JP7394200B2 - Tablet printing device and tablet printing method - Google Patents

Description

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

BACKGROUND ART In order to print identification information (an example of information) such as characters and marks on tablets, a printing technique is known that uses an inkjet print head. Tablet printing equipment using this technology transports tablets using a conveyor or other transport device, and ink is ejected from the nozzles of an inkjet print head placed above the transport device toward the tablets passing below the print head. and print identification information on the tablet.

For tablets with a score line (linear recess) formed on one side, the front and back sides are random when the side with the score line is the front side (front side) and the side without the score line is the back side. transported in a safe condition. Specifically, the surface of the tablet that comes into contact with the conveyance surface of a conveyance device such as a conveyor belt that conveys the tablets may be the front surface with a score line formed thereon, or the back surface without a score line formed thereon. When printing on tablets that are transported randomly on both sides, for example, when printing identification information on the surface of the tablet, it should be aligned with the score line formed on the surface (for example, parallel to the extending direction of the score line). ) identification information may be printed. Identification information may also be printed on the back side of the tablet, aligned with the dividing line on the front side.

However, tablets are delivered with the front and back sides randomly placed, so when printing identification information on the front side of a tablet, if the tablet is delivered with the back side facing up, printing will not be done on the front side. Therefore, printing efficiency decreases. Further, even when printing identification information on the back side of a tablet, if the tablet is transported with the front side facing up, printing efficiency will decrease because printing will not be performed on the back side.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 7-081050

The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a tablet printing device and a tablet printing method that can improve printing efficiency.

The tablet printing device according to the embodiment of the present invention includes:
a transport section that transports the tablets;
a reversing unit connected to the conveyance unit and configured to invert the tablet from front to back and return it to the conveyance unit;
a printing unit that prints on the tablets transported by the transport unit using an inkjet method ;
a control unit that controls printing by the printing unit and collection of the tablets after printing by the printing unit ;
Equipped with
The conveyance section is configured such that a first conveyance path for conveying the tablets toward the reversing section and a second conveyance path for conveying the tablets after being reversed by the reversing section share a common printing section. configured to pass,
a first imaging unit that images the tablet printed by the printing unit in the first conveyance path before printing on the tablet by the printing unit in the second conveyance path ;
a second imaging unit that images the tablet printed by the printing unit in the second conveyance path;
has
The control unit inspects the quality of printing by the printing unit based on the image captured by the first imaging unit, and controls the second conveyance path only for the tablets that pass the inspection. control the printing unit to perform printing, and determine which tablets are rejected based on the image captured by the first imaging unit and which are rejected based on the image captured by the second imaging unit. The present invention is characterized in that control is performed so that the tablets and the tablets that have become unused are collected all at once on the downstream side of the second imaging section .

The tablet printing method according to the embodiment of the present invention includes:
a step of conveying the tablet on the first conveyance path by the conveyance unit;
a first printing step of printing on the tablets transported on the first transport path using an inkjet printing unit;
a first imaging step of imaging the tablet printed on the first conveyance path;
a reversing step of reversing the tablet printed on the first conveyance path, and then returning it to a second conveyance path different from the first conveyance path in the conveyance unit;
a first inspection step of inspecting the quality of printing performed in the first printing step based on the image obtained in the first imaging step;
a second printing step in which printing is performed using the printing unit only on the tablets that passed the first inspection step among the tablets transported on the second transport path;
a second imaging step of imaging the tablet printed on the second conveyance path;
a second inspection step of inspecting the quality of printing performed in the second printing step based on the image obtained in the second imaging step;
Equipped with
The tablets that have failed in the first inspection step and the second inspection step are collectively collected downstream of the second inspection step .

According to embodiments of the present invention, printing efficiency can be improved.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a tablet printing device according to a first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a first explanatory diagram for explaining a tablet reversing operation according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a second explanatory diagram for explaining a tablet reversing operation according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a third explanatory diagram for explaining a tablet reversing operation according to the first embodiment. It is a perspective view showing a tablet printing device concerning a 2nd embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the modification of the tablet printing apparatus based on 2nd Embodiment. It is a perspective view showing a part of tablet printing device concerning a 3rd embodiment. It is a perspective view showing a tablet printing device concerning a 4th embodiment. It is a perspective view showing a tablet printing device concerning a 5th embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the reversal part based on 5th Embodiment. It is an explanatory view for explaining tablet reversal operation concerning a 5th embodiment. It is a perspective view showing a tablet printing device concerning a 6th embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the reversal part based on 6th Embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the reversal part based on 6th Embodiment. It is a perspective view showing a tablet printing device concerning a 7th embodiment. It is a perspective view showing a tablet printing device concerning an 8th embodiment. It is a perspective view showing a tablet printing device concerning a 9th embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the reversal part based on 9th Embodiment. It is a figure showing the reversal part concerning a 10th embodiment.

<First embodiment>
A first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4.

(Basic configuration)
As shown in FIG. 1, a tablet printing apparatus 1A according to an embodiment includes a transport section 10, a detection section 20, an imaging section 30, a printing section 40, an imaging section 50, an imaging section 60, and an imaging section 10. The control unit 70 includes a control unit 70 and a control unit 80. The detection unit 20 is for detecting the presence or absence of a secant line and the imaging timing, the imaging unit 30 is for detecting printing position and the secant angle, the imaging unit 50 is for inspection and detecting the secant angle, and the imaging unit 60 is for detecting the secant angle. The imaging section 70 is used for detecting the printing position, and the imaging section 70 is used for inspection.

The conveyance unit 10 has two conveyance belts 11 and 12, and the tablets T supplied from a supply unit such as a hopper (not shown) to the end of the conveyance belt 11 are transported in the conveyance direction A1 by the conveyance belt 11. (in the direction of arrow A1 in FIG. 1), the tablets are folded back at the end opposite to the side where the tablets are fed, and then transported by the conveyor belt 12 in the conveying direction A2 (in the direction of arrow A2 in FIG. 1). Convey in a single file.

In addition, a tablet T with a score line (linear recess) formed on one side has a random front and back side when the side with the score line is the front side and the side without the score line is the back side. transported. The dividing line is an example of a mark that allows front and back discrimination.

The detection unit 20 is located on the downstream side of the conveyance direction A1 from the position on the conveyance belt 11 where the tablets T are supplied, and is provided above the conveyance belt 11. This detection unit 20 detects the presence or absence of a score line on the tablet T on the conveyor belt 11 (for detecting the presence or absence of a score line) by emitting and receiving laser light, and also detects the position of the tablet T on the conveyor belt 11 in the conveyance direction A1. Detect (for imaging timing). As the detection unit 20, various laser sensors such as a reflective laser sensor can be used. The detection unit 20 is electrically connected to the control unit 80 and transmits a detection signal to the control unit 80. Note that although the detection unit 20 is used both for detecting the presence or absence of a score line and for detecting the arrival of a tablet, separate devices may be provided for each.

The above-mentioned transport section 10 is provided with a reversing section 13 and a reversing section 14 . The reversing unit 13 is located downstream in the conveying direction A1 from the position where the detecting unit 20 is provided, and is provided with respect to the conveying belt 11 of the conveying unit 10. The reversing section 14 is provided as a path connecting the conveying belt 11 and the conveying belt 12 at the end of the conveying section 10 on the folding side.

The reversing section 13 has a reversing tube 13a and a reversing nozzle 13b. The reversing tube 13a functions as a reversing path for reversing the tablet T, and the reversing nozzle 13b functions as a moving part for moving the tablet T to the reversing path.

The reversing tube 13a is bent (twisted) by 180 degrees so that the tablet T is reversed while passing through the inside of the reversing tube 13a, and is provided with respect to the conveyor belt 11 of the conveyor section 10. ing. This inversion tube 13a has an inlet H1 (an opening into which the tablet T enters) and an outlet H2 (an opening through which the tablet T exits) (see also FIG. 2). The inlet H1 and the outlet H2 are arranged to face the side surface of the tablet T conveyed by the conveyor belt 11, and the respective lower ends of the inlet H1 and the outlet H2 are at a height position of the upper surface (conveying surface) of the conveyor belt 11. (for example, at the same height). Furthermore, the outlet H2 is located downstream of the inlet H1 in the transport direction A1. When the tablet T moves from the conveyor belt 11 to the reversing tube 13a and passes through the reversing tube 13a, the tablet T is reversed and returns to the same position on the conveyor belt 11 where it was before moving to the reversing section 13. Return to (details will be explained later).

The reversing nozzle 13b is provided at a position to blow out gas (for example, air) toward the inlet H1 of the reversing tube 13a, and moves the tablets T on the conveyor belt 11 toward the inlet H1 of the reversing tube 13a. pass. The gas blowing direction is a direction in which the tablets T on the conveyor belt 11 are moved in a direction intersecting (for example, perpendicular to) the conveyance direction A1 in a horizontal plane. A valve (not shown) that controls the blowout of gas by the reversing nozzle 13b is electrically connected to the control section 80, and its driving is controlled by the control section 80.

For example, when the tablet T is conveyed by the conveyor belt 11 with the back surface on which no score line is formed facing up, when the tablet T on the conveyor belt 11 faces the reversing nozzle 13b, gas is discharged from the reversing nozzle 13b. It's blown out. As shown in FIG. 2, the tablets T on the conveyor belt 11 are moved to the reversing tube 13a by the gas blown out by the reversing nozzle 13b, and as shown in FIG. 3, they pass through the reversing tube 13a and are reversed. , as shown in FIG. 4, returns onto the conveyor belt 11 from the reversing tube 13a. As a result, when the tablet T passes through the reversing tube 13a from above the conveyor belt 11, it returns onto the conveyor belt 11 with the back surface on which the score line is not formed facing down, that is, the surface on which the score line is formed facing upward. .

Here, the reversing tube 13a is located at a position on the transport belt 11 (a position in the transport direction A1 of the tablet T) at which the tablet T moves from the transport belt 11 to the reversing tube 13a based on the transport speed of the tablet T by the transport belt 11. , are formed so that the position on the conveyor belt 11 returning from the reversing tube 13a to the conveyor belt 11 is the same (see FIGS. 2 to 4). In other words, the conveyor belt 11 moves for the time required for the operation of inverting the tablet T, and the shape, opening position, etc. of the inverting tube 13a are determined in consideration of this moving distance.

Returning to FIG. 1, the reversing section 14 includes a reversing tube 14a and a reversing nozzle 14b. The reversing tube 14a functions as a reversing path for reversing the tablet T, and the reversing nozzle 14b functions as a moving part for moving the tablet T to the reversing path.

The reversing tube 14a is bent 180 degrees so that the tablet T is turned over while the tablet T passes through the inside of the reversing tube 14a, and forms a transport path (also a reversing path) for the tablet T. is provided for the transport section 10. This reversal tube 14a has an inlet H1 and an outlet H2, similar to the aforementioned reversal tube 13a. The inlet H1 is located at the downstream end of the conveyor belt 11 in the conveyance direction A1, and the lower end of the inlet H1 is aligned with the height of the upper surface of the conveyor belt 11. Further, the outlet H2 is located at the upstream end of the conveyor belt 12 in the conveyance direction A2, and the lower end of the outlet H2 is aligned with the height of the upper surface of the conveyor belt 12.

The reversing nozzle 14b is provided at a position to blow out gas (for example, air) toward the inlet H1 of the reversing tube 14a, and moves the tablets T on the conveyor belt 11 toward the inlet H1 of the reversing tube 14a, thereby moving the tablets T into the reversing tube 14a. pass. The gas blowing direction is a direction in which the tablets T on the conveyor belt 11 are moved in a direction intersecting (for example, perpendicular to) the conveyance direction A1 in a horizontal plane. A valve (not shown) that controls the blowing of gas by the reversing nozzle 14b is electrically connected to the control section 80, and its driving is controlled by the control section 80.

For example, when the tablet T on the conveyor belt 11 faces the reversing nozzle 14b, gas is blown out from the reversing nozzle 14b. The tablets T on the conveyor belt 11 are moved to the reversal tube 14a by the gas blown out by the reversal nozzle 14b, passed through the reversal tube 14a, reversed, and moved onto the conveyor belt 12 from the reversal tube 14a.

The imaging unit 30 is located downstream in the transport direction A1 from the position where the reversing unit 13 is provided, and is provided above the transport belt 11. The imaging unit 30 performs imaging at the timing when the tablet T reaches directly below the imaging unit 30 based on the position information of the tablet T in the transportation direction A1 described above, and captures an image of the top surface of the tablet T (in the case of the present embodiment, the tablet T (for printing position detection and secant angle detection), and transmits the obtained image to the control unit 80. As the imaging unit 30, it is possible to use various cameras having an imaging element such as a CCD (charge coupled device) or a CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor). The imaging section 30 is electrically connected to the control section 80, and its driving is controlled by the control section 80. Note that lighting for imaging is also provided as necessary.

The printing unit 40 is located downstream in the transport direction A1 from the position where the imaging unit 30 is provided, and is provided above both of the two transport belts 11 and 12. This printing section 40 can print on both tablets T on each conveyor belt 11, 12. The printing unit 40 is an inkjet print head that includes a plurality of nozzles (not shown) and discharges ink individually from these nozzles. The printing unit 40 is provided so that the alignment direction of the nozzles intersects (for example, perpendicularly intersects with) each of the transport directions A1 and A2 in a horizontal plane. As the printing unit 40, it is possible to use various inkjet print heads having driving elements such as piezoelectric elements, heating elements, or magnetostrictive elements. The printing section 40 is electrically connected to the control section 80, and its driving is controlled by the control section 80.

The imaging unit 50 is located downstream of the position where the reversing unit 14 is provided, in the transport direction A2, and upstream of the position where the printing unit 40 is provided, in the transport direction A2, and captures the tablets T on the transport belt 12. It is provided so that the lower surface (in the case of this embodiment, the surface of the tablet T) can be imaged. Specifically, a mirror M1 is provided directly below the conveyor belt 12 so as to be inclined, and the imaging section 50 is provided so as to take an image of the lower surface of the tablet T via the mirror M1. Note that the conveyance belt 12 of the conveyance unit 10 is translucent, allowing the imaging unit 50 to image the lower surface of the tablet T on the conveyance belt 12 via the mirror M1. As the translucent conveyor belt 12, it is possible to use, for example, a transparent belt, a ladder-like belt, or a belt with numerous holes. The imaging unit 50 performs imaging at the timing when the tablet T reaches directly above the mirror M1 based on the positional information of the tablet T in the transport direction A1 described above, and acquires an image including the lower surface of the tablet T (for inspection and the score line). (for angle detection), and transmits the acquired image to the control unit 80. As the imaging section 50, the same one as the above-mentioned imaging section 30 can be used, and the electrical connections and drive control are also the same as those of the above-mentioned imaging section 30.

The imaging unit 60 is located downstream in the transport direction A2 from the position where the reversing unit 14 is provided, upstream in the transport direction A2 from the position where the printing unit 40 is provided, and above the transport belt 12. It is provided. This imaging unit 60 performs imaging at the timing when the tablet T reaches directly below the imaging unit 60 based on the position information of the tablet T in the transportation direction A1 described above, and captures an image of the top surface of the tablet T (in the case of the present embodiment, the tablet T (for printing position detection) and transmits the obtained image to the control unit 80. As the imaging section 60, the same one as the above-mentioned imaging section 30 can be used, and the electrical connections and drive control are also the same as those of the above-mentioned imaging section 30.

The imaging unit 70 is located downstream in the transport direction A2 from the position where the printing unit 40 is provided, and is provided above the transport belt 12. The imaging unit 70 performs imaging at the timing when the tablet T reaches directly below the imaging unit 70 based on the position information of the tablet T in the transportation direction A1 described above, and captures an image of the top surface of the tablet T (in the case of the present embodiment, the tablet T (for inspection) and transmits the acquired image to the control unit 80. As the imaging section 70, the same one as the above-mentioned imaging section 30 can be used, and the electrical connections and drive control are also the same as those of the above-mentioned imaging section 30.

The control section 80 includes a microcomputer that centrally controls each section, and a storage section (none of which is shown) that stores processing information, various programs, and the like. The control section 80 controls the imaging section 30, the printing section 40, the imaging section 50, the imaging section 60, the imaging section 70, etc., and also controls the signals transmitted from the detection section 20, the imaging section 30, the imaging section 50, the imaging section The image capturing unit 60 receives images transmitted from the imaging unit 60 and the imaging unit 70, respectively.

(Printing process)
Next, the printing process (printing process and inspection process) performed by the above-mentioned tablet printing apparatus 1A will be explained. In the following printing process, double-sided printing will be described in which identification information is printed on both sides of a tablet T with a score line formed on one side so as to be aligned with the score line (for example, parallel to the extending direction of the score line).

When the tablets T are supplied onto the conveyor belt 11 of the conveyor section 10, the tablets T are conveyed in a line by the conveyor belt 11 with the front and back sides being random. The tablet T on this conveyor belt 11 is detected by the detection section 20. At this time, the presence or absence of a score line on the tablet T and the position of the tablet T in the transport direction A1 are detected and input to the control unit 80. The control unit 80 determines whether the upper surface of the tablet T on the conveyor belt 11 is the front surface, based on information on the presence or absence of a score line on the tablet T. When it is determined that the upper surface of the tablet T on the conveyor belt 11 is the front surface, the reversing nozzle 13b does not blow out gas even if the target tablet T faces the reversing nozzle 13b. On the other hand, when it is determined that the upper surface of the tablet T on the conveyor belt 11 is not the surface, when the target tablet T faces the reversing nozzle 13b, gas is blown out by the reversing nozzle 13b.

If gas is not blown out by the reversing nozzle 13b, the tablets T are conveyed as they are by the conveyor belt 11. On the other hand, when the gas is blown out by the reversing nozzle 13b, the tablet T on the conveyor belt 11 moves from the conveyor belt 11 to the reversing tube 13a, passes through the reversing tube 13a, is reversed, and returns to the conveyor belt 11. . In other words, the tablet T with the back side on which the score line is not formed is facing up will be returned to the conveyor belt 11 with the back side facing down, that is, the front side on which the score line has been formed will be facing up. Therefore, if a tablet T is being transported with the back surface on which a score line is not formed facing up, when it passes through the reversing tube 13a, the surface on which the score line is formed will be the upper surface, and therefore All the tablets T on the conveyor belt 11 on the downstream side of A1 are conveyed with their surfaces facing upward.

Next, the tablet T on the conveyor belt 11 is imaged by the image capturing section 30 at a timing based on the position information of the tablet T in the conveying direction A1 described above, that is, at a timing when the tablet T reaches directly below the image capturing section 30 (printing position (for detection and for secant angle detection), the captured images are transmitted to the control unit 80. Based on the image transmitted from the imaging unit 30, print data based on information on the positional deviation of the tablet T (for example, positional deviation of the tablet T in the X direction, Y direction, and θ direction), information on the angle at which the dividing line is formed, etc. is generated and saved by the control unit 80. Based on this print data, printing conditions for the tablet T (ink ejection position, ejection speed, etc.) are set by the control unit 80 and stored. Note that the print data is print data for printing identification information (an example of information) aligned with the dividing line.

Next, the tablets T on the conveyor belt 11 are moved based on the aforementioned print data and printing conditions at a timing based on the position information of the tablet T in the conveyance direction A1, that is, at a timing when the tablet T reaches directly below the printing section 40. The image is then printed by the printing unit 40. Ink is suitably ejected from each nozzle in the printing unit 40, and identification information such as letters (for example, alphabets, katakana, numbers) and marks (for example, symbols, figures) are aligned with the dividing line on the top (surface) of the tablet T. (e.g., parallel to the direction in which the secant line extends). Note that all the tablets T that pass directly under the imaging unit 30 have their surfaces with score lines facing upward, so printing is performed only on the surfaces of the tablets T on the conveyor belt 11. You will be killed.

After that, when the tablet T on which the identification information is printed is located at the downstream end of the conveyor belt 11 in the conveyance direction A1, that is, when the tablet T on the conveyor belt 11 faces the reversing nozzle 14b, gas is released from the reversing nozzle 14b. is blown out. The tablet T on the conveyor belt 11 moves from the conveyor belt 11 to the reversing tube 14a, passes through the reversing tube 14a, is reversed, and moves to the conveyor belt 12. In other words, the tablet T with the front side on which the score line is formed is facing up, is moved to the conveyor belt 12 with the front side facing down, that is, the back side on which the score line is not formed is facing up. Become. Therefore, when the tablet T that is being transported with the surface on which the score line is facing upward passes through the reversing tube 14a, the back surface on which the score line is not formed becomes the upper surface. All the tablets T on the conveyor belt 12 downstream of A2 are conveyed with their back sides facing up.

Next, the tablet T on the conveyor belt 12 is moved at a timing based on the position information in the conveyance direction A2 based on the position information of the tablet T in the conveyance direction A1, that is, the tablet T is placed directly above the mirror M1 and directly below the imaging unit 60. At the timing when the print position is reached, the image is captured by the imaging unit 50 (for inspection and for detecting the secant angle), and is also captured by the imaging unit 60 (for detecting the print position), and the captured image is transmitted to the control unit 80. . Based on the image transmitted from the imaging section 50, print inspection information indicating the printing position of the printing pattern of the tablet T is generated and stored by the control section 80. Based on the print inspection information, the control unit 80 determines whether the tablet T is good or bad in printing, and the control unit 80 stores printing quality result information (inspection results) indicating the quality of printing for each tablet T. For example, it is determined whether the printing pattern is printed at a predetermined position on the tablet T. Also, based on each image transmitted from the imaging unit 60 or the imaging unit 50, information on the positional deviation of the tablet T (for example, positional deviation of the tablet T in the X direction, Y direction, and θ direction), the angle at which the secant line is formed, Print data based on the information etc. is generated by the control unit 80 and stored. Based on this print data, printing conditions for the tablet T are set by the control unit 80 and saved. Note that the print data is print data for printing identification information (an example of information) aligned with the dividing line.

Next, the tablets T on the conveyor belt 12 are transferred to the printing section based on the aforementioned print data and printing conditions at the timing based on the position information in the conveyance direction A2, that is, at the timing when the tablet T reaches directly below the printing section 40. 40. In the printing unit 40, ink is suitably ejected from each nozzle, and identification information such as letters and marks is printed on the top surface (back surface) of the tablet T aligned with the score line (for example, parallel to the extending direction of the score line). Ru. Note that all the tablets T on the conveyor belt 12 are conveyed with the back side on which no score line is formed facing upward, so printing is performed only on the back side of the tablets T on the conveyor belt 12. You will be killed. However, printing is performed only on tablets T that have passed the above-mentioned test, and printing is not performed on tablets T that have failed the test.

Next, the tablet T on the conveyor belt 12 is imaged by the imaging section 70 at a timing based on the position information of the tablet T in the transportation direction A2 described above, that is, at a timing when the tablet T reaches directly below the imaging section 70 (inspection). ), the captured image is transmitted to the control unit 80. Based on the image transmitted from the imaging section 70, print inspection information indicating the printing position of the printing pattern of the tablet T is generated and stored by the control section 80. Based on the print inspection information, the control unit 80 determines whether the tablet T is good or bad in printing, and the control unit 80 stores printing quality result information (inspection results) indicating the quality of printing for each tablet T. For example, it is determined whether the printing pattern is printed at a predetermined position on the tablet T. Thereafter, the good and defective tablets T are separated and collected.

According to such a printing process, one printing unit 40 prints on both sides of the tablet T while the tablet T is reciprocated on the two conveyor belts 11 and 12. The tablets T are transported by the transporting section 10 with their front and back surfaces randomly, but during the transport, the top surface of the tablet T is aligned with the surface on which the score line is formed. That is, the control unit 80 determines whether the top surface of the tablet T on the conveyor belt 11 is the front surface, and when it is determined that the top surface is not the front surface, when the tablet T to be determined faces the reversing nozzle 13b, Gas is blown out from the reversing nozzle 13b. When the gas is blown out, the tablet T on the conveyor belt 11 moves from the conveyor belt 11 to the reversing tube 13a, passes through the reversing tube 13a, is reversed, and returns to the conveyor belt 11. As a result, the tablet T that is being transported with its top surface not being the front surface, that is, with its back surface facing up and without a score line, passes through the reversing tube 13a with its front surface facing up, so that it is transported from the reversing tube 13a. All the tablets T on the conveyor belt 11 on the downstream side in the direction A1 are in a state where the front surface is upward. In this way, the tablets T are transported with the front and back sides aligned, and when printing is performed on the surface of the tablet T, printing is performed on all tablets T. Therefore, when the tablets T are transported without aligning the front and back sides, printing is performed on all tablets T. Printing efficiency can be improved compared to When printing on the back side of the tablet T, printing is similarly performed on all the tablets T, so printing efficiency can be improved compared to the case where the tablets T are transported without aligning the front and back sides. . Note that, as described above, printing on the back side of the tablet T may not be executed for the tablet T that has failed the inspection based on the image acquired by the imaging unit 50. .

As described above, according to the first embodiment, the tablet T is transported by the transport unit 10 so that the front and back sides of the tablet T are aligned according to the detection result of the score line (an example of a mark) on the tablet T. By moving the tablet T to the reversing tube 13a, it becomes possible to transport the tablet T with its front and back sides aligned. For example, all the tablets T that are transported with their front and back sides randomly placed can be transported with their front side facing up. Therefore, it is possible to transport the tablets T with the front and back sides aligned, and when printing on the surface of the tablet T, it is possible to print on all the tablets T, so the tablets can be transported without aligning the front and back sides. Printing efficiency can be improved compared to the case where T is transported. In addition, when printing on the back side of the tablet T, it is possible to print on all the tablets T in the same way, so the printing efficiency is higher than when the tablets T are transported without aligning the front and back sides. can be improved.

In addition, in the tablet printing apparatus 1A described above, the printing section 40 is provided above both of the two conveyor belts 11 and 12, but when printing on one side of the tablet T, either of the conveyor belts 11 and 12 It is sufficient if it is provided above the belt. For example, when printing is performed only on the surface of the tablet T, the printing section 40 provided above the conveyor belt 11 prints on the surface of all the tablets T. At this time, the tablets T are all aligned and conveyed on the upstream side of the imaging section 30 so that their surfaces are all facing upward. Therefore, it becomes possible to detect the direction of the score line of the tablet T in the imaging section 30, and to print on all the tablets T in accordance with the direction of the score line in the printing section 40. Furthermore, when printing is performed only on the back surfaces of the tablets T, the printing section 40 provided above the conveyor belt 12 prints on the back surfaces of all the tablets T. At this time, the tablets T are conveyed to the conveyor belt 12 with their front and back sides aligned at the reversing section 13 provided on the conveyor belt 11. Therefore, the direction of the score line of the tablet T can be detected in the imaging unit 50. In the printing section 40 of the conveyor belt 12, printing can be performed on the back side of all the tablets T in accordance with the direction of the score line. In this way, since the front and back sides of the tablet T are aligned upstream of the imaging unit that detects the direction of the score line, it is sufficient to provide only one printing unit 40, and the effect of saving space and ink of the apparatus can be achieved.

In addition to reciprocating the tablet T by the two conveyor belts 11 and 12, it is also possible to further convey the tablet T in the direction of arrow A1 after being reversed by the reversing unit 14. When the tablets T are moved back and forth, it is possible to bring the supplying part and the collecting part of the tablets T closer to each other, thereby improving workability.

In addition, in the conventional technology, when the tablet T is conveyed with the front and back sides at random, in some cases, printing is not performed with the print head that the tablet T first visits, and after the tablet T is reversed, another printing head is printed. Printing may be performed using a print head. However, if the front and back sides of the tablet T are aligned on the upstream side of the print head where the tablet T first visits, printing will not be performed as described above, and printing efficiency can be improved. Furthermore, there is no timing when no ejection is performed, and ink drying at the tips of the nozzles of the print head can be suppressed. Further, when performing single-sided printing, the print head 40 can be made into one by aligning the front and back sides of the tablet T on the upstream side of the print head 40. Furthermore, if the printing patterns are different on the front and back sides of the tablet T, or if the ink used for printing on the front and back sides of the tablet T is different, it is effective to align the front and back sides before printing.

<Second embodiment>
A second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. In the second embodiment, differences from the first embodiment (conveyance table, two discharge units, unprinted collecting unit) will be explained, and other explanations will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 5, the conveying section 10 of the tablet printing apparatus 1B according to the second embodiment is provided with a conveying table 15, a discharging section 16, an unprinted collecting section 17, and a discharging section 18. There is.

The conveyance table 15 is formed in a disk shape and is provided at the downstream end of the conveyance belt 11 in the conveyance direction A1. This conveyance table 15 is formed to be rotatable around a rotating shaft 15a, and is configured to adsorb the upper surface of the tablet T discharged from the reversing tube 14a of the reversing section 14 with its lower surface (see FIG. 6). ). The transport table 15 adsorbs the upper surface of the tablet T discharged from the outlet H2 of the reversing tube 14a, rotates around the rotation shaft 15a, and then releases the adsorption when the tablet T is positioned above the transport belt 12, The tablets T discharged from the reversing tube 14a are supplied to the conveyor belt 12.

Note that the imaging unit 50 is provided to take an image of the lower surface of the tablet T (the surface of the tablet T in this embodiment) adsorbed by the transport table 15. The imaging unit 50 performs imaging at the timing when the tablet T reaches directly above the imaging unit 50, acquires an image including the lower surface of the tablet T (for inspection and for detecting the score line angle), and transmits the acquired image to the control unit 80. Send to.

The discharge section 16 has a discharge tube 16a and a discharge nozzle 16b. The discharge tube 16a functions as a discharge path for discharging the tablets T, and the discharge nozzle 16b functions as a moving part for moving the tablets T to the discharge path. Under the control of the control section 80, the discharging section 16 discharges tablets T that have failed the test based on the image transmitted from the imaging section 50. Note that rejected tablets T are, for example, tablets that were not printed in the correct position by the printing unit 40 or were printed in a shape different from the characters or marks that should have been printed (tablets that cannot be reused). tablets). The control unit 80 compares the identification information actually printed on the tablet T by the printing unit 40 and the data of the identification information scheduled to be printed by the printing unit 40 based on the image captured by the imaging unit 50. Then, judge whether the tablet T is acceptable or not. At this time, the control unit 80 also determines whether or not there is printing on the tablets T, and grasps the unprinted tablets (reusable tablets) T.

The discharge tube 16a is positioned downstream in the transport direction A2 from the position where the transport table 15 is provided, and upstream in the transport direction A2 from the position where the imaging section 60 is provided, and the discharge tube 16a It is provided so that T can be discharged. This discharge tube 16a has an inlet H1 and an outlet H2. The lower end of the inlet H1 is aligned with the height of the upper surface of the conveyor belt 12, and the outlet H2 is positioned within a collection box (not shown).

The discharge nozzle 16b is provided at a position to blow out gas (for example, air) toward the inlet H1 of the discharge tube 16a, and moves the tablets T on the conveyor belt 12 toward the inlet H1 of the discharge tube 16a, thereby causing the tablets T to flow inside the discharge tube 16a. is passed through and discharged. The gas blowing direction is a direction in which the tablets T on the conveyor belt 12 are moved in a direction intersecting (for example, perpendicular to) the conveyance direction A2 in a horizontal plane. A valve (not shown) that controls the blowing of gas by the discharge nozzle 16b is electrically connected to the control section 80, and its driving is controlled by the control section 80.

The unprinted paper collection section 17 includes a collection tube 17a and a collection nozzle 17b. The recovery tube 17a functions as a recovery path for recovering the tablets T, and the recovery nozzle 17b functions as a moving unit that moves the tablets T to the recovery path. Under the control of the control unit 80, the unprinted collection unit 17 discharges tablets T that are determined to be unprinted (reusable) through inspection based on the image transmitted from the imaging unit 50, as described above.

Note that the configurations of the recovery tube 17a and the recovery nozzle 17b are basically the same as those of the discharge tube 16a and the discharge nozzle 16b, so their description will be omitted. However, the collection tube 17a and the collection nozzle 17b, that is, the unprinted collection section 17 is located downstream in the transport direction A2 from the position where the discharge section 16 is provided, and from the position where the imaging section 60 is provided in the transport direction A2. It is installed on the upstream side of the

The discharge section 18 has a discharge tube 18a and a discharge nozzle 18b. The discharge tube 18a functions as a discharge path for discharging the tablets T, and the discharge nozzle 18b functions as a moving part for moving the tablets T to the discharge path. Under the control of the control section 80, the discharging section 18 discharges the tablets T that have failed the test based on the image transmitted from the imaging section 70. Note that the control unit 80 performs the same processing as described above based on the image captured by the imaging unit 70 and determines whether the tablet T is acceptable or not.

Note that the configurations of the discharge tube 18a and the discharge nozzle 18b are basically the same as those of the discharge tube 16a and the discharge nozzle 16b, so a description thereof will be omitted. However, the discharge tube 18a and the discharge nozzle 16b, that is, the discharge section 18, is provided downstream in the transport direction A2 from the position where the imaging section 70 is provided.

The printing process (printing process and inspection process) performed by the tablet printing apparatus 1B having such a configuration is basically the same as in the first embodiment. However, depending on the test results of the tablets T, the tablets T on the conveyor belt 12 are discharged by the discharge section 16 or 18, or are collected by the unprinted collection section 17. As described above, by simply providing the simply configured discharge section 16, unprinted collection section 17, and discharge section 18, it becomes possible to collect the tablets T that have failed the inspection. Furthermore, it becomes possible to separately collect rejected tablets T, that is, tablets T that cannot be reused, and tablets T that can be reused.

As explained above, according to the second embodiment, the same effects as the first embodiment can be obtained. In addition, by simply providing the discharge section 16, unprinted collection section 17, and discharge section 18, which have simple configurations, it becomes possible to collect the tablets T that have failed the inspection. The device can be simplified compared to the case where it is provided.

Here, a modification of the second embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 6, the height position of the conveyor belt 12 is lower than the height position of the conveyor belt 11. This makes it possible to smoothly move the tablets T from the conveyor belt 11 at a high position to the conveyor belt 12 at a low position, so that clogging of the tablets T in the reversing tube 14a can be suppressed. , it is possible to suppress a decrease in conveyance efficiency due to poor conveyance of the tablets T.

<Third embodiment>
A third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Note that, in the third embodiment, the difference from the first embodiment (shutter) will be explained, and other explanations will be omitted. However, a certain member having the same reference numeral according to this embodiment as a reference numeral according to another embodiment is basically the same as the other embodiment (that is, unless there is a particular explanation) (the following embodiments are also the same). ).

As shown in FIG. 7, a tablet printing apparatus 1C according to the third embodiment is provided with two shutters S1 and S2. Note that the tablets T are supplied to the conveyor belt 11 from the supply section 11a.

The shutter S1 is provided at the upstream end of the conveyor belt 11 in the conveyance direction A1. The shutter S1 is movable between a closed position where the tablets T supplied from the supply section 11a are blocked and an open position where the tablets T supplied from the supply section 11a are allowed to flow onto the conveyor belt 11. ing. When the shutter S1 moves to the above-mentioned closed position, that is, is closed, the supply of the tablets T from the supply section 11a to the conveyor belt 11 is restricted. This shutter S1 is electrically connected to the control section 80, and its driving is controlled by the control section 80.

The shutter S2 is provided to close the outlet H2 of the reversing tube 13a. This shutter S2 is formed to be movable between a closed position, which is a position where the tablets T moving through the reversing tube 13a are blocked, and an open position, which is a position where the tablets T moving through the reversing tube 13a are allowed to flow onto the conveyor belt 11. . When the shutter S2 moves to the aforementioned closed position, ie, is closed, the passage of the tablet T through the reversing tube 13a is restricted. This shutter S2 is electrically connected to the control section 80, and its driving is controlled by the control section 80.

In the tablet printing apparatus 1C having such a configuration, when the shutter S1 is closed every time a certain period of time elapses, the shutter S2 is opened while the supply of tablets T to the conveyor belt 11 is stopped, and the reversing tube 13a The tablets T stored inside are returned to the conveyor belt 11 all at once. Note that the shutter S2 is normally closed. Therefore, when the tablet T on the conveyor belt 11 is moved to the reversing tube 13a by the gas blown out from the reversing nozzle 13b, the tablet T remains in the reversing tube 13a. In other words, the reversing tube 13a retains the tablets T in the reversing tube 13a, and while the supply of tablets T to the conveyor belt 11 is stopped, the tablets T retained in the reversing tube 13a are transferred to the conveyor belt 11. I will be returning it. When returning the tablet T held in the reversing tube 13a to the conveyor belt 11, gas may be blown out from the reversing nozzle 13b.

As explained above, according to the third embodiment, the same effects as the first embodiment can be obtained. Furthermore, since it is possible to change the timing of returning the tablets T from the reversing tube 13a onto the transport belt 11, it is possible to adjust the position on the transport belt 11 at which the tablets T are returned from the reversing tube 13a to the transport belt 11.

Note that in the third embodiment described above, the shutter S2 is opened to return the plurality of tablets T to the conveyor belt 11 at once. The tablets T to be returned may be returned to the conveyor belt 11 with a space between them. Furthermore, the intervals may be adjusted to be equal. According to this, since the plurality of tablets T are conveyed at intervals, it is possible to prevent the tablets T from clogging in downstream processes such as the imaging section 30 and the printing section 40.

<Fourth embodiment>
A fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 8. Note that, in the fourth embodiment, the differences from the first embodiment (transport unit) will be explained, and other explanations will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 8, the tablet printing apparatus 1D according to the fourth embodiment includes three conveyance sections 91, 92, and 93. Each of the conveyance units 91, 92, and 93 is provided in a horizontal state. In FIG. 8, the conveyance section 91 is arranged on the left side of the upper end of the conveyance section 92, and the conveyance section 93 is arranged on the left side of the lower end of the conveyance section 92.

The conveying section 91 has a conveying belt 91a, the conveying section 92 has a conveying belt 92a, and the conveying section 93 has a conveying belt 93a. Two conveyance paths P1 and P2 are provided on each conveyance belt 92a and 93a, respectively. The conveyance path P1 is on the back side on the paper surface of FIG. 8 and extends in the belt stretching direction. The conveyance path P2 is on the near side on the paper surface of FIG. 8 and extends in the belt stretching direction. These transport paths P1 and P2 are each formed by a plurality of suction holes (not shown) arranged in a row. A suction chamber (not shown) is provided inside each of the conveyor belts 91a, 92a, 93a, and the tablets T are suctioned through the suction holes by the suction chamber. Note that the transport units 91, 92, and 93 are synchronized, and even if the tablet T moves between the respective transport units, the location can be specified using an encoder or the like.

The conveyance unit 91 adsorbs the top surface of the tablets T, which are being conveyed in a line with their front and back sides being random, with a conveyance belt 91a, conveys the tablets T in a line in the conveyance direction A1, and supplies them to the conveyance path P1 of the conveyance unit 92. do. Note that the conveyance unit 91 conveys the tablet T so as to be suspended below the conveyance belt 91a. The conveying unit 92 adsorbs the lower surface of the tablets T supplied from the conveying unit 91 with a conveying belt 92a, conveys the tablets T in a line in the conveying direction A1 along the conveying path P1 with the front and back sides being random, and transfers the tablets T to the reversing unit. 13, all the tablets T are placed with their front surfaces facing up during transportation (that is, the tablets T with their back surfaces facing up on the transportation belt 92a are (moved to the reversing section 13). Thereafter, all the tablets T with their surfaces facing up are conveyed downstream as the conveyor belt 92a rotates, and are supplied to the conveyance path P1 of the conveyance section 93 (the printing target in the printing section 40 of the conveyance path P1 is the tablet ).

The conveyance section 93 conveys the tablets T supplied from the conveyance section 92 in a line in the conveyance direction A2 along the conveyance path P1 (at this time, the back side of all the tablets T is upward), and the reversing section 13 conveys the tablets T during conveyance. , all the tablets T are placed with their surfaces facing up, and are moved from the conveyance path P1 to the conveyance path P2 (with the outlet H2 of the reversing unit 13 facing the conveyance path P2), and conveyed along the conveyance path P2. They are transported in a line in direction A2 and supplied to transport path P2 of transport section 92. The conveyance unit 92 adsorbs the tablets T supplied from the conveyance unit 93 with a conveyance belt 92a, and conveys them in a line along the conveyance path P2 (the printing target in the printing unit 40 of the conveyance path P2 is the back side of the tablet T). ). Note that when the tablet T is transferred from the transport section 92 to the transport section 93, the tablet T is reversed.

A detection unit 20a is provided for the transport unit 91. The detection unit 20a is located below the conveyance unit 91, and is provided so as to image the lower surface of the tablet T that is conveyed with the upper surface attracted by the conveyance unit 91. This detection section 20a is for detecting the presence or absence of a dividing line.

For the transport path P1 of the transport unit 92, the reversing unit 13, the detection unit 20b, the imaging unit 30, the printing unit 40, and the imaging unit 50a are arranged in that order in the transport direction A1. . Further, on the transport path P2 of the transport unit 92, the detection unit 20b, the imaging unit 60, the above-described printing unit 40, and the imaging unit 70 are provided in order in the transport direction A1. The reversing unit 13 has the same configuration as the first embodiment. The detection unit 20b is for detecting imaging timing. The imaging section 30 is used for detecting print positions and secant angles, the imaging section 50a is used for inspection, the imaging section 60 is used for detecting printing positions, and the imaging section 70 is used for inspection.

A reversing section 13 is provided in the conveying section 93 to reverse and move the tablet T from the conveying path P1 to the conveying path P2. This reversing section 13 has the same configuration as the first embodiment, but the reversing tube 13a is formed to reverse and move the tablet T from the transport path P1 to the transport path P2. Furthermore, a detection section 20b and an imaging section 50b are provided for the conveyance path P2 of the conveyance section 93. The detection section 20b is for detecting the imaging timing, and the imaging section 50b is for detecting the secant angle.

In the tablet printing apparatus 1D having such a configuration, the tablets T that have been transported with their front and back sides randomly are attracted by the transport belt 91a of the transport unit 91 and transported in a line in the transport direction A1, and are detected by the detection unit 20a. The presence or absence of a dividing line is detected. Then, by releasing the suction of the conveyor belt 91a at the end of the conveyor section 91, the sheet is supplied to the conveyance path P1 of the conveyor section 92. The tablets T supplied from the conveyance section 91 to the conveyance path P1 of the conveyance section 92 are attracted by the conveyance belt 92a of the conveyance section 92 and conveyed in a line in the conveyance direction A1 along the conveyance path P1. In the reversing section 13, the tablet T, which is being conveyed with the back side facing up, is reversed according to the detection result of the detecting unit 20a, so that the front side is facing up (see the first embodiment). ). That is, for the tablets T detected as having a score line by the detection unit 20a, the back side faces upward on the conveyance unit 92, so these tablets T are inverted at the inversion unit 13. In the conveyance path P1 on the downstream side of the reversing section 13 in the conveyance direction A1, all the tablets T are conveyed with their surfaces facing upward.

When the tablet T on the transport path P1 of the transport unit 92 is detected by the detection unit 20b (for imaging timing), the transport path P1 is The top surface of the tablet T above is imaged by the imaging section 30 (for printing position detection), printing is performed by the printing section 40 based on the image, and the top surface of the printed tablet T is captured by the imaging section 50a (for inspection). An image is taken and the quality of the printing is inspected (see the first embodiment). Note that by making the detection section 20a of the transportation section 91 also function as a position detector, the detection section 20b of the transportation section 92 can be omitted. Further, by providing the detection section 20b on the upstream side in the conveyance direction of the reversing section 13 in the conveyance section 92, it can be used both for detecting tablets and for detecting the presence or absence of a score line.

After the inspection, the tablets T that are sucked and transported by the transport belt 92a of the transport section 92 are supplied to the transport path P1 of the transport section 93 below the transport section 92. When the tablet T is transferred from the transport section 92 to the transport section 93, the tablet T is reversed. The tablets T supplied from the conveyance section 92 to the conveyance path P1 of the conveyance section 93 are attracted by the conveyance belt 93a of the conveyance section 93 and conveyed in a line in the conveyance direction A2 along the conveyance path P1. In the reversing section 13, all the tablets T are reversed from the back side to the front side, with the front side facing upward, and further moved from the conveyance path P1 to the conveyance path P2. The tablets T that have moved to the transport path P2 are attracted by the transport belt 93a of the transport section 93 and are transported in a line in the transport direction A2 along the transport path P2.

When the tablet T on the transport path P2 of the transport unit 93 is detected by the detection unit 20b (for imaging timing), the transport path P2 The upper surface of the upper tablet T is imaged by the imaging section 50b (for detecting the score line angle), the angle of the score line is detected, and the tablet T is supplied to the conveyance path P2 of the conveyance section 92. When the tablet T is transferred from the transport section 93 to the transport section 92, the tablet T is reversed. The tablets T supplied to the conveyance path P2 are attracted by the conveyance belt 92a of the conveyance section 92 and conveyed in a line along the conveyance path P2. The angular information of the secant line obtained by the imaging unit 50b is used in printing in a subsequent process to print identification information on the back side aligned with the secant line when the back side on which the secant line is not formed is facing up. used for

When the tablet T on the transport path P2 of the transport unit 92 is detected by the detection unit 20b (for imaging timing), the top surface of the tablet T on the transport path P2 is detected by the imaging unit 60 (for printing position detection) at a timing based on the detection. ), printing is performed by the printing unit 40 based on the image, the top surface of the printed tablet T is imaged by the imaging unit 70 (for inspection), and the quality of the printing is inspected (first (see embodiments). Thereafter, the good and defective tablets T are separated and collected.

As explained above, according to the fourth embodiment, the same effects as the first embodiment can be obtained.

<Fifth embodiment>
A fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 11. Note that in the fifth embodiment, differences from the first embodiment (transport unit) will be explained, and other explanations will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 9, the tablet printing device 1E according to the fifth embodiment includes three conveyance units 101, 102, and 103. Each transport section 101, 102, 103 is provided in a horizontal state. In FIG. 9, the conveyance section 101 is arranged on the left side of the upper end of the conveyance section 102, and the conveyance section 103 is arranged on the left side of the lower end of the conveyance section 102. These conveyance units 101, 102, and 103 are the same as those in the fourth embodiment (synchronization, speed, etc.), and for example, the conveyance unit 101 is similar to the conveyance unit 91 according to the fourth embodiment, and the conveyance belt The tablet T is adsorbed on the lower surface of 101a and transported.

The transport unit 101 uses a transport belt 101a to adsorb the upper surfaces of the tablets T that are being transported in four rows with their front and back sides being random, transports the tablets T in four rows in the transport direction A1, and supplies them to the transport unit 102. The conveying unit 102 adsorbs the lower surfaces of the tablets T supplied from the conveying unit 101 with a conveying belt 102a, conveys the tablets T in four rows in the conveying direction A1 with the front and back sides randomly, and rotates the tablets T in the conveying direction A1 by the reversing unit 13A. All of the tablets T are placed with their surfaces facing up and are supplied to the conveyance unit 103 (the surfaces of the tablets T are to be printed). The transport unit 103 adsorbs the lower surfaces of the tablets T supplied from the transport unit 102 with a transport belt 103a, and transports the tablets T in four rows in the transport direction A2 (the back surfaces of the tablets T are to be printed).

Two detection units 20a are provided at positions facing the surface of the conveyance unit 101 on which the tablets T are conveyed. A reversing section 13A, two detecting sections 20b, two imaging sections 30, a printing section 40, and two imaging sections 50 are arranged in that order at a position facing the surface of the transporting section 102 on which the tablet T is transported. They are arranged so as to be lined up in the conveying direction A1. Two detecting sections 20b, two imaging sections 60, a printing section 40, and two imaging sections 70 are provided in the transporting section 103 so as to be lined up in that order in the transporting direction A2. Further, a drying section 90 is individually provided at a position facing the surface of each of the conveying sections 102 and 103 on which the tablets T are conveyed, for example, positioned below each of them. These drying units 90 dry the ink applied to the tablet T and the tablet T itself using radiant heat, wind, or the like. Each drying section 90 is electrically connected to the control section 80, and its driving is controlled by the control section 80.

Each detection section 20a is located below the transport section 101 and is provided so as to image the lower surface of the tablet T that is transported with the upper surface adsorbed by the transport section 101. These detection units 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 according to the first embodiment. The detection unit 20b is for detecting the timing of imaging the tablet T. The imaging section 30 is used for detecting the print position and the secant angle, and the imaging section 50 is used for inspection and for detecting the secant angle. The imaging section 60 is used for detecting printing positions, and the imaging section 70 is used for inspection.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the reversing section 13A includes four reversing tubes 13a, four reversing nozzles 13b, two non-reversing tubes 13c, and two non-reversing nozzles 13d. are doing. The reversing tube 13a functions as a reversing path for reversing the tablet T, the non-reversing tube 13c functions as a non-reversing path for flowing the tablet T without reversing it, and the reversing nozzle 13b and the non-reversing nozzle 13d function as a reversing path for moving the tablet T. function as a department.

The transport unit 102 has four transport paths L1 to L4 so that the tablets T can be transported in four rows. The reversing tube 13a is provided for each row of the transport paths L1 to L4. The reversing tubes 13a provided in the conveyance paths L1 and L2 located on the upper end side in FIG. 11 (on the page) of the conveyor belt 102a are provided so as to extend toward the upper end side in FIG. The reversing tubes 13a provided in the transport paths L3 and L4 located on the lower end side in FIG. 11 of 102a are provided so as to extend toward the lower end side in FIG. Of the two reversing tubes 13a extending to the upper end of the conveyor belt 102a in FIG. 11, the upstream reversing tube 13a in the conveying direction A1 is for the conveying path L1, and the downstream reversing tube 13a is for the conveying path L2. . Further, among the two reversing tubes 13a extending to the lower end of the conveyor belt 102a in FIG. 11, the upstream reversing tube 13a is for the conveying path L4, and the downstream reversing tube 13a is for the conveying path L3.

The non-inverting tubes 13c are provided for each row in two rows at both ends of the four rows. One non-reversing tube 13c is provided at the upper end of the transport belt 102a in FIG. 11, and this non-reversing tube 13c is for the transport path L1. A single non-reversing tube 13c is provided at the lower end of the transport belt 102a in FIG. 11, and this non-reversing tube 13c is for the transport path L4. Each non-reversing tube 13c is provided upstream of each reversing tube 13a in the transport direction A1, and moves the tablet T being transported downstream in the transport direction A1 without reversing it.

Here, for example, a tablet Ta (see FIG. 11) located on the transport path L3 with the back side facing up, and a tablet Tb located on the transport path L4 with the front side facing up (see FIG. 11). However, when the positions in the transport direction A1 are the same, that is, when they are transported side by side, the gas blown out from the reversing nozzle 13b attempts to move the tablets Ta in the transport path L3 to the reversing tube 13a. Also, the tablet Tb on the conveyance path L4 becomes an obstacle. Therefore, before moving the tablet Ta in the transport path L3 to the reversing tube 13a, the tablet Tb in the transport path L4 is moved to the non-reversing tube 13c by the gas blown out from the non-reversing nozzle 13d, so that the back side is up. The state in which the tablet Ta on the conveyance path L3 in the state and the tablet Tb on the conveyance path L4 in the state with the surface facing up are side by side is eliminated. Thereby, it becomes possible to move the tablet Ta in the transport path L3 to the reversing tube 13a by the gas blown out from the reversing nozzle 13b. Note that the tablets Tb in the transport path L4 pass through the non-reversing tube 13c with their surfaces facing up due to the gas blown out from the non-reversing nozzle 13d, and are moved to the transport path L4.

When the tablets T are conveyed in four rows with their front and back sides randomly, the reversal section 13A is configured such that the back side of the tablets T in the four rows is on top depending on the presence or absence of a score line (front and back of the tablets T). The tablets T in this state are selectively turned over, and all the tablets T, which are being conveyed in four rows with their front and back sides in a random state, are brought into a state with their front side facing up. As a result, all the tablets T are transported with their surfaces facing upward on the transport belt 102a on the downstream side of the reversing section 13A in the transport direction A1.

In the tablet printing apparatus 1E having such a configuration, the tablets T, which are conveyed in four rows to the conveyance section 101 with the front and back sides in a random state, are attracted by the conveyance belt 101a of the conveyance section 101 and conveyed in four rows in the conveyance direction A1. and is supplied to the transport section 102. During this process, each detection section 20a (for detecting the presence or absence of a score line) detects the presence or absence of a score line on the lower surface of the tablet T that is being conveyed by the transport belt 101a of the transport section 101. The tablets T supplied from the transport section 101 to the transport section 102 are attracted by the transport belt 102a of the transport section 102 and are transported in four rows in the transport direction A1. In the reversing section 13A, the tablet T, which is being conveyed with the back side facing up, is reversed so that the front side is facing up, according to the detection results of each detection unit 20a. All the tablets T are transported with their surfaces facing upward on the downstream side of the reversing section 13A in the transport direction A1.

When the tablet T on the conveyor belt 102a is detected by each detection unit 20b (for imaging timing), the tablet T on the conveyor belt 102a is The top surface of the tablet T is imaged by each imaging section 30 (for printing position detection), and based on these images, printing is performed in four rows by the printing section 40, and the top surface of the printed tablet T is captured by each imaging section 50. (for inspection and for detecting the secant angle), and the quality of the printing is inspected.

After the inspection, the tablets T that are adsorbed and transported by the transport belt 102a of the transport section 102 pass above the drying section 90 and are supplied to the transport section 103 in four rows below the transport section 102. The tablets T supplied from the transport section 102 to the transport section 103 are attracted by the transport belt 103a of the transport section 103 and are transported in four rows in the transport direction A2.

When the tablet T on the conveyor belt 103a is detected by each detection unit 20b (for imaging timing), the tablet T on the conveyor belt 103a is detected at the timing based on these detections, that is, at the timing when the tablet T arrives directly below the imaging unit 60. The top surface of the tablet T is imaged by each imaging section 60 (for printing position detection), and based on these images, printing is performed in four rows by the printing section 40, and the top surface of the printed tablet T is captured by each imaging section 70. (for inspection), and the quality of the printing is inspected. Thereafter, the good and defective tablets T are separated and collected.

As explained above, according to the fifth embodiment, the same effects as the first embodiment can be obtained. Further, by printing the tablets T conveyed in four rows together in all four rows, it is possible to increase the amount of printing per unit time, and therefore printing efficiency can be improved.

Note that in this embodiment as well, as in the fourth embodiment described above, by providing the detection section 20b on the upstream side of the reversing section 13A in the conveying direction, it is possible to detect the presence or absence of a score line and to detect the position of the tablet. .

<Sixth embodiment>
A sixth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 to 14. Note that, in the sixth embodiment, the differences from the first embodiment (transport unit) will be explained, and other explanations will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 12, the tablet printing apparatus 1F according to the fifth embodiment includes five conveyance sections 111, 112, 113, 114, and 115. The transport section 113 is provided with its longitudinal direction vertical, and each of the transport sections 111, 112, 114, and 115 is provided horizontally. On the paper surface of FIG. 12, the transport section 111 is arranged on the left side of the lower end of the transport section 113, and the transport section 112 is arranged on the right side of the lower end of the transport section 113. Further, the conveyance section 114 is provided on the right side of the upper part of the conveyance section 113, and the conveyance section 115 is provided on the left side of the upper part of the conveyance section 113.

The conveyance unit 111 adsorbs the tablets T with the front and back sides randomly with the conveyor belt 111a and conveys them in two rows in the conveyance direction A1, and the reversing unit 13B transfers all the tablets T with the back side facing up during conveyance. It is then supplied to the conveying section 113. In addition, like the transport unit 111, the transport unit 112 also adsorbs tablets T with their front and back sides at random using the transport belt 112a and transports them in two rows in the transport direction A2, and the reversing unit 13B removes all the tablets T during transport. with the back side facing up, and feed it to the conveying section 113.

The conveyance unit 113 adsorbs the tablets T supplied from the conveyance unit 111 with a conveyance belt 113a, conveys them in two rows in the conveyance direction A3 (the surface of the tablet T is to be printed), and supplies them to the conveyance unit 114. Further, the conveyance unit 113 adsorbs the tablets T supplied from the conveyance unit 112 with a conveyance belt 113b, conveys them in two rows in the conveyance direction A4 (the surface of the tablets T is to be printed), and supplies them to the conveyance unit 115. do.

The conveyance unit 114 adsorbs the tablets T supplied from the conveyance unit 113 with a conveyance belt 114a, conveys them in two rows in the conveyance direction A1 (the back side of the tablets T faces up), and removes all the tablets during conveyance by the reversing unit 14A. The tablets T are brought into a state with their surfaces facing up, and are adsorbed by the conveyor belt 114b, conveyed in two rows in the conveyance direction A2, and returned to the conveyance section 113. Further, the conveying unit 115 also adsorbs the tablets T supplied from the conveying unit 113 with the conveying belt 115a and conveys them in two rows in the conveying direction A2 (the back side of the tablets T is upward), and the reversing unit 14A transports the tablets in the middle of the conveyance. All of the tablets T are brought into a state with their surfaces facing up, and are adsorbed by the conveyor belt 115b, conveyed in two rows in the conveyance direction A1, and returned to the conveyance section 113.

The conveying unit 113 adsorbs the tablets T supplied from the conveying unit 114 with a conveying belt 113b and conveys them in two rows in the conveying direction A4 (the back side of the tablet T is to be printed). Further, the conveyance unit 113 adsorbs the tablets T supplied from the conveyance unit 115 with a conveyance belt 113a and conveys them in two rows in the conveyance direction A3 (the back side of the tablet T is to be printed). During their transportation, the good and defective tablets T are separated and collected (the collecting section is not shown).

As shown in FIG. 13, the reversing section 13B has two reversing sections 13 (reversing tube 13a and reversing nozzle 13b) according to the first embodiment. One reversing section 13B is provided corresponding to one of the two rows in which the tablets T are conveyed, and the other reversing section 13B is provided corresponding to the other row.

As shown in FIG. 14, the reversing section 14A includes two reversing sections 14 (reversing tube 14a and reversing nozzle 14b) according to the first embodiment. One reversing section 14A is provided corresponding to one of the two rows in which the tablets T are conveyed, and the other reversing section 14B is provided corresponding to the other row.

In the above-mentioned conveyance section 111, a detection section 20a (for detecting the presence or absence of a dividing line) is provided. On the right side (in FIG. 12) of the conveyance belt 113a of the conveyance section 113, there are a detection section 20b (for detecting imaging timing), an imaging section 30 (for detecting print position and secant angle), and a printing section 40. , and an imaging section 60 (for detecting a printing position) are arranged in this order in the transport direction A3. A detection section 20b (for detecting imaging timing) and an imaging section 50 (for inspection and for detecting a dividing line angle) are provided on the conveyance belt 114b of the conveyance section 114. An imaging section 70 (for inspection) is provided on the right side (in FIG. 12) of the conveyance belt 113b of the conveyance section 113.

Further, in the same way as the above-described arrangement, a detection section 20a (for detecting the presence or absence of a dividing line) is provided for the conveyance section 112. On the left side (in FIG. 12) of the conveyance belt 113b of the conveyance section 113, there are a detection section 20b (for detecting imaging timing), an imaging section 30 (for detecting print position and secant angle), and a printing section 40. , and an imaging unit 60 (for detecting print position) are arranged in this order in the conveying direction A4. A detection section 20b (for detecting imaging timing) and an imaging section 50 (for inspection and for detecting a dividing line angle) are provided on the conveyance belt 115b of the conveyance section 115. An imaging section 70 (for inspection) is provided on the left side (in FIG. 12) of the conveyance belt 113a of the conveyance section 113.

The printing process (printing process and inspection process) performed by the tablet printing apparatus 1F having such a configuration is basically the same as in the first to fifth embodiments. However, the printing process according to the fourth embodiment is executed simultaneously on the left and right sides of the transport section 113. Therefore, it is possible to increase the amount of printing per unit time, and it is possible to improve printing efficiency. Furthermore, since it is possible to simultaneously print on the left and right sides of the transport section 113, even when maintenance is performed on each section related to printing on either side, printing can be performed using each section related to printing on the other side. 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. Furthermore, printing efficiency can also be improved.

<Seventh embodiment>
A seventh embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 15. Note that in the seventh embodiment, differences from the sixth embodiment (arrangement of each part) will be explained, and other explanations will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 15, the tablet printing device 1G according to the seventh embodiment includes a transport section 113 according to the sixth embodiment in addition to each part of the tablet printing device 1F according to the sixth embodiment. . In other words, there are two transport sections 113. These conveyance units 113 are provided vertically in parallel with each other. In addition, in FIG. 15, the conveyance section 111 and the conveyance section 112 are provided in parallel to each other in a horizontal state on the left side of the lower end of each conveyance section 113, and the conveyance sections 114 and 115 are provided in parallel to each other in a horizontal state on the left side of the lower end of each conveyance section. It is provided on the left side near the center of 113.

Note that the detection unit 20a (for detecting the presence or absence of a dividing line), the detection unit 20b (for detecting the imaging timing), the imaging unit 30 (for detecting the printing position and the dividing line angle), the printing unit 40, and the detection unit 20b (for detecting the imaging timing) , the imaging section 50 (for inspection and for detecting the score line angle), the imaging section 60 (for detecting the print position), and the imaging section 70 (for inspection) align the tablet T with the score line of the tablet T, as in the sixth embodiment. Double-sided printing is provided to print identification information on both sides.

The printing process (printing process and inspection process) performed by the tablet printing apparatus 1G having such a configuration is basically the same as that in the sixth embodiment. However, compared to the sixth embodiment, the drying distance that the tablet T travels before the surface of the tablet T coated with ink next contacts the conveyor belt 114a or 115a is longer. This makes it possible to reliably dry the ink applied to the tablet T, thereby suppressing the occurrence of printing defects due to undried ink. Moreover, compared to the sixth embodiment, it is possible to increase the number of conveyance rows of tablets T to increase the amount of printing per unit time, and it is possible to improve printing efficiency.

As explained above, according to the seventh embodiment, the same effects as the first embodiment can be obtained. Further, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of printing defects due to undried ink, and it is also possible to improve printing efficiency.

<Eighth embodiment>
The eighth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 16. Note that in the eighth embodiment, differences from the seventh embodiment (arrangement of each part) will be explained, and other explanations will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 16, the tablet printing device 1H according to the eighth embodiment includes the same parts as the tablet printing device 1G according to the seventh embodiment. On the paper surface of FIG. 16, the conveyance section 111 is provided on the left side of the lower end of the rear conveyance section 113 of the two conveyance sections 113 in a horizontal state, and the conveyance section 112 is provided on the left side of the lower end of the rear conveyance section 113 in a horizontal state. 113 on the right side of the lower end. The conveying section 114 is horizontally provided on the left side near the bottom of the aforementioned back side conveying section 113, and the conveying section 115 is horizontally installed on the right side near the bottom side of the aforementioned front side conveying section 113. It is being

The printing process (printing process and inspection process) performed by the tablet printing apparatus 1H having such a configuration is basically the same as in the seventh embodiment. However, compared to the seventh embodiment, it is possible to simultaneously print on the left and right sides of the transport section 113, so even when maintenance is performed on each part related to printing on one side, each part related to printing on the other side is maintained. As a result, printing efficiency can be improved.

As explained above, according to the eighth embodiment, the same effects as the first embodiment can be obtained. Further, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of printing defects due to undried ink, and it is also possible to improve printing efficiency.

<Ninth embodiment>
A ninth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 17 and 18. Note that in the ninth embodiment, differences from the eighth embodiment (arrangement of each part) will be explained, and other explanations will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 17, the tablet printing apparatus 1I according to the ninth embodiment includes five conveyance sections 116, 117, 118, 119, and 120. The transport section 117 is provided with its longitudinal direction vertical, and each of the transport sections 116 and 119 is provided horizontally. 119. In FIG. 17, the conveying section 116 is provided on the left side of the lower end of the conveying section 113, and each of the conveying sections 118, 119, and 120 is provided on the upper end of the conveying section 113.

The conveyance unit 116 adsorbs the tablets T with the front and back sides randomly using the conveyance belt 116a and conveys them in four rows in the conveyance direction A1, and during conveyance, the reversing unit 13A transfers all the tablets T with the back side facing up. It is then supplied to the transport section 117. The conveyance unit 117 adsorbs the tablets T supplied from the conveyance unit 111 with a conveyance belt 117a, conveys them in four rows in the conveyance direction A3 (the surface of the tablets T is to be printed), and supplies them to the conveyance unit 118. The conveyance section 118 adsorbs the tablets T supplied from the conveyance section 117 with a conveyance belt 118a, conveys them in four rows, and supplies them to the conveyance section 119.

The conveyance unit 119 adsorbs the tablets T supplied from the conveyance unit 118 with a conveyance belt 119a, conveys them in four rows in the conveyance direction A2 (the surface of the tablets T is upward), and removes all the tablets during conveyance by the reversing unit 14B. Tablets T with their back sides facing up are fed to the transport section 120. The conveying section 120 adsorbs the tablets T supplied from the conveying section 119 with a conveying belt 120a and conveys them in four rows. The conveyance unit 117 adsorbs the tablets T supplied from the conveyance unit 120 with a conveyance belt 117a and conveys them in four rows in the conveyance direction A4 (the back side of the tablet T is to be printed). During their transportation, good and defective tablets T are separated and collected.

As shown in FIG. 18, the reversing section 14B has four reversing sections 14 (reversing tubes 14a and reversing nozzles 14b) according to the first embodiment. That is, the reversing section 14 is provided for each column. As a result, the tablets T with their front surfaces facing up pass through the reversing tube 14a row by row, so that all the tablets T have their back surfaces facing up. Note that the configurations of the reversing section 13A and the reversing section 14A are similar to those of the fifth embodiment described above.

Two detection units 20a (for detecting the presence or absence of a dividing line) are provided for the conveyance unit 116. On the right side (in FIG. 17) of the conveyance section 117, there are two detection sections 20b (for detecting imaging timing), two imaging sections 30 (for detecting printing position and dividing line angle), a printing section 40, and two detection sections 20b (for detecting imaging timing). An imaging section 50a (for inspection) and a drying section 90 are arranged in that order in the transport direction A3. Two detection units 20b (for detecting imaging timing) are provided on the left side (in FIG. 17) of the transport unit 119. Two imaging units 50b (for detecting the secant angle) are provided on the right side (in FIG. 17) of the transport unit 120. On the left side (in FIG. 17) of the transport unit 113, there are two detection units 20b (for imaging timing detection), two imaging units 60 (for printing position detection), a printing unit 40, and two imaging units 70 (for inspection). ) and drying sections 90 are arranged in that order in the conveyance direction A4.

The printing process (printing process and inspection process) performed by the tablet printing apparatus 1I having such a configuration is basically the same as in other embodiments such as the first to eighth embodiments. However, compared to the case where the drying section 90 is not provided, it is possible to reliably dry the ink applied to the tablet T, so it is possible to further suppress the occurrence of printing defects due to undried ink.

As explained above, according to the ninth embodiment, the same effects as the first embodiment can be obtained. Moreover, the types of tablet printing apparatuses that print on both sides of the tablet T can be increased, furthermore, the occurrence of printing defects due to undried ink can be suppressed, and printing efficiency can be improved.

Note that, as described above, two members (each part) are provided for four rows of conveyance. Therefore, a member is provided for every two rows (that is, one member processes two rows together). This is the same in the fifth to ninth embodiments (four-row conveyance), but this is just an example, and all members may be provided for each row.

<Tenth embodiment>
A tenth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 19. Note that in the tenth embodiment, the difference from the first embodiment (inversion part) will be explained, and other explanations will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 19, the reversing section 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 that is inclined at, for example, 45 degrees with respect to the width direction of the conveyor belt 11. This inclined drum 14c has a part of a conical side surface 14c1 separated from the upper surface of the conveyor belt 11 by a predetermined distance (for example, about the thickness of a tablet T), and is provided above the conveyor belt 11 so as to be rotatable by a motor 14e. It is being The separation distance from the conveyor belt 11 is set based on the thickness of the tablet T so that the tablet T can be transferred from the conveyor belt 11 to the inclined drum 14c. The tilting drum 14c is fixed to the output shaft (rotating shaft) of the motor 14e, and rotates about the shaft by the rotational operation of the motor 14e. The motor 14e is electrically connected to the control section 80, and its driving is controlled by the control section 80.

A plurality of suction holes H3 are formed in 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 inclined drum 14c is maintained at a negative pressure lower than atmospheric pressure by a suction mechanism (not shown). The inclined drum 14c holds the tablet T in one of the suction holes H3 by this negative pressure. The aforementioned suction mechanism is electrically connected to the control section 80, and its driving is controlled by the control section 80.

The inclined drum 14d has a conical side surface 14d1 centered on an axis that is inclined at, for example, 45 degrees with respect to the width direction of the conveyor belt 12, opposite to the direction in which the inclined drum 14c is inclined. The axis of the inclined drum 14d and the axis of the above-mentioned inclined drum 14c are, for example, perpendicular to each other in a vertical plane. A part of the conical side surface 14d1 of the inclined drum 14d is separated from the side surface 14c1 of the inclined drum 14c by a predetermined distance (for example, about the thickness of the tablet T), and furthermore, a part of the conical side surface 14d1 is separated from the side surface 14c1 of the inclined drum 14c. 12 by a predetermined distance (for example, approximately the thickness of the tablet T), and is provided above the conveyor belt 12 so as to be rotatable by a motor 14f. The separation distance from the inclined drum 14c is set based on the thickness of the tablet T so that the tablet T can be transferred from the inclined drum 14c to the inclined drum 14d. Further, the distance from the conveyor belt 12 is set such that the tablets T can be transferred from the inclined drum 14d to the conveyor belt 12. The tilting drum 14d is fixed to the output shaft (rotating shaft) of the motor 14f, and rotates about the shaft by the rotational operation of the motor 14f. The motor 14f is electrically connected to the control section 80, and its driving is controlled by the control section 80.

A plurality of suction holes H4 are formed in 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 inclined drum 14d is maintained at a negative pressure lower than atmospheric pressure by the above-mentioned suction mechanism. The inclined drum 14d holds the tablet T in one of the suction holes H4 by this negative pressure.

A blow section 14g is provided inside the inclined drum 14c. The blow section 14g blows gas to the suction holes H3 facing the inclined drum 14d among the suction holes H3 of the inclined drum 14c. As a result, the suction hole H3 into which the gas is blown becomes a positive pressure higher than atmospheric pressure, so 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 blow section 14g is electrically connected to the control section 80, and its driving is controlled by the control section 80.

A blow section 14h is also provided inside the inclined drum 14d. The blowing unit 14h blows gas to the suction holes H4 facing the conveyor belt 12 among the suction holes H4 of the inclined drum 14d. As a result, the suction hole H4 into which the gas is blown becomes a positive pressure higher than atmospheric pressure, so the suction of the tablet T by the suction hole H4 is released, and the tablet T is transferred from the inclined drum 14d to the conveyor belt 12. . The blow section 14h is electrically connected to the control section 80, and its driving is controlled by the control section 80.

In addition, in order to reliably prevent the tablets T from falling off during the transfer of the tablets T from the inclined drum 14c to the inclined drum 14d, the suction force of each suction hole H4 of the inclined drum 14d must be adjusted to It is desirable that the adsorption force be greater than that of H3.

According to such a reversing unit 14C, the tablet T on which identification information is printed is located at the downstream end of the conveyor belt 11 in the conveyance direction A1, that is, the tablet T on the conveyor belt 11 is placed on the inclined drum 14c. Once there, the tablets T are transferred from the conveyor belt 11 to the inclined drum 14c. The tilted drum 14c is rotated by a motor 14e while adsorbing and holding the tablet T received from the conveyor belt 11 in one of the suction holes H3 of the side surface 14c1, and delivers the tablet T to the tilted drum 14d by blowing gas from the blowing part 14g. The tilted drum 14d is rotated by a motor 14f while adsorbing and holding the tablet T received from the tilted drum 14c in one of the suction holes H4 on the side surface 14d1, and delivers the tablet T to the conveyor belt 12 by blowing gas from the blowing part 14h. As a result, the tablet T on the conveyor belt 11 is moved from the conveyor belt 11 to the conveyor belt 12, and the tablet T is turned upside down. Therefore, the tablet T that is being conveyed with the front side on which the score line is formed is turned upward by the reversing section 14C.

As explained above, according to the tenth embodiment, the same effects as the first embodiment can be obtained. Further, it is possible to use the reversing section 14C as described above, and various mechanisms can be used as the reversing section.

<Other embodiments>
In the above description, the score line (straight recess) of the tablet T was used as an example of a mark that can be used to distinguish between the front and back sides, but the present invention is not limited to this. It is also possible to use concave portions of various shapes, convex portions of various shapes, or marks formed by printing or drawing.

Further, in the above description, the information is printed aligned with the score line of the tablet T, but the information is not limited to this, and the information may be printed according to the score line based on the print data.

Further, in the above description, the reversing tube 13a is used as the reversing path, and the reversing nozzle 13b is used as the moving part, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, a rail with a U-shaped cross section may be used as the reversing path. It is possible, and it is also possible to use a member (for example, a rod-shaped member) that hits and moves the tablet T as the moving part.

It is also possible to connect a gas nozzle midway through the reversing tubes 13a and 14a and the non-reversing tube 13c. The gas nozzle is formed so as to blow out gas (for example, air) in a direction that pushes the tablet T moving inside the tube, such as the inverted tubes 13a and 14a and the non-inverted tube 13c. The tablet T is pushed by the gas blown out by this gas nozzle, and the movement of the tablet T is promoted, so that the tablet T can be passed through reliably.

Furthermore, in the above description, one printing unit 40 is used to print on the tablets T that are transported on two transport paths, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the printing unit 40 may be provided for each transport path. By providing a plurality of printing units 40 in this manner, printing can be performed using different inks.

Here, the above-mentioned tablets can include tablets used for medicine, for eating and drinking, for cleaning, for industrial purposes, and for aromatic purposes. In addition, tablets include plain tablets, sugar-coated tablets, film-coated tablets, enteric-coated tablets, gelatin-encapsulated tablets, multilayer tablets, and dry-coated tablets, as well as various types of capsule tablets such as hard capsules and soft capsules. can be included in Furthermore, tablets can have various shapes such as a disc, a lens, a triangle, and an ellipse. Furthermore, when the tablet to be printed is for pharmaceutical use or food or drink use, edible ink is suitable as the ink to be used. As this edible ink, any of synthetic pigment ink, natural pigment ink, dye ink, and pigment ink may be used.

Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and gist of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention described in the claims and its equivalents.

1A to 1I Tablet printing device 10 Conveying section 11 Conveying belt 13a Reversing tube 13b Reversing nozzle 20 Detecting section 20a Detecting section 40 Printing section 92 Conveying section 92a Conveying belt 102 Conveying section 102a Conveying belt 111 Conveying section 111a Conveying belt 112 Conveying section 112a Conveying Belt 116 Conveying section 116a Conveying belt H1 Inlet H2 Outlet T Tablet

Claims (3)

a transport section that transports the tablets;
a reversing unit connected to the conveyance unit and configured to invert the tablet from front to back and return it to the conveyance unit;
a printing unit that prints on the tablets transported by the transport unit using an inkjet method ;
a control unit that controls printing by the printing unit and collection of the tablets after printing by the printing unit ;
Equipped with
The conveyance section is configured such that a first conveyance path for conveying the tablets toward the reversing section and a second conveyance path for conveying the tablets after being reversed by the reversing section share a common printing section. configured to pass,
a first imaging unit that images the tablet printed by the printing unit in the first conveyance path before printing on the tablet by the printing unit in the second conveyance path ;
a second imaging unit that images the tablet printed by the printing unit in the second conveyance path;
has
The control unit inspects the quality of printing by the printing unit based on the image captured by the first imaging unit, and controls the second conveyance path only for the tablets that pass the inspection. control the printing unit to perform printing, and determine which tablets are rejected based on the image captured by the first imaging unit and which are rejected based on the image captured by the second imaging unit. The tablet printing apparatus is characterized in that the tablets are controlled to be collected all at once on the downstream side of the second imaging section . The reversing section includes a first tilted drum that receives the tablet from the first conveyance path, and a second tilted drum that receives the tablet from the first tilted drum and delivers it to the second conveyance path. , has
The first inclined drum and the second inclined drum each have a suction hole for adsorbing the tablet, and the suction force of the suction hole of the second inclined drum is equal to the suction force of the suction hole of the first inclined drum. 2. The tablet printing device according to claim 1, wherein the suction force is greater than the suction force of the suction holes. a step of conveying the tablet on the first conveyance path by the conveyance unit;
a first printing step of printing on the tablets transported on the first transport path using an inkjet printing unit;
a first imaging step of imaging the tablet printed on the first conveyance path;
a reversing step of reversing the tablet printed on the first conveyance path, and then returning it to a second conveyance path different from the first conveyance path in the conveyance unit;
a first inspection step of inspecting the quality of printing performed in the first printing step based on the image obtained in the first imaging step;
a second printing step in which printing is performed using the printing unit only on the tablets that passed the first inspection step among the tablets transported on the second transport path;
a second imaging step of imaging the tablet printed on the second conveyance path;
a second inspection step of inspecting the quality of printing performed in the second printing step based on the image obtained in the second imaging step;
Equipped with
A tablet printing method characterized in that the tablets that have failed in the first inspection step and the second inspection step are collectively collected downstream of the second inspection step .

Images