Tableting device and tableting method

Abstract

To provide a technique capable of applying a target amount of a medicinal ingredient to a tablet.SOLUTION: A tableting device 100 includes a conveyance mechanism 20, two discharge heads 30, an input device 75, and a control part 70. The conveyance mechanism 20 conveys a base 91 along the conveyance path. The two discharge heads 30 discharges ink containing a medicinal ingredient toward the base 91 being conveyed by the conveyance mechanism 20. The input device 75 receives input of an application amount of the medicinal ingredient. The control part 70 determines the number of times of application by the discharge head 30 according to the application amount input by the input device 75. The control part 70 controls the conveyance mechanism 20 and the two discharge heads 30 such that the ink is applied to the base 91 by the discharge heads 30 the determined number of times.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The subject matter disclosed herein relates to a tablet manufacturing apparatus and a method for manufacturing tablets. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, when manufacturing tablets as medicines, the medicinal ingredients (active ingredients) are mixed with excipients and then molded by a tablet press. However, in the above method, when the amount of medicinal ingredients is small, unevenness is likely to occur in the mixing process. In addition, the above method does not make it easy to produce a wide variety of products in small quantities.

[0003] In view of this, it has been proposed to impart a trace amount of a medicinal ingredient to a tablet by applying ink containing the medicinal ingredient to the tablet (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2020 / 218310 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] When ink is ejected onto a tablet, the amount of medicinal ingredient that can be applied to the tablet is not very large, so there is a demand for technology that can deliver the desired amount of medicinal ingredient to the tablet.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a technique that enables a desired amount of a medicinal ingredient to be applied to a tablet. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, a first aspect of the present invention is a tablet manufacturing apparatus comprising: a conveying mechanism for conveying a base along a conveying path; at least one ejection head for ejecting ink containing an active ingredient toward the base being conveyed by the conveying mechanism; an input unit for receiving an input of an application amount of the active ingredient; and a control unit for determining the number of applications by the ejection head in accordance with the application amount input by the input unit, and for controlling the conveying mechanism and the at least one ejection head so that the ejection head applies ink to the base the determined number of times.

[0008] A second aspect is the tablet manufacturing apparatus of the first aspect, which has a plurality of the ejection heads arranged at intervals along the conveying path.

[0009] A third aspect is the tablet manufacturing apparatus of the first aspect, wherein the control unit controls the conveying mechanism so that the base moves back and forth under the ejection head.

[0010] A fourth aspect is a tablet manufacturing apparatus of the first or second aspect, wherein the control unit changes the size of the area on the surface of the base where ink is applied, depending on the application amount input by the input unit.

[0011] A fifth aspect is a tablet manufacturing apparatus of the first or second aspect, wherein the control unit changes the amount of ink ejected per unit area from the ejection head onto the base in accordance with the application amount input by the input unit.

[0012] A sixth aspect is the tablet manufacturing apparatus of the fifth aspect, wherein the control unit changes the ejection period of the ink droplets ejected by the ejection head onto the base in accordance with the application amount input by the input unit.

[0013] A seventh aspect is the tablet manufacturing apparatus of the fifth aspect, wherein the control unit changes a speed at which the conveying mechanism conveys the base, depending on the application amount input by the input unit.

[0014] An eighth aspect is the tablet production apparatus according to the first or second aspect, further comprising an ingredient inspection unit that inspects the amount of medicinal ingredient applied to the base on the conveying path.

[0015] A ninth aspect is a method for manufacturing a tablet, comprising the steps of transporting a base along a transport path, and applying ink containing a medicinal ingredient multiple times using an ejection head onto a surface of the base being transported along the transport path. Effect of the Invention

[0016] According to the first to ninth aspects, a desired amount of an active ingredient can be imparted to the tablet.

[0017] According to the second aspect, the base can be passed under a plurality of ejection heads, so that the ink can be applied a plurality of times.

[0018] According to the third aspect, the application can be performed multiple times, thereby increasing the amount of the medicinal ingredient applied.

[0019] According to the fourth aspect, the amount of ink applied can be adjusted by changing the size of the area to which the ink is applied.

[0020] According to the fifth aspect, the amount of medicinal ingredient applied can be adjusted by changing the amount of ink ejected per unit area.

[0021] According to the eighth aspect, the amount of the medicinal ingredient applied to the base can be inspected. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a tablet manufacturing apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control unit and elements connected to the control unit. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an example of a tablet manufactured by the tablet manufacturing apparatus. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a side view showing an example of a tablet manufactured by the tablet manufacturing apparatus. [Diagram 5] 1 is a diagram showing a flow of a coating process performed by a tablet manufacturing apparatus. FIG. [Figure 6] 6 is a diagram showing a medicinal ink application amount adjustment process executed by the control unit during the application process (step S13) shown in FIG. 5. FIG. [Figure 7] 1 is a diagram conceptually showing a state in which the base moves back and forth immediately below the ejection head. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the configuration of a tablet manufacturing apparatus according to a third embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the configuration of a tablet manufacturing apparatus according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the measurement results of L values. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the measurement results of a value. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the measurement results of b-value. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the components described in the embodiment are merely examples, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. In the drawings, the dimensions and numbers of each part may be exaggerated or simplified as necessary for ease of understanding.

[0024] <1. First embodiment> 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a tablet manufacturing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. The tablet manufacturing apparatus 1 conveys a base 91 while applying ink containing a medicinal ingredient (hereinafter referred to as "medicinal ink") to the surface of the base 91, thereby manufacturing a tablet 9 containing the medicinal ingredient.

[0025] 1, the tablet manufacturing apparatus 1 includes a carry-in mechanism 10, a conveying mechanism 20, a plurality of (two in this example) ejection heads 30, a plurality of (two in this example) drying sections 40, a component inspection section 50, a carry-out mechanism 60, and a control section 70. In the following description, the direction in which the base 91 is conveyed in the tablet manufacturing apparatus 100 is simply referred to as the "conveying direction." In addition, the direction perpendicular to the conveying direction is referred to as the "width direction."

[0026] The carry-in mechanism 10 carries a plurality of bases 91 fed into the tablet manufacturing apparatus 100 into the conveying mechanism 20. The carry-in mechanism 10 has an alignment mechanism and a carry-in drum 11, not shown. The alignment mechanism includes, for example, a vibration feeder, a rotary feeder, and a chute. The plurality of bases 91 are aligned in a plurality of rows (for example, five rows) by the alignment mechanism and supplied to the outer circumferential surface of the carry-in drum 11. The carry-in drum 11 rotates while adsorbing and holding the aligned bases 91 in a state in which they are separated one by one on the outer circumferential surface. As a result, the plurality of bases 91 are arranged at a predetermined interval in the conveying direction. In addition, the plurality of bases 91 held by the carry-in drum 11 are conveyed along an arc-shaped conveying path by the rotation of the carry-in drum 11 and delivered to the conveying mechanism 20.

[0027] The conveying mechanism 20 holds a plurality of bases 91 and conveys the plurality of bases 91 along a circular conveying path. The conveying mechanism 20 has a pair of pulleys 21, a conveying belt 22 stretched around the pair of pulleys 21, a conveying motor 23, and a suction mechanism 24. One of the pair of pulleys 21 is rotated by power obtained from the conveying motor 23. As a result, the conveying belt 22 rotates in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 1. The other of the pair of pulleys 21 is rotated in accordance with the rotation of the conveying belt 22.

[0028] A plurality of suction holes are provided on the holding surface, which is the outer peripheral surface of the conveyor belt 22. The plurality of suction holes are arranged at equal intervals in both the conveying direction and the width direction perpendicular to the conveying direction. A small hole smaller than the suction hole is provided at the bottom of each suction hole. Each suction hole communicates with the suction mechanism 24 via the small hole. The suction mechanism 24 sucks out gas from the space inside the conveyor belt 22. When the suction mechanism 24 is operated, the space inside the conveyor belt 22 becomes negative pressure lower than atmospheric pressure. The plurality of bases 91 are sucked and held by the suction holes by the negative pressure.

[0029] The two ejection heads 30 eject medicinal inks by an inkjet method toward the surface of the base 91 conveyed by the conveyor belt 22. The medicinal components are substances that exhibit physiological activity among substances contained in medicines, quasi-drugs, agricultural chemicals, etc., such as ascorbic acid and aspirin. In addition, a colorant (coloring material) is preferably added to the medicinal ink. The colorant is not particularly limited as long as it is edible, and can be appropriately selected from, for example, conventionally known synthetic food dyes, natural dye derivatives, natural synthetic dyes, natural food dyes, etc. The synthetic food dye is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include Food Red No. 2, Food Red No. 3, Food Red No. 40, Food Red No. 102, Food Red No. 104, Food Red No. 105, Food Red No. 106, Food Yellow No. 4, Food Yellow No. 5, Food Blue No. 1, Food Blue No. 2, Food Green No. 3, etc. The natural dye derivative is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include copper chlorophyllin sodium, etc. The natural synthetic dye is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include β-carotene, etc. The natural food dye is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include anthocyanin dyes, carotenoid dyes, quinone dyes, flavonoid dyes, etc. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0030] The two ejection heads 30 are located above the conveyor belt 22 and are arranged at an interval from each other along the conveying path. The multiple bases 91 are conveyed horizontally by the conveyor belt 22 below each ejection head 30. Each ejection head 30 extends in the width direction. Each ejection head 30 has a large number of nozzles that eject ink droplets (ink droplets). Each ejection head 30 ejects ink droplets from each nozzle onto the surface of the base 91. As a result, the medicinal ink is applied to the surface of the base 91. A piezoelectric method or a thermal method may be adopted as a method for ejecting ink droplets from the ejection head 30.

[0031] The number of ejection heads 30 provided in the tablet manufacturing apparatus 100 is not limited to two, but may be one, or three or more.

[0032] Each drying unit 40 dries the medicinal ink attached to the surface of the base 91. In this example, one drying unit 40 is arranged for one ejection head 30. Each drying unit 40 is located downstream of the conveying path away from the corresponding ejection head 30. The drying unit 40 extends in the width direction. The drying unit 40 is, for example, a hot air supply mechanism that blows heated gas (hot air) toward the base 91. A part of the medicinal ink attached to the outer surface of the base 91 penetrates into the inside of the base 91. In addition, the medicinal ink attached to the surface of the base 91 is dried by the hot air and fixed to the surface of the base 91. In this way, a tablet 9 is manufactured in which a printed portion 93 containing a medicinal ingredient is formed on the surface of the base 91. The drying unit 40 can be omitted. In addition, when drying by the drying unit 40 is not necessary (for example, when the amount of medicinal ink applied is small), the control unit 70 may stop driving the drying unit 40.

[0033] The component inspection unit 50 inspects the amount of medicinal ingredients applied to the tablet 9 being transported by the transport mechanism 20. The component inspection unit 50 is disposed downstream away from the second drying unit 40 on the transport path. The component inspection unit 50 detects the amount of medicinal ingredients in a non-contact manner, for example, by using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR), Raman spectroscopy, or spectrophotometric colorimetry.

[0034] The component inspection section 50 has a light source (eg, a laser) that irradiates the base 91 with light, a spectroscope that separates the light reflected by the base 91, and a detector (eg, a CCD detector) that detects the separated light.

[0035] When near-infrared spectroscopy is used, the base 91 is irradiated with light in the near-infrared region (800 to 2500 nm), and the light reflected by the base 91 is detected. Then, the amount of the medicinal component is quantified based on the measurement result of the absorbance of the detected light. When Raman spectroscopy is used, the base 91 is irradiated with monochromatic light (light consisting of only a single frequency), and the wavelength or scattering intensity of the light reflected by the base 91 (Raman scattered light) is measured. Then, the amount of the medicinal component is quantified based on the measurement result.

[0036] When the medicinal ink contains a colorant, the amount of the medicinal ink applied can be accurately quantified by the spectroscopic analysis of the component inspection unit 50. Therefore, the amount of the medicinal component applied can be indirectly accurately quantified.

[0037] The component inspection section 50 may be disposed at a position between the first drying section 40 and the second ejection head 30, or at a position between the first ejection head 30 and the first drying section 40. The component inspection section 50 may also be disposed at a position between the second ejection head 30 and the second drying section 40.

[0038] The discharge mechanism 60 discharges the base 91 (i.e., tablet 9) coated with the medicinal ingredient from the conveying mechanism 20 to the outside of the tablet manufacturing apparatus 100. The discharge mechanism 60 has a discharge chute 61, a blowing mechanism 62, and a discharge conveyor (not shown). The discharge chute 61 is located downstream of the drying section 40 on the conveying path.

[0039] The discharge chute 61 faces the conveyor belt 22. The blow mechanism 62 blows pressurized air toward the small holes of the suction holes that have reached the position of the discharge chute 61. This causes a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure to act on the suction holes, releasing the suction of the tablets 9. The tablets 9 from which suction has been released fall from the conveyor belt 22 through the discharge chute 61 onto the upper surface of the discharge conveyor. The fallen tablets 9 are then conveyed to the outside of the tablet manufacturing apparatus 100 by the discharge conveyor.

[0040] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the control unit 70 and elements connected to the control unit 70. The control unit 70 controls the operation of the tablet manufacturing apparatus 100. The control unit 70 includes a processor 71 and a storage unit 73. The processor 71 is configured, for example, by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or the like. The storage unit 73 is configured by a volatile memory such as a RAM, a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state disk (SSD). The storage unit 73 stores a computer program P and various data. The computer program P may be provided to the control unit 70 via a non-transient recording medium such as an optical disk, a magnetic disk, or a USB memory. The computer program P may be provided to the control unit 70 via a network such as the Internet or a local network. The processor 71 executes the computer program P stored in the storage unit 73 to realize various processes including a medicinal ink application process in the tablet manufacturing apparatus 100.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 70 is electrically connected to the carry-in mechanism 10, the transport mechanism 20, the two discharge heads 30, the two drying units 40, the component inspection unit 50, and the carry-out mechanism 60. The control unit 70 is also connected to various input devices 75 such as a keyboard and a mouse, and a display 77 such as a liquid crystal display. Various information (for example, "application amount" indicating the amount of the chemical liquid component) is input to the control unit 70 via the input device 75. The display 77 displays various information. The display 77 may be configured as a touch panel so that the display 77 also has the function of the input device 75. The display 77 may be omitted.

[0042] Fig. 3 is a plan view showing an example of a tablet 9 manufactured by the tablet manufacturing apparatus 100. Fig. 4 is a side view showing an example of a tablet 9 manufactured by the tablet manufacturing apparatus 100. As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the tablet 9 has a base 91 and a printed portion 93.

[0043] The base 91 is a granular material such as an uncoated tablet (plain tablet), a sugar-coated tablet, or a film-coated tablet (FC tablet). The base 91 is lactose, crystalline cellulose, D-mannitol, corn glycerin, etc. The base 91 may contain a disintegrant, a binder, a lubricant, or the like. The disintegrant may be, for example, carmellose calcium, croscarmellose sodium, crospovidone, low-substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose, or sodium starch glycolate. The binder may be, for example, hydroxypropyl cellulose, povidone, or the like. 45 don, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, light anhydrous silicic acid, etc. Lubricants include, for example, magnesium stearate, calcium stearate, or sodium stearyl fumarate.

[0044] The outer surface of the base 91 has a first surface 911 and a second surface 912. The first surface 911 faces one side in the thickness direction. The second surface 912 faces the other side in the thickness direction. The first surface 911 and the second surface 912 face each other in the thickness direction. The "thickness direction" refers to a direction parallel to the vertical direction in a state in which the base 91 is stably placed on a horizontal plane (a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction in which gravity acts). The first surface 911 and the second surface 912 have surface extent in two directions perpendicular to the thickness direction.

[0045] The outer surface of the base 91 further has a third surface 913. The third surface 913 is located between the first surface 911 and the second surface 912 in the thickness direction. One end of the third surface 913 in the thickness direction is continuous with the peripheral portion 1E of the first surface 911, and the other end of the third surface 913 in the thickness direction is continuous with the peripheral portion 2E of the second surface 912.

[0046] The base 91 is a flat tablet having a disk shape. That is, the first surface 911 and the second surface 912 are flat surfaces and have a circular shape parallel to the direction perpendicular to the thickness direction. The third surface 913 is cylindrical and parallel to the thickness direction.

[0047] The first surface 911 and the second surface 912 may have an elliptical shape, a polygonal shape, or a polygonal shape with some or all of the corners rounded. The third surface 913 may have an elliptical cylinder shape, a polygonal cylinder shape, or a polygonal cylinder with some or all of the corners rounded. The shape and size of the second surface 912 are the same as those of the first surface 911, but may be different. The first surface 911 and the second surface 912 may be convex curved surfaces. The first surface 911 and the second surface 912 may have irregularities. The peripheral portions 1E and 2E may be angular or rounded.

[0048] The printed portion 93 is a portion that contains a medicinal ingredient. The printed portion 93 is a portion that is formed by applying a medicinal ink to the first surface 911 of the base 91 and then allowing the ink to set. The shape of the printed portion 93 is, for example, a circular shape that corresponds to the peripheral portion 1E in a plan view. The outer shape of the printed portion 93 is smaller than the peripheral portion 1E of the first surface 911. In other words, the peripheral portion of the printed portion 93 is disposed away from the peripheral portion 1E and inward.

[0049] Next, a description will be given of the operation of the tablet manufacturing apparatus 100. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing the flow of the coating process executed by the tablet manufacturing apparatus 100. Note that the operation of the tablet manufacturing apparatus 100 is assumed to be performed under the control of the control unit 70 unless otherwise specified.

[0050] First, the control unit 70 inputs the amount of medicinal ingredient to be applied to the base 92 (hereinafter referred to as the "target application amount") via the input device 75 (step S11). For example, the control unit 70 causes a predetermined input screen to be displayed on the display 77. The device user then inputs the target application amount via the input device 75 in accordance with the input screen. When the target application amount is input, the control unit 70 uses the input application amount to calculate the "number of applications," "application area," and "application density."

[0051] The "number of applications" refers to the number of times that one ejection head 30 applies medicinal ink to the base 91. For example, if the base 91 moves once in the transport direction directly below two ejection heads 30 and the two ejection heads 30 apply medicinal ink, the number of applications is two. Even if the base 91 moves once directly below two ejection heads 30, if only one ejection head 30 applies ink to the base 91, the number of applications is one.

[0052] The "coating area" refers to the size (area) of the region of ink that is applied by the ejection head 30 to the surface (first surface 911) of the base 91. By setting the coating area to 1 / 2 the predetermined standard area, the amount of ink applied becomes 1 / 2 the predetermined amount.

[0053] The "coating density" refers to the amount of ink discharged per unit area applied by the discharge head 30 to the surface (first surface 911) of the base 91. When the coating density is reduced, the ink droplets applied to the base 91 are thinned out, so that the amount of ink applied is reduced. On the other hand, when the coating density is increased, the ink droplets are applied to the base 91 so as to overlap, so that the amount of ink applied per coating is increased. The coating density is adjusted, for example, by changing at least one of the conveying speed of the base 91 by the conveying mechanism 20 and the discharge frequency of the discharge head 30. The discharge frequency is changed (i.e., the discharge period is changed) by increasing or decreasing the number of drive pulses per time applied to the discharge head 30 (i.e., the number of discharged droplets per time). The coating density may be changed by increasing or decreasing the amount of ink per droplet (droplet amount) discharged by the discharge head 30 by changing the drive voltage. Furthermore, if the droplet volume is known, it is possible to estimate the applied volume of medicinal ink, and therefore the applied volume of medicinal ingredient, by counting the number of pixels in the input image.

[0054] Here, when the conveying speed is the standard speed Vs and the ejection frequency is the standard frequency Fs, the amount of ink applied to the base 91 per application (standard ink application amount) is Qs. For example, when the conveying speed is 2·Vs and the ejection frequency is the standard frequency Fs, the ink application amount is Qs / 2. When the conveying speed is Vs and the ejection frequency is Fs / 2, the ink application amount is also Qs / 2. Furthermore, when the conveying speed is 2·Vs and the ejection frequency is the standard frequency Fs / 2, the ink application amount is Qs / 4.

[0055] Furthermore, when the transport speed is Vs / 2 and the ejection frequency is Fs, the ink application amount is 2·Qs. When the transport speed is Vs and the ejection frequency is 2·Fs, the ink application amount is also 2·Qs. Furthermore, when the transport speed is Vs / 2 and the ejection frequency is 2·Fs, the ink application amount is 4·Qs.

[0056] As described above, by increasing or decreasing the "number of applications," "application area," and "application density," it is possible to increase or decrease the amount of ink applied to the base 91. In other words, it is possible to increase or decrease the amount of medicinal ingredients applied to the base 91.

[0057] After step S12, the control unit 70 executes the coating process by controlling each unit of the tablet manufacturing apparatus 100 according to the number of coatings, the coating area, and the coating density set in step S12. For example, the control unit 70 controls the conveying mechanism 20 to convey the base 91 along a predetermined conveying path. The conveying speed of the base 91 at this time is set to a speed corresponding to the "coating density" set in step S12. When the "number of coatings" is set to two times in step S12, the control unit 70 drives the two ejection heads 30 to apply ink to the base 91 moving in the conveying direction directly below each ejection head 30. The ejection frequency of the ejection head 30 is set to a frequency corresponding to the set coating density. Each ejection head 30 applies ink to the surface (first surface 911) of the base 91 within an area having a size corresponding to the "coating area" set in step S12.

[0058] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing a medicinal ink application amount adjustment process executed by the control unit 70 during the application process (step S13) shown in Fig. 5. The control unit 70 first obtains the application amount (estimated value) of the medicinal ingredient using the result of the ingredient inspection by the ingredient inspection unit 50 (step S21). Note that the ingredient inspection by the ingredient inspection unit 50 may be performed on all of the bases 91, or may be performed on only some of the bases 91.

[0059] Next, it is determined whether the application amount of the medicinal ingredient obtained in step S21 (hereinafter referred to as the "estimated application amount") is within an allowable range (step S22). Specifically, the control unit 70 determines whether the difference between the estimated application amount and the target application amount input in step S11 exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

[0060] If it is determined in step S22 that the estimated application amount is outside the allowable range, the control unit 70 resets at least one of the number of applications, the application area, and the application density so that the estimated application amount approaches the estimated application amount (step S23). In step S13, the control unit 70 performs application processing on the subsequent base 91 according to the number of applications, the application area, and the application density that have been reset. By performing such control, feedback can be applied to the ink application amount.

[0061] For example, when the estimated application amount is 0.9 times the target application amount, the control unit 70 changes the application area or application density to 1.11 times (=1 / 0.9). When the number of applications is set to one and the ink application amount cannot be increased by only one application, the control unit 70 changes the number of applications to two. As a result, the shortfall in the application amount of the medicinal ingredient is compensated for by two applications by the ejection head 30.

[0062] As described above, according to the tablet manufacturing apparatus 100, the number of applications is set according to the input target application amount (application amount of medicinal ingredient), and the ejection head 30 applies the medicinal ink to the base 91 for the set number of applications. By increasing the number of applications, the amount of medicinal ink applied can be increased, so that the tablet 9 can have the target amount of medicinal ingredient.

[0063] Furthermore, according to the tablet manufacturing apparatus 100, the application area is set according to the input target application amount, and the medicinal ink is applied to the base 91 by the ejection head 30 according to the set application area. By adjusting the application area, the amount of medicinal ink applied can be finely adjusted, so that the tablet 9 can have the targeted amount of medicinal ingredient with high accuracy.

[0064] Moreover, according to the tablet manufacturing apparatus 100, the application density is set according to the target application amount, and the medicinal ink is applied to the base 91 by the ejection head 30 according to the set application density. By adjusting the application density, the amount of medicinal ink applied can be finely adjusted, so that the tablet 9 can have the targeted amount of medicinal ingredient with high accuracy.

[0065] Furthermore, according to the tablet manufacturing apparatus 100, the amount of the applied medicinal ingredient can be estimated by the ingredient inspection by the ingredient inspection unit 50. Therefore, it can be easily inspected whether an appropriate amount of the medicinal ingredient has been applied. <2. Second embodiment> In the tablet manufacturing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, a plurality of ejection heads 30 are provided, so that the base 91 is applied a plurality of times by the ejection heads 30. However, it is also possible to realize multiple applications by another method.

[0066] FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram showing the state in which the base 91 moves back and forth just below the ejection head 30. The tablet manufacturing apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 7 includes one set of ejection head 30 and drying unit 40, and the second set of ejection head 30 and drying unit 40 is omitted. In such a configuration, when applying the base 91 multiple times, the control unit 70 controls the conveying mechanism 20 to move the base 91 from a first position P1 upstream of the ejection head 30 to a second position P2 downstream of the drying unit 40, and then returns it to the first position P1. Then, the control unit 70 moves the base 91 back to the first position P1, and then moves it again toward the second position P2. The control unit 70 causes the ejection head 30 to apply ink to the base 91 while the base 91 moves twice from the first position P1 to the second position P2. In addition, the base 91 passes under the drying unit 40, and the ink applied to the base 91 is dried. It is not essential that the base 91 be moved back and forth between the ejection head 30 and directly below the drying unit 40 .

[0067] In this way, the control unit 70 controls the conveying mechanism 20 so that the base 91 moves back and forth just below the ejection head 30, thereby increasing the number of times the ejection head 30 applies the base. This increases the amount of the medicinal ingredient contained in the tablet.

[0068] The number of times the base 91 reciprocates is not limited to one, but may be two or more, which allows one ejection head 30 to perform application three or more times.

[0069] The reciprocating movement of the base 91 shown in Fig. 7 may be applied to the tablet manufacturing apparatus 1 having the multiple discharge heads 30 shown in Fig. 1. For example, the control unit 70 may control the conveying mechanism 20 so that the base 91 reciprocates one or more times directly below the multiple discharge heads 30. In this case, it becomes possible to apply the base 91 by the discharge heads 30 four or more times.

[0070] <3. Third embodiment> Fig. 8 is a diagram showing the configuration of a tablet manufacturing apparatus 100A according to the third embodiment. The tablet manufacturing apparatus 100A is configured to be capable of applying medicinal ink to both sides of a tablet. Specifically, the tablet manufacturing apparatus 100A further includes a conveying mechanism 20A in addition to the configuration of the tablet manufacturing apparatus 100 described above. Also, the blow mechanism 62 of the discharge mechanism 60 is provided on the conveying mechanism 20A side.

[0071] The conveying mechanism 20A has a configuration similar to that of the conveying mechanism 20. That is, the conveying mechanism 20A has a pair of pulleys 21, a conveying belt 22 stretched around the pair of pulleys 21, and a conveying motor 23 that drives one of the pair of pulleys 21. A part of the conveying belt 22 of the conveying mechanism 20A is arranged so as to face the conveying belt 22 of the conveying mechanism 20 while being close to it. When the suction hole of the conveying mechanism 20 moves to a position close to the conveying belt 22 of the conveying mechanism 20A, a blowing mechanism (not shown) supplies pressurized air to the small holes of the suction hole. As a result, the suction of the tablet 9 by the suction hole in the conveying mechanism 20 is released, and the tablet 9 is suctioned to the suction hole of the conveying mechanism 20A. The conveying mechanism 20A suctions the second surface 912 side of the tablet 9. That is, when the tablet 9 is transferred from the conveying mechanism 20 to the conveying mechanism 20A, the tablet 9 is inverted.

[0072] One or more pairs of ejection heads 30 and drying units 40 are disposed on the conveying path of the conveying mechanism 20A. The ejection heads 30 eject medicinal ink onto the tablet 9 being conveyed. As a result, the medicinal ink is applied to the second surface 912 of the tablet 9. The medicinal ink applied to the tablet 9 is dried by the drying unit 40. As a result, a printed portion 93 made of medicinal ink is also formed on the second surface 912 of the tablet 9. The drying unit 40 may be omitted.

[0073] The tablet 9 coated with the medicinal ink is transported to the discharge position by the transport mechanism 20A, and then the suction is released by the blow mechanism 62 and the tablet 9 is discharged via the discharge chute 61 to the outside of the tablet manufacturing apparatus 100A.

[0074] According to the tablet manufacturing apparatus 100A, the medicinal ink can be applied to the first surface 911 and the second surface 912 of the base 91 of the tablet 9. This makes it possible to increase the amount of medicinal ingredient applied.

[0075] <4. Fourth embodiment> Fig. 9 is a diagram showing the configuration of a tablet manufacturing apparatus 100B according to the fourth embodiment. In addition to the configuration of the tablet manufacturing apparatus 100 shown in Fig. 1, the tablet manufacturing apparatus 100B further includes a coating liquid application unit 31, a print head 33, and a print inspection unit 51. The operations of the coating liquid application unit 31, the print head 33, and the print inspection unit 51 are controlled by the control unit 70.

[0076] The coating liquid application unit 31 applies the coating liquid to the base 91 by an inkjet method. The coating liquid is, for example, a liquid containing sugar (such as white sugar) and a water-soluble polymeric substance (such as hydroxypropyl cellulose and hypromellose). The coating liquid application unit 31 may be a dispenser that dispenses the coating liquid in appropriate amounts. As shown in FIG. 9, a drying unit 41 that dries the coating liquid attached to the base 91 is disposed downstream of the coating liquid application unit 31. By drying the coating liquid, a coating layer that covers the printed portion 93 on the surface of the base 91 is formed.

[0077] The print head 33 performs printing by ejecting printing ink by an inkjet method onto the surface of the coating being transported by the transport mechanism 20. The printing ink is preferably an edible ink that does not contain medicinal ingredients. The print head 33 prints indications indicating, for example, the product name, product code, company name, logo, contained ingredients (medicinal ingredients), the amount of contained ingredients, manufacturing date, expiration date, manufacturing factory, etc. Downstream of the print head 33, a drying section 43 is arranged to dry the printing ink attached to the base 91. The drying section 43 may be omitted.

[0078] The print inspection unit 51 inspects the image printed on the tablet 9 by the print head 33. The print inspection unit 51 includes a camera that captures an image of the surface of the tablet 9 being transported by the transport mechanism 20, and an image processing unit that processes the obtained image. The image processing unit is configured, for example, by a computer including a processor and memory. The print inspection unit 51 uses the image obtained by the camera to inspect whether various information is properly printed by a method such as pattern recognition. The print inspection unit 51 transmits the inspection result to the control unit 70.

[0079] As described above, by forming a coating layer on the tablet 9 using the coating liquid application section 31, it is possible to reduce peeling off of the medicinal ingredient (printed portion 93) applied to the base 91.

[0080] Furthermore, by providing the print head 33, it is possible to print various information on the tablet 9. Furthermore, by printing on a layer above the printing portion 93, the printed information can be easily viewed.

[0081] The print head 33 may print on the surface (second surface 912) of the base 91 opposite to the surface (first surface 911) on which the medicinal ink is applied. For example, the conveying mechanism 20A shown in FIG. 8 may be provided in the tablet manufacturing apparatus 100B. Then, the print head 33 may print on the surface (second surface 912) of the tablet 9 being conveyed by the conveying mechanism 20A. In this way, by printing various information on the surface opposite to the surface on which the medicinal ink is applied, it is possible to prevent the visibility of the printed information from being reduced by the medicinal ink.

[0082] <5. Experimental Example> Spectrophotometric colorimetry was performed using tablets coated with medicinal ink. Table 1 shows the composition of the base used. Table 2 shows the composition of the medicinal ink coated on the tablets. Concentration (%) and blending ratio (%) refer to mass % unless otherwise specified. Table 3 shows the colorimetry results. In Table 3, "number of applications" indicates the number of applications of medicinal ink by the ejection head 30. Also, "application amount (mg / tablet)" indicates the amount of application of the medicinal ingredient (ascorbic acid). Also, the L value, a value, and b value were measured using a portable spectrodensitometer eXact (manufactured by X-rite).

[0083] [Table 1] [Table 2] [Table 3]

[0084] Figures 10 to 12 show the measurement results of the L value, a value, and b value, respectively. When Blue No. 1 was used as the coloring agent, as shown in Figures 10 and 12, the L value and b value fluctuated in response to the amount of applied medicinal ingredient, and a correlation was observed (correlation coefficient of L value: -0.925, correlation coefficient of b value: -0.858). These experiments showed that when Blue No. 1 was used as the coloring agent, the amount of applied medicinal ingredient could be appropriately estimated from the L value and b value.

[0085] <6. Modifications> Although the embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above, and various modifications are possible.

[0086] For example, when transporting the base 91, the transport mechanism 20 of the tablet manufacturing apparatus 100 adsorbs and holds the lower surface (second surface 912) of the base 91 opposite to the upper surface (first surface 911) to which the medicinal ink is applied. However, the transport mechanism 20 may be configured to adsorb and hold the side surface (third surface 913) of the base 91. Furthermore, the ejection head 30 may apply the medicinal ink to the upper and lower surfaces of the base 91 whose side surfaces are adsorbed.

[0087] Although the present invention has been described in detail, the above description is merely illustrative in all respects, and the present invention is not limited thereto. It is understood that countless variations not illustrated can be envisioned without departing from the scope of the present invention. The configurations described in the above embodiments and variations can be appropriately combined or omitted as long as they are not mutually contradictory. [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] 20 Conveyor mechanism 30 Discharge head 50 Ingredient Inspection Department 70 Control section 9 tablets 91 Base 100 Tablet manufacturing equipment

Claims

1. A tablet manufacturing apparatus comprising: A conveying mechanism that conveys the base along a conveying path; at least one ejection head that ejects ink containing a medicinal component toward the base being transported by the transport mechanism; An input unit that receives an input of the application amount of the medicinal ingredient; a control unit that determines the number of times of application by the ejection head in accordance with the application amount input by the input unit, and controls the transport mechanism and the at least one ejection head so that the ejection head applies ink to the base the determined number of times; A tablet manufacturing apparatus comprising:

2. The tablet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, A tablet manufacturing apparatus having a plurality of the ejection heads arranged at intervals along the conveying path.

3. The tablet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, The control unit controls the conveying mechanism so that the base moves back and forth under the ejection head.

4. The tablet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, The control unit of the tablet manufacturing apparatus changes the size of the area on the surface of the base where ink is applied, depending on the application amount input by the input unit.

5. The tablet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, The control unit changes the amount of ink ejected per unit area from the ejection head onto the base in accordance with the application amount input by the input unit.

6. The tablet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 5, The control unit changes the ejection period of the ink droplets ejected by the ejection head onto the base in accordance with the application amount input by the input unit.

7. The tablet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 5, The control unit changes the speed at which the conveying mechanism conveys the base in accordance with the application amount input by the input unit.

8. The tablet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, an ingredient inspection unit that inspects the amount of medicinal ingredient applied to the base on the transport path; The tablet manufacturing apparatus further comprises:

9. A method for producing a tablet, comprising the steps of: conveying the base along a conveying path; applying ink containing a medicinal ingredient multiple times by a discharge head onto a surface of the base transported along the transport path; A method for producing a tablet, comprising:

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