水平面內交叉的方向(例如正交的方向)移動的方向。將控制藉反轉噴嘴13b進行氣體噴出的閥(未圖示)電連接於控制部80，藉控制部80控制其驅動。
例如，以未形成有分割線的背面成為上的狀態藉搬運帶11搬運錠劑T的場合，搬運帶11上的錠劑T與反轉噴嘴13b相對時，從反轉噴嘴13b噴出氣體。搬運帶11上的錠劑T是如第2圖表示，藉著從反轉噴嘴13b所噴出的氣體朝向反轉用管13a移動，如第3圖表示，通過反轉用管13a使表背面反轉，如第4圖表示，從反轉用管13a回到搬運帶11。藉此，錠劑T從搬運帶11上通過反轉用管13a時，以未形成有分割線的背面為向下，即形成有分割線的表面成為向上的狀態回到搬運帶11。
在此，反轉用管13a是根據搬運帶11之錠劑T的搬運速度，使得錠劑T從搬運帶11移動至反轉用管13a之搬運帶11上的位置(錠劑T的搬運方向A1的位置)與從反轉用管13a回到搬運帶11之搬運帶11上的位置成為相同(參閱第2圖至第4圖)。亦即，搬運帶11僅移動錠劑T反轉的動作所需的時間，但考慮此移動距離，決定反轉用管13a的形狀、開口位置等。
回到第1圖，反轉部14具有反轉用管14a及反轉噴嘴14b。反轉用管14a具有作為使錠劑T反轉之反轉路的功能，反轉噴嘴14b具有作為使錠劑T移動至反轉路之移動部的功能。
反轉用管14a是呈180度彎曲在錠劑T通過反轉用管14a的內部時使得此錠劑T的表背面反轉，相對於搬運部10設置形成錠劑T的搬運路(也是反轉路)。此反轉用管14a與上述的反轉用管13a同樣，具有入口H1及出口H2。入口H1是位在搬運帶11的搬運方向A1之下游側的端部，入口H1的下端是配合搬運帶11的上面的高度位置。並且，出口H2是位在搬運帶12的搬運方向A2之上游側的端部，出口H2的下端是配合搬運帶12的上面的高度位置。
反轉噴嘴14b是設置在朝反轉用管14a的入口H1噴出氣體(例如空氣)的位置，將搬運帶11上的錠劑T朝反轉用管14a的入口H1移動，通過反轉用管14a內。氣體的噴出方向是使搬運帶11上的錠劑T於搬運方向A1朝著在水平面內交叉的方向(例如正交的方向)移動的方向。將控制藉反轉噴嘴14b進行氣體噴出的閥(未圖示)電連接於控制部80，藉控制部80控制其驅動。
例如，在搬運帶11上的錠劑T與反轉噴嘴14b相對時，從反轉噴嘴14b噴出氣體。搬運帶11上的錠劑T藉著從反轉噴嘴14b所噴出的氣體朝向反轉用管14a移動，通過反轉用管14a反轉，從反轉用管14a朝向搬運帶12上移動。
攝影部30是較設有反轉部13的位置更位在搬運方向A1的下游側，設置於搬運帶11的上方。此攝影部30是根據上述錠劑T的搬運方向A1的位置資訊，以錠劑T到達攝影部30的正下方的時機進行攝影，取得包括錠劑T的上面(本實施形態的場合為錠劑T的表面)的影像(印刷位置檢測用及分割線角度檢測用)，將取得的影像送訊至控制部80。作為攝影部30可使用具有CCD(電荷耦合元件)或CMOS(相輔形金屬氧化膜半導體)等的攝影元件的各種攝影機。將攝影部30電連接於控制部80，藉控制部80控制其驅動。並且，根據需要也可設置攝影用的照明。
印刷部40比設置有攝影部30的位置更位在搬運方向A1的下游側，設置在兩條搬運帶11、12雙方的上方。此印刷部40可對各搬運帶11、12上的雙方錠劑T進行印刷。印刷部40具備複數的噴嘴(未圖示)，從該等的噴嘴個別噴出油墨之噴墨方式的印刷頭。此印刷部40是設置使噴嘴並排的整列方向在水平面內與各搬運方向A1、A2交叉(例如正交)。作為印刷部40可使用具有壓電元件、發熱元件或磁致元件等的驅動元件的各種噴墨方式的印刷頭。將印刷部40電連接於控制部80，藉控制部80控制其驅動。
攝影部50是比設置有反轉部14的位置更位在搬運方向A2的下游側且較設置有印刷部40的位置更位於搬運方向A2的上游側，可進行搬運帶12上之錠劑T的下面(本實施形態的場合為錠劑T的表面)的攝影。詳細而言，在搬運帶12的正下方將鏡子M1傾斜地設置，設置攝影部50透過鏡子M1攝影錠劑T的下面。並且，搬運部10的搬運帶12具有透光性，使攝影部50可透過鏡子M1進行搬運帶12上之錠劑T下面的攝影。作為具有透光性的搬運帶12是例如可使用透明帶、梯形狀帶、具有無數孔的帶。攝影部50根據上述錠劑T的搬運方向A1的位置資訊，在錠劑T到達鏡子M1的正上方的時機進行攝影，取得包括錠劑T的下面影像(檢查用及分割線角度檢測用)，將取得的影像送訊至控制部80。作為攝影部50可使用與上述的攝影部30相同，並且，電連接與驅動控制也和上述的攝影部30相同。
攝影部60是比設置有反轉部14的位置更位在搬運方向A2的下游側且較設置有印刷部40的位置更位於搬運方向A2的上游側，設置在搬運帶12的上方。此攝影部60根據上述錠劑T的搬運方向A1的位置資訊，在錠劑T到達攝影部60的正下方的時機進行攝影，取得包括錠劑T的上面(本實施形態的場合為錠劑T的背面)的影像(印刷位置檢測用)，將取得的影像送訊至控制部80。作為攝影部60可使用與上述的攝影部30相同，並且，電連接與驅動控制也和上述的攝影部30相同。
攝影部70是比設置有印刷部40的位置更位在搬運方向A2的下游側，設置在搬運帶12的上方。此攝影部70根據上述錠劑T的搬運方向A1的位置資訊，在錠劑T到達攝影部70的正下方的時機進行攝影，取得包括錠劑T的上面(本實施形態的場合為錠劑T的背面)的影像(檢查用)，將取得的影像送訊至控制部80。作為攝影部70可使用與上述的攝影部30相同，並且，電連接與驅動控制也和上述的攝影部30相同。
控制部80具備：集中控制各部的微電腦，及記憶處理資訊或各種程式等的記憶部(皆未圖示)。此控制部80控制攝影部30、印刷部40、攝影部50、攝影部60、攝影部70等，並且，接收自檢測部20所送出的訊號，從攝影部30、攝影部50、攝影部60、攝影部70分別所送出的影像等。
(印刷步驟)
接著，針對上述錠劑印刷裝置1A進行的印刷步驟(印刷處理及檢查處理)說明。以下的印刷步驟中，針對印刷辨識資訊的兩面印刷，相對於單面形成有分割線之錠劑T的兩面使其分割線對齊的方式(例如，與分割線的延伸方向平行)說明。
將錠劑T供給搬運部10的搬運帶11上時，錠劑T藉著搬運帶11以表背面隨機的狀態進行一列地搬運。此搬運帶11上的錠劑T是以檢測部20所檢測。此時，檢測錠劑T之分割線的有無及錠劑T的搬運方向A1的位置，輸入控制部80。此控制部80是根據錠劑T之分割線的有無資訊，判斷搬運帶11上的錠劑T的上面是否為表面。在判斷搬運帶11上的錠劑T的上面為表面的場合，即使其對象的錠劑T與反轉噴嘴13b相對，不能藉反轉噴嘴13b執行氣體的噴出。另一方面，在判斷搬運帶11上的錠劑T的上面並非表面的場合，其對象的錠劑T與反轉噴嘴13b相對時，藉著反轉噴嘴13b執行氣體的噴出。
不藉反轉噴嘴13b執行氣體的噴出時，錠劑T藉著搬運帶11維持其狀態進行搬運。另一方面，藉著反轉噴嘴13b執行氣體的噴出時，搬運帶11上的錠劑T從搬運帶11移動至反轉用管13a，通過反轉用管13a後反轉，回到搬運帶11。亦即，未形成有分割線的背面成為上的狀態的錠劑T是使其背面為下，亦即，以形成有分割線的表面成為上的狀態回到搬運帶11。因此，以未形成有分割線的背面成為上的狀態所搬運的錠劑T在通過反轉用管13a時，使形成有分割線的表面成為上面，因此從反轉用管13a至搬運方向A1下游側之搬運帶11上的所有的錠劑T皆是表面成為上的狀態進行搬運。
接著，搬運帶11上的錠劑T是以根據上述錠劑T的搬運方向A1的位置資訊的時機，即錠劑T到達攝影部30正下方的時機，藉攝影部30進行攝影(印刷位置檢測用及分割線角度檢測用)，將攝影後的影像送訊至控制部80。根據從攝影部30所送訊的影像，藉著控制部80生成並保存錠劑T的偏位資訊(例如，X方向、Y方向及θ方向之錠劑T的偏位)、根據形成有分割線之角度的資訊等的印刷數據。根據此印刷數據，藉控制部80設定對錠劑T的印刷條件(油墨的噴出位置或噴出速度等)並予保存。並且，印刷數據是為了使分割線與印刷辨識資訊(資訊的一例)一致用的印刷數據。
接著，搬運帶11上的錠劑T是以根據上述錠劑T的搬運方向A1的位置資訊的時機，即錠劑T到達印刷部40正下方的時機，根據上述的印刷數據與印刷條件藉印刷部40進行印刷。印刷部40中從各噴嘴適當噴出油墨，在其錠劑T的上面(表面)使文字(例如羅馬字母、片假名、編碼)或標記(例如記號、圖形)等的辨識資訊與分割線一致(例如，在與分割線的延伸方向平行)地進行印刷。並且，由於通過攝影部30正下方的所有的錠劑T，形成有分割線的表面皆為向上的狀態，因此對於搬運帶11上的錠劑T是僅對表面進行印刷。
隨後，將印刷有辨識資訊的錠劑T位在搬運帶11之搬運方向A1下游側的端部，即搬運帶11上的錠劑T與反轉噴嘴14b相對時，從反轉噴嘴14b噴出氣體。搬運帶11上的錠劑T從搬運帶11朝反轉用管14a移動，通過其反轉用管14a後反轉，移動至搬運帶12。亦即，形成有分割線的表面成為上的狀態的錠劑T是以其表面成為下，亦即未形成有分割線的背面成為上的狀態移動至搬運帶12。因此，以形成有分割線的表面成為上的狀態所搬運的錠劑T在通過反轉用管14a時，使未形成有分割線的背面成為上面，因此從反轉用管14a到搬運方向A2下游之搬運帶12上的所有的錠劑T皆是以背面成為上的狀態進行搬運。
接著，搬運帶12上的錠劑T是以根據依上述錠劑T的搬運方向A1的位置資訊之搬運方向A2的位置資訊的時機，即錠劑T到達鏡子M1的正上方及攝影部60的正下方的時機，藉攝影部50進行攝影(檢查用及分割線角度檢測用)，並且，也藉攝影部60進行攝影(印刷位置檢測用)，將攝影後的影像送訊至控制部80。根據從攝影部50所送訊的影像，藉控制部80生成顯示錠劑T的印刷圖案之印刷位置的印刷檢查資訊並予保存。根據其印刷檢查資訊，藉控制部80對錠劑T的印刷良否進行判斷，並藉控制部80保存顯示各錠劑T的印刷良否之結果的印刷良否結果資訊(檢查結果)。例如，判斷印刷圖案是否印刷於錠劑T的預定位置。並且，根據從攝影部60或攝影部50所送訊的各影像，藉控制部80生成錠劑T的偏位資訊(例如，X方向、Y方向及θ方向之錠劑T的偏位)、形成有分割線的角度之資訊等的印刷數據並予保存。根據此印刷數據，藉控制部80設定並保持對錠劑T的印刷條件。並且，印刷數據是為了使分割線與印刷辨識資訊(資訊的一例)一致用的印刷數據。
接著，搬運帶12上的錠劑T以根據上述搬運方向A2的位置資訊的時機，即錠劑T到達印刷部40的正下方的時機，根據上述印刷數據與印刷條件藉印刷部40進行印刷。印刷部40中，從各噴嘴適當噴出油墨，在其錠劑T的上面(背面)使文字或標記等的辨識資訊與分割線一致(例如，與分割線的延伸方向平行)地進行印刷。並且，搬運帶12上的錠劑T的所有，皆是以未形成有分割線的背面成為上的狀態搬運，因此相對於搬運帶12上的錠劑T，僅對背面進行印刷。但是，僅對上述檢查合格後的錠劑T執行印刷，對成為檢查不合格的錠劑T不執行印刷。
接著，搬運帶12上的錠劑T以根據上述錠劑T的搬運方向A2的位置資訊的時機，即錠劑T到達攝影部70的正下方的時機，藉攝影部70進行攝影(檢查用)，將攝影後的影像送訊至控制部80。根據從攝影部70所送訊的影像，藉控制部80生成顯示錠劑T的印刷圖案之印刷位置的印刷檢查資訊並予保存。根據其印刷檢查資訊，藉控制部80對錠劑T的印刷良否進行判斷，並藉控制部80保存顯示各錠劑T的印刷良否之結果的印刷良否結果資訊(檢查結果)。例如，判斷是否將印刷圖案印刷至錠劑T的預定位置。隨後，將良品與不良品的錠劑T分開後回收。
根據如以上的印刷步驟，錠劑T在兩條搬運帶11、12往返移動的期間，藉一個印刷部40對錠劑T的兩面進行印刷。錠劑T雖是隨機地狀態藉搬運部10搬運表背面，但是在其搬運中途使錠劑T的上面與形成有分割線的表面一致。亦即，藉控制部80判斷搬運帶11上的錠劑T的上面是否為表面，如判斷上面並非表面的場合，使其判斷對象的錠劑T與反轉噴嘴13b相對時，從反轉噴嘴13b噴出氣體。執行氣體的噴出時，搬運帶11上的錠劑T從搬運帶11朝反轉用管13a移動，通過其反轉用管13a反轉，回到搬運帶11。藉此，以上面為非表面，亦即未形成有分割線的背面成為上的狀態搬運的錠劑T通過反轉用管13a使表面為上，因此搬運帶11上的所有錠劑T在反轉用管13a更朝搬運方向A1的下游側，表面皆成為上的狀態。如此一來，將錠劑T使其表背面一致地搬運，在錠劑T的表面進行印刷的場合，可對所有的錠劑T執行印刷，因此與表背面不一致地搬運錠劑T的場合比較，可提升印刷效率。即使在錠劑T的背面進行印刷的場合，同樣地，可對所有的錠劑T執行印刷，因此與表背面不一致地搬運錠劑T的場合比較，仍可提升印刷效率。並且，對於根據攝影部50取得的影像進行檢查成為不合格的錠劑T，也可不對錠劑T的背面執行印刷已如上述。
如以上說明，根據第1實施形態，對應錠劑T之分割線(標記的一例)的檢測結果，以使得搬運部10所搬運的錠劑T的表背面一致的方式，藉著將搬運部10所搬運的錠劑T朝向反轉用管13a移動，可使錠劑T的表背面一致地進行錠劑T的搬運。例如，可使得以隨機狀態搬運表背面之錠劑T的全部表面皆成為上的狀態進行搬運。因此，可成為表背面一致地搬運錠劑T，對錠劑T的表面進行印刷的場合，可對所有的錠劑T執行印刷，因此與表背面不一致地搬運錠劑T的場合比較，可提升印刷效率。並且，在對錠劑T的背面進行印刷的場合，也同樣可對所有的錠劑T執行印刷，因此與表背面不一致地搬運錠劑T的場合比較，可提升印刷效率。
並且，上述的錠劑印刷裝置1A雖是將印刷部40設置在兩條搬運帶11、12雙方的上方，但是對錠劑T的單面進行印刷的場合，只需設置在其中任一方的搬運帶的上方即可。例如在僅對錠劑T的表面進行印刷的場合，在設置於搬運帶11的上方的印刷部40中對所有的錠劑T的表面進行印刷。此時，錠劑T是以在比攝影部30更上游側使所有的表面成為上面的方式一致地進行搬運。因此在攝影部30檢測錠劑T之分割線的方向，在印刷部40可對所有的錠劑T進行對應分割線之方向的印刷。另外，僅對錠劑T的背面進行印刷的場合，在設置於搬運帶12上方的印刷部40中對所有錠劑T的背面進行印刷。此時，錠劑T是在設置於搬運帶11的反轉部13中以表背面一致的狀態朝搬運帶12搬運。因此可以在攝影部50檢測錠劑T之分割線的方向。搬運帶12的印刷部40中，可對所有錠劑T的背面側進行對應分割線方向的印刷。如上述，使錠劑T的表背面在比檢測分割線之方向的攝影部更上游側一致，因此設置一個印刷部40即已足夠，獲得裝置的節省空間、節約油墨的效果。
又，除了藉兩條搬運帶11、12往返移動錠劑T以外，在以反轉部14反轉後，也可進一步朝箭頭A1的方向搬運。在往返移動錠劑T的場合，可以使錠劑T的供應部與回收部接近，可提升作業性。
並且，習知技術中，表背面以隨機的狀態搬運錠劑T的場合，根據狀況，不進行錠劑T最初到達之印刷頭的印刷，而是在錠劑T的反轉後，以另外的印刷頭進行印刷。但是，只要在比錠劑T最初到達的印刷頭更上游側中使錠劑T的表背面一致，即可如上述不致於不進行印刷，可提升印刷效率。又，可消除不進行噴出的時機，可抑制印刷頭之噴嘴前端的油墨乾燥。又，在進行單面印刷時，在印刷頭40的上游側使錠劑T的表背面一致，藉此可設一個印刷頭40。並且，印刷圖案在錠劑T的表背面不同的場合，或者，在錠劑T的表背面印刷的油墨不同的場合，在印刷前可有效地使表背面一致。
＜第2實施形態＞
針對第2實施形態參閱第5圖及第6圖說明。並且，第2實施形態是針對與第1實施形態的不同點(搬運台、兩個排出部、未印刷回收部)說明，並省略其他的說明。
如第5圖表示，在第2實施形態相關的錠劑印刷裝置1B的搬運部10設置有搬運台15、排出部16、未印刷回收部17及排出部18。
搬運台15是形成圓板狀，設置在搬運帶11的搬運方向A1之下游側的端部。此搬運台15是形成可以轉軸15a為中心旋轉，構成可藉著下面吸附從反轉部14的反轉用管14a所排出的錠劑T的上面(參閱第6圖)。搬運台15吸附從反轉用管14a的出口H2所排出之錠劑T的上面，以轉軸15a為中心旋轉，隨後，錠劑T位於搬運帶12的上方時解除吸附，將從反轉用管14a所排出的錠劑T供應至搬運帶12。
並且，設置攝影部50進行以搬運台15所吸附之錠劑T下面(本實施形態的場合為錠劑T的表面)的攝影。此攝影部50是在錠劑T到達攝影部50的正上方的時機進行攝影，取得包括錠劑T的下面的影像(檢查用及分割線角度檢測用)，將取得後的影像送訊至控制部80。
排出部16具有排出管16a及排出管嘴16b。排出管16a具有作為排出錠劑T之排出路的功能，排出管嘴16b具有作為將錠劑T移動至排出路之移動部的功能。此排出部16對應控制部80的控制，排出根據從攝影部50所送訊的影像而藉檢查成為不合格的錠劑T。並且，所謂不合格的錠劑T是例如藉印刷部40不能在正確的位置進行印刷，應印刷的文字或標記以不同的形狀進行印刷的錠劑(不能再利用的錠劑)。控制部80根據藉攝影部50所攝影的影像，比較在印刷部40實際印刷於錠劑T上的辨識資訊，及藉印刷部40印刷的預定之辨識資訊的數據，判斷錠劑T的合格與否。並且，此時，控制部80也對錠劑T判斷印刷的有無，掌握未印刷的錠劑(可再利用的錠劑)T。
排出管16a是較設有搬運台15的位置更位於搬運方向A2的下游側，比設有攝影部60的位置更位在搬運方向A2的上游側，設置成可排出搬運帶12上的錠劑T。此排出管16a具有入口H1及出口H2。入口H1的下端是配合搬運帶12的上面的高度位置，出口H2是位於回收箱(未圖示)內。
排出管嘴16b是設置在朝排出管16a的入口H1噴出氣體(例如空氣)的位置，將搬運帶12上的錠劑T朝向排出管16a的入口H1移動，通過排出管16a內排出。氣體的噴出方向是將搬運帶12上的錠劑T在搬運方向A2朝水平面內交叉的方向(例如正交的方向)移動的方向，控制藉排出管嘴16b進行氣體噴出的閥(未圖示)是電連接於控制部80，藉控制部80控制其驅動。
未印刷回收部17具有回收管17a與回收管嘴17b。回收管17a具有作為回收錠劑T之回收路的功能，回收管嘴17b具有使錠劑T朝回收路移動之移動部的功能。此未印刷回收部17是對應控制部80的控制，如上述，根據從攝影部50所送訊的影像藉檢查排出判斷為未印刷(可再利用)的錠劑T。
並且，回收管17a及回收管嘴17b的構成基本上與排出管16a及排出管嘴16b相同，因此省略該等的說明。但是，回收管17a及回收管嘴17b，即未印刷回收部17是比設有排出部16的位置更位在搬運方向A2的下游側並設置在比設有攝影部60的位置更位於搬運方向A2的上游側。
排出部18具有排出管18a及排出管嘴18b。排出管18a具有作為排出錠劑T之排出路的功能，排出管嘴18b具有使錠劑T移動至排出路之移動部的功能。此排出部18是對應控制部80的控制，根據從攝影部70所送訊的影像藉檢查排出成為不合格的錠劑T。並且，控制部80根據藉攝影部70所攝影的影像，進行與上述相同的處理，判斷錠劑T的合格與否。
並且，排出管18a及排出管嘴18b的構成基本上與排出管16a及排出管嘴16b相同，因此省略該等的說明。但是，排出管18a及排出管嘴16b，即排出部18是設置在比設有攝影部70的位置更位於搬運方向A2的下游側。
如以上構成的錠劑印刷裝置1B進行的印刷步驟(印刷處理及檢查處理)基本上與第1實施形態相同。但是，對應錠劑T的檢查結果，藉排出部16或排出部18排出搬運帶12上的錠劑T，或者藉未印刷回收部17回收。如上述僅設置簡略構成的排出部16或未印刷回收部17、排出部18，即可回收檢查成為不合格的錠劑T。並且，可分開回收成為不合格的錠劑T，即不能再利用的錠劑T與可再利用的錠劑T。
如以上說明，根據第2實施形態，可獲得與第1實施形態相同的效果。並且，僅設置簡略構成的排出部16或未印刷回收部17、排出部18，即可回收檢查成為不合格的錠劑T，因此與設置回收用之複雜裝置的場合比較，可實現裝置的簡略化。
在此，針對第2實施形態的變形例說明時，如第6圖表示，搬運帶12的高度位置變得比搬運帶11的高度位置低。藉此，可以使錠劑T從高的位置的搬運帶11平順地移動至低的位置的搬運帶12，因此可抑制在反轉用管14a中錠劑T堵塞的產生，抑制因錠劑T搬運不良導致搬運效率的降低。
＜第3實施形態＞
針對第3實施形態參閱第7圖說明。並且，第3實施形態是針對與第1實施形態的不同點(滑閘)說明，並省略其他的說明。但是，本實施形態相關的符號與其他實施形態相關符號相同的構件，基本上(即未特別說明的場合)是與其他的實施形態相同(以後的實施形態也相同)。
如第7圖表示，在第3實施形態相關的錠劑印刷裝置1C，設有兩個滑閘S1、S2。並且，從供應部11a對搬運帶11供應錠劑T。
滑閘S1是設置在搬運帶11的搬運方向A1上游側的端部。此滑閘S1是形成可在阻止從供應部11a供應的錠劑T之位置的關閉位置，及將從供應部11a所供應的錠劑T流動至搬運帶11之位置的開啟位置移動。滑閘S1朝上述的關閉位置移動，即關閉時，限制錠劑T從供應部11a供應至搬運帶11。此滑閘S1電連接於控制部80，藉控制部80控制其驅動。
滑閘S2是設置以封閉反轉用管13a的出口H2。此滑閘S2是形成可在阻止錠劑T於反轉用管13a移動的位置的關閉位置，及使得在反轉用管13a移動的錠劑T流動至搬運帶11之位置的開啟位置移動。滑閘S2朝上述的關閉位置移動，即關閉時，限制錠劑T通過反轉用管13a。此滑閘S2電連接於控制部80，藉控制部80控制其驅動。
如以上構成的錠劑印刷裝置1C中，在每經過一定時間時，關閉滑閘S1時，在對搬運帶11停止錠劑T的供應的期間開啟滑閘S2，使停滯於反轉用管13a內的錠劑T彙整回到搬運帶11。並且，通常，滑閘S2為關閉著。因此，搬運帶11上的錠劑T藉著從反轉噴嘴13b所噴出的氣體朝反轉用管13a移動時，使錠劑T停留在反轉用管13a內。亦即，反轉用管13a是預先使錠劑T停留在反轉用管13a內，在對搬運帶11停止錠劑T的供應的期間，使停留於反轉用管13a的錠劑T回到搬運帶11。在停留於反轉用管13a的錠劑T回到搬運帶11時，也可以從反轉噴嘴13b噴出氣體。
如以上說明，根據第3實施形態，可獲得與第1實施形態相同的效果。並且，可變更錠劑T從反轉用管13a回到搬運帶11上的時機，因此可調整錠劑T從反轉用管13a回到搬運帶11之搬運帶11上的位置。
並且，上述第3實施形態中，雖是開啟滑閘S2彙整複數的錠劑T後回到搬運帶11，但是也可以在滑閘S2的跟前側設置制動器，或將回到搬運帶11的錠劑T彼此的間隔隔開回到搬運帶11。另外，也可調整使該間隔均等。藉此隔著間隔搬運複數的錠劑T，因此可防止錠劑T在攝影部30、印刷部40等下游側的步驟堵塞。
＜第4實施形態＞
針對第4實施形態參閱第8圖說明。並且，第4實施形態是針對與第1實施形態的不同點(搬運部)說明，並省略其他的說明。
如第8圖表示，第4實施形態相關的錠劑印刷裝置1D具備三個搬運部91、92、93。各搬運部91、92、93是以水平狀態設置。第8圖中，搬運部91是配置在搬運部92上端部的左側，搬運部93是配置在搬運部92下端部的左側。
搬運部91具有搬運帶91a，搬運部92具有搬運帶92a，搬運部93具有搬運帶93a。各搬運帶92a、93a上，分別設有兩條搬運路P1、P2。搬運路P1在第8圖中的紙面上為縱深側，朝著帶延伸方向延伸。搬運路P2在第8圖中的紙面上為跟前側，朝著帶延伸方向延伸。該等的搬運路P1、P2是分別藉排列成一列的複數的吸引孔(未圖示)所形成。在各搬運帶91a、92a、93a的各個內部設有吸引空腔(未圖示)，錠劑T是透過吸引孔被吸引空腔的吸引所吸附。並且各搬運部91、92、93為同步，即使錠劑T在各個的搬運部間移動，仍可藉編碼器等進行場所的特定。
搬運部91是藉著搬運帶91a吸附以表背面隨機的狀態成一列搬運的錠劑T的上面，將錠劑T以一列朝著搬運方向A1搬運，供應至搬運部92的搬運路P1。並且，搬運部91是以吊掛於搬運帶91a下側的方式搬運錠劑T。搬運部92是藉搬運帶92a吸附從搬運部91所供應之錠劑T的下面，以表背面隨機的狀態沿著搬運路P1朝搬運方向A1成一列地搬運錠劑T，藉著反轉部13在搬運中途使所有的錠劑T表面成為上的狀態(亦即，根據後述之檢測部20a的檢測結果在搬運帶92a上使錠劑T的背面成為上地朝反轉部13移動)。之後使所有表面皆成為上的定劑T，伴隨著搬運帶92a的旋轉向下游側搬運，供應至搬運部93的搬運路P1(搬運路P1之印刷部40的印刷對象為錠劑T的表面)。
搬運部93是沿著搬運路P1成一列地將從搬運部92所供應的錠劑T朝著搬運方向A2搬運(此時所有的錠劑T的背面皆成為上)，藉反轉部13在搬運中途使所有的錠劑T表面皆成為上的狀態，並且，從搬運路P1移動至搬運路P2(使反轉部13的出口H2與搬運路P2相對)，沿著搬運路P2朝搬運方向A2成一列地搬運，供應至搬運部92的搬運路P2。搬運部92是藉搬運帶92a吸附從搬運部93所供應的錠劑T，沿著搬運路P2成一列地搬運(搬運路P2之印刷部40的印刷對象為錠劑T的背面)。並且，在從搬運部92朝搬運部93進行錠劑T的傳遞時，將錠劑T反轉。
相對於搬運部91設有檢測部20a。檢測部20a設有位在搬運部91的下方，進行藉搬運部91吸附上面所搬運之錠劑T下面的攝影。此檢測部20a為有無分割線檢測用。
相對於搬運部92的搬運路P1設有反轉部13、檢測部20b、攝影部30、印刷部40及攝影部50a以其順序排列於搬運方向A1。並且，在搬運部92的搬運路P2設有檢測部20b、攝影部60、上述的印刷部40及攝影部70以其順序排列於搬運方向A1。反轉部13是與第1實施形態相同的構成。檢測部20b為攝影時機檢測用。攝影部30為印刷位置檢測用及分割線角度檢測用，攝影部50a為檢查用，攝影部60為印刷位置檢測用，攝影部70為檢查用。
搬運部93中，設有從搬運路P1到搬運路P2使錠劑T反轉並移動的反轉部13。此反轉部13雖是與第1實施形態相同的構成，但反轉用管13a是形成使錠劑T反轉從搬運路P1移動至搬運路P2。並且，相對於搬運部93的搬運路P2設有檢測部20b及攝影部50b。檢測部20b為攝影時機檢測用，攝影部50b為分割線角度檢測用。
如以上構成的錠劑印刷裝置1D中，以表背面隨機的狀態搬運而來的錠劑T是藉搬運部91的搬運帶91a吸附上面朝搬運方向A1成一列地搬運，並藉檢測部20a檢測分割線的有無。並且，在搬運部91的端部解除搬運帶91a的吸附，藉此供應至搬運部92的搬運路P1。從搬運部91供應至搬運部92的搬運路P1的錠劑T是藉著搬運部92的搬運帶92a吸附並沿著搬運路P1朝搬運方向A1成一列地搬運。反轉部13是對應檢測部20a的檢測結果，使得以背面成為上的狀態所搬運的錠劑T反轉，使表面成為上的狀態(參閱第1實施形態)。亦即針對以檢測部20a檢測出有分割線的錠劑T，在搬運部92上是背面成為向上的狀態，因此以反轉部13使該等的錠劑T反轉。在比反轉部13更位於搬運方向A1下游側的搬運路P1，將錠劑T所有表面皆成為向上的狀態搬運。
藉檢測部20b(攝影時機用)檢測搬運部92之搬運路P1上的錠劑T時，在根據其檢測的時機，即錠劑T到達攝影部30正下方的時機，藉攝影部30(印刷位置檢測用)進行搬運路P1上之錠劑T的上面的攝影，根據其影像藉印刷部40進行印刷，並以攝影部50a(檢查用)進行印刷後之錠劑T上面的攝影，檢查其印刷的良否(參閱第1實施形態)。並且，搬運部91的檢測部20a也具有作為位置檢測器的功能，藉此也可省略搬運部92的檢測部20b。又，比搬運部92的反轉部13更在搬運方向上游側設置檢測部20b，藉可兼作為錠劑的檢測用與分割線的有無檢測用。
檢查後，將搬運部92的搬運帶92a所吸附搬運的錠劑T，在搬運部92的下方供應至搬運部93的搬運路P1。在從搬運部92朝搬運部93傳遞錠劑T時，使錠劑T反轉。從搬運部92供應至搬運部93之搬運路P1的錠劑T被搬運部93的搬運帶93a所吸附而沿著搬運路P1朝搬運方向A2成一列地搬運。反轉部13將所有的錠劑T從背面反轉成表面，使表面成為向上的狀態，並且，從搬運路P1朝搬運路P2移動。將移動至搬運路P2的錠劑T藉搬運部93的搬運帶93a吸附而沿著搬運路P2朝搬運方向A2成一列地搬運。
藉檢測部20b(攝影時機用)檢測搬運部93的搬運路P2上的錠劑T時，根據其檢測的時機，即錠劑T到達攝影部50b正下方的時機，藉攝影部50b(分割線角度檢測用)攝影搬運路P2上的錠劑T的上面進行分割線的角度檢測，供應至搬運部92的搬運路P2。在錠劑T從搬運部93朝搬運部92傳遞時，將錠劑T反轉。供應至搬運路P2的錠劑T為搬運部92的搬運帶92a所吸附而沿著搬運路P2成一列地搬運。以攝影部50b獲得的分割線的角度資訊在後步驟的印刷，以未形成有分割線的背面成為上的狀態搬運的場合中，使用於其背面分割線一致地印刷辨識資訊。
藉檢測部20b(攝影時機用)檢測攝影部92的搬運路P2上的錠劑T時，以根據其檢測的時機藉攝影部60(印刷位置檢測用)進行搬運路P2上之錠劑T上面的攝影，根據其影像藉印刷部40進行印刷，並藉攝影部70(檢查用)攝影印刷後之錠劑T的上面，檢查其印刷的良否(參閱第1實施形態)。隨後，將良品與不良品的錠劑T分開後回收。
如以上說明，根據第4實施形態，可獲得與第1實施形態相同的效果。
＜第5實施形態＞
針對第5實施形態參閱第9圖至第11圖說明。並且，第5實施形態是針對與第1實施形態的不同點(搬運部)說明，並省略其他的說明。
如第9圖表示，第5實施形態相關的錠劑印刷裝置1E具備三個搬運部101、102、103。各搬運部101、102、103是以水平狀態設置。第9圖中，搬運部101是配置在搬運部102上端部的左側，搬運部103是配置在搬運部102下端部的左側。該等搬運部101、102、103是與第4實施形態同樣(同步與速度等)，例如，搬運部101是與第4實施形態相關的搬運部91同樣，在搬運帶101a的下面吸附錠劑T進行搬運。
搬運部101是藉著搬運帶101a吸附以表背面隨機的狀態成四列搬運的錠劑T的上面，將錠劑T以四列朝著搬運方向A1搬運，供應至搬運部102。搬運部102是藉搬運帶102a吸附從搬運部101所供應之錠劑T的下面，以表背面隨機的狀態朝著搬運方向A1成四列地搬運錠劑T，藉著反轉部13A在搬運中途使所有的錠劑T表面成為上的狀態，供應至搬運部103(錠劑T的表面為印刷對象)。搬運部103是藉搬運帶103a吸附從搬運部102所供應之錠劑T的下面，將錠劑T成四列地朝搬運方向A2搬運(錠劑T的背面為印刷對象)。
在與搬運部101搬運錠劑T的面相對的位置，設有兩個檢測部20a。在與搬運部102搬運錠劑T的面相對的位置，設有反轉部13A、兩個檢測部20b、兩個攝影部30、印刷部40及兩個攝影部50依其順序排列於搬運方向A1。相對於搬運部103，設有兩個檢測部20b、兩個攝影部60、印刷部40及兩個攝影部70依其順序排列於搬運方向A2。並且，在與各搬運部102、103所搬運之錠劑T的面相對的位置，例如，位於分別的下方個別設有乾燥部90。該等乾燥部90是藉放射熱或風等將塗佈於錠劑T的油墨或錠劑T本身乾燥。將各乾燥部90電連接於控制部80，藉控制部80控制其驅動。
各檢測部20a是位在搬運部101的下方，設置藉搬運部101對吸附上面所搬運之錠劑T的下面進行攝影。該等的檢測部20a為有無分割線檢測用。印刷部40是與第1實施形態相關的印刷部40相同的構成。檢測部20b為錠劑T之攝影時機檢測用。攝影部30為印刷位置檢測用及分割線角度檢測用，攝影部50為檢查用及分割線角度檢測用。攝影部60為印刷位置檢測用，攝影部70為檢查用。
反轉部13A是如第10圖及第11圖表示，具有：四支反轉用管13a；四支反轉噴嘴13b；兩支非反轉用管13c；及兩支非反轉噴嘴13d。反轉用管13a具有作為使錠劑T反轉之反轉路的功能，非反轉用管13c具有使錠劑T不反轉而流動之非反轉路的功能，反轉噴嘴13b及非反轉噴嘴13d具有作為使錠劑T移動之移動部的功能。
搬運部102具有可以四列搬運錠劑T之搬運路L1~L4的四條搬運路。反轉用管13a是設置於搬運路L1~L4的各列。設置在位於搬運帶102a的第11圖中(紙面上)的上端側之搬運路L1、L2的反轉用管13a是設置形成朝第11圖中的上端側延伸，設置在位於搬運帶102a的第11圖中的下端側之搬運路L3、L4的反轉用管13a是設置形成朝第11圖中的下端側延伸。朝搬運帶102a的第11圖中的上端延伸的兩支反轉用管13a之中搬運方向A1上游側的反轉用管13a為搬運路L1用，下游側的反轉用管13a為搬運路L2用。並且，朝搬運帶102a的第11圖中的下端延伸的兩支反轉用管13a之中上游側的反轉用管13a為搬運路L4用，下游側的反轉用管13a為搬運路L3用。
非反轉用管13c是在四列的兩端的兩列中設置於各列。相對於搬運帶102a之第11圖中的上端設有一支非反轉用管13c，此非反轉用管13c為搬運路L1用。相對於搬運帶102a之第11圖中的下端設有一支非反轉用管13c，此非反轉用管13c為搬運路L4用。各非反轉用管13c是比各反轉用管13a設置在搬運方向A1更上游側，不使搬運的錠劑T反轉朝著搬運方向A1的下游側移動。
在此，例如，將背面成為上的狀態位在搬運路L3的錠劑Ta(參閱第11圖)與表面成為上的狀態位在搬運路L4的錠劑Tb(參閱第11圖)，以和搬運方向A1的位置相同的狀態，即橫向排列的狀態搬運的場合，即使藉著從反轉噴嘴13b所噴出的氣體使搬運路L3的錠劑Ta朝著反轉用管13a移動，搬運路L4的錠劑Tb仍成為阻礙。因此，在將搬運路L3的錠劑Ta朝向反轉用管13a移動之前，藉著從非反轉噴嘴13d噴出的氣體使搬運路L4的錠劑Tb朝非反轉用管13c移動，使得背面成為上的狀態的搬運路L3的錠劑Ta與表面成為上的狀態之搬運路L4的錠劑Tb並排的狀態消除。藉此，可藉著從反轉噴嘴13b噴出的氣體使搬運路L3的錠劑Ta朝反轉用管13a移動。並且，搬運路L4的錠劑Tb藉著從非反轉噴嘴13d所噴出的氣體，維持表面成為上的狀態通過非反轉用管13c，朝搬運路L4移動。
此反轉部13A在以表背面隨機的狀態成四列搬運錠劑T的場合，對應分割線的有無(錠劑T的表背面)，選擇性地將四列的錠劑T之中表背面成為上的狀態錠劑T反轉，使得以表背面隨機的狀態成四列搬運錠劑T成所有表面皆為上的狀態。藉此，在比反轉部13A更於搬運方向A1下游側的搬運帶102a上，將所有的錠劑T以表面皆成為上的狀態進行搬運。
如以上構成的錠劑印刷裝置1E中，以表背面隨機的狀態朝搬運部101成四列搬運而來的錠劑T被搬運部101的搬運帶101a所吸附朝著搬運方向A1成四列地搬運，供應至搬運部102。在此中途，藉搬運部101的搬運帶101a所吸附搬運的錠劑T下面之分割線的有無是藉各檢測部20a(有無分割線檢測用)進行檢測。從搬運部101供應至搬運部102的錠劑T被搬運部102的搬運帶102a所吸附而成四列地朝搬運方向A1搬運。反轉部13A是對應各檢測部20a的檢測結果，使得以背面成為上的狀態所搬運的錠劑T反轉，成為表面成為上的狀態。在比反轉部13A更於搬運方向A1的下游側所有的錠劑T皆是表面成為上的狀態進行搬運。
藉著各檢測部20b(攝影時機用)檢測搬運帶102a上的錠劑T時，以根據該等的檢測的時機，即錠劑T到達攝影部30的正下方的時機，藉各攝影部30(印刷位置檢測用)進行搬運帶102a上之錠劑T上面的攝影，根據該等的影像藉印刷部40成四列一起進行印刷，藉著各攝影部50(檢查用及分割線角度檢測用)進行印刷後的錠劑T之上面的攝影，檢查其印刷的良否。
檢查後，藉搬運部102的搬運帶102a所吸附搬運的錠劑T通過乾燥部90的上方，在搬運部102的下方維持四列供應至搬運部103。從搬運部102供應至搬運部103的錠劑T是被搬運部103的搬運帶103a所吸附而以四列朝搬運方向A2搬運。
藉各檢測部20b(攝影時機用)檢測搬運帶103a上的錠劑T時，根據該等的檢測的時機，即錠劑T到達攝影部60正下方的時機，藉著各攝影部60(印刷位置檢測用)進行搬運帶103a上的錠劑T上面的攝影，根據該等的影像藉印刷部40進行四列一起的印刷，並藉各攝影部70(檢查用)攝影印刷後之錠劑T的上面，檢查其印刷的良否。之後，將良品與不良品的錠劑T分開後回收。
如以上說明，根據第5實施形態，可獲得與第1實施形態相同的效果。並且，以四列一起相對於成四列所搬運的錠劑T進行印刷，可增加每單位時間的印刷量，因而可提升印刷效率。
並且，本實施形態中，也和上述的第4實施形態同樣，在反轉部13A的搬運方向上游側設置檢測部20b，可兼作為分割線的有無檢測與錠劑的位置檢測。
＜第6實施形態＞
針對第6實施形態參閱第12圖至第14圖說明。並且，第6實施形態是針對與第1實施形態的不同點(搬運部)說明，並省略其他的說明。
如第12圖表示，第6實施形態相關的錠劑印刷裝置1F具備五個搬運部111、112、113、114、115。搬運部113是以長方向為鉛直狀態設置，各搬運部111、112、114、115是以水平狀態設置。在第12圖的紙面上，搬運部111是配置在搬運部113下端部的左側，搬運部112是配置在搬運部113下端部的右側。並且，搬運部114是設置在搬運部113上部的右側，搬運部115是設置在搬運部113上部的左側。
搬運部111是以表背面隨機的狀態藉搬運帶111a吸附錠劑T並以兩列朝搬運方向A1搬運，藉反轉部13B在搬運中途使所有的錠劑T背面皆成為上的狀態，供應至搬運部113。並且，搬運部112也和搬運部111同樣，以表背面隨機的狀態藉搬運帶112a吸附錠劑T並以兩列朝搬運方向A2搬運，藉反轉部13B在搬運中途使所有的錠劑T背面皆成為上的狀態，供應至搬運部113。
搬運部113是藉搬運帶113a吸附從搬運部111所供應的錠劑T以兩列朝搬運方向A3搬運(錠劑T的表面為印刷對象)，供應至搬運部114。並且，搬運部113是藉搬運帶113b吸附從搬運部112所供應的錠劑T以兩列朝搬運方向A4搬運(錠劑T的表面為印刷對象)，供應至搬運部115。
搬運部114是藉搬運帶114a吸附從搬運部113所供應的錠劑T以兩列朝搬運方向A1搬運(錠劑T的背面為上)，藉反轉部14A在搬運中途使所有的錠劑T表面皆成為上的狀態，藉搬運帶114b吸附並以兩列朝搬運方向A2搬運，回到搬運部113。並且，搬運部115也藉著搬運帶115a吸附從搬運部113所供應的錠劑T以兩列朝搬運方向A2搬運(錠劑T的背面為上)，藉反轉部14A在搬運中途使所有的錠劑T表面皆成為上的狀態，藉搬運帶115b吸附並以兩列朝搬運方向A1搬運，回到搬運部113。
搬運部113是藉搬運帶113b吸附從搬運部114所供應的錠劑T以兩列朝搬運方向A4搬運(錠劑T的背面為印刷對象)。並且，搬運部113是藉搬運帶113a吸附從搬運部115所供應的錠劑T以兩列朝搬運方向A3搬運(錠劑T的背面為印刷對象)。在該等的搬運中途，將良品與不良品的錠劑T分開後回收(回收部未圖示)。
如第13圖表示，反轉部13B具有兩個第1實施形態相關的反轉部13(反轉用管13a及反轉噴嘴13b)。一方的反轉部13B是設置在搬運錠劑T的兩列之中對應一方的列，另一方的反轉部13B是對應另一方的列設置。
如第14圖表示，反轉部14A具有兩個第1實施形態相關的反轉部14(反轉用管14a及反轉噴嘴14b)。一方的反轉部14A是設置在搬運錠劑T的兩列之中對應一方的列，另一方的反轉部14B是對應另一方的列設置。
上述的搬運部111中，設有檢測部20a(有無分割線檢測用)。相對於搬運部113的搬運帶113a，在其右側(第12圖中)將檢測部20b(攝影時機檢測用)、攝影部30(印刷位置檢測用及分割線角度檢測用)、印刷部40及攝影部60(印刷位置檢測用)以其順序排列於搬運方向A3地設置。相對於搬運部114的搬運帶114b，設有檢測部20b(攝影時機檢測用)及攝影部50(檢查用及分割線角度檢測用)。相對於搬運部113的搬運帶113b，在其右側(第12圖中)設有攝影部70(檢查用)。
並且，與上述的配置同樣，相對於搬運部112，設有檢測部20a(有無分割線檢測用)。相對於搬運部113的搬運帶113b，在其左側(第12圖中)將檢測部20b(攝影時機檢測用)、攝影部30(印刷位置檢測用及分割線角度檢測用)、印刷部40及攝影部60(印刷位置檢測用)以其順序排列於搬運方向A4地設置。相對於搬運部115的搬運帶115b，設有檢測部20b(攝影時機檢測用)及攝影部50(檢查用及分割線角度檢測用)。相對於搬運部113的搬運帶113a，在其左側(第12圖中)設有攝影部70(檢查用)。
如以上構成的錠劑印刷裝置1F進行的印刷步驟(印刷處理及檢查處理)基本上是與第1~5等的實施形態相同。但是，第4實施形態相關的印刷步驟是在搬運部113的左側與右側同時執行。因此，可增加每單位時間的印刷量，可提升印刷效率。並且，由於可在搬運部113的左側與右側同時進行印刷，因此即使在其中任一方印刷相關的各部進行維修的場合，仍可藉另一方印刷相關的各部進行印刷，其結果，可提升印刷效率。
如以上說明，根據第6實施形態，可獲得與第1實施形態相同的效果。並且，也可提升印刷效率。
＜第7實施形態＞
針對第7實施形態參閱第15圖說明。並且，第7實施形態是針對與第6實施形態的不同點(各部的配置)說明，並省略其他的說明。
如第15圖表示，第7實施形態相關的錠劑印刷裝置1G是除第6實施形態相關的錠劑印刷裝置1F的各部之外，並具備第6實施形態相關的搬運部113。亦即，具備兩個搬運部113。該等搬運部113是以鉛直狀態成彼此並列地設置。又，第15圖中，搬運部111及搬運部112是以水平狀態彼此並列地設置於各搬運部113下端部的左側，搬運部114及搬運部115是以水平狀態彼此並列地設置於各搬運部113之中央附近的左側。
並且，檢測部20a(有無分割線檢測用)、檢測部20b(攝影時機檢測用)、攝影部30(印刷位置檢測用及分割線角度檢測用)、印刷部40、檢測部20b(攝影時機檢測用)、攝影部50(檢查用及分割線角度檢測用)、攝影部60(印刷位置檢測用)、攝影部70(檢查用)是與第6實施形態同樣，設置使錠劑T的分割線一致可在錠劑T的兩面印刷辨識資訊的兩面印刷。
如以上構成的錠劑印刷裝置1G進行的印刷步驟(印刷處理及檢查處理)基本上是與第6實施形態相同。但是，與第6實施形態比較，在塗佈有油墨的錠劑T的表面至接觸下一搬運帶114a或115a為止錠劑T移動的乾燥距離變長。藉此，可以確實使塗佈於錠劑T的油墨乾燥，因此可抑制油墨之未乾燥導致印刷不良的產生。並且，與第6實施形態比較，增加錠劑T的搬運列數而可增加每單位時間的印刷量，可提升印刷效率。
如以上說明，根據第7實施形態，可獲得與第1實施形態相同的效果。並且，可抑制油墨之未乾燥導致印刷不良的產生，並可提升印刷效率。
＜第8實施形態＞
針對第8實施形態參閱第16圖說明。並且，第8實施形態是針對與第7實施形態的不同點(各部的配置)說明，並省略其他的說明。
如第16圖表示，第8實施形態相關的錠劑印刷裝置1H是與第7實施形態相關的錠劑印刷裝置1G相同具備各部。在第16圖的紙面上，搬運部111是以水平狀態在兩個搬運部113之中配置於縱深側之搬運部113下端部的左側，搬運部112是以水平狀態設置在跟前側之搬運部113下端部的右側。搬運部114是以水平狀態設置在上述縱深側之搬運部113下側附近的左側，搬運部115是水平狀態設置在上述跟前側之搬運部113下側附近的右側。
如以上構成的錠劑印刷裝置1H進行的印刷步驟(印刷處理及檢查處理)基本上是與第7實施形態相同。但是，與第7實施形態比較，可在搬運部113的左側與右側同時進行印刷，因此即使在其中任一方印刷相關的各部進行維修的場合，仍可藉另一方印刷相關的各部進行印刷，其結果，可提升印刷效率。
如以上說明，根據第8實施形態，可獲得與第1實施形態相同的效果。並且，可抑制油墨之未乾燥導致印刷不良的產生，並可提升印刷效率。
＜第9實施形態＞
針對第9實施形態參閱第17圖及第18圖說明。並且，第9實施形態是針對與第8實施形態的不同點(各部的配置)說明，並省略其他的說明。
如第17圖表示，第9實施形態相關的錠劑印刷裝置1I具備五個搬運部116、117、118、119、120。搬運部117是以長方向為鉛直狀態設置，各搬運部116及119是以水平狀態設置，此外，轉筒形狀的各搬運部118及120是設置在搬運117與搬運部119之間。第17圖中，搬運部116是設置在搬運部113下端部的左側，各搬運部118、119及120是設置在搬運部113的上端部。
搬運部116是以表背面隨機的狀態藉搬運帶116a吸附錠劑T並以四列朝搬運方向A1搬運，藉反轉部13A在搬運中途使所有的錠劑T背面皆成為上的狀態，供應至搬運部117。搬運部117是藉搬運帶117a吸附從搬運部111所供應的錠劑T並以四列朝搬運方向A3搬運(錠劑T的表面為印刷對象)，供應至搬運部118。搬運部118是藉搬運帶118a吸附從搬運部117所供應的錠劑T並維持四列地搬運，供應至搬運部119。
搬運部119是藉搬運帶119a吸附從搬運部118所供應的錠劑T以四列朝搬運方向A2搬運(錠劑T的表面為上)，藉反轉部14B在搬運中途使所有的錠劑T背面皆成為上的狀態，供應至搬運部120。搬運部120是藉搬運帶120a吸附從搬運部119所供應的錠劑T並維持四兩列地搬運。搬運部117是藉搬運帶117a吸附從搬運部120所供應的錠劑T並以四列朝搬運方向A4搬運(錠劑T的背面為印刷對象)。在該等的搬運中途，將良品與不良品的錠劑T分開後回收。
如第18圖表示，反轉部14B具有四個第1實施形態相關的反轉部14(反轉用管14a及反轉噴嘴14b)。亦即，在各列設置反轉部14。藉此，由於表面成為上的狀態的錠劑T為各列通過反轉用管14a，因此所有的錠劑T背面皆成為上的狀態。並且，反轉部13A、反轉部14A的構成是與先前說明的第5實施形態相同。
相對於搬運部116設有兩個檢測部20a(有無分割線檢測用)。相對於搬運部117，在其右側(第17圖中)將兩個檢測部20b(攝影時機檢測用)、兩個攝影部30(印刷位置檢測用及分割線角度檢測用)、印刷部40、兩個攝影部50a(檢查用)、乾燥部90以其順序排列於搬運方向A3地設置。相對於搬運部119，在其左側(第17圖中)設有兩個檢測部20b(攝影時機檢測用)。相對於搬運部120，在其右側(第17圖中)設有兩個攝影部50b(分割線角度檢測用)。相對於搬運部113，在其左側(第17圖中)設有兩個檢測部20b(攝影時機檢測用)、兩個攝影部60(印刷位置檢測用)、印刷部40、兩個攝影部70(檢查用)、乾燥部90以其順序排列於搬運方向A4地設置。
如以上構成的錠劑印刷裝置1I進行的印刷步驟(印刷處理及檢查處理)基本上是與第1~第8等的其他實施形態相同。但是，與不具乾燥部90的場合比較，可確實地將塗佈於錠劑T的油墨乾燥，因此可進一步抑制油墨之未乾燥導致印刷不良的產生。
如以上說明，根據第9實施形態，可獲得與第1實施形態相同的效果。並且，可增加在錠劑T的兩面進行印刷之錠劑印刷裝置的種類，並進一步抑制油墨之未乾燥導致印刷不良的產生，並可提升印刷效率。
並且，如上述，相對於四列搬運分別設有兩個構件(各部)。因此，每兩列設有構件(亦即，一個構件彙整兩列進行處理)。此雖與第5至第9實施形態(四列搬運)相同，但仍僅是一列，也可在各列設置所有的構件。
＜第10實施形態＞
針對第10實施形態參閱第19圖說明。並且，第10實施形態是針對與第1實施形態的不同點(反轉部)說明，並省略其他的說明。
如第19圖表示，第10實施形態相關的反轉部14C具備一對傾斜轉筒14c、14d。
傾斜轉筒14c具有相對於搬運帶11的寬方向例如以45度傾斜的軸為中心之圓錐形的側面14c1。此傾斜轉筒14c是使圓錐形的側面14c1的一部分與搬運帶11的上面僅分開預定距離(例如，錠劑T的厚度程度)，藉馬達14e可旋轉地設置在搬運帶11的上方。與搬運帶11的分開距離是根據錠劑T的厚度，設定成可從搬運帶11朝傾斜轉筒14c進行錠劑T的交接。傾斜轉筒14c固定於馬達14e的輸出軸(轉軸)，藉馬達14e的旋轉動作以軸為中心進行旋轉。將馬達14e電連接於控制部80，藉控制部80控制其驅動。
在傾斜轉筒14c的側面14c1形成有複數的吸附孔H3。該等的吸附孔H3是以傾斜轉筒14c的軸為中心等間隔設置成圓環狀。傾斜轉筒14c的內部空間的壓力是藉吸引機構(未圖示)維持在比大氣壓低的負壓。傾斜轉筒14c藉此負壓，將錠劑T保持在其中任一方的吸附孔H3。將上述的吸引機構電連接於控制部80，藉控制部80控制其驅動。
傾斜轉筒14d具有與傾斜轉筒14c傾斜的方向相反，相對於搬運帶12的寬方向例如以45度傾斜的軸為中心之圓錐形的側面14d1。傾斜轉筒14d的軸與上述傾斜轉筒14c的軸是在鉛直的平面內，例如成正交的位置關係。傾斜轉筒14d是使圓錐形的側面14d1的一部分與傾斜轉筒14c的側面14c1僅分開預定距離(例如，錠劑T的厚度程度)，並且，使圓錐形的側面14d1的一部分與搬運帶12的上面僅分開預定距離(例如，錠劑T的厚度程度)，藉馬達14f可旋轉地設置在搬運帶12的上方。與傾斜轉筒14c的分開距離是根據錠劑T的厚度，設定成可從傾斜轉筒14c朝傾斜轉筒14d進行錠劑T的交接。並且，與搬運帶12的分開距離是設定成可從傾斜轉筒14d朝搬運帶12進行錠劑T的交接。傾斜轉筒14d固定於馬達14f的輸出軸(轉軸)，藉馬達14f的旋轉動作以軸為中心進行旋轉。將馬達14f電連接於控制部80，藉控制部80控制其驅動。
在傾斜轉筒14d的側面14d1形成有複數的吸附孔H4。該等的吸附孔H4是以傾斜轉筒14d的軸為中心等間隔設置成圓環狀。傾斜轉筒14d的內部空間的壓力是藉上述的吸引機構維持在比大氣壓低的負壓。傾斜轉筒14d藉此負壓，將錠劑T保持在其中任一方的吸附孔H4。
在傾斜轉筒14c的內部設有鼓風部14g。鼓風部14g是朝傾斜轉筒14c的各吸附孔H3之中，與傾斜轉筒14d相對的吸附孔H3噴射氣體。藉此，使噴射氣體的吸附孔H3成為比大氣壓高的正壓，解除藉其吸附孔H3對錠劑T的吸附，將錠劑T從傾斜轉筒14c傳遞至傾斜轉筒14d。鼓風部14g是電連接於控制部80，藉控制部80控制其驅動。
在傾斜轉筒14d的內部也設有鼓風部14h。鼓風部14h是朝傾斜轉筒14d的各吸附孔H4之中，與搬運帶12相對的吸附孔H4噴射氣體。藉此，使噴射氣體的吸附孔H4成為比大氣壓高的正壓，解除藉其吸附孔H4對錠劑T的吸附，將錠劑T從傾斜轉筒14d傳遞至搬運帶12。將鼓風部14h是電連接於控制部80，藉控制部80控制其驅動。
並且，在錠劑T從傾斜轉筒14c傳遞至傾斜轉筒14d時為確實抑制錠劑T脫落，以使得傾斜轉筒14d的各吸附孔H4的吸附力比傾斜轉筒14c的各吸附孔H3的吸附力大為佳。
根據如以上的反轉部14C，印刷有辨識資訊的錠劑T位在搬運帶11的搬運方向A1下游側的端部，即搬運帶11上的錠劑T到達傾斜轉筒14c時，錠劑T從搬運帶11傳遞至傾斜轉筒14c。傾斜轉筒14c是以側面14c1的其中任一的吸附孔H3一邊吸附保持著從搬運帶11所傳遞的錠劑T，藉馬達14e旋轉，並藉著鼓風部14g進行氣體的噴射傳遞至傾斜轉筒14d。傾斜轉筒14d是以側面14d1的其中任一的吸附孔H4一邊吸附保持著從傾斜轉筒14c所傳遞的錠劑T，藉馬達14f旋轉，並藉著鼓風部14h進行氣體的噴射傳遞至搬運帶12。藉此，搬運帶11上的錠劑T從搬運帶11移動至搬運帶12，並使其錠劑T的表背面反轉。因此，以形成有分割線的表面成為上的狀態所搬運的錠劑T是藉反轉部14C，使未形成有分割線的背面成為上的狀態。
如以上說明，根據第10實施形態，可獲得與第1實施形態相同的效果。並且，可使用如上述的反轉部14C，並可使用各種的機構作為反轉部。
＜其他的實施形態＞
上述的說明中，作為可判別表背面的標記，雖例示使用錠劑T的分割線(直線形的凹部)，但不限於此，例如，也可以使用形成於錠劑T之十字型等各種形狀的凹部，或各種形狀的凸部，或者藉印刷或描繪的標記。
又，上述的說明中，雖例示使錠劑T的分割線一致進行資訊的印刷，但不限於此，只要根據印刷數據，對應分割線進行資訊印刷即可。
又，上述的說明中，雖例示以反轉用管13a作為反轉路，以反轉噴嘴13b作為移動部，但不限於此，例如，也可使用剖面U字型的軌道作為反轉路，並且，也可使用觸及錠劑T移動的構件(例如，棒形的構件)作為移動部。
並且，也可以在反轉用管13a或14a、非反轉用管13c的中途連接氣體噴嘴。氣體噴嘴是形成朝推壓使得錠劑T在反轉用管13a或14a、非反轉用管13c等的管內前進的方向噴出氣體(例如空氣)。藉此氣體噴嘴所噴出的氣體推壓錠劑T，以促進錠劑T的移動，可確實使錠劑T通過。
又，上述的說明中，雖例示以印刷部40是以一個對兩條搬運路所搬運的錠劑T進行印刷，但不限於此，也設置於各搬運路。如上述，設置複數個印刷部40，可藉此使用不同的油墨進行印刷。
在此，作為上述的錠劑，可包括作為醫藥用、飲食用、清洗用、工業用或芳香用所使用的錠劑。並且，上述的錠劑有裸錠(素錠)或糖衣錠、塗膜錠、腸溶錠、凝膠包覆錠、多層錠、有核錠等，硬膠囊或軟膠囊等各種的膠囊錠也可包括於錠劑。並且，錠劑的形狀有圓盤形或凸鏡形、三角形、橢圓形等各種的形狀。又，印刷對象的錠劑為醫藥用或飲食用的場合，使用的油墨是以可食用性油墨為佳。此可食用性油墨也可以使用合成色素油墨、天然色素油墨、染料油墨、顏料油墨的其中任一種。
以上，雖已說明本發明的數個實施形態，但該等的實施形態亦僅作為例示加以提示，並無意圖限定發明的範圍。該等新穎的實施形態，可以其他的種種形態實施，在不脫離發明主旨的範圍內，可進行種種的省略、置換、變更。該等實施形態或變形皆包含於發明的範圍與主旨，也包含於申請專利範圍所記載的發明及其均等的範圍。<The first embodiment>
For the first embodiment, refer to Figs. 1 to 4 for description.
(Basic composition)
As shown in Fig. 1, the tablet printing device 1A according to one embodiment includes: a conveying unit 10, a detecting unit 20, a photographing unit 30, a printing unit 40, a photographing unit 50, a photographing unit 60, a photographing unit 70, and a control unit 80 . The detection unit 20 is for detecting the presence or absence of dividing lines and the timing of shooting, the imaging unit 30 is for printing position detection and dividing line angle detection, the imaging unit 50 is for inspection and dividing line angle detection, and the imaging unit 60 is for printing position detection. The photographing section 70 is used for inspection.
The conveying unit 10 has two conveying belts 11 and 12, and the tablets T supplied from a supply unit such as a hopper (not shown) to the end of the conveying belt 11 are moved in the conveying direction A1 by the conveying belt 11 (in the first figure). The direction of the arrow A1) is transported in a row, and the end portion on the side opposite to the side where the tablet T is supplied is folded back and then is transported in a row in the transport direction A2 (the direction of the arrow A2 in the first figure) by the transport belt 12 .
In addition, when the tablet T with a dividing line (straight-shaped recess) formed on one side is the surface where the dividing line is formed and the surface where the dividing line is not formed as the back, the front and back are in a random state Handling. The dividing line is an example of the mark on the back of the watch.
The detection unit 20 is positioned on the downstream side of the conveying direction A1 from the position where the lozenge T is supplied from the conveying belt 11 and is provided above the conveying belt 11. This detection unit 20 uses laser light to project and receive light to detect the presence or absence of the dividing line of the tablet T on the conveyor belt 11 (for detecting the presence or absence of the dividing line), and to detect the conveying direction A1 of the tablet T on the conveyor belt 11 Location (for shooting timing). As the detection unit 20, various laser sensors such as reflective laser sensors can be used. The detection unit 20 is electrically connected to the control unit 80 and sends a detection signal to the control unit 80. In addition, although the detection unit 20 is used for both the presence or absence of the dividing line detection and the lozenge arrival detection, separate devices may be installed.
The conveying unit 10 is provided with a reversing unit 13 and a reversing unit 14. The reversing section 13 is located on the downstream side of the conveying direction A1 relative to the position where the detecting section 20 is provided, and is provided with respect to the conveying belt 11 of the conveying section 10. The reversing part 14 is provided at the end of the folding side of the conveying part 10 as a path connecting the conveying belt 11 and the conveying belt 12.
The reversing part 13 has a reversing pipe 13a and a reversing nozzle 13b. The reversing tube 13a has a function as a reversing path for reversing the lozenge T, and the reversing nozzle 13b has a function as a moving part for moving the lozenge T to the reversing path.
The reversing tube 13a is bent (twisted) at 180 degrees when the lozenge T passes through the inside of the reversing tube 13a, so that the front and back sides of the lozenge T are reversed, and are provided with respect to the conveying belt 11 of the conveying unit 10. This reversing tube 13a has an inlet (tablet T inlet) H1 and an outlet (tablet T outlet) H2 (see also Fig. 2). The inlet H1 and the outlet H2 are arranged to face the side of the tablet T conveyed by the conveyor belt 11, and the lower ends of the inlet H1 and the outlet H2 are matched to the height position (for example, the same height) of the upper surface (conveying surface) of the conveyor belt 11. position). In addition, the outlet H2 is located on the downstream side of the conveying direction A1 than the inlet H1. The tablet T moves from the conveying belt 11 toward the reversing tube 13a, and when passing through the reversing tube 13a, the tablet T is reversed and returns to the same on the conveying belt 11 that existed before moving toward the reversing portion 13 Location (details are described later).
The reversing nozzle 13b is installed at a position where gas (for example, air) is ejected toward the inlet H1 of the reversing pipe 13a, and the lozenge T on the conveying belt 11 is moved toward the inlet H1 of the reversing pipe 13a and passed through the reversing pipe 13a. Within 13a. The ejection direction of the gas is a direction in which the tablets T on the conveying belt 11 are moved in the conveying direction A1 in a direction crossing the horizontal plane (for example, an orthogonal direction). A valve (not shown) for controlling gas ejection through the reversing nozzle 13b is electrically connected to the control unit 80, and its driving is controlled by the control unit 80.
For example, when the lozenge T is conveyed by the conveying belt 11 in a state where the back surface on which the dividing line is not formed is up, when the lozenge T on the conveying belt 11 faces the reversing nozzle 13b, gas is ejected from the reversing nozzle 13b. The lozenge T on the conveying belt 11 is shown in Fig. 2 and moved toward the reversing tube 13a by the gas ejected from the reversing nozzle 13b. As shown in Fig. 3, the front and back sides are reversed by the reversing tube 13a. As shown in Fig. 4, the reversing tube 13a returns to the conveying belt 11. Thereby, when the lozenge T passes through the reversing tube 13a from the conveying belt 11, it returns to the conveying belt 11 with the back surface on which the dividing line is not formed facing downward, that is, the surface on which the dividing line is formed facing upwards.
Here, the reversing tube 13a moves the lozenge T from the conveying belt 11 to the position on the conveying belt 11 of the reversing tube 13a according to the conveying speed of the lozenge T of the conveying belt 11 (the conveying direction of the lozenge T The position of A1 is the same as the position on the conveying belt 11 returning from the reversing tube 13a to the conveying belt 11 (refer to Figs. 2 to 4). That is, the conveying belt 11 moves only the time required for the operation of reversing the lozenge T, but in consideration of this moving distance, the shape, the opening position, and the like of the reversing tube 13a are determined.
Returning to Fig. 1, the reversing section 14 has a reversing tube 14a and a reversing nozzle 14b. The reversing tube 14a has a function as a reversing path for reversing the lozenge T, and the reversing nozzle 14b has a function as a moving part for moving the lozenge T to the reversing path.
The reversing tube 14a is bent 180 degrees when the lozenge T passes through the inside of the reversing tube 14a, so that the front and back of the lozenge T are reversed, and a transport path for the lozenge T is provided relative to the transport part 10 (also reversed Diversion). This reversing pipe 14a has an inlet H1 and an outlet H2 similarly to the above-mentioned reversing pipe 13a. The entrance H1 is an end located on the downstream side of the conveying direction A1 of the conveying belt 11, and the lower end of the entrance H1 is a height position that matches the upper surface of the conveying belt 11. In addition, the outlet H2 is an end located on the upstream side of the conveying direction A2 of the conveying belt 12, and the lower end of the outlet H2 is a height position corresponding to the upper surface of the conveying belt 12.
The reversing nozzle 14b is installed at a position where gas (for example, air) is ejected toward the inlet H1 of the reversing pipe 14a, and the lozenge T on the conveying belt 11 is moved toward the inlet H1 of the reversing pipe 14a, and passes through the reversing pipe 14a. Within 14a. The ejection direction of the gas is a direction in which the tablets T on the conveying belt 11 are moved in the conveying direction A1 in a direction crossing the horizontal plane (for example, an orthogonal direction). A valve (not shown) for controlling gas ejection through the reversing nozzle 14b is electrically connected to the control unit 80, and its driving is controlled by the control unit 80.
For example, when the lozenge T on the conveying belt 11 faces the reversing nozzle 14b, gas is ejected from the reversing nozzle 14b. The lozenge T on the conveying belt 11 moves toward the reversing pipe 14a by the gas ejected from the reversing nozzle 14b, and is reversed by the reversing pipe 14a, and moves from the reversing pipe 14a to the conveying belt 12.
The imaging unit 30 is located on the downstream side of the conveying direction A1 relative to the position where the reversing unit 13 is provided, and is provided above the conveying belt 11. The photographing section 30 is based on the position information in the conveying direction A1 of the lozenge T, photographs at the timing when the lozenge T reaches directly below the photographing section 30, and obtains the upper surface including the lozenge T (in the case of the present embodiment, the lozenge The image (for printing position detection and dividing line angle detection) of the surface of T), and the acquired image is sent to the control unit 80. As the imaging section 30, various cameras having imaging elements such as CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Film Semiconductor) can be used. The imaging unit 30 is electrically connected to the control unit 80, and its driving is controlled by the control unit 80. In addition, lighting for photography can also be installed as needed.
The printing unit 40 is located on the downstream side of the conveying direction A1 than the position where the photographing unit 30 is provided, and is provided above both of the two conveying belts 11 and 12. The printing unit 40 can print the two tablets T on each of the conveying belts 11 and 12. The printing unit 40 includes a plurality of nozzles (not shown), and an inkjet printing head that ejects ink from these nozzles individually. This printing unit 40 is provided so that the alignment direction in which the nozzles are aligned intersects the conveying directions A1 and A2 (for example, orthogonal to each other) in the horizontal plane. As the printing unit 40, various inkjet printing heads having driving elements such as piezoelectric elements, heating elements, or magneto-elements can be used. The printing unit 40 is electrically connected to the control unit 80, and its driving is controlled by the control unit 80.
The photographing section 50 is located on the downstream side of the conveying direction A2 than the position where the reversing section 14 is provided, and on the upstream side of the conveying direction A2 than the position where the printing section 40 is provided, and can carry the lozenge T on the conveying belt 12 (In the case of this embodiment, the surface of the tablet T). Specifically, the mirror M1 is installed obliquely directly below the conveying belt 12, and the imaging unit 50 is installed to photograph the underside of the lozenge T through the mirror M1. In addition, the conveying belt 12 of the conveying unit 10 is light-transmissive, so that the photographing unit 50 can photograph the underside of the lozenge T on the conveying belt 12 through the mirror M1. As the conveying belt 12 having translucency, for example, a transparent belt, a trapezoidal belt, and a belt having numerous holes can be used. The photographing unit 50 photographs the lozenge T at the timing when the lozenge T reaches directly above the mirror M1 based on the position information in the conveying direction A1 of the lozenge T, and obtains an image of the lower surface including the lozenge T (for inspection and for detecting the angle of the dividing line), The acquired image is sent to the control unit 80. As the imaging unit 50, the same as the above-mentioned imaging unit 30 can be used, and the electrical connection and drive control are also the same as those of the above-mentioned imaging unit 30.
The photographing unit 60 is located on the downstream side of the conveying direction A2 than the position where the reversing section 14 is provided, and on the upstream side of the conveying direction A2 than the position where the printing section 40 is provided, and is provided above the conveying belt 12. Based on the position information in the conveying direction A1 of the lozenge T, the photographing section 60 performs photographing at the timing when the lozenge T reaches directly below the photographing section 60, and obtains the upper surface including the lozenge T (in the case of the present embodiment, the lozenge T The image (used for printing position detection) on the back side of ), the acquired image is sent to the control unit 80. As the imaging unit 60, the same as the above-mentioned imaging unit 30 can be used, and the electrical connection and drive control are also the same as those of the above-mentioned imaging unit 30.
The photographing unit 70 is located on the downstream side of the conveying direction A2 than the position where the printing unit 40 is provided, and is provided above the conveying belt 12. Based on the position information in the conveying direction A1 of the lozenge T, the photographing section 70 performs photographing at the timing when the lozenge T reaches directly below the photographing section 70, and obtains the upper surface including the lozenge T (in the case of the present embodiment, the lozenge T The image (for inspection) on the back of the image (for inspection) is sent to the control unit 80. As the imaging unit 70, the same as the above-mentioned imaging unit 30 can be used, and the electrical connection and drive control are also the same as those of the above-mentioned imaging unit 30.
The control unit 80 includes a microcomputer that centrally controls each unit, and a memory unit (none of which is shown) that stores processing information or various programs. This control unit 80 controls the imaging unit 30, the printing unit 40, the imaging unit 50, the imaging unit 60, the imaging unit 70, etc., and receives signals sent from the detection unit 20, from the imaging unit 30, the imaging unit 50, and the imaging unit 60. , Images sent by the photographing unit 70, etc.
(Printing step)
Next, the printing procedure (printing process and inspection process) performed by the above-mentioned tablet printing apparatus 1A will be described. In the following printing steps, for the double-sided printing of the identification information, the method of aligning the dividing lines (for example, parallel to the extending direction of the dividing lines) with respect to the two sides of the tablet T formed with dividing lines on one side will be described.
When the tablets T are supplied to the conveying belt 11 of the conveying section 10, the tablets T are conveyed in a row by the conveying belt 11 in a state where the front and back are random. The lozenges T on the conveying belt 11 are detected by the detecting unit 20. At this time, the presence or absence of the dividing line of the tablet T and the position of the tablet T in the conveying direction A1 are detected and input to the control unit 80. The control unit 80 judges whether the upper surface of the tablet T on the conveying belt 11 is a surface based on the presence or absence information of the dividing line of the tablet T. When it is judged that the upper surface of the lozenge T on the conveying belt 11 is the surface, even if the target lozenge T is opposed to the reversing nozzle 13b, the gas cannot be ejected by the reversing nozzle 13b. On the other hand, when it is determined that the upper surface of the lozenge T on the conveying belt 11 is not the surface, when the target lozenge T is opposed to the reversing nozzle 13b, the reversing nozzle 13b performs gas ejection.
When the gas ejection is not performed by the reversing nozzle 13b, the tablet T is conveyed while maintaining its state by the conveying belt 11. On the other hand, when the gas is ejected by the reversing nozzle 13b, the lozenge T on the conveying belt 11 moves from the conveying belt 11 to the reversing pipe 13a, passes through the reversing pipe 13a, and then reverses to return to the conveying belt. 11. That is, the lozenge T in the state where the back surface on which the dividing line is not formed is up is returned to the conveying belt 11 with the back surface being down, that is, the surface on which the dividing line is formed up. Therefore, when the lozenge T conveyed in a state where the back surface where the dividing line is not formed is up, when passing through the reversing tube 13a, the surface on which the dividing line is formed becomes the upper side, and therefore, it moves from the reversing tube 13a to the conveying direction A1. All the tablets T on the conveying belt 11 on the downstream side are conveyed with the surface up.
Next, the lozenge T on the conveying belt 11 is based on the timing of the position information in the conveying direction A1 of the lozenge T, that is, the timing when the lozenge T arrives directly below the photographing section 30, and the photographing section 30 is used for photographing (printing position detection). And for detecting the angle of the dividing line), and send the captured image to the control unit 80. Based on the image sent from the photographing unit 30, the control unit 80 generates and stores the offset information of the tablet T (for example, the offset of the tablet T in the X direction, the Y direction, and the θ direction). Printing data such as line angle information. Based on this print data, the control unit 80 sets the printing conditions (the ink ejection position or ejection speed, etc.) for the tablet T and saves it. In addition, the print data is print data for matching the dividing line with the print identification information (an example of information).
Next, the lozenge T on the conveying belt 11 is based on the timing based on the position information of the conveying direction A1 of the lozenge T, that is, the timing at which the lozenge T reaches directly below the printing section 40, and is printed according to the above-mentioned printing data and printing conditions. Section 40 performs printing. In the printing unit 40, ink is appropriately ejected from each nozzle, and the identification information of characters (for example, Roman letters, katakana, codes) or marks (for example, symbols, graphics), etc., is aligned with the dividing line on the upper surface (surface) of the tablet T. For example, printing is performed parallel to the extending direction of the dividing line. In addition, since all the tablets T directly below the imaging unit 30 have a state where the surface on which the dividing line is formed is upward, only the surface of the tablets T on the conveying belt 11 is printed.
Subsequently, the lozenge T printed with the identification information is positioned at the end on the downstream side of the conveying direction A1 of the conveying belt 11, that is, when the lozenge T on the conveying belt 11 is opposed to the reversing nozzle 14b, gas is ejected from the reversing nozzle 14b . The lozenge T on the conveying belt 11 moves from the conveying belt 11 to the reversing tube 14 a, passes through the reversing tube 14 a, and then reverses, and moves to the conveying belt 12. That is, the lozenge T in the state where the surface on which the dividing line is formed is up, moves to the conveying belt 12 in a state where the surface thereof is down, that is, the back side on which the dividing line is not formed is up. Therefore, when the lozenge T conveyed in a state where the surface on which the dividing line is formed is up, when passing through the reversing tube 14a, the back surface on which the dividing line is not formed becomes the upper surface, and therefore, it moves from the reversing tube 14a to the conveying direction A2. All the tablets T on the downstream conveying belt 12 are conveyed in a state where the back surface is upward.
Next, the lozenge T on the conveying belt 12 is based on the timing of the position information in the conveying direction A2 according to the position information of the conveying direction A1 of the lozenge T, that is, the time when the lozenge T reaches directly above the mirror M1 and the imaging unit 60 At the timing directly below, the photographing unit 50 is used for photographing (for inspection and dividing line angle detection), and the photographing unit 60 is also used for photographing (for printing position detection), and the photographed image is sent to the control unit 80. Based on the image sent from the photographing unit 50, the control unit 80 generates and saves the printing inspection information showing the printing position of the printing pattern of the tablet T. Based on the printing inspection information, the control unit 80 judges the printing quality of the tablets T, and the control unit 80 saves printing quality result information (inspection results) showing the results of the printing quality of each tablet T. For example, it is determined whether the printing pattern is printed on a predetermined position of the tablet T. In addition, based on the images sent from the imaging unit 60 or the imaging unit 50, the control unit 80 generates the offset information of the tablet T (for example, the offset of the tablet T in the X direction, the Y direction, and the θ direction), Print data such as information on the angle of the dividing line is formed and saved. Based on this printing data, the control unit 80 sets and maintains the printing conditions for the tablet T. In addition, the print data is print data for matching the dividing line with the print identification information (an example of information).
Next, the lozenge T on the conveying belt 12 is printed by the printing section 40 at the timing based on the position information in the conveying direction A2, that is, the timing when the lozenge T reaches directly below the printing section 40, based on the printing data and printing conditions. In the printing unit 40, ink is appropriately ejected from each nozzle, and printing is performed on the upper surface (rear surface) of the tablet T so that the identification information such as characters or marks is aligned with the dividing line (for example, parallel to the extending direction of the dividing line). In addition, since all of the tablets T on the conveying belt 12 are conveyed in a state where the back surface on which the dividing line is not formed is on the upper side, only the back side is printed with respect to the tablets T on the conveying belt 12. However, printing is performed only on the lozenges T that have passed the inspection, and printing is not performed on the lozenges T that have failed the inspection.
Next, the lozenge T on the conveying belt 12 is photographed by the photographing section 70 at the timing based on the position information of the conveying direction A2 of the lozenge T, that is, the timing when the lozenge T reaches directly below the photographing section 70 (for inspection) , The captured image is sent to the control unit 80. Based on the image sent from the photographing unit 70, the control unit 80 generates and saves the printing inspection information showing the printing position of the printing pattern of the tablet T. Based on the printing inspection information, the control unit 80 judges the printing quality of the tablets T, and the control unit 80 saves printing quality result information (inspection results) showing the results of the printing quality of each tablet T. For example, it is determined whether to print the printing pattern to a predetermined position of the tablet T. Subsequently, the good product and the defective lozenge T were separated and recovered.
According to the above printing steps, the tablet T is printed on both sides of the tablet T by one printing unit 40 while the two conveying belts 11 and 12 move back and forth. Although the front and back of the tablet T are transported by the transporting unit 10 in a random state, the upper surface of the tablet T is aligned with the surface on which the dividing line is formed in the middle of the transport. That is, the control unit 80 determines whether the upper surface of the lozenge T on the conveying belt 11 is the surface. If it is determined that the upper surface is not the surface, when the lozenge T to be judged is opposed to the reverse nozzle 13b, the reverse nozzle 13b ejects gas. When the gas is blown out, the lozenge T on the conveying belt 11 moves from the conveying belt 11 to the reversing pipe 13a, and is reversed by the reversing pipe 13a, and returns to the conveying belt 11. Thereby, the lozenge T conveyed with the upper surface as the non-surface, that is, the back surface without the dividing line is on the upper side, passes through the reversing tube 13a to make the surface upward, so that all the tablets T on the conveying belt 11 are reversed. The diversion pipe 13a is further toward the downstream side of the conveying direction A1, and the surface is in an upward state. In this way, the front and back sides of the tablet T are transported uniformly. When printing is performed on the surface of the tablet T, printing can be performed on all the tablets T. Therefore, it is compared with the case where the tablet T is transported inconsistently with the front and back sides. , Can improve printing efficiency. Even when printing is performed on the back of the tablet T, printing can be performed on all the tablets T in the same manner. Therefore, compared with the case where the tablet T is conveyed inconsistently on the front and back, the printing efficiency can still be improved. In addition, it is not necessary to perform printing on the back surface of the lozenge T for the lozenge T that has failed the inspection based on the image obtained by the imaging unit 50 as described above.
As described above, according to the first embodiment, according to the detection result of the dividing line (an example of the mark) of the tablet T, the conveying unit 10 is moved so that the front and back sides of the tablet T conveyed by the conveying unit 10 are aligned. The conveyed lozenge T moves toward the reversing tube 13a, so that the front and back surfaces of the lozenge T can be transported uniformly. For example, all the surfaces of the lozenge T on the front and back sides can be transported in a random state and transported in an upward state. Therefore, it can be used to convey the tablets T uniformly on the front and back and print on the surface of the tablets T. Printing can be performed on all the tablets T. Therefore, compared with the case where the tablets T are conveyed inconsistently on the front and back, it can be improved. Printing efficiency. In addition, when printing on the back of the tablet T, printing can be performed on all the tablets T in the same manner. Therefore, the printing efficiency can be improved compared with the case where the tablet T is conveyed inconsistently with the front and back.
In addition, although the above-mentioned tablet printing device 1A has the printing unit 40 installed above both the two conveying belts 11 and 12, when printing on one side of the tablet T, it only needs to be installed on either of the conveying belts. Just above the belt. For example, when printing is performed only on the surface of the tablet T, all the surfaces of the tablet T are printed in the printing section 40 provided above the conveying belt 11. At this time, the lozenge T is uniformly conveyed so that all the surfaces are upper surfaces on the upstream side of the imaging unit 30. Therefore, the imaging unit 30 detects the direction of the dividing line of the tablets T, and the printing unit 40 can print all tablets T corresponding to the direction of the dividing line. In addition, when printing is performed only on the back surface of the tablet T, the back surface of all the tablets T is printed in the printing section 40 provided above the conveying belt 12. At this time, the lozenge T is conveyed toward the conveying belt 12 in a state where the front and back surfaces are aligned in the reversing portion 13 provided on the conveying belt 11. Therefore, the direction of the dividing line of the lozenge T can be detected in the imaging unit 50. In the printing section 40 of the conveying belt 12, printing can be performed on the back side of all the tablets T corresponding to the direction of the dividing line. As mentioned above, the front and back sides of the tablet T are aligned on the upstream side of the imaging section that detects the direction of the dividing line. Therefore, it is sufficient to provide one printing section 40, which can save space and ink of the device.
Moreover, in addition to moving the lozenge T back and forth by the two conveying belts 11 and 12, it may be further conveyed in the direction of the arrow A1 after being reversed by the reversing part 14. When the tablet T is moved back and forth, the supply part and the recovery part of the tablet T can be brought close to each other, and workability can be improved.
In addition, in the conventional technology, when the front and back sides of the tablet T are transported in a random state, depending on the situation, the printing of the print head where the tablet T first arrives is not performed, but after the tablet T is reversed, another The printing head performs printing. However, as long as the front and back sides of the tablet T are aligned on the upstream side of the print head where the tablet T first arrives, printing can be prevented as described above, and the printing efficiency can be improved. In addition, it is possible to eliminate the timing of no ejection, and it is possible to suppress the ink drying at the tip of the nozzle of the print head. In addition, when performing single-sided printing, the front and back sides of the tablet T are aligned on the upstream side of the print head 40, so that one print head 40 can be provided. In addition, when the printed pattern is different on the front and back of the tablet T, or when the ink printed on the front and back of the tablet T is different, the front and back can be effectively aligned before printing.
<The second embodiment>
For the second embodiment, refer to Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 for description. In addition, the second embodiment will be described with respect to the differences from the first embodiment (conveyor platform, two discharge parts, and unprinted collection part), and other descriptions will be omitted.
As shown in FIG. 5, the conveying unit 10 of the tablet printing apparatus 1B according to the second embodiment is provided with a conveying table 15, a discharge unit 16, an unprinted collection unit 17, and a discharge unit 18.
The conveying table 15 is formed in a disc shape, and is provided at the end of the conveying belt 11 on the downstream side in the conveying direction A1. This conveying table 15 is formed to be rotatable with a rotating shaft 15a as the center, and is configured to suck the upper surface of the tablet T discharged from the reversing tube 14a of the reversing section 14 by suction (see FIG. 6). The conveying table 15 sucks the upper surface of the lozenge T discharged from the outlet H2 of the reversing pipe 14a, and rotates around the shaft 15a. Then, when the lozenge T is located above the conveying belt 12, the suction is released and the reversing pipe The lozenges T discharged from 14a are supplied to the conveying belt 12.
In addition, the imaging unit 50 is provided to perform imaging of the underside of the tablet T (the surface of the tablet T in the case of the present embodiment) adsorbed by the transport table 15. The photographing section 50 takes pictures at the timing when the lozenge T reaches directly above the photographing section 50, acquires an image including the underside of the lozenge T (for inspection and for detecting the angle of the dividing line), and sends the acquired image to the control Department 80.
The discharge part 16 has a discharge pipe 16a and a discharge nozzle 16b. The discharge pipe 16a has a function as a discharge path for discharging the lozenge T, and the discharge nozzle 16b has a function as a moving part for moving the lozenge T to the discharge path. This ejection unit 16 corresponds to the control of the control unit 80 and ejects the lozenges T that have failed the inspection based on the image sent from the imaging unit 50. In addition, the unqualified tablet T is, for example, a tablet that cannot be printed at the correct position by the printing unit 40, and the characters or marks to be printed are printed in a different shape (a tablet that cannot be reused). The control unit 80 compares the identification information actually printed on the tablet T by the printing unit 40 and the predetermined identification information printed by the printing unit 40 based on the image taken by the imaging unit 50, and judges whether the tablet T is qualified or not. no. At this time, the control unit 80 also judges the presence or absence of printing on the lozenge T, and grasps the unprinted lozenge (reusable lozenge) T.
The discharge pipe 16a is located on the downstream side of the conveying direction A2 than the position where the conveying table 15 is provided, and is located on the upstream side of the conveying direction A2 than the position where the photographing unit 60 is provided, and is arranged to discharge the lozenges on the conveying belt 12 T. This discharge pipe 16a has an inlet H1 and an outlet H2. The lower end of the inlet H1 is a position corresponding to the height of the upper surface of the conveying belt 12, and the outlet H2 is located in a recovery box (not shown).
The discharge nozzle 16b is provided at a position where gas (for example, air) is ejected toward the inlet H1 of the discharge pipe 16a, moves the tablet T on the conveying belt 12 toward the inlet H1 of the discharge pipe 16a, and is discharged through the discharge pipe 16a. The gas ejection direction is the direction in which the lozenge T on the conveying belt 12 is moved in the conveying direction A2 in the direction crossing the horizontal plane (for example, the orthogonal direction), and the valve (not shown) that controls the gas ejection through the discharge nozzle 16b ) Is electrically connected to the control unit 80, and its driving is controlled by the control unit 80.
The unprinted collection part 17 has a collection pipe 17a and a collection nozzle 17b. The recovery pipe 17a has a function as a recovery path for recovering the tablet T, and the recovery nozzle 17b has a function of a moving part that moves the tablet T toward the recovery path. The unprinted collection unit 17 is controlled by the corresponding control unit 80. As described above, the tablet T judged to be unprinted (reusable) is discharged by inspection based on the image sent from the photographing unit 50.
In addition, the configuration of the recovery pipe 17a and the recovery nozzle 17b is basically the same as that of the discharge pipe 16a and the discharge nozzle 16b, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted. However, the collection tube 17a and the collection nozzle 17b, that is, the unprinted collection portion 17 is located on the downstream side of the conveying direction A2 than the position where the discharge portion 16 is provided, and is provided in the conveying direction than the position where the imaging unit 60 is provided. The upstream side of A2.
The discharge part 18 has a discharge pipe 18a and a discharge nozzle 18b. The discharge pipe 18a has a function as a discharge path for discharging the tablet T, and the discharge nozzle 18b has a function of a moving part for moving the tablet T to the discharge path. The discharge unit 18 is controlled by the control unit 80, and discharges the unqualified lozenges T based on the image sent from the imaging unit 70 by inspection. In addition, the control unit 80 performs the same processing as described above based on the image captured by the imaging unit 70 to determine whether the tablet T is qualified.
In addition, the configuration of the discharge pipe 18a and the discharge nozzle 18b is basically the same as that of the discharge pipe 16a and the discharge nozzle 16b, and therefore the description thereof is omitted. However, the discharge pipe 18a and the discharge nozzle 16b, that is, the discharge part 18, are provided on the downstream side of the conveyance direction A2 than the position where the imaging part 70 is provided.
The printing steps (printing processing and inspection processing) performed by the tablet printing apparatus 1B configured as described above are basically the same as those of the first embodiment. However, corresponding to the inspection result of the lozenge T, the lozenge T on the conveying belt 12 is discharged by the discharge unit 16 or the discharge unit 18, or is collected by the unprinted collection unit 17. As described above, only the discharging part 16 or the unprinted collecting part 17 and the discharging part 18 of a simplified structure are provided, and the tablets T that have failed the inspection can be collected. In addition, the unqualified lozenges T can be recovered separately, that is, the unreusable lozenges T and the reusable lozenges T.
As explained above, according to the second embodiment, the same effect as the first embodiment can be obtained. In addition, only the discharging part 16 or the unprinted collecting part 17 and the discharging part 18 of a simple structure can be collected to collect the tablets T that have failed the inspection. Therefore, compared with the case where a complicated collection device is installed, the simplified device can be realized.化.
Here, when describing the modification of the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the height position of the conveying belt 12 becomes lower than the height position of the conveying belt 11. Thereby, the lozenge T can be smoothly moved from the conveying belt 11 in the high position to the conveying belt 12 in the low position. Therefore, the occurrence of clogging of the lozenge T in the reversing tube 14a can be suppressed, and the occurrence of clogging due to the lozenge T can be suppressed. Poor handling results in reduced handling efficiency.
<The third embodiment>
Refer to Fig. 7 for the description of the third embodiment. In addition, the third embodiment will be described with respect to the difference (shuttle) from the first embodiment, and other descriptions will be omitted. However, members with the same symbols related to this embodiment as those related to other embodiments are basically the same (that is, when not specifically described) as the other embodiments (the same applies to the following embodiments).
As shown in FIG. 7, the tablet printing apparatus 1C according to the third embodiment is provided with two shutters S1 and S2. And, the lozenge T is supplied to the conveying belt 11 from the supply part 11a.
The shuttle S1 is provided at the end of the conveying belt 11 on the upstream side in the conveying direction A1. The slide gate S1 is formed to be movable in a closed position that prevents the lozenge T supplied from the supply part 11 a and an open position where the lozenge T supplied from the supply part 11 a flows to the position of the conveying belt 11. When the shuttle S1 moves toward the above-mentioned closed position, that is, when it is closed, it restricts the supply of the lozenge T from the supply part 11a to the conveying belt 11. The shuttle S1 is electrically connected to the control unit 80, and its driving is controlled by the control unit 80.
The shuttle S2 is provided to close the outlet H2 of the reversing pipe 13a. This shutter S2 is formed in a closed position that prevents the lozenge T from moving in the reversing tube 13a and an open position that allows the lozenge T moved in the reversing tube 13a to flow to the position of the conveying belt 11. When the shuttle S2 moves to the above-mentioned closed position, that is, when it is closed, the tablet T is restricted from passing through the reversing tube 13a. The shuttle S2 is electrically connected to the control unit 80, and its driving is controlled by the control unit 80.
In the lozenge printing apparatus 1C configured as described above, when the shuttle S1 is closed every time a certain period of time passes, the shuttle S2 is opened while the supply of the lozenges T to the conveying belt 11 is stopped, and the shuttle S2 is stopped in the reversing tube 13a. The lozenges T inside are gathered back to the conveying belt 11. Also, normally, the shuttle S2 is closed. Therefore, when the lozenge T on the conveying belt 11 moves toward the reversing pipe 13a by the gas ejected from the reversing nozzle 13b, the lozenge T is kept in the reversing pipe 13a. In other words, the reversing tube 13a is used to make the lozenge T stay in the reversing tube 13a in advance, and while the supply of the lozenge T to the conveying belt 11 is stopped, the lozenge T staying in the reversing tube 13a is returned to To the conveyor belt 11. When the lozenge T staying in the reversing tube 13a returns to the conveying belt 11, gas may be ejected from the reversing nozzle 13b.
As explained above, according to the third embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained. In addition, the timing of returning the lozenge T from the reversing tube 13a to the conveying belt 11 can be changed, and therefore the position of the lozenge T returning from the reversing pipe 13a to the conveying belt 11 of the conveying belt 11 can be adjusted.
In addition, in the third embodiment described above, although the shuttle S2 is opened to gather the plural tablets T and then returned to the conveying belt 11, a brake may be provided on the front side of the shuttle S2, or the ingots of the conveying belt 11 may be returned. The agents T are separated from each other and returned to the conveying belt 11. In addition, the interval can be adjusted to be equal. As a result, since a plurality of tablets T are transported at intervals, it is possible to prevent the tablets T from being clogged in steps on the downstream side of the imaging unit 30, the printing unit 40, and the like.
<The fourth embodiment>
Refer to Fig. 8 for the description of the fourth embodiment. In addition, the fourth embodiment is described with respect to the difference (conveying part) from the first embodiment, and other descriptions are omitted.
As shown in FIG. 8, the tablet printing apparatus 1D according to the fourth embodiment includes three conveying parts 91, 92, and 93. The conveying parts 91, 92, and 93 are installed in a horizontal state. In FIG. 8, the conveying section 91 is arranged on the left side of the upper end of the conveying section 92, and the conveying section 93 is arranged on the left side of the lower end of the conveying section 92.
The conveyance part 91 has a conveyance belt 91a, the conveyance part 92 has a conveyance belt 92a, and the conveyance part 93 has a conveyance belt 93a. Each conveying belt 92a, 93a is provided with two conveying paths P1, P2, respectively. The conveyance path P1 is the deep side on the paper in FIG. 8 and extends in the belt extending direction. The conveyance path P2 is the front side on the paper in FIG. 8 and extends in the belt extending direction. These conveyance paths P1 and P2 are respectively formed by a plurality of suction holes (not shown) arranged in a row. A suction cavity (not shown) is provided inside each of the conveying belts 91a, 92a, and 93a, and the lozenge T is sucked by the suction of the suction cavity through the suction hole. In addition, the conveying parts 91, 92, and 93 are synchronized, and even if the lozenge T moves between the conveying parts, the location can still be specified by an encoder or the like.
The conveying unit 91 sucks the upper surface of the tablets T conveyed in a row in a random state of the front and back by the conveying belt 91a, conveys the tablets T in a row in the conveying direction A1, and supplies them to the conveying path P1 of the conveying unit 92. Moreover, the conveyance part 91 conveys the lozenge T so that it may hang on the lower side of the conveyance belt 91a. The conveying part 92 sucks the underside of the tablets T supplied from the conveying part 91 by the conveying belt 92a, and conveys the tablets T in a row along the conveying path P1 in the conveying direction A1 in a random state on the front and back, and the reversing part 13 During conveyance, the surface of all the tablets T is turned up (that is, the back surface of the tablets T is moved toward the reversing part 13 on the conveying belt 92a based on the detection result of the detection part 20a described later). After that, all the surfaces become the upper fixed dose T, and it is conveyed to the downstream side with the rotation of the conveying belt 92a, and is supplied to the conveying path P1 of the conveying section 93 (the printing object of the printing section 40 of the conveying path P1 is the surface of the tablet T ).
The conveying section 93 conveys the tablets T supplied from the conveying section 92 in a row along the conveying path P1 in the conveying direction A2 (at this time, the back of all the tablets T are up), and the reversing section 13 During the conveyance, all the tablets T have their surfaces up, and move from the conveyance path P1 to the conveyance path P2 (make the exit H2 of the reversing part 13 face the conveyance path P2), and move along the conveyance path P2 in the conveyance direction A2 is conveyed in a row, and is supplied to the conveyance path P2 of the conveyance part 92. The conveying unit 92 sucks the tablets T supplied from the conveying unit 93 by the conveying belt 92a, and conveys them in a row along the conveying path P2 (the printing target of the printing unit 40 of the conveying path P2 is the back of the tablet T). Then, when the lozenge T is transferred from the conveying unit 92 to the conveying unit 93, the lozenge T is reversed.
A detection unit 20a is provided for the conveying unit 91. The detection part 20a is provided below the conveying part 91, and the lower surface of the lozenge T conveyed by the conveying part 91 is sucked by the upper surface. This detection part 20a is for detecting the presence or absence of a dividing line.
The conveyance path P1 with respect to the conveyance part 92 is provided with the reversing part 13, the detection part 20b, the imaging part 30, the printing part 40, and the imaging part 50a, and are arranged in the conveyance direction A1 in this order. In addition, the conveyance path P2 of the conveyance section 92 is provided with a detection section 20b, a photographing section 60, the above-mentioned printing section 40, and the photographing section 70 are arranged in the conveying direction A1 in this order. The reversing part 13 has the same structure as that of the first embodiment. The detecting unit 20b is for detecting the shooting timing. The imaging unit 30 is for printing position detection and dividing line angle detection, the imaging unit 50a is for inspection, the imaging unit 60 is for printing position detection, and the imaging unit 70 is for inspection.
The conveying part 93 is provided with the reversing part 13 which reverses and moves the lozenge T from the conveying path P1 to the conveying path P2. Although this reversing portion 13 has the same configuration as the first embodiment, the reversing tube 13a is formed to reversely move the lozenge T from the conveying path P1 to the conveying path P2. In addition, a detection unit 20 b and an imaging unit 50 b are provided with respect to the conveyance path P2 of the conveyance unit 93. The detecting unit 20b is for detecting the shooting timing, and the shooting unit 50b is for detecting the angle of the dividing line.
In the lozenge printing device 1D configured as above, the lozenges T transported in a random front and back state are transported in a row in the transport direction A1 by the transporting belt 91a of the transporting section 91, and are detected by the detecting section 20a. The presence or absence of dividing lines. Then, the suction of the conveying belt 91a is released at the end of the conveying unit 91, thereby supplying to the conveying path P1 of the conveying unit 92. The lozenges T supplied from the conveying section 91 to the conveying path P1 of the conveying section 92 are sucked by the conveying belt 92a of the conveying section 92 and conveyed in a row along the conveying path P1 in the conveying direction A1. The reversing part 13 inverts the lozenge T conveyed in the state where the back surface is up, in accordance with the detection result of the detection part 20a, and turns the surface into the up state (refer to 1st Embodiment). That is, for the lozenges T having a dividing line detected by the detection section 20a, the back surface of the lozenges T is upward in the conveying section 92, so the reversing section 13 reverses the lozenges T. In the conveying path P1 located downstream of the conveying direction A1 than the reversing part 13, all the surfaces of the tablet T are conveyed in the upward state.
When detecting the lozenge T on the transport path P1 of the transporting section 92 by the detecting unit 20b (for shooting timing), based on the detection timing, that is, the timing when the lozenge T reaches directly below the shooting section 30, the shooting section 30 (printing (For position detection) to photograph the upper surface of the lozenge T on the conveyance path P1, and print it with the printing section 40 based on the image, and use the photographing section 50a (for inspection) to photograph the upper surface of the lozenge T after printing, and inspect it The quality of printing (refer to the first embodiment). Furthermore, the detection part 20a of the conveyance part 91 also has a function as a position detector, and the detection part 20b of the conveyance part 92 can also be omitted by this. In addition, the detection unit 20b is provided on the upstream side in the conveying direction than the reversing unit 13 of the conveying unit 92, and can also be used for the detection of the lozenge and the presence or absence of the dividing line.
After the inspection, the lozenges T sucked and conveyed by the conveying belt 92 a of the conveying unit 92 are supplied to the conveying path P1 of the conveying unit 93 below the conveying unit 92. When the lozenge T is transferred from the conveying part 92 to the conveying part 93, the lozenge T is reversed. The lozenges T supplied from the conveyance section 92 to the conveyance path P1 of the conveyance section 93 are sucked by the conveyance belt 93a of the conveyance section 93 and are conveyed in a row along the conveyance path P1 in the conveyance direction A2. The inversion part 13 inverts all the tablets T from the back to the surface, makes the surface an upward state, and moves from the conveyance path P1 to the conveyance path P2. The tablets T moved to the conveying path P2 are sucked by the conveying belt 93a of the conveying section 93 and conveyed in a row in the conveying direction A2 along the conveying path P2.
When the detection unit 20b (for shooting timing) detects the lozenge T on the transport path P2 of the transporting section 93, according to the detection timing, that is, the timing when the lozenge T reaches directly below the shooting section 50b, the shooting section 50b (separation line) For angle detection) The upper surface of the lozenge T on the photographic transport path P2 is subjected to angle detection of the dividing line, and is supplied to the transport path P2 of the transport section 92. When the lozenge T is transferred from the conveying part 93 to the conveying part 92, the lozenge T is reversed. The lozenges T supplied to the conveying path P2 are sucked by the conveying belt 92a of the conveying section 92 and conveyed in a row along the conveying path P2. When the angle information of the dividing line obtained by the imaging unit 50b is transported in a state where the back surface where the dividing line is not formed in the subsequent printing is carried, it is used to print the identification information uniformly on the back dividing line.
When detecting the lozenges T on the conveying path P2 of the photographing section 92 by the detecting unit 20b (for photographing timing), the photographing section 60 (for printing position detection) is used to carry out the lozenges T on the conveying path P2 according to the detection timing. According to the image, the printing section 40 is used for printing, and the photographing section 70 (for inspection) is used to photograph the top surface of the printed tablet T to check the printing quality (refer to the first embodiment). Subsequently, the good product and the defective lozenge T were separated and recovered.
As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.
<Fifth Embodiment>
For the fifth embodiment, refer to Fig. 9 to Fig. 11 for description. In addition, the fifth embodiment is described with respect to the difference (conveying part) from the first embodiment, and other descriptions are omitted.
As shown in FIG. 9, the tablet printing apparatus 1E according to the fifth embodiment includes three conveying units 101, 102, and 103. Each conveyance part 101, 102, 103 is installed in a horizontal state. In FIG. 9, the conveying unit 101 is arranged on the left side of the upper end of the conveying unit 102, and the conveying unit 103 is arranged on the left side of the lower end of the conveying unit 102. The conveying parts 101, 102, 103 are the same as the fourth embodiment (synchronization, speed, etc.). For example, the conveying part 101 is the same as the conveying part 91 related to the fourth embodiment, and sucks the tablet under the conveying belt 101a. T carry it out.
The conveying unit 101 sucks the upper surface of the tablets T conveyed in four rows in a random front and back state by the conveying belt 101a, conveys the tablets T in the conveying direction A1 in four rows, and supplies the tablets T to the conveying unit 102. The conveying unit 102 sucks the underside of the tablets T supplied from the conveying unit 101 by the conveying belt 102a, and conveys the tablets T in four rows in the conveying direction A1 in a random state on the front and back, and conveys the tablets T by the reversing unit 13A. The surface of all the tablets T is turned on in the middle, and is supplied to the conveying unit 103 (the surface of the tablets T is a printing target). The conveying part 103 sucks the lower surface of the lozenge T supplied from the conveying part 102 by the conveying belt 103a, and conveys the lozenges T in four rows in the conveying direction A2 (the back of the lozenge T is a printing target).
Two detection units 20a are provided at positions opposite to the surface on which the conveying unit 101 conveys the tablet T. At a position opposite to the surface on which the tablet T is conveyed by the conveying section 102, a reversing section 13A, two detecting sections 20b, two photographing sections 30, a printing section 40, and two photographing sections 50 are arranged in order in the conveying direction. A1. With respect to the conveying unit 103, two detection units 20b, two imaging units 60, a printing unit 40, and two imaging units 70 are arranged in the conveying direction A2 in this order. In addition, a drying unit 90 is individually provided at a position opposed to the surface of the lozenge T conveyed by the respective conveying units 102 and 103, for example, located below the respective conveying units 102 and 103. The drying parts 90 dry the ink applied on the tablet T or the tablet T itself by radiant heat or wind. Each drying unit 90 is electrically connected to the control unit 80, and the driving thereof is controlled by the control unit 80.
Each detection part 20a is located below the conveyance part 101, and is provided with the conveyance part 101 to photograph the lower surface of the lozenge T conveyed by adsorption of the upper surface. These detection parts 20a are for detecting the presence or absence of a dividing line. The printing unit 40 has the same configuration as the printing unit 40 related to the first embodiment. The detecting part 20b is used for detecting the shooting timing of the tablet T. The imaging unit 30 is used for printing position detection and dividing line angle detection, and the imaging unit 50 is used for inspection and dividing line angle detection. The imaging unit 60 is for printing position detection, and the imaging unit 70 is for inspection.
As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the reversing section 13A has four reversing pipes 13a; four reversing nozzles 13b; two non-reversing pipes 13c; and two non-reversing nozzles 13d. The reversing tube 13a has a function as a reversing path for reversing the lozenge T, and the non-reversing pipe 13c has a function of a non-reversing path for causing the lozenge T to flow without reversing. The reversing nozzle 13b and the non-reversing path The reversing nozzle 13d has a function as a moving part for moving the lozenge T.
The conveyance part 102 has four conveyance paths L1-L4 which can convey the lozenge T in four rows. The reversing pipe 13a is installed in each row of the conveyance paths L1 to L4. The reversing pipes 13a installed on the conveying paths L1 and L2 on the upper end side of the conveying belt 102a in Figure 11 (on the paper) are arranged to extend toward the upper end of the conveying belt 102a. The reversing pipes 13a of the conveying paths L3 and L4 on the lower end side in Fig. 11 are arranged and formed to extend toward the lower end side in Fig. 11. Among the two reversing pipes 13a extending toward the upper end of the conveying belt 102a in Figure 11, the reversing pipe 13a on the upstream side in the conveying direction A1 is for the conveying path L1, and the reversing pipe 13a on the downstream side is the conveying path For L2. In addition, of the two reversing pipes 13a extending toward the lower end of the conveying belt 102a in Figure 11, the upstream reversing pipe 13a is for the conveying path L4, and the downstream reversing pipe 13a is the conveying path L3. use.
The non-reversing tube 13c is provided in each row in two rows at both ends of the four rows. A non-reversing pipe 13c is provided at the upper end of the conveying belt 102a in Fig. 11, and this non-reversing pipe 13c is for the conveyance path L1. A non-reversing pipe 13c is provided at the lower end of the conveying belt 102a in Figure 11, and this non-reversing pipe 13c is for the conveyance path L4. Each non-reversing tube 13c is provided on the upstream side of the conveying direction A1 than each of the reversing pipes 13a, and the conveyed lozenges T are not reversed and moved toward the downstream side of the conveying direction A1.
Here, for example, the lozenge Ta (see Fig. 11) in the conveying path L3 with the back side up and the lozenge Tb (see Fig. 11) in the conveying path L4 with the surface up and the When the position in the conveying direction A1 is the same, that is, in a state of being aligned horizontally, even if the lozenge Ta of the conveying path L3 is moved toward the reversing pipe 13a by the gas ejected from the reversing nozzle 13b, the conveying path L4 The lozenge Tb is still a hindrance. Therefore, before moving the lozenge Ta of the conveying path L3 toward the reversing pipe 13a, the gas ejected from the non-reversing nozzle 13d moves the lozenge Tb of the conveying path L4 toward the non-reversing pipe 13c, so that the back The state in which the lozenge Ta of the conveyance path L3 in the upper state and the lozenge Tb of the conveyance path L4 in the upper state are eliminated is eliminated. Thereby, the lozenge Ta of the conveyance path L3 can be moved toward the pipe 13a for reversing by the gas ejected from the reversing nozzle 13b. In addition, the lozenges Tb of the conveying path L4 move toward the conveying path L4 through the non-reversing tube 13c while maintaining the state where the surface is up by the gas ejected from the non-reversing nozzle 13d.
When the inverted portion 13A transports the tablets T in four rows in a random state on the front and back, corresponding to the presence or absence of a dividing line (the front and back of the tablet T), the four rows of tablets T are selectively placed between the front and the back The lozenge T in the upper state is reversed so that the lozenge T is transported in four rows in a state where the front and back are random, so that all the surfaces are on the upper side. Thereby, on the conveying belt 102a on the downstream side of the conveying direction A1 from the reversing portion 13A, all the tablets T are conveyed in a state where the surfaces are all up.
In the lozenge printing apparatus 1E configured as above, the lozenges T transported in four rows toward the conveying section 101 in a random state on the front and back are attracted by the conveying belt 101a of the conveying section 101 and moved in four rows in the conveying direction A1. It is transported and supplied to the transport unit 102. In the middle of this, the presence or absence of the dividing line under the tablet T sucked and conveyed by the conveying belt 101a of the conveying section 101 is detected by each detection section 20a (for detecting the presence or absence of a dividing line). The tablets T supplied from the conveying section 101 to the conveying section 102 are sucked by the conveying belt 102a of the conveying section 102 and are conveyed in four rows in the conveying direction A1. The reversing part 13A reverses the lozenge T conveyed in a state where the back surface is on the top according to the detection result of each detection part 20a, and becomes a state where the surface is on the top. All the tablets T on the downstream side of the conveying direction A1 from the reversing portion 13A are conveyed in a state where the surface is up.
When detecting the lozenge T on the conveying belt 102a by each detecting unit 20b (for shooting timing), the detecting timing based on these, that is, the timing when the lozenge T reaches directly below the imaging unit 30, is used by each imaging unit 30 (For printing position detection) Photographing the top of the lozenge T on the conveying belt 102a. Based on these images, the printing section 40 is used to print together in four rows, and the photographing sections 50 (for inspection and dividing line angle detection) ) Take a photograph of the top of the printed tablet T to check its printing quality.
After the inspection, the lozenges T sucked and conveyed by the conveying belt 102 a of the conveying section 102 pass above the drying section 90, and are supplied to the conveying section 103 in four rows below the conveying section 102. The lozenges T supplied from the conveying section 102 to the conveying section 103 are sucked by the conveying belt 103a of the conveying section 103 and conveyed in the conveying direction A2 in four rows.
When detecting the lozenge T on the conveying belt 103a by each detecting unit 20b (for photography timing), according to the timing of these detections, that is, the timing when the lozenge T reaches directly below the photographing unit 60, the photographing unit 60 (printing For position detection) to photograph the top of the lozenge T on the conveying belt 103a, and print the printed lozenges T in four rows by the printing section 40 based on these images, and use each photographing section 70 (for inspection) to photograph the printed lozenges T Above, check the quality of its printing. After that, the good product and the defective tablet T are separated and recovered.
As explained above, according to the fifth embodiment, the same effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained. In addition, printing in four rows together with respect to the tablets T conveyed in four rows can increase the amount of printing per unit time, thereby improving the printing efficiency.
Also in this embodiment, similar to the above-mentioned fourth embodiment, the detection unit 20b is provided on the upstream side of the reversing unit 13A in the conveying direction, which can serve as both the presence or absence detection of the dividing line and the lozenge position detection.
<The sixth embodiment>
For the sixth embodiment, refer to Fig. 12 to Fig. 14 for description. In addition, the sixth embodiment is described with respect to the difference (conveying part) from the first embodiment, and other descriptions are omitted.
As shown in FIG. 12, the tablet printing apparatus 1F according to the sixth embodiment includes five conveying units 111, 112, 113, 114, and 115. The conveying section 113 is installed in a vertical state in the longitudinal direction, and the conveying sections 111, 112, 114, and 115 are installed in a horizontal state. On the paper in FIG. 12, the conveying section 111 is arranged on the left side of the lower end of the conveying section 113, and the conveying section 112 is arranged on the right side of the lower end of the conveying section 113. In addition, the conveying unit 114 is provided on the right side of the upper portion of the conveying unit 113, and the conveying unit 115 is provided on the left side of the upper portion of the conveying unit 113.
The conveying section 111 uses the conveying belt 111a to absorb the tablets T in a random state on the front and back and conveys them in two rows in the conveying direction A1. The reversing section 13B makes the back of all the tablets T in the upper state during the conveying process. To the transport unit 113. In addition, the conveying unit 112 is also the same as the conveying unit 111. The conveying belt 112a adsorbs the tablets T in a random state on the front and back and conveys them in two rows in the conveying direction A2. The reversing unit 13B transports all the tablets T in the middle of the conveyance. All the backs are in the upper state, and are supplied to the conveyance part 113.
The conveying unit 113 sucks the tablets T supplied from the conveying unit 111 by the conveying belt 113 a and conveys them in two rows in the conveying direction A3 (the surface of the tablets T is a printing target), and is supplied to the conveying unit 114. In addition, the conveying unit 113 sucks the tablets T supplied from the conveying unit 112 by the conveying belt 113 b and conveys them in the conveying direction A4 in two rows (the surface of the tablet T is a printing target), and supplies the tablets to the conveying unit 115.
The conveying section 114 uses the conveying belt 114a to absorb the tablets T supplied from the conveying section 113 and conveys them in two rows in the conveying direction A1 (the back of the tablets T is up), and the reversing section 14A transports all the tablets in the middle of the conveyance. The T surfaces are all up, and they are sucked by the conveying belt 114b and conveyed in the conveying direction A2 in two rows, and return to the conveying section 113. In addition, the conveying unit 115 also sucks the tablets T supplied from the conveying unit 113 by the conveying belt 115a and conveys them in two rows in the conveying direction A2 (the back of the tablets T is up), and the reversing unit 14A makes all the tablets T supplied from the conveying unit 113 The surface of the tablet T is all up, and it is sucked by the conveying belt 115b and conveyed in the conveying direction A1 in two rows, and returns to the conveying unit 113.
The conveying unit 113 sucks the tablets T supplied from the conveying unit 114 by the conveying belt 113b and conveys them in two rows in the conveying direction A4 (the back surface of the tablet T is a printing target). In addition, the conveying unit 113 sucks the tablets T supplied from the conveying unit 115 by the conveying belt 113a and conveys them in the conveying direction A3 in two rows (the back surface of the tablet T is a printing target). In the middle of these transportations, the tablets T of good and defective products are separated and collected (the collection part is not shown).
As shown in FIG. 13, the reversing part 13B has two reversing parts 13 (the reversing pipe 13a and the reversing nozzle 13b) related to the first embodiment. One of the inverting portions 13B is provided in the two rows for conveying the lozenges T to correspond to one row, and the other inverting portion 13B is provided to correspond to the other row.
As shown in Fig. 14, the reversing section 14A has two reversing sections 14 (reversing pipe 14a and reversing nozzle 14b) related to the first embodiment. One of the inverting portions 14A is provided in the two rows for conveying the lozenges T to correspond to one row, and the other inverting portion 14B is provided in correspondence to the other row.
The above-mentioned conveyance part 111 is provided with the detection part 20a (for detecting the presence or absence of a dividing line). With respect to the conveying belt 113a of the conveying section 113, on its right side (Figure 12), the detecting section 20b (for detecting the shooting timing), the photographing section 30 (for detecting the printing position and the angle of the dividing line), the printing section 40 and The photographing section 60 (for printing position detection) is arranged in order in the conveying direction A3. The conveyance belt 114b of the conveyance section 114 is provided with a detection section 20b (for detection of photographing timing) and a photographing section 50 (for inspection and for detecting the angle of the dividing line). With respect to the conveyance belt 113b of the conveyance part 113, the imaging part 70 (for inspection) is provided on the right side (FIG. 12) of the conveyance part 113. As shown in FIG.
In addition, in the same manner as the above-mentioned arrangement, a detection unit 20a (for detecting the presence or absence of a dividing line) is provided for the conveying unit 112. With respect to the conveying belt 113b of the conveying section 113, the detection section 20b (for detecting the photographing timing), the photographing section 30 (for detecting the printing position and the angle of the dividing line), the printing section 40 and The photographing unit 60 (for printing position detection) is arranged in order in the conveying direction A4. The conveyance belt 115b of the conveyance section 115 is provided with a detection section 20b (for detection of photographing timing) and a photographing section 50 (for inspection and for detecting the angle of the dividing line). With respect to the conveyance belt 113a of the conveyance part 113, the imaging part 70 (for inspection) is provided on the left side (FIG. 12) of the conveyance part 113. As shown in FIG.
The printing steps (printing processing and inspection processing) performed by the tablet printing apparatus 1F configured as described above are basically the same as those of the first to fifth embodiments. However, the printing steps related to the fourth embodiment are executed simultaneously on the left and right sides of the conveying section 113. Therefore, the printing volume per unit time can be increased, and the printing efficiency can be improved. In addition, since printing can be performed on both the left and right sides of the conveying section 113 at the same time, even if one of the printing-related parts is repaired, the other printing-related parts can still be used for printing. As a result, printing efficiency can be improved. .
As explained above, according to the sixth embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained. Moreover, printing efficiency can also be improved.
<The seventh embodiment>
Refer to Fig. 15 for the description of the seventh embodiment. In addition, the seventh embodiment is described with respect to the differences (arrangement of each part) from the sixth embodiment, and other descriptions are omitted.
As shown in FIG. 15, the tablet printing apparatus 1G related to the seventh embodiment is provided with the conveying unit 113 related to the sixth embodiment in addition to the parts of the tablet printing device 1F related to the sixth embodiment. That is, two conveying units 113 are provided. The conveying parts 113 are arranged in a vertical state in parallel with each other. In addition, in Figure 15, the conveying section 111 and the conveying section 112 are horizontally arranged in parallel with each other on the left side of the lower end of each conveying section 113, and the conveying section 114 and the conveying section 115 are arranged in parallel with each other in a horizontal state. The left side near the center of section 113.
In addition, the detection unit 20a (for detecting the presence or absence of the dividing line), the detecting unit 20b (for detecting the shooting timing), the imaging unit 30 (for detecting the printing position and the angle of the dividing line), the printing unit 40, and the detecting unit 20b (for detecting the shooting timing) The imaging section 50 (for inspection and dividing line angle detection), the imaging section 60 (for printing position detection), and the imaging section 70 (for inspection) are the same as in the sixth embodiment. The dividing line for the tablet T is provided. The same can be printed on both sides of the tablet T with identification information.
The printing steps (printing processing and inspection processing) performed by the tablet printing apparatus 1G configured as described above are basically the same as those of the sixth embodiment. However, compared with the sixth embodiment, the drying distance that the tablet T moves on the surface of the ink-coated tablet T until it contacts the next conveying belt 114a or 115a becomes longer. Thereby, the ink applied on the tablet T can be surely dried, and therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of printing failures due to undried ink. In addition, compared with the sixth embodiment, by increasing the number of conveying rows of the tablet T, the amount of printing per unit time can be increased, and the printing efficiency can be improved.
As explained above, according to the seventh embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained. In addition, it can suppress the printing failure caused by the undried ink, and can improve the printing efficiency.
<Eighth Embodiment>
Refer to Fig. 16 for the description of the eighth embodiment. In addition, the eighth embodiment is described with respect to the differences (arrangement of each part) from the seventh embodiment, and other descriptions are omitted.
As shown in FIG. 16, the tablet printing apparatus 1H according to the eighth embodiment is equipped with the same parts as the tablet printing apparatus 1G according to the seventh embodiment. On the paper in Fig. 16, the conveying section 111 is horizontally arranged on the left side of the lower end of the conveying section 113 on the deep side among the two conveying sections 113, and the conveying section 112 is the conveying section installed horizontally on the front side. 113 on the right side of the lower end. The conveying section 114 is horizontally installed on the left side near the lower side of the conveying section 113 on the deep side, and the conveying section 115 is horizontally installed on the right side near the lower side of the conveying section 113 on the front side.
The printing steps (printing processing and inspection processing) performed by the tablet printing apparatus 1H configured as described above are basically the same as those of the seventh embodiment. However, compared with the seventh embodiment, printing can be performed on both the left and right sides of the conveying section 113 at the same time. Therefore, even if one of the printing-related parts is repaired, the other printing-related parts can still be used for printing. As a result, printing efficiency can be improved.
As described above, according to the eighth embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained. In addition, it can suppress the printing failure caused by the undried ink, and can improve the printing efficiency.
<Ninth Embodiment>
For the ninth embodiment, refer to Fig. 17 and Fig. 18 for description. In addition, the ninth embodiment is described with respect to differences (arrangement of each part) from the eighth embodiment, and other descriptions are omitted.
As shown in FIG. 17, the tablet printing apparatus 1I according to the ninth embodiment includes five conveying units 116, 117, 118, 119, and 120. The conveying section 117 is installed in a vertical state in the longitudinal direction, the conveying sections 116 and 119 are installed in a horizontal state, and each conveying section 118 and 120 in the shape of a drum is installed between the conveying 117 and the conveying section 119. In FIG. 17, the conveying section 116 is provided on the left side of the lower end of the conveying section 113, and the conveying sections 118, 119, and 120 are provided on the upper end of the conveying section 113.
The conveying part 116 uses the conveying belt 116a to absorb the tablets T in a random state on the front and back and conveys them in the conveying direction A1 in four rows. The reversing part 13A makes the back of all the tablets T in the upper state during the conveying process. To the transport department 117. The conveying unit 117 sucks the tablets T supplied from the conveying unit 111 by the conveying belt 117 a and conveys them in the conveying direction A3 in four rows (the surface of the tablet T is a printing target), and supplies them to the conveying unit 118. The conveying unit 118 sucks the tablets T supplied from the conveying unit 117 by the conveying belt 118 a and conveys them in four rows, and supplies them to the conveying unit 119.
The conveying part 119 sucks the tablets T supplied from the conveying part 118 by the conveying belt 119a and conveys them in four rows in the conveying direction A2 (the surface of the tablets T is up), and the reversing part 14B transfers all the tablets in the middle of the conveyance. All the backs of T are in the upper state, and are supplied to the conveyance unit 120. The conveying part 120 sucks the tablets T supplied from the conveying part 119 by the conveying belt 120a and conveys them in four or two rows. The conveying part 117 sucks the tablets T supplied from the conveying part 120 by the conveying belt 117a and conveys them in the conveying direction A4 in four rows (the back of the tablets T is a printing target). In the middle of such transportation, the good product and the defective tablet T are separated and collected.
As shown in Fig. 18, the reversing portion 14B has four reversing portions 14 (reversing pipe 14a and reversing nozzle 14b) related to the first embodiment. That is, the inverting portion 14 is provided in each column. Thereby, since the lozenge T whose surface is up passes through the tube 14a for inversion in each row, the back surface of all the lozenges T becomes an up state. In addition, the configuration of the reversing portion 13A and the reversing portion 14A is the same as that of the fifth embodiment described previously.
Two detection parts 20a (for detecting the presence or absence of a dividing line) are provided for the conveyance part 116. With respect to the conveying unit 117, on its right side (Figure 17), two detection units 20b (for detecting the shooting timing), two shooting units 30 (for detecting the printing position and detecting the dividing line angle), the printing unit 40, The two imaging parts 50a (for inspection) and the drying part 90 are arranged in order in the conveyance direction A3. With respect to the conveyance unit 119, two detection units 20b (for detecting the shooting timing) are provided on the left side thereof (in FIG. 17). With respect to the conveyance unit 120, two imaging units 50b (for detecting the angle of the dividing line) are provided on the right side thereof (in FIG. 17). With respect to the transport unit 113, on its left side (Figure 17), two detection units 20b (for detecting the shooting timing), two imaging units 60 (for printing position detection), a printing unit 40, and two imaging units 70 are provided. (For inspection), the drying unit 90 is arranged in the order of the conveying direction A4.
The printing steps (printing processing and inspection processing) performed by the tablet printing apparatus 1I configured as described above are basically the same as those of the other embodiments such as the first to the eighth. However, as compared with the case where the drying portion 90 is not provided, the ink applied to the tablet T can be dried surely, and therefore, it is possible to further suppress the occurrence of printing failures due to undried ink.
As explained above, according to the ninth embodiment, the same effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained. In addition, the types of tablet printing devices that print on both sides of the tablet T can be increased, and the occurrence of printing failures caused by the undried ink can be further suppressed, and the printing efficiency can be improved.
And, as described above, two members (each part) are provided for each of the four-row conveyance. Therefore, members are provided in every two rows (that is, one member is assembled in two rows for processing). Although this is the same as the fifth to ninth embodiments (four-row transport), it is still only one row, and all members may be installed in each row.
<Tenth Embodiment>
Refer to Figure 19 for the description of the tenth embodiment. In addition, the tenth embodiment is described with respect to the difference (inverted portion) from the first embodiment, and other descriptions are omitted.
As shown in Fig. 19, the reversing portion 14C according to the tenth embodiment includes a pair of inclined drums 14c and 14d.
The inclined drum 14c has a conical side surface 14c1 centered on an axis inclined at 45 degrees with respect to the width direction of the conveying belt 11, for example. The inclined drum 14c is such that a part of the conical side surface 14c1 is separated from the upper surface of the conveying belt 11 by a predetermined distance (for example, the thickness of the tablet T), and is rotatably installed above the conveying belt 11 by a motor 14e. The separation distance from the conveyor belt 11 is based on the thickness of the tablet T, and is set so that the tablet T can be transferred from the conveyor belt 11 to the inclined drum 14c. The tilt drum 14c is fixed to the output shaft (rotation shaft) of the motor 14e, and rotates around the shaft by the rotation of the motor 14e. The motor 14e is electrically connected to the control unit 80, and its driving is controlled by the control unit 80.
Plural suction holes H3 are formed on the side surface 14c1 of the inclined drum 14c. These suction holes H3 are provided in an annular shape at equal intervals around the axis of the inclined drum 14c. The pressure in the internal space of the tilt drum 14c is maintained at a negative pressure lower than the atmospheric pressure by a suction mechanism (not shown). The tilting drum 14c retains the lozenge T in any one of the adsorption holes H3 by this negative pressure. The above-mentioned suction mechanism is electrically connected to the control unit 80, and its driving is controlled by the control unit 80.
The inclined drum 14d has a conical side surface 14d1 centered on an axis inclined at 45 degrees with respect to the width direction of the conveying belt 12, which is opposite to the inclined direction of the inclined drum 14c. The axis of the tilting drum 14d and the axis of the above-mentioned tilting drum 14c are in a vertical plane, for example, in an orthogonal positional relationship. The inclined drum 14d is such that a part of the conical side 14d1 is separated from the side 14c1 of the inclined drum 14c by a predetermined distance (for example, the thickness of the tablet T), and a part of the conical side 14d1 is connected to the conveying belt 12 The upper surface is separated only by a predetermined distance (for example, the thickness of the tablet T), and is rotatably arranged above the conveying belt 12 by a motor 14f. The separation distance from the inclined rotating drum 14c is based on the thickness of the tablet T, and is set so that the tablet T can be transferred from the inclined rotating drum 14c to the inclined rotating drum 14d. In addition, the separation distance from the conveying belt 12 is set so that the lozenges T can be transferred from the inclined drum 14 d to the conveying belt 12. The tilt drum 14d is fixed to the output shaft (rotation shaft) of the motor 14f, and rotates around the shaft by the rotation of the motor 14f. The motor 14f is electrically connected to the control unit 80, and its driving is controlled by the control unit 80.
Plural suction holes H4 are formed on the side surface 14d1 of the inclined drum 14d. These suction holes H4 are provided in an annular shape at equal intervals around the axis of the inclined drum 14d. The pressure in the internal space of the tilt drum 14d is maintained at a negative pressure lower than the atmospheric pressure by the above-mentioned suction mechanism. The inclined drum 14d holds the tablet T in any one of the adsorption holes H4 by this negative pressure.
A blower part 14g is provided inside the tilt drum 14c. The air blowing portion 14g injects gas toward the adsorption holes H3 of the inclined drum 14c facing the inclined drum 14d among the suction holes H3. Thereby, the suction hole H3 of the injected gas is made to have a positive pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure, the suction of the tablet T by the suction hole H3 is released, and the tablet T is transferred from the inclined drum 14c to the inclined drum 14d. The blowing unit 14g is electrically connected to the control unit 80, and its driving is controlled by the control unit 80.
A blower part 14h is also provided inside the tilt drum 14d. The blowing part 14h injects gas toward the adsorption hole H4 facing the conveyance belt 12 among the adsorption holes H4 of the inclined drum 14d. Thereby, the suction hole H4 of the injected gas is made to have a positive pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure, the suction of the lozenge T through the suction hole H4 is released, and the lozenge T is transferred from the inclined drum 14d to the conveying belt 12. The blowing unit 14h is electrically connected to the control unit 80, and its driving is controlled by the control unit 80.
In addition, when the lozenge T is transferred from the inclined drum 14c to the inclined drum 14d, it is ensured that the tablet T is prevented from falling off, so that the suction force of each suction hole H4 of the inclined drum 14d is higher than that of each suction hole H3 of the inclined drum 14c. The adsorption force is better.
According to the above reversing part 14C, the lozenge T printed with the identification information is located at the end of the conveying belt 11 on the downstream side in the conveying direction A1, that is, when the lozenge T on the conveying belt 11 reaches the inclined drum 14c, the lozenge T T is transmitted from the conveying belt 11 to the inclined drum 14c. The tilting drum 14c is to suck and hold the lozenge T transferred from the conveying belt 11 by one of the adsorption holes H3 on the side surface 14c1, rotate by the motor 14e, and spray the gas to the tilt by the blower 14g. Rotary drum 14d. The inclined drum 14d is one of the suction holes H4 on the side surface 14d1 while holding the tablet T transferred from the inclined drum 14c, is rotated by the motor 14f, and is sprayed by the air blower 14h. Carrying belt 12. Thereby, the tablet T on the conveying belt 11 moves from the conveying belt 11 to the conveying belt 12, and the front and back of the tablet T are reversed. Therefore, the lozenge T conveyed in a state where the surface on which the dividing line is formed is up, is in a state where the back surface on which the dividing line is not formed is up by the reversing portion 14C.
As described above, according to the tenth embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained. In addition, the reversing portion 14C as described above can be used, and various mechanisms can be used as the reversing portion.
＜Other embodiments＞
In the above description, the dividing line (straight-shaped recess) of the tablet T is used as an example to distinguish the front and back of the label, but it is not limited to this. For example, various shapes such as a cross formed on the tablet T can also be used. The concave part, or the convex part of various shapes, or the mark by printing or drawing.
In addition, in the above description, it is exemplified that the dividing lines of the tablet T are aligned to perform information printing, but it is not limited to this, as long as the information printing is performed corresponding to the dividing lines based on the print data.
In the above description, although the reversing pipe 13a is used as the reversing path and the reversing nozzle 13b is used as the moving part, it is not limited to this. For example, a U-shaped track with a cross section may be used as the reversing path. In addition, a member that touches the movement of the lozenge T (for example, a rod-shaped member) may be used as the moving part.
In addition, a gas nozzle may be connected in the middle of the reversing pipe 13a or 14a and the non-reversing pipe 13c. The gas nozzle is formed to eject gas (for example, air) in a direction that pushes the tablet T to advance in the tube 13a or 14a for reversal, tube 13c for non-reversal, and the like. In this way, the gas ejected from the gas nozzle pushes the tablet T to promote the movement of the tablet T, and the tablet T can be surely passed through.
In addition, in the above description, although it is illustrated that the printing unit 40 prints the tablets T conveyed by two conveying paths one at a time, it is not limited to this, and is also provided in each conveying path. As described above, a plurality of printing units 40 are provided, whereby different inks can be used for printing.
Here, as the above-mentioned lozenges, lozenges used for medicine, diet, cleaning, industrial use, or aroma use can be included. In addition, the above-mentioned tablets include bare tablets (sugar tablets) or sugar-coated tablets, film-coated tablets, enteric-coated tablets, gel-coated tablets, multi-layer tablets, core tablets, etc., as well as various capsule tablets such as hard or soft capsules. Included in lozenges. In addition, the shape of the lozenge includes various shapes such as a disc shape, a convex lens shape, a triangle shape, and an oval shape. In addition, when the tablet to be printed is used for medicine or food, the ink used is preferably an edible ink. This edible ink can also use any of synthetic color ink, natural color ink, dye ink, and pigment ink.
Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are only 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 spirit of the invention. These embodiments and modifications are all included in the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the invention described in the patent application and its equivalent scope.
