Tablet printing unit and tablet printing apparatus

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to provide a tablet printing unit and a tablet printing apparatus capable of maintaining good ejection performance by reducing the influence on ink ejection and removing attached matter while avoiding an increase in the size of the apparatus.SOLUTION: When cleaning is performed, the cleaner device 60 is positioned with respect to the printing device main body 51 so as to face the discharge port 57, and at least the removing portion 72 moves at a position facing the contacted region 51a outside the containing body 52 so that the removing portion 72 passes through the contacted region 51a while being in contact with the contacted region LA to remove the extraneous matter M.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for printing on conveyed tablets. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, tablet printing devices that print on the surface of tablets have been provided. Also provided are tablet printing devices equipped with a cleaning function that removes ink ejected from the ejection nozzle. For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses a tablet printing inspection device that cleans the ejection head of a cartridge-type printing unit that has replaceable ink cartridges. The tablet printing inspection device of Patent Document 1 is provided with a spit mechanism and a wiper mechanism that clean the ejection nozzle, and the ejection head moves inside the printing device to clean the ejection nozzle. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-192080 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, when quick-drying ink is used, the printing device may contain pumps and tubes for circulating the ink in the ink tank. Therefore, if the ejection head is moved inside an ink-circulation printing device to perform cleaning, the tubes may interfere with other components inside the printing device, causing the tubes to bend differently. Furthermore, if the tubes bend differently, this may affect the ink ejection, such as by changing the ink flow rate.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a tablet printing unit and a tablet printing device that can reduce the impact on ink ejection, remove adhesions, and maintain good ejection performance while avoiding the device becoming larger. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] Here, the area (discharge port) from which ink is discharged in the printing device and its surroundings are subject to deposits such as solidified ink discharged from the discharge port and solidified mixtures of ink and tablet powder. One possible configuration for removing deposits from the discharge port and its surroundings (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "cleaning") is to install a cleaner device at a location away from the tablet printing unit and move the tablet printing unit to the cleaner device. However, this configuration requires the cleaner device to be installed at a location away from the tablet printing unit, which poses a problem of increasing the size of the entire device.

[0007] As a result of careful consideration by the inventors of the present invention, they have come to the realization that if the cleaning device is moved outside the main body of the printing device to remove the deposits, it is possible to avoid increasing the size of the device, and even in the case of an ink circulation type printing device, it is possible to remove the deposits while suppressing interference with the tubes located inside the printing device and reducing the impact on ink ejection.

[0008] (1) The tablet printing unit of the present invention, which is provided based on the above findings, is a tablet printing unit that performs inkjet printing on tablets transported on a transport path formed by a transport device, and includes a printing device main body having an ink tank that stores ink, an ejection port that is an opening that ejects ink supplied from the ink tank onto the tablets, and a container that houses the ink tank, and a cleaner device having a removal unit that removes deposits from a contact area that is a region of the printing device main body that includes the ejection port, and when printing is performed on the tablets, the printing device main body is configured such that the ejection port is in contact with the transport path. The cleaning device is positioned opposite the discharge port and discharges ink onto the tablets being transported on the transport path, and the cleaner device is positioned away from a position opposite the discharge port.When cleaning is performed to remove the adhesions from the discharge port without printing being performed, the printing device main body is positioned away from the discharge port and the cleaner device is positioned relative to the printing device main body so as to face the discharge port, and at least the removal unit moves at a position opposite the contact area outside the container, so that the removal unit passes through while coming into contact with the contact area and removes the adhesions.

[0009] According to the tablet printing unit of the present invention, it is possible to avoid interference of the cleaner device with the tube arranged inside the printing device main body and remove deposits from the discharge port and its surroundings. Furthermore, according to the tablet printing unit of the present invention, it is possible to suppress an increase in the size of the entire printing device compared to when the cleaner device is provided at a position distant from the tablet printing unit. As a result, the tablet printing unit of the present invention can avoid an increase in the size of the device and, even in an ink circulation type printing device, can remove deposits while reducing the impact on ink discharge and maintain good discharge performance.

[0010] (2) The tablet printing unit of the present invention is an ink circulation type in which the printing device main body is equipped with a circulation device that circulates the ink in the ink tank within the printing device main body and includes a tube that serves as an ink flow path, and is equipped with a cleaner moving device that moves the cleaner device relative to the container, and the cleaner device is moved by the cleaner moving device to a position opposite the contact area outside the container, thereby moving while maintaining the position of the tube, and the removal part passes through the contact area while making contact with it to remove the adhesions.

[0011] According to the above-mentioned configuration, the circulation device is provided to increase the fluidity of the ink, and the cleaner device is prevented from interfering with the tube arranged inside the printing device main body, and deposits can be removed from the ejection port and its surroundings while maintaining the position of the tube. As a result, the tablet printing unit of the present invention can avoid an increase in the size of the device, increase the fluidity of the ink, reduce the impact on ink ejection, remove deposits, and maintain good ejection performance.

[0012] Here, although inkjet technology itself has been available for a long time, there have been various challenges in applying inkjet to tablet printing, and practical application has not progressed. For example, when printing on tablets, edible ink must be used, but edible ink has not been available for a long time. In addition, although edible ink has become available, conventional edible ink has the problem of being difficult to dry. Furthermore, although quick-drying edible ink that dries easily has been provided recently, quick-drying edible ink tends to harden, and there are issues with maintaining the fluidity of the ink. Even after edible ink was provided and inkjet began to be used for tablet printing, various challenges remained.

[0013] In addition, while in the past, printing on tablets was done temporarily using cartridge-type printing devices, printing tablets have recently become mainstream, and continuous printing is becoming more common. Furthermore, the processing speed of printing and inspection is also increasing in response to demands for improved production efficiency, and while this is increasing the demand for quick-drying ink, new challenges are also arising.

[0014] For example, when ink is sprayed onto a tablet, tablet powder may fly up and adhere to the nozzle due to static electricity. Furthermore, with inks (e.g., non-quick-drying inks) used in cartridge-type printing devices, ink adhering to the nozzle can be wiped off and removed before it solidifies. However, with quick-drying inks, the ink adhered to the nozzle solidifies quickly, and the ink that becomes mist-like during spraying mixes with tablet powder, solidifying (solidified material) and adhering to the nozzle and its surroundings, making it difficult to remove. Thus, while solidification of ink within the ink tank and the nozzle can be prevented by circulating it, the ink ejected from the nozzle solidifies quickly and, furthermore, mixes with tablet powder, making it even more difficult to remove.

[0015] The inventors of the present application have investigated the above-mentioned problems and found that if ink is simply wiped off using a porous member such as a sponge soaked in a cleaning liquid such as alcohol, the cleaning liquid does not dry completely, and the ink and tablet powder mix together, making it impossible to sufficiently remove the stuck-on matter.Further investigation by the inventors of the present application has led to the discovery that the stuck-on matter can be removed efficiently by applying a cleaning liquid to the stuck-on matter and then scraping it off.

[0016] (3) The tablet printing unit of the present invention, which is provided based on the above-mentioned findings, is characterized in that the cleaner device is provided with a storage section for storing cleaning liquid, and when the cleaning is performed, the cleaning liquid is supplied to the adhesions, which have become a mixture containing ink and tablet powder, and then the removal section moves while making contact with the contact area, thereby removing the adhesions to which the cleaning liquid has been supplied.

[0017] According to the above-described configuration, deposits such as solidified ink or solidified ink, which are formed by a mixture of ink and tablet powder, are first soaked in cleaning fluid, and then the softened deposits are scraped off by absorbing the cleaning fluid. Therefore, according to the above-described configuration, the deposit removal effect can be enhanced even when the ink is quick-drying and dries easily, and the deposits are a mixture of ink and tablet powder that tends to adhere. Furthermore, according to the above-described configuration, the cleaning fluid is supplied to the contact area by the liquid supply unit before the removal unit contacts the contact area, thereby reducing friction between the contact area and the removal unit as the removal unit passes through the contact area. As a result, the tablet printing unit of the present invention avoids an increase in device size, reduces friction between the contact area and the removal unit, improves deposit removal effectiveness, and reduces the impact on ink ejection, thereby maintaining good ejection performance.

[0018] (4) In the tablet printing unit of the present invention, the cleaner device moves back and forth in an area opposite the contact area, and on one of the outbound and return paths, the removal part passes through while making contact with the contact area, and on the other path, the removal part moves away from the contact area.

[0019] According to the above-mentioned configuration, the deposits wiped off by the removal unit are less likely to spread, and the deposits can be removed efficiently. As a result, the tablet printing unit of the present invention can avoid an increase in size of the device, efficiently remove deposits while reducing the impact on ink ejection, and maintain good ejection performance.

[0020] (5) In the tablet printing unit of the present invention, the cleaner device is made of a material capable of absorbing the cleaning liquid and is provided with a liquid supply section that comes into contact with the adhesion and supplies the cleaning liquid to the adhesion, and the removal section is configured to have a higher hardness than the liquid supply section but a lower hardness than the part of the printing device main body that is the contact area.

[0021] According to the above-mentioned configuration, the cleaning liquid is supplied to the deposits in an appropriate amount to allow the deposits to soak into the cleaning liquid, and the removal unit is configured to have a higher hardness than the liquid supply unit, thereby more reliably removing the deposits. As a result, the tablet printing unit of the present invention can avoid an increase in size of the device, reduce the impact on ink ejection, efficiently remove the deposits, and maintain good ejection performance.

[0022] (6) The tablet printing unit of the present invention is an ink circulation type printing device, wherein the printing device main body has a circulation device that circulates the ink in the ink tank within the printing device main body, and the cleaner device is arranged outside the container so as to face the surface on which the contact area is provided, and is movable from a position away from the position facing the contact area to a position facing the contact area, and has a storage section that stores a cleaning liquid, and a liquid supply section that is made of a material that can absorb the cleaning liquid and that comes into contact with the deposit and supplies the cleaning liquid to the deposit, and the removal section is larger than the liquid supply section. The cleaning unit is configured to have a high hardness but a lower hardness than the part of the printing device main body that becomes the contact area, and moves back and forth in an area facing the contact area, with the removal unit moving away from the contact area on the outbound path and passing through while making contact with the contact area on the return path.When cleaning is performed, the liquid supply unit comes into contact with the deposit, which has become a mixture containing ink and tablet powder, thereby supplying the cleaning liquid to the deposit, and then the removal unit comes into contact with the deposit to which the cleaning liquid has been supplied and moves, thereby removing the deposit.

[0023] According to the above-mentioned configuration, the deposits can be more reliably removed by the resin material removal section while supplying an appropriate amount of cleaning liquid to the deposits and allowing it to soak in. As a result, the tablet printing unit of the present invention can avoid an increase in size of the device, efficiently remove deposits while reducing the impact on ink ejection, and maintain good ejection performance.

[0024] (7) The tablet printing device of the present invention is characterized by comprising the tablet printing unit described in (1) or (2) above and the conveying device.

[0025] According to the tablet printing device of the present invention, it is possible to avoid interference of the cleaner device with the tube arranged inside the printing device main body and remove deposits from the discharge port and its surroundings. Furthermore, according to the tablet printing device of the present invention, it is possible to suppress the increase in size of the entire printing device compared to when the cleaner device is provided at a position distant from the tablet printing unit. As a result, the tablet printing device of the present invention can avoid an increase in size of the device and, even in an ink circulation type printing device, can remove deposits while reducing the impact on ink discharge and maintain good discharge performance.

[0026] (8) The tablet printing device of the present invention is provided with a unit moving device that moves the tablet printing unit including the printing device main body, and the unit moving device positions the printing device main body in a position where the discharge outlet faces the conveying path when performing the printing, and positions the printing device main body so that the discharge outlet is not in a position facing the conveying path when performing the cleaning.

[0027] According to the above-mentioned configuration, the cleaner device can be prevented from interfering with the conveyance path during cleaning, and ink and deposits from the ejection port can be prevented from falling into the conveyance path. As a result, the tablet printing device of the present invention can avoid an increase in size, prevent ink from falling onto the conveyance path and thereby reduce the impact on tablet quality, and reduce the impact on ink ejection, remove deposits, and maintain good ejection performance. [Effects of the Invention]

[0028] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a tablet printing unit and a tablet printing device that can reduce the impact on ink ejection, remove adhesions, and maintain good ejection performance while avoiding an increase in the size of the device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an entire tablet printing inspection device equipped with a tablet printing unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 2A and 2B are diagrams showing a part of the conveying path of the tablet printing inspection device of FIG. 1, where (a) is a plan view and (b) is a front view. [Figure 3] 2 is a diagram showing the tablet printing unit of FIG. 1, where (a) is a perspective view and (b) is a schematic side view. [Figure 4] 4A and 4B are diagrams showing a cleaner device of the tablet printing unit of Fig. 3, in which (a) is an exploded perspective view and (b) is a cross-sectional view. [Figure 5] 5A and 5B are schematic diagrams showing the configuration of the cleaner moving device of the tablet printing unit of Fig. 3 and the position of the cleaner device according to the operation of the cleaner moving device, where (a) shows the cleaner device in the standby position, (b) shows the cleaner device having moved downward from the standby position, and (c) shows the cleaner device having moved forward from the position shown in Fig. 5B. [Figure 6] 6A and 6B are schematic diagrams showing the positions of the tablet printing unit according to the operation of the unit movement device in Fig. 3. (a-1) shows the state in which the tablet printing unit is located at the operation stop position, (a-2) shows the state in which the tablet printing unit has moved from the operation stop position to the printing position, (b-1) shows the state in which the tablet printing unit has moved upward from the printing position, and (b-2) shows the state in which the tablet printing unit has moved from the position in Fig. 6B-1 to the cleaning position. [Figure 7] 5 is a schematic diagram showing the transition of the position of the cleaner device when cleaning is performed by the cleaner device of Fig. 4. (a) shows the state where the cleaner device is located at the standby position, (b) shows the state where the cleaner device has moved from the standby position to the first separated position, (c) shows the state where the cleaner device has moved from the first separated position to the second separated position, (d) shows the state where the cleaner device has moved from the second separated position to the cleaning operation start position, and (e) shows the state where the cleaner device has moved from the cleaning operation start position to the standby position. [Figure 8]5 is a schematic diagram showing the cleaning operation of the cleaner device in Fig. 4. (a) shows the state where the cleaner device is positioned at the cleaning operation start position, (b) shows the state where the liquid supply unit comes into contact with the deposit and the cleaning liquid is supplied to the deposit, and (c) shows the state where the removal unit comes into contact with the deposit to which the cleaning liquid has been supplied and the deposit is removed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the entire tablet printing inspection device 1 (tablet printing device) equipped with a tablet printing unit 50 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] In this specification, the term "tablet" refers to a solid preparation having a predetermined shape. In addition, the solid preparation in this specification may or may not be classified as a pharmaceutical product.

[0032] Furthermore, "inspection" in this specification includes inspection to identify the printing position on the tablet, and inspection (visual inspection) to check for any abnormalities in the appearance of the tablet, such as chipped tablets, mixed-in tablets, or the presence of foreign matter.

[0033] In this specification, the up-down direction when the tablet print inspection device 1 is installed may be simply referred to as the "up-down direction H." Furthermore, within the up-down direction H, the upper side may be simply referred to as the "upper side H1," and the lower side may be simply referred to as the "lower side H2."

[0034] In this specification, the depth direction of the tablet print inspection device 1 when it is installed may be referred to as the "front-rear direction X." In addition, within the front-rear direction X, the direction toward the front of the tablet print inspection device 1 may be referred to as the "forward X1," and the direction toward the back may be referred to as the "rear X2."

[0035] In this specification, the width direction (left-right direction) of the tablet print inspection device 1 when it is installed may be referred to as the "width direction Y." In this specification, the horizontal direction when the tablet print inspection device 1 is installed, which includes the front-back direction X and width direction Y of the tablet print inspection device 1, may be referred to as the "lateral direction Z."

[0036] 1, the tablet printing inspection device 1 includes a supply unit 10, an alignment device 20, a transport unit 30, a sorting and recovery device 110, and a control device 120. The tablet printing inspection device 1 also includes an imaging unit 40, a tablet printing unit 50, and an inspection unit 100.

[0037] As shown in Fig. 1, the supply unit 10 includes a hopper 11 and a vibrating feeder 12. The hopper 11 is a member into which tablets T are fed. The vibrating feeder 12 vibrates the tablets T fed into the hopper 11 and feeds them to the aligning device 20. The aligning device 20 aligns the fed tablets T in a line and transfers them to the conveying unit 30.

[0038] The transport unit 30 transports tablets T. As shown in FIG. 1, the transport unit 30 is composed of a pair of transport devices 31. Specifically, the transport unit 30 includes a pair of transport devices, a transport device 31A arranged upstream and a transport device 31B arranged downstream in the transport path of the tablets T. Each of the transport devices 31A and 31B is provided with an imaging unit 40, a tablet printing unit 50, and an inspection unit 100. The tablets T supplied from the alignment device 20 to the transport unit 30 are transported by the transport device 31A to an area (transfer area R1) where the transport devices 31A and 31B overlap in the vertical direction H, and are transferred from the transport device 31A to the transport device 31B in the transfer area R1. In other words, it can be said that the transport devices 31 (transfer device 31A, conveyance device 31B) form upstream and downstream transport paths C, respectively, and the transport unit 30 forms the transport path C of the entire device.

[0039] The conveying device 31A and the conveying device 31B have the same configuration except for the fact that they are in a state where the left and right sides are reversed and the positions where they are arranged. Therefore, in the following description, the conveying device 31A and the conveying device 31B may be collectively referred to simply as the "conveying device 31." Furthermore, the conveying direction of the tablets T by the conveying device 31 may be simply referred to as the "conveying direction D."

[0040] The conveying device 31 conveys the tablets T supplied from the alignment device 20. In other words, the conveying device 31 forms a conveying path C that conveys the tablets T from upstream to downstream while adsorbing the tablets T. In this specification, the upstream side of the conveying path C for the tablets T may be simply referred to as "upstream," and the downstream side of the conveying path C for the tablets T may be simply referred to as "downstream."

[0041] As shown in FIG. 2(a), the conveying device 31 is equipped with two endless annular conveying belts 32. Also, as shown in FIG. 2(a), the conveying device 31 has a gap formed between the two conveying belts 32, which serves as a suction port 33. As shown in FIG. 2(a), in the tablet printing inspection device 1 of this embodiment, the suction port 33 is formed in the shape of a slit, as the gap formed between the two conveying belts 32. Furthermore, the conveying device 31 is equipped with a drive unit (not shown) that drives the conveying belts 32, and a suction box (not shown) that applies negative pressure to the suction port 33.

[0042] As shown in Fig. 1, the conveying device 31 is provided with an inverting section 34. The conveying device 31 uses the conveying belt 32 at the upper side H1 as the outgoing path and the conveying belt 32 at the lower side H2 as the returning path, and conveys the tablets T by adsorbing them onto the conveying belt 32 by the action of negative pressure. More specifically, as shown in Fig. 1, the tablets T, which were arranged at the upper side H1 of the conveying belt 32 upstream of the inverting section 34, are turned upside down by passing through the inverting section 34, and the tablets T are conveyed while being positioned at the lower side H2 of the conveying belt 32 downstream of the inverting section 34.

[0043] The imaging unit 40 captures an image of the tablet T on the conveying path C. The image captured by the imaging unit 40 is used to identify the printing position on the tablet T by the tablet printing unit 50.

[0044] The tablet printing unit 50 prints on the tablets T on the transport path C. The tablet printing unit 50 has an inkjet head unit 53 and an ink tank 55 (see Figure 3 (b)). The tablet printing unit 50 ejects ink from an ejection nozzle 54 provided on the head unit 53 to print on the tablets T on the transport path C. The tablet printing unit 50 is also provided with a cleaner device 60, which can clean the ejection port 57. The components of the tablet printing unit 50 and the operation of the cleaner device 60 will be described in detail later.

[0045] The inspection unit 100 is for performing an appearance inspection of the tablet T. The inspection unit 100 is a unit including a surface inspection device, a 3D inspection device, and a side surface inspection device. The surface inspection device captures images for determining the quality of the printing applied to the tablet T. The 3D inspection device irradiates a laser beam for acquiring 3D data of the tablet T. The side surface inspection device captures images for inspecting the shape of the side surface of the tablet T.

[0046] The sorting and recovery device 110 is equipped with various detection sensors, a sorting chute, a recovery container, a good product conveyor, etc. for sorting the tablets T. The sorting and recovery device 110 operates under the control of the control device 120, sorts out defective products from good products, and recovers the defective products while recovering the good products to a good product recovery section (not shown).

[0047] The control device 120 controls the operation of the entire device. The control device 120 has a hardware configuration including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory), and ROM (Read Only Memory), all of which are not shown. In this hardware configuration, the CPU performs calculations according to a predetermined program, causing the control device 120 to execute operations according to the loaded program. For example, the control device 120 controls the operation of each component, such as the conveying unit 30, the alignment device 20, the tablet printing unit 50, and the sorting and recovery device 110.

[0048] <Overall operation of tablet printing inspection device> Next, we will explain the operation of the tablet print inspection device 1, which is executed under the control of the control device 120. The tablet print inspection device 1 is capable of performing both printing of tablets T and visual inspection of tablets T on a single line.

[0049] First, an operator puts tablets T into the hopper 11. The control device 120 controls the vibrating feeder 12 and the aligning device 20 so that the tablets T put into the hopper 11 are supplied from the vibrating feeder 12 to the aligning device 20 and transferred to the conveying unit 30. The control device 120 also controls the conveying unit 30 so that the tablets T supplied from the aligning device 20 to the conveying unit 30 are conveyed while being adsorbed. As a result, the tablets T are conveyed while being adsorbed to the suction port 33 of the conveying device 31A.

[0050] The control device 120 then controls the imaging unit 40 to capture an image of the tablet T while the tablet T is being conveyed by the conveying device 31A (on the conveying path C), and performs identification of the tablet shape (external shape of the tablet T, presence or absence and orientation of a score line, etc.) and detection of foreign matter (first inspection). Furthermore, the control device 120 controls the tablet printing unit 50 to perform printing on the tablet T based on the tablet shape.

[0051] Thereafter, the control device 120 controls the inspection unit 100 to capture images of the printed tablets T. Then, the control device 120 acquires images for appearance inspection from the inspection unit 100 and executes various processes to determine whether the printing of each tablet T is good or bad, whether there are any defects (cracks, chips, foreign matter, etc.), whether there are any different types of tablets T mixed in, etc. (second inspection).

[0052] Next, when the tablets T are handed over from the conveying device 31A to the conveying device 31B, the control device 120 performs the same processes (identifying the printing position, printing, visual inspection, etc.) and operations on the conveying path C of the conveying device 31B. Then, the control device 120 determines whether the tablets T are good or bad based on various data on both sides of the tablets T, and then controls the operation of the sorting and recovery device 110 so that tablets T in which an abnormality is detected are recovered as defective products, and tablets T in which no abnormality is found are recovered to a good product recovery section (not shown).

[0053] As described above, the tablet print inspection device 1 of this embodiment can perform both printing on tablets T and visual inspection of the front and back surfaces of tablets T using a single device. In other words, the tablet print inspection device 1 can complete a series of operations, from printing on unprinted tablets T to visual inspection, using a single device. Furthermore, the tablet print inspection device 1 can be used as an inspection device with the printing function turned off. Furthermore, the tablet print inspection device 1 can be used as a printing device with the visual inspection function turned off. Therefore, the tablet print inspection device 1 of this embodiment can be flexibly operated depending on the type and application of tablets T. For example, even in situations where the tablets T to be inspected or printed on vary depending on the day, there is no need to prepare multiple devices, and a single device can be used flexibly.

[0054] Although the tablet printing inspection device 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the tablet printing device of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. For example, although the tablet printing inspection device 1 of the present embodiment has been described as performing printing and inspection on both the front and back surfaces of the tablet T, the tablet printing device of the present invention may also perform printing and / or inspection on only one surface of the tablet.

[0055] Furthermore, although the tablet printing inspection device 1 of this embodiment has been shown as having a slit-shaped suction port 33, the tablet printing device of the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, the tablet printing device of the present invention may have a hole-shaped suction port. In other words, when the tablet printing device of the present invention transports tablets on a conveying path while suctioning them, the suction port may have any shape. Furthermore, the tablet printing device of the present invention does not have to transport tablets while suctioning them. For example, the tablet printing device of the present invention may be configured to provide a recess in the conveying path, and transport the tablets by fitting them into the recess. The tablet printing device of the present invention allows for the selection of various methods for holding tablets on the conveying path.

[0056] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an example has been shown in which printing on tablets T is performed using the tablet print inspection device 1, but the tablet printing device of the present invention may be used for printing on capsules and the like in addition to printing on tablets. In other words, the tablet printing device of the present invention does not have to be used exclusively for printing on tablets.

[0057] <Configuration of the tablet printing unit and unit movement device> Next, the tablet printing unit 50 will be described in detail with reference to Figure 3 etc. The tablet printing inspection device 1 is provided with a frame 2 that supports the tablet printing unit 50 (see Figure 3(b)). As shown in Figure 3(b), the tablet printing inspection device 1 is also provided with a unit moving device 90 that moves the tablet printing unit 50. The tablet printing unit 50 is supported on the frame 2 via the unit moving device 90.

[0058] The following description will be based on the state in which the tablet printing unit 50 and the unit movement device 90 are attached to the tablet printing inspection apparatus 1. For example, in the following description, "upper H1" means upper H1 when the tablet printing unit 50 and the unit movement device 90 are arranged in the tablet printing inspection apparatus 1, and "lower H2" means lower H2 when the tablet printing unit 50 and the unit movement device 90 are arranged in the tablet printing inspection apparatus 1.

[0059] <Configuration of the tablet printing unit> The tablet printing unit 50 performs inkjet printing on tablets T that are adsorbed and transported by the transport device 31. As shown in Figure 3(a), the tablet printing unit 50 includes a printing device main body 51 and a cleaner device 60. The tablet printing unit 50 also includes a cleaner moving device 80 (see Figure 5(a)). The tablet printing unit 50 is configured as a unit, with the printing device main body 51 and the cleaner device 60 connected via the cleaner moving device 80. The tablet printing unit 50 can perform cleaning by using the cleaner device 60 to remove any deposits M from the discharge port 57.

[0060] In this specification, the removal of the deposit M adhering to the ejection port 57 and its surroundings may be referred to simply as "cleaning." Furthermore, in this specification, the "deposit" includes ink ejected from the ejection port, solidified ink, a mixture of ink and tablet powder, and solidified mixture.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 3( b ), the printer main body 51 includes a container 52 , a head unit 53 , an ink tank 55 , a circulation device 56 , and an ejection port 57 .

[0062] As shown in Figure 3(b), the container 52 forms a storage space A that stores the ink tank 55, head unit 53, etc. That is, the printing device main body 51 is configured so that the head unit 53, ink tank 55, and circulation device 56 are stored inside the container 52. In the tablet printing unit 50 of this embodiment, the container 52 is a box-shaped housing with walls. Note that the tablet printing unit of the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and the container may be a frame-shaped one (frame body) that does not have walls.

[0063] Ink is stored in the ink tank 55. The circulation device 56 includes a pump 56a and a tube 56b that serves as an ink flow path. The circulation device 56 is connected to the ink tank 55 and the head unit 53 via the tube 56b, and circulates the ink in the ink tank 55 and the head unit 53.

[0064] In this way, the printer body 51 is an ink circulation type printer equipped with a circulation device 56 that circulates the ink in the ink tank 55 within the printer body 51. Because the ink circulates within the printer body 51, the ink is less likely to solidify. Therefore, the printer body 51 can increase the fluidity of the ink and eject the ink well, even when the ink is quick-drying.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 3(b), the printing device main body 51 has an ejection port 57, which is an opening for ejecting ink supplied from an ink tank 55 onto tablets T. In this embodiment, the ejection port 57 is an opening of an ejection nozzle 54 provided in the head unit 53. The ejection nozzle 54 ejects ink toward a downward direction H2. Under the control of the control device 120, the ejection nozzle 54 ejects ink from the ejection port 57 through the ejection nozzle 54 to print on tablets T located at a position H2 below the ejection nozzle 54. Note that in the tablet printing unit of the present invention, the ejection port may be an opening formed in the printing device main body, such as a container.

[0066] The tablet printing unit 50 of this embodiment is provided with multiple (four in this embodiment) discharge nozzles 54. That is, the tablet printing unit 50 of this embodiment is provided with four discharge ports 57. The four discharge ports 57 are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the printing device main body 51 (the front-to-rear direction X in this embodiment). In the tablet printing unit 50, one discharge nozzle 54 that is in a particularly good condition during printing can be selected from the four discharge nozzles 54 and used for printing. Note that the tablet printing unit of the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and the number of discharge ports may be one or more.

[0067] In addition, in the printing device body 51, the portion where the discharge port 57 is arranged (the lower surface 51c of the printing device body 51) is subject to adhesions M, such as ink discharged from the discharge port 57 during printing and solidified matter formed by a mixture of ink and tablet powder T (see FIG. 8). As will be described later, in the tablet printing unit 50, the removal unit 72 passes through while coming into contact with the portion of the printing device body 51 where the discharge port 57 is provided, and removes the adhesions M that have adhered to that portion (around the discharge port 57) by scraping them off. In other words, the portion of the printing device body 51 that the removal unit 72 passes through while coming into contact with is the area to be cleaned.

[0068] In this specification, the portion of the printing device body 51 that the remover 72 passes through while coming into contact with is sometimes referred to as the "contact area 51a." Examples of the portion of the printing device body 51 that becomes the contact area 51a include the lower surface 51c of the container 52 and the ejection surface of the head unit 53. In the tablet printing unit 50 of this embodiment, the remover 72 passes through while coming into contact with an area on the lower surface 51c of the printing device body 51 that includes the four ejection ports 57. Therefore, in the tablet printing unit 50 of this embodiment, the area on the lower surface 51c of the printing device body 51 that includes the four ejection ports 57 can be said to be the contact area 51a (see FIG. 7(e)).

[0069] Next, the configuration of the cleaner device 60 will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. As shown in Figure 3(b), the cleaner device 60 is disposed outside the housing body 52. ​​The cleaner device 60 moves relative to the housing body 52 to a position facing the contacted area 51a, whereby the remover 72 passes through while making contact with the contacted area 51a, thereby removing the deposits M.

[0070] 3(b), the cleaner unit 60 is attached to the lower part H2 of the printer body 51. More specifically, the cleaner unit 60 is disposed outside the housing body 52 so as to face the surface (lower surface 51c) on which the contact area 51a of the printer body 51 is provided. As will be described later, the cleaner unit 60 moves at a position outside the housing body 52 facing the contact area 51a (see FIG. 7(e)).

[0071] 4(a), the cleaner device 60 includes a movable body 61, a storage unit 62, a liquid supply unit 71, and a removal unit 72. The movable body 61 is movable relative to the printing apparatus main body 51 (accommodating body 52). The cleaner device 60 is configured such that the storage unit 62, the liquid supply unit 71, and the removal unit 72 are provided on the movable body 61.

[0072] 4(a), the moving body 61 is composed of two members, a lower component 61a and an upper component 61b, which are integrally configured by being fastened together with a fastening member (not shown). That is, the moving body 61 of this embodiment is configured to be separable into two parts.

[0073] The reservoir 62 stores a cleaning liquid. In this embodiment, an alcoholic liquid is used as the cleaning liquid. However, in the tablet printing unit of the present invention, the cleaning liquid is not limited to an alcoholic liquid, and various types of cleaning liquid can be selected.

[0074] As shown in Fig. 4(a), the reservoir 62 is formed in the lower component 61a. The lower component 61a is provided with a support 66 that supports the liquid supply unit 71. As shown in Fig. 4(a), the lower component 61a is provided with a sealant 67 that surrounds the reservoir 62. This allows the cleaner device 60 to seal between the lower component 61a and the upper component 61b, thereby preventing leakage of the cleaning liquid.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 4(a), the upper component 61b is provided with a receiving tray 63, a first holding portion 64, and a second holding portion 65. An absorber 73 is disposed in the receiving tray 63. As shown in FIG. 4(b), the first holding portion 64 is a through-hole formed to extend from the upper surface 61c to the lower surface 61d of the upper component 61b. The second holding portion 65 is a recess formed in the upper surface 61c. As shown in FIG. 4(b), the second holding portion 65 and the first holding portion 64 are formed to be inclined from the upper surface 61c toward the lower surface 61d.

[0076] As shown in Figure 4(a), the movable body 61 is provided with a screw hole 68a for joining the lower component 61a and the upper component 61b together, and a screw hole 68b for inserting a connecting member 74. The connecting member 74 is for connecting the movable body 61 to the cleaner moving device 80. The cleaner device 60 is connected to the cleaner moving device 80 by inserting the connecting member 74 into the screw hole 68b and attaching the connecting member 74 to the cleaner moving device 80 (see Figure 5(a)).

[0077] The liquid supply unit 71 supplies cleaning liquid. The liquid supply unit 71 is made of a material capable of absorbing cleaning liquid. The liquid supply unit 71 has the function of absorbing cleaning liquid from the storage unit 62 and supplying the cleaning liquid absorbed by contact with the adhesion M to the adhesion M. In the tablet printing unit 50 of this embodiment, the liquid supply unit 71 uses a porous material capable of absorbing cleaning liquid. In other words, the liquid supply unit 71 of this embodiment can be said to be a porous blade.

[0078] The tablet printing unit of the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and the liquid supply unit does not have to come into contact with the adhered matter. For example, the liquid supply unit may discharge (e.g., spray) the cleaning liquid. In other words, the liquid supply unit included in the tablet printing unit of the present invention may supply the cleaning liquid without contacting the adhered matter or the contacted area.

[0079] The removal unit 72 removes the adhering matter M from the contact area 51a. In the tablet printing unit 50 of this embodiment, the removal unit 72 is made of a resin material. The removal unit 72 has the function of scraping off the adhering matter M to which the cleaning liquid has been supplied, and the function of a wiper blade (wiper unit) that wipes away the cleaning liquid.

[0080] It is desirable that the removal unit 72 is made of a material that can scrape off the deposits M and that does not scratch the contact object (for example, the portion of the printer body 51 that becomes the contact area 51a) even when it comes into contact with it. It is also desirable that the liquid supply unit 71 be able to elastically deform and come into contact with the portion of the printer body 51 that becomes the contact area 51a.

[0081] For example, from the perspective of hardness, which represents the hardness of the surface of a material and is an index of resistance to deformation and scratching, removal unit 72 should be lower in hardness than the portion of printing device body 51 that becomes contact area 51a, and higher in hardness than liquid supply unit 71 (hardness: contact area 51a > removal unit 72 > liquid supply unit 71). In other words, removal unit 72 should be made of a material that is lower in hardness than the portion that becomes contact area 51a (for example, lower surface 51c of housing body 52 or the ejection surface of head unit 53) and that is less likely to scratch the portion of printing device body 51 that becomes contact area 51a.

[0082] Furthermore, in terms of rigidity, which is the resistance to deformation when a force is applied, it is preferable that removal unit 72 has lower rigidity than the portion of printing device body 51 that becomes contacted area 51a, but higher rigidity than liquid supply unit 71 (rigidity: contacted area 51a > removal unit 72 > liquid supply unit 71). In other words, it is preferable that removal unit 72 is configured so as to be less susceptible to deformation than liquid supply unit 71 when an external force is applied.

[0083] Furthermore, from the perspective of toughness, which is the tenacity until plastic deformation occurs that causes strain after elastic deformation and breaks, removal unit 72 should be tougher than the portion of printing device body 51 that becomes contacted area 51a, but less tough than liquid supply unit 71 (toughness: contacted area 51a < removal unit 72 < liquid supply unit 71). From the opposite perspective, liquid supply unit 71 should be tougher than removal unit 72. In other words, liquid supply unit 71 should be able to deform by a larger amount before breaking than removal unit 72, and should be able to contact contacted area 51a while undergoing a larger elastic deformation than removal unit 72.

[0084] As described above, the cleaner device 60 of this embodiment includes two members that come into contact with the contacted area 51a: the liquid supply unit 71 and the removal unit 72. Therefore, it can be said that the cleaner device 60 includes two contact units 70 that come into contact with the contacted area 51a. Specifically, it can be said that the cleaner device 60 includes the liquid supply unit 71 as the first contact unit 70 that has the function of supplying the cleaning liquid, and the removal unit 72 as the second contact unit 70 that has the function of removing the deposits M.

[0085] As shown in FIG. 4(b), the liquid supply unit 71 is inserted into the first holding unit 64 and held by the movable body 61. Furthermore, when the liquid supply unit 71 is held by the movable body 61, the lower end 71b of the liquid supply unit 71 is immersed in the cleaning liquid, and the cleaning liquid reaches the upper end 71a. As a result, the liquid supply unit 71 absorbs the cleaning liquid from the lower end 71b and supplies the absorbed cleaning liquid from the upper end 71a. Furthermore, the removal unit 72 is inserted into the second holding unit 65 and held by the movable body 61. The removal unit 72 and the liquid supply unit 71 are held by the movable body 61 in an inclined position.

[0086] In this embodiment, the movable body 61 of the cleaner device 60 is configured by two components, but the movable body may be configured by a single member. The movable body may be box-shaped, frame-shaped, or any other shape. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the removal unit and the liquid supply unit are separate from the movable body, but the removal unit and the liquid supply unit may be formed integrally with the movable body.

[0087] Next, the components and operation of the cleaner moving device 80 will be described with reference to Figure 5. The cleaner moving device 80 moves the cleaner device 60 relative to the housing body 52.

[0088] The configurations of the cleaner moving device 80 and the unit moving device 90 described below are merely examples, and various components can be selected to configure them. That is, the cleaner moving device 80 and the unit moving device 90 can be configured by combining various components such as cylinders, motors, solenoids, and cam members.

[0089] 5(a) shows the cleaner device 60 in a state where it is positioned at a position (standby position Pb1) when waiting for cleaning, such as during printing. As shown in FIG. 5(a), in this embodiment, the cleaner movement device 80 includes a cylinder 83, a cam member 84, a biasing member (not shown), a shaft 85, a rail 86, and a slide member 87. Of the cleaner movement device 80, the cylinder 83, the cam member 84, the shaft 85, and the biasing member constitute a cleaner lifting device 81 that moves the cleaner device 60 in the up-down direction H. Of the cleaner movement device 80, the rail 86 and the slide member 87 constitute a cleaner slide device 82 that moves the cleaner device 60 in the lateral direction Z (in this embodiment, the front-back direction X).

[0090] The cleaner slide device 82 (rail 86, slide member 87) is configured to be able to move integrally in the vertical direction H. The cleaner slide device 82 is urged upward H1 by a urging member (not shown). The cleaner device 60 is attached to the slide member 87 via a connecting member 74.

[0091] 5(b), when the cam member 84 is pushed backward X2 by the cylinder 83, the shaft 85 is pushed by the inclined surface 84a of the cam member 84 and moves downward H2. Also, pushed by the shaft 85, the rail 86 and the slide member 87 move downward H2 against the biasing force of the biasing member. Furthermore, the cleaner device 60 connected to the slide member 87 via the connecting member 74 moves downward H2 together with the slide member 87. That is, the cleaner device 60 moves downward H2 by a distance (distance Nb) corresponding to the displacement Na of the shaft 85 in the up-down direction H.

[0092] On the other hand, when the cylinder 83 retracts forward in the X1 direction, the cam member 84 and the shaft 85 move forward in the X1 direction, and the slide member 87 and the cleaner device 60 are raised by the biasing force of the biasing member. In this way, the cleaner device 60 can be moved in the up-down direction H by the cleaner lifting device 81.

[0093] As shown in FIG. 5(c), the slide member 87 is attached to a rail 86 and is movable along the rail 86. The slide member 87 is also provided with a slide member drive unit (not shown). The slide member 87 moves in the front-rear direction X by operating the slide member drive unit. In this way, the cleaner device 60 is movable in the front-rear direction X by the cleaner slide device 82.

[0094] <Configuration of unit movement device> Next, the configuration of the unit moving device 90 provided in the tablet printing inspection device 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 3(b). The unit moving device 90 is provided to move the tablet printing unit 50 including the printing device main body 51 and the cleaner device 60. In other words, it can be said that the unit moving device 90 moves the printing device main body 51.

[0095] As shown in FIG. 3(b), in this embodiment, the unit movement device 90 includes a cylinder 93, a cam plate 94, a biasing member (not shown), a shaft 95, a unit connecting device 96, and a unit support portion 97. Of the unit movement device 90, the cylinder 93, the cam plate 94, the shaft 95, and the biasing member constitute a unit lifting device 91 that raises and lowers the tablet printing unit 50. Also, of the unit movement device 90, the unit connecting device 96 and the unit support portion 97 constitute a unit slide device 92 that moves the tablet printing unit 50 in the lateral direction Z (in this embodiment, the front-to-rear direction X). As shown in FIG. 3(b), the tablet printing unit 50 is attached to the unit support portion 97 via the unit connecting device 96. Also, the unit support portion 97 is biased upward H1 by the biasing member.

[0096] <Tablet printing unit position and movement> Next, the movement operation and position of the tablet printing unit 50 will be described with reference to Figure 6. The following movement operation of the tablet printing unit 50 is performed under the control of the control device 120. The movement operation of the tablet printing unit 50 is also performed by operating the unit movement device 90. The unit movement device 90 moves the printing device main body 51, thereby moving the tablet printing unit 50, including the printing device main body 51 and the cleaner device 60 attached to the printing device main body 51, as a unit.

[0097] During daily operation, the tablet printing inspection device 1 sometimes prints while transporting tablets T and sometimes performs cleaning without printing. In other words, the tablet printing inspection device 1 temporarily stops printing (between printings) and performs cleaning several times a day. In this specification, the time when printing on tablets T is performed may be simply referred to as "printing execution time." In addition, in this specification, the time when cleaning is performed without printing may be simply referred to as "cleaning execution time." Cleaning execution time can be said to be the time when printing is temporarily stopped for cleaning. In addition, cleaning execution time can be said to be the period during which a series of operations are performed, such as the movement of the tablet printing unit 50 and the cleaner device 60 to perform cleaning.

[0098] 6(a-1), the tablet printing unit 50 is placed at an operation stop position Pa1 when the operation of the device is stopped (when the device is stopped), such as when the tablet printing inspection device 1 is stopped or undergoing maintenance. As shown in FIG. 6(a-1), the operation stop position Pa1 of the tablet printing unit 50 is a position where the discharge port 57 is directly above the conveying path C but away from the conveying path C.

[0099] 6(a-2), during printing, the tablet printing unit 50 moves from an operation stop position Pa1 where the discharge port 57 is separated from the conveying path C to a printing position Pa2 where the discharge port 57 faces the conveying path C and is spaced closer to the conveying path C than the operation stop position Pa1. The tablet printing unit 50 moves from the operation stop position Pa1 to the printing position Pa2 by operating the unit lifting device 91 (unit moving device 90).

[0100] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6(a-2), first, the cylinder 93 advances to the rear X2, and the shaft 95 is pushed and moved toward the rear X2. Furthermore, as the shaft 95 moves toward the rear X2, the cam plate 94 moves downward H2 along the cam hole 94a formed in the cam plate 94. Furthermore, the unit support part 97 is pushed by the cam plate 94 and moves downward H2 against the biasing force of the biasing member, and the tablet printing unit 50 also moves downward H2 as the unit support part 97 moves. In this way, during printing, the unit moving device 90 positions the tablet printing unit 50, including the printing device main body 51 and the cleaner device 60, at a position (printing position Pa2) where the discharge port 57 faces the conveying path C.

[0101] As a result, the tablet printing unit 50 moves from the operation stop position Pa1 to the printing position Pa2, where the discharge port 57 faces the conveying path C and is closer to the conveying path C than the operation stop position Pa1. That is, when printing is performed, the printing device main body 51 is positioned so that the discharge port 57 faces the conveying path C, and discharges ink onto the tablets T being conveyed on the conveying path C. Also, as shown in FIG. 6(a-2), when printing is performed, the cleaner device 60 is positioned so as to be out of position directly above the conveying path C and out of position directly below the discharge port 57. That is, when printing is performed, the cleaner device 60 is positioned so as to be out of position facing the discharge port 57.

[0102] As shown in Figure 6(b-1), when cleaning is performed, the tablet printing unit 50 moves upward H1 from the printing position Pa2 shown in Figure 6(a-2), and then moves to a position (cleaning position Pa3) where the discharge outlet 57 is off the conveying path C.

[0103] More specifically, as shown in Figure 6(b-1), when the cylinder 93 retracts forward X1 and the shaft 95 moves forward X1, the unit support part 97 moves upward H1 due to the biasing force of the biasing member, and the tablet printing unit 50 also moves upward H1 as the unit support part 97 moves. Next, as shown in Figure 6(b-2), the unit connecting device 96 moves backward X2 along a rail (not shown) provided on the unit support part 97, and as a result, the tablet printing unit 50 moves backward X2 and is positioned at the cleaning position Pa3.

[0104] In this way, the unit moving device 90 positions the tablet printing unit 50, including the printing device main body 51 and the cleaner device 60, so that the discharge port 57 is not positioned facing the conveying path C when cleaning is performed. That is, when cleaning is performed, the tablet printing unit 50 moves from the printing position Pa2 in a direction (front-back direction X in this embodiment) intersecting the direction in which the conveying path C extends (conveying direction D) to the cleaning position Pa3. Furthermore, in the tablet printing inspection device 1 of this embodiment, when cleaning is performed, the tablet printing unit 50 performs cleaning at a position (cleaning position Pa3) where it is off the conveying path C. According to the tablet printing inspection device 1, it is possible to prevent the cleaner device 60 from interfering with the conveying path C when cleaning is performed, and to prevent ink and deposits M from the discharge port 57 from falling into the conveying path C.

[0105] The cleaning position Pa3 in the tablet printing inspection device 1 will be described in more detail with reference to Fig. 6(b-2). As shown in Fig. 6(b-2), the cleaning position Pa3 is a position in the tablet printing unit 50 where the discharge port 57 is out of the position directly above the conveying path C. In the tablet printing inspection device 1 of this embodiment, the cleaning position Pa3 is a position where a part of the printing device main body 51 (in this embodiment, the front part 51b, which is the part forward X1 from the head unit 53) is located directly above the conveying path C, and the discharge port 57 is out of the position directly above the conveying path C in a direction intersecting the conveying direction D (rearward X2 in this embodiment).

[0106] In other words, in the tablet print inspection device 1 of this embodiment, cleaning is performed at a cleaning position Pa3 where a part of the printing device main body 51 is positioned so as to overlap directly above the conveying path C, and the discharge port 57 is shifted from directly above the conveying path C in a direction intersecting the conveying direction D. In addition, if the displacement distance in the front-to-rear direction X between the printing position Pa2 and the cleaning position Pa3 is taken as a shift distance La, it can be said that the shift distance La is smaller than the overall length Lb of the printing device main body 51 in the front-to-rear direction X and larger than the length Lc of the conveying path C in the front-to-rear direction X (the width of the conveying path C) (see FIG. 6(b-2)).

[0107] In this way, in the tablet printing inspection device 1, the movement distance (shift distance La) of the tablet printing unit 50 is kept to a minimum distance that prevents ink from falling into the conveying path C when cleaning is performed. This allows the tablet printing inspection device 1 to shorten the movement time of the tablet printing unit 50 when cleaning is performed, and suppress a decrease in the device's operating rate. Furthermore, by setting the shift distance La of the tablet printing unit 50 to a small value, the tablet printing inspection device 1 keeps the displacement area of ​​the tablet printing unit 50 small, allowing cleaning to be performed using a small space. As a result, the tablet printing inspection device 1 can suppress an increase in the size of the device.

[0108] <Cleaner device operation> Next, the movement operation of cleaner device 60 and the operation during cleaning will be described with reference to Fig. 7. The operation of cleaner device 60 described below is performed under the control of control device 120. Furthermore, movement of cleaner device 60 is performed by operation of cleaner movement device 80.

[0109] Furthermore, as explained above, cleaning by the cleaner device 60 is performed when the tablet printing unit 50 is positioned at the cleaning position Pa3. Note that the terms "standby position Pb1," "first separated position Pb2," "second separated position Pb3," and "cleaning operation start position Pb4" described below refer to the relative positions of the cleaner device 60 with respect to the printing device main body 51.

[0110] 7(a), when the cleaner device 60 is on standby without performing cleaning (during cleaning standby), it is located at standby position Pb1. In this embodiment, the standby position Pb1 is set at a position where the cleaner device 60 is below H2 of the printing apparatus main body 51 and is not directly below the ejection openings 57 (a position not facing the contact area 51a).

[0111] 7(b), when cleaning is performed, the cleaner device 60 moves from the standby position Pb1 to a first separated position Pb2 below H2 so as to be away from the printing apparatus main body 51. The cleaner device 60 moves to the downward position H2 by the operation of the cleaner lifting device 81 (cleaner moving device 80) (see FIG. 5(b)).

[0112] 7(c), next, the cleaner device 60 moves to a position (second separated position Pb3) directly below the head unit 53 (discharge ports 57) while being separated from the printing apparatus main body 51. That is, on the outgoing path B1 from the first separated position Pb2 to the second separated position Pb3, the cleaner device 60 moves while the removal unit 72 and the liquid supply unit 71 are separated from the contacted region 51a.

[0113] 7(d), the cleaner device 60 moves upward H1 to a cleaning operation start position Pb4 so as to approach the printing apparatus main body 51. At the cleaning operation start position Pb4, the remover 72 comes into contact with the contacted area 51a.

[0114] 7(e), the cleaner device 60 then moves (strokes) backward X2 from the cleaning operation start position Pb4 to the standby position Pb1, while causing the removal part 72 to pass through while contacting the contacted area 51a to remove the deposits M. That is, on the return path B2 from the cleaning operation start position Pb4 to the standby position Pb1, the cleaner device 60 causes the removal part 72 to pass through while contacting the contacted area 51a.

[0115] In this way, when cleaning is performed, the cleaner moving device 80 is actuated to move the cleaner device 60 to a position relative to the printing device main body 51 so as to face the discharge port 57 .

[0116] Although not shown in the drawings, when cleaning by the cleaner device 60 is completed, the tablet printing unit 50 returns from the cleaning position Pa3 to the printing position Pa2.

[0117] In this way, the cleaner device 60 moves back and forth in the area facing the contact area 51a (below H2 of the contact area 51a). Furthermore, in the tablet printing unit 50 of this embodiment, the cleaner device 60 moves while the removal unit 72 is separated from the contact area 51a on the outgoing path B1, and passes through while contacting the contact area 51a on the return path. Therefore, in the tablet printing unit 50, the deposit M wiped off by the removal unit 72 is less likely to spread, and the deposit M can be removed efficiently.

[0118] The tablet printing unit of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and the cleaner device can be configured to reciprocate through an area facing the contact area, with the removal unit passing through while contacting the contact area on one of the outbound and return paths, and moving away from the contact area on the other path. That is, the tablet printing unit of the present invention only requires that the removal unit pass through while contacting the contact area on either the outbound or return path when the cleaner device moves relative to the printing device body. For example, the tablet printing unit of the present invention may be configured so that the removal unit passes through while contacting the contact area on the outbound path, or so that the removal unit passes through while contacting the contact area on the return path.

[0119] Furthermore, in the tablet printing unit 50 of this embodiment, the cleaner device 60 moves linearly in one direction (backward X2 in this embodiment) while contacting the contact area 51a so as to pass through the four discharge ports 57. Note that the tablet printing unit of the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, the tablet printing unit of the present invention may be configured so that the cleaner device moves in a serpentine manner while passing through the contact area (the movement path of the cleaner device may be serpentine). In other words, in the tablet printing unit of the present invention, the path through which the cleaner device passes through the contact area may be a straight path or a serpentine path.

[0120] As described above, the tablet printing unit 50 is configured such that the cleaner device 60, which is arranged outside the printing device main body 51, moves when cleaning is performed. Therefore, the tablet printing unit 50 can perform cleaning while avoiding the cleaner device 60 interfering with the tube 56b arranged inside the printing device main body 51. As a result, the tablet printing unit 50 can perform cleaning with reduced impact on ink ejection in an ink circulation type printing device.

[0121] <About the operation during cleaning> The operation of the cleaner device 60 during cleaning will be described in detail with reference to Figure 8. During cleaning, the tablet printing unit 50 performs the cleaning operation described below.

[0122] In this specification, the "cleaning operation" refers to an operation that includes supplying a cleaning liquid to the deposit M, and then removing the deposit M to which the cleaning liquid has been supplied by moving the removal unit 72 while making contact with the contacted area 51a. In addition, in this specification, the period during which the removal unit 72 passes through the contacted area 51a while making contact with it may be referred to as the "contact period."

[0123] In the tablet printing unit 50 of this embodiment, the liquid supply unit 71 that has absorbed the cleaning liquid comes into contact with the deposit M, thereby supplying the cleaning liquid to the deposit M. Furthermore, in the tablet printing unit 50 of this embodiment, the cleaner device 60 is provided with one liquid supply unit 71 and one removal unit 72. Therefore, in the tablet printing unit 50 of this embodiment, during the period (contact period) in which the removal unit 72 passes through while contacting the contacted area 51a, it can be said that the operation of the liquid supply unit 71 passing through while contacting the contacted area 51a to supply the cleaning liquid, and the operation of the removal unit 72 passing through while contacting the contacted area 51a to remove the deposit M are each performed once.

[0124] Therefore, in the tablet printing unit 50 of this embodiment, the cleaner device 60 can be said to perform a cleaning operation once during the contact period, which includes supplying cleaning liquid to the adhesion M by the liquid supply section 71 contacting the adhesion M, and then removing the adhesion M by the removal section 72 contacting and moving with the adhesion M to which the cleaning liquid has been supplied.

[0125] The tablet printing unit of the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, the tablet printing unit of the present invention may be configured to have multiple liquid supply units and removal units in the cleaner device and perform multiple cleaning operations during a contact period. Furthermore, the tablet printing unit of the present invention may have different numbers of supplying cleaning liquid and removing deposits during a single contact period. For example, the cleaner device may have different numbers of liquid supply units and removal units. For example, the cleaner device may have one liquid supply unit and two or more removal units, and one liquid supply and multiple removal of deposits may be performed during a single contact period.

[0126] 8(a) shows a state in which the cleaner device 60 has reached the cleaning operation start position Pb4. As shown in FIG. 8(a), deposits M are attached to the contacted area 51a before the cleaning operation.

[0127] As shown in FIG. 8(b), the cleaner device 60 moves backward X2 from the cleaning operation start position Pb4 during the contact period. As the cleaner device 60 passes through the contacted area 51a, the liquid supply unit 71 first comes into contact with the deposit M. As described above, the lower end 71b of the liquid supply unit 71 is disposed in the reservoir 62 so as to be immersed in the cleaning liquid in the reservoir 62. Therefore, the upper end 71a of the liquid supply unit 71 contains the cleaning liquid absorbed from the lower end 71b. Therefore, when the upper end 71a of the liquid supply unit 71 comes into contact with the deposit M, the cleaning liquid is supplied to the deposit M.

[0128] As shown in FIG. 8(c), after the cleaning liquid is supplied to the deposit M, the upper end 72a of the removal unit 72 moves while contacting the contact area 51a so as to scrape off the deposit M to which the cleaning liquid has been supplied. In this way, when cleaning is performed, the cleaner device 60 is positioned relative to the printing device main body 51 so as to face the discharge port 57. Furthermore, in the tablet printing unit 50, the removal unit 72 moves together with the cleaner device 60 at a position (below H2 of the printing device main body 51) facing the contact area 51a outside the container 52, so that the removal unit 72 passes through while contacting the contact area 51a and removes the deposit M.

[0129] The deposit M to which the cleaning liquid has been supplied becomes soft due to the incorporation of the cleaning liquid, and is therefore easier to remove by the removal unit 72. Furthermore, because the cleaning liquid is supplied to the contact area 51a by the liquid supply unit 71 before the removal unit 72 comes into contact with the contact area 51a, friction between the contact area 51a and the removal unit 72 can be reduced when the removal unit 72 passes through the contact area 51a.

[0130] Therefore, the tablet printing unit 50 can enhance the removal effect of the deposit M even when the ink is quick-drying and dries easily, and the deposit M is a mixture of tablet powder and ink, making it prone to sticking. Therefore, the tablet printing unit 50 can enhance the removal effect of the deposit M while reducing friction between the contacted area 51a and the removal section 72 during the contact period, reducing the impact on ink ejection and maintaining good ejection performance.

[0131] In this way, the cleaner device 60 supplies cleaning liquid to the deposits M during the contact period, and then removes the deposits M to which the cleaning liquid has been supplied. In other words, the cleaner device 60 supplies cleaning liquid and removes deposits M with a time lag. In addition, it can be said that the cleaner device 60 performs cleaning through a two-stage operation of supplying cleaning liquid and removing deposits M.

[0132] Furthermore, in the cleaner device 60, during the contact period, the liquid supply unit 71 first contacts the deposit M, and then the removal unit 72 contacts the deposit M. Therefore, it can be said that the cleaner device 60 is equipped with a first contact unit 70 (liquid supply unit 71) that contacts the deposit M at a first timing, and a second contact unit 70 (removal unit 72) that contacts the deposit M at a second timing after the first timing.

[0133] Furthermore, in cleaner device 60, removal unit 72 is configured to have a higher hardness than liquid supply unit 71. Specifically, liquid supply unit 71 is made of a porous material and is therefore relatively soft and flexible, while removal unit 72 is made of a resin material that is harder than liquid supply unit 71. As a result, in cleaner device 60, liquid supply unit 71 is configured to have a liquid supply function that makes it easy to absorb and supply cleaning liquid, and removal unit 72 is configured to have a removal function that wipes off cleaning liquid and scrapes off deposits M, etc.

[0134] The deposits M and cleaning liquid removed by the remover 72 are guided to the receiver 63 via the inclined surface of the remover 72 and are absorbed by the absorber 73. Therefore, the cleaner device 60 temporarily stores the removed deposits M and the mixture of cleaning liquid and ink, and can prevent the mixture from falling onto the transport path C.

[0135] Furthermore, in the tablet printing unit 50, the cleaner device 60 is moved by the cleaner moving device 80 to a position facing the contact area 51a outside the container 52. In other words, in the tablet printing unit 50, the cleaner device 60 can be moved while avoiding interference with the tube 56b. Therefore, the tablet printing unit 50 can move the cleaner device 60 while maintaining the position of the tube 56b, and remove the deposits M by passing the removal unit 72 while contacting the contact area 51a. Therefore, the tablet printing unit 50 can suppress interference with the tube 56b and suppress changes in the ink flow rate. As a result, the tablet printing unit 50 can remove deposits while reducing the impact on ink ejection and maintain good ejection performance.

[0136] In addition, cleaning by the tablet printing unit 50 may involve performing one cleaning operation (one wiping) during one cleaning run, or may involve performing multiple cleaning operations (multiple wiping) during one cleaning run.

[0137] Furthermore, cleaning can be performed periodically, such as several times a day (for example, once an hour). When the tablet printing unit 50 is operated for a long period of time to perform printing, there is a risk that the contact area 51a may become dirty or clogged due to ink adhering to the discharge port 57. However, in the tablet printing inspection device 1, by periodically removing the adhering matter M from the discharge surface (contact area 51a), it is possible to suppress printing defects.

[0138] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the specific aspects that the present invention can adopt are not limited to the above-described embodiment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0139] 1. Tablet printing inspection equipment (tablet printing equipment) 31 Transport device 50 tablet printing units 51 Printing device body 51a Touched area 52 Containment Unit 55 Ink Tank 57 Discharge port 60 Cleaning Device 62 Storage section 71 Liquid supply section 72 Removal part C transport path T tablets

Claims

1. A tablet printing unit that performs inkjet printing on tablets transported on a transport path formed by a transport device, a printing device body having an ink tank for storing ink, an ejection port that is an opening for ejecting ink supplied from the ink tank onto the tablet, and a container that accommodates the ink tank; a cleaner device having a removal unit that removes deposits from a contact area, which is an area of ​​the printing device body that includes the ejection opening, When printing is performed on the tablets, the printing device body is positioned so that the discharge port faces the conveyance path and discharges ink onto the tablets being conveyed on the conveyance path, and the cleaner device is positioned so as to be out of the position facing the discharge port, When cleaning is performed to remove the adhesions from the discharge port when printing is not being performed, the printing device main body is positioned away from the discharge port, and the cleaner device is positioned relative to the printing device main body so as to face the discharge port, and at least the removal unit moves at a position facing the contact area outside the container, so that the removal unit passes through while coming into contact with the contact area and removes the adhesions.

2. the printing device main body is an ink circulation type that circulates the ink in the ink tank within the printing device main body and includes a circulation device including a tube that serves as an ink flow path, a cleaner moving device that moves the cleaner device relative to the container; The tablet printing unit described in claim 1, characterized in that the cleaner device is moved by the cleaner moving device to a position opposite the contact area outside the container, thereby maintaining the position of the tube and moving, and the removal part passes through while contacting the contact area to remove the adhesions.

3. The cleaning device is a reservoir for storing a cleaning liquid; A tablet printing unit as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that during cleaning, the cleaning liquid is supplied to the adhesions, which have become a mixture containing ink and tablet powder, and then the removal section moves while contacting the contact area to remove the adhesions to which the cleaning liquid has been supplied.

4. The cleaning device is The tablet printing unit described in claim 3, characterized in that it moves back and forth through an area opposite the contact area, and on one of the outbound and return paths, the removal unit passes through while contacting the contact area, and on the other path, the removal unit moves while moving away from the contact area.

5. The cleaning device is a liquid supply unit made of a material capable of absorbing the cleaning liquid, the liquid supply unit contacting the deposit to supply the cleaning liquid to the deposit; The tablet printing unit described in claim 3, characterized in that the removal section is configured to have a hardness greater than that of the liquid supply section and a hardness less than that of the portion of the printing device main body that becomes the contact area.

6. the printing device main body is an ink circulation type printing device having a circulation device that circulates the ink in the ink tank within the printing device main body, The cleaning device is the contact area is disposed outside the housing body and faces the surface where the contact area is provided; The contact area is movable from a position away from the position facing the contact area to a position facing the contact area, a storage section for storing a cleaning liquid; a liquid supply unit made of a material capable of absorbing the cleaning liquid and contacting the deposit to supply the cleaning liquid to the deposit, the removal unit is configured to have a hardness higher than that of the liquid supply unit and lower than that of a portion of the printing device body that is the contact area, the removal unit moves back and forth through an area facing the contacted area, and on the outward path, the removal unit moves while moving away from the contacted area, and on the return path, the removal unit passes through the contacted area while making contact with it; The tablet printing unit described in claim 1, characterized in that during the cleaning operation, the liquid supply unit contacts the adhesion, which has become a mixture containing ink and tablet powder, to supply the cleaning liquid to the adhesion, and then the removal unit contacts and moves with the adhesion to which the cleaning liquid has been supplied to remove the adhesion.

7. The tablet printing unit according to claim 1 or 2; A tablet printing apparatus comprising the conveying device.

8. a unit moving device that moves the tablet printing unit including the printing device main body, The unit moving device is When printing is performed, the printing device body is positioned so that the ejection opening faces the transport path; 8. The tablet printing device according to claim 7, wherein, when the cleaning is performed, the printing device body is positioned so that the ejection port is not positioned opposite the conveying path.

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