IT201600127610A1 - SYSTEM AND DISTRIBUTION PROCEDURE FOR A PACKAGING MACHINE. - Google Patents

Description

Description of the invention having as title:

"DISTRIBUTION APPARATUS AND PROCEDURE FOR ONE

PACKAGING MACHINE "

in the name of I.M.A. INDUSTRIA MACCHINE AUTOMATICHE S.P.A. of 5 Italian nationalities with registered office in Via Emilia, 428/442 - 40064 Ozzano Dell’Emilia (BO).

dep. on to no.

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FIELD OF APPLICATION

10 The present invention relates to a distribution apparatus and method, usable in particular in a packaging machine, for the distribution and positioning of tablets or the like, therefore pills, tablets, or other similar or similar product, of various shapes. and size, in suitable recesses or seats arranged in one or more 15 translatable belts.

The present invention relates, in particular but not exclusively, to a distribution apparatus of the compact type.

STATE OF THE TECHNIQUE

Compact or non-compact dispensing units are known which serve 20 for the positioning and distribution of tablets or pills in blister-type packages, for example for the pharmaceutical, food, or other sector having similar needs.

Said dispensing groups use a dispensing disk suitably arranged for the synchronized release of the pads in a belt which translates and which has suitable seats, or alveoli, for the reception of said pads.

Hereinafter, the term tablets also include pills, tablets, capsules, and other products of a similar or similar type or size.

5 By compact distributing groups it is meant groups having a compact shape, for example as described in document WO 2009/115445, incorporated herein entirely by reference.

These groups are designed and manufactured to work with a high variability of types and shapes of pads, to ensure a considerable productivity, to reduce the intervention times of ordinary maintenance, to make the pads travel the shortest possible path thus generating less wear. on the same, and to reduce the overall dimensions and consumption. In document EP 2555982, in the name of the Applicant, a further known distributor unit is described, particularly functional, efficient 15 and of reduced maintenance.

Said known dispensing units, as mentioned, are used to continuously transfer or position the tablets in pockets organized on a translatable belt. This translatable belt has, in each case, at least one row of cells in correspondence with at least one row of holes arranged on a distributor disk 20.

The distributor disc is also associated with brushes which allow correct distribution of the pads in the rows of holes of the distributor disc.

The distributor disc is made to rotate by means of suitable drive means 25 above the translatable belt and, in general, has a tangential speed lower than the speed of advance of the belt, so as to increase its residence time under the aforementioned brushes, thus improving the effectiveness of temporary positioning of the pads in the holes of the disc.

5 While intervening on known timing parameters that regulate the advance of the deposition of the pads on the belt, to compensate for the difference in speed between disc and belt, it is evident that the tangential speed of the holes in the disc located near the center of the disc distributor is different, in particular less, with respect to the tangential speed of the holes 10 of the disc which are located in proximity to the periphery of the disc.

This drawback is all the more pronounced, the larger the diameter of the distributor disc, for example following the use of a high-width translatable belt.

Often, in packaging machines, there is the need to use 15 a translatable belt having two or more rows of blisters, for example for so-called "two-row" packaging machines, which would therefore require large diameter distributor discs, with too different tangential speeds between areas close to the center and areas close to the periphery of the disc.

20 The known distributing discs, therefore, are not suitable in an effective and productive manner to be used in "two-row" type packaging machines or in any case for machines having a translatable belt of high width.

Other limitations and disadvantages of conventional solutions and technologies will be clear to a person skilled in the art upon reading 25 of the remainder of the present description with reference to the drawings and the description of the embodiments which follow, although it is intended that the description of the state of the art related to the present description should not be considered an admission that what described here is already known from the state of the prior art. 5 There is therefore a need to provide a distribution apparatus for a packaging machine that can overcome at least one of the drawbacks of the known art.

An object of the present invention is therefore to provide a distribution apparatus for a packaging machine which is capable of feeding tablets even to a wide belt and comprising several rows of blisters, so as to increase efficiency and productivity of the packaging machine.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an effective and compact distribution apparatus for a packaging machine 15, which allows, in addition to possibly increasing the number of cell rows, and therefore the effectiveness and productivity of the packaging machine, also a effective and uniform distribution of the pills or tablets in the relative alveoli, while maintaining the compactness of the packaging machine.

20 A further object is to provide an effective and productive method for distributing pills or tablets on a translatable belt, in particular a belt that can be used in a multi-row packaging machine.

In order to obviate the drawbacks of the known art and to obtain these 25 and further objects and advantages, the Applicant has studied, tested and implemented the present invention.

EXPOSURE OF THE FOUND

The present invention is expressed and characterized in the independent claims. The dependent claims disclose other features 5 of the present invention or variants of the main solution idea.

In accordance with the aforementioned purposes, the present invention relates to a distribution apparatus for a packaging machine, suitable for transferring and positioning tablets or the like in organized pockets of at least one translatable belt.

10 According to one aspect of the invention, the dispensing apparatus comprises at least a pair of distinct, rotatable dispensing members provided with holes configured to appear each time in correspondence with the slots of the belt, so as to transfer and position said tablets or the like. in the alveoli in relative zones or sectors of the belt distinct from each other. 15 According to a further embodiment, the present distribution apparatus is configured to carry out a continuous distribution of the tablets or the like in the slots of the belt.

Such distinct distributing members can comprise distinct, rotatable and independent discs or annular elements.

20 According to a further embodiment, the apparatus comprises a support provided, in the area for depositing the pads or the like on this belt, with at least one slot for passage of the pads or the like; these distributing members are synchronized so as to present at least one common deposit line in correspondence with this slot.

25 In embodiments, a first distributor member of said at least one pair of distributor members is configured to transfer and position the tablets or the like in said cells in an area or sector of said belt and a second distributor member of said at least one pair of distributing members is configured to transfer and position said tablets or the like 5 in said cells in a further zone or sector of said belt distinct from said first zone or sector.

In embodiments of the invention, the aforementioned distributing members of said at least one pair of distributing discs are concentric discs or annular elements.

10 In embodiments of the invention, the aforementioned holes of the distributing members can be positioned on these distributing members in rows directed in substantially radial or slightly offset directions.

According to a further embodiment, along the aforementioned line of 15 common deposit at least one row of holes of a distributor member is aligned with a row of holes of the other distributor member.

Preferably, the deposition line is substantially orthogonal to the direction of translation of the belt.

If the distributors include concentric concentric discs or annular elements 20, the distributor member with a larger diameter may include a number of rows of holes greater than the number of rows of holes in the distributor member with a smaller diameter.

In the case of the distributors comprising discs or concentric annular elements, moreover, the rotation speed of the distributor member with a larger diameter is less than the rotation speed of the distributor member with a smaller diameter.

Preferably, if the distributing members comprise discs or concentric annular elements, the border area between said distributing members 5 is substantially positioned in correspondence with a line of the belt substantially directed in the direction of translation of the belt and adapted to separate said sectors of the belt.

A further object of the invention is a method for distributing tablets and the like on at least one movable belt provided with recesses for receiving said tablets or the like. According to an embodiment, the method comprises the distribution of tablets or the like on at least a first zone or sector of the belt by means of a first rotatable distributor member and the distribution on at least one further zone or sector of the belt distinct from the first zone or sector, by means of a second distributor member 15 rotatable and distinct from the first distributor member.

According to a further embodiment of the process, the distribution of tablets or the like in such areas or sectors of the belt takes place continuously.

A further object of the invention is a packaging machine 20 comprising a distribution apparatus in accordance with embodiments described here.

These and other aspects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will be better understood with reference to the following description, the drawing tables and the attached claims. The 25 drawing tables, which are integrated and forming part of the present description, illustrate some embodiments of the present object and, together with the description, aim to describe the principles of disclosure.

The various aspects and features described in the present description 5 can be applied individually, where possible. These individual aspects, for example aspects and characteristics present in the description or in the attached dependent claims, can be the subject of divisional questions.

It should be noted that any aspect or characteristic that is found to be already known during the patenting procedure is intended not to be claimed and to be the subject of a disclaimer.

ILLUSTRATION OF DRAWINGS

These and other characteristics of the present invention will become clear from the following description of embodiments, provided by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the attached drawings in which:

- fig. 1 is an axonometric schematic view of a distribution apparatus of a packaging machine according to the invention;

- fig. 2 is a schematic plan view of a pair of distributor discs 20 of the present apparatus;

- fig. 3 is a schematic side elevation view of the present apparatus.

To facilitate understanding, identical reference numbers have been used wherever possible to identify identical common elements in the 25 figures. It should be understood that elements and features of one embodiment can be conveniently incorporated into other embodiments without further specification.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to the various embodiments 5 of the invention, of which one or more examples are illustrated in the attached figures. Each example is provided by way of illustration of the invention and is not intended as a limitation thereof. For example, the features illustrated or described as being part of an embodiment may be adopted on, or in association with, other 10 embodiments to produce a further embodiment.

It is understood that the present invention will include these modifications and variations.

Before describing the embodiments, it is further clarified that the present description is not limited in its application to the construction and arrangement details 15 of the components as described in the following description using the attached figures. The present disclosure may provide other embodiments and be embodied or practiced in various other ways. Furthermore, it is clarified that the phraseology and terminology used here is for descriptive purposes and should not be 20 regarded as limiting.

Fig. 1 is used to describe embodiments of a dispensing apparatus 10 for a packaging machine, configured to transfer and position tablets or the like in pockets 15 organized in at least one translatable belt 16. The distribution apparatus 25 10 comprises at least a pair of distinct, rotatable distributing members 12, 13 provided with holes 20 configured to appear each time in correspondence with the recesses 15 of the translatable belt 16, so as to transfer and position the aforementioned pellets or the like in the recesses 15 in relative zones or sectors S1, S2 of the band 16 distinct from each other.

5 The process of distributing the tablets or the like in the recesses 15 of the belt 16 can take place substantially continuously, ensuring a high productivity and efficiency of the distribution apparatus 10. However, in other embodiments, it could also be provided that the apparatus distribution box 10 can operate discontinuously. 10 Said distributor members 12 and 13 may comprise discs, annular elements or the like, as schematically illustrated, by way of non-limiting example, in the figures.

Furthermore, the embodiments described here also refer to a method for distributing tablets and the like on the aforesaid at least one 15 translatable belt 16 provided with the aforementioned recesses 15 for receiving said tablets or the like. The method comprises the distribution of tablets or the like on said at least one first zone or sector S1, S2 of said belt 16 by means of a first rotatable distributor member 12 and distribution on at least one further zone or sector S2, S1 of said belt 20 16 , distinct from said first zone or sector S1, S2 by means of a second rotatable distributor member 13 and distinct from said first distributor member 12.

In particular, in embodiments described herein a first distributor member 12 of the aforementioned pair of distributor discs 12, 13 is 25 configured to transfer and position the aforementioned tablets or the like in the recesses 15 in a first zone or sector S1 of the belt 16 and a second distributor member 13 of the aforementioned pair of distributor members 12, 13 is configured to transfer and position the aforementioned tablets or the like in the recesses 15 in a further zone or sector S2 of the belt 16 5 distinct from the aforementioned first zone or sector S1.

As previously mentioned, the distributors 12 and 13 can operate according to a continuous distribution and positioning process, in order to ensure high productivity for the distribution apparatus 10.

10 In particular, the distribution apparatus 10 comprises a rotating assembly 11 comprising the aforementioned first distributor member 12 and the aforementioned second distributor member 13. As we will see below, each distribution member 12 and 13 of this rotating assembly 11 is provided, preferably, its own actuation device. 15 According to embodiments, a feeding device 14 can be provided configured to feed a series of tablets towards the rotating assembly 11.

The feeding device 14 can be for example, but not limited to, a loading hopper, a 20 auger feeding system, a pusher loading system, a drawer feeding system, a pneumatic feeding system, or a combination of these, or other.

The feeding device 14 can be configured, for example, to continuously feed the tablets. Or the feeding device 14 of 25 can be configured to feed the tablets in a discontinuous way, for example at a predetermined rate.

In further variants, it is possible to provide the tablets in a discontinuous way in batches of limited volume ("batch" processing), for example by manually loading the tablets contained in special 5 containers, bags or other. For example, this can be foreseen in case you want to load special production batches or according to other needs

On the rotating assembly 11 are poured, by means of the aforementioned feeding device 14 or manually in case of special processing needs 10, a series of tablets to be positioned in the appropriate recesses 15 of the belt 16, which can be moved for example in the L direction. , the term tablets also means pills, tablets or other similar products.

In possible exemplary and non-limiting embodiments, 15 the distribution apparatus 10 can be provided with a series of brushes 17, suitably motorized, which aid in the correct distribution of the tablets on the surface of the distributors 12 and 13.

In possible implementations, the apparatus comprises a fixed support 18, 20, on which a slot 19 for transferring the pills, tablets or similar to the tape 16 is made.

The distributing members 12 and 13 are slightly spaced from this fixed support 18.

In possible embodiments, each of the distributing members 25 12, 13 is provided with rows D1, D2 of holes 20, to allow the passage of the pads through the slot 19 and therefore to the belt 16, according to a deposit line D of which will discuss later.

Said rows D1 and D2 of holes 20 are formed on said distributors 12 and 13 in a substantially radial direction, or suitably offset 5 with respect to the radial direction, so as to obtain a correct positioning of the deposition line D.

In possible exemplary and non-limiting embodiments, the distribution apparatus 10 can be provided with a further brush 21, configured to rotate around an axis 10 substantially parallel to the surface of the rotating assembly 11.

Said brush 21 has the function of containing the products in the loading area of the products to be placed in the recesses 15 of the belt 16 and preventing them from advancing inappropriately towards the front unloading area and therefore towards the slot 19.

15 The belt 16, illustrated by way of non-limiting example, is provided with a line M, which defines the aforementioned two zones or sectors S1 and S2 of the belt, therefore a so-called "two-row" machine. As mentioned, the two zones or sectors S1 and S2 are distinct from each other.

In particular, the line M is directed along a direction L 20 of the advancement of the belt 16. This line M, moreover, can be the centerline of the belt 16, therefore the zones or sectors S1 and S2 of the belt 16, in this case , will have the same number of alveoli 15 on both sides of this line M.

This line M also represents the line along which the belt 16 25 is cut, following the filling of the alveoli 15 with the tablets: each of the alveoli 15a following the distribution apparatus 10 is filled with a tablet.

On both sides of this center line M there are therefore several parallel rows of blisters 15, for example five rows F1 of blisters 15, 15a 5 in the first zone or sector S1 of the belt 16 and five rows F2 of blisters 15, 15a in the second zone or sector S2 of the belt 16.

Such rows F1 and F2 are preferably parallel to each other and directed substantially in the L direction.

For each of the zones or sectors S1 and S2 of the belt 16 it is also possible to define a series of columns C1 and C2 of holes 20, belonging to the rows F1 and F2. These columns C1 and C2 are directed substantially orthogonal to the L direction.

The distributors 12 and 13 are distinct and, preferably, are configured to rotate independently of each other.

15 In the event that these distributors 12 and 13 rotate independently of each other, the relative rotation speeds must be appropriately synchronized.

In the embodiment illustrated by way of non-limiting example, these distributor members 12 and 13 are concentric discs or annular elements 20.

By way of example, it is assumed that these distributing members 12 and 13 rotate in the same direction R, however it would also be possible to provide that the distributing members 12 and 13 rotate in opposite directions. The outermost distributor member 13 is provided with a perimeter ring 25 22 with a raised edge, for the correct containment of the pads on the surface of these distributors 12 and 13.

The distributor member 12, for example, can be associated with a rotatable shaft 23 and connected to relative drive means, not visible in the figure, for example a motor or other.

5 The distributor member 13 can be operated by the same actuation means as the distributor member 12, for example by providing suitable motion transmission elements, or it can be provided that it has its own actuation means.

The actuation means of the distributor member 13 can be for example a motor associated with a toothed wheel 24 able to engage on a corresponding toothing obtained on the perimeter ring 22.

Alternatively, the actuation means of the distributor member 12 or 13 could be of another type: for example, it would be possible to provide for the distributor member 13 a motor cooperating with transmission elements 15 of a flexible type, such as belts, chains or the like, associated with the perimeter ring 22 of the distributor member 13.

Alternatively, the distributor member 13 could be transformed into the rotor of an electric motor, and therefore would be provided on the periphery of magnets and associated with an external stator.

20 The distributor member 13 can be supported, for example, by its perimeter ring 22, by a series of fixed supports 25, for example idlers or other.

In the embodiment described using fig. 1, by way of non-limiting example, a certain number of 25 fixed supports 25 are provided which are suitably positioned around the distributor member 13, for example three supports 25 equally spaced from each other, of which two are visible in fig. 1.

Alternatively, the external distributor member 13 could also be supported by a roller guide system associated with the perimeter edge 5 of the distributor member 13, for example with its perimeter ring 22.

In the diagram of fig. 2 schematically illustrates the distributing members 12 and 13 in the form of concentric and rotating discs or annular elements, for example, in a direction R, concordant with the direction L of advancement of the belt 16.

10 The rotation of the distributor members 12 and / or 13 is configured to allow a quicker and more effective temporary positioning of the tablets in the relative holes 20. The filling efficiency of the distributor member 13, in particular, is guaranteed by its high number of D2 row of holes 20 and its relatively low rotation speed. 15 The tangential rotation speed of the two distributors 12 and 13 is different: in particular, the tangential rotation speed of the internal distributor member 12 will be greater than the tangential rotation speed of the external distributor member 13.

The two tangential speeds of the distributors 12 and 13 will be 20 such that, in correspondence with the slot 19, they have at least two rows D1 'and D2' of holes 20 substantially aligned as two underlying columns C1 and C2 of blisters 15 of the belt 16, so as to define at least one deposit line D and pour a tablet onto each cell 15 of a column C1 and a column C2 of the belt 16, which translates in the direction 25 L.

The belt 16 slides on a guide and support structure 26, see fig.

3, which is located under the apparatus 10.

In correspondence with this deposit line D, the structure 26 has a raised part 27 and adapted to bring said tape 16, substantially, 5 to the height of the fixed support 18, so as to facilitate the deposition of the tablets or the like in the recesses 15 which are found along this deposit line D.

The rows D1 'and D2' of holes 20 aligned in direction D, are substantially orthogonal to the direction L of advancement of the belt 16, 10 as well as the columns C1 and C2 of the belt 16.

Substantially, therefore, the line D for depositing the pads is substantially orthogonal to the direction L of advancement of the belt and to its center line M.

As previously mentioned, the rows F1 of blisters 15 belong to a first zone or sector S1 of the belt 16 to 15, while the rows F2 of blisters 15 belong to a second zone or sector S2 of the belt 16, therefore, in this example, the distributor member 13 releases the tablets on the first zone or sector S1 of the belt 16, while the distributor member 12 releases the tablets, pills or the like on the second zone or sector S2 of the belt 16. 20 Such zones or sectors S1 and S2, as mentioned and in the case of a two-row machine, they are divided by a center line M, which is substantially positioned in the separation area between the internal distributor member 12 and the external distributor member 13, therefore in proximity to the internal edge of the distributor member 13 and of the outer edge of the distributor member 25 12.

The distributor member 13 could be provided, by way of example, with a number of rows D2 of holes 20 greater than the number of rows D1 of holes 20 of the distributor member 12, as schematically shown in fig. 2.

5 If, for example, the number of rows D2 of holes 20 of the distributor member 13 is double compared to the number of rows D1 of the distributor member 12, the tangential speed of the distributor member 13 could be equal to approximately half of the tangential speed of the distributor member 12, so as to obtain a correct definition of the deposition line D 10 on the belt 16.

In the case of a packaging machine with more than two sectors of rows of the belt 16, for example a so-called "three-row" machine, therefore with three sectors of the belt separated by two center lines, it is possible to choose to feed a sector with an organ distributor 12 or 13 and the other two sectors 15 adjacent to the other distributor member 13 or 12, or vice versa.

Alternatively, it would be possible to provide a distribution member for each row sector of the tape 16, hence three distinct distributor members.

20 As an alternative to what has been illustrated, it could also be envisaged that the two distributing members 12 and 13 are distinct but not concentric, for example by providing that said distributing members 12 and 13 are positioned in sequence along the belt 16 and providing, for example, that the distributor member 12 distributes the tablets on the second zone or sector S2 of 25 belt 16 innermost and that the distributor member 13 is positioned upstream or downstream of this distributor member 12 and distributes the tablets to the first zone or sector S1 of the belt 16 outermost. In this case, said two distributors 12 and 13 could also have the same or similar diameter and the same or similar speeds of rotation.

5 The solution with the distributing members 12 and 13 in the form of discs or concentric annular elements, however, guarantees greater compactness to the packaging machine, since, substantially, in the case of distributing discs placed in sequence, a splitting of the distribution units would be required. tablets, pills or the like, brushes, 10 tape holders and so on. Furthermore, the packaging machine should be made, in the case of distinct distributing members, but placed in sequence, with a greater length than in the case of a packaging machine provided with a distribution apparatus with distinct but concentric distributing members.

15 As we have seen, thanks to the use of at least a pair of distinct distributing members 12 and 13, for example discs or concentric annular elements, it is possible to create a very efficient, productive distribution apparatus 10, suitable, above all, for the distribution of pellets or the like on a belt 16 comprising two or more sectors S1 and S2 of blisters 20 15, divided by a center line M, on which there is no deposition.

Thanks to the concentric positioning of the external distributor member 13 with respect to the internal distributor member 12, furthermore, it is possible to provide this external distributor member 13 with a greater number of rows D2 of holes 20 than the number of rows D1 of holes 20 of the internal distributor member 25 12, thus allowing the tangential speed decrease of the external distributor member 13 and increasing its residence time under the various brushes 17.

The present apparatus 10 with distinct distributing members 12 and 13, in particular discs or concentric annular elements, could be applied, advantageously, 5 also to a packaging machine with single-row belt, but of such width as to have to provide, otherwise, a disc of diameter too big, with all the problems described in the introduction. Also in the case of a single-row belt, distinct zones or sectors S1 and S2 can be identified on the belt 16 comprising a certain number of cells 15 located in proximity to an internal area of the belt and a certain number of pockets located in proximity to a inner belt area.

It is clear that 15 modifications and / or additions of parts and / or phases can be made to the apparatus 10 and to the distribution process for a packaging machine described so far, without thereby departing from the scope of the present invention.

It is also clear that, although the present invention has been described with reference to some specific examples, a person skilled in the art will certainly be able to realize many other equivalent forms of distribution apparatus for a packaging machine and relative process, having the characteristics expressed in the claims and therefore all falling within the scope of protection defined by them.

In the following claims, the references in brackets are for the sole purpose of facilitating reading and should not be considered as 25 limiting factors as regards the scope of protection underlying the specific claims.

Claims (15)

CLAIMS 1. Dispensing apparatus for a packaging machine, suitable for transferring and positioning tablets or the like in blisters (15) organized by at least one translatable belt (16), said apparatus being characterized 5 by the fact that it comprises at least one pair of dispensing members (12 , 13) distinct, rotatable and provided with holes (20) configured to appear from time to time in correspondence with said cells (15) of said belt (16), so as to transfer and position said pads or the like in said cells (15 ) in relative areas or sectors (S1, S2) of said belt (16) distinct from each other. 2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it is configured to carry out a continuous distribution of the tablets or the like in the cavities (15) of the belt (16). 3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in 15 that said distributor members (12, 13) comprise distinct, rotatable and independent discs or annular elements. 4. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a support (18) provided, in the area for depositing the pads or the like on said belt (16), with at least 20 a slot (19) for the passage of the pads or similar, said distributor members (12, 13) being synchronized so as to present at least one common deposit line (D) in correspondence with said slot (19). 5. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a first distributor member (12) is 25 configured to transfer and position said tablets or the like in said blisters (15) in a first zone or sector (S1) of said belt (16) and a second distributor member (13) is configured to transfer and position said tablets or the like in said blisters (15) in a further zone or sector (S2) of said belt (16) distinct from said first zone or sector 5 (S1). 6. Apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that said distributor members (12, 13) are concentric discs or annular elements. 7. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, 10 characterized in that said holes (20) are positioned on said distributor members (12, 13) in rows (D1, D2, D1 ', D2') directed in substantially radial or slightly offset. 8. Apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that along said common deposit line (D) at least one row (D1 ') of holes 15 (20) of a distributor member (12) is aligned with a row (D2') of holes (20) of the other distributor member (13). 9. Apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that said deposit line (D) is substantially orthogonal to the translation direction (L) of said belt (16). 20 10. Apparatus according to claims 6 and 7, characterized in that the distributor member (13) of larger diameter comprises a number of rows (D2) of holes (20) greater than the number of rows (D1) of holes (20 ) of the smaller diameter distributor member (D1). 11. Apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that the 25 rotation speed of the distributor member (13) with a larger diameter is less than the rotation speed of the distributor member (12) with a smaller diameter. 12. Apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that the border area between said distributing members (12, 13) arranged 5 concentrically with respect to each other is positioned substantially in correspondence with a line (M) of said belt ( 16), directed substantially in the translation direction (L) of said belt (16) and adapted to separate the sectors (S1, S2) of said belt (16). 13. Method for distributing tablets and the like on at least one belt (16) which can be moved and provided with recesses (15) for receiving said tablets or the like, characterized in that said process comprises the distribution of tablets or the like on at least a first zone or sector (S1, S2) of said belt (16) by means of a first rotatable distributor member (12) and the distribution on at least one further zone 15 or sector (S2, S1) of said belt (16), distinct from said first zone or sector (S1, S2) by means of a second distributor member (13) rotatable and distinct from said first distributor member (12). 14. Process according to claim 13, characterized in that the distribution of tablets or the like in said areas or sectors (S1, S2) 20 of the belt (16) takes place continuously. Packaging machine comprising a dispensing apparatus (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.