JP2007327962A - Weight management device and method of solid - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To calculate an average weight of a solid rapidly, and to control the weight of the solid precisely, by solving a weight control defect of the solid by a failure in a measurement. <P>SOLUTION: The device comprises a suction guiding means 46, a cyclone separator type trap container 49, a suction exhaust pipe 52, a weighing apparatus 19. The suction guiding means 46 has a suction mouth 45 which the solid 30 is made to face. The cyclone separator type trap container 49 is connected to the suction guiding means 46 and is composed to be possible to accommodate of the solid 30 and is formed an aperture 50 on top. The suction exhaust pipe 52 is arranged to be possible to move vertically to an axis direction by non-contact condition to the aperture 50, and is connected the suction means, and is constituted so as to eject the solid 30 in the trap container 49 by suction. The weighing apparatus 19 can measure the weight of the solid 30 which is trapped with the cyclone separator type trap container 49. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a solid material such as a tablet in a tableting process or a coating process, a package containing a predetermined amount of a substance such as an ampoule or a vial, a compression molded product such as a ceramics product, a molded product such as a metal ball used for a bearing, etc. The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method useful for managing or controlling the weight of the apparatus.

  In general, physiologically active ingredients and pharmaceutically active ingredients are often administered orally in the form of tablets, but these tablets are physically uniform in terms of quality assurance and workability in post-processing steps. For example, it is required that the tablet has a uniform weight, diameter, thickness, hardness, and the like. This applies not only to pharmaceuticals in other forms such as capsules and ampoules, but also to other solid materials such as ceramic products.

In the conventional tablet manufacturing process, for example, in the tableting process, a powder composed of active ingredients, excipients, binders, etc. in a mortar hole in which the lower punch is arranged to be movable up and down. Put the body or powder (hereinafter sometimes referred to simply as tableting powder), press the tablet with a specified tableting pressure using the upper punch and lower punch, and raise the lower punch to remove the compressed tablet from the mortar Manufactured by taking out. In particular, tablets are continuously produced using a rotary tableting machine in order to increase productivity.
And about the weight of this tablet, the fluctuation | variation of the weight of a tablet is suppressed using the pressure control apparatus using the tableting pressure at the time of tableting being proportional to the weight of a tablet. In particular, a wrinkle control method that controls the threshold value regarding tableting pressure as a reference, an average value control method that uses an average pressure within a rotation cycle, and the like are employed. However, when tableting is performed using a tableting machine, the amount of powder filled due to various factors such as fluidity and specific volume of the tableting powder, changes in temperature and humidity, and thermal expansion and contraction of the punch and die. The tablet weight varies.

  Therefore, a predetermined amount of tablets tableted every predetermined time is sampled, the number of sampled tablets is counted and the weight is measured by calculating the weight, and the weight data of the tablets is sent to the control device. Feedback is performed to adjust the amount of tableting powder to be reset by resetting the depth in the mortar or to adjust the tableting pressure set by the pressure control device to correct the variation in weight (for example, , Brochures issued by Kikusui Seisakusho Co., Ltd. “Automatic tableting pressure control device AWC” and “WAC-1 type instruction manual”.

Examples of conventional techniques for measuring the average weight of the tablets include the following.
That is, an extraction device that continuously extracts solids for a predetermined time, a counting device that counts a predetermined number of extracted solids, a total weight of the predetermined number of solids measured, and a deviation weight with respect to a reference weight A weighing device that calculates the weight, a control signal generation circuit that compares the deviation weight with a predetermined limit value, and gives a weight control signal corresponding to the deviation weight to the solid material manufacturing apparatus when the deviation weight exceeds the limit value, and extraction of these A sampling command circuit for performing a series of operations of the apparatus, the counting device, the weighing device, and the control signal generating circuit, and for causing the series of operations to be performed again immediately after the control of the solid weight when the control signal is output. There is a solid weight control device equipped with a re-sampling command circuit (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
The extraction device includes a sampling gate, an extraction chute connected to the gate, a parts feeder through which the tablets are guided, and a regulation plate for regulating the overlapping of the tablets on the parts feeder. The counting device includes a first projector and a light receiver, and a second projector and a light receiver.

  Also, to convey the tablets one by one in a pocket of a conveyor wheel for conveying tablets and a rotary wheel provided on the upper part of the conveyor means, and to drop and discharge the tablets adsorbed as the rotary wheel rotates Taking-out means, weighing means for receiving the tablets dropped from the taking-out means in a receiving tube and measuring the weight of the tablets, and counting for counting the number of tablets in the dropping and discharging process from the taking-out means There is provided a tablet weight measuring apparatus comprising: a means; a discharging means for sucking and discharging the tablet in the receiving tube; and a control means for controlling the operation of the take-out means, the weighing means, the counting means, and the discharging means. (For example, refer to Patent Document 2).

However, the above-mentioned conventional technology counts special sampling devices (ie, extraction devices such as extraction chutes, parts feeders, regulation plates, etc., or conveyor means, take-out means equipped with a rotating wheel and using a suction mechanism) and the number of tablets. This requires a counting means to make the weight measuring device large and complicated, and there are cases where parts need to be replaced according to the size and shape of the solid matter. There are significant restrictions on the installation of the weight measuring device.
In addition, the tablets must be taken out and counted one by one, and it takes time from sampling to weighing, and it is difficult to calculate the average weight of the tablets at high speed. In particular, when the tablet weight is managed with a very narrow deviation management range, it may not be possible to quickly cope with the weight management of tablets that are tableted at high speed, and the tablet weight fluctuation may not be suppressed quickly and with a small deviation management range.
Further, depending on the shape and size of the tablet, it is necessary to delicately manufacture the shape of the sampling device, and sampling and counting may be difficult. In addition, counting is generally performed using a non-contact sensor such as an optical or magnetic sensor, or a contact sensor. However, depending on imperfect tablet alignment or the response speed of the sensor, two tablets may not be counted as one. There is a problem to do. In this case, there is a problem that causes a serious problem that the weight is erroneously calculated and the amount of the tableting end of the tableting device is adjusted by incorrect data.

  Furthermore, when the solid is a pre-compressed laminated tablet, if it is attempted to be taken out from the mortar hole in a pre-compressed state, the laminated tablet is only lightly compressed and thus is easily broken by a light impact. In the case of the technology, there is a problem that the quantity cannot be accurately counted and the average weight cannot be calculated, and there is a problem that the weight of the damaged tablet cannot be accurately measured. For this reason, the compression conditions must be changed and compressed at a high pressure each time sampling is performed, and there is a problem that sampling cannot be performed continuously while maintaining the pre-compression conditions, and there is also a problem that a material loss occurs when the pressure is switched. .

On the other hand, for coating preparations such as sugar-coated tablets and film-coated tablets, the liquid coating process, the pause process (spraying process if necessary), and the drying process are generally repeated. A smoothing layer, a coloring layer, a finishing layer, and a polishing layer are sequentially formed. And weight management is required for each layer, and the weight of each coated layer is confirmed by sampling and measuring the average weight of the preparation near the end of the drying step.
However, in the conventional weight management of these coating preparations, it takes time to count the preparation as in the case of the above-mentioned conventional technology, so that the coating weight data in each cycle is fed back to the next cycle and precise weight management is performed. It has not been easy to automate the process from sampling to weighing.

  Such situations include not only tablets but also other pharmaceuticals (eg capsules, vials, ampoules, sachets, etc.), foods (like candy), compression-molded ceramic products, molded articles by injection molding, etc. This also occurs in the weight management of various solids.

Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 61-6418 JP 61-128126 A

Therefore, the object of the present invention is to measure the solids without counting them, to calculate the average weight of the solids quickly, and to solve the problem of poor control of the weight of the solids due to miscounting. An object of the present invention is to provide a weight management device and a weight management method useful for accurately controlling the weight.
Another object of the present invention is that it can be used regardless of the shape and size of the solid material, and can be quickly weighed with a simple structure, and the weight of the solid material can be managed with a small management width. It is an object of the present invention to provide a weight management apparatus and a weight management method that are useful for the purpose.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a weight management apparatus and a weight management method capable of easily and efficiently measuring the original weight of the original low-pressure precompressed layer without compressing the preceding precompressed layer in the laminated tablet at high pressure. Is to provide.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a weight management device and a weight management method useful for accurately and easily managing the weight of each coating layer of a coating preparation.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention is characterized in that a solid weight management apparatus and a weight management method are configured as follows.
That is, the present invention 1 relates to a solid weight management apparatus, and is configured to accommodate a solid matter from the suction guide means in communication with the suction guide means having a suction port facing the solid matter. A cyclone-type collection container having an opening formed in the upper part thereof, and the cyclone-type collection container are arranged so as to be vertically movable in a non-contact state with respect to the opening of the cyclone-type collection container and connected to the suction means Suction and discharge means configured to be able to discharge solid matter in the collection container by suction, and weight measurement means for measuring the weight of the solid matter collected together with the cyclone-type collection container. It is characterized by being.

In this case, you may provide the at least 1 rotation control member for controlling rotation of the collected solid substance in the bottom part of the said cyclone type collection container.
The suction / discharge means is preferably configured to be switchable between a weighing posture released above the opening and a suction posture entering the inside of the collection container.

  The present invention 2 also relates to a solid weight management device, and has a cylindrical collecting means having an opening at one end and configured to be able to accommodate a solid, and supports the collecting means in a swingable manner. Supporting means, weight measuring means for measuring the weight of the solid matter collected together with the collecting means and the supporting means, and maintaining the weight in a non-contact state free from the collecting means during weight measurement. And a tilting means for tilting the collecting means later.

  The present invention 3 relates to a solid weight management method, and the weight of the solid collected in the cyclone-type collection container is measured using the solid weight management apparatus of the present invention 1, and the weight measurement result Based on this, the weight of the solid material in the production process is controlled.

  In this case, the suction / discharge means is released upward from the opening of the cyclone-type collection container and weighed, and the suction / discharge means enters the inside of the collection container to generate a vortex by the suction force of the suction means. Collect the solid matter, release the suction and discharge means upward from the opening of the collection container, measure the weight of the collected solid matter, and then enter the suction and discharge means into the deep part of the collection container and suck the suction means Solid matter collected by the suction force may be sucked and discharged.

In the present invention 1 or 2, the weight measuring means is configured to be able to measure the weight W of the plurality of solids collected in the cyclone type collecting container or the collecting means, and the weight measuring means. The following relational expression is calculated based on the deviation management width ± D from the target weight X of each solid substance and the actual weight of each solid substance from the target weight.
n × (X−D) ≦ W ≦ n × (X + D) (i)
(However, n is the following relational expression.
W / (X + D) ≦ n ≦ W / (X−D) (ii)
Is just one integer that satisfies
When the determination result by the determination means satisfies the relational expression, based on the target weight X and the measured weight W of the plurality of solid objects, And an arithmetic means for calculating the average weight (W / n).

  In this case, since there is no need to count the number of solids, the average weight of solids such as tablets can be calculated quickly, and the problem of poor weight control due to miscounting can be solved. Useful for precise control. In addition, no mechanism or special device for counting the number of solids (sampling device, alignment / separation device, counting device, etc. disclosed in the prior art) is required, and the shape and size of solids Nevertheless, there is an advantage that it can be handled by a device having a simple structure.

  Here, in the present specification, the deviation management range ± D means that the individual weight of the solid material whose target weight is X is more or less in the range of (X−D) to (X + D). Although it is desirable that the width is included, in reality, it is extremely unlikely that the weights of a plurality of solids that are moderately varied are all biased to one limit value. Therefore, in the present specification, the deviation management range ± D means that the average weight of the plurality of solids to be measured is almost or entirely within the range of (X−D) to (X + D). . In the production of solids using a normal rotary tableting machine or the like, for example, solids exceeding the deviation management width D by a tableting pressure management device or the like are automatically excluded before weight measurement according to the present invention. It can also be set as follows.

The discrimination means is the following relational expression for n in the relational expression (i).
(X + D) × n <(X−D) × (n + 1) (iii)
Only when is satisfied, it may be determined whether or not the measurement result by the weight measuring means satisfies the relational expression (i).
In this case, n satisfying this relational expression (iii) is always a single integer that satisfies the relational expression (ii), so that the average weight of the solid can be calculated more efficiently. That is, n satisfying the above equation (ii) may not be able to be determined when the weight W of a plurality of solids increases, even if the weight of each solid is managed within the deviation management width ± D. is there. On the other hand, if solids are collected in the number less than the maximum value of n derived from the target weight X and the deviation management width D according to the relational expression (iii), the solids are managed within the deviation management width ± D. In this case, the weight W of the plurality of solids always satisfies the relational expression (i), and only one n can be estimated from the weight W and the above expression (ii). For this reason, since the average weight of a solid substance can be calculated reliably every time it collects, there is an advantage that there is no waste in measurement operation and the average weight can be calculated more quickly.

The weight management apparatus is used in a solid production apparatus, and manages the weight of solids in the solid production apparatus such as control of the amount of raw material supply based on the average weight data calculated by the calculation means. Control means for doing so may be provided.
In this case, the average weight data can be quickly fed back, and control based on the weight measurement of the solid matter is possible in a short interval, so that the weight of the solid matter can be precisely managed with a small management width, and the yield can be increased. Can be improved.

  When the solid is a laminated tablet or a coating preparation, the average weight can be precisely managed for each layer, which is more useful.

  For example, when the solid is a laminated tablet in which at least one pre-compressed layer is formed, in the present invention 1, the solid is provided with a take-out means for taking out the solid from a pre-compression mortar. The suction guide means may be configured to suck the solid matter taken out from the pre-compression mortar hole and guide it to the cyclone type collecting means. An extraction means for taking out the article from the pre-compression mortar hole may be provided, and the solid matter taken out from the pre-compression mortar hole may be guided to the collecting means.

  In particular, when the solid material is a laminated tablet in the present invention 1 or the present invention 3, in order to measure the weight by sucking and collecting the solid material, the component weight of each layer of the fragile laminated tablet is efficiently measured. Can do. Therefore, the weight of the original low-pressure pre-compressed layer can be measured easily and efficiently without compressing the preceding pre-compressed layer in the laminated tablet at high pressure, and the composition of the laminated tablet is achieved while suppressing the occurrence of raw material loss. It is useful for controlling the weight of each layer to be easily and accurately.

  When the solid is a coating preparation produced by a coating apparatus, in the first aspect of the invention, the suction guide means can suck the solid from the coating apparatus and guide it to the cyclone collecting means. According to the second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a take-out means for taking out the solid matter from the coating apparatus, and the take-out means can be configured to guide the solid matter to the collecting means. Also good.

(1) In the present invention 1 and the present invention 3, since the solid matter is sucked and collected by using a cyclone type collection container having a simple structure, and the weight is measured, the shape of the solid matter required for the conventional technique is used. It is not necessary to replace parts according to the size and size, and it can handle any solid matter and can be collected quickly, so it can improve the workability of weight measurement of solid matter and calculate the average Since the weight data can be quickly fed back, it is useful for accurately controlling the weight of the solid matter.
Moreover, since the solid matter can be quickly collected by suction and the weight can be measured in a short time, it is useful for controlling the weight of the solid matter quickly and accurately in accordance with the production rate of the solid matter.

(2) When a rotation restricting member is provided at the bottom of the cyclone type collection container, when the collected and weighed solid matter is sucked by the suction / discharge means after the weight measurement, the solid matter is brought into the rotation restricting member. Since it is regulated, it does not rotate along the inner surface of the peripheral wall of the cyclone type collection container together with the vortex, and the solid matter can be reliably sucked and discharged by the suction / discharge means.

(3) In addition, the suction / discharge means is released upward from the opening of the cyclone-type collection container and weighed, and the suction / discharge means enters the collection container to generate a vortex by the suction force of the suction means. The solid matter is collected, the suction discharge means is released upward from the opening of the collection container, the weight of the collected solid matter is measured, and then the suction discharge means is made to enter the deep part of the collection container. In the case of sucking and discharging the solid matter collected by the suction force of the suction means, the solid matter can be reliably collected and discharged by suction, and since the cyclone type collection container and the suction discharge means are separated during weighing, There is no possibility of an influence due to static electricity between the two, and the collection container and the solid matter collected in the collection container can be quickly and accurately weighed.

(4) In the second aspect of the present invention, the solid matter can be easily accommodated and collected simply by putting it in from one end of the cylindrical collecting means, and it is collected only by tilting the collecting means. Solid matter can be easily discharged. In addition, since the solids can be collected and discharged only by changing the posture of the collecting means, it is not necessary to control opening and closing of the opening through which the solids pass. For this reason, the entire apparatus can be simplified, and solids can be quickly collected and discharged.

  Hereinafter, the tablet will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings by way of example, but the present invention can also be applied to other solid materials (for example, capsules, ampoules, vials, ceramic molded bodies, etc.).

  1 to 7 show a first embodiment of the weight management device of the present invention, FIG. 1 is a schematic side view when applied to a tableting process of tablets, and FIG. 2 is from a tableting machine to a collection container. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the weight management control device, and FIG. 4 shows the number of tablets tableted with a deviation management width. 5 is a comparison table showing the relationship with tablet weight, FIG. 5 is a graph showing the relationship of FIG. 4, FIG. 6 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 5, and FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the weight management control device.

The weight management device includes a collection container for collecting tablets taken from a plurality of mortar holes formed at intervals in a circumferential direction of a rotary table of a rotary tablet press, and a collection container for collecting the tablets. Weight measuring means for measuring the weight of the collected plurality of tablets and discharge means for discharging the plurality of tablets in the collecting container are provided.
More specifically, in the rotary tableting machine (1), a plurality of dies (3) having mortar holes (3a) in the circumferential direction of the rotating disk (2) are mounted. At the upper and lower positions corresponding to each mortar hole (3a), the upper punch (4) is held by the upper punch holding plate (5) so as to be movable up and down with respect to the mortar hole (3a) of the rotating disk (2). At the same time, the tip of the lower heel (6) is held by the lower heel holding disc (7) so as to be vertically movable in the mortar hole (3a). The rotary plate (2), the upper rod holding plate (5) and the lower rod holding plate (7) rotate coaxially.

  In order to compress the tableting powder in the mortar (3a) and take out the tablet from the mortar (3a), the head of the upper punch (4) is in contact with the upper guide rail (8). The head of the lower arm (6) is in contact with the lower arm guide rail (9). That is, in the compression zone, the upper guide rail (8) curves toward the lower rotating disk (2), forms a descending track with a small height, and guides the upper guide (4) to the compression roller. Tableting is performed by compressing the tableting powder filled in the mortar (3a). In the take-out zone, the lower guide rail (9) forms an upward trajectory that curves toward the upper rotating disk (2), and the lower punch (6) that moves up and down within the mortar (3a) The compressed tablet is continuously removed from the hole (3a). In such a rotary tableting device, it is possible to continuously perform compression molding as the rotating disk (2) rotates, and to continuously take out tablets from the mortar hole (3a).

  As shown in FIG. 2, the tablets continuously taken out from the plurality of mortar holes (3a) are placed on the takeout chute (11) by the rod-like takeout guide (10) provided on the rotating disk (2). Guided. The take-out chute (11) is branched in the middle into a take-out line (12) for taking out the tablets and a sampling line (13) for taking tablets, and the diverging part includes a portion of the population. A distribution damper (14) for distributing the plurality of tablets to the sampling line (13) is provided.

  On the upstream side of the sampling distribution site, a defective tablet elimination mechanism (not shown) configured by a mechanism similar to that described above or another known mechanism such as an air blowing mechanism is installed. Defective tablets generated by the tablet device are excluded in advance before measuring the weight. Even in an apparatus that does not include such an exclusion mechanism, the range and frequency of deviation from the target weight are small, and therefore it is possible to apply the present invention sufficiently.

  The tablets conveyed from the sampling line (13) are guided into the cylindrical container (15) opened at one end without counting the number of tablets. An extending piece (16) extends from the bottom side which is the other end of the cylindrical container (15). The cylindrical container (15) has a weight in an inclined state in which the opening is located above the longitudinal direction corresponding to the discharge part of the sampling line (13) and the extending piece (16) is located below. It is pivotally supported by a support member (17) of a support base (18) that constitutes a support means at a portion where balance can be maintained. The support base (18) is disposed on a weight measuring device (19) such as an electronic balance for measuring a plurality of tablet weights (W). The end of the sampling line (13) is accommodated in a non-contact state at one end on the opening side of the cylindrical container (15), and on the upper surface of this end, the cylindrical container (15) A notch portion is formed so that the end portion of the cylindrical container (15) can be detached from the sampling line (13) along with the swinging motion.

  Furthermore, in order to discharge the tablet from the cylindrical container (15) by a swinging operation that lowers the opening of the cylindrical container (15), the extending piece ( A cylinder (21) capable of moving back and forth up and down the U-shaped locking portion (20) with respect to 16) is provided as an advance / retreat means. That is, the cylinder (21) includes a hollow cylindrical cylinder body and a piston rod that can slide in the cylinder body and has the locking portion (20). In the inclined state in which the opening of the cylindrical container is located at the upper part, that is, in the normal state, the cylindrical container (in the non-contact state in which the end of the extended piece (16) is released in the U-shaped locking part (20) ( The opening of 15) is located above, and the cylinder (21) does not act on the extension piece (16). That is, under normal conditions, the degree of advancement / retraction of the cylinder (21) is located at a weight measurement position where weight measurement is possible. Further, the cylinder (21) advances to raise the bottom of the extension piece (16) and the cylindrical container (15), and the cylindrical container (15) is discharged to discharge the stored tablets to the discharge container (22). The opening side descends. On the other hand, when the cylinder (21) is retracted, the extending piece (16) and the bottom side of the cylindrical container (15) are lowered, and the opening side of the cylindrical container (15) is for the sampling line (13). It rises to a predetermined weight measuring position corresponding to the discharge part.

The weight of the plurality of tablets collected in the cylindrical container (15) is measured by the weight measuring device (19), and the measured weight data (W) indicates the electrical configuration of the weight management control device. As shown in FIG. 3, it is given to the central processing unit (CPU). The central processing unit (31) controls the weight of the tablet compressed by the rotary tableting machine quickly and accurately with a simple device within the deviation management range from the target weight. That is, the central processing unit (31) includes weight data (W) relating to a plurality of tablet weights detected by the detection means of the weight measuring device (19) and converted into digital signals, and a target per tablet. Weight data (X) and deviation management width data (D) from the target weight per tablet are given. Further, the central processing unit (31) has the following relational expression calculated based on the target weight data (X) and the deviation management width data (D) from the target weight.
n × (X−D) ≦ W ≦ n × (X + D) (i)
(However, n is the following relational expression.
W / (X + D) ≦ n ≦ W / (X−D) (ii)
Is just one integer that satisfies
It is determined whether or not the above is satisfied.

When the weight (W) of a plurality of tablets is increased, the value of n in the above relational expression may not be determined to be a single integer even if the tablet weight is managed within a predetermined deviation management width (± D). Come on.
Therefore, in the first embodiment, the central processing unit (31) has the following relational expression.
(X + D) × n <(X−D) × (n + 1) (iii)
Whether or not the above equation (i) is satisfied. In this case, the integer n satisfying the relational expression (ii) is always set to one.

  The central processing unit (31), when the determination result satisfies the relational expression (i), based on the target weight data (X) and the weight data of a plurality of tablet weights measured, (n) and an arithmetic discriminating circuit for calculating the average weight per tablet (W / n = Xm) or the weight deviation data (ΔX) per unit tablet with respect to the reference target weight data (X), A memory in which a predetermined program and data for calculation and determination in the calculation determination circuit are stored, and exchange of data between the calculation determination circuit and the memory is controlled, and is calculated by the calculation determination circuit Based on the average weight (Xm) or weight deviation data (ΔX) of the unit tablet, a control circuit for controlling the setting value of the tableting pressure in the automatic pressure control device of the tableting machine is provided.

  A control signal from the control circuit of the central processing unit (31) is given to the drive circuit (32) of the automatic pressure control device. The automatic pressure control device (Automatic Weight Checker) has already been put into practical use, and is composed of a system that can control the amount of tablet components supplied to the mortar, that is, the supply amount of the tableting powder, according to the set tableting pressure. Yes. In the automatic pressure control device, the supply amount of the tableting powder into the mortar may be controlled.

The above formula (i) can be rewritten as follows, where n × (X−D) is the weight lower limit (WL) and n × (X + D) is the weight upper limit (WH).
WL <W <WH (ia)
Note that the operation determination circuit does not have to be configured as one circuit, and a determination circuit (determination means) for determining whether or not the relational expression is satisfied, and a determination result in the determination circuit is the relational expression. When satisfying (i), the estimated number of tablets (n) and the average weight per tablet (Xm), or the weight deviation data per unit tablet (ΔX) with respect to the reference data of the target weight (X) You may comprise with the arithmetic circuit (calculation means) for calculating. Further, when the determination result does not satisfy the relational expression, the subsequent calculation processing is stopped, and the collection operation, the weighing operation, and the calculation determination operation are repeated again.

The meanings of the relational expressions (i), (ii), and (iii) are as follows.
That is, even when tableting is performed with the target weight (X), as described above, due to various factors such as fluidity and specific volume variation of the tableting powder, changes in temperature and humidity, and thermal expansion and contraction of the punch and die. The tablet weight per tablet varies. On the other hand, FIG. 4, FIG. 5 and FIG. 5 show the relationship between the number of tablets (n = W / X) of a plurality of tablets managed within the deviation management width (± D) and the measured plurality of tablet weights (W). As apparent from FIG. 6, when measuring the weight of a plurality of tablets, the cumulative weight of the deviation management width (± D) is at least the lower limit (XD) of the target weight of one tablet. In some cases, the estimated number of tablets (n) cannot be determined as a single numerical value.

  Specifically, for example, when the target tablet weight (X) = 200 mg and the deviation management width (D) = ± 5 mg, the cumulative weight of the deviation management width (± D) (= 5 mg × n; n is the number of tablets) When the control range of the target weight is within the range (= 200 mg ± 5 mg), that is, when n = 200 mg / (5 mg × 2) = 20, the actual number of tablets is 20 or 21. Can not be determined.

  More specifically, in the comparison table shown in FIG. 4, (1) Wm is the median weight value when all the tablet weights are the target value of 200 mg, and (2) WL is the control width of each individual tablet weight. (3) WH is a weight upper limit value when it is assumed that each individual tablet weight is 205 mg which is the upper limit of the management range. As can be seen from this table, if it is less than 200 mg / (5 mg × 2) = 20, the probability of the estimated number of tablets (n = W / X) is 100%.

On the other hand, in comparison between 20 tablet samples and 21 tablet samples, the weight lower limit (WL) value 4095 of 21 samples and the weight upper limit (WH) value 4100 of 20 samples are reversed. When the measured weight value (W) is between 4095 and 4100, it is unclear whether the number of tablets is 20 data or 21 data.
Actually, it is unlikely that a plurality of tablets will be shifted to the vicinity of one limit value in the control range. In the range where the number of tablets does not increase greatly from the above number, n satisfying the formula (ii) is usually only one integer. Determined. However, it cannot be surely determined to be one integer due to fluctuations in the average weight in the manufacturing process, and the possibility of not being determined to be one integer increases as the measured quantity increases.

In the comparison table, satisfying the formula (iii) means that only one tablet number (n) can be determined from a plurality of measured tablet weights (W).
Such a relationship is expressed by the above relational expression, and the following relational expression (iiia) can be obtained by solving the above expression (iii) by expanding.
n <(X−D) / (2 × D) (iiia)
For example, by substituting the above exemplified values into this formula (iiia),
n <(X−D) / (2 × D) = (200−5) / (2 × 5) = 19.5
It becomes. Since n is a positive integer, n is a value of 19 or less, which is consistent with the results from the above table.
Therefore, if tablets are collected within the range of the maximum number (n) determined from the target tablet weight (X) and deviation management width (D) (for example, 19 or less in the above example), The correct number can be reliably estimated from the weight (W) of a plurality of tablets without counting.

The operation of the weight management apparatus of the present invention is shown in FIG.
That is, in response to the weighing start signal from the upper tablet press management control device, the device retracts the cylinder in the retracting step (S1), and in the retracting determination step (S2), the cylinder is moved to the lower zero `` 0 ”position, that is, whether or not the opening of the cylindrical container has reached the upper predetermined position corresponding to the sampling line (or the lower position of the container bottom), and if the predetermined position is not reached The cylinder further retracts to raise the opening of the cylindrical container, and when the cylinder reaches the 0 position (the upper position of the opening of the cylindrical container corresponding to the sampling line), the retreating operation of the cylinder stops.

  When the cylinder reaches the 0 position, the locking portion of the cylinder is released from the extending piece of the cylindrical container, and the process proceeds to the empty weighing step (S3) to perform zero cancellation (tare). After the completion of the empty weighing, in the sorting step (S4), a plurality of tablets are sorted without being counted by the sorting means and stored in the cylindrical container. After the allocating step (S4) is completed (the operation of the allocating means is stopped), the process proceeds to the weighing step (S5), and the weights of the plurality of tablets stored together with the cylindrical container and whose number is unknown are weighed. When the weighing is completed, whether or not the relational expressions (i) and (iii) calculated based on the target weight X and the deviation management width (± D) from the target weight are satisfied in the determination step (S6) If it is determined that the relational expressions (i) and (iii) are not satisfied, the process proceeds to an advance step (S9) to be described later, and the tablet is discharged by advance of the cylinder. When the relational expression is satisfied, the estimated number of tablets (n = W / X) is calculated in the calculation step (S7), and the average weight (Xm) per tablet or the target weight (X) is calculated. The weight deviation (ΔX) per tablet is calculated. In the control step (S8), the set tableting pressure of the automatic pressure control device is set based on the average weight (Xm) or the weight deviation (ΔX) of one tablet as control amount data. Or the supply amount of the tableting powder, that is, the depth of the dosage rail at the tableting powder supply portion is set.

When the relational expressions (i) and (iii) are not satisfied or when the control step is completed, the process proceeds to a forward step (S9), the cylinder as the discharge means moves forward, and the cylinder is moved in the forward determination step (S10). It is determined whether or not the upper “A” position, that is, whether the container bottom has reached the upper predetermined position or the opening of the cylindrical container has reached the lower predetermined position. Further advances to raise the bottom of the cylindrical container, and when the opening of the cylindrical container is inclined downward to reach position A for discharging the tablet, the forward movement of the cylinder stops.
When the cylinder reaches the A position, the timer is activated in the discharging step (S11) to maintain the inclined state of the cylindrical container for a predetermined time, whereby the tablet is discharged from the opening of the cylindrical container. When the operation of the timer is stopped and a predetermined time has elapsed, the cylinder is retracted to the 0 position in the reverse step (S12), and the weight control operation is completed.

In order to control the weight of the tablet at every predetermined interval, the setting of the tableting pressure is maintained and the weighing start signal is given until the weighing start signal is again given from the host tablet management control device. Then, the above weighing and control operations are repeated.
The advance / retreat degree of the cylinder and the position of the cylindrical container can be detected using conventional means such as a limit switch and a position detection switch.

  Using the control device and method as described above, multiple tablet weights (W) are measured without counting the number of tablets, and the measurement results are calculated based on the target weight (X) and deviation management width (± D). It is determined whether or not the relational expressions (i) and (iii) are satisfied, and when the determination result satisfies the relational expression, the target weight (X) and the measured plurality of tablet weights (W) Based on the above, it is possible to calculate the average weight (Xm) of each tablet and the weight deviation (ΔX) per measured object with respect to the target weight (X). The weight of the tablet can be controlled by changing the setting of the set tableting pressure and the volume setting of the mortar to control the supply amount of the tableting powder. This eliminates the need for a counting device that counts the number of tablets, a sampling device, an aligning device, and other accessory devices, and can measure the weight of tablets quickly with high reliability despite its simple structure. The weight can be accurately controlled. Therefore, even a tableting machine that performs tableting at high speed can manage and control the weight of the tablet with a small management width.

In the apparatus of the present invention, the type of measuring means for measuring the weight of the tablet is not particularly limited, and a balance that senses the weight using mechanical, electrostatic, electrical, magnetic, or electromagnetic action. Etc. can be used.
In the apparatus of the present invention, the calculation control means, as described above, calculates the estimated number of tablets (n) and the average tablet weight per tablet (Xm) or weight deviation data per unit tablet (ΔX). An arithmetic means for calculating and a control means for controlling the set value of the tableting pressure in the automatic pressure control device based on the weight deviation data by the arithmetic means may be configured and combined with the discriminating means. Also, it can be configured as a calculation determination control means.
The deviation management width (± D) is desirably set to a value that can be managed by the automatic pressure control device, that is, a record value of maximum / minimum variation. Specifically, a deviation width that should be rejected as an upper limit abnormality and a lower limit abnormality may be set in the device.

As described above, in the present invention, the number of collected tablets in one measurement is effective with a probability of 100% as long as it is within the effective range of the formula (iii), but the relational expression (i) to Since (iii) assumes that all tablets are within the weight lower limit value (WL) and weight upper limit value (WH) of the tablet management range, in practice they are controlled and controlled to target values. In the system, this assumption is quite safe. Actually, it can be considered that the weight distribution of each tablet is normally distributed with a standard deviation (σ), and the control width (D) is set to be equal to or more than three times the standard deviation σ. It is normal. Considering statistical normal distribution theory of 2σ and 3σ, the applicable range can be considerably widened beyond the calculation limit value of the relational expression.
Note that methods for controlling tablet weight fluctuation include, for example, a method of measuring the weight of a small number of tablets and shortening the control interval, and a method of measuring the weight of many tablets and increasing the control interval. Can be adopted.

  The collecting means for collecting tablets may be used for the weight measurement of the whole collecting means together with the tablets collected as described above. When managing the weight of tablets over a long period of time, the collection means is used in combination with the discharge means for discharging the collected tablets in order to automatically collect and discharge the tablets. Is advantageous. Further, the collecting means is not limited to the swing mechanism by the cylinder, and may include various swing mechanisms.

FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view of the collecting means showing the second embodiment of the present invention.
This collection means is similar to the collection container shown in FIG. 1 in that a cylindrical container (15) capable of accommodating one end of the discharge side of the sampling line (13), and a sampling line of the cylindrical container. A notch (15a) that is formed on the upper end surface of the accommodating portion that accommodates the end of (13) and in which the end of the sampling line (13) can enter and exit in a non-contact state in the vertical direction; and the cylindrical container ( 15) and an extension piece (16) formed at the other end. Of the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical container (15), the opening is located on the upper side, and the extension piece (16) is located on the lower side of the support portion (18). Are pivotally supported by a pair of support members (17) formed on the support member (17), and stoppers (23, 24) for defining the inclination angle of the cylindrical container (15) at both ends of the support member (17). ) Is formed. The support base (18) is disposed on a weight measuring device (19) such as an electronic balance for measuring a plurality of tablet weights (W).

  In order to swing the cylindrical container (15) around the pivot portion, an advancing / retreating means for advancing / retreating the extending piece (16) in the vertical direction is provided as a tilting means. In this example, the advancing / retreating means includes a linear drive motor (25), a conversion mechanism for converting the rotational motion of the motor into linear motion (for example, a pinion attached to the rotation shaft of the motor, and the pinion And a rod (26) connected to a linear motion member converted into linear motion by the conversion mechanism, and attached to an end of the rod; and It is comprised by the control part (29) provided with a pair of pin (27, 28) which can contact the said extension piece (16). The pins (27, 28) are formed apart from each other in the restricting portion (29), and the weight measurement position, that is, the stopper (23) on the extending piece (16) side of the stopper (23, 24) is used to form a cylindrical container. In the state in which the rotation of (15) is restricted, that is, in the inclined state in which the opening of the cylindrical container (15) is located above and the extension piece (16) is located below, each pin (27, 28 ) Is not in contact with the extension piece (16).

In the above device, when the motor (25) is rotated in one direction to advance the rod (26) downward, the pin (27) is locked to the extension piece (16) and the cylindrical container (15 ) Is rotated, and the rotation of the motor (25) is stopped at the weight measuring position where the cylindrical container (15) is inclined by the contact with the stopper (23). At this weight measuring position, as described above, each pin (27, 28) is released from the extended piece (16) and is in a non-contact state. Therefore, the balance, tablet distribution, and tablet weighing are accurately performed. Done.
After the weight measurement is completed, the motor (25) is rotated in the other direction to retract the rod (26) upward, and the lower pin (28) is locked to the extension piece (16) and the cylindrical container ( 15) rotates in the opposite direction to the above, and the rotation of the motor (25) is stopped at the discharge position where the cylindrical container (15) is inclined by contact with the stopper (24). At the discharge position, the opening of the cylindrical container (15) is positioned below and the extension piece (16) is positioned above, so that the tablets in the cylindrical container (15) can be discharged.

9 and 10 show a third embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 9 is a schematic side view of the collecting means, and FIG. 10 is a schematic front view of the collecting means.
In this embodiment, except that the extending piece (16) is not formed on the cylindrical container (15) and that the tilting means is constituted by a mechanism that directly uses the rotational motion of the motor, the second embodiment is implemented. In this example, the L-shaped arm (38) and the connecting arm (39) are in a non-contact state during measurement. That is, the tilting means includes a motor (36), a holding member (37) to which the motor is attached, an L-shaped arm (38) to which the rotation shaft of the motor (36) is attached, and a motor (36). A connecting arm (39) having an engaging pin (39a) at its tip which can come into contact with the curved end of the L-shaped arm (38) as it rotates, and attached to the connecting arm, and A pivot pin (40) that penetrates the support member (17) and pivotally supports the cylindrical container (15). A concave portion for accommodating the engaging pin (39a) of the connecting arm (39) is formed at the curved end of the L-shaped arm (38), and the L-shaped arm (38) and the connecting arm (39) are formed. Forms a U-shaped or U-shaped arm by contact with the engaging pin (39a). The concave portion of the L-shaped arm (38) and the engaging pin (39a) of the connecting arm (39) are normally in a non-contact state.

In such a device, the cylindrical container (15) pivotally supported by the pair of support members (17) is in an inclined state in which the opening is positioned above and the other end is positioned below. Since the weight balance is maintained, in a normal state, that is, in a state where it contacts the stopper (23), the cylindrical container (15) tilts and is positioned at the weight measurement position. At this weight measurement position, as described above, empty weighing, tablet distribution, and tablet weighing are performed.
After the weight measurement is completed, the motor (36) is rotated forward, and the engaging pin (39a) of the connecting arm (39) is engaged with the concave portion of the L-shaped arm (38) to thereby align the cylindrical container (15). The motor (36) stops rotating at the discharge position where the cylindrical container (15) is inclined by contact with the stopper (24). At the discharge position, since the opening of the cylindrical container (15) is positioned below, the tablet in the cylindrical container (15) can be discharged. After discharging the tablet in the cylindrical container (15), when the motor (36) is reversed, the cylindrical container (15) gradually reverses with the reverse rotation of the motor (36) due to the weight balance of the cylindrical container. And the tilt of the cylindrical container (15) is restricted by contact with the stopper (23), and the cylindrical container (15) returns to the normal weight measurement position. The motor (36) further reverses and stops, disengages the concave portion of the L-shaped arm (38) and the engaging pin (39a) of the connecting arm (39), and enters a non-contact state.

  The collecting means is not limited to a straight tubular container as described above, but can be composed of various containers capable of containing tablets, and the discharging means tilts the discharging means to tilt the cylindrical container. Not only the means (such as a cylinder), but also a discharge means that can be attached to and detached from the container may be used.

11 to 13 show a fourth embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 11 is a partially cutaway schematic perspective view of a weight management device, FIG. 12 is a sectional view showing a connection structure between suction guide means and suction conveyance means, and FIG. These are process drawings for explaining the operation of the suction / discharge means.
This weight management device is for taking out tablets (30) taken out from a plurality of mortars (3) formed at intervals in the circumferential direction of a rotary disk (2) of a rotary tableting machine (1). 10) an inverted L-shaped suction guide tube (46) having a hanging portion for sucking and guiding from the suction port (45) while being guided by 10), and a connecting portion (47 L-shaped suction conveyance pipe (48) that is arranged so as to be able to communicate in a non-contact state via a), and to collect tablets (30) conveyed by the suction conveyance pipe. A collection container (49) for receiving and a suction discharge pipe (52) disposed so as to be vertically movable in a non-contact state with respect to the upper opening (50) of the collection container, A weight measuring device (19) such as an electronic balance for measuring the weight of the tablets collected in the collection container, the suction conveyance tube (48), the collection container (49) and the suction discharge Cyclo with tube (52) Constitute an expression collection device.

In this example, as shown in FIG. 12, the connecting portion (47) is in a non-contact state between the flange portion (46a) of the suction guide tube (46) and the flange portion (48a) of the suction transfer tube (48). In close proximity to each other. Further, the central axis of the suction guide pipe (46) and the central axis of the suction conveyance pipe (48) are located on substantially the same axis, and the inner diameter (b) of the suction conveyance pipe (48) is designed to increase the suction effect. The pipe (46) is formed larger than the inner diameter (a) (a <b). When the connection part (47) having such a structure is formed, the tablet (30) can be efficiently sucked and the weight of the tablet (30) acts on the collection container (49). The descending is not restricted by the connecting part (47). Therefore, the weight of the apparatus can be reduced, the installation height can be reduced, the apparatus can be made compact, and the weight of the tablet can be measured smoothly and accurately together with the collection container (49) by the weight measuring apparatus (19).
Furthermore, the collection container (49) for storing the tablet (30) transported by the suction transport pipe (48) by suction includes an upper cylindrical portion (49a) to which the suction transport pipe (48) is connected. The circular truncated cone part (49b) connected downward from the cylindrical part and the lower cylindrical part (49c) connected downward from the circular truncated cone part. A rotation restricting plate (51) for restricting the collected tablet components from rotating together with the vortex at the bottom of the cyclone type collecting container (49) is attached to the lower cylindrical portion (49c). .

  The suction / discharge pipe (52) is connected to a suction device such as an ejector or suction means such as a decompression pump. In the case of using suction means such as an ejector, the suction force may be managed and controlled by installing a flow meter. The suction / discharge pipe (52) can move up and down in the direction of the central axis of the collection container (49). That is, the upper part of the suction / discharge pipe (52) is held by the holding member (54) via the arm part (53b) by the clamp (53a), and this holding member is a guide rail (55) formed on the support column (55). 56) and can be slid in the vertical direction. The holding member (54) is slidable with respect to the guide rail (56) by a dovetail structure. Further, in order to move the suction / discharge pipe (52) up and down in association with tablet suction / collection, weighing and tablet discharge, the holding member (54) is moved forward and backward by two cylinders (57, 58) ( A piston rod (59) that can move up and down is attached. By using the suction / discharge pipe (52) in a non-contact state with respect to such a collection container (49), the weight of the apparatus can be reduced.

The operation of the suction / discharge pipe (52) is as follows.
As shown in FIG. 13, in the (A) empty weighing step, the suction discharge pipe (52) is released upward from the opening (50) of the cyclone type collection container (49), and is weighed. That is, both the cylinders (57, 58) extend to advance the piston rod (59) upward, and the suction discharge pipe (52) opens above the opening (50) of the collection container (49). Move the end. Therefore, the weight of the collection container (49) can be measured stably and smoothly without contacting the suction / discharge pipe (52) and the suction guide pipe (46).

  After this empty weighing, in the (B) collection step, the suction / discharge pipe (52) is moved into the collection container (49), and a vortex is generated by the suction force of the suction means to collect the tablets. Yes. That is, one of the cylinders (57, 58) or the cylinder (57) contracts to lower the piston rod (59), and the suction / discharge pipe (52) is collected from the opening (50). The container (49) enters the container (49) in a non-contact state, and the lowering of the piston rod (59) stops when the opening end of the suction / discharge pipe (52) is at a predetermined upper position in the collection container (49). In order to keep the collection container (49) and the suction / discharge pipe (52) in a non-contact state, a slight clearance is generated between them. When the suction means is operated in this state and the inside of the collection container (49) is sucked by the suction / discharge pipe (52), a cyclone type collecting device is configured, and the suction guide pipe (46) from the suction port (45) is configured. The airflow is spiral along the inner wall of the collection container (49) and becomes a downward downward flow, and the tablet is conveyed by this downward flow and stored in the collection container (49). At the same time, a spiral or tornado-like upward flow that reaches the suction / discharge pipe (52) is generated in the central axis direction of the collection container (49). Therefore, tablets can be collected within a short time with a simple structure including a suction mechanism and a cyclonic collection container.

  After the tablets (30) are accommodated in the collection container (49) in this way, in the (C) weighing step, the suction / discharge pipe (52) is moved upward from the opening (50) of the collection container (49). The weight of the tablet (30) collected after being released is measured. That is, the contracted one cylinder (58) or cylinder (57) extends to raise the suction discharge pipe (52), and the suction discharge pipe (above the opening (50) of the collection container (49) ( Move the open end of 52). Therefore, the weight of the tablet can be stably and smoothly measured by the weight measuring device (19) together with the collection container (49) in a non-contact state with respect to the suction / discharge tube (52) and the suction guide tube (46). The weight data measured by the weight measuring device (19) is given to a control unit for controlling the setting value of the tableting pressure and the depth of the mortar in the automatic pressure control device of the tableting machine.

When weighing in a non-contact state with the collection container (49) and the suction / discharge pipe (52) close to each other at the opening (50), the weighing value is not stable due to static electricity or the like, and the weighing accuracy is low. In some cases, the suction discharge pipe (52) is released above the collection container (49) and weighed as in this embodiment.
Although not shown here, in order to suppress the influence of static electricity and wind, the weighing portion may be covered in a non-contact state with a metal cover or a resin cover that has been subjected to antistatic treatment.
Further, the weight data of the tablet needs to be an average weight value, and the number data of the collected tablets is necessary to calculate this. For this reason, for example, the number of tablets taken out from the tablet press may be counted, but in combination with the weight management device of the first embodiment, the number of tablets is determined by measuring the weight of a plurality of tablets. By configuring as described above, the average weight data can be calculated more easily and quickly.

Then, after the weighing is completed, in the (D) cleaning step, the suction / discharge pipe (52) is inserted into the deep part of the collection container (49), and the collected tablets are sucked and discharged by the suction force of the suction means. That is, both cylinders (57, 58) contract and the suction / discharge pipe (52) is lowered. When the tip of the suction / discharge pipe (52) reaches a predetermined position approaching the bottom of the lower cylindrical part (49c) of the collection container (49), the contraction of the cylinders (57, 58) stops, and the collection container ( The tablets in 49) are discharged through the suction discharge pipe (52) by the suction force of the suction means. At that time, in the lower cylindrical portion (49c) of the collection container (49), the tablet (30) rotating along the inner wall surface together with the vortex may not be sucked and discharged. However, since the apparatus is provided with the rotation restricting plate (51) for restricting the rotation of the tablet in the lower cylindrical portion (49c), the tablet can be efficiently sucked and discharged by the suction / discharge pipe (52).
Further, in order to manage the weight of the tablet at predetermined intervals, after a predetermined time has elapsed, the operations of the (A) empty weighing step, (B) collection step, (C) weighing step, and (D) cleaning step are repeated. .

  In such a device, since a tablet is collected using a cyclone-type collection device and the weight is measured, any tablet can be used regardless of the shape, and the tablet is collected by a suction mechanism. Nevertheless, no solid-gas separation means such as a bag filter is required, the structure is simple, and the weight of the tablet can be measured within a short time. Moreover, it is not necessary to replace parts according to the item, and the weight of the tablet can be measured stably and accurately with high workability. Therefore, the time from tablet collection to weighing and weight control can be shortened, and using the weight measurement data, the setting value of the tableting pressure in the automatic pressure control device or the volume of the mortar can be adjusted. By controlling the supply amount, the tablet weight can be controlled quickly and accurately in accordance with the tableting speed.

  The connecting portion between the suction guide means having the suction port and the suction conveyance means has an adverse effect on the weight measurement of a straight tube or a bent or curved tube interposed between the tableting machine and the collection container. The connecting portion structure is not particularly limited. When the collection device is located at the lower part of the rotary table of the tableting machine, the tube body is often composed of a bent tube body such as an L-shape or a Z-shape, and the end face and flange portion of the tube body Are often spaced apart in the vertical direction at the hanging part of the tubular body, and are opposed to each other in a non-contact state in the horizontal direction such as a horizontal part.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing a modification of the connection structure between the suction guide means and the suction carry-out means. In this example, the connection portion is formed in the horizontal portion extending in the lateral direction. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and demonstrated to the member similar to the connection part shown in FIG.
That is, a horizontal portion is formed in the bent suction guide tube (46) for sucking from the suction port (45), and a straight tubular suction conveyance tube (48) connects the connecting portion (47) to the horizontal portion. It is arrange | positioned so that communication is possible in a non-contact state via. The straight tubular suction transfer pipe (48) is attached to the collection container (49). Further, the flange portion (46a) of the suction guide tube (46) faces the flange portion (48a) of the suction transfer tube (48) in close contact with each other in a non-contact state. When the connection part (47) having such a structure is formed, even if the weight of the tablet (30) acts on the collection container (49), the lowering of the collection container (49) is not restricted by the connection part (47). .
In addition, the said suction conveyance pipe | tube may abbreviate | omit this and you may make the flange part of a suction guide pipe | tube approach and adjoin to the opening part provided in the side wall of a collection container directly in a non-contact state.

15 to 17 show a fifth embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 15 is a schematic perspective view of the weight management device of the present invention, and FIG. 16 is a sectional view showing a connection structure between the suction guide means and the suction conveyance means. 17 is a process diagram for explaining the operation of the suction / discharge means.
This weight management device sucks a tablet (30) taken out from a plurality of mortar holes (3a) formed at intervals on a rotary table (2) of a rotary tablet press from a suction port (45). And an inverted L-shaped suction guide tube (46) for guiding and an L-shaped suction conveyance disposed so as to be able to communicate with the suction guide tube in a non-contact state via a connecting portion (47). The tube (48), the collection container (49) for collecting and containing the tablet (30) conveyed by the suction conveyance tube, and the contact portion with respect to the opening (50) of the collection container And a suction discharge pipe (52) arranged to be movable up and down in the axial direction, and a weight measuring device (19) for measuring the weight of the collected tablets. The transport pipe (48), the collection container (49), and the suction / discharge pipe (52) constitute a cyclone type collection device.

  As shown in FIG. 16, the end of the suction guide tube (46) is inserted into the suction transfer tube (48) in a non-contact state. Further, the connection portion (47) between the suction guide tube (46) and the suction conveyance tube (48) is formed at the end of the hanging portion of the inverted L-shaped suction guide tube (46) and is centered on the lower surface. Packing (46b) having an uneven surface formed by a plurality of annular recesses whose depth gradually decreases from the side toward the side, and the suction guide tube among the L-shaped suction transfer tube (48) (46) a packing having an uneven surface which is formed on the upper end portion facing the hanging portion and which gradually increases from the center to the side on the upper surface corresponding to the uneven surface of the packing (46b) ( 48b), and these packings (46b, 48b) form a labyrinth seal structure.

  The collection container (49) for containing the tablet (30) is composed of an upper cylindrical portion (49a), a conical portion (49b), and a lower cylindrical portion (49c). A skirt portion (60) is formed at the edge of the opening (50) formed in the upper central portion of the collection container (49) and extends in a skirt shape toward the inside of the collection container (49). The outer surface of the end located in the collection container (49) of the suction discharge pipe (52) that can move up and down in a non-contact state with respect to the opening (50) of the collection container (49), A conical seal portion (61) that can approach the skirt portion (60) in a non-contact state is formed as the suction / discharge pipe (52) rises.

  The suction / discharge pipe (52) connected to the suction means can be moved up and down in the direction of the central axis of the collection container (49) by a vertical movement mechanism. That is, the upper part of the suction / discharge pipe (52) is held by the holding member (64) through the arm part (64a) by the clamp (63), and a pair of guide rails (65, 65) is provided at both ends of the holding member. Is installed. In addition, since the suction / discharge pipe (52) is moved up and down in association with tablet suction / collection, weighing and tablet discharge, the holding member (64) can be moved up and down by two cylinders (66, 67). A piston rod (68) is attached.

The operation of the suction / discharge pipe (52) is as follows.
As shown in FIG. 17, in (A) the emptying step, one of the cylinders (66) extends to advance the piston rod (68) upward, and the other cylinder (67) contracts. The state is maintained, and the seal part (61) of the suction / discharge pipe (52) is released inward from the skirt part (60) of the opening part (50) of the collection container (49).
After this empty weighing, in the (B) collection step, the other cylinder (67) is also extended to advance the piston rod (68) further upward, and the opening (50) of the collection container (49) The forward movement of the piston rod (68) stops at a position where a slight clearance is generated between the skirt portion (60) and the seal portion (61) of the suction / discharge pipe (52). When the suction means is operated in this state and the inside of the collection container (49) is sucked by the suction discharge pipe (52), a cyclone type collection device is configured, and the tablet (30) is conveyed to collect the collection container (49). It is collected and contained inside.

After the tablets are stored in the collection container (49), in the weighing step (C), the suction / discharge pipe (52) is lowered by contraction of the other cylinder (67), and the opening of the collection container (49) The seal part (61) of the suction / discharge pipe (52) is released inward from the skirt part (60) of (50). Therefore, the weight of the tablet can be smoothly measured together with the collection container (49) by the weight measuring device (19) in a non-contact state with respect to the suction / discharge pipe (52) and the suction guide pipe (46).
Then, after the weighing is finished, in the cleaning step (D), one of the cylinders (66) is also contracted, the suction / discharge pipe (52) is further lowered, and the tip of the suction / discharge pipe (52) is moved to the collection container (49). When reaching a predetermined position close to the bottom of the cylinder, the contraction of the cylinder (66) stops, and the tablet in the collection container (49) is discharged through the suction discharge pipe (52).
Further, in the same manner as described above, the operations of the steps (A), (B), (C) and (D) are repeated after a predetermined time has elapsed in order to manage the weight of the tablet at predetermined intervals.

  The suction guide means only needs to be provided with a suction port in the region where the suction force for the tablet or tablet component acts, and the guide means such as the take-out guide shown in FIG. 11 collapses to smoothly suck the tablet component. A scraping blade or the like may be provided depending on the form of the tablet component such as the tablet component. The connection structure between the suction guide means and the suction carry-out means can communicate with each other in a non-contact state within a range where a suction force capable of transporting the tablet components is applied, and various structures can be adopted as long as there is no problem in weight measurement. . The suction guide means and the suction conveyance means are preferably close to each other. In particular, it is preferable that the end of the suction guide means and the end of the suction conveyance means are close to each other and face each other in a non-contact state, and can be relatively displaced in the vertical direction.

  As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the structure of the connecting portion does not necessarily need to be connected in a non-contact state at the hanging portion of the tubular body. As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the suction guide means has an L-shape. You may comprise by a tubular body and you may comprise a suction conveyance means by the tubular body which can be connected in a non-contact state in a horizontal part. Further, in the fifth embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the end portion of the suction guide tube is inserted into the suction transfer tube in a non-contact state, but the end portion of the suction transfer tube is inserted into the suction guide tube. Alternatively, the suction guide tube and the suction conveyance tube may form a labyrinth seal structure with the pair of packings in a state where the end surfaces are attached to each other.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing another modification of the connection structure between the suction guide means and the suction conveyance means.
In this modification, the end of the suction guide tube (46) is inserted into the suction transfer tube (48) in a non-contact state. The suction transfer pipe (48) is connected in communication with the collection container (49) as described above. Further, the connection portion (47) between the suction guide tube (46) and the suction conveyance tube (48) is formed at the end of the hanging portion of the inverted L-shaped suction guide tube (46), and a plurality of portions are provided on the lower surface. Of the L-shaped suction conveyance pipe (48) and an upper end portion of the suction guide pipe (46) facing the hanging portion of the suction guide pipe (46), and the packing (46b) ) In which a ring-shaped protruding piece that can be accommodated with a clearance is formed, and these packings (46b, 48b) form a labyrinth seal structure.

The shape and structure of the collection container is such that the air flow is introduced from the suction conveyance pipe by sucking the inside of the collection container by the suction discharge pipe, and the vortex shape along the wall surface in the collection container is directed downward. There is no particular limitation as long as it can generate a tapered downward flow and a spiral or tornado-shaped upward flow along the central axis of the collection container.
Moreover, the cyclone type collection container is normally provided with the upper cylindrical part and the lower cone part, and the lower cylindrical part is not necessarily required.

The restriction member provided at the bottom of the cyclone-type collection container is not limited as long as the rotation of the collected tablet components can be restricted, and may be constituted by a breathable member such as a metal mesh. It suffices to provide at least one regulating member at the bottom of the collection container, and a plurality of regulating members may be provided.
The shape and size of the regulating member are not particularly limited. For example, the length in the radial direction may be about 10 to 50% of the inner diameter at the bottom of the collection container, and the height is the number of tablets to be collected. By providing this regulating member, it is possible to efficiently eliminate the measured tablets in the collection container.
The apparatus used in the present invention can coat the inner surface of a collection container or a pipe with a non-adhesive low surface tension resin such as a fluororesin in order to suppress adhesion of solid components such as tablets. Good.

  The suction discharge pipe that can be sucked by the suction means is in a non-contact state with respect to the opening of the cyclone-type collection container, and is vertically moved in the axial direction of the collection container from the bottom area of the collection container to the area above the opening. It is preferable to dispose it so that it is not affected by static electricity during weighing, but as shown in FIG. 16, the suction / discharge tube may be movable up and down within the collection container. Furthermore, in the collection step and the cleaning step, the suction / discharge pipe may be in non-contact with or in contact with the collection container.

The vertical movement mechanism of the suction / discharge pipe is not particularly limited. That is, the suction / discharge means is not limited to the cylinder, but various reciprocating mechanisms such as a mechanism that converts rotational motion into reciprocating linear motion (for example, a pinion of a stepping motor, a combination of a gear and a rack, a rod having a spiral portion) Or a combination of nut members).
In addition, the discharge port of the suction / discharge means (suction / discharge pipe) is connected to another cyclone-type collection container similar to the above via an ejector, and the tablet components discharged through the suction / discharge means are captured by this collection device. You may gather.

19 and 20 show a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 19 is a schematic side view of the weight management device, and FIG. 20 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a connection structure between the collecting means and the suction means.
Since the weight management device and management method of the present invention can suck and collect tablets and measure the weight within a short time, the tablet component of at least one pre-compression layer of a laminated tablet composed of a plurality of layers In other words, the present invention can be suitably applied to the weight management of the pre-compressed tablet prior to the main compression. In the first embodiment, the present invention is applied to a two-layer tablet rotary tablet press having a preliminary compression zone and a main compression zone.

  As shown in FIG. 19, the rotary tableting machine (1) has a plurality of dies (3) having mortar holes (3a) in the circumferential direction of the rotating disk (2), as in the first embodiment. In the position corresponding to the mortar hole (3a), a plurality of upper ridges (4) can move up and down with respect to the mortar hole (3a) of the rotating disk (2). ) And the tips of the plurality of lower heels (6) are held by the lower heel holding plate (7) so as to be movable up and down within the mortar hole (3a).

In order to tablet the granule in the mortar (3a) and take out tableted tablet components from the mortar (3a), the head of the upper punch (4) is connected to an upper guide rail (8). The head of the lower eyelid (6) is in contact with the lower eyelid guide rail (9). That is, in the pre-compression zone in the compression zone, the upper guide rail (8) is curved toward the lower rotating disk (2) and forms a descending orbit with a small height to pre-compress the upper guide (4). The powder for the first layer, which is guided to the roller and filled in the mortar hole (3a) in the filling zone, is lightly compressed. On the other hand, in this compression zone, the upper iron guide rail (8) is curved downward to form a descending track with a large height, and the upper iron (4) is guided to the compression roller to obtain a mortar hole (3a). The granular material for the second layer added together with the inner pre-compression molded body is compressed at a high pressure.
In the demolding zone, the lower guide rail (9) forms an upward trajectory that curves toward the upper rotating disk (2), and is lowered by the lower arm (6) that moves up and down in the mortar (3a). The main-compressed tablet is continuously taken out from the mortar (3a). In such a rotary tableting device, pre-compression and main compression can be continuously performed as the rotating disk (2) rotates, and tablets can be taken out from the mortar hole (3a).

  And, in order to take out a predetermined number of tablet components for the first layer from the plurality of mortar holes (3a) and manage the weight thereof accurately, it is composed of a lever (not shown) and a rising track member (70). A take-out mechanism is provided. That is, on the downstream side of the precompression zone, it is possible to move horizontally between the head of the lower eyelid (6) and the lower eyelid guide rail (9) by lever operation, and the upper end surface is upward along the circumferential direction. The curved ascending track member (70) is moved. The ascending track member (70) measures the weight of the pre-compressed tablet component and corrects the weight variation, so that the lower eyelid (6) and the lower eyelid guide rail ( 9) and can be moved arbitrarily or periodically (for example, every 20 minutes or every 30 minutes). By the ascending raceway member (70) interposed between the lower eaves (6) and the lower eaves guide rail (9), the lower eaves (6) rises along the inclined surface of the ascending raceway member (70) and is preliminarily compressed. On the downstream side of the zone, the tip of the lower punch (6) can be raised higher than the same plane as the mill (3) or the plane of the mill (3). Therefore, with the rotation of the rotating disk (2), the tablet components pre-compressed in the pre-compression zone are continuously taken out from the mortar (3a) corresponding to the appropriate number of tablets.

  On the other hand, the pre-compressed tablet components are only lightly compressed and are not firmly integrally formed. This is because if the pre-compression is strongly compressed, the layers are hardly integrated during the main compression, and the obtained tablet is easily decomposed between the layers by a light impact or the like. Therefore, the pre-compressed tablet component is often fragile when taken out, and the device is close to the mortar (3a) so that the entire amount of the tablet component can be efficiently collected even if broken. It has a collection container (73) provided with a collection tube (72) in which a suction port (71) is arranged. In this collection container (73), in order to efficiently collect the tablet component in the collection container (73) while sucking the tablet component and suppressing leakage of the tablet component, a solid-gas separation such as a bag filter is formed in the opening. A connecting pipe (75) to which the means (74) is attached is connected, and a suction pipe (76) connected to a suction means (not shown) such as a decompression pump is detachable to the connecting pipe (75). is there.

  In this reference embodiment, as shown in FIG. 20, the connection mechanism between the connection pipe (75) and the suction pipe (76) has an inner surface at the end of the suction pipe (76) having a larger inner diameter than the connection pipe (75). And an inflatable / shrinkable ring-shaped bag (77), and a fluid supply pipe (78) for injecting or discharging fluid (gas or liquid) into the ring-shaped bag. The suction pipe (76) can be moved forward or backward relative to the connection pipe (75). When such a connection mechanism is used, the suction pipe (76) is advanced to the connection site with respect to the connection pipe (75), and the fluid is injected into the ring-shaped bag (77) from the fluid supply pipe (78). With the expansion of the bag (77), the connection pipe (75) and the suction pipe (76) can be sealed and connected. After connecting the connecting pipe (75) and the suction pipe (76), by starting the suction operation, the tablet component taken out from the mortar hole (3a) is sucked, and a trap equipped with a solid-gas separation means is provided. The collection container (73) allows easy and efficient collection. Further, after collecting the tablet components, the suction operation is stopped, the fluid in the ring-shaped bag (77) is discharged from the fluid supply pipe (78), and the suction pipe (76) is connected to the connection pipe (75). On the other hand, the connection between the connection pipe (75) and the suction pipe (76) can be released by retreating.

  The precompressed tablet component is released by releasing the lever of the take-out mechanism and moving the ascending track member (70) interposed between the lower punch (6) and the lower guide rail (9) to the side. Can stop the collection. Therefore, the number of pre-compressed tablet components is determined by adjusting the rotational speed of the rotating disk (2) and the intervening time of the ascending track member (70). This can be done by setting the number or time required for the number of passing dies in a timer or sequencer. Moreover, you may set the interval for taking out a tablet to a timer or a sequencer. Further, the tablet components may be counted by visually or automatically counting the number of times the lower punch moves up and down on the downstream side of the preliminary compression zone. The number of times the lower eyelid moves up and down (ie, the number of times the tablet component is discharged) is automatically determined by using a conventional sensor, for example, an optical detection device equipped with a proximity sensor and an optical sensor. Can be counted. Further, a synchronizing means for generating a synchronizing signal in conjunction with the vertical movement of the vertical punch, and a counting means for counting the sampling number of the tablet components taken out from the mortar in response to the synchronizing signal from the synchronizing means And may be provided.

  It should be noted that the weight management apparatus and management method of the present invention such as the first embodiment can also be used for this reference embodiment 1, and in this case, a certain number of tablets is estimated by weight measurement without counting the tablets. be able to. For this reason, there is no need for the above-mentioned counting device, there is no risk of counting errors, and the average weight of the pre-compressed tablets can be quickly and easily determined by simply measuring the weight of the collected tablet components. Accurate calculation is possible.

  Then, in order to measure the weight of the collected tablet component, the connection with the suction tube (76) is released, and the weight of the entire collection container collecting the tablet component is a weight measuring device such as a balance ( 19) is measured.

  In such a weight management apparatus, the pre-compressed tablet component can be taken out by the take-out mechanism, and collected in a collecting container together with suction, and the weight can be measured. Therefore, the weight of the tablet can be controlled by controlling the mortar volume, the supply amount of the tablet component to the mortar or the tableting pressure based on the measurement data, and the weight of each layer of the layered tablet can be managed with high accuracy. That is, the weight data is fed back to the control device of the rotary tableting machine, and the pre-compressed tablet component (i.e., the first in this example) is controlled by controlling the amount of tablet component supplied to the mortar or the tableting pressure. The weight of the layer component) and thus the weight of the whole tablet can be controlled with high accuracy.

  Therefore, by subtracting the weight of the first layer or the weight of the first layer and the second layer from the overall weight data for the second layer and the third layer of the two-layer tablet and the three-layer tablet as well. Since the weights of the second layer and the third layer are measured, the weight of each component important as tablet quality can be accurately controlled. Moreover, it is not necessary to compress the tablet components to be pre-compressed strongly for sampling, or to count the obtained tablets and measure the weight. That is, it is not necessary to change the manufacturing conditions for sampling. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently sample while continuously tableting without stopping the production line, and it is possible to measure the weight of the pre-compressed component as it is within a short time. For this reason, the measurement data is fed back to the control device of the tableting machine (such as a punch control device that controls the threshold value for tableting pressure as a reference, an average value control device that uses the average pressure within the rotation period). Thereby, even if it uses the rotary tableting machine continuously tableted at high speed, the loss of a process and a granular material can be reduced significantly.

  The take-out means and take-out mechanism for taking out the tablet components from the mortar are not particularly limited, but the take-out means includes a lower punch whose tip can be moved up and down within the mortar formed in the rotating disk, and the lower punch. It can be disposed between a lower guide rail for moving upward, and can be constituted by an ascending track member for discharging the tablet component from the mortar hole by moving the lower guide further upward.

  The number of collected tablet components in one measurement (amount) may be 1 tablet or 2 to 500 tablets, preferably 5 to 200 tablets, more preferably 10 to 100 tablets. There should be. As a method for controlling the weight fluctuation of the tablet, for example, a method of measuring a small number of tablet components and shortening the control interval, a method of measuring many tablet components and increasing the control interval, etc. can be adopted.

  The collecting means for collecting the tablet components may be used for measuring the weight of the entire collecting means together with the collected tablet components, and a container main body for containing the tablet components, and a detachable to the container main body. You may comprise with the collection part which can collect a tablet component while being possible.

That is, FIG. 21 is a schematic sectional view showing Reference Embodiment 2 of the present invention, FIG. 21 (A) shows the state at the time of collection, and FIG. 21 (B) shows the state at the time of discarding the collected tablet components. Show.
As shown in FIG. 21 (A), the collection container disposed on the weight measuring device (19) has a container body (79) having an open bottom surface and a closed bottom, and is attached to the container body. And a sheet-like flexible valve body (80) that covers the opening, and a suction port (71) that is detachable from the container main body (79) and extends in the vicinity of the mortar (ie, the suction region). And a connecting pipe (75) connected to the collector and having a solid-gas separation sheet (74) such as a bag filter attached to the opening. The flexible valve body (80) can be suspended from the lower surface of the container body (79), and the opening at the bottom of the container body (79) is caused by the suspension of the flexible valve body (80). Open.

  The connection between the container body (79) and the collector (81) is the same ring-shaped bag (82) as described above that expands and contracts as fluid is supplied / discharged from a fluid supply pipe (not shown). It is done using. That is, the flange portion (79a) formed at the opening edge of the container body (79) can be controlled to move downward by a restricting member (not shown), and is formed at the lower opening edge of the collector (81). The upward movement of the flange portion 81a can be restricted by a restriction member (not shown). Therefore, when the ring-shaped bag (82) interposed between the flange parts (79a, 81a) is inflated, the container body (79) and the collector (81) are connected and sucked through the connecting pipe (75). The tablet components are sucked into the container body (79) and the collector (81) through the suction port (71) and collected. After collecting a predetermined amount of the tablet components, the ring-shaped bag (82) is shrunk to release the connection between the container body (79) and the collector (81), and the regulating member and the flange portion (81a) By releasing the lock, the restriction on the upward movement of the flange portion (81a) of the collector (81) is also released.

  Then, the collector (81) is opened from the container body (79), the tablet components in the collector (81) are collected in the container body (79), and the regulating member and the flange portion (79a) The lock can be released. Thereby, the restriction | limiting of the downward movement of the flange part (79a) of a container main body (79) can be cancelled | released, and the weight of a container main body (79) with a tablet component can be measured with a weight measuring device (19).

  After measuring the weight of the tablet component, as shown in FIG. 21 (B), the container body (79) is slid to move to the disposal zone, and the opening of the sheet-like flexible valve body (80) is opened. The occlusion is released and the tablet components can be discarded in the disposal section of the disposal zone. The container body may be a container body having an opening that can be closed by a valve body, or may be a bottomed container body.

The tablet components adhering to the inner wall of the collector (81), the bag filter, etc. can be recovered by mechanical means (a conventional method such as scraping). Further, when the collector is composed of a hollow cylindrical cylinder and a piston-like rod that can slide in the cylinder, the tablet components adhering to the inner wall of the cylinder are mechanically removed by a simple method of sliding the rod. It can be recovered efficiently.
In addition to the mechanical means, it is possible to backwash using compressed air and collect the attached tablet components.

In order to collect the tablet components efficiently in the collecting means, it is preferable to arrange a suction port in the vicinity of the mortar hole (the region where the suction force acts). , It may be opened obliquely or laterally. The shape of the suction port is not particularly limited, and may be a circle, an ellipse, a rectangle, or the like, or may be wide like a slit. Furthermore, the planar shape of the suction port may be curved corresponding to the outer periphery of the mortar or mortar.
The collecting means may be constituted by other means, for example, a collecting device provided with the cyclone type suction mechanism used in the fourth embodiment, whereby tablets from the collecting container, etc. The discharge can be simplified.

  The weight data measured by the weight measuring device can also be input to the input device of the control device for controlling the tableting pressure of the tablet press, and the weight data is linked to the weight measuring device and the control unit of the control device. The tablet weight can be efficiently controlled with high accuracy by controlling the filling amount (amount) of the powder into the mortar and the tableting pressure.

  In the above Reference Form 1 and Reference Form 2, the case where the first layer of the bilayer tablet is pre-compressed has been described as an example, but the device of the present invention is a laminated tablet composed of a plurality of layers such as a three-layer tablet, Weight control of ingredients that form at least one pre-compressed layer of a layered tablet, ie, tablet components that are pre-compressed prior to main compression (for example, in layered tablets composed of n layers, prior to main compression) (Weight management of n-1 pre-compressions to be pre-compressed). Moreover, since the apparatus of the present invention can measure the weight of tablet components within a relatively short time, it is also useful for weight management of non-laminated tablets and fully compressed laminated tablets.

In each of the above-described embodiments, the tableting machine is not limited to the rotary (rotary) tableting machine, but may be a single stroke type tableting machine. Further, depending on the layer structure of the tablet, a two-stage compression type tableting machine constituted by preliminary compression and main compression and a multistage compression type tableting machine constituted by a plurality of preliminary compressions and main compression can be used.
Tableting pressure is usually 100~5000kg / cm ^2, preferably be selected from 500~3000kg / cm ² in the range of about pressure of precompression is usually, 10~500kg / cm ^2, preferably 20 and 100 kg / cm ² (20 to 60 kg / cm ² ), more preferably about 50 to 100 kg / cm ² .

  The size and type of tablets to be tableted are not particularly limited, and for example, circular, oval, oblong, oval, almond, arrowhead, bullet, polygon (triangle, rectangle, etc.), A semicircle, a heart shape, a rhombus, etc. may be sufficient. Moreover, the diameter of a tablet is 0.3-3 cm, for example, and a weight is about 20-3000 mg in many cases, for example.

  These tablet components include, for example, active ingredients (pharmacologically active ingredients and physiologically active ingredients), excipients (lactose, corn starch, crystalline cellulose, light anhydrous silicic acid, talc, etc.), binders (sucrose, gelatin, Gum arabic, methylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, starches, etc., disintegrants (corn starch, carmellose calcium, croscarmellose sodium, low substituted hydroxypropylcellulose, etc.), lubricants (magnesium stearate, talc) Etc.), a surfactant, a colorant, a corrigent, and the like, and these components may form a granulated powder.

  In each of the above embodiments, the case where the apparatus and the method of the present invention are applied to the tableting process of the tablet has been described. However, solid materials applicable to the present invention include coating preparations such as sugar coating agents and film coating agents, capsules, It can also be applied to vials, ceramic products, etc., and is particularly useful for precise control of the amount of coating agent applied in each process, especially in coating processes such as sugar-coated tablets. .

That is, FIG. 22 is a schematic configuration diagram of a weight management apparatus showing a sixth embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a coating apparatus.
The coating apparatus (85) is configured to be able to rotate in a state where a tablet to be coated is accommodated by supporting a coating pan (86) on a rotating shaft (87). Further, an opening (88) is provided at a portion facing the inside of the coating pan (86), and a cylindrical member (89) is disposed in the opening (88), and this cylindrical member (89) is not shown. While being fixed to a stationary member, the lid | cover (90) is attached to the outer side opening part of the cylindrical member (89) so that opening and closing is possible.

A liquid supply path (91) is formed so as to penetrate the upper part of the cylindrical member (89), and a spray nozzle (92) is attached to the inner end of the liquid supply path (91) to provide a coating pan (86 ), The liquid supplied from the liquid supply path (91) can be sprayed. In addition, the peripheral wall of the cylindrical member (89) is pierced with a tablet injection tube (93), so that tablets stored in the hopper (94) can be input into the coating pan (86) as needed. It is configured.
Further, a tablet outlet (95) is formed in the lower part of the cylindrical member (89), and the tablets lifted by the rotation of the coating pan (86) are taken out as necessary from the discharge pipe (96). The discharge pipe (96) is configured so that it can be discharged, and the tip of the discharge pipe (96) faces a weight management device having the same configuration as the device described in the third embodiment.

When a coating process is performed using the coating apparatus (85), for example, sugar-coated tablets are usually sequentially coated by performing a subcoating process, a smoothing process, a coloring process, a finishing process, a polishing process, and the like.
Each coating process involves manually or automatically operating the coating pan (86) while rotating or spraying the coating liquid onto the tablet flow surface, spraying the spraying agent if necessary, and then coating pan (86) Assuming that a series of processes in which air is blown in and warm air is sent to the surface of the tablet to remove moisture and solvent and dry is one cycle, this cycle is repeated a predetermined number of times for each coating process.

The coating agent added to the tablet by the above coating treatment is usually about 5 mg or less in one operation, and the above operation may be repeated 100 times or more to coat about 200 mg in total amount on the uncoated tablet. .
Since the amount of coating agent added in each coating process needs to be managed as precisely as possible, the coating agent added by measuring the weight of the tablet every cycle or several times using the weight management device. The weight of each layer and the whole tablet is managed.

That is, at the end of the drying process in each cycle of the coating treatment, an appropriate amount of tablets are taken out from the discharge pipe (96), and the inside of the cylindrical container (15) facing the end of the discharge pipe (96). Led to. The weight management device including the cylindrical container (15) has the same configuration as that of the third embodiment, and the cylindrical container in which the extracted tablet is swingably supported by the support member (17). (15) together with the weight measuring device (19), and when the relational expression (i) and the expression (ii) or (iii) are satisfied, a certain number of tablets is estimated, and the average weight of the tablets is calculated. Calculate.
In addition, the said tablet extraction operation | movement may be made to take out automatically according to a coating process, and may be taken out manually. In any case, however, there is no need to count the number of tablets, and the average weight of the tablets can be calculated easily and quickly.

When the tablet weight data is calculated, the cylindrical container (15) is tilted to the position indicated by the phantom line by the rotation of the motor (36), and the measured tablet is discharged to the collection container (97). Return to the weight measurement position.
On the other hand, the tablets discharged to the collection container (97) are automatically or manually transferred to the hopper (94) using a screw conveyor, an air-type transfer device, a bucket conveyor, etc. Returned into the coating pan (86). The series of operations of taking out, weighing, collecting, and re-feeding these tablets can be performed in a short time because the average weight of the above tablets can be calculated quickly, and may be completed until the next coating cycle starts. Is possible. For this reason, it is possible to easily recycle the measured tablet and to control the coating process of the next step based on the measurement result.

In addition, there is no need for manual counting work, and there is no risk of quality problems even if the tablets after measurement are recycled. In addition, automation that combines sampling, weighing, and recycling is easy, making it easy to inline. can do.
Further, by recycling the measured tablets, there is no possibility of a decrease in yield, so that sampling and weighing can be easily performed for each coating cycle, whereby the coating process can be managed more stably.

When determining whether the weight data (W) measured by the weight measuring device (19) satisfies the relational expression (i), the target weight data (X) per tablet and the deviation management width (D ) And must be set in advance. The setting method of these data includes the method of entering tablet weight and increase weight in advance for all steps, the method of setting the target weight by calculation by entering the increase amount for each group of the same increase weight, the initial weight There is a method in which only the target weight for each step is set by calculation by inputting only the approximate increase weight for each step in a lump.
Regardless of the setting method, by resetting the target value of the next step based on the actual measurement value of the weighing scale, the target weight and the measured weight become more consistent, and weight management is performed easily and accurately. be able to.

  In addition, since the tablet weight can be managed for each step of the coating process by the above weight management device, for example, a process abnormality such as liquid application / spraying (for example, liquid application line) Can be detected at an early stage.

  In the sixth embodiment, the cylindrical container supported so as to be swingable is used as the tablet collecting means. However, the cyclone type collecting container used in the fourth embodiment or the fifth embodiment may be used. You may comprise so that a tablet may be collected rapidly using the collection container provided with the suction tube like 6th Embodiment or 6th Embodiment. In this case, if a suction guide tube or the like is disposed so as to penetrate the peripheral wall of the cylindrical member and the suction port faces the tablet in the coating pan, sampling of the tablet can be performed very easily and quickly. In particular, when using a cyclone type collection container, the tablet can be directly recycled into the hopper or coating device using a suction discharge pipe for discharging the tablet collected from the cyclone type collection container, It can be automated more easily.

Examples of the coating agent used in the above coating treatment include sucrose, starch, talc, calcium sulfate, precipitated calcium carbonate, gelatin, gum arabic, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, pigment, beeswax, carnauba wax, and the like used in ordinary coating treatments. , Not limited to specific types.
Needless to say, the coating preparation includes various film-coated tablets in addition to the usual sugar-coated tablets.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the case where it is applied to tablet weight management in the tableting process or the coating process has been described, but the apparatus and method of the present invention are not limited to tablet weight management in other various processes, Various solids such as pharmaceuticals other than tablets such as capsules, vials, ampoules and sachets, foods such as candy, compression moldings such as ceramics products, moldings such as metal balls used in bearings, various injection moldings The present invention can be applied to weight management of all solid materials, such as a molded body made of the above, or a packaging body containing a fluid such as liquid or gas as well as a solid.

It is a schematic side view at the time of applying to the tableting process of a tablet which shows 1st Embodiment of the weight management apparatus of this invention. It is a schematic plan view for demonstrating the conveyance mechanism of the tablet from a tableting machine to a collection container of 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of the control apparatus for weight management of 1st Embodiment. It is a contrast table which shows the relationship between the number of tablets tableted with the deviation management width | variety, and tablet weight of 1st Embodiment. It is a graph which shows the relationship of FIG. It is the elements on larger scale of FIG. It is a flowchart of the control apparatus for weight management of 1st Embodiment. It is a schematic perspective view of the collection means which shows 2nd Embodiment. It is a schematic side view of the collection means which shows 3rd Embodiment. It is a schematic front view of the collection means of 3rd Embodiment. It is a partial notch schematic perspective view of the weight management apparatus which shows 4th Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the connection structure of the suction guide means and suction conveyance means of 4th Embodiment. It is process drawing for demonstrating operation | movement of the suction discharge means of 4th Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the modification of the connection structure of a suction guide means and a suction carrying-out means. It is a schematic perspective view of the weight management apparatus which shows 5th Embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 12 of the fifth embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 13 of a fifth embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the other modification of the connection structure of a suction guide means and a suction conveyance means. It is a schematic side view of the weight management apparatus which shows the reference form 1. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the connection structure of the collection means of the reference form 1, and a suction means. It is a schematic sectional drawing of the weight management apparatus which shows the reference form 2, FIG. 22 (A) shows the state at the time of collection, FIG.22 (B) shows the state at the time of discard of the collected tablet component, respectively. It is a schematic block diagram of the weight management apparatus applied to the coating apparatus which shows 6th Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

3a ... Mortar,
15 ... cylindrical container (collection means),
17: Support member (support means),
19: Weight measuring device (weight measuring means),
21 ... Cylinder (tilting means),
25… Linear drive motor (tilting means)
30 ... tablets (solid),
31 ... Central processing unit (discriminating means, computing means)
32 ... Drive circuit (control means) of automatic pressure control device,
36 ... motor (tilting means),
45… Suction port,
46… Suction guide tube (suction guide means),
49… Cyclone type collection container (collection means),
50 ... upper opening,
51 ... Rotation restricting plate (rotation restricting member),
52 ... Suction / discharge pipe (suction / discharge means),
73 ... Collection container (collection means),
79 ... Container body (collecting means),
81 ... Collector (collecting means),
95: Tablet outlet (extraction means).

Claims (6)

A suction guide means having a suction port facing a solid substance, and a cyclone type collection container configured to be able to receive the solid substance from the suction guide means in communication with the suction guide means and having an opening at the top In addition, the cyclone-type collection container is disposed so as to be vertically movable in a non-contact state with respect to the opening of the cyclone-type collection container, and is connected to a suction means and can discharge solid matter in the collection container by suction. A solids weight management device, comprising: a suction / discharge means configured as described above; and a weight measuring means for measuring the weight of the solid matter collected together with the cyclone-type collection container. The solid weight management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one rotation restricting member for restricting rotation of the collected solid matter is provided at a bottom portion of the cyclone type collection container. The solid suction device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the suction / discharge means is configured to be switchable between a weighing posture released above the opening and a suction posture entering the inside of the collection container. Material weight management device. A cylindrical collecting means having an opening at one end and configured to be able to accommodate a solid, a supporting means for swingably supporting the collecting means, and the collecting means and the supporting means together with the collecting means. A weight measuring means for measuring the weight of the collected solid material, and a tilting means that is maintained in a free non-contact state with the collecting means at the time of weight measurement and tilts the collecting means after the weight measurement. A solid weight management apparatus. The weight of the solid substance collected by the cyclone type collection container is measured using the apparatus of Claim 1, and the weight of the solid substance in a manufacturing process is controlled based on this weight measurement result. A solid weight management method. The suction / discharge means is released upward from the opening of the cyclone-type collection container and weighed, and the suction / discharge means enters the inside of the collection container to generate a vortex by the suction force of the suction means to generate solid matter. After collecting and measuring the weight of the collected solids by releasing the suction / discharge means upward from the opening of the collection container, the suction / discharge means enters the deep part of the collection container and the suction force of the suction means The solid matter weight management method according to claim 5, wherein the solid matter collected by suction is sucked and discharged.

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