Tablet printing apparatus and tablet printing method

Abstract

An object is to efficiently print tablets. A tablet printing apparatus (1) of the related art includes a detection unit (e.g., a sensor (30), a first imaging unit (40), and a second imaging unit (60)) that detects a tablet (T) conveyed by a conveyance belt (21); an inkjet head (51) that prints the tablet (T) detected by the detection unit; a cover unit (70) that covers the detection unit; a gas blowing unit (81) that blows gas in a direction that intersects the conveyance direction (H1) of the tablet (T) horizontally in plan view, with respect to a surface of the cover unit (70) on the conveyance belt (21) side; and a control unit (e.g., a control device (100)) that controls the gas blowing unit (81).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a tablet printing apparatus and a tablet printing method. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, tablet printing devices using inkjet heads have been developed to process various information, including identification information, from printed tablets. In these devices, sensors or cameras are used to detect the tablets to be printed. However, there are instances where foreign matter such as tablet powder or debris adheres to the cover of the detection unit, leading to misdetection and inefficient tablet printing.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-58220 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to provide a tablet printing apparatus and a tablet printing method that can efficiently print tablets.

[0008] Methods used to solve problems

[0009] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a tablet printing apparatus includes: a detection unit for detecting tablets conveyed by a conveyor belt; an inkjet head for printing on the tablets detected by the detection unit; a cover unit for covering the detection unit; an air blowing unit for blowing gas onto the conveyor belt side surface of the cover unit in a direction that is horizontally intersecting the conveying direction of the tablets when viewed from above; and a control unit for controlling the air blowing unit.

[0010] The tablet printing method according to embodiments of the present invention includes: a detection unit detecting tablets conveyed by a conveyor belt; an inkjet head printing on the tablets detected by the detection unit; an air blowing unit blowing gas onto the conveyor belt side surface of the cover covering the detection unit in a direction that, when viewed from above, is horizontally intersecting the conveying direction of the tablets; and a control unit controlling the air blowing unit.

[0011] Invention Effects

[0012] According to embodiments of the present invention, tablets can be printed efficiently. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 Figure 1 is an example of the schematic structure of the tablet printing apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 2 FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an outline structure of a tablet printing apparatus relating to the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an outline structure of a cover portion and a blowing apparatus relating to the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 4 FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an outline structure of a cover portion and a blowing apparatus relating to the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 5 FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of an outline structure of a control apparatus relating to the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 6 FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing example 1 relating to the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 7 FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing example 2 relating to the first embodiment.

[0020] Figure 8 FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing example 3 relating to the first embodiment.

[0021] Figure 9 FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing example 4 relating to the first embodiment.

[0022] Figure 10 FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing example 5 relating to the first embodiment.

[0023] Figure 11 FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing example 6 relating to the first embodiment.

[0024] Figure 12 FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an outline structure of a blowing apparatus relating to the second embodiment.

[0025] Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0026] 1 tablet printing apparatus

[0027] 10 supply portion

[0028] 11 stocker

[0029] 12 chute

[0030] 20 conveyance portion

[0031] 21 conveyance belt

[0032] 21a suction hole

[0033] 22 drive pulley

[0034] 23 driven pulley

[0035] 24 motor

[0036] 25 position detector

[0037] 26 suction chamber

[0038] 30 sensor

[0039] 40 first imaging section

[0040] 50 printing section

[0041] 51 inkjet head

[0042] 51a nozzle

[0043] 60 second imaging section

[0044] 70 cover section

[0045] 70a through-hole

[0046] 70b through-hole

[0047] 70c through-hole

[0048] 70d through-hole

[0049] 71 light-transmitting member

[0050] 72 light-transmitting member

[0051] 73 sealing member

[0052] 80 air blowing device

[0053] 81 air blowing section

[0054] 90 recovery section

[0055] 100 control device

[0056] 100a input device

[0057] 100b output device

[0058] 101 image processing section

[0059] 102 storage section

[0060] 103 control section

[0061] T tablet

[0062] H1 conveyance direction DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0063] <1st Embodiment>

[0064] Referring to Figures 1 to 11 The first embodiment will be described.

[0065] (Structure example of tablet printing device)

[0066] Referring to Figures 1 to 4 The structure example of the tablet printing device 1 relating to the first embodiment will be described.

[0067] As shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the tablet printing device 1 relating to the first embodiment is provided with a supply part 10, a conveyance part 20, a sensor 30, a first imaging part 40, a printing part 50, a second imaging part 60, a cover part 70, a blowing device 80, a recovery part 90, and a control device 100. The sensor 30, the first imaging part 40, and the second imaging part 60 respectively function as detection parts that detect the tablet T.

[0068] The supply part 10 has a hopper 11 and a chute 12. The supply part 10 is located at one end side of the conveyance part 20, and is configured to be able to supply the tablet T that is an object of printing to the conveyance part 20. The hopper 11 houses a plurality of tablets T, and sequentially supplies the housed tablets T to the chute 12. The chute 12 arranges the tablets T supplied from the hopper 11 in a row and supplies them to the conveyance part 20. The supply part 10 is electrically connected to the control device 100, and the driving thereof is controlled by the control device 100.

[0069] The conveyance part 20 has a conveyance belt 21, a driving pulley 22, a plurality of driven pulleys 23, a motor 24, a position detector 25, and a suction chamber 26. The conveyance belt 21 is an endless belt, and is stretched over the driving pulley 22 and each of the driven pulleys 23. The driving pulley 22 and each of the driven pulleys 23 are rotatably provided on a device main body (not shown), and the driving pulley 22 is coupled to the motor 24. The motor 24 is electrically connected to the control device 100, and the driving thereof is controlled by the control device 100. The position detector 25 is an encoder or the like, and is attached to the motor 24. The position detector 25 is electrically connected to the control device 100, and transmits a detection signal to the control device 100. The conveyance part 20 rotates the conveyance belt 21 together with each of the driven pulleys 23 by the rotation of the driving pulley 22 by the motor 24, and conveys the tablet T on the conveyance belt 21 in the rotation direction of the arrow H1 in Figure 1 , that is, the conveyance direction H1.

[0070] On the conveyance belt 21, a plurality of circular suction holes 21a (refer to Figure 2 ) are formed. These suction holes 21a are through holes that adsorb the tablet T, and are arranged in a row along the conveyance direction H1 to form one conveyance path. Each of the suction holes 21a is connected to the suction chamber 26 (refer to Figure 1A suction path (not shown) on the conveyor belt 21 is connected to the suction chamber 26, through which suction force is obtained. A pump is connected to the suction chamber 26 via a suction tube (not shown), and the pump depressurizes the pressure inside the suction chamber 26. The suction tube is connected to the side of the suction chamber 26 (the plane parallel to the conveying direction H1) approximately at the center. Furthermore, the pump is electrically connected to the control device 100, and its drive is controlled by the control device 100. When the pressure inside the suction chamber 26 is reduced, the tablets T placed on the suction holes 21a of the conveyor belt 21 are drawn in by the suction holes 21a and held on the conveyor belt 21.

[0071] Sensor 30 is located downstream of the location where the supply unit 10 is located in the conveying direction H1, and is positioned above the conveyor belt 21. This sensor 30 detects the arrival of a tablet T at a detection position directly below it (the arrival of tablet T), i.e., in the X direction (refer to the X-axis) of tablet T on the conveyor belt 21, by means of laser light projection and reception. Figure 2 The sensor 30 is used to detect the position of the object. For example, a displacement sensor or a proximity sensor may be used. Alternatively, various laser sensors, such as reflective laser sensors, may be used as displacement sensors. The sensor 30 is electrically connected to the control device 100 and sends a detection signal to the control device 100.

[0072] The first camera unit 40 is located downstream of the location where the sensor 30 is installed in the conveying direction H1, and is positioned above the conveyor belt 21. Based on the X-direction position information of the tablet T detected by the sensor 30, the first camera unit 40 captures an image at a first camera position directly below the first camera unit 40, obtaining a first image including the upper surface of the tablet T, and sends the acquired first image to the control device 100. The first image is used to detect the X, Y, and θ directions of the tablet T (see reference). Figure 2 The location of the image sensor is also used to detect the presence or absence of cracks, defects, or contamination (e.g., foreign matter) on the tablet T. The first imaging unit 40 uses a camera with an imaging element such as a CCD (charge-binding element) or CMOS (complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor). The first imaging unit 40 is electrically connected to the control device 100, and its operation is controlled by the control device 100. Additionally, illumination for imaging is provided as needed.

[0073] Here, the X and Y positions of the tablet T are, for example, its position in the XY coordinate system relative to the center (reference position) of the imaging area of ​​the first camera unit 40. Furthermore, the position in the θ direction represents, for example, the degree of rotation of the tablet T relative to the center line of the Y direction of the imaging area of ​​the first camera unit 40. This θ-direction position is detected when the tablet T has dividing lines or is shaped like an ellipse, oblong, quadrilateral, or other directional shapes.

[0074] The printing unit 50 has an inkjet head 51. The inkjet head 51 is located downstream of the position where the first camera unit 40 is located in the transport direction H1, and is positioned above the conveyor belt 21. The inkjet head 51 has a plurality of (e.g., hundreds to thousands) nozzles 51a (see reference). Figure 2 The inkjet head 51 is configured such that the direction in which the nozzles 51a are arranged in a row (nozzle row) is orthogonal to the transport direction H1 in the horizontal plane (an example of intersection). The inkjet head 51 ejects ink individually from each nozzle 51a through the action of the drive element of each nozzle 51a. As this inkjet head 51, a printhead using various inkjet printing methods with drive elements such as piezoelectric elements, heating elements, or magnetic strain elements is used. The inkjet head 51 is electrically connected to the control device 100, and its drive is controlled by the control device 100.

[0075] The second camera unit 60 is located downstream of the location where the printing unit 50 is located in the conveying direction H1, and is positioned above the conveyor belt 21. Based on the X-direction position information of the tablet T detected by the sensor 30, the second camera unit 60 captures an image at a second camera position directly below the second camera unit 60, obtaining a second image including the upper surface of the tablet T, and sends the acquired second image to the control device 100. The second image is used to inspect the printing pattern printed on the tablet T. Similar to the first camera unit 40 described above, the second camera unit 60 can be, for example, a camera with an imaging element such as a CCD or CMOS sensor. The second camera unit 60 is electrically connected to the control device 100, and its operation is controlled by the control device 100. Illumination for imaging is also provided as needed.

[0076] Cover 70 Figures 1 to 3 The image shows a housing that houses the sensor 30, the first camera unit 40, the inkjet head 51 of the printing unit 50, and the second camera unit 60. The cover 70 is positioned above the upper surface of the conveyor belt 21, at a predetermined distance (e.g., 5-12 mm) from the upper surface of the conveyor belt 21, to match the thickness of the tablet T (e.g., 2-4 mm), so that its lower surface does not come into contact with the tablet T being conveyed by the conveyor belt 21. Furthermore, if imaging illumination (e.g., linear or circular illumination) is provided, this illumination is also provided within the cover 70.

[0077] like Figure 3As shown, four through-holes 70a, 70b, 70c, 70d are formed in the lower surface of the cover portion 70 along the conveyance direction Hl. The sensor 30 in the cover portion 70 is provided at a position opposite the through-hole 70a and is able to detect the tablet T on the conveyance belt 21. Further, the first imaging portion 40 in the cover portion 70 is provided at a position opposite the through-hole 70b and is able to image the tablet T on the conveyance belt 21. The inkjet head 51 in the cover portion 70 is inserted into the through-hole 70c and is able to print on the tablet T on the conveyance belt 21. The second imaging portion 60 in the cover portion 70 is provided at a position opposite the through-hole 70d and is able to image the tablet T on the conveyance belt 21.

[0078] Each of the through-holes 70a, 70b, 70d is plugged by a light-transmitting member 71, 72 of glass or the like. Each of the light-transmitting members 71 is provided, for example, on the bottom surface of the inside of the cover portion 70. Further, the through-hole 70c is plugged by inserting the inkjet head 51 into the through-hole 70c via a sealing member 73 of silicon or the like. In this way, the cover portion 70 is formed in a sealed state, and the inside of the cover portion 70 is maintained, for example, in a positive pressure (positive pressure). In addition, each of the light-transmitting members 71, 72 can be provided, for example, by being fitted into each of the through-holes 70a, 70b, 70d, or can be provided on the outer surface of the cover portion 70, as long as each of the through-holes 70a, 70b, 70d is plugged.

[0079] The air blowing device 80 has, as shown, Figures 1 to 3 a plurality of air blowing portions 81. These air blowing portions 81 are provided on the lower surface of the cover portion 70 in correspondence with each of the through-holes 70a, 70b, 70d, that is, in correspondence with the sensor 30, the first imaging portion 40, and the second imaging portion 60. Each of the air blowing portions 81 blows gas in a direction (Y direction; refer to Figure 2 ) that is orthogonal to the conveyance direction Hl horizontally in plan view, toward the lower surface of the cover portion 70 (the surface of the cover portion 70 on the conveyance belt 21 side), that is, toward the lower surface of the light-transmitting member 71, 72 that plugs each of the through-holes 70a, 70b, 70d. As the gas, for example, air or nitrogen or the like is used. Each of the air blowing portions 81 is electrically connected to the control device 100, and the drive of each is individually controlled by the control device 100.

[0080] As shown in Figure 4 , for example, the air blowing portion 81 blows gas toward the lower surface of the light-transmitting member 71 that plugs the through-hole 70a, and blows the gas toward the lower surface of the light-transmitting member 71, but is not limited thereto. For example, the direction in which the air blowing portion 81 blows gas (the direction in which the gas is blown) can be a direction toward the lower surface of the light-transmitting member 71, that is, the lower surface of the cover portion 70, or can be a direction toward the vicinity or the periphery of the lower surface of the cover portion 70. That is, the direction in which the gas is blown is not particularly limited as long as the gas blown from the air blowing portion 81 reaches the lower surface of the cover portion 70.

[0081] Returning to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the recovery section 90 is located on the downstream side of the conveying direction Hl from the position where the second imaging section 60 is provided, and is provided at the end portion of the conveying section 20 on the downstream side of the conveying direction Hl. The conveying section 20 releases the holding of the tablet T in the case where the tablet T on the conveying belt 21 reaches a prescribed position, for example, the end portion on the downstream side of the conveying direction Hl of the conveying section 20. The recovery section 90 is configured to recover the tablet T that has fallen due to the release of the holding of the conveying section 20, by separating the tablet T into defective products and non-defective products. For example, by blowing gas toward the tablet T in the falling path, changing the falling direction of the tablet T for defective products and non-defective products, or by changing the falling path with a plate or the like, it is possible to recover the fallen tablet T by separating the tablet T into defective products and non-defective products. For example, the defective products are non-printed tablets or printed defective tablets, and the non-defective products are printed non-defective tablets. In addition, as non-printed tablets, there are non-printed tablets with foreign matter attached (non-printed tablets with foreign matter attached) or non-printed tablets without foreign matter attached (non-printed tablets without foreign matter attached), and it is also possible to recover these non-printed tablets by distinguishing between them. The recovery section 90 is electrically connected to the control device 100, and the driving thereof is controlled by the control device 100.

[0082] The control device 100 controls each section of the tablet printing device 1, such as the supply section 10 or the conveying section 20, the sensor 30, the first imaging section 40, the printing section 50, the second imaging section 60, the gas blowing device 80, the recovery section 90, and the like, based on various information and various programs. In addition, the control device 100 receives detection information (for example, a detection signal) and the like transmitted from the position detector 25 or the sensor 30, and further receives image information and the like transmitted from the first imaging section 40 or the second imaging section 60. The control device 100 is realized by, for example, an electronic circuit such as an integrated circuit or a computer or the like.

[0083] (Control device structure example)

[0084] Next, with reference to Figure 5 the structure example of the control device 100 will be described.

[0085] As shown in Figure 5 , the control device 100 has an image processing section 101, a storage section 102, and a control section 103. An input device 100a and an output device 100b are connected to the control device 100. The input device 100a is realized by, for example, a switch or a touch panel, a keyboard, a mouse, or the like. In addition, the output device 100b is realized by, for example, a display or a lamp, a meter, or the like.

[0086] The image processing section 101 takes in the first image captured by the first imaging section 40 and the second image captured by the second imaging section 60, and processes the images using a known image processing technique. For example, the image processing section 101 processes the first image obtained from the first imaging section 40 to acquire the presence or absence of a break, a defect, or a stain of the tablet T, and also acquire the position of the tablet T in the X direction, the Y direction, and the θ direction. Further, the image processing section 101 processes the second image obtained from the second imaging section 60 to acquire the printing position or the shape, the size of the printing pattern (e.g., a character or a mark) printed on the tablet T. The image processing section 101 transmits the acquired information on the presence or absence of a break, a defect, or a stain of the tablet T, the acquired position information of each tablet T in the X direction, the Y direction, and the θ direction, and the printing position information, the shape information, and the size information of the printing pattern on each tablet T to the control section 103.

[0087] The storage section 102 stores processing information and various programs and the like. For example, it is realized by a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a Flash Memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or an optical disk. In the storage section 102, printing data on printing, movement speed data of the conveyer belt 21, and the like are stored. The printing data contains information on a printing pattern such as a character or a mark.

[0088] The control section 103 is, for example, a computer such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), and controls each section. For example, the control section 103 controls the supply section 10 and the conveyer section 20, the sensor 30, the first imaging section 40, the printing section 50, the second imaging section 60, the recovery section 90, the image processing section 101, the storage section 102, and the like, based on various information and various programs stored in the storage section 102. Further, the control section 103 receives a detection signal and the like transmitted from the sensor 30 or the position detector 25. In addition, the control section 103 is realized by one or both of hardware and software, for example.

[0089] For example, the control section 103 always causes each of the blowing sections 81 of the blowing device 80 to be driven. In detail, the control section 103 controls each of the blowing sections 81 so that each of the blowing sections 81 always blows out gas. In correspondence with this, each of the blowing sections 81 always blows out gas to be blown against the lower surface of the cover section 70. The gas blown out from each of the blowing sections 81 is blown against the lower surface of each of the light-transmitting members 71, 72 of the cover section 70, and removes foreign matter (for example, dust or garbage) adhering to the lower surface of each of the light-transmitting members 71, 72. In addition, the control device 100 can control an adjusting valve (not shown) provided in a pipe (not shown) connected to each of the blowing sections 81, to individually adjust the flow rate or flow volume of the gas blown out from each of the blowing sections 81. Normally, the flow rate or flow volume of the gas blown out from each of the blowing sections 81 is set in advance, for example, stored in the storage section 102. However, the flow rate or flow volume of the gas blown out from each of the blowing sections 81 can also be changed in accordance with a prescribed condition, or can also be changed in accordance with an input operation of the user to the input device 100a. In addition, the flow rate or flow volume of the gas from each of the blowing sections 81 can be experimentally optimized and set in advance in accordance with the diameter or shape of the tablet T, the conveyance speed of the tablet T.

[0090] Further, the control section 103 acquires the position of the tablet T in the X direction on the conveyance belt 21 based on the detection information transmitted from the sensor 30, that is, the timing at which the tablet T on the conveyance belt 21 is detected, sets the first imaging timing of the first imaging section 40, the printing start timing of the inkjet head 51 of the printing section 50, and the second imaging timing of the second imaging section 60 based on the position information indicating the position of the tablet T in the X direction, generates timing information indicating these timings, and stores the timing information in the storage section 102. The printing start timing is the timing at which the printing of the tablet T that has reached the printing position directly below the inkjet head 51 is started. In addition, the control section 103 can acquire information on the amount of movement (amount of rotation) or speed of the conveyance belt 21 based on the detection information transmitted from the position detector 25.

[0091] Further, the control section 103 sets whether or not printing can be performed on the tablet T for which the presence / absence information of the breakage, the defect, and the contamination of the tablet T transmitted from the image processing section 101 is obtained, based on the presence / absence information. Also, the control section 103 sets the printing condition for the tablet T for which printing is set to be possible. At this time, the control section 103 sets the printing condition for the tablet T for which the position information of the X direction, the Y direction, and the θ direction of the tablet T transmitted from the image processing section 101 is obtained, based on the position information. For example, the control section 103 sets the printing condition including the use nozzle range and the printing start point, and the like, for the inkjet head 51, based on the position information of the Y direction of the tablet T and the printing data, and decides the use nozzle range, that is, the use nozzle range, in the printing of the tablet T as the object. In addition, in the case where the tablet T is a shape having directionality, the control section 103 sets the printing condition corresponding to the position of the θ direction of the tablet T, based on the position information of the θ direction of the tablet T. As an example, the control section 103 logs 180 kinds of printing patterns in which the orientation of the printing pattern is rotated by 1 degree in the range from 0 degrees to 179 degrees in the storage section 102 in advance, and sets the printing condition by selecting a printing pattern of an angle suitable for the position of the θ direction of the tablet T from among these printing patterns.

[0092] Further, the control section 103 judges whether or not the printing pattern is printed on the tablet T in the prescribed shape and the prescribed size, that is, whether or not the printing pattern is normally printed on the tablet T (printing state check), based on the printing position information, the shape information, and the size information of the printing pattern printed on the tablet T, which are transmitted from the image processing section 101. For example, the control section 103 logs a check printing pattern in the storage section 102 in advance in the shape and the size judgment of the printing pattern, and compares the check printing pattern with the printing pattern on the tablet T after the actual printing (the printing pattern printed on the tablet T).

[0093] In addition, the control section 103 appropriately saves various information (for example, the presence / absence information of the breakage, the defect, and the contamination of the tablet T, the position information, the point information, the printing condition, the printing pass / fail information, and the like) to the storage section 102, but if the tablet T as the object is recovered by the recovery section 90, the various information is deleted from the storage section 102, for example, at a point of time after a lapse of a prescribed time (for example, several seconds) from the end portion on the downstream side of the conveyance direction Hl of the conveyance section 20. However, in the case where these information is required in a later process or the like, the various information of each tablet T can be not deleted but retained, or saved to a storage medium outside the device. In the case where the various information of each tablet T is saved, the information can be saved in association with the manufacturing date and time or the lot number, and the like, and in the case where a defective product occurs after the shipment of the printed tablet T, or the like, the cause can be traced back and traced.

[0094] (Printing Process)

[0095] Next, the printing process performed by the tablet printing device 1 will be described with reference to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The printing process performed by the tablet printing device 1 will be described. The printing process also includes an inspection process. In addition, various information required for printing, and information required for gas blowing is stored in advance in the storage section 102.

[0096] If the tablet printing device 1 starts the printing process, the motor 24 is driven, and the conveyer belt 21 is rotated in the conveyance direction H1 with the rotation of the driving pulley 22 and the driven pulley 23 by the motor 24. In the state where the conveyer belt 21 is rotated in the conveyance direction H1, the tablets T are sequentially supplied from the hopper 11 to the chute 12, and arranged in a line by the chute 12, and supplied to the conveyer belt 21 not at regular intervals but randomly. The tablets T supplied to the conveyer belt 21 are arranged in a line on the conveyer belt 21, and conveyed at a predetermined moving speed.

[0097] The tablets T on the conveyer belt 21 are detected by the sensor 30. In detail, the tablets T on the conveyer belt 21 are detected by the sensor 30 at the time point when the tablets T reach a detection position (e.g., a laser irradiation position) directly below the sensor 30, and based on the time point when the tablets T are detected, the position of the tablets T in the X direction is recognized in the conveyer belt 21 by the control section 103. Also, position information indicating the position of the tablets T in the X direction is generated by the control section 103, and stored in the storage section 102.

[0098] Next, the tablets T on the conveyer belt 21 are imaged by the first imaging section 40. In detail, the tablets T on the conveyer belt 21 are imaged by the first imaging section 40 at a first imaging time point when the tablets T reach an imaging position directly below the first imaging section 40, and a first image obtained by the imaging by the first imaging section 40 is transmitted to the control device 100. Based on the first image, information on the presence or absence of cracks, defects, and dirt of the tablets T, and position information of the tablets T in the X direction, the Y direction, and the θ direction are generated by the image processing section 101, and stored in the storage section 102. Based on the information on the presence or absence of cracks, defects, and dirt of the tablets T, whether or not the tablets T targeted are printable is set, and in addition, based on the position information of the tablets T in the X direction, the Y direction, and the θ direction, and information on a printing pattern and the like, printing conditions including the range of nozzles to be used for the tablets T set as printable (printable tablets T), and a printing start time point and the like are set for the storage section 102. In addition, based on the printing start time point (the time point when printing starts for the tablets T) described above, an ejection time point (the time point when ink is ejected to the tablets T) for the tablets T is determined.

[0099] The printing is performed by the printing section 50 based on the printing condition. That is, the inkjet head 51 of the printing section 50 is controlled by the control section 103 to print a prescribed printing pattern on the printable tablet T on the conveyance belt 21. In detail, at a printing start point of time when the printable tablet T on the conveyance belt 21 passing below the first imaging section 40 reaches a printing position directly below the inkjet head 51, the printing is performed by the inkjet head 51 based on the above-described printing condition. In the inkjet head 51, ink is appropriately ejected from each nozzle 51a to print a printing pattern (e.g., a number, a Latin letter, a katakana, a symbol, a figure) on a printed surface which is an upper surface of the tablet T. The ink applied to the tablet T is dried in conveyance. Alternatively, a drying section (not shown) which dries the ink by gas or heat can be provided to dry the ink by the drying section.

[0100] Then, the printed tablet T on the conveyance belt 21 is imaged by the second imaging section 60. In detail, the imaging is performed by the second imaging section 60 at a second imaging point of time when the printed tablet T on the conveyance belt 21 reaches an imaging position directly below the second imaging section 60, and a second image obtained by the imaging by the second imaging section 60 is transmitted to the control device 100.

[0101] The second image is analyzed by the image processing section 101 of the control device 100. In detail, information on the printed printing pattern printed on the tablet T, i.e., a printing position and a shape, a size of the printed printing pattern are acquired by the image processing section 101. The second image transmitted from the second imaging section 60 is analyzed by the image processing section 101 to generate inspection information indicating the printing position and the shape, the size of the printed printing pattern printed on the tablet T, and saved in the storage section 102.

[0102] The printing state inspection is performed by the control section 103 based on the inspection information. In detail, whether the printing pattern is normally printed on the tablet T is judged by the control section 103 based on the above-described inspection information on the printing position and the shape, the size saved in the storage section 102, and printing pass / fail information indicating whether the tablet T is printed with a pass or a fail is generated and saved in the storage section 102. For example, in the printing state inspection, a printing pattern used in the printing is saved in the storage section 102 as an inspection printing pattern, and pass / fail information on a prescribed printing position and a shape, a size of the inspection printing pattern is compared with the inspection information on the printing position and the shape, the size of the actually printed printing pattern saved in the storage section 102 to judge whether the printing pattern is normally printed on the tablet T (pass or fail).

[0103] Finally, the tablets T on the conveyance belt 21 are recovered by the recovery section 90. In detail, if the tablets T after the inspection are located at the end portion on the downstream side of the conveyance belt 21 as the conveyance belt 21 moves, the tablets T are released from the state of being held by the conveyance belt 21, fall from the conveyance belt 21, and are recovered by the recovery section 90. At this time, the tablets T that are the qualified tablets fall as they are and are recovered by the recovery section 90 as qualified products, and the tablets T that are the unqualified tablets or the non-printed tablets are separated from the qualified products by the blowing of air while falling from the conveyance belt 21 and are recovered by the recovery section 90 as unqualified products.

[0104] In such a printing process, the gas is always blown from the entire gas blowing sections 81, respectively. The gas blown from the entire gas blowing sections 81, respectively, is blown to the lower surface of the cover section 70, that is, the lower surface of each light-transmitting member 71, 72 inside the cover section 70, which opposes the sensor 30, the first imaging section 40, and the second imaging section 60. Thus, the foreign matter (for example, dust or garbage) attached to the lower surface of each light-transmitting member 71, 72, which is exposed from each through-hole 70a, 70b, 70d, as shown in FIG. 6, is removed, so it is possible to suppress the sensor 30 from detecting the foreign matter attached to the lower surface of the light-transmitting member 71 and erroneously detecting the tablet T, or the imaging section, such as the first imaging section 40 and the second imaging section 60, imaging the foreign matter attached to the lower surface of each light-transmitting member 71, 72 and erroneously detecting the tablet T. In addition, since the gas is always blown from the entire gas blowing sections 81, respectively, it is also possible to suppress the foreign matter from being attached to the lower surface of each light-transmitting member 71, 72, which is exposed from each through-hole 70a, 70b, 70d. In this way, it is possible to suppress the erroneous detection due to the attachment of the foreign matter, so it is possible to efficiently print the tablet T. Figure 3

[0105] Here, for example, if the sensor 30 detects the foreign matter attached to the lower surface of the light-transmitting member 71, the erroneous detection occurs in which the timing at which the tablet T comes right below the sensor 30 is erroneously detected. The tablet T for which the erroneous detection occurs is not subjected to the correct printing, and is discharged as an unqualified tablet (unqualified product). In addition, if the imaging section, such as the first imaging section 40 or the second imaging section 60, images the foreign matter attached to the lower surface of each light-transmitting member 71, 72 and detects it, the erroneous detection occurs in which it is detected that the foreign matter is attached to the tablet T. The tablet T for which the erroneous detection occurs is not subjected to the printing, and is discharged as a non-printed tablet (unqualified product). In this way, if the foreign matter is attached to the lower surface of each light-transmitting member 71, 72, that is, the lower surface of the cover section 70, it is not possible to efficiently print the tablet T, but by removing the foreign matter from the lower surface of the cover section 70 by the gas blowing sections 81 as described above, it is possible to suppress the erroneous detection due to the attachment of the foreign matter and to efficiently print the tablet T.

[0106] ​Furthermore, the blowing direction of the gas from the blowing section 81 is horizontally orthogonal to the transport direction H1 when viewed from above. Therefore, the tablet T is not exposed to the airflow at least when passing below the blowing section 81, thus suppressing the influence of the gas blowing from the blowing section 81 on the posture of the tablet T. For example, if the blowing direction of the gas from the blowing section 81 is parallel to the transport direction H1, it is conceivable that the posture of multiple tablets T arranged in the transport direction would change if the airflow were sprayed for a long time. If the posture of the tablet T changes, the position of the tablet T detected by the sensor 30 and the position and posture of the tablet T captured by the first camera section 40 will change. That is, subsequent imaging and printing will no longer be smooth, making it difficult to print the tablet T efficiently. Furthermore, it is possible to suppress the influence of the gas blowing from the blowing section 81 on the printing of the inkjet head 51. For example, if the airflow causes the travel direction of the ink ejected from the inkjet head 51 to bend, printing defects will occur, making it difficult to print the tablet T efficiently. Therefore, among the directions in which the gas is blown out horizontally and intersects the transport direction H1 when viewed from above, it is preferably a direction that avoids the area directly below the inkjet head 51 (e.g., not a direction towards the downstream side of the transport direction H1), and most preferably a direction that is orthogonal to the transport direction H1.

[0107] Furthermore, when the tablet T to be printed is an uncoated tablet or an OD (orally disintegrating) tablet formed by solidifying powder, the powder tends to adhere to the lower surface of the cover 70 because it accumulates on the conveyor belt 21 or is suspended. Therefore, the intensity of the gas flow blown from each blowing section 81 can be varied depending on the type of tablet T. For example, the gas flow can be strengthened when the tablet T is an uncoated or OD tablet, and weakened when the tablet T is a type that is less prone to foreign matter (e.g., powder). Alternatively, the original intensity can be restored when the gas flow is strengthened.

[0108] (Example of adjusting gas blowing intensity)

[0109] Next, refer to Figures 6 to 11 Examples 1 to 6 describe the treatment of adjusting the blowing intensity of the gas. Each of these treatments in Examples 1 to 6 can be used individually, or they can be used in appropriate combinations in parallel or series.

[0110] (Processing Example 1)

[0111] like Figure 6 As shown, in Processing Example 1, in step S1, the control unit 103 controls each blowing section 81 to make the gas flow blown out from each blowing section 81 reach a first intensity. Then, in step S2, the control unit 103 determines whether the state in which the sensor 30 detects the tablet T can be maintained for a predetermined time or longer.

[0112] In step S2, if the control unit 103 determines that the state of the sensor 30 detecting the tablet T has been maintained for a predetermined time or longer ("Yes" in step S2), in step S3, it controls the blowing section 81 corresponding to the sensor 30 to change the gas flow blown from the blowing section 81 corresponding to the sensor 30 from a first intensity to a second intensity. Then, the process returns to step S2. Furthermore, the second intensity is stronger than the first intensity (second intensity > first intensity).

[0113] On the other hand, in step S2, if the control unit 103 determines that the state of the sensor 30 detecting the tablet T has not been maintained for a predetermined time or longer ("No" in step S2), then in step S4, it controls the blowing section 81 corresponding to the sensor 30 to maintain the gas flow blown out from each blowing section 81 at a first intensity, or to return the gas flow blown out from the blowing section 81 corresponding to the sensor 30 from a second intensity back to a first intensity. Then, the process returns to step S2.

[0114] Here, when the sensor 30, such as the laser positioner, detects the state of the tablet T, the output value (detection value) of the sensor 30 is in the ON state. Whether the state of the sensor 30 detecting the tablet T is maintained for more than a predetermined time is determined by whether the output value of the sensor 30 remains "ON" for more than the predetermined time. When there is no false detection by the sensor 30, it repeatedly becomes "ON" whenever the tablet T is delivered directly below the sensor 30, and becomes "OFF" if the tablet T is no longer below the sensor 30. That is, under normal conditions, the sensor 30 alternately becomes "ON" and "OFF". In abnormal conditions (false detection), it remains in the "ON" state for more than the predetermined time. This determination process is the same in other processing examples, for example.

[0115] Furthermore, the first and second intensities are predetermined values. The intensity of the gas flow varies depending on changes in the gas flow rate or flow rate. For example, increasing the gas flow rate or flow rate strengthens the gas flow, and conversely, decreasing the gas flow rate or flow rate weakens the gas flow. The predetermined time is, for example, set to be longer than the time during which the maintenance sensor 30 detects the state of the tablet T under normal conditions (excluding abnormal conditions). Information such as the first and second intensities and the predetermined time is preset in the storage unit 102, but can also be changed based on input operations from the user of the input device 100a.

[0116] Further, the control section 103 controls the air blowing section 81 corresponding to the sensor 30 to return the gas flow from the second intensity to the first intensity in a case where the state where the sensor 30 detects the tablet T is no longer maintained for the prescribed time or more, but is not limited thereto, and for example, in a case where the gas flow is made strong in step S3 and a prescribed time elapses, the air blowing section 81 corresponding to the sensor 30 is controlled to return the gas flow from the second intensity to the first intensity. In this case, the processing of step S4 can not be needed.

[0117] Further, the case where the intensity of the gas flow is the first intensity or the second intensity, and further, is made strong or weak can be reported to the user, for example, by the output device 100b such as a display or a lamp, a meter, or the like. Thereby, the user can grasp what kind of intensity the intensity of the gas flow is.

[0118] According to such processing example 1, in a case where the state where the sensor 30 detects the tablet T is maintained for the prescribed time or more, it is determined that the object detected as the tablet T by the sensor 30 is not the tablet T but a foreign matter (for example, dust or garbage) attached to the lower surface of the light-transmissive member 71 corresponding to the sensor 30, and the gas flow blown from the air blowing section 81 corresponding to the sensor 30 is made strong. Thereby, the foreign matter attached to the lower surface of the light-transmissive member 71 corresponding to the sensor 30, in detail, the foreign matter on the lower surface of the light-transmissive member 71 exposed from the through-hole 70a as shown in FIG. 1 is removed, so it is possible to suppress the sensor 30 from erroneously detecting the arrival of the tablet T. Figure 3 As described above, according to the processing example 1, in a case where the state where the sensor 30 detects the tablet T is maintained for the prescribed time or more, it is determined that the object detected as the tablet T by the sensor 30 is not the tablet T but a foreign matter (for example, dust or garbage) attached to the lower surface of the light-transmissive member 71 corresponding to the sensor 30, and the gas flow blown from the air blowing section 81 corresponding to the sensor 30 is made strong. Thereby, the foreign matter attached to the lower surface of the light-transmissive member 71 corresponding to the sensor 30, in detail, the foreign matter on the lower surface of the light-transmissive member 71 exposed from the through-hole 70a as shown in FIG. 1 is removed, so it is possible to suppress the sensor 30 from erroneously detecting the arrival of the tablet T.

[0119] Here, the prescribed time described above is set to a time longer than the time for 10 tablets T to pass, or the like, a time where the possibility of the tablet T being connected to be conveyed is significantly low. That is, a time where it can be inferred that the "ON" output of the sensor 30 continues not because the tablet T is connected to be conveyed but because a foreign matter is attached to the cover 70 is found in advance by experiment or the like, and the time is set.

[0120] Further, in a case where the tablet is detected by the sensor 30 for the prescribed time or more in step S2, although the gas flow is changed to the second intensity in step S3, the tablet is detected by the sensor 30 for the prescribed time or more again in step S2, the processing can be interrupted and maintenance processing can be performed. This is the same in processing examples 2 to 6 described later.

[0121] (Processing example 2)

[0122] As Figure 7As shown in the processing example 2, in step Sll, the control section 103 controls the air blowing sections 81 so that the gas streams blown from the air blowing sections 81 respectively become the first intensity. Then, in step S12, the control section 103 judges whether the state where the sensor 30 detects the tablet T has been maintained for the prescribed time or more, and in step S13, judges whether the tablet T is absent within the captured image obtained by the first camera section 40 or the second camera section 60.

[0123] If, in step S12, the control section 103 judges that the state where the sensor 30 detects the tablet T has been maintained for the prescribed time or more (YES in step S12), and in step S13, judges that the tablet T is absent within the captured image (YES in step S13), since the tablet T is detected by the sensor 30 but absent in the captured image, it is judged that the object detected by the sensor 30 is not the tablet T but a foreign matter (e.g., dust or garbage) attached to the lower surface of the light-transmissive member 71 corresponding to the sensor 30, and in step S14, the air blowing section 81 corresponding to the sensor 30 is controlled so that the gas stream blown from the air blowing section 81 corresponding to the sensor 30 among the air blowing sections 81 becomes the second intensity from the first intensity. Then, the processing is returned to step S12.

[0124] On the other hand, in step S12, if the control section 103 judges that the state where the sensor 30 detects the tablet T is not maintained for the prescribed time or more (NO in step S12), or in step S13, judges that the tablet T is present within the captured image (NO in step S13), in step S15, the air blowing section 81 corresponding to the sensor 30 is controlled so that the gas streams blown from the air blowing sections 81 respectively are maintained at the first intensity, or the gas stream blown from the air blowing section 81 corresponding to the sensor 30 among the air blowing sections 81 becomes the first intensity from the second intensity. Then, the processing is returned to step S12.

[0125] According to such processing example 2, in the case where the state where the sensor 30 detects the tablet T is maintained for the prescribed time or more, but the tablet T is absent within the captured image obtained by the first camera section 40 or the second camera section 60, the gas stream blown from the air blowing section 81 corresponding to the sensor 30 is intensified. Thereby, the foreign matter attached to the lower surface of the light-transmissive member 71 corresponding to the sensor 30, in detail, the lower surface of the light-transmissive member 71 exposed from the through-hole 70a as shown is removed, so it is possible to reliably suppress the case where the sensor 30 erroneously detects the arrival of the tablet T. Figure 3

[0126] (Processing Example 3)

[0127] As Figure 8 ​As shown, in the processing example 3, the control section 103 controls the air blowing sections 81 in step S21 so that the gas streams blown from the air blowing sections 81 respectively become the first intensity. Then, in step S22, the control section 103 determines whether or not a prescribed number (a prescribed number of captured images) of foreign matters can be confirmed in one or both of the captured images obtained by the first and second capturing sections 40 and 60.

[0128] In step S22, if the control section 103 determines that a prescribed number or more of foreign matters are confirmed in one or both of the captured images (YES in step S22), in step S23, the corresponding air blowing section 81 is controlled so that the gas stream blown from the air blowing section 81 corresponding to the capturing section (one or both of the first and second capturing sections 40 and 60) from which the captured image in which a prescribed number or more of foreign matters are confirmed is obtained is changed from the first intensity to the second intensity. Then, the processing is returned to step S22.

[0129] On the other hand, in step S22, if the control section 103 determines that a prescribed number or more of foreign matters are not confirmed in one or both of the captured images (NO in step S22), in step S24, the corresponding air blowing section 81 is controlled so that the gas streams blown from the air blowing sections 81 respectively are maintained at the first intensity, or the gas stream blown from the air blowing section 81 corresponding to the capturing section from which the captured image in which a prescribed number or more of foreign matters are confirmed is obtained is changed from the second intensity to the first intensity. Then, the processing is returned to step S22.

[0130] According to such a processing example 3, in a case where a prescribed number or more of foreign matters are confirmed in one or both of the captured images obtained by the first and second capturing sections 40 and 60, the gas stream blown from the air blowing section 81 corresponding to the capturing section (one or both of the first and second capturing sections 40 and 60) from which the captured image in which a prescribed number or more of foreign matters are confirmed is obtained is made stronger. That is, if it is confirmed in the captured image that a prescribed number or more of foreign matters are attached at the same position, it is determined that the foreign matters are not trash attached to the tablet T, but are trash attached to the cover section 70, and the gas stream blown from the corresponding air blowing section 81 is strengthened. Thus, the foreign matters attached to the lower surfaces of the light-transmissive members 71 corresponding to the first capturing section 40 or the light-transmissive members 72 corresponding to the second capturing section 60, in detail Figure 3 the foreign matters on the lower surfaces of the light-transmissive members 71 and 72 exposed from the through holes 70b and 70d, respectively, shown, are removed, so it is possible to suppress a case where the capturing section such as the first and second capturing sections 40 and 60 erroneously detects the tablet T by capturing the foreign matters attached to the lower surfaces of the light-transmissive members 71 and 72.

[0131] Here, the specified number is set to the number of multiple video images obtained by the same camera unit capturing images of different tablets T. For example, if a foreign object is confirmed to be present at the same location (within the same range) in five video images sequentially captured by the first camera unit 40 of multiple tablets T to be transported, it is determined that the foreign object present in the video images is not attached to the tablet T, but rather to the lower surface of the cover 70. If the same tablet is captured by the first camera unit 40 and the second camera unit 60, and a foreign object is confirmed to be present at the same location in both video images, it is more likely that the foreign object is attached to the tablet T. On the other hand, if a specified number or more foreign objects are confirmed in video images capturing different tablets T, it can be inferred that the foreign object is attached to the cover 70.

[0132] Alternatively, while determining whether a predetermined number or more foreign objects are confirmed in the video image, a predetermined time can be used instead of a predetermined number to obtain the predetermined number of video images. For example, if the intervals between the tablets T arranged in a row on the conveyor belt 21 are irregular rather than fixed, it is preferable to use a predetermined number. On the other hand, if the intervals between the tablets T arranged in a row on the conveyor belt 21 are fixed, either a predetermined number or a predetermined time can be used.

[0133] (Processing Example 4)

[0134] like Figure 9 As shown, Processing Example 4 is basically the same process as Processing Example 3, but in Processing Example 4, step S22 (see reference 3) is replaced by... Figure 8 In step S32, the control unit 103 determines whether a predetermined number or more foreign objects are found in one or both of the images obtained by the first camera unit 40 and the second camera unit 60 at a location where the tablet T is not present (the area in the image where the tablet T is not present). The subsequent processing flow is the same as in Processing Example 3.

[0135] According to this processing example 4, the gas flow blown from the blowing section 81 corresponding to the camera unit (either the first camera unit 40 or the second camera unit 60) that captured images in which a foreign object was confirmed to be present at a location where the tablet T was not present in one or both of the images obtained by the first camera unit 40 and the second camera unit 60, and further confirmed that there were more than a predetermined number of such foreign objects, is strengthened. That is, if a predetermined number (for a predetermined time) or more of foreign objects are confirmed to be attached at a location where the tablet T is not present in the captured image, it is determined that the foreign object is powder or debris attached to the cover 70, and it is determined that the foreign object cannot be removed by blowing at the first intensity, and the gas flow blown from the corresponding blowing section 81 is strengthened. As a result, the lower surface of the light-transmitting member 71 corresponding to the first camera unit 40 or the light-transmitting member 72 corresponding to the second camera unit 60 is strengthened.Figure 3 The removal of foreign matter from the lower surfaces of the light-transmitting components 71 and 72 exposed from the through holes 70b and 70d, as shown, can suppress the situation where the camera unit such as the first camera unit 40 or the second camera unit 60 captures images of foreign matter attached to the lower surfaces of the light-transmitting components 71 and 72 and mistakenly detects the tablet T.

[0136] (Processing Example 5)

[0137] like Figure 10 As shown, Processing Example 5 is basically the same process as Processing Example 3, but in Processing Example 5, step S22 (see reference 3) is replaced by... Figure 8 In step S42, the control unit 103 determines whether there is a foreign object or whether the position of the foreign object is consistent in both of the two images obtained by the first camera unit 40 and the second camera unit 60. The subsequent processing flow is the same as in Processing Example 3, but in step S23, the control unit 103 controls the corresponding blowing unit 81 to change the gas flow blown from the blowing unit 81 corresponding to the first camera unit 40 and the second camera unit 60 from a first intensity to a second intensity.

[0138] According to this processing example 5, if the presence or location of foreign matter in the images obtained by the first camera unit 40 and the second camera unit 60 is inconsistent, the gas flow blown from the respective blowing sections 81 corresponding to the first camera unit 40 and the second camera unit 60 will be strengthened. That is, if the presence or location of foreign matter in the images of the same tablet T obtained by the first camera unit 40 and the images obtained by the second camera unit 60 is inconsistent, it will be determined that the foreign matter is not powder or debris attached to the tablet T, but powder or debris attached to the cover 70, and the gas flow blown from the corresponding blowing section 81 will be strengthened. As a result, the lower surface of the light-transmitting member 71 corresponding to the first camera unit 40 or the light-transmitting member 72 corresponding to the second camera unit 60 will be strengthened. Figure 3 The removal of foreign matter from the lower surfaces of the light-transmitting components 71 and 72 exposed from the through holes 70b and 70d, as shown, can suppress the situation where the camera unit such as the first camera unit 40 or the second camera unit 60 captures images of foreign matter attached to the lower surfaces of the light-transmitting components 71 and 72 and mistakenly detects the tablet T.

[0139] (Processing Example 6)

[0140] like Figure 11 As shown, Processing Example 6 is basically the same process as Processing Example 3, but in Processing Example 6, step S22 (see reference 3) is replaced by... Figure 8), the control section 103 determines whether it is in the maintenance of the inkjet head 51 in step S52. The flow of the process thereafter is the same as that of the process example 3, but in step S23, the control section 103 controls the corresponding entire each air blowing section 81 to change the gas stream blown from the entire air blowing section 81 from the first intensity to the second intensity.

[0141] According to such a process example 6, in the case where it is in the maintenance of the inkjet head 51, the gas stream blown from the entire air blowing section 81 is strengthened respectively. Thereby, in the maintenance, the foreign matter adhering to the lower surface of each light transmitting member 71, 72 corresponding to the sensor 30, the first imaging section 40 and the second imaging section 60 is removed in detail Figure 3 from the lower surface of each light transmitting member 71, 72 exposed from each through hole 70a, 70b, 70d as shown in the drawing, so it is possible to inhibit the case where the sensor 30 detects the foreign matter adhering to the lower surface of the light transmitting member 71 to falsely detect the tablet T, or the imaging section of the first imaging section 40 or the second imaging section 60 etc. images the foreign matter adhering to the lower surface of the light transmitting member 71, 72 to falsely detect the tablet T.

[0142] In addition, whether it is in the maintenance of the inkjet head 51 or not, for example, it can be determined to be in the maintenance when the tablet T is detected by the sensor 30, the first imaging section 40, the second imaging section 60 for a prescribed time or more. Or, the control device 100 can also detect that the "maintenance mode" is selected by the operator to determine it to be in the maintenance.

[0143] Generally, in the maintenance, the tablet T does not exist on the conveyer belt 21, and there is no case where the posture of the tablet T is changed by the gas stream blown from each air blowing section 81, so it is also possible that the stronger gas stream is not generated. Further, in the maintenance of the inkjet head 51, there is a case where the suction of the liquid droplet is performed by the suction section provided at the maintenance section, whereby the flow of the air occurs, and there is a case where the powder or the garbage etc. adhering to the inkjet head 51 flies to adhere to the cover section 70, but by strengthening the gas stream blown from each air blowing section 81, it is possible to inhibit the powder or the garbage etc. flying to adhere to the lower surface of the cover section 70. Further, even if the powder or the garbage etc. flying to adhere to the lower surface of the cover section 70, it is possible to remove the powder or the garbage etc.

[0144] As explained above, according to the first embodiment, the tablet printing apparatus 1 is provided with: a detection section (for example, the sensor 30, the first imaging section 40, or the second imaging section 60) that detects the tablet T conveyed by the conveyance belt 21; an inkjet head 51 that performs printing on the tablet T detected by the detection section; a cover section 70 that covers the detection section; a gas blowing section 81 that blows gas in a direction that, in plan view, crosses the conveyance direction H1 of the tablet T horizontally, with respect to a surface of the conveyance belt 21 side of the cover section 70; and a control section 103 that controls the gas blowing section 81. Thereby, by the gas blowing section 81 blowing gas toward the lower surface of the cover section 70, foreign matter (for example, powder or garbage) adhering to the lower surface of the cover section 70 is removed, so it is possible to suppress the detection section from erroneously detecting the tablet T by detecting foreign matter adhering to the lower surface of the cover section 70. Thus, it is possible to suppress erroneous detection due to the adhesion of foreign matter, and to efficiently perform printing on the tablet T.

[0145] <Second Embodiment>

[0146] Reference Figure 12 The second embodiment will be described.

[0147] In the second embodiment, as shown in Figure 12 , the tablets T are conveyed in two rows. In this case, the supply section 10 supplies the tablets T to the conveyance belt 21 so as to be in two rows. In Figure 12 , the tablets T are conveyed in two rows, but this is not limiting. In the case of conveying the tablets T in two rows, the sensor 30, the first imaging section 40, and the second imaging section 60 are provided for each row. In addition, the inkjet head 51 is provided in a manner common to each row, but this is not limiting, and it can be provided for each row.

[0148] The gas blowing section 81 is provided for each of the plurality of sensors 30, the plurality of first imaging sections 40, and the plurality of second imaging sections 60. In Figure 12 , the gas blowing section 81 is provided six, arranged in two rows in the conveyance direction H1. The gas blowing section 81 of each row blows gas toward the outside while avoiding the inside of the row. In detail, each gas blowing section 81 is provided on the lower surface of the cover section 70 in a manner such that, in plan view, the plurality of suction holes 21a are located between the rows arranged in two rows. These gas blowing sections 81 respectively blow gas toward the outside of the space between the cover section 70 and the conveyance belt 21, in opposite directions to each other.

[0149] In addition, in the case of conveying in a plurality of rows of three or more, each gas blowing section 81 blows gas toward the outside. At this time, the gas blowing section 81 corresponding to the conveyance row located on the inside blows gas toward the tablet T of the conveyance row located on the outside, but by blowing gas toward the outside (that is, the direction in which the number of adjacent conveyance rows is small), it is possible to minimize the risk of the gas blown from the gas blowing section 81 affecting the posture of the tablet T.

[0150] According to such a structure, the gas blow direction is a direction that crosses the conveyance direction H1 horizontally in plan view, and is a direction that is not toward the adjacent conveyance row, i.e., a direction toward the outside of the adjacent conveyance row. Thus, the tablets T are not exposed to the gas flow only at least when passing below the gas blow portion 81, so the influence of the gas flow caused by the gas blow on the posture of the tablets T is suppressed, so the tablets T can be printed efficiently. Further, since the influence of the gas blown from the gas blow portion 81 on the printing of the inkjet head 51 is suppressed, the tablets T can be printed efficiently.

[0151] In addition, the gas blow direction of each of the gas blow portions 81 arranged in the conveyance direction H1 is the same, but is not limited thereto, and can be different. Further, since the gas blow direction of each of the gas blow portions 81 is a direction that crosses the conveyance direction H1 horizontally in plan view, it can be a direction that inclines to the upstream side of the conveyance direction H in plan view, or a direction that inclines to the downstream side of the conveyance direction H in plan view, but in order to suppress the gas blow toward the inkjet head 51 side, it is preferable to incline to the opposite side of the inkjet head 51 side. For example, it is preferable that the gas blow direction of each of the gas blow portions 81 corresponding to the sensor 30 and the first imaging portion 40 be a direction that inclines to the upstream side of the conveyance direction H1 in plan view, and the gas blow direction of the gas of the gas blow portion 81 corresponding to the second imaging portion 60 be a direction that inclines to the downstream side of the conveyance direction H1 in plan view.

[0152] As explained above, according to the second embodiment, the same effects as the first embodiment can be obtained. Further, in the case of conveying the tablets T in a plurality of rows, the influence of the gas flow caused by the gas blow on the posture of the tablets T or the printing of the inkjet head 51 is also suppressed, so the tablets T can be printed efficiently.

[0153] <Other Embodiments>

[0154] In the above description, the tablets T are printed using the tablet printing apparatus 1 (tablet printing method) of one embodiment, but this can also be referred to as manufacturing the printed tablets T by printing the tablets T using the tablet printing apparatus 1 (tablet printing method) of one embodiment. That is, the tablet printing apparatus 1 can be referred to as a tablet manufacturing apparatus, and the tablet printing method can be referred to as a tablet manufacturing method.

[0155] Further, in the above description, the tablets T are conveyed in one or two rows, but are not limited thereto, and the number of rows can be three or more than five, and is not particularly limited, and the number of the conveyance belts 21 can be more than two, and is not particularly limited. Further, the number of the inkjet heads 51 can be more than two, and is not particularly limited.

[0156] Further, in the above description, a print head in which the nozzles 51a are arranged in one row is exemplified as the inkjet head 51, but is not limited thereto, and for example, a print head in which the nozzles 51a are arranged in multiple rows can be used. Further, the inkjet head 51 can be arranged in multiple numbers in a direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction H1 in the horizontal plane and used.

[0157] Further, in the above description, the inkjet head 51 is exemplified as being arranged such that the direction in which the nozzles 51a are arranged is a direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction H1 in the horizontal plane, but is not limited thereto, and for example, can be arranged such that the direction in which the nozzles 51a are arranged is a direction crossing the conveyance direction H1 in the horizontal plane.

[0158] Further, in the above description, the printing of one side of the tablet T is exemplified, but is not limited thereto, and for example, the conveyance section 20, the sensor 30, the first imaging section 40, the printing section 50, and the second imaging section 60 can be arranged as one unit, and the unit can be arranged in a stacked manner with the upper conveyance section 20, the tablet T after printing can be reversed and handed over to the lower conveyance section 20 by the upper conveyance section 20, and both sides of the tablet T can be printed.

[0159] Further, in the above description, the tablet T is supplied to the conveyance belt 21 not at regular intervals but randomly, but is not limited thereto, and can be supplied at regular intervals. Further, in the above description, the tablet T is suction-held by the suction holes 21a formed in the conveyance belt 21, but is not limited thereto, and can be housed and held in a bag or the like and conveyed, or can be held on the conveyance belt 21 by the weight and conveyed.

[0160] Here, as the tablet T described above, a tablet used for medical, dietary, cleaning, industrial, or aromatic use can be included. Further, as the tablet T, a naked tablet (uncoated tablet), a sugar-coated tablet, a film-coated tablet, an enteric-coated tablet, a gelatin-coated tablet, a multi-layer tablet, a tablet with a core, and the like can be included, and various kinds of capsule tablets such as a hard capsule or a soft capsule can be included in the tablet T. Further, as the shape of the tablet T, various shapes such as a disc shape or a lens shape, a triangular shape, an elliptical shape, and the like can be included. Further, in the case where the tablet T as a print target is for medical or dietary use, an edible ink is preferably used as the ink. As the edible ink, any one of a synthetic pigment ink, a natural pigment ink, a dye ink, and a pigment ink can be used.

[0161] The above describes several embodiments of the present application, but these embodiments are presented as examples, and are not intended to limit the scope of the application. These new embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various kinds of omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made within the scope of the gist of the application. These embodiments and modifications are included in the scope or gist of the application, and are included in the scope of the application and equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A tablet printing apparatus, characterized by comprising: Possessing: a detection section that detects a tablet conveyed by a conveyer belt; an inkjet head that performs printing on the tablet detected by the detection section; a cover section that covers the detection section; a gas blowing section that blows gas toward a surface of the cover section on the conveyer belt side in a direction that intersects the conveyance direction of the tablet horizontally in plan view; and a control section that controls the gas blowing section, the control section controls the gas blowing section to make the gas flow stronger when it is determined that the state in which the detection section detects the tablet has been maintained for a prescribed time or more.

2. A tablet printing apparatus characterized by comprising: Possessing: a detection section that detects a tablet conveyed by a conveyer belt; an inkjet head that performs printing on the tablet detected by the detection section; a cover section that covers the detection section; a gas blowing section that blows gas toward a surface of the cover section on the conveyer belt side in a direction that intersects the conveyance direction of the tablet horizontally in plan view; and a control section that controls the gas blowing section, the detection section images the tablet conveyed by the conveyer belt, the control section controls the gas blowing section to make the gas flow stronger when it is determined that a foreign object has been confirmed at the same position in the image obtained by the detection section for a prescribed number of images or for a prescribed time or more.

3. A tablet printing apparatus characterized by comprising: Possessing: a detection section that detects a tablet conveyed by a conveyer belt; an inkjet head that performs printing on the tablet detected by the detection section; a cover section that covers the detection section; a gas blowing section that blows gas toward a surface of the cover section on the conveyer belt side in a direction that intersects the conveyance direction of the tablet horizontally in plan view; and a control section that controls the gas blowing section, the detection section images the tablet conveyed by the conveyer belt, the control section controls the gas blowing section to make the gas flow stronger when it is determined that a foreign object has been confirmed at a position in which the tablet is not present in the image obtained by the detection section.

4. A tablet printing apparatus characterized by comprising: Possessing: a detection section that detects a tablet conveyed by a conveyer belt; an inkjet head that performs printing on the tablet detected by the detection section; a cover section that covers the detection section; a gas blowing section that blows gas toward a surface of the cover section on the conveyer belt side in a direction that intersects the conveyance direction of the tablet horizontally in plan view; and a control section that controls the gas blowing section, a plurality of the detection sections are provided, the cover section covers the plurality of detection sections, a first detection section of the plurality of detection sections is provided on the upstream side from the inkjet head in the conveyance direction of the tablet and images the tablet conveyed by the conveyer belt, a second detection section of the plurality of detection sections is provided on the downstream side from the inkjet head in the conveyance direction of the tablet and images the tablet conveyed by the conveyer belt, the control section controls the gas blowing section to make the gas flow stronger when it is determined that the presence or absence of a foreign object or the position of a foreign object is not consistent in a first image obtained by the first detection section and a second image obtained by the second detection section.

5. A tablet printing apparatus characterized by comprising: Possessing: a detection section that detects a tablet conveyed by a conveyer belt; an inkjet head that performs printing on the tablet detected by the detection section; a cover section that covers the detection section; a blowing section that blows gas in a direction that intersects the direction of conveyance of the tablets in a plan view, toward the surface of the cover section on the side of the conveyance belt; a control section that controls the blowing section, the detection section is provided with a plurality of the cover section covers the plurality of detection sections, a first detection section of the plurality of detection sections detects the arrival of the tablets conveyed by the conveyance belt, a second detection section of the plurality of detection sections images the tablets conveyed by the conveyance belt, the control section controls the blowing section to make the gas flow stronger when it is determined that the state in which the first detection section detects the tablets has been maintained for a prescribed time or more and that the tablets are not present in the image obtained by the second detection section.

6. The tablet printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control section controls the blowing section to make the gas flow stronger when it is determined that the maintenance of the inkjet head is in progress.

7. The tablet printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control section controls the blowing section to make the gas flow return to the strength before the blowing section was controlled to make the gas flow stronger when it is determined that the state in which the detection section detects the tablets is no longer maintained for a prescribed time or more after the blowing section was controlled to make the gas flow stronger.

8. The tablet printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the detection section is provided for each column when the tablets are conveyed in a plurality of columns by the conveyance belt, the cover section covers the plurality of detection sections, the blowing section is provided for each detection section, the blowing section of each detection section blows the gas toward the outside while avoiding the inside of the plurality of columns.

9. A tablet printing method, characterized by, including: a detection section that detects tablets conveyed by a conveyance belt; an inkjet head that performs printing on the tablets detected by the detection section; a blowing section that blows gas in a direction that intersects the direction of conveyance of the tablets in a plan view, toward the surface of a cover section that covers the detection section; a control section that controls the blowing section, the control section controls the blowing section to make the gas flow stronger when it is determined that the state in which the detection section detects the tablets has been maintained for a prescribed time or more.

Images