Powder molding product inspection device

Abstract

To provide a powder molded product inspection device for inspecting a quality of a powder molded product processed by a granule processing machine.SOLUTION: A prescribed number (N-number) of tablets T discharged from a powder compression molding machine 1 are sequentially supplied to each of storage parts 3a1 and 3a2. When determining that substandard products are included in the N-number of tablets T stored in each of the storage parts 3a1 and 3a2a, a control part 3f delivers all of the N-number of tablets T stored in each of the storage parts 3a1 and 3a2 having determined to include substandard products, to a substandard product passage 3c, and when determining that the substandard products are not included in the N-number of tablets T stored in each of the storage parts 3a1 and 3a2, controls branch parts 3e1 and 3e2 to deliver all of the N-number of tablets T stored in the storage parts 3a1 and 3a2 having determined not to include the substandard products, to a standard product passage 3d.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a powder molding product inspection device that inspects the quality of powder molding products processed by powder processing machines such as powder compression molding machines and pan coating machines, such as tablets for pharmaceuticals, foods, agricultural chemicals, and electronic components. [Background technology]

[0002] Powder compression molding machines (also called tablet presses or tablet presses) are used to mold powder-molded products such as pharmaceutical tablets from raw powder. As is well known, powder compression molding machines include a table with vertically extending die holes, a filling device for filling the die holes in the table with powder, and upper and lower punches for compressing the powder filled in the die holes in the table to form powder-molded products. In rotary powder compression molding machines, multiple die holes are formed along the rotational direction on the outer periphery of the turntable table, and upper and lower punches are slidably held above and below each die hole. The table and punches (upper and lower punches) are rotated together horizontally. As the table and punches (upper and lower punches) rotate, the powder filled in the die holes is compressed as the pair of upper and lower punches passes between the upper and lower rolls.

[0003] The powder-molded product compressed in the die bore of the powder compression molding machine is pushed up to the height of the table top by the lower punch. The powder-molded product is then scraped by a scraper unit installed at a position facing the table top and guided into a downwardly inclined trough-shaped chute. The powder-molded product then descends the chute and is sent to a downstream process, where it is subjected to various processes by devices or equipment installed in the downstream process. Examples of downstream processes include removing dust from the powder-molded product, printing, imprinting, or stamping on the surface of the powder-molded product, and packaging (including containerization) of the powder-molded product. Recently, it has become common to connect devices or equipment for performing downstream processes downstream of the powder compression molding machine, thereby enabling integrated processing from the molding of the powder-molded product to the downstream processes.

[0004] Powder molded products molded by a powder compression molding machine are inspected to determine whether they conform to predetermined standards by measuring information correlated with their quality (component content, dispersibility, weight, density, porosity, moisture content, presence of foreign matter, etc.). For example, in Patent Document 1 listed below, in a rotary powder compression molding machine (rotary tablet press), after compression molding of a powder molded product (tablet) in a die hole (die) of a rotary table (die plate) is completed and the upper punch (upper ram) has retracted from the die hole (die), a near-infrared spectroscopy or laser fluorescence spectroscopy sensor is placed in a position where sufficient space is secured for the sensor, and each powder molded product is measured with this spectroscopy sensor to obtain information correlated with the quality of each powder molded product (the spectrum of reflected light reflected by the powder molded product or transmitted light transmitted through the powder molded product). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4504221 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In Patent Document 1, a spectroscopic sensor is placed to capture the spectrum of a powder molding product after the compression molding of the powder molding product is completed, the upper punch is removed from the die bore, and sufficient space is secured for the sensor, i.e., immediately before the powder molding product is discharged from the powder compression molding machine. However, it takes some time to analyze the quality of the powder molding product from the spectrum acquired by the spectroscopic sensor and determine whether it conforms to specified standards. Therefore, it is often difficult to complete the conformity assessment process within the short time between the completion of the powder molding product measurement and its discharge from the powder compression molding machine. If a powder molding product that has not yet been assessed is sent to a downstream process and is detected as non-compliant during or after the downstream process, not only will the downstream process be wasted, but the downstream process may also be disrupted.

[0007] Furthermore, when coating powder molded products such as pharmaceutical tablets with sugar coating or film coating, the coated powder molded products are inspected to determine whether they meet predetermined standards by measuring information correlated with the coating quality (coating film thickness, ingredient content, moisture content, coating performance, impurities, etc.). In this case, the same problems as those described above can occur.

[0008] In view of the above circumstances, the present invention has as its technical object the provision of a powder molding product inspection device that can ensure a grace period from the measurement of a powder molding product until the completion of the conformity determination process. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a powder molding inspection device including an inspection unit having a measurement unit that measures each powder molding to acquire information correlated with the quality of the powder molding, and a judgment unit that judges whether the quality of the powder molding conforms to a predetermined standard based on the information acquired by the measurement unit, and a non-standard product rejection unit that rejects non-standard products that are judged not to conform to the standard by the inspection unit, wherein the non-standard product rejection unit includes a storage unit that can temporarily store the powder molding products that have passed through the measurement unit, a supply unit that can supply the powder molding products that have passed through the measurement unit to the storage unit, and a supply unit that is provided in the storage unit and selectively sends the powder molding products stored in the storage unit to a non-standard product path or a standard product path. A powder molded product inspection device is provided, comprising: a branching section capable of sending out; and a control section, wherein the control section controls the supply section so that a predetermined number of the powder molded products that have passed through the measurement section are supplied to the storage section, and controls the branching section so that, when it is determined based on the judgment result in the inspection section that non-standard products are included among the predetermined number of powder molded products stored in the storage section, the control section sends out the predetermined number of the powder molded products stored in the storage section to the non-standard product passage, and when it is determined that non-standard products are not included among the predetermined number of powder molded products stored in the storage section, the control section sends out the predetermined number of the powder molded products stored in the storage section to the standard product passage.

[0010] The powder molded product inspection device of the present invention preferably includes a plurality of the storage units. In this case, the supply unit is configured to selectively supply the powder molded products that have passed the measurement unit to one of the plurality of storage units, and the branch unit is provided in each of the storage units. The control unit controls the supply unit so that a predetermined number of the powder molded products that have passed the measurement unit are sequentially supplied to each of the plurality of storage units, and controls the branch unit so that, when it is determined based on the determination result of the inspection unit that the predetermined number of the powder molded products stored in the storage unit includes non-standard products, the control unit sends the predetermined number of the powder molded products stored in the storage unit to the non-standard product passage, and when it is determined that the predetermined number of the powder molded products stored in the storage unit does not include non-standard products, the control unit sends the predetermined number of the powder molded products stored in the storage unit to the standard product passage.

[0011] In the above configuration, the quality of the powder molded product includes the active ingredient content, additive ingredient content (fillers, lubricants, binders, disintegrants, etc.), ingredient identification, dispersibility, segregation, disintegrability, weight, density, porosity, moisture content, foreign matter contamination, surface condition, coating quality, etc. Information correlated with the quality of the powder molded product includes the spectrum of light or electromagnetic waves transmitted (or reflected) through (or reflected from) the powder molded product, light intensity, optical images of the powder molded product, and the pressure (compression force) applied when molding the powder molded product. The measurement unit also includes spectroscopic sensors such as near-infrared spectroscopic sensors, mid-infrared spectroscopic sensors, and Raman spectroscopic sensors, as well as laser sensors, X-ray sensors, CCD cameras, and load cells. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the powder molding product inspection device of the present invention, it is possible to ensure a grace period from the measurement of the powder molding product until the process of determining whether it complies with the standards is completed, and it is possible to reliably eliminate non-standard products that do not meet the specified quality standards before the powder molding products processed in the powder and granular processing machine are sent to the subsequent process. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1]1 is a diagram conceptually showing a powder molding product inspection device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 10 is a flowchart of the process of removing non-standard products by the non-standard product removing unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0015] 1 is a conceptual diagram of a powder molding inspection device according to this embodiment. The powder molding inspection device according to this embodiment includes an inspection unit 2 having a measurement unit, such as a near-infrared spectroscopic sensor (NIR sensor) 2a, that measures individual powder molding products, such as pharmaceutical tablets T, molded by a rotary powder compression molding machine 1 to acquire information correlating with the quality of the tablets T, and a determination unit 2b that determines whether the quality of the tablets T conforms to a predetermined standard based on the information correlating with the quality of the tablets T acquired by the near-infrared spectroscopic sensor 2a, i.e., the spectrum of near-infrared light (NIR spectrum) reflected by (or transmitted through) the tablets T, and a non-standard product rejection unit 3 that rejects tablets T (non-standard products) that are determined not to conform to the standard by the inspection unit 2.

[0016] As is well known, the rotary powder compression molding machine 1 is primarily composed of a turntable table with vertically extending die holes, a filling device for filling the die holes of the table with powder, and upper and lower punches for compressing the powder filled in the die holes of the table to form a powder molded product. As the table and punches (upper and lower punches) rotate horizontally, the powder filled in the die holes is compressed into tablets T as the pair of upper and lower punches passes between the upper and lower rolls. The tablets T formed in the die holes are pushed up to the height of the top surface of the table by the lower punch, then scraped by a scraper unit installed in a position facing the top surface of the table, and discharged from the powder compression molding machine 1. The tablets T discharged from the powder compression molding machine 1 are then guided through a chute to enter the non-standard product rejection section 3.

[0017] In this embodiment, the near-infrared spectroscopic sensor 2a is installed at a predetermined position inside the powder compression molding machine 1, particularly at a position where the tablet T can be measured immediately after the tablet T formed in the die hole is pushed up to the height of the upper surface of the table by the lower punch (immediately after the tablet T is formed), for example, in the scraper section. Generally, a near-infrared spectroscopic sensor is an optical measuring instrument that irradiates a measurement object with near-infrared light, receives the reflected light reflected by the measurement object (or the transmitted light that has passed through the measurement object), and acquires the spectrum (NIR spectrum) of the reflected light (or transmitted light) of the measurement object. The NIR spectrum of the measurement object acquired by the near-infrared spectroscopic sensor correlates with the quality of the measurement object. In this embodiment, the NIR spectrum of the reflected light of the tablet T acquired by the near-infrared spectroscopic sensor 2a is analyzed to determine whether the quality of each tablet T, particularly the active ingredient content (drug content), conforms to a predetermined standard. In this embodiment, the near-infrared spectroscopic sensor 2a also has the function of detecting that a measurement object has entered the measurement position (measurement area). When a tablet T formed in a die hole is pushed up to the height of the upper surface of the table by the lower punch and enters the measurement position of the near-infrared spectroscopic sensor 2a, the near-infrared spectroscopic sensor 2a detects the tablet T and begins spectral measurement of the tablet T. Then, when the spectral measurement of that tablet T is completed and that tablet T leaves the measurement position, the near-infrared spectroscopic sensor 2a temporarily stops the measurement and resumes measurement when the next tablet T enters the measurement position. In this way, the NIR spectra of each tablet T acquired by the near-infrared spectroscopic sensor 2a are sequentially sent from the near-infrared spectroscopic sensor 2a to the determination unit 2b. The determination unit 2b performs the determination process described below based on the NIR spectra of each tablet T sequentially sent from the near-infrared spectroscopic sensor 2a.

[0018] The determination method performed by the determination unit 2b may be, for example, PLS regression analysis or multivariate statistical process control (MSPC). In the PLS regression analysis, first, the active ingredient content is varied to prepare multiple samples of tablets T whose active ingredient content falls within a predetermined specification and multiple samples of tablets T whose active ingredient content falls outside the specification. Each sample is measured using the near-infrared spectroscopic sensor 2a, and a calibration curve showing the relationship between the active ingredient content and the NIR spectrum is created based on the NIR spectrum obtained. Then, the active ingredient content of the tablet T is predicted using the calibration curve from the NIR spectrum of the actual tablet T obtained by the near-infrared spectroscopic sensor 2a. If the predicted value exceeds the specification value, the tablet T is determined to be a non-standard product. On the other hand, in multivariate statistical process control, first, a plurality of samples of tablet T whose active ingredient content falls within a predetermined standard are prepared (preferably including samples having active ingredient contents at the upper and lower limits of the standard). Each sample is measured with the near-infrared spectroscopic sensor 2a, and NIR spectra are acquired. Principal component analysis is then performed to create model data for the in-standard product. Next, T is calculated from the model data for the in-standard product. 2 Statistics(Hotelling'sT 2 statistic) and Q statistic (also called squared prediction error), and further, T 2 For each of the Q statistics and Q statistics, a threshold value (control reference value) is set to detect out-of-specification products. Then, a principal component analysis is performed using the NIR spectrum of the actual tablet T acquired by the near-infrared spectroscopic sensor 2a, and the T of the tablet T is calculated from the data. 2 Calculate the T and Q statistics, 2If at least one of the Q statistic and the Q statistic exceeds the above threshold, the tablet T is judged to be out of specification. In regression analysis methods such as PLS regression analysis, in order to create a calibration curve used to predict the active ingredient content, it is necessary to prepare samples of both in-specification and out-of-specification products and acquire their NIR spectra. Furthermore, in order to improve the prediction accuracy of the active ingredient content, it is necessary to prepare numerous samples with finely varied active ingredient contents, both inside and outside the specification. In contrast, in multivariate statistical process control (MSPC), the T used to determine compliance with the specification for the active ingredient content is 2 Since the statistics and Q statistics are calculated based on the NIR spectrum of the in-spec sample, there is no need to prepare an out-of-spec sample. Due to these advantages, in this embodiment, multivariate statistical process control (MSPC) is used as the method of judgment performed by the judgment unit 2b. For this reason, the judgment unit 2b in this embodiment calculates the T of each tablet T based on the NIR spectrum of each tablet T acquired by the near-infrared spectroscopic sensor 2a. 2 The calculation means for calculating the statistics and Q statistics, and the T 2 a storage means for storing the threshold values ​​of the Q statistics and the Q statistics; and a T of the tablet T calculated by the calculation means. 2 statistics, Q statistics, and the T stored by the storage means 2 Compare the Q statistic with each threshold value, and calculate the T 2 The device is provided with a determination means for determining that the tablet T is a non-standard product when at least one of the statistical quantity and the Q statistical quantity exceeds a threshold value.

[0019] The non-standard product removal unit 3 is mainly composed of a plurality of, for example, two storage units 3a1 and 3a2 that can temporarily store tablets T that have passed the measurement position of the near-infrared spectroscopic sensor 2a and been discharged from the powder compression molding machine 1 by the scraper unit, a supply unit 3b that can selectively supply tablets T discharged from the powder compression molding machine 1 to one of the storage units 3a1 and 3a2, branch units 3e1 and 3e2 that are provided in the storage units 3a1 and 3a2, respectively, and that can selectively send the tablets T stored in each storage unit 3a1 and 3a2 to the non-standard product passage 3c and the standard product passage 3d, and a control unit 3f. In this embodiment, the supply unit 3b and the branch units 3e1 and 3e2 are each composed of a two-way branch valve such as an electromagnetic type. Furthermore, electromagnetic or other on-off valves 3g1, 3g2 are provided between the reservoirs 3a1, 3a2 and the branched portions 3e1, 3e2, respectively.

[0020] The control unit 3f controls the supply unit 3b so that a predetermined number (N) of tablets T that pass the measurement position of the near-infrared spectroscopic sensor 2a and are discharged from the powder compression molding machine 1 by the scraper unit are sequentially supplied to each of the storage units 3a1 and 3a2. Furthermore, when the control unit 3f determines that non-standard tablets are included among the N tablets T stored in each of the storage units 3a1 and 3a2 based on the non-standard product detection signal S1 output from the determination unit 2b, the control unit 3f controls the opening and closing valves 3g1 and 3g2 and the branch units 3e1 and 3e2 so that the N tablets T stored in the storage units 3a1 and 3a2 that are determined to contain non-standard tablets are all sent to the non-standard product passage 3c, and when the control unit 3f determines that non-standard tablets are not included among the N tablets T stored in each of the storage units 3a1 and 3a2 that are determined to contain non-standard tablets are all sent to the standard product passage 3d. The tablets T sent to the non-standard product passage 3c are collected in the non-standard product container 4, and the tablets T sent to the standard product passage 3d are sent to the subsequent process.

[0021] Next, the operation of the powder molding product inspection device according to this embodiment will be described.

[0022] When a tablet T compressed in the die hole of the powder compression molding machine 1 is pushed up to the height of the top surface of the table by the lower punch and enters the measurement position of the near-infrared spectroscopic sensor 2a, the near-infrared spectroscopic sensor 2a detects the tablet T, starts spectrum measurement, and sends the NIR spectrum of the tablet T to the determination unit 2b. Then, when the tablet T leaves the measurement position, the near-infrared spectroscopic sensor 2a temporarily stops the measurement, and resumes measurement when the next tablet T enters the measurement position, sending the NIR spectrum of the tablet T to the determination unit 2b. In this way, the determination unit 2b associates the NIR spectra of the tablets T sequentially sent from the near-infrared spectroscopic sensor 2a with each tablet T, and determines whether the active ingredient content of each tablet T complies with a predetermined standard. That is, the determination unit 2b determines the T of each tablet T using the above-mentioned multivariate statistical process control (MSPC) method based on the NIR spectra of the tablets T sequentially sent from the near-infrared spectroscopic sensor 2a. 2 Calculate the T and Q statistics for individual tablets T. 2 We monitor whether the T statistic and Q statistic are within their respective thresholds. 2 When a tablet T is detected in which at least one of the statistics and the Q statistics exceeds a threshold, the tablet T is determined to be a non-standard product, and this determination result is output to the control unit 3f as a non-standard product detection signal S1.

[0023] The control unit 3f outputs a control signal S2 to the supply unit 3b to switch and control the supply unit 3b so that the tablets T discharged from the powder compression molding machine 1 are sequentially supplied to the storage units 3a1, 3a2 in units of N tablets, and based on the judgment results of the inspection unit 2, outputs a control signal S3 to each of the opening and closing valves 3g1, 3g2 to control the opening and closing of the opening and closing valves 3g1, 3g2, and outputs a control signal S4 to each of the branch units 3e1, 3e2 to switch and control the branch units 3e1, 3e2 so that the N tablets T stored in each of the storage units 3a1, 3a2 are sent in their entirety to either the non-standard product passage 3c or the standard product passage 3d.

[0024] For example, as shown in the flowchart of Fig. 2, when the operation of the powder compression molding machine 1 is started, the control unit 3f first outputs a control signal S2 to the supply unit 3b, and switches and controls the supply unit 3b so that the first N tablets T discharged from the powder compression molding machine 1 are supplied to the storage unit 3a1 {Fig. 2(a)}. Then, when the first N tablets T are supplied to the storage unit 3a1, the control unit 3f outputs a control signal S2 to the supply unit 3b, and switches and controls the supply unit 3b so that the next N tablets T discharged from the powder compression molding machine 1 are supplied to the storage unit 3a2 {Fig. 2(b)}. The judgment unit 2b performs the above-mentioned judgment process (T 2 Calculation of statistics and Q statistics, calculated T 2 The controller 3f sequentially performs the comparison of the Q statistics and the threshold value, and whenever a non-standard product is detected, outputs a non-standard product detection signal S1 to the controller 3f.

[0025] If the control unit 3f receives the non-standard product detection signal S1 from the judgment unit 2b even once within the above-mentioned time period, it determines that the first N tablets T supplied to the storage unit 3a1 include non-standard products, and after the above-mentioned time period has elapsed, it outputs a control signal S3 to the opening / closing valve 3g1 of the storage unit 3a1 to control the opening / closing valve 3g1 to open, and outputs a control signal S4 to the branch unit 3e1 to switch and control the branch unit 3e1 so that the first N tablets T stored in the storage unit 3a1 are all sent to the non-standard product path 3c {Figure 2(c)}. On the other hand, if the control unit 3f does not receive the non-standard product detection signal S1 from the judgment unit 2b within the above-mentioned time, it determines that the first N tablets T supplied to the storage unit 3a1 do not include non-standard products, and after the above-mentioned time has elapsed, it outputs a control signal S3 to the opening / closing valve 3g1 of the storage unit 3a1 to control the opening / closing valve 3g1 to open, and outputs a control signal S4 to the branch unit 3e1 to switch and control the branch unit 3e1 so that the first N tablets T stored in the storage unit 3a1 are all sent to the standard product path 3d {Fig. 2(c)}. Then, after the tablets T have all been sent from the storage unit 3a1, the control unit 3f outputs a control signal S3 to the opening / closing valve 3g1 of the storage unit 3a1 to close the opening / closing valve 3g1.

[0026] As described above, when the first N tablets T supplied to the storage section 3a1 are all sent out from the storage section 3a1, and the next N tablets T discharged from the powder compression molding machine 1 are supplied to the storage section 3a2, the control section 3f outputs a control signal S2 to the supply section 3b, and controls the supply section 3b to switch so that the next N tablets T discharged from the powder compression molding machine 1 are supplied to the storage section 3a1 (FIG. 2(d)). The determination section 2b performs the above-mentioned determination process (T 2 Calculation of statistics and Q statistics, calculated T 2 The controller 3f sequentially performs the comparison of the Q statistics and the threshold value, and whenever a non-standard product is detected, outputs a non-standard product detection signal S1 to the controller 3f.

[0027] If the control unit 3f receives the non-standard product detection signal S1 from the judgment unit 2b at least once within the above-mentioned time period, it determines that the next N tablets T supplied to the storage unit 3a2 include non-standard products, and after the above-mentioned time period has elapsed, it outputs a control signal S3 to the opening / closing valve 3g2 of the storage unit 3a2 to control the opening / closing valve 3g2 to open, and outputs a control signal S4 to the branch unit 3e2 to switch and control the branch unit 3e2 so that the next N tablets T stored in the storage unit 3a2 are sent in their entirety to the non-standard product path 3c {Figure 2(e)}. On the other hand, if the control unit 3f does not receive the non-standard product detection signal S1 from the judgment unit 2b within the above-mentioned time, it determines that the next N tablets T supplied to the storage unit 3a2 do not contain non-standard products, and after the above-mentioned time has elapsed, it outputs a control signal S3 to the opening / closing valve 3g2 of the storage unit 3a2 to open the opening / closing valve 3g2, and outputs a control signal S4 to the branch unit 3e2 to switch and control the branch unit 3e2 so that the next N tablets T stored in the storage unit 3a2 are all sent to the standard product path 3d (FIG. 2(e)). Then, after the tablets T have all been sent from the storage unit 3a2, the control unit 3f outputs a control signal S3 to the opening / closing valve 3g2 of the storage unit 3a2 to close the opening / closing valve 3g1. Thereafter, the steps of FIGS. 2(b) to 2(e) are repeated.

[0028] As described above, the powder molding product inspection device of this embodiment processes a predetermined number (N pieces) of tablets T stored in each of the storage sections 3a1 and 3a2 of the non-standard product removal section 3 as one unit of quality control, so the judgment process (T of each tablet T) sequentially performed by the judgment section 2b 2 Calculation of statistics and Q statistics, calculated T 2The comparison of the Q statistic and the threshold value (Q statistic) may be completed within the time from the start to the completion of the supply of a predetermined quantity (N) of tablets T to each storage section 3a1, 3a2, or within a time that includes a certain time lag. Therefore, even if a method that requires time for calculation processing, such as multivariate statistical process control (MSPC), is used, it is possible to reliably eliminate non-standard tablets T before they are sent to the subsequent process after being molded by the powder compression molding machine 1. Furthermore, the above-mentioned time, which is the grace period (buffer time) until the completion of the judgment process, can be appropriately adjusted by changing the number of tablets T stored in each storage section 3a1, 3a2. Therefore, from the viewpoint of performing quality conformity judgment of each tablet T, it is not necessary to adjust the production speed of tablets T by the powder compression molding machine 1.

[0029] In the above embodiment, a plurality of storage sections are provided that can temporarily store tablets T discharged from the powder compression molding machine 1, but only one storage section may be provided. For example, in the configuration shown in FIG. 1, if only storage section 3a1 is provided among storage sections 3a1 and 3a2, the portion (supply section) corresponding to supply section 3b is configured with a storage section that temporarily stores a certain number of tablets T discharged from the powder compression molding machine 1, and an opening / closing section (an electromagnetic opening / closing valve or an opening / closing damper) that can send tablets T stored in the storage section to storage section 3a1. In this case, the operation is, for example, as follows.

[0030] When the operation of the powder compression molding machine 1 is started, the control unit 3f first outputs a control signal to the opening / closing unit of the supply unit to open the opening / closing unit of the supply unit so that the first N tablets T discharged from the powder compression molding machine 1 are supplied to the storage unit 3a1. Then, when the first N tablets T are supplied to the storage unit 3a1, the control unit 3f outputs a control signal to the opening / closing unit of the supply unit to close the opening / closing unit of the supply unit so that the tablets T discharged from the powder compression molding machine 1 are retained in the retention unit of the supply unit. The determination unit 2b sequentially performs the above-described determination process for each of the first N tablets T within the time from the start to the completion of supply of the first N tablets T to the storage unit 3a1, or within a time plus a certain time lag. When a non-standard product is detected, a non-standard product detection signal S1 is output to the control unit 3f each time. Based on the judgment result from the judgment unit 2b (whether or not the non-standard product detection signal S1 has been received), the control unit 3f controls the opening of the opening / closing valve 3g1 of the storage unit 3a1 and controls the switching of the branch unit 3e1 so that the first N tablets T stored in the storage unit 3a1 are sent in their entirety to the non-standard product passage 3c or the standard product passage 3d in the manner described above.

[0031] When the first N tablets T supplied to the storage section 3a1 are all discharged from the storage section 3a1 as described above, the control section 3f outputs a control signal S3 to the opening / closing valve 3g1 of the storage section 3a1 to close the opening / closing valve 3g1, and outputs a control signal to the opening / closing section of the supply section to open the opening / closing section of the supply section so that the next N tablets T (the next N tablets T may include tablets T discharged from the powder compression molding machine 1) retained in the retention section of the supply section are supplied to the storage section 3a1. Then, when the next N tablets T are supplied to the storage section 3a1, the control section 3f outputs a control signal to the opening / closing section of the supply section to close the opening / closing section of the supply section so that the tablets T discharged from the powder compression molding machine 1 retain in the retention section of the supply section. The determination unit 2b sequentially performs the above-described determination process for each of the next N tablets T within the time from when the supply of the next N tablets T to the storage unit 3a1 is started to when it is completed, or within a time that includes a certain time lag added to that time, and outputs a non-standard product detection signal S1 to the control unit 3f each time a non-standard product is detected. Based on the determination result of the determination unit 2b (whether or not the non-standard product detection signal S1 is received), the control unit 3f controls the opening and closing valve 3g1 of the storage unit 3a1 and switches the branch unit 3e1 so that the next N tablets T stored in the storage unit 3a1 are all sent to the non-standard product passage 3c or the standard product passage 3d in the above-described manner. These operations are then repeated.

[0032] Furthermore, the powder molded product inspection device of the present invention is not limited to the inspection of powder molded products molded using a powder compression molding machine, but can also be applied to the inspection of powder molded products that have been coated using a pan coating machine or the like, or powder molded products that have been printed using a printing machine. [Explanation of symbols]

[0033] 1. Powder compression molding machine 2. Inspection Department 2a Near-infrared spectroscopic sensor (measurement unit) 2b Judgment part 3 Substandard product exclusion section 3a1 Storage section 3a2 Storage section 3b Supply section 3c Non-standard product aisle 3d in-standard product aisle 3e1 branch 3e2 branch 3f Control Unit

Claims

1. A powder molding product inspection device comprising: an inspection unit having a measurement unit that measures each powder molding product to acquire information correlated with the quality of the powder molding product; and a judgment unit that judges whether the quality of the powder molding product conforms to a predetermined standard based on the information acquired by the measurement unit; and a non-standard product rejection unit that rejects non-standard products that are judged not to conform to the standard by the inspection unit, The non-standard product removal unit is arranged downstream of the measuring unit with respect to the flow of the powder molded products, and includes a plurality of storage units capable of temporarily storing the powder molded products that have been measured in the measuring units; a supply unit capable of selectively supplying the powder molded products that have been measured in the measuring units to the plurality of storage units; a branch unit provided in each of the plurality of storage units, capable of selectively sending the powder molded products stored in the storage units to a non-standard product passage or a standard product passage; and a control unit. The control unit controls the supply unit so that a predetermined number of the powder molded products that have been measured in the measurement unit are sequentially supplied to the multiple storage units, and controls the branching unit so that, when it is determined that the predetermined number of powder molded products stored in one of the multiple storage units includes non-standard products based on the judgment result of the inspection unit made about the predetermined number of powder molded products stored in one of the multiple storage units, the control unit sends the predetermined number of powder molded products stored in the one storage unit to the non-standard product passage, and when it is determined that the predetermined number of powder molded products stored in the one storage unit does not include non-standard products, the control unit sends the predetermined number of powder molded products stored in the one storage unit to the standard product passage.

2. A powder molding product inspection device comprising: an inspection unit having a measurement unit that measures each powder molding product to acquire information correlated with the quality of the powder molding product; and a judgment unit that judges whether the quality of the powder molding product conforms to a predetermined standard based on the information acquired by the measurement unit; and a non-standard product rejection unit that rejects non-standard products that are judged not to conform to the standard by the inspection unit, The non-standard product removal unit is arranged downstream of the measurement unit with respect to the flow of the powder molded products, and is equipped with one storage unit capable of temporarily storing the powder molded products that have been measured in the measurement unit, a supply unit capable of supplying the powder molded products that have been measured in the measurement unit to the storage unit, a branch unit provided in the storage unit and capable of selectively sending the powder molded products stored in the storage unit to a non-standard product passage or a standard product passage, and a control unit, the supply unit has a retention unit for temporarily retaining the powder molded product after the measurement in the measurement unit, The control unit controls the supply unit so that a predetermined number of the powder molded products that have been measured in the measurement unit are supplied to the storage unit via the retention unit, and also controls the supply unit so that the powder molded products that have been measured in the measurement unit are retained in the retention unit from the time when the supply of the predetermined number of the powder molded products to the storage unit is completed until the delivery of the powder molded products stored in the storage unit is completed, The control unit controls the branching unit so that, when it determines, based on the judgment results of the inspection unit made on the predetermined quantity of powder molded products stored in the storage unit, that non-standard products are included among the predetermined quantity of powder molded products stored in the storage unit, the control unit sends the predetermined quantity of powder molded products stored in the storage unit to the non-standard product passage, and when it determines that the predetermined quantity of powder molded products stored in the storage unit do not include non-standard products, the control unit sends the predetermined quantity of powder molded products stored in the storage unit to the standard product passage.

3. 3. The powder molding product inspection device according to claim 1, wherein the measurement unit is a spectroscopic sensor.

4. 4. The powder molding product inspection device according to claim 3, wherein the spectroscopic sensor is a near-infrared spectroscopic sensor.

5. The powder molding product inspection device according to claim 1 , wherein the determination unit makes the determination by multivariate statistical process control based on the information acquired by the measurement unit.

Images