Granular material processing equipment

Abstract

To provide a technique capable of improving the workability when arranging an elastically deformable holding member contacting a granular material in an inversion mechanism which inverts the front and rear surfaces of the granular material.SOLUTION: A granular material processing apparatus includes an inversion mechanism which inverts the front and rear surfaces of a granular material at an inversion position on a conveyance path of the granular material. The inversion mechanism includes a conical inclined drum 77 whose diameter is reduced from the bottom part to the top part. The inclined drum 77 includes a base part 51, a holding member 52 and a fixation part 53. The base part 51 forms a recess 62 that is recessed to the radial direction inner side on the top part side while forming a base side surface 61 on the bottom part side. The holding member 52 is placed on the recess 62. The fixation part 53 sandwiches the holding member 52 between the base part 51 and itself while being mounted on the base part 51. By fitting a protrusion part 521 formed in the holding member 52 to a notch part 514 formed in the base part 51, the holding member 52 can be highly accurately aligned and the workability can be improved.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a granular material processing apparatus for performing a predetermined processing on the surface of granular material. [Background technology]

[0002] Letters and codes for product identification are printed on the surface of pharmaceutical tablets. Marks and illustrations may also be printed on tablet candies such as Ramune. Conventionally, printing devices that print images on the surface of granular materials such as tablets and tablet candies using an inkjet method have been known. In particular, in recent years, the spread of generic drugs has led to a diversification of tablet types. Therefore, in order to make tablets easier to identify, attention has been focused on technology that prints clearly on both the front and back of tablets using an inkjet method. Therefore, a device that prints on both the front and back of tablets using an inkjet method is described, for example, in Patent Document 1.

[0003] The tablet printing device (1) of Patent Document 1 conveys tablets (9) along a circular conveying path, and performs the following processes on a first side of the tablet (9): photographing with a first camera (40), printing with a printing unit (30), photographing with a second camera (50), and drying with a drying mechanism (60). After that, the tablet (9) is turned over by a reversing mechanism (70), and then the second side of the tablet (9) is again subjected to the following processes: photographing with the first camera (40), printing with the printing unit (30), photographing with the second camera (50), and drying with the drying mechanism (60). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-007473 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The inversion mechanism (70) is composed of a plurality of inclined drums (71-76). Each of the inclined drums (71-76) has suction holes (711, 721) that suction-hold the tablets (9) and an elastic member (52) that contacts the tablets (9) at the edges of the suction holes (711, 721). The contact of the tablets (9) with the elastic member (52) prevents the tablets (9) from falling off and being damaged when the tablets (9) are transferred through the inclined drums (71-76). However, during the manufacturing process of the tablet printing device (1) including the inversion mechanism (70), it is difficult to align the elastic member (52) when placing the elastic member (52) at the edges of the suction holes (711, 721), which can reduce workability.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a technology that can improve the workability when placing an elastic member during the manufacturing process of a tablet printing device that includes an inversion mechanism. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a first invention of the present application is a granular material processing apparatus for performing a predetermined processing on the surface of granular material, the apparatus comprising: a conveying mechanism that conveys the granular material along a conveying path while holding the granular material; a processing unit that performs the predetermined processing on a first side or a second side of the granular material at a processing position on the conveying path of the conveying mechanism; and an inverting mechanism that inverts the granular material upside down at an inverting position on the conveying path of the conveying mechanism, the inverting mechanism including a plurality of inclined drums each having a conical or pyramidal side surface whose diameter decreases from the bottom to the top about an inclined axis that is inclined with respect to the width direction of the conveying path, the plurality of inclined drums each forming a base side surface that is a part of the side surface on the bottom side, and a base side surface that is inclined with respect to the top side along the entire circumference of the inclined drum the base portion has a base portion that forms a recess that is recessed radially inward; an elastically deformable holding member that is annular about the inclined axis and placed in the recess; and a fixing portion that is detachable from the base portion and that holds the holding member between the base portion and the holding member when attached to the base portion. The base portion has a plurality of openings that open at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction in the recess, and a first fitting portion formed in part of the circumferential direction. The holding member has a plurality of through holes that are formed at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction, and a second fitting portion formed in part of the circumferential direction. When the holding member is placed in the recess, the first fitting portion fits into the second fitting portion, and the plurality of through holes each communicate with the opening, thereby forming a plurality of suction holes that suction and hold a plurality of granular objects.

[0008] The second invention of the present application is a granular material processing device of the first invention, wherein the first fitting portion is a notched portion cut radially inward from the recess, and the second fitting portion is a protruding portion protruding radially inward from the end portion on the top side of the holding member.

[0009] The third invention of the present application is a granular material processing device of the first or second invention, in which the multiple granular materials, when adsorbed and held in the multiple suction holes, come into contact with the holding member at the peripheral portions of each of the multiple suction holes.

[0010] The fourth invention of the present application is a granular material processing device according to any one of the first to third inventions, wherein each of the multiple inclined drums further has a spring placed on the end surface of the top side of the holding member, the spring being expandable and contractible in a direction along the inclined axis, and when the fixing portion is attached to the base portion, the spring is held by being sandwiched between the fixing portion and the holding member.

[0011] A fifth aspect of the present invention is the granular material processing device of the fourth aspect, wherein the spring is a wave washer.

[0012] The sixth invention of the present application is a granular material processing device according to any one of the first to fifth inventions, wherein the base portion further has a columnar portion at the top end that extends cylindrically or in a rectangular tubular shape around the inclined axis and has a first screw formed on its outer surface, and the fixing portion has a tubular portion that extends cylindrically or in a rectangular tubular shape around the inclined axis and has a second screw formed on its inner surface, and a flange portion that extends radially outward from the tubular portion, and the fixing portion is attached to the base portion by threading the first screw and the second screw together.

[0013] The seventh invention of the present application is a granular material processing device according to any one of the first to sixth inventions, wherein the inversion mechanism comprises a first inclined drum having a first side surface that is a conical or pyramidal side surface centered on a first axis that is the inclination axis, and a second inclined drum having a second side surface that is a conical or pyramidal side surface centered on a second axis that is the inclination axis, wherein the first inclined drum has a plurality of suction holes arranged in a ring shape around the first axis on the first side surface, and the second inclined drum has a plurality of suction holes arranged in a ring shape around the second axis on the second side surface, and the first inclined drum rotates while adsorbing and holding the granular material passed from the conveying mechanism on the first side surface, and transfers the granular material to the second inclined drum, and the second inclined drum rotates while adsorbing and holding the granular material passed from the first inclined drum on the second side surface, and transfers the granular material to the conveying mechanism.

[0014] The eighth invention of the present application is a granular material processing device according to any one of the first to seventh inventions, wherein the conveying mechanism conveys the granular material along the circular conveying path, and the inversion mechanism inverts the granular material and moves the widthwise position of the granular material on the conveying path.

[0015] The ninth invention of the present application is a granular material processing device of the eighth invention, wherein the conveying mechanism rotates a holding surface that adsorbs and holds the granular material along the conveying path, the holding surface having a first region and a second region adjacent in the width direction, and the inversion mechanism moves the granular material held in the first region to the second region.

[0016] The tenth invention of the present application is a granular material processing device of the seventh invention, wherein the sum of the vertex angle of the first inclined drum and the vertex angle of the second inclined drum when viewed in the conveying direction of the conveying mechanism is 180°.

[0017] The 11th invention of the present application is a granular material processing device according to the 7th or 10th invention, wherein the vertex angles of the first inclined drum and the second inclined drum are both 90° when viewed in the conveying direction of the conveying mechanism.

[0018] A twelfth aspect of the present invention is the granular material processing apparatus of the eleventh aspect, wherein the first inclined drum and the second inclined drum have the same shape and size.

[0019] The 13th invention of the present application is a granular material processing device according to the 7th invention or any one of the 10th to 12th inventions, wherein the adsorption force of the granular material on the second side is greater than the adsorption force of the granular material on the first side.

[0020] The 14th invention of the present application is a granular material processing device according to any one of the 1st to 7th inventions or the 10th to 13th inventions, wherein the conveying mechanism conveys the granular material along the circular conveying path, and the inversion mechanism inverts the granular material and moves the position of the granular material in the conveying direction on the conveying path.

[0021] A fifteenth aspect of the present invention is a granular material processing device according to any one of the first to fourteenth aspects, wherein the processing unit includes a printing unit that prints on the surface of the granular material using an inkjet method.

[0022] A sixteenth aspect of the present invention is a granular material processing device according to any one of the first to fifteenth aspects, wherein the processing section includes a camera that photographs the surface of the granular material.

[0023] A seventeenth aspect of the present invention is the granular material processing device according to any one of the first to sixteenth aspects, wherein the granular material is a tablet.

[0024] An eighteenth aspect of the present invention is the granular material processing device according to any one of the first to seventeenth aspects, wherein the holding member is made of silicone rubber. [Effects of the Invention]

[0025] According to the first to eighteenth aspects of the present invention, the inversion mechanism of the granular material processing device inverts the granular materials upside down while suction-holding the granular materials through a plurality of suction holes via an elastically deformable holding member. This makes it easy to prevent the granular materials from falling off or being damaged. Furthermore, in the manufacturing process of the granular material processing device including the inversion mechanism, the second fitting portion of the holding member is fitted into the first fitting portion of the base while the device is being placed, thereby improving the workability when aligning the holding member.

[0026] In particular, according to the third invention of the present application, when the granular material is turned over by the inversion mechanism, even if the granular material shakes or tilts relative to the suction hole, the granular material can be further prevented from falling off or being damaged.

[0027] In particular, according to the fourth and fifth aspects of the present invention, even if the holding member placed in the recess has some dimensional error or is placed at a slight angle, the spring can absorb the dimensional error and angle, thereby enabling the fixing part to be attached to the base part with high accuracy.

[0028] In particular, according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the second screw of the fixing part is threadedly engaged with the first screw of the base part, thereby attaching the fixing part to the base part and sandwiching the holding member between the fixing part and the base part. As a result, there is no need to use a separate member for fixing them, and the number of parts can be reduced.

[0029] In particular, according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the length in the conveying direction required for the reversing mechanism can be reduced.

[0030] In particular, according to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the first inclined drum and the second inclined drum can be made of the same components.

[0031] In particular, according to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to further prevent the granular material from falling off when the granular material is transferred from the first side surface to the second side surface.

[0032] In particular, according to the eighteenth aspect of the present invention, the holding member can be easily processed and shaped. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0033] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side view of a tablet printing device. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a top view of a tablet printing device. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the tablet printing device. [Figure 4] FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. [Figure 6] 2 is a view of the transport mechanism and the reversing mechanism as seen from the direction of the white arrow V in FIG. 1. [Figure 7]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an inclined drum. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the inclined drum. [Figure 9] FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing connections between a control unit and each unit. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart showing a processing flow in the tablet printing device. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a side view of a tablet printing device according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0034] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the direction in which a plurality of tablets are conveyed will be referred to as the "conveying direction," and the direction perpendicular to the conveying direction and along the holding surface 220 of the conveyor belt 22 (described later) will be referred to as the "width direction."

[0035] <1. Overall configuration of tablet printing device> Fig. 1 is a side view of a tablet printing apparatus 1 which is an example of a granular material processing apparatus according to the present invention. Fig. 2 is a top view of the tablet printing apparatus 1. Fig. 3 is a bottom view of the tablet printing apparatus 1.

[0036] This tablet printing device 1 is a device that conveys a plurality of granular tablets 9 and prints images such as product name, product code, company name, logo, etc. on both the front and back of each tablet 9. The tablets 9 may be plain tablets (plain tablets) or coated tablets such as sugar-coated tablets or film-coated tablets (FC tablets). The tablets 9 may also be capsules, including hard capsules and soft capsules. The "granular material" in the present invention is not limited to pharmaceutical tablets, but may also be tablets used as health foods or tablet candies such as Ramune soda.

[0037] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the tablet printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment includes a loading mechanism 10, a conveying mechanism 20, a printing unit 30, a first camera 40, a second camera 50, a drying mechanism 60, an inverting mechanism 70, a loading mechanism 80, and a control unit 90.

[0038] The feed mechanism 10 is a mechanism for feeding a plurality of tablets 9 fed into the tablet printing apparatus 1 into the conveying mechanism 20. The feed mechanism 10 has an alignment mechanism (not shown) composed of a vibrating feeder, a rotary feeder, a chute, etc., and a feed drum 11. The plurality of tablets 9 fed into the tablet printing apparatus 1 are aligned in a plurality of rows (three rows in this embodiment) by the alignment mechanism and supplied to the outer circumferential surface of the feed drum 11. The feed drum 11 rotates while suction-holding the aligned plurality of tablets 9 one by one on its outer circumferential surface. As a result, the plurality of tablets 9 in each row are aligned at equal intervals in the conveying direction. Furthermore, each tablet 9 held in the feed drum 11 is conveyed in an arc by the rotation of the feed drum 11 and delivered to the conveying mechanism 20.

[0039] The conveying mechanism 20 is a mechanism that holds a plurality of tablets 9 and conveys them along a circular conveying path. The conveying mechanism 20 has a pair of pulleys 21 and a circular conveying belt 22 stretched between the pair of pulleys 21. One of the pair of pulleys 21 is rotated by power obtained from a conveying motor 23. As a result, the conveying belt 22 rotates in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 1. At this time, the other of the pair of pulleys 21 is rotated in accordance with the rotation of the conveying belt 22.

[0040] FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of the conveying mechanism 20. As shown in FIG. 4, a plurality of suction holes 221 are provided in a holding surface 220, which is the outer peripheral surface of the conveying belt 22. The plurality of suction holes 221 are arranged at equal intervals in the conveying direction and the width direction. Also, as shown in FIG. 1, the conveying mechanism 20 has a suction mechanism 24 that sucks out gas from the space inside the conveying belt 22. When the suction mechanism 24 is operated, the space inside the conveying belt 22 becomes negative pressure, which is lower than atmospheric pressure. The plurality of tablets 9 are sucked and held by the suction holes 221 due to the negative pressure.

[0041] In this way, the plurality of tablets 9 are adsorbed and held on the holding surface 220 of the conveyor belt 22 while being aligned in the conveying direction and the width direction. The conveying mechanism 20 then rotates the holding surface 220 of the conveyor belt 22 along the circular conveying path, thereby conveying the plurality of tablets 9 along the circular conveying path. Below four heads 31, which will be described later, the plurality of tablets 9 are conveyed horizontally.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 1 , the conveying mechanism 20 includes three first blowing mechanisms B1 and one second blowing mechanism B2. The three first blowing mechanisms B1 are provided inside the conveying belt 22 and at positions facing the first inclined drum 71, the third inclined drum 73, and the fifth inclined drum 75 (described later) across the conveying belt 22. The three first blowing mechanisms B1 blow gas only to the suction holes 221 of the conveying belt 22 that face the first inclined drum 71, the third inclined drum 73, and the fifth inclined drum 75. This causes the suction holes 221 to be under a positive pressure higher than atmospheric pressure. This releases the suction of the tablets 9 at the suction holes 221, allowing the tablets 9 to be transferred from the conveying belt 22 to the first inclined drum 71, the third inclined drum 73, and the fifth inclined drum 75.

[0043] The second blow mechanism B2 is provided inside the conveyor belt 22 and at a position facing the discharge chute 81, which will be described later, across the conveyor belt 22. The second blow mechanism B2 blows gas only onto the suction holes 221 of the conveyor belt 22 that face the discharge chute 81. This causes the suction holes 221 to be under a positive pressure higher than atmospheric pressure. This releases the suction of the tablets 9 at the suction holes 221, causing the tablets 9 to fall from the conveyor belt 22 into the discharge chute 81.

[0044] 2 and 3, the holding surface 220 of the conveyor belt 22 in this embodiment has a first region A1 that holds tablets 9 before they are inverted by the inversion mechanism 70 described below, and a second region A2 that holds tablets 9 after they are inverted. The first region A1 and the second region A2 are adjacent in the width direction. In this embodiment, a plurality of suction holes 221 are provided in three rows in the width direction in the first region A1 and the second region A2. The tablets 9 carried in by the above-mentioned carry-in mechanism 10 are adsorbed and held by the suction holes 221 in the first region A1. Furthermore, a plurality of tablets 9 printed on both sides are delivered to the carry-out mechanism 80 from the suction holes 221 in the second region A2.

[0045] The printing unit 30 is a processing unit that performs inkjet printing on the surfaces of the tablets 9 transported by the conveyor belt 22. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the printing unit 30 of this embodiment has four heads 31. The four heads 31 are located above the conveyor belt 22 and arranged in a row along the conveying direction of the tablets 9. Each head 31 extends in the width direction, spanning both the first area A1 and the second area A2 of the conveyor belt 22. The four heads 31 eject ink droplets of different colors (e.g., cyan, magenta, yellow, and black) toward the surfaces of the tablets 9. A multicolor image is then recorded on the surface of the tablets 9 by superimposing the monochromatic images formed by these colors. The ink ejected from each head 31 is edible ink made from ingredients approved by the Japanese Pharmacopoeia, the Food Sanitation Act, etc.

[0046] FIG. 5 is a bottom view of one head 31. In FIG. 5, the conveyor belt 22 and multiple tablets 9 held on the conveyor belt 22 are indicated by a two-dot chain line. As shown enlarged in FIG. 5, multiple nozzles 311 capable of ejecting ink droplets are provided on the ejection surface 310, which is the lower surface of the head 31. In this embodiment, the multiple nozzles 311 are two-dimensionally arranged in the conveyance direction and width direction on the lower surface of the head 31. The nozzles 311 are arranged with their positions shifted in the width direction. By arranging the multiple nozzles 311 two-dimensionally in this way, the positions of the nozzles 311 in the width direction can be made close to each other. However, the multiple nozzles 311 may also be arranged in a line along the width direction.

[0047] The method of ejecting ink droplets from the nozzle 311 is, for example, a so-called piezo method, in which a voltage is applied to a piezo element to deform it, thereby pressurizing and ejecting the ink inside the nozzle 311. However, the method of ejecting ink droplets may also be a so-called thermal method, in which electricity is passed through a heater to heat and expand the ink inside the nozzle 311, thereby ejecting the ink.

[0048] The first camera 40 is a processing unit for photographing the surfaces of the tablets 9 before printing. The first camera 40 is located downstream of the feed drum 11 on the conveying path and upstream of the four heads 31 on the conveying path. The first camera 40 extends in the width direction across both the first area A1 and the second area A2. For example, a line sensor in which imaging elements such as CCD or CMOS are arranged in the width direction is used for the first camera 40. The first camera 40 photographs the multiple tablets 9 conveyed by the conveyor belt 22. The images acquired by photographing are transmitted from the first camera 40 to the control unit 90, which will be described later. Based on the images obtained from the first camera 40, the control unit 90 detects the presence or absence of tablets 9 in each suction hole 221, the position of the tablets 9, and the orientation of the tablets 9. Based on the images obtained from the first camera 40, the control unit 90 also inspects each tablet 9 for defects such as chips.

[0049] The second camera 50 is a processing unit for photographing the surfaces of the tablets 9 after printing. The second camera 50 is located downstream of the four heads 31 on the conveying path and upstream of the drying mechanism 60 on the conveying path. The second camera 50 extends in the width direction across both the first area A1 and the second area A2. For example, a line sensor in which imaging elements such as CCD or CMOS are arranged in the width direction is used for the second camera 50. The second camera 50 photographs the plurality of tablets 9 conveyed by the conveyor belt 22. The images acquired by photographing are transmitted from the second camera 50 to the control unit 90, which will be described later. The control unit 90 inspects the quality of the images printed on the surfaces of the tablets 9 based on the images obtained from the second camera 50.

[0050] The drying mechanism 60 is a mechanism for drying ink adhering to the surface of the tablet 9. The drying mechanism 60 is located downstream of the second camera 50 on the conveying path and upstream of the inversion mechanism 70 and discharge chute 81 (described later) on the conveying path. The drying mechanism 60 extends in the width direction across both the first area A1 and the second area A2. The drying mechanism 60 may be, for example, a hot air supply mechanism that blows heated gas (hot air) toward the tablet 9 being conveyed by the conveyor belt 22. The ink adhering to the surface of the tablet 9 is dried by the hot air and fixed to the surface of the tablet 9.

[0051] As described above, the tablet printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment has four processing sections: the printing section 30, the first camera 40, the second camera 50, and the drying mechanism 60. Each processing section performs a predetermined process, i.e., printing, photographing, and drying, on the surface of the tablet 9 at a processing position on the conveying path in the conveying mechanism 20.

[0052] The reversing mechanism 70 is a mechanism that reverses the front and back of the tablet 9 conveyed by the conveyor belt 22 and moves the position of the tablet 9 in the width direction on the conveying path from the first region A1 to the second region A2. That is, the reversing mechanism 70 moves the tablet 9 held in the first region A1 to the second region A2. The reversing mechanism 70 is located downstream of the conveying path from a discharge chute 81 described later and upstream of the conveying path from a carry-in drum 11.

[0053] 6 is a view of the conveying mechanism 20 and the reversing mechanism 70 as viewed from the direction of the outlined arrow V in FIG. 1. As shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 6, the reversing mechanism 70 of this embodiment includes a first inclined drum 71, a second inclined drum 72, a third inclined drum 73, a fourth inclined drum 74, a fifth inclined drum 75, and a sixth inclined drum 76. However, the number of inclined drums included in the reversing mechanism 70 may be seven or more, as long as there is more than one inclined drum.

[0054] The first inclined drum 71 and the second inclined drum 72 are disposed adjacent to each other in the width direction. The third inclined drum 73 and the fourth inclined drum 74 are disposed adjacent to each other in the width direction downstream of the first inclined drum 71 and the second inclined drum 72 in the conveyance path. The fifth inclined drum 75 and the sixth inclined drum 76 are disposed adjacent to each other in the width direction downstream of the third inclined drum 73 and the fourth inclined drum 74 in the conveyance path. Hereinafter, the position on the conveyance path of conveyance mechanism 20 where the first inclined drum 71 and the second inclined drum 72 are provided will be referred to as the "first reversal position P1," the position where the third inclined drum 73 and the fourth inclined drum 74 are provided will be referred to as the "second reversal position P2," and the position where the fifth inclined drum 75 and the sixth inclined drum 76 are provided will be referred to as the "third reversal position P3."

[0055] The first inclined drum 71 has a first side surface 710. The first side surface 710 is a conical side surface that narrows in diameter from the bottom to the top about a first axis C1, which is an inclined axis inclined with respect to the width direction of the conveyance path. A portion of the first side surface 710 faces the first region A1 of the conveyor belt 22 via a small gap. The first inclined drum 71 is fixed to the output shaft of a first motor 71M. When the first motor 71M is driven, the first inclined drum 71 rotates about the first axis C1.

[0056] The second inclined drum 72 has a second side surface 720. The second side surface 720 is a conical side surface whose diameter decreases from the bottom to the top, centered on a second axis C2 that is inclined relative to the width direction of the conveyance path. The first inclined drum 71 and the second inclined drum 72 are disposed adjacent to each other in the width direction, with their tops facing each other. A portion of the second side surface 720 faces the second region A2 of the conveyor belt 22 via a small gap. Another portion of the second side surface 720 faces the first side surface 710 via a small gap. The second inclined drum 72 is fixed to the output shaft of a second motor 72M. When the second motor 72M is driven, the second inclined drum 72 rotates about the second axis C2.

[0057] In this embodiment, when viewed in the conveying direction of the conveying mechanism 20, the apex angle of the first inclined drum 71 and the apex angle of the second inclined drum 72 are both 90°. The inclination angle of the first axis C1 with respect to the holding surface 220 is 45°. The inclination angle of the second axis C2 with respect to the holding surface 220 is also 45°. Therefore, the first side surface 710 and the second side surface 720 face each other at a 90° angle with respect to the holding surface 220. The first inclined drum 71 and the second inclined drum 72 have the same shape, structure, and size. Therefore, the first inclined drum 71 and the second inclined drum 72 can share common components. This reduces the manufacturing cost of the tablet printing apparatus 1.

[0058] Hereinafter, the first inclined drum 71 and the second inclined drum 72 will be referred to together as the "inclined drum 77," and their structures will be described in more detail. Furthermore, the first side surface 710 of the first inclined drum 71 and the second side surface 720 of the second inclined drum 72 will each be referred to as the "side surface 700." Furthermore, the first axis C1 of the first inclined drum 71 and the second axis C2 of the second inclined drum 72 will each be referred to as the "inclined axis C0." Furthermore, the direction perpendicular to the inclined axis C0 will be referred to as the "radial direction," and the direction along the arc centered on the inclined axis C0 will be referred to as the "circumferential direction."

[0059] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of inclined drum 77. FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of inclined drum 77. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, inclined drum 77 has a base portion 51, a holding member 52, a fixing portion 53, and a spring 54. Inclined drum 77 is conical about inclination axis C0 and has an internal space 701. In this embodiment, the portions of inclined drum 77 excluding holding member 52 are formed from a metal material such as stainless steel. However, the entire inclined drum 77 may be molded using an elastic resin such as silicone rubber.

[0060] 9 is a perspective view of the base portion 51. As shown in FIG. 9, the base portion 51 has a large diameter portion 511, a small diameter portion 512, and a columnar portion 513.

[0061] The large diameter portion 511 is the bottommost portion of the base portion 51, expanding in an annular shape around the inclination axis C0. The outer peripheral surface of the top portion of the large diameter portion 511 decreases in diameter from the bottom side to the top side. The outer peripheral surface of the top portion of the large diameter portion 511 forms the base side surface 61, which is part of the side surface 700 of the inclined drum 77. In other words, the base portion 51, including the large diameter portion 511, forms the base side surface 61, which is part of the side surface 700, on the bottom side.

[0062] The small diameter portion 512 is a portion that continues to the top side of the large diameter portion 511 and expands in an annular shape centered on the inclined axis C0. The outer circumferential surface of the small diameter portion 512 decreases in diameter from the bottom side to the top side. The diameter of the outer circumferential surface of the small diameter portion 512 is smaller than the diameter of the outer circumferential surface of the large diameter portion 511. Therefore, the outer circumferential surface of the small diameter portion 512 is recessed further than the base side surface 61, which is the outer circumferential surface of the large diameter portion 511. As a result, the base portion 51, including the small diameter portion 512, forms a recess 62 that is recessed radially inward around the entire circumference on the top side of the base side surface 61.

[0063] Furthermore, the base portion 51 is provided with a plurality of openings 510 (nine in this embodiment). Each of the plurality of openings 510 is formed by opening a through-hole that penetrates the small diameter portion 512 of the base portion 51 in the thickness direction in the recess 62 in the shape of a small hole. Each of the plurality of openings 510 communicates with the internal space 701. The plurality of openings 510 are open at equal intervals from one another in the circumferential direction of the recess 62. However, the structure of the plurality of openings 510 is not limited thereto. For example, the plurality of openings 510 may be open at unequal intervals from one another in the circumferential direction of the recess 62. That is, it is sufficient that the plurality of openings 510 are open at predetermined intervals from one another in the circumferential direction of the recess 62. The plurality of openings 510 may also be connected to one another. Note that the diameter of the openings 510 in this embodiment is sufficiently larger than the diameter of a through-hole 520 formed in the holding member 52, which will be described later. The openings 510 are elongated holes, with the length of the openings 510 in the generatrix direction being longer than the length of the openings 510 in the circumferential direction.

[0064] Furthermore, a notch 514 is formed as a first fitting portion at the end on the top side of the small diameter portion 512. The notch 514 is a portion that is cut further radially inward than the recess 62. The notch 514 is formed in part of the circumferential direction of the outer periphery of the small diameter portion 512. In this embodiment, two notches 514 (one of which is not shown) are formed at the end on the top side of the small diameter portion 512 at positions spaced 180° apart from each other in the circumferential direction. However, the positions at which the notches 514 are formed are not limited to this.

[0065] The pillar-shaped portion 513 is a cylindrical portion that extends at the top end of the base portion 51 and has a bottom, with the center being the inclination axis C0. This closes the internal space 701 of the inclined drum 77 at the top side. A first screw (male screw) (not shown) is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the pillar-shaped portion 513.

[0066] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the holding member 52. The holding member 52 is an elastically deformable member having a truncated conical cylindrical shape centered on the tilt axis C0. The holding member 52 of this embodiment is made of silicone rubber. This allows the holding member 52 to be easily processed and shaped. However, the holding member 52 may also be made of, for example, urethane rubber (urethane foam) or butyl rubber. The inner diameter of the holding member 52 is smaller than the outer diameter of the top end of the large-diameter portion 511 of the base portion 51 and larger than the outer diameter of the small-diameter portion 512. This allows the holding member 52 to be placed in the recess 62 of the base portion 51. When placed in the recess 62, the holding member 52 has an annular shape centered on the tilt axis C0.

[0067] Furthermore, the holding member 52 is provided with a plurality of through holes 520 (nine in this embodiment). Each of the plurality of through holes 520 penetrates the holding member 52 in the thickness direction. Furthermore, the plurality of through holes 520 in this embodiment are formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the holding member 52. However, the plurality of through holes 520 may also be formed at unequal intervals in the circumferential direction of the holding member 52. In other words, it is sufficient that the plurality of through holes 520 are formed at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction of the holding member 52.

[0068] Furthermore, a protrusion 521 is formed as a second fitting portion at the end on the top side of the holding member 52. The protrusion 521 is a portion that protrudes radially inward at the end on the top side of the holding member 52. The protrusion 521 is formed on a portion of the holding member 52 in the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, two protrusions 521 are formed at the end on the top side of the holding member 52 at positions that are 180° apart from each other in the circumferential direction. However, the positions at which the protrusions 521 are formed are not limited to this.

[0069] In the process of assembling the inclined drum 77, when the holding member 52 is placed in the recess 62, the two protrusions 521 are fitted into the cutouts 514 of the base 51. When the holding member 52 is placed in the recess 62 and the protrusions 521 are fitted into the cutouts 514, the multiple through holes 520 overlap with the openings 510 of the base 51 in the thickness direction and communicate with the openings 510. With this structure, the holding member 52 can be aligned with respect to the base 51 with high precision, and the workability during alignment can be improved.

[0070] Here, the pressure in the internal space 701 of the inclined drum 77 is maintained at a negative pressure lower than atmospheric pressure by a suction mechanism (not shown). Therefore, as described above, the plurality of through-holes 520 are each connected to the opening 510, thereby forming a plurality of (nine in this embodiment) suction holes 800 in the side surface 700 of the inclined drum 77, through which a plurality of tablets 9 are suction-held. In this embodiment, the plurality of suction holes 800 are formed in an annular shape at equal angular intervals around the inclination axis C0. That is, the first side surface 710 of the first inclined drum 71 is formed with first suction holes 711, which are a plurality of suction holes 800 arranged in an annular shape around the first axis C1. Furthermore, the second side surface 720 of the second inclined drum 72 is formed with second suction holes 721, which are a plurality of suction holes 800 arranged in an annular shape around the second axis C2.

[0071] However, the structure for fitting the base portion 51 and the holding member 52 is not limited to this. For example, a protrusion may be formed on the base portion 51, and a notch may be formed on the holding member 52. Then, when the holding member 52 is placed in the recess 62, the notch of the holding member 52 may be fitted into the protrusion of the base portion 51. Alternatively, the base portion 51 and the holding member 52 may be fitted using a structure other than a protrusion or a notch. That is, it is only necessary that the structure be such that, when the holding member 52 is placed in the recess 62, a first fitting portion formed on a portion of the circumferential direction of the base portion 51 fits into a second fitting portion formed on a portion of the circumferential direction of the holding member 52.

[0072] As described above, when the holding member 52 is placed in the recess 62 of the base portion 51, the peripheral portion of each opening 510 of the base portion 51 is covered from the radially outer side by the holding member 52, and multiple suction holes 800 are formed. As a result, as will be described later, when the inclined drum 77 transfers multiple tablets 9 while suction-holding them at the multiple suction holes 800, the tablets 9 are transferred via the elastically deformable holding member 52, so that loads and impacts applied to the tablets 9 can be absorbed, and as a result, breakage of the tablets 9 can be easily prevented. Furthermore, when the inclined drum 77 transfers the tablets 9, even if the gap between the transfer source and the transfer destination is somewhat large, the tablets 9 can continue to be held by the frictional force between the tablets 9 and the holding member 52, and as a result, falling off of the tablets 9 can be easily prevented.

[0073] Furthermore, as described above, the diameter of the opening 510 in this embodiment is sufficiently larger than the diameter of the through-hole 520 of the holding member 52. Therefore, the portions of the holding member 52 near each through-hole 520 protrude further inward than the peripheral edge of the opening 510. Then, when the plurality of tablets 9 are suction-held by the plurality of suction holes 800, they come into contact with the holding member 52 at the peripheral edge of each of the plurality of suction holes 800. As a result, when the inclined drum 77 transfers the plurality of tablets 9 while suction-holding them in the plurality of suction holes 800, even if the tablets 9 shake or tilt with respect to the suction holes 800, the tablets 9 can be further prevented from falling off or being damaged.

[0074] 10, in the holding member 52 of this embodiment, the thickness of the portion near each through-hole 520 is greater than the thickness of the other portion. By having such a shape, it is possible to reduce the amount of silicone rubber used to form the holding member 52, and further reduce the load and impact applied to the tablet 9 when the tablet 9 is held in each suction hole 800.

[0075] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the fixed portion 53. The fixed portion 53 has a cylindrical portion 531 and a flange portion 532. The cylindrical portion 531 is the topmost portion of the fixed portion 53 and extends cylindrically around the inclined axis C0. The flange portion 532 is a portion that extends radially outward from the peripheral edge of the bottom end of the cylindrical portion 531 around the entire circumference. The fixed portion 53 also has a curved portion 533 that is hollowed out in part of the circumferential direction. This allows an operator to easily handle the fixed portion 53 by grasping and holding the curved portion 533.

[0076] Further, a second thread (female thread) (not shown) is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 531. In this embodiment, the fixing portion 53 can be attached to the base portion 51 by threading the second thread (female thread) of the fixing portion 53 into the first thread (male thread) of the base portion 51. That is, in this embodiment, the fixing portion 53 is detachable from the base portion 51 by threading the first thread (male thread) of the base portion 51 with the second thread (female thread) of the fixing portion 53. However, a configuration may also be adopted in which the columnar portion 513 of the base portion 51 is formed cylindrically, the second thread (female thread) is formed on its inner peripheral surface, and further the first thread (male thread) is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 531 of the fixing portion 53, and these thread together.

[0077] Furthermore, when the holding member 52 is placed in the recess 62, the outer diameter of the bottom end face of the flange portion 532 is larger than the inner diameter of the top end face of the holding member 52. As a result, by attaching the fixing portion 53 to the base portion 51 with the holding member 52 placed in the recess 62, the holding member 52 can be sandwiched between the fixing portion 53 and the base portion 51. As a result, the holding member 52 placed in the recess 62 can be held without coming off or falling off. Furthermore, since there is no need to use a separate member to hold the holding member 52, the number of parts can be reduced.

[0078] Furthermore, when attaching the fixing portion 53 to the base portion 51 with the holding member 52 placed in the recess 62, the spring 54 is placed on the top end surface of the holding member 52. The spring 54 can expand and contract in the direction along the tilt axis C0 when placed on the top end surface of the holding member 52. In this embodiment, the spring 54 is a wave washer. However, the spring 54 may also be a disc spring, coil spring, or the like. When the fixing portion 53 is attached to the base portion 51, the spring 54 is held by being sandwiched between the fixing portion 53 and the holding member 52. In this way, by interposing the spring 54, even if the holding member 52 placed in the recess 62 has some dimensional error or is placed at a slight tilt, the spring 54 can absorb the dimensional error and tilt. As a result, the fixing portion 53 can be attached to the base portion 51 with high precision.

[0079] Prior to assembling the inclined drum 77, a plurality of interchangeable holding members 52 having different thicknesses or through-holes 520 are prepared in advance. When assembling the inclined drum 77, an optimal holding member 52 suited to the thickness and diameter of the tablets 9 is first selected and placed in the recess 62 of the base 51. At this time, the two protrusions 521 of the holding member 52 are fitted into the notches 514 of the base 51, respectively. This allows the holding member 52 to be aligned with the base 51 with high precision. Next, the spring 54 is placed on the top end surface of the holding member 52. Furthermore, the second screw (female screw) of the fixing portion 53 is screwed into the first screw (male screw) of the base 51, thereby attaching the fixing portion 53 to the base 51. As a result, holding member 52 can be sandwiched and fixed between base portion 51 and fixed portion 53, while spring 54 can be held between fixed portion 53 and holding member 52. As described above, first inclined drum 71 and second inclined drum 72, which are inclined drum 77, can be assembled.

[0080] After the first inclined drum 71 and the second inclined drum 72 are assembled and then introduced into the tablet printing apparatus 1, the pressure in the internal space (internal space 701) of the first inclined drum 71 is maintained at a negative pressure lower than atmospheric pressure by a suction mechanism (not shown). The first inclined drum 71 uses this negative pressure to hold the tablets 9 one by one in the first suction holes 711. Similarly, the pressure in the internal space (internal space 701) of the second inclined drum 72 is also maintained at a negative pressure lower than atmospheric pressure by a suction mechanism (not shown). The second inclined drum 72 uses this negative pressure to hold the tablets 9 one by one in the second suction holes 721.

[0081] As described above, when the plurality of tablets 9 are sucked and held by the plurality of first suction holes 711 of the first inclined drum 71, they come into contact with the holding member 52 at the peripheral portions of the plurality of first suction holes 711. When the plurality of tablets 9 are sucked and held by the plurality of second suction holes 721 of the second inclined drum 72, they come into contact with the holding member 52 at the peripheral portions of the plurality of second suction holes 721. As will be described later, the inversion mechanism 70 including the first inclined drum 71 and the second inclined drum 72 sucks and holds the tablets 9 at the plurality of first suction holes 711 and the plurality of second suction holes 721, and transfers the tablets 9 while bringing them into contact with the holding member 52 at the peripheral portions of the plurality of first suction holes 711 and the plurality of second suction holes 721, thereby inverting the tablets 9 upside down.

[0082] As a result, even if the gap from the transfer source to the transfer destination becomes slightly narrower than the set value when the first inclined drum 71 and the second inclined drum 72 transfer the tablet 9, the elasticity of the holding member 52 prevents excessive load from being applied to the tablet 9, making it less likely for the tablet 9 to be damaged. Furthermore, even if the gap from the transfer source to the transfer destination becomes slightly wider than the set value when the first inclined drum 71 and the second inclined drum 72 transfer the tablet 9 and the tablet 9 moves away from the first suction hole 711 or the second suction hole 721, the tablet 9 continues to be held by the frictional force between the tablet 9 and the holding member 52, making it less likely to fall off.

[0083] As shown by the dashed line in Fig. 6, a third blow mechanism B3 is provided inside the first inclined drum 71. The third blow mechanism B3 blows gas only onto the first suction holes 711, among the multiple first suction holes 711 of the first inclined drum 71, that face the second inclined drum 72. This causes the first suction holes 711 to be under a positive pressure higher than atmospheric pressure. This releases the suction of the tablets 9 at the first suction holes 711, and the tablets 9 are transferred from the first suction holes 711 of the first inclined drum 71 to the second suction holes 721 of the second inclined drum 72.

[0084] As shown by the dashed line in FIG. 6 , a fourth blow mechanism B4 is provided inside the second inclined drum 72. The fourth blow mechanism B4 blows gas only onto the second suction holes 721, among the multiple second suction holes 721 of the second inclined drum 72, that face the second region A2 of the conveyor belt 22. This causes the second suction holes 721 to be under a positive pressure higher than atmospheric pressure. This releases the tablet 9 from suction at the second suction holes 721, and the tablet 9 is transferred from the second suction holes 721 of the second inclined drum 72 to the suction holes 221 in the second region A2 of the conveyor belt 22.

[0085] The suction force of the plurality of second suction holes 721 on the second side surface 720 to the tablets 9 may be set slightly greater than the suction force of the plurality of first suction holes 711 on the first side surface 710. This makes it less likely that the tablets 9 will fall off when they are transferred from the first suction holes 711 of the first inclined drum 71 to the second suction holes 721 of the second inclined drum 72. However, the suction force of the plurality of first suction holes 711 of the first inclined drum 71 and the suction force of the plurality of second suction holes 721 of the second inclined drum 72 may be the same.

[0086] The third inclined drum 73 and the fourth inclined drum 74 have the same structure as the first inclined drum 71 and the second inclined drum 72, and are disposed adjacent to each other, similar to the first inclined drum 71 and the second inclined drum 72. However, the third inclined drum 73 and the fourth inclined drum 74 are disposed at a second inversion position P2, which is downstream of the conveying path from the first inversion position P1 where the first inclined drum 71 and the second inclined drum 72 are disposed. The third inclined drum 73 and the fourth inclined drum 74 are disposed at a position shifted in the width direction by one widthwise arrangement interval of the tablets 9 from the first inclined drum 71 and the second inclined drum 72. The third inclined drum 73 is fixed to the output shaft of a third motor 73M. The fourth inclined drum 74 is fixed to the output shaft of a fourth motor 74M.

[0087] The fifth inclined drum 75 and the sixth inclined drum 76 have the same structure as the first inclined drum 71 and the second inclined drum 72 and are disposed adjacent to each other, similar to the first inclined drum 71 and the second inclined drum 72. However, the fifth inclined drum 75 and the sixth inclined drum 76 are disposed at a third inversion position P3, which is downstream of the conveying path from the second inversion position P2 where the third inclined drum 73 and the fourth inclined drum 74 are disposed. The fifth inclined drum 75 and the sixth inclined drum 76 are disposed at a position shifted in the width direction by one widthwise arrangement interval of the tablets 9 from the third inclined drum 73 and the fourth inclined drum 74. The fifth inclined drum 75 is fixed to the output shaft of a fifth motor 75M. The sixth inclined drum 76 is fixed to the output shaft of a sixth motor 76M.

[0088] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6 , the tablet 9 held in the suction hole 221 at the first position W1 in the width direction of the conveyor belt 22 and conveyed to the first reversal position P1 is delivered to the first inclined drum 71. The first inclined drum 71 rotates while suction-holding the tablet 9 delivered from the conveyor belt 22 in the first suction hole 711 on the first side surface 710, and delivers the tablet 9 to the second inclined drum 72. The second inclined drum 72 then rotates while suction-holding the tablet 9 delivered from the first inclined drum 71 in the second suction hole 721 on the second side surface 720, and delivers the tablet 9 to the suction hole 221 at the second position W2 in the width direction of the conveyor belt 22. As a result, at the first reversal position P1 on the conveyance path of the conveyance mechanism 20, the position of the tablet 9 in the width direction on the conveyance path moves from the first position W1 belonging to the first region A1 to the second position W2 belonging to the second region A2, and the tablet 9 is turned over.

[0089] Similarly, the third inclined drum 73 and the fourth inclined drum 74 move the widthwise position of the tablet 9 on the conveying path from a third position W3 belonging to the first region A1 to a fourth position W4 belonging to the second region A2 at a second reversal position P2 on the conveying path of the conveying mechanism 20, and also turn over the tablet 9. Similarly, the fifth inclined drum 75 and the sixth inclined drum 76 move the widthwise position of the tablet 9 on the conveying path from a fifth position W5 belonging to the first region A1 to a sixth position W6 belonging to the second region A2 at a third reversal position P3 on the conveying path of the conveying mechanism 20, and also turn over the tablet 9.

[0090] As described above, the holding member 52 is detachably attached to the base portion 51 and the fixed portion 53 of each of the first to sixth inclined drums 71 to 76. In this embodiment, in addition to the holding member 52 already placed in the recess 62 of the base portion 51, multiple holding members 52 with different thicknesses or through-holes 520 of different sizes and interchangeable with each other are prepared in advance. This allows for easy handling even when changing the tablets 9 to be processed to other types of tablets 9 with different thicknesses or diameters by selecting the optimal holding member 52 that matches the thickness and diameter of the changed tablets 9 and attaching it to the first to sixth inclined drums 71 to 76. For example, when using tablets 9 with small thicknesses, placing the holding member 52 with large thicknesses in the recess 62 allows stable transfer of the tablets 9 between the first to sixth inclined drums 71 to 76.

[0091] The discharge mechanism 80 is a mechanism for discharging a plurality of tablets 9 from the conveying mechanism 20 to the outside of the tablet printing apparatus 1. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the discharge mechanism 80 has a discharge chute 81 and a discharge conveyor (not shown). The discharge chute 81 is located downstream of the drying mechanism 60 on the conveying path and upstream of the reversing mechanism 70 on the conveying path. The discharge chute 81 also faces the second region A2 of the conveyor belt 22. When the tablet 9 adsorbed to the suction holes 221 in the second region A2 reaches the position of the discharge chute 81, the second blow mechanism B2 releases the tablet 9 from suction. This causes the tablet 9 to fall from the second region A2 of the conveyor belt 22 through the discharge chute 81 onto the upper surface of the discharge conveyor. The fallen tablet 9 is then discharged to the outside of the tablet printing apparatus 1 by the discharge conveyor.

[0092] The control unit 90 is a means for controlling the operation of each unit in the tablet printing apparatus 1. FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the connection between the control unit 90 and each unit in the tablet printing apparatus 1. As conceptually shown in FIG. 12, the control unit 90 is composed of a computer having a processor 91 such as a CPU, a memory 92 such as RAM, and a storage unit 93 such as a hard disk drive. A computer program CP for executing the conveying process, the inversion process, and the printing process of the tablets 9 is installed in the storage unit 93.

[0093] As shown in FIG. 12, the control unit 90 is communicatively connected to the above-described loading mechanism 10 (including the alignment mechanism and loading drum 11), conveying mechanism 20 (including the conveying motor 23, suction mechanism 24, first blow mechanism B1, and second blow mechanism B2), printing unit 30 (including four heads 31), first camera 40, second camera 50, drying mechanism 60, reversing mechanism 70 (including first motor 71M to sixth motor 76M, third blow mechanism B3, fourth blow mechanism B4, and suction mechanism), and discharge mechanism 80. The control unit 90 temporarily reads the computer program CP and data stored in the storage unit 93 into memory 92, and the processor 91 performs arithmetic processing based on the computer program CP, thereby controlling the operation of each of the above-described units. This allows the conveying process, reversing process, and printing process of the multiple tablets 9 to proceed.

[0094] <2. Processing flow> Next, we will explain the flow of the conveying process, the inversion process, and the printing process using the above-mentioned tablet printing apparatus 1. Below, we will explain the processes performed on one tablet 9 in order. However, this tablet printing apparatus 1 performs predetermined processes while conveying multiple tablets 9 sequentially along the conveying path. Therefore, multiple tablets 9 are present inside the tablet printing apparatus 1 at the same time.

[0095] 13 is a flowchart showing the processing flow in the tablet printing apparatus 1. When a tablet 9 is fed into the tablet printing apparatus 1, first, the carry-in mechanism 10 carries the tablet 9 into the carry-in path on the conveying mechanism 20 (step S1). The carried-in tablet 9 is adsorbed and held by the suction holes 221 in the first area A1 of the conveying belt 22. Then, as the conveying belt 22 rotates, the tablet 9 is conveyed along the circular conveying path.

[0096] Hereinafter, the surface of the tablet 9 facing outward when held in the suction holes 221 of the first region A1 will be referred to as the "first surface." Furthermore, the surface that is adsorbed by the suction holes 221 in this state will be referred to as the "second surface." In Figures 2 and 3, the first surface of the tablet 9 is shaded to distinguish between the first and second surfaces. However, these "first surface" and "second surface" have no relation to the actual front and back surfaces of the tablet 9. For example, when the tablet 9 is a scored tablet having a score line on only one side, the multiple tablets 9 held in the first region A1 may include a mixture of tablets 9 whose surface with the score line is the first surface and tablets 9 whose surface without the score line is the first surface.

[0097] When the tablet 9 reaches below the first camera 40, the first camera 40 photographs the first side of the tablet 9. This acquires image data of the first side of the tablet 9. The acquired image data is sent from the first camera 40 to the control unit 90. The control unit 90 then performs a pre-printing inspection of the first side based on the image data received from the first camera 40 (step S2). Specifically, the presence or absence of the tablet 9 in the suction hole 221, the front and back of the tablet 9, the rotational orientation of the tablet 9 around the vertical axis, the positional deviation of the tablet 9 relative to the suction hole 221, the presence or absence of shape defects of the tablet 9, etc. are inspected.

[0098] Next, when the tablet 9 reaches below the printing unit 30, the four heads 31 eject ink droplets toward the first side of the tablet 9. This performs a printing process on the first side of the tablet 9. As a result, an image is printed on the first side of the tablet 9 (step S3). At this time, the control unit 90 adjusts the image to be printed on each tablet 9 based on the inspection results of step S2 described above. For example, from an image for the front side and an image for the back side, it selects an appropriate image depending on the front and back sides of each tablet 9, and rotates the selected image depending on the rotational orientation of each tablet 9. Then, a print signal is input to the head 31 based on the adjusted image. As a result, an appropriate image is printed in an appropriate orientation on the first side of each tablet 9.

[0099] Subsequently, when the tablet 9 reaches below the second camera 50, the second camera 50 photographs the first side of the tablet 9. As a result, image data of the first side of the tablet 9 is acquired. The acquired image data is transmitted from the second camera 50 to the control unit 90. The control unit 90 also performs a post-printing inspection of the first side based on the image data received from the second camera 50 (step S4). Specifically, the control unit 90 determines whether the image printed on the first side of each tablet 9 is normal by, for example, comparing the image data received from the second camera 50 with data of a normal image prepared in advance.

[0100] Next, when the tablet 9 reaches the position of the drying mechanism 60, the drying mechanism 60 blows hot air toward the first surface of the tablet 9. This dries the ink adhering to the first surface of the tablet 9, and the ink is fixed to the first surface (step S5).

[0101] Thereafter, when the tablet 9 reaches one of the first to third inversion positions P1 to P3 on the conveying path, the inversion mechanism 70 moves the widthwise position of the tablet 9 on the conveying path and inverts the tablet 9 (step S6). Specifically, the tablet 9 conveyed at the first widthwise position W1 is moved to the second widthwise position W2 by the first inclined drum 71 and the second inclined drum 72. The tablet 9 conveyed at the third widthwise position W3 is moved to the fourth widthwise position W4 by the third inclined drum 73 and the fourth inclined drum 74. The tablet 9 conveyed at the fifth widthwise position W5 is moved to the sixth widthwise position W6 by the fifth inclined drum 75 and the sixth inclined drum 76. As a result, the plurality of tablets 9 move from the suction holes 221 in the first region A1 of the conveying mechanism 20 to the suction holes 221 in the second region A2.

[0102] At this time, the first inclined drum 71 rotates while adsorbing the tablets 9 delivered from the first region A1 one by one into the multiple first suction holes 711 and holding the tablets 9 by bringing them into contact with the holding members 52 that form the periphery of each first suction hole 711, and delivers them to the second inclined drum 72. The second inclined drum 72 rotates while adsorbing the tablets 9 delivered from the first inclined drum 71 one by one into the multiple second suction holes 721 and holding the tablets 9 by bringing them into contact with the holding members 52 that form the periphery of each second suction hole 721, and delivers them to the second region A2. This turns the tablets 9 over.

[0103] Similarly, the third inclined drum 73 rotates while adsorbing the tablets 9 delivered from the first region A1 into the suction holes one by one and holding the tablets 9 by bringing them into contact with the holding members 52 that form the periphery of each suction hole, and delivers them to the fourth inclined drum 74. The fourth inclined drum 74 rotates while adsorbing the tablets 9 delivered from the third inclined drum 73 into the suction holes one by one and holding the tablets 9 by bringing them into contact with the holding members 52 that form the periphery of each suction hole, and delivers them to the second region A2. The fifth inclined drum 75 rotates while adsorbing the tablets 9 delivered from the first region A1 into the suction holes one by one and holding the tablets 9 by bringing them into contact with the holding members 52 that form the periphery of each suction hole, and delivers them to the sixth inclined drum 76. The sixth inclined drum 76 rotates while adsorbing the tablets 9 delivered from the fifth inclined drum 75 one by one into the plurality of suction holes and holding the tablets 9 by bringing them into contact with the holding members 52 that form the periphery of each suction hole, and delivers them to the second area A2. As a result, all of the tablets 9 aligned in three rows in the width direction are turned over at the first to third inversion positions P1 to P3, and are adsorbed and held by the suction holes 221 in the second area A2 with their second surfaces facing outward.

[0104] Next, when the tablet 9 reaches below the first camera 40, the first camera 40 photographs the second side of the tablet 9. As a result, image data of the second side of the tablet 9 is acquired. The acquired image data is transmitted from the first camera 40 to the control unit 90. The control unit 90 also performs a pre-printing inspection of the second side based on the image data received from the first camera 40 (step S7). Specifically, the presence or absence of the tablet 9 in the suction hole 221, the front and back of the tablet 9, the rotational orientation of the tablet 9 around the vertical axis, the positional deviation of the tablet 9 relative to the suction hole 221, the presence or absence of shape defects of the tablet 9, etc. are inspected.

[0105] Next, when the tablet 9 reaches below the printing unit 30, the four heads 31 eject ink droplets toward the second side of the tablet 9. This performs a printing process on the second side of the tablet 9. As a result, an image is printed on the second side of the tablet 9 (step S8). At this time, the control unit 90 adjusts the image to be printed on each tablet 9 based on the inspection results of step S7 described above. For example, from an image for the front side and an image for the back side, it selects an appropriate image depending on the front and back sides of each tablet 9, and rotates the selected image depending on the rotational orientation of each tablet 9. Then, a print signal is input to the head 31 based on the adjusted image. As a result, an appropriate image is printed in an appropriate orientation on the second side of each tablet 9.

[0106] Subsequently, when the tablet 9 reaches below the second camera 50, the second camera 50 photographs the second side of the tablet 9. As a result, image data of the second side of the tablet 9 is acquired. The acquired image data is transmitted from the second camera 50 to the control unit 90. The control unit 90 also performs a post-printing inspection of the second side based on the image data received from the second camera 50 (step S9). Specifically, the control unit 90 determines whether the image printed on the second side of each tablet 9 is normal by, for example, comparing the image data received from the second camera 50 with data of a normal image prepared in advance.

[0107] Next, when the tablet 9 reaches the position of the drying mechanism 60, the drying mechanism 60 blows hot air toward the second surface of the tablet 9. This dries the ink adhering to the second surface of the tablet 9, and the ink is fixed to the second surface (step S10).

[0108] Thereafter, when the tablet 9 reaches the position of the discharge chute 81, the tablet 9 falls from the conveyor belt 22 through the discharge chute 81 onto the discharge conveyor. Then, the discharge conveyor discharges the tablet 9 to the outside of the conveyance path of the tablet printing apparatus 1 (step S11).

[0109] As described above, the tablet printing apparatus 1 conveys tablets 9 along a circular conveying path. A portion of the conveying path is provided with an inverting mechanism 70 that inverts the tablet 9 and moves the tablet 9 in the width direction. Therefore, both sides of the tablet 9 can be photographed by the first camera 40, printed by the printing unit 30, photographed by the second camera 50, and dried by the drying mechanism 60 at the same position in the conveying direction. That is, the processing units of the printing unit 30, the first camera 40, the second camera 50, and the drying mechanism 60 can perform predetermined processing on both the first and second sides of the tablet 9. Therefore, the number of components in the tablet printing apparatus 1 can be reduced compared to when these processing operations on the first and second sides are performed at separate locations. Furthermore, the tablet printing apparatus 1 can be made smaller.

[0110] In particular, in this embodiment, a pair of inclined drums is used to turn the tablet 9 over and move it in the width direction. This mechanism allows the tablet 9 to be turned over and moved in the width direction without changing its position in the transport direction. Therefore, the length in the transport direction required for the turnover mechanism 70 can be reduced. This allows the tablet printing device 1 to be made more compact.

[0111] <3. Modifications> Although the main embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments.

[0112] In the above-described embodiment, the inversion mechanism 70 inverts the tablet 9 and moves the position of the tablet 9 in the width direction. However, the inversion mechanism 70 may invert the tablet 9 without moving the position of the tablet 9 in the width direction. Figure 14 is a side view of a tablet printing apparatus 1 equipped with such an inversion mechanism 70.

[0113] In the modified example of Fig. 14, the conveying mechanism 20 conveys tablets 9 along a circular conveying path, similar to the above-described embodiment. However, in this example, tablets 9 before inversion and tablets 9 after inversion are arranged alternately in the conveying direction on the holding surface 220 of the conveying belt 22. When a tablet 9 before inversion reaches the inversion position, the first blowing mechanism B1 blows gas only into the suction holes 221 where the tablet 9 is adsorbed and held. As a result, of the multiple tablets 9 held and conveyed by the conveying belt 22, only the tablet 9 before inversion is delivered to the inversion mechanism 70.

[0114] The reversing mechanism 70 in Fig. 14 has the same configuration as the reversing mechanism 70 in the above-described embodiment. However, in the example in Fig. 14, the first inclined drum 71 and the second inclined drum 72 are arranged adjacent to each other in the conveying direction. Therefore, the reversing mechanism 70 that receives the tablet 9 from the conveyor belt 22 turns the tablet 9 upside down and delivers the inverted tablet 9 to the suction hole 221 of the conveyor belt 22. Then, the reversing mechanism 70 moves the position of the tablet 9 in the conveying direction on the conveying path.

[0115] Even with this configuration, each of the following processes can be performed on both sides of the tablet 9 within a single conveying mechanism 20: photography by the first camera 40, printing by the printing unit 30, photography by the second camera 50, and drying by the drying mechanism 60. Therefore, compared to when these processes for the first side and the second side are performed in separate conveying mechanisms, the number of parts in the tablet printing device 1 can be reduced. In addition, the tablet printing device 1 can be made smaller.

[0116] In the above-described embodiment, the apex angles of the first inclined drum 71 and the second inclined drum 72 are both 90° when viewed in the conveying direction of the conveying mechanism 20. However, the apex angles of the first inclined drum 71 and the second inclined drum 72 do not necessarily have to be 90°. However, when it is desired to move tablets 9 while inverting them on the same holding surface 220, it is preferable that the sum of the apex angles of the first inclined drum 71 and the second inclined drum 72 when viewed in the conveying direction of the conveying mechanism 20 is 180°. For example, the apex angle of the first inclined drum 71 when viewed in the conveying direction may be 60°, and the apex angle of the second inclined drum 72 when viewed in the conveying direction may be 120°.

[0117] In the above-described embodiment, the first to sixth inclined drums 71 to 76 all have conical side surfaces. However, the side surfaces of the first to sixth inclined drums 71 to 76 may have a polygonal pyramid shape, such as a square pyramid, a hexagonal pyramid, or an octagonal pyramid. That is, the side surface 700 of the inclined drum 77, including the first side surface 710 of the first inclined drum 71 and the second side surface 720 of the second inclined drum 72, may have a pyramidal shape. Furthermore, in the inclined drum 77, the large-diameter portion 511, the small-diameter portion 512, and the columnar portion 513 of the base portion 51, the holding member 52, and the cylindrical portion 531 and flange portion 532 of the fixing portion 53 may each extend in a rectangular cylindrical shape centered on the inclination axis C0.

[0118] In the above embodiment, the printing unit 30 is provided with four heads 31. However, the number of heads 31 included in the printing unit 30 may be one to three, or may be five or more.

[0119] Furthermore, the tablet printing apparatus 1 of the above-described embodiment includes the printing unit 30, the first camera 40, the second camera 50, and the drying mechanism 60 as processing units that process the tablets 9 on the conveying path of the conveying mechanism 20. However, the tablet printing apparatus 1 may include only some of these processing units. Furthermore, the tablet printing apparatus 1 may include other processing units.

[0120] In the above embodiment, the case where the tablets 9 are transported along a circular transport path has been described. However, the granular material processing device of the present invention may be one that transports granular material along a non-circular transport path and has a reversing mechanism that reversing the granular material and moving the position of the granular material in the width direction in a part of the transport path.

[0121] Furthermore, the detailed configuration of the device may differ from that shown in the drawings of the present application. Furthermore, the elements appearing in the above-described embodiments and modifications may be combined as appropriate within the scope of not causing any contradiction. [Explanation of symbols]

[0122] 1. Tablet printing equipment 9 tablets 20 Transport mechanism 30 Printing Department 40 Camera 1 50 Second Camera 51 Base 52 Retaining member 53 Fixed part 54 Spring 60 Drying mechanism 61 Base side 62 recess 70 Reversal mechanism 71 First Inclined Drum 72 Second inclined drum 73 Third Inclined Drum 74 4th inclined drum 75 5th inclined drum 76 No. 6 Inclined Drum 77 Inclined Drum 80 Unloading mechanism 90 Control Unit 220 (Circular conveyor belt) holding surface 221 (Circular conveyor belt) suction hole 510 Aperture 511 Large diameter part 512 Small diameter section 513 Columnar part 514 Notch 520 Through hole 521 Protrusion 531 Cylindrical part 532 flange 700 (inclined drum) side 701 (Inclined drum) internal space 710 1st side 711 1st suction hole 720 Second side 721 2nd suction hole 800 suction holes (on tilted drum) A1 1st area A2 2nd area C0 tilt axis C1 1st axis C2 2nd axis

Claims

1. A granular material processing device that performs a predetermined process on the surface of granular material, a conveying mechanism that holds the granular material and conveys the granular material along a conveying path; a processing unit that performs the predetermined processing on a first surface or a second surface of the granular object at a processing position on the transport path of the transport mechanism; an inversion mechanism that inverts the granular material at an inversion position on the conveying path of the conveying mechanism; Equipped with The inversion mechanism includes: a plurality of inclined drums each having a conical or pyramidal side surface whose diameter decreases from the bottom to the top about an inclined axis inclined with respect to the width direction of the conveying path; Including, Each of the plurality of inclined drums comprises: a base portion that forms a base side surface that is a part of the side surface on the bottom side, and that forms a recess that is recessed radially inward around the entire circumference on the top side of the base side surface; a holding member that is annular about the inclined axis and is placed in the recess; and a fixing portion that is detachable from the base portion and that, when attached to the base portion, sandwiches the holding member between itself and the base portion; and The base portion is a plurality of openings formed in the recess at predetermined intervals in a circumferential direction; a first fitting portion formed at a portion in the circumferential direction; and The holding member is a plurality of through holes formed at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction; a second fitting portion formed at a portion in the circumferential direction; and A granular material processing device in which, when the holding member is placed in the recess, the first fitting portion fits into the second fitting portion, and the multiple through holes each communicate with the opening, thereby forming multiple suction holes that adsorb and hold multiple granular materials.

2. The granular material processing device according to claim 1, the first fitting portion is a notch portion that is notched radially inward from the recess portion, The granular material processing apparatus, wherein the second fitting portion is a protrusion that protrudes radially inward at the end portion on the top side of the holding member.

3. The granular material processing device according to claim 1 or 2, A granular material processing apparatus, wherein the granular materials contact the holding member at the peripheral portions of the suction holes when they are suction-held by the suction holes.

4. The granular material processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, Each of the plurality of inclined drums comprises: A spring placed on the top end surface of the holding member and the spring is expandable and contractible in a direction along the tilt axis, A granular material processing apparatus, wherein when the fixing portion is attached to the base portion, the spring is held by being sandwiched between the fixing portion and the holding member.

5. The granular material processing device according to claim 4, The granular material processing device, wherein the spring is a wave washer.

6. The granular material processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The base portion is a columnar portion extending in a cylindrical or rectangular tube shape around the inclined axis at the end on the top side, and having a first thread formed on the outer circumferential surface; and The fixing portion is a cylindrical portion extending in a cylindrical or rectangular cylindrical shape around the inclined axis and having a second thread formed on an inner circumferential surface; a flange portion extending radially outward from the cylindrical portion; and The fixing part is attached to the base part by threading the first screw and the second screw together.

7. The granular material processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The inversion mechanism includes: a first inclined drum having a first side surface that is a cone-shaped or pyramidal side surface centered on a first axis that is the inclination axis; a second inclined drum having a second side surface that is a cone-shaped or pyramidal side surface centered on the second axis that is the inclination axis; and the first inclined drum has the plurality of suction holes arranged in a ring shape around the first axis on the first side surface, the second inclined drum has the plurality of suction holes arranged in a ring shape around the second axis on the second side surface, the first inclined drum rotates while suction-holding the granular material delivered from the conveying mechanism on the first side surface, and delivers the granular material to the second inclined drum; The second inclined drum rotates while adsorbing and holding the granular material transferred from the first inclined drum to the second side surface, and transfers the granular material to the conveying mechanism.

8. The granular material processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the conveying mechanism conveys granular material along the circular conveying path; The reversing mechanism reverses the granular material and moves the position of the granular material in the width direction on the conveying path.

9. The granular material processing device according to claim 8, the conveying mechanism rotates a holding surface that attracts and holds the granular material along the conveying path; the holding surface has a first region and a second region adjacent to each other in the width direction, The inversion mechanism moves the granular material held in the first area to the second area.

10. The granular material processing device according to claim 7, A granular material processing apparatus, wherein the sum of the apex angle of the first inclined drum and the apex angle of the second inclined drum is 180° when viewed in the conveying direction of the conveying mechanism.

11. The granular material processing device according to claim 7 or claim 10, The granular material processing apparatus, wherein the apex angle of the first inclined drum and the apex angle of the second inclined drum are both 90° when viewed in the conveying direction of the conveying mechanism.

12. The granular material processing device according to claim 11, The granular material processing device, wherein the first inclined drum and the second inclined drum have the same shape and size.

13. The granular material processing apparatus according to any one of claims 7 and 10 to 12, A granular material processing device, wherein the adsorption force of the granular material on the second side surface is greater than the adsorption force of the granular material on the first side surface.

14. A granular material processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7 or claims 10 to 13, the conveying mechanism conveys granular material along the circular conveying path; The reversing mechanism reverses the granular material and moves the position of the granular material in the conveying direction on the conveying path.

15. A granular material processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, The processing unit A printing section that prints on the surface of granular material using an inkjet method A particulate matter processing device comprising:

16. A granular material processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, The processing unit A camera that photographs the surface of granular materials A particulate matter processing device comprising:

17. A granular material processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, A granular material processing device, wherein the granular material is a tablet.

18. A granular material processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 17, The granular material processing device, wherein the holding member is made of silicone rubber.

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