WO2017195542A1

WO2017195542A1 - Tablet printing device

Info

Publication number: WO2017195542A1
Application number: PCT/JP2017/015624
Authority: WO
Inventors: 将由梶川; 友太今井
Original assignee: 株式会社京都製作所
Priority date: 2016-05-11
Filing date: 2017-04-18
Publication date: 2017-11-16
Also published as: JP6723818B2; JP2017202078A

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a tablet printing device whereby the non-defective rate of a tablet can be increased. The present invention is a tablet printing device for printing predetermined identification information on a front surface and a back surface of a tablet T. A control unit 8 inspects the printing state of predetermined identification information on the basis of image data of the front surface and/or back surface of a tablet T imaged by first and second inspection imaging units 301, 302 and causes the tablet T to be discharged to a first defective-product discharge unit 61 when it is determined that the predetermined identification information was printed on the front surface or back surface of the tablet T but the tablet T has a defective printed character.　When it is determined that the tablet T is a defective product in which the predetermined identification information is not printed on the front surface and/or back surface thereof, the tablet is discharged to a second defective-product discharge unit 62.

Description

Tablet printer

The present invention relates to a tablet printing apparatus that prints predetermined identification information on the front surface and / or back surface of a tablet.

In recent years, identification information relating to manufacturers and product categories is often printed on tablets such as pharmaceuticals and foods in a non-contact manner by inkjet or the like. This identification information is generally composed of alphabets, numbers, or symbols, so that a dispensing pharmacy, a patient, or a consumer can grasp the type of tablet.

In general, such a tablet printing apparatus includes a loading unit into which a plurality of tablets are loaded, a conveyance unit that conveys the plurality of tablets loaded from the loading unit, and a predetermined identification with respect to the tablets conveyed by the conveyance unit. A printing unit that prints information, an imaging unit that images the front and / or back of a tablet on which predetermined identification information is printed by the printing unit, a defective product discharge unit that discharges defective products, and a control unit that controls each unit With. The control unit inspects the printing state of the predetermined identification information based on the image data of the front and / or back surface of the tablet imaged by the imaging unit, and discharges the tablet whose printing state is determined to be defective. (See, for example, Patent Document 1).

First, among the tablets determined as defective products, there are tablets that are physically determined as defective products such as broken or chipped tablets. This is caused by a collision or the like in the process in which the tablet is loaded, transported, or reversed in the tablet printing apparatus. Such a physically determined defective product can be accurately determined as a defective product by visual inspection and must be discarded.

Second, among the tablets determined to be defective, there are also tablets that are determined to be defective in terms of printing such as faint, unclear, dirty, and tilted tablets. This occurs due to failure in printing on tablets or transfer due to collision between tablets while a large number of tablets are being transported randomly in a tablet printing apparatus. Many of the tablets determined to be defective in terms of printing include those in the gray zone, and some of the tablets are good.

Furthermore, thirdly, there are tablets determined to be defective because there is no printing because predetermined identification information is not printed on the tablets in the first place. This occurs because printing is not performed on the tablet due to the tablet being displaced from a predetermined position while a large number of tablets are being randomly conveyed in the tablet printing apparatus. A tablet that is determined to be defective because there is no such printing can be handled as a good tablet if it is printed again.

In the conventional printing apparatus, any of the above-determined tablets that are physically defective, tablets that are determined to be defective for printing, and tablets that are determined to be defective because there is no printing. , It was discharged to one defective product discharge section and discarded as it was. Further, since the defective tablets are surely discharged, there are cases where the defective tablets are clearly discharged before and after the defective tablets.

JP 2013-013711 A

However, with tablets that are clearly determined to be discarded and physically determined to be defective, there are many gray zones that are determined to be defective as printed, tablets that are determined as defective because there is no printing, Obviously, when even the non-defective tablets are discarded uniformly, there is a problem in that the yield of non-defective tablets decreases and yields. In particular, some tablets have a small lot scale and a high drug price, and such a decrease in the yield of non-defective tablets has never been negligible.

Of course, it may be possible to manually pick out tablets that can be restored as good products from many cobblestone mixed tablets discharged in one discharge section, but this is an extremely complicated operation and handles a large amount of tablets. In some cases it is not practical.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a tablet printing apparatus capable of increasing the yield rate of tablets.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is a tablet printing apparatus for printing predetermined identification information on the front surface and / or back surface of a tablet, wherein a plurality of tablets are loaded, and the loading unit A transport unit that transports a plurality of tablets loaded from the first, a first defective product discharge unit and a second defective product discharge unit from which defective tablets transported by the transport unit are discharged, and controls each unit A control unit, and in the transport unit, a printing unit that prints predetermined identification information on the front surface and / or back surface of the tablet, and a surface of the tablet on which the predetermined identification information is printed by the printing unit and / or And an inspection imaging unit that images the back surface, and the control unit inspects the printing state of the predetermined identification information based on the image data of the front surface and / or back surface of the tablet imaged by the inspection imaging unit. Table of tablets And / or when the predetermined identification information is printed on the back surface, and it is determined that the printing is a defective tablet, the tablet is discharged to the first defective product discharge section, while the front surface of the tablet and / or When it is determined that the tablet is a defective product with no predetermined identification information printed on the back surface, the tablet is discharged to the second defective product discharge section.

According to this, since the tablets judged to be defective in print with many gray zones are individually discharged, it is possible to easily find good tablets. In addition, since there is no printing and the tablets determined to be defective are discharged separately, only the tablets can be printed again. Therefore, since the tablets that have been discarded as defective products can be restored as good products, the yield rate of tablets can be increased.

Further, when the tablet discharged to the first defective product discharge unit is again input to the input unit, the printing unit does not print predetermined identification information on the front surface and / or the back surface of the tablet, The imaging unit for inspection images the front surface and / or back surface of the tablet, and the control unit stores predetermined identification information based on the image data of the front surface and / or back surface of the tablet imaged by the imaging unit for inspection. The printed state is inspected, and predetermined identification information is printed on the front and / or back of the tablet. If it is determined that the printing is a defective tablet, the tablet is discharged to the first defective product discharge section. You may let them. According to this, it is possible to more easily and surely find a non-defective tablet by checking again a tablet that is determined to be defective in print with many gray zones and this apparatus. In addition, a non-defective tablet that has been accidentally discharged together with a defective tablet can be found more easily and reliably by re-inspecting it using this apparatus.

In addition, when the tablet discharged to the second defective product discharge unit is again input to the input unit, the printing unit performs predetermined identification on the front surface and / or the back surface on which the tablet identification information is not printed. After the information is printed, the inspection imaging unit images the front and / or back surface of the tablet, and the control unit is based on the image data of the front and / or back surface of the tablet imaged by the inspection imaging unit. The printed state of the predetermined identification information is inspected, and when the predetermined identification information is printed on the front surface and / or the back surface of the tablet, but it is determined that the printing is a defective tablet, the tablet is On the other hand, if it is determined that the tablet is a defective product without predetermined identification information printed on the front surface and / or back surface of the tablet, the tablet may be discharged to the second defective product discharge unit. Good. According to this, only the tablet can be printed again more easily and reliably by printing again using this apparatus about the tablet made into inferior goods because there is no printing. In addition, a non-defective tablet that has been accidentally discharged together with a defective tablet can be found more easily and reliably by re-inspecting it using this apparatus.

In addition, a third defective product discharge unit for discharging tablets is further provided, and the control unit stores defective tablets that have not been discharged by the first defective product discharge unit and the second defective product discharge unit. You may make it discharge to the said 3rd inferior goods discharge part. The defective tablets that have not been discharged by the first defective product discharge section and the second defective product discharge section can be discharged.

In addition, a first tablet detection unit is provided behind the first defective product discharge unit in the conveyance direction, and the first tablet detection unit detects the position of the defective tablet conveyed by the conveyance unit. The control unit may control the discharge timing of the defective tablet in the first defective product discharge unit based on the detection result of the position of the defective tablet by the first tablet detection unit. . According to this, the defective tablet can be reliably discharged in the first defective product discharge section.

In addition, a second tablet detection unit is provided between the first defective product discharge unit and the second defective product discharge unit, and the second tablet detection unit has not been transported by the transport unit. The presence or absence of a non-defective tablet is detected, and the control unit detects a defective product to be discharged to the first defective product discharge unit based on the detection result of the presence or absence of a defective tablet by the second tablet detection unit. If it is determined that the tablet is not discharged, the tablet may be discharged to the third defective product discharge portion. According to this, even when the defective tablet to be discharged to the first defective discharge unit is not discharged, the defective tablet can be reliably discharged.

In addition, a third tablet detection unit is provided between the second defective product discharge unit and the third defective product discharge unit, and the third tablet detection unit has not been transported by the transport unit. The presence or absence of a non-defective tablet is detected, and the control unit detects a defective product to be discharged to the second defective product discharge unit based on the detection result of the presence or absence of a defective tablet by the third tablet detection unit. If it is determined that the tablet is not discharged, the tablet may be discharged to the third defective product discharge portion. According to this, even when the defective tablet to be discharged to the second defective product discharge section is not discharged, the defective tablet can be reliably discharged.

In addition, a fourth tablet detection unit is provided in front of the third defective product discharge unit in the conveyance direction, and the fourth tablet detection unit detects presence or absence of defective tablets conveyed by the conveyance unit. The control unit is configured to detect the first defective product discharging unit, the second defective product discharging unit, and the third based on the detection result of the presence or absence of defective tablets by the fourth tablet detecting unit. If it is determined that a defective tablet to be discharged to any defective product discharge unit is not discharged to any defective product discharge unit, the apparatus may be stopped. According to this, a defective tablet to be discharged is not discharged to any one of the first defective product discharging unit, the second defective product discharging unit, and the third defective product discharging unit. In this case, since the apparatus is stopped, it is possible to prevent the defective tablet from being conveyed together with the non-defective tablet and mistakenly mixed with the non-defective tablet.

According to the present invention, tablets that are determined to be defective in terms of printing with many gray zones are individually discharged, so that good tablets can be easily found. In addition, since there is no printing and the tablets determined to be defective are discharged separately, only the tablets can be printed again. Therefore, since the tablets that have been discarded as defective products can be restored as good products, the yield rate of tablets can be increased.

It is a composition schematic diagram showing the tablet printer concerning this embodiment. FIG. 2 is an enlarged side view of the vicinity of a defective product discharge portion of the printing apparatus of FIG. 1. It is a top view which shows the ceiling suspension type conveyor of the tablet printing apparatus of FIG. It is a top view which shows the surface of a tablet. It is a top view which shows the process of the imaging and printing of a tablet. It is a top view which shows the tablet of inferior goods. It is a 1st flowchart which shows a tablet printing method (normal printing mode / reprinting mode). It is a 2nd flowchart which shows the tablet printing method (normal printing mode / reprinting mode). It is a flowchart which shows the discharge method of a tablet. It is a flowchart which shows a tablet printing method (reexamination mode).

<First Embodiment>
Next, a first embodiment of a tablet printing apparatus according to the present invention (hereinafter referred to as the present apparatus) will be described with reference to FIGS.

As shown in FIG. 1, the apparatus includes a base 1, a loading unit 2 provided on the top of the base 1, and an upstream conveying unit 3 provided in the base 1 below the loading unit 2. A downstream transport unit 4 provided below the upstream transport unit 3, a drying unit 5 provided below the downstream transport unit 4, and a defective product discharge for discharging defective tablets T A unit 6, a non-defective product discharge unit 7 that discharges non-defective tablets T, and a control unit 8 that controls each unit are provided.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, a secant T1 for dividing the tablet T in half is engraved on the surface of the tablet T. Moreover, the surface of the tablet T refers to the surface on which the secant line T1 of the tablet T is engraved, and the back surface of the tablet T refers to the surface on which the secant line T1 of the tablet T is not engraved. Further, the one surface of the tablet T refers to the lower surface of the upstream transport unit 3 or the upper surface of the downstream transport unit 4 regardless of the front and back of the tablet T. The other surface of the tablet T refers to the upper surface of the upstream transport unit 3 or the lower surface of the downstream transport unit 4 regardless of the front and back of the tablet T.

The loading unit 2 includes a hopper 21 having a loading port 21a formed at the top thereof. When a plurality of tablets T are loaded into the hopper 21 from the loading port 21a, the tablets T pass through the inside of the hopper 21. , And discharged to the upstream conveying section 3.

The upstream transport unit 3 transports a plurality of tablets T input from the input unit 2 in one direction (right direction in FIG. 1), and is arranged in a multi-row distribution provided below the input unit 2. A trough 31, a ceiling-type conveyor 32 provided in front of the multi-row distribution trough 31 in the conveyance direction, and a placement-type conveyor 33 provided in front of the ceiling-type conveyor 32 in the conveyance direction. 31, the ceiling type conveyor 32 and the placing type conveyor 33 are arranged side by side along the conveying direction.

The multi-row sorting trough 31 is arranged so as to be gently inclined downward toward the front in the transport direction, and transports the plurality of tablets T while gradually aligning them in the width direction (depth direction in FIG. 1).

The plurality of tablets T discharged from the loading unit 2 to the multi-row sorting trough 31 are such that the surface on which the dividing line T1 is engraved faces upward or the back surface on which the dividing line T1 is not engraved is upward. Those that are suitable for are in a mixed state, and are then transported in that state.

As shown in FIG. 1, the ceiling conveyor 32 has an endless drive shaft 321 disposed in the front of the transport direction, a driven shaft 322 disposed in the rear of the transport direction, and the drive shaft 321 and the driven shaft 322. And a timing belt 323 wound in a state, and the timing belt 323 rotates counterclockwise in FIG. 1 by rotating the driving shaft 321 by a driving motor (not shown).

As shown in FIG. 3, the timing belt 323 is composed of a plurality of elongated timing belt pieces 323a, and each timing belt piece 323a is arranged with a gap narrower than the width of the tablet T in the width direction. The tablet T is adsorbed by sucking air from the gaps of the timing belt piece 323a by a negative pressure chamber (not shown).

Thus, the plurality of tablets T transported from the multi-row sorting trough 31 are the same in such a manner that they are attracted in a suspended state to the timing belt 323 of the suspended suspension conveyor 32 when they reach the suspended suspension conveyor 32. It is delivered on a flat surface and conveyed forward in the conveying direction according to the rotation of the timing belt 323 while maintaining its suspended state.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a predetermined direction (right side in FIG. 1) is located at the front of the multi-row sorting trough 31 in the conveyance direction and below the rear end portion of the ceiling conveyor 32. Auxiliary roller 324 that rotates in its own direction is provided. The auxiliary roller 324 is arranged so that the uppermost point on the peripheral surface is higher than the multi-row sorting trough 31 and lower than the ceiling-mounted conveyor 32. For this reason, the auxiliary roller 324 receives the plurality of tablets T from the multi-row sorting trough 31 on the circumferential surface, and then lifts the tablets T on the circumferential surface according to the rotation, and the ceiling roller type conveyor 32 is lifted at the highest point. Transfer to the timing belt 323. In general, the end of the ceiling type conveyor 32 has a weak suction force, but the tablet T can be reliably delivered to the ceiling type conveyor 32 by bringing the auxiliary roller 324 to lift the tablet T in this manner. .

The stationary conveyor 33 includes a reversing drum 331 disposed in front of the conveying direction, a driven shaft 332 disposed rearward in the conveying direction, and a timing belt wound in an endless state between the reversing drum 331 and the driven shaft 332. 333, and the reversing drum 331 rotates its own axis by a drive motor (not shown), whereby the timing belt 333 rotates clockwise in FIG.

Similarly to the timing belt 323 of the ceiling conveyor 32, the timing belt 333 is composed of a plurality of elongated timing belt pieces, and each timing belt piece has a gap narrower than the width of the tablet T in the width direction. Are arranged. In the reversal drum 331, the tablet T is adsorbed by sucking air from the gap of the timing belt 333 by a negative pressure chamber (not shown).

An intermediate roller 334 is provided at the upper left position of the reversing drum 331. By lifting the timing belt 333 sent from the reversing drum 331 to the upper left position of the reversing drum 331, the reversing drum 331 is disposed below the loading conveyor 33. A space for arranging each member such as a first imaging unit 101, a third imaging unit 103, a second printing unit 202, and a second inspection imaging unit 302 described later is formed.

Thus, the plurality of tablets T conveyed from the ceiling-type conveyor 32 are delivered on the same plane in such a manner that they are placed on the timing belt 333 of the placement-type conveyor 33 when they reach the placement-type conveyor 33. After that, the sheet is conveyed forward in the conveying direction according to the rotation of the timing belt 333 while maintaining the mounting state. The tablet T that has reached the reversing drum 331 is adsorbed to the timing belt 333 by a negative pressure chamber (not shown), and is conveyed downward in a state where the front and back are reversed according to the rotation of the reversing drum 331.

The downstream transport unit 4 receives a plurality of tablets T from the upstream transport unit 3 in an inverted state and transports them in the other direction (left direction in FIG. 1). A ceiling suspension type conveyor 41 is provided.

The mounting / ceiling-type conveyor 41 is wound in an endless state between a reversing drum 411 disposed in front of the conveying direction, a driven shaft 412 disposed rearward in the conveying direction, and the reversing drum 411 and the driven shaft 412. The timing belt 413 rotates counterclockwise in FIG. 1 when the reversing drum 411 rotates about its own axis by a drive motor (not shown).

The timing belt 413 is also composed of a plurality of elongated timing belt pieces, like the timing belt 323 of the ceiling suspension type conveyor 32, and each timing belt piece is arranged with a gap narrower than the width of the tablet T in the width direction. ing. In the reversing drum 411, the tablet T is adsorbed by sucking air from the gap of the timing belt 413 by a negative pressure chamber (not shown).

Thus, when the tablet T transported from the upstream transport unit 3 while being turned upside down arrives at the placement / ceiling suspension conveyor 41, the tablet T is placed on the timing belt 413 of the placement / ceiling suspension conveyor 41. After being delivered in the placed state, it is conveyed forward in the conveying direction according to the rotation of the timing belt 413 while maintaining the mounted state. Then, the tablet T that has reached the reversing drum 411 is adsorbed to the timing belt 413 by the negative pressure chamber, conveyed downward in a state where the front and back are reversed according to the rotation of the reversing drum 411, and then directly suspended to the drying unit 5. It is transported and delivered on the same plane.

The drying unit 5 receives a plurality of tablets T from the downstream transport unit 4 in an inverted state, and dries while transporting the plurality of tablets T in one direction (right direction in FIG. 1). Yes, equipped with a mesh-type conveyor 51.

The mesh type conveyor 51 includes a drive shaft 511 disposed in the front in the transport direction, a driven shaft 512 disposed in the rear in the transport direction, and a mesh belt wound in an endless state between the drive shaft 511 and the driven shaft 512. 513, and the mesh belt 513 rotates clockwise in FIG. 1 by rotating the drive shaft 511 by a drive motor (not shown).

Thus, the plurality of tablets T transported in a suspended state from the downstream transport unit 4 are received on the same plane in a manner of being placed on the mesh belt 513 when reaching the mesh type conveyor 51. It is conveyed and conveyed forward in the conveying direction according to the rotation of the mesh belt 513 while maintaining the placement state. At this time, the tablet T is blown with warm air by a heater (not shown), whereby the identification information printed on the front and back surfaces is dried.

The defective product discharge section 6 includes a first defective product discharge section 61 and a second defective product discharge section 62 along the conveying direction below the end of the placing / ceiling-type conveyor 41 on the reverse drum 411 side. A third defective product discharger 63 is provided in order, and a tablet detection unit 64 is provided in the vicinity of each

defective product discharger

61, 62, 63.

The first defective product discharge unit 61, the second defective product discharge unit 62, and the third defective product discharge unit 63 are all based on a command from the control unit 8. The

air jetting parts

61a, 62a, 63a provided inside the air spraying air against a predetermined defective tablet T causes the defective tablet T to drop downward from the loading / suspending conveyor 41. The product is discharged into

non-defective boxes

61b, 62b and 63b. The method for discharging the tablets T in the first to third defective

product discharge sections

61, 62, 63 will be described in detail later.

The tablet detection unit 64 includes a first tablet detection unit 64a provided behind the first defective product discharge unit 61 in the transport direction, the first defective product discharge unit 61, and a second defective product discharge. A second tablet detection unit 64b provided between the units 62, a third tablet detection unit 64c provided between the second defective product discharge unit 62 and the third defective product discharge unit 63, A fourth tablet detection unit 64d provided in front of the third defective product discharge unit 63 in the conveyance direction. The detection method of the tablet T in the tablet detection unit 64 will be described in detail later.

The first defective product discharge unit 61 has a predetermined identification information printed on the front and back surfaces of the tablet T based on a command from the control unit 8. The defective tablets T). Specifically, the control unit 8 prints predetermined identification information based on the image data of the front and back surfaces of the tablet T imaged by the first inspection imaging unit 301 and the second inspection imaging unit 302. When the tablet T that has been conveyed is determined to be the first defective tablet T, the first defective product discharger 61 is controlled by the air injection unit 61a based on the command from the control unit 8. The first defective tablet T is discharged into the defective box 61b.

At this time, the first tablet detection unit 64a detects the position of the defective tablet T that has been transported in a suspended state by the mounting / ceiling suspension conveyor 41, and the position of the defective tablet T Is sent to the control unit 8. The control unit 8 controls the discharge timing of the defective tablet T in the first defective product discharge unit 61 based on the detection result of the position of the defective tablet T by the first tablet detection unit 64a.

In addition, the second tablet detection unit 64b is a first defective tablet that has been transported in a suspended state forward of the first defective product discharge unit 61 by the mounting / ceiling suspension conveyor 41 in the transport direction. The presence or absence of T is detected, and the detection result of the presence or absence of the defective tablet T is transmitted to the control unit 8.

For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the first defective tablet T has (a) identification information printing faint, (b) identification information printing inclined, or (c) another tablet T. The identification information is transferred. Such a first defective tablet T has many gray zone defective products depending on the degree of blurring, tilting, and transfer, and may include a good tablet T.

The second defective product discharge unit 62 is based on a command from the control unit 8 and has tablets (hereinafter referred to as second defective product tablets T) on which the predetermined identification information is not printed on the front surface and / or back surface of the tablet T. Are discharged). Specifically, the control unit 8 changes the printing state of predetermined identification information based on the image data of the front and back surfaces of the tablet T imaged by the first inspection imaging unit 301 and the second inspection imaging unit 302. When it is determined that the tablet T that has been inspected and transported is the second defective tablet T, the second defective product discharge unit 62 performs the second injection of the second defective product discharge unit 62a based on the command of the control unit 8. 2 defective tablets T are discharged into the defective product box 62b.

At this time, the third tablet detection unit 64c is a second defective tablet that has been transported in a suspended state in front of the second defective product discharge unit 62 in the transport direction by the placement / ceiling-type conveyor 41. The presence or absence of T is detected, and the detection result of the presence or absence of the second defective tablet T is transmitted to the control unit 8.

As shown in FIG. 6, the second defective tablet T has (d) no identification information printed on the front surface and no printing, or (e) no identification information printed on the back surface. There is no print. Such a second defective tablet T can be handled as a non-defective tablet T if the identification information is printed again on the front surface and / or back surface of the tablet T on which printing has not been performed.

The third defective product discharger 63 is based on a command from the control unit 8 and is a defective tablet (hereinafter referred to as a first defective product) that has not been discharged by the first defective product discharger 61 and the second defective product discharger 62. 3, which is a defective tablet T). Specifically, the control unit 8 determines whether the first or second defective tablet T is detected by the second tablet detection unit 64b or the third tablet detection unit 64c based on the first or second detection result. The presence or absence of the second defective tablet T is inspected, and the first or second defective tablet T to be discharged to the first defective product discharge section 61 or the second defective product discharge section 62 is discharged. If it is determined that there is no, the third defective product discharger 63 discharges the third defective tablet T to the defective product box 63b by the air injection unit 63a based on the command of the control unit 8.

At this time, the fourth tablet detection unit 64d is transported in a suspended state by the mounting / ceiling-suspended conveyor 41 in a suspended state forward of the third defective product discharge unit 63 in the transportation direction. The presence or absence of a non-defective tablet T is detected, and the detection result of the presence or absence of the first to third defective tablets T is transmitted to the control unit 8. Then, the control unit 8 inspects the presence or absence of the first to third defective tablets T based on the detection result of the first to third defective tablets T by the fourth tablet detection unit 64d. When it is determined that the first to third defective tablets T have not been discharged, the apparatus is stopped.

Note that the third defective tablet T is originally the first defective tablet T or the second defective tablet T, but the first defective product is discharged due to misalignment of the tablet T or the like. The tablet T is not discharged by the part 61 or the second defective product discharge part 62. In addition, the third defective tablet T may also include a tablet T that is physically determined to be defective such as a crack or a chip of the tablet.

The non-defective product discharge section 7 is provided in front of the drying section 5 in the transport direction, and discharges the non-defective tablets T that have been transported while being dried by the drying section 5.

The upstream conveying unit 3 includes a first imaging unit 101 disposed below the ceiling-mounted conveyor 32, and a second imaging unit 102 disposed above the rear part of the upstream loading conveyor 33. A first printing unit 201 disposed above an intermediate portion of the upstream loading conveyor 33, and a first inspection imaging unit 301 disposed above the front portion of the upstream loading conveyor 33; Are provided.

The first imaging unit 101 images one side exposed on the lower side of the tablet T with respect to the tablet T conveyed in a suspended state by the ceiling-type conveyor 32. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5A, since the plurality of tablets T sequentially pass in a row in the width direction above the first imaging unit 101, the first imaging unit 101 One side of the tablet T is imaged for each row, and image data of the one side of the tablet T is transmitted to the control unit 8. At this time, the first imaging unit 101 images the front surface where the dividing line T1 is engraved or the back surface where the dividing line T1 is not engraved, depending on the front and back state of the tablet T.

The second imaging unit 102 images the other surface exposed to the upper side of the tablet T with respect to the tablet T conveyed in a mounted state by the mounting type conveyor 33. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5B, since the plurality of tablets T sequentially pass in a row in the width direction below the second imaging unit 102, the second imaging unit 102 The other side of the tablet T is imaged for each column, and the image data of the other side of the tablet T is transmitted to the control unit 8. At this time, the second imaging unit 102 captures the surface on which the dividing line T1 is engraved for the tablet T on which the back surface on which the dividing line T1 is not engraved is imaged by the first imaging unit 101, For the tablet T on which the surface on which the dividing line T1 is engraved is imaged by the first imaging unit 101, the back surface on which the dividing line T1 is not engraved is imaged. In FIG. 5B, the secant line T1 where the tablet T is not visible is virtually indicated by a broken line. However, since these secant lines T1 have already been imaged by the first imaging unit 101, the control unit The direction is recognized at 8.

The first printing unit 201 prints predetermined identification information on the other side of the tablet T based on a command from the control unit 8. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5C, the first printing unit 201 includes one side of the tablet T imaged by the first imaging unit 101 and the second imaging unit 102 and the other side. Based on the image data of the direction, for the tablet T whose other side is the front surface, the front side identification information (for example, ABC) is printed along the direction of the dividing line T1, and the other side is the tablet T whose back side is the back side Is printed along the same direction as the dividing line T1 on the front surface of the tablet T. In the present embodiment, since the plurality of tablets T sequentially pass in a state of being arranged in the width direction below the first printing unit 201, the first printing unit 201 performs a predetermined process on the other surface of the tablet T. The identification information is printed sequentially for each column.

The first inspection imaging unit 301 images the other surface of the tablet T with respect to the tablet T on which the predetermined identification information is printed by the first printing unit 201. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5C, the plurality of tablets T sequentially pass in a row in the width direction below the first inspection imaging unit 301. The imaging unit 301 images the other side of the tablet T for each column, and transmits image data of the other side of the tablet T to the control unit 8. The image data on the other surface of the tablet T by the first inspection imaging unit 301 is used for the inspection of the print state of the identification information on the other surface (front surface or back surface) of the tablet T in the control unit 8.

The downstream transport unit 4 includes a third imaging unit 103 disposed above the rear part of the downstream loading / suspending conveyor 41 and an intermediate part of the downstream mounting / suspending conveyor 41. The second printing unit 202 disposed above the second printing unit 202 and the second imaging unit 302 for inspection disposed above the front portion of the downstream loading / suspending conveyor 41 are provided.

The third imaging unit 103 re-images one side of the plurality of tablets T received from the upstream conveying unit 3 in the downstream loading / suspending conveyor 41 while being reversed from the upstream side. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5D, since the plurality of tablets T sequentially pass in a row in the width direction below the third imaging unit 103, the third imaging unit 103 One side of the tablet T is re-imaged for each column, and image data of the one side of the tablet T is transmitted to the control unit 8. The image data obtained by the third imaging unit 103 is used by the control unit 8 for re-recognizing the position of the tablet T, the direction of the dividing line T1, and the front and back. Thereby, even if the position and direction of the tablet T may be slightly changed when the plurality of tablets T are received in the state in which the downstream transport unit 4 is reversed from the upstream transport unit 3, the third By re-imaging one side of the tablet T by the imaging unit 103, the position of the tablet T, the direction of the secant T1, and the front and back can be accurately recognized.

The second printing unit 202 prints predetermined identification information on one surface of the tablet T based on a command from the control unit 8. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5E, the second printing unit 202 includes one side of the tablet T imaged by the first imaging unit 101 and the second imaging unit 102 and the other side. Based on the image data of the direction, for the tablet T whose one side is the front side, the front side identification information (for example, ABC) is printed along the direction of the dividing line T1, and the tablet T whose one side is the back side. Is printed along the same direction as the dividing line T1 on the front surface of the tablet T. In the present embodiment, since the plurality of tablets T sequentially pass in a state of being arranged in the width direction below the second printing unit 202, the second printing unit 202 performs a predetermined process on the other surface of the tablet T. The identification information is printed sequentially for each column.

The second inspection imaging unit 302 images one surface of the tablet T with respect to the tablet T on which the predetermined identification information is printed by the second printing unit 202. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5E, the plurality of tablets T sequentially pass in a row in the width direction below the second inspection imaging unit 302. The imaging unit 302 images one side of the tablet T for each column, and transmits image data of the one side of the tablet T to the control unit 8. The image data on one side of the tablet T by the second inspection imaging unit 302 is used by the control unit 8 to inspect the print state of the identification information on one side (front or back) of the tablet T.

Next, the tablet printing method (normal printing mode) in this apparatus will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. In the following description, “step” is abbreviated as “S”.

First, when a plurality of tablets T are charged into the hopper 21 from the loading port 21a of the loading unit 2, the tablets T pass through the inside of the hopper 21 and then are discharged to the upstream conveying unit 3 (S1).

Next, in the upstream transport unit 3, the plurality of tablets T input from the input unit 2 are transported in one direction (right direction in FIG. 1). *

Specifically, in the multi-row sorting trough 31, a plurality of tablets T are conveyed while being gradually aligned in the width direction (the depth direction in FIG. 1), and then delivered to the ceiling-type conveyor 32 on the same plane. (S2).

In the ceiling suspension type conveyor 32, a plurality of tablets T are adsorbed to the timing belt 323 in a suspended state, and are conveyed forward in the conveying direction according to the rotation of the timing belt 323 while maintaining the suspended state. It is delivered to the stationary conveyor 33 on the same plane (S3).

At this time, the first imaging unit 101 captures an image of one side exposed on the lower side of the tablet T with respect to the tablet T transported in a suspended state by the ceiling-type conveyor 32 (S31).

The plurality of tablets T are placed on the timing belt 333 in the placement conveyor 33 described above, and are transported forward in the transportation direction according to the rotation of the timing belt 333 while maintaining the placement state. It is attracted to the timing belt 333 by a substantially negative pressure chamber, and is conveyed downward in a state where the front and back are reversed according to the rotation of the reversing drum 331 (S4).

At this time, the second imaging unit 102 images the other surface exposed to the upper side of the tablet T with respect to the tablet T conveyed in a mounted state by the mounting conveyor 33 (S41).

Thereafter, the first printing unit 201 prints predetermined identification information on the other side of the tablet T based on a command from the control unit 8 (S42). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6C, the first printing unit 201 includes one side of the tablet T imaged by the first imaging unit 101 and the second imaging unit 102 and the other side. Based on the image data of the direction, for the tablet T whose other side is the front surface, the front side identification information (for example, ABC) is printed along the direction of the dividing line T1, and the other side is the tablet T whose rear side is the back side. Is printed along the same direction as the dividing line T1 on the front surface of the tablet T.

Thereafter, the first inspection imaging unit 301 images the other side of the tablet T with respect to the tablet T on which the predetermined identification information is printed by the first printing unit 201, and an image of the other side of the tablet T is obtained. Data is transmitted to the control unit 8 (S43). The image data on the other surface of the tablet T by the first inspection imaging unit 301 is used for the inspection of the print state of the identification information on the other surface (front surface or back surface) of the tablet T in the control unit 8.

Next, the downstream transport unit 4 receives a plurality of tablets T from the upstream transport unit 3 in an inverted state and transports them in the other direction (left direction in FIG. 1).

Specifically, in the placement / ceiling suspension 41, a plurality of tablets T are delivered in such a manner that they are placed on the timing belt 413 of the placement / ceiling suspension 41, and the placement state is maintained. However, it is conveyed forward in the conveying direction according to the rotation of the timing belt 413. Then, the tablet T that has reached the reversing drum 411 is adsorbed to the timing belt 413 by the negative pressure chamber, transported downward in a state where the front and back are reversed according to the rotation of the reversing drum 411, and then transported as it is in a suspended state ( S5).

At this time, the third imaging unit 103 re-images one side of the plurality of tablets T received from the upstream loading / unloading conveyor 41 while being reversed from the upstream conveyance unit 3. Then, the image data of one side of the tablet T is transmitted to the control unit 8 (S51).

Thereafter, the second printing unit 202 prints predetermined identification information on one surface of the tablet T based on a command from the control unit 8 (S52). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6 (e), the second printing unit 202 includes one side of the tablet T imaged by the first imaging unit 101 and the second imaging unit 102 and the other side. Based on the image data of the direction, for the tablet T whose one side is the front side, the front side identification information (for example, ABC) is printed along the direction of the dividing line T1, and the tablet T whose one side is the back side. Is printed along the same direction as the dividing line T1 on the front surface of the tablet T.

Thereafter, the second inspection imaging unit 302 images one side of the tablet T with respect to the tablet T on which the predetermined identification information is printed by the second printing unit 202, and image data of the one side of the tablet T is recorded. Is transmitted to the control unit 8 (S53). The image data on one side of the tablet T by the second inspection imaging unit 302 is used by the control unit 8 to inspect the print state of the identification information on one side (front or back) of the tablet T.

Thereafter, the defective product discharger 6 uses the

air injection units

61a, 62a, 63a provided in the mounting / ceiling suspension conveyor 41 to send air to a predetermined defective tablet T based on a command from the control unit. The defective tablets T are discharged from the placement / ceiling-type conveyor 41 to the

defective product boxes

61b, 62b, 63b while dropping downward. A method of discharging the defective tablet T by the defective product discharge unit 6 will be described in detail later.

Next, in the drying unit 5, the plurality of tablets T are delivered on the same plane in a manner in which the tablets T are placed on the mesh belt 513 of the mesh type conveyor 51 from the downstream transport unit 4. While maintaining the state, the mesh belt 513 is transported forward in the transport direction, and warm air is blown by a heater (not shown) in the transport process, and the printed portions of the identification information on the front and back surfaces are dried (S6).

Next, the non-defective tablet T that has been transported while being dried by the drying unit 5 is discharged out of the apparatus in the discharge unit 7 of the present apparatus (S7).

Next, a method of discharging the defective tablet T by the defective product discharge unit 6 will be specifically described with reference to FIG.

First, the control unit 8 inspects the print state of predetermined identification information based on the image data of the front and back surfaces of the tablet T imaged by the first inspection imaging unit 301 and the second inspection imaging unit 302. If it is determined that the transported tablet T is the first defective tablet T (YES in S541), the first defective product discharging unit 61 determines that the first defective product discharging unit 61 is based on the command from the control unit 8. The air ejection part 61a discharges the first defective tablet T to the defective box 61b (S542). On the other hand, if it is determined that the transported tablet T is not the first defective tablet T (NO in S541), the tablet T is transported as it is, and the process proceeds to S543.

Then, the control unit 8 inspects the printing state of the predetermined identification information based on the image data of the front and back surfaces of the tablet T imaged by the first inspection imaging unit 301 and the second inspection imaging unit 302. If it is determined that the transported tablet T is the second defective tablet T (YES in S543), the second defective product discharge unit 62 determines that the second defective product discharge unit 62 is based on the command from the control unit 8. The air ejection part 62a discharges the second defective tablet T to the defective box 62b (S544). On the other hand, if it is determined that the transported tablet T is not the second defective tablet T (NO in S543), the tablet T is transported as it is, and the process proceeds to S545.

And the said control part 8 is 1st or 2nd based on the detection result of the presence or absence of the tablet T of the 1st or 2nd inferior goods by the 2nd tablet detection part 64b or the 3rd tablet detection part 64c. The presence or absence of defective tablets T is inspected (S545), and the first or second defective tablets T to be discharged to the first defective product discharge section 61 or the second defective product discharge section 62 are discharged. If it is determined that it is not present (YES in S545), the third defective product discharger 63 causes the air injection unit 63a to transfer the third defective tablet T to the defective product box 63b based on the command of the control unit 8. This is discharged (S546). On the other hand, if it is determined that the transported tablet T is not the first defective tablet T (NO in S545), the tablet T is transported as it is, and the process proceeds to S547.

Then, the control unit 8 inspects the presence or absence of the first to third defective tablets T based on the detection result of the first to third defective tablets T by the fourth tablet detection unit 64d. If it is determined that the first to third defective tablets T are not discharged (YES in S547), the apparatus is stopped (S548). On the other hand, when it is determined that the third defective tablet T has been discharged (NO in S547), the transported tablet T is transferred to the drying unit 5 as a non-defective product.

<Second Embodiment>
Next, a second embodiment of the tablet printing apparatus according to the present invention (hereinafter referred to as the present apparatus) will be described.

In the present embodiment, the case of the reinspection mode in which only the reinspection of the first defective tablet T discharged to the first defective product discharge unit 61 will be described.

Specifically, when the first defective tablet T discharged to the first defective product discharge unit 61 is again input to the input unit 21, the first printing unit 201 and the second printing unit 202 are Without printing predetermined identification information on the front and back surfaces of the first defective tablet T, the first inspection imaging unit 301 and the second inspection imaging unit 302 are the first defective tablets. The front and back surfaces of T are imaged.

Then, the control unit 8 changes the printing state of the predetermined identification information based on the image data of the front surface and / or the back surface of the tablet T captured by the first inspection imaging unit 301 and the second inspection imaging unit 302. When it is determined that the tablet T is the first defective product T again, the first defective product tablet T is discharged again to the first defective product discharge unit 61.

Next, the tablet printing method (re-inspection mode) in this apparatus will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

At this time, the first imaging unit 101 does not image one surface exposed to the lower side of the tablet T with respect to the tablet T conveyed in a suspended state by the ceiling-type conveyor 32.

At this time, the second imaging unit 102 does not image the other surface exposed to the upper side of the tablet T with respect to the tablet T conveyed in a mounted state by the mounting conveyor 33. The first printing unit 201 does not print predetermined identification information on the other surface of the tablet T based on a command from the control unit 8.

At this time, the third imaging unit 103 does not image one side of the plurality of tablets T received from the upstream conveyance unit 3 in the downstream loading / suspending conveyor 41 in a state where the front and back are reversed. . The second printing unit 202 does not print predetermined identification information on one surface of the tablet T based on a command from the control unit 8.

Thereafter, the defective product discharger 6 uses the

air injection units

defective product boxes

61b, 62b, 63b while dropping downward. The method of discharging the defective tablet T by the defective product discharge unit 6 is the same as that in the first embodiment (FIG. 9), and thus the description thereof is omitted.

<Third Embodiment>
Next, a third embodiment of the tablet printing apparatus according to the present invention (hereinafter referred to as the present apparatus) will be described.

In the present embodiment, the case of the reprint mode in which the second defective tablet T discharged to the second defective product discharge unit 62 is reprinted will be described.

Specifically, when the tablet T discharged to the second defective product discharge unit 62 is input again into the input unit 21, the first printing unit 201 and the second printing unit 202 have the identification information of the tablet T. Predetermined identification information is printed on the unprinted front and / or back surface. That is, the control unit 8 has identification information printed on the front or back surface of the tablet T based on the image data of the front and back surfaces of the tablet T imaged by the first imaging unit 101 and the second imaging unit 102. If it is determined that the identification information of the tablet T is not printed, the first printing unit 201 and the second printing unit 202 print the identification information on the front or back side of the tablet T according to the instruction of the control unit 8, while the tablet T If it is determined that the identification information is printed on the front or back surface of the tablet T, the identification information is not printed over the front or back surface of the tablet T.

Then, the first inspection imaging unit 301 and the second inspection imaging unit 302 image one side and the other side of the tablet T, and the image data of the one side and the other side of the tablet T are transferred to the control unit 8. Send. The control unit 8 inspects the printing state of the predetermined identification information based on the image data of the front and back surfaces of the tablet T imaged by the first inspection imaging unit 301 and the second inspection imaging unit 302, and When it is determined that the first defective tablet T, the first defective tablet T is discharged to the first defective product discharge unit 61. When it is determined that the tablet T is the second defective product, the second defective tablet T is discharged to the second defective product discharge unit 62. When it is determined that the tablet T is the third defective product, the third defective product tablet T is discharged to the third defective product discharge unit 63.

Note that the tablet printing method (reprinting mode) in this apparatus is the same as the normal printing mode shown in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

In each of the above embodiments, the case where the predetermined identification information is printed on both the front and back surfaces of the tablet T has been described. However, the predetermined identification information is printed on one surface of the front surface or the back surface of the tablet T. It is good also as what to do. In this case, the printing state of the predetermined identification information is inspected for one side of the front surface or the back surface on which the tablet T is printed.

In addition, although the third defective product discharge unit 63 is provided, it may be omitted.

In addition, although the tablet detection unit 64 is provided, it may not be provided.

Moreover, the discharge method of the tablet T in the defective product discharge part 6 is not limited to air injection, and other discharge methods may be used.

The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments. Various modifications and variations can be made to the illustrated embodiment within the same range or equivalent range as the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Base 2 ... Input part 21 ... Hopper 3 ... Upstream conveyance part 31 ... Multi-row distribution trough 32 ... Ceiling type conveyor 33 ... Loading type conveyor 4 ... downstream transport section 41 ... mounting / ceiling suspension 5 ... drying section 51 ... mesh conveyor 6 ... defective product discharge section 61 ... first defective product discharge 62: second defective product discharge unit
63: Third defective product discharge unit 64: Tablet detection unit 7: Non-defective product discharge unit 8: Control unit 101: First imaging unit 102: Second imaging unit 103 ... third imaging unit 201 ... first printing unit 202 ... second printing unit 301 ... first inspection imaging unit 302 ... second inspection imaging unit T ..Tablet T1 ... secant

Claims

A tablet printing apparatus for printing predetermined identification information on the front surface and / or back surface of a tablet,
An input section into which a plurality of tablets are input;
A transport unit for transporting a plurality of tablets charged from the input unit;
A first defective product discharge unit and a second defective product discharge unit from which defective tablets transported by the transport unit are discharged;
A control unit for controlling each unit,
In the transport unit, a printing unit that prints predetermined identification information on the front surface and / or back surface of the tablet, and an inspection that images the front surface and / or back surface of the tablet on which the predetermined identification information is printed by the printing unit. An imaging unit is arranged,
The control unit inspects a printing state of predetermined identification information based on image data of the front and / or back surface of the tablet imaged by the imaging unit for inspection, and predetermined identification information on the front and / or back surface of the tablet. Is printed, but if it is determined that the printing is a defective tablet, the tablet is discharged to the first defective product discharge section, while predetermined identification information is printed on the front surface and / or back surface of the tablet. When it is determined that the tablet is not a defective product, the tablet is discharged to the second defective product discharge unit.
When the tablet discharged to the first defective product discharge portion is again input to the input portion, the printing portion does not print predetermined identification information on the front surface and / or back surface of the tablet, and the inspection is performed. The imaging unit for imaging images the front and / or back of the tablet,
The control unit inspects a printing state of predetermined identification information based on image data of the front and / or back surface of the tablet imaged by the imaging unit for inspection, and predetermined identification information on the front and / or back surface of the tablet. The tablet printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the print is determined to be a defective tablet, the tablet is discharged to the first defective product discharge section.
When the tablet discharged to the second defective product discharge unit is again input to the input unit, the printing unit gives predetermined identification information to the front surface and / or the back surface on which the tablet identification information is not printed. After printing, the inspection imaging unit images the front and / or back of the tablet,
The control unit inspects a printing state of predetermined identification information based on image data of the front and / or back surface of the tablet imaged by the imaging unit for inspection, and predetermined identification information on the front and / or back surface of the tablet. Is printed, but if it is determined that the printing is a defective tablet, the tablet is discharged to the first defective product discharge section, while predetermined identification information is printed on the front surface and / or back surface of the tablet. The tablet printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when it is determined that the tablet is not a defective product, the tablet is discharged to the second defective product discharge unit.
In addition, a third defective product discharge unit for discharging tablets,
The tablet according to claim 1, wherein the control unit causes the third defective product discharge unit to discharge defective tablets that have not been discharged by the first defective product discharge unit and the second defective product discharge unit. Printing device.
A first tablet detection unit is provided behind the first defective product discharge unit in the conveyance direction,
The first tablet detection unit detects the position of a defective tablet that has been transported by the transport unit;
The control unit controls discharge timing of defective tablets in the first defective product discharge unit based on a detection result of a defective tablet position by the first tablet detection unit. Tablet printing equipment.
A second tablet detection unit is provided between the first defective product discharge unit and the second defective product discharge unit;
The second tablet detection unit detects the presence or absence of a defective tablet that has been transported by the transport unit,
The control unit determines that a defective tablet to be discharged to the first defective product discharge unit is not discharged based on a detection result of the presence or absence of a defective tablet by the second tablet detection unit. The tablet printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the tablet is discharged to the third defective product discharge unit when the tablet is discharged.
A third tablet detection unit is provided between the second defective product discharge unit and the third defective product discharge unit,
The third tablet detection unit detects presence or absence of defective tablets that have been transported by the transport unit,
The control unit determines that a defective tablet to be discharged to the second defective product discharge unit is not discharged based on a detection result of the presence or absence of a defective tablet by the third tablet detection unit. The tablet printing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the tablet is discharged to the third defective product discharge unit when the tablet is discharged.
A fourth tablet detection unit is provided in front of the third defective product discharge unit in the conveying direction;
The fourth tablet detection unit detects the presence or absence of defective tablets that have been transported by the transport unit,
The control unit is configured to detect the first defective product discharge unit, the second defective product discharge unit, and the third defective product based on a detection result of the presence or absence of defective tablets by the fourth tablet detection unit. The tablet printing device according to claim 4, wherein when it is determined that a defective tablet to be discharged to any defective product discharge portion of the discharge portion is not discharged, the device is stopped.