JP2008081312A - Chute - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To drop and transfer material to be treated in a short time, efficiently and in a sanitary state while suitably preventing breakage of the material to be treated such as a tablet. <P>SOLUTION: This chute 10 includes: a chute body 14 forming a drop passage 12 where the tablet passes; and a plurality of rods 20 fitted to the chute body 14 to cross the drop passage 12. The plurality of rods are disposed at predetermined spaces in the horizontal direction and in the vertical direction, thereby dropping and transferring the tablets to be dropped at intervals of a predetermined distance while causing the tablet to collide with the rods. The plurality of rods 20 are disposed with a positional shift in the horizontal direction from the rods of the upper and lower second stages in each stage in the vertical direction. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an improvement in a chute for dropping a solid medicine such as a tablet or a capsule and transferring it to the next process, and in particular, while preventing damage to an object to be treated such as a medicine. The present invention relates to efficient transfer of goods.

  In general, in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals, for solids such as tablets, these solids are transferred to the next process by passing through a chute having a drop passage between each processing process. In this case, various shock-absorbing means are often provided in order to prevent the tablet from being damaged or broken due to, for example, the sugar-coated portion of the sugar-coated tablet being broken or peeled off due to an impact at the time of dropping.

  As one of them, a spiral guide is formed in the chute, and the object to be processed is slid on this guide, so that the drop speed is reduced and the drop impact is reduced compared to the case where it is directly underneath. It is known to do (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  However, in this prior art, since it slides on the guide from the entrance to the exit of the chute, the contact time between the object to be processed such as a tablet and the sliding surface is long, and the object to be processed such as a tablet is caused by friction. The surface of the object may be worn. In addition, when the amount or the number of objects to be transferred is large, the objects to be processed overlap each other, and the entire weight of the objects to be processed itself imposes a load on the objects to be processed, so that There is a possibility of causing damage, and in particular, the influence of weight load is large in the initial stage of transfer, and there is a tendency that damage is likely to occur. In addition, it is not easy to clean the spiral guide inside the chute, and there is a problem in terms of hygiene.

  In this regard, a technique for dropping an object to be processed such as a tablet while decelerating by a funnel-shaped member arranged eccentrically in the chute has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 2). The run time of the processed material can be shortened.

  However, with this technique, there is a problem that the impact at the time of a drop collision on the inclined surface of each funnel-shaped member is large, and the risk of the tablet being damaged cannot be sufficiently avoided. As a result, the impact noise on the slope was loud, and it was necessary to take additional measures to prevent sound. In this case, it may be possible to cover the slope of the funnel-shaped member with urethane foam rubber, but the rubber material will peel off after a long period of use while repeatedly receiving drop impacts. There is a risk that it may not be hygienic and safe. Above all, when covered with rubber, the sliding resistance between the object to be processed and the rubber increases, and the transfer efficiency such as the long time required for transfer decreases, and at the same time the surface of the object to be processed such as tablets may be easily worn. There is.

  On the other hand, the chute is formed from a flexible tube, and the tube is pressed by a pair of pressing members, or the pressing is released and the opening and closing operation of the tube is repeated stepwise, or a pair of pressing It has also been proposed that the tube is opened in a zigzag shape by pressing only one of the pressing bodies, and the object to be processed is dropped and transferred (for example, see Patent Document 3).

  According to this prior art, it is highly possible that damage to the processing object such as a tablet can be prevented, but there is a problem that it takes time to transfer the processing object to the discharge port of the chute. For this reason, in particular, a large amount of workpieces cannot be transferred efficiently. In addition, there is a problem that the aging of the flexible tube is quick and lacks in durability, and the tube material may be peeled off and mixed in the object to be processed. There was also a problem.

As described above, in the conventional chute, a chute that can efficiently drop the transferred object in a short time and hygienically while preventing damage to the processed object such as a tablet is proposed. The actual situation was not.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-2326 JP-A-11-255334 JP 2000-198548 A

  In view of the above problems, the problem to be solved by the present invention is to drop and transfer the processing object in a short time, efficiently and hygienically while appropriately preventing damage to the processing object such as tablets. It is to provide a shoot that can.

  As a first means for solving the above-mentioned problems, the present invention is a chute through which an object to be processed falls and passes, and this chute forms a dropping passage through which the object to be processed passes, A plurality of cushioning members attached to the chute body so as to cross the fall passage, and the plurality of cushioning members are arranged at predetermined intervals in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction to collide with the workpiece to be dropped. However, the present invention provides a chute characterized by being dropped and transferred at predetermined distances.

  As a second means for solving the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides the chute characterized in that in the first solving means, the buffer member is a rod having a curved peripheral surface at least partially. Is to provide.

  According to the present invention, as a third means for solving the above-described problem, in any one of the first and second solving means, the plurality of impact members are provided at the upper and lower other stages for each stage in the vertical direction. The shock-absorbing member provides a chute characterized in that the position in the horizontal direction is shifted.

  According to the present invention, as a fourth means for solving the above-described problem, in any one of the first to third solving means, the plurality of buffer members are parallel in the horizontal direction for each step in the vertical direction. It is intended to provide a chute characterized by being arranged in

  According to the present invention, as a fifth means for solving the above-described problems, in any one of the first to fourth solving means, the buffer member is configured such that the workpiece to be dropped is from the chute input port to the discharge port. A chute characterized in that the chute is arranged so that a direct passage portion directly below is not formed.

  According to the present invention, as a sixth means for solving the above problems, in any one of the first to fifth solving means, the horizontal width of each buffer member is a horizontal direction between the plurality of buffer members. Is the maximum thickness in the vertical direction of the object to be processed (see the arrow A in FIG. 12). In the case of n times exceeding 2 times, a chute characterized by being at least (n−2) times the maximum thickness in the vertical direction of the workpiece is provided.

  According to the present invention, as a seventh means for solving the above-described problems, in any one of the first to sixth solving means, the horizontal width of each buffer member is at least horizontal between the plurality of buffer members. The present invention provides a chute characterized by being at least a directional gap.

  The present invention provides, as an eighth means for solving the above problems, in any one of the first to seventh solving means, wherein the horizontal width of each buffer member is the horizontal direction between the plurality of buffer members. If the distance is less than the interval, the plurality of cushioning members are shifted in the horizontal direction with a distance less than the maximum thickness in the vertical direction of the workpiece in the vertical direction between the upper and lower cushioning members for each stage in the vertical direction. A chute characterized by this is provided.

  The present invention provides, as a ninth means for solving the above-described problem, in any one of the first to eighth solving means, a horizontal interval between a plurality of buffer members (arrow A in FIG. 12) and The distance between the upper and lower buffer members (the shortest distance between the peripheral surfaces of the two rods 20 arranged in the vertical direction that is the width of the passage for the object to be processed: see arrow B in FIG. 12) is at least the object to be processed. A chute characterized by exceeding the maximum thickness in the vertical direction is provided.

  As a tenth means for solving the above-mentioned problem, in the ninth solution means, the horizontal interval between the plurality of buffer members is equal to or greater than the maximum width in the horizontal direction of the workpiece. A chute characterized by this is provided.

  The present invention provides, as an eleventh means for solving the above-mentioned problem, in the tenth solution means, wherein the distance between the upper and lower buffer members is 2.175 times or less the maximum thickness in the vertical direction of the workpiece. The present invention provides a chute characterized by

  According to the present invention, as a twelfth means for solving the above problem, in the ninth solution means, a horizontal interval between the plurality of buffer members is less than a maximum horizontal width of the workpiece. In this case, the vertical distance between the distance of ½ of the height of the buffer member and the plane in contact with the lowest point of the upper plurality of buffer members and the surface in contact with the uppermost point of the next plurality of buffer members The length (arrow D in FIG. 12) combined with the distance (arrow C in FIG. 12) is equal to or greater than the maximum width in the horizontal direction of the object to be processed.

  According to the present invention, as a thirteenth means for solving the above-described problem, in the twelfth solution means, a plane contacting the lowest point of the upper plurality of buffer members and an uppermost of the next plurality of buffer members. Providing a chute characterized in that the length (arrow D in FIG. 12) of the vertical distance between the point and the surface in contact with the point is three times or less the maximum width in the horizontal direction of the workpiece It is.

  According to the present invention, as a fourteenth means for solving the above problem, in any one of the ninth to thirteenth solving means, the distance between the upper and lower cushioning members is the maximum thickness in the vertical direction of the workpiece. The shoot is characterized by being 1.125 times or more.

  According to the present invention, as a fifteenth means for solving the above-described problem, in any one of the ninth to fourteenth solving means, a horizontal interval between the plurality of buffer members is a vertical direction of the workpiece. The chute | shoot characterized by being 2 times or more of the maximum thickness in is provided.

  According to the present invention, as a sixteenth means for solving the above-described problems, in any one of the first to fifteenth solving means, the buffer member is installed to be movable in the horizontal direction. It provides a shoot to be performed.

  According to the present invention, as a seventeenth means for solving the above-described problem, in any one of the first to sixteenth solving means, the buffer member is installed to be movable in the vertical direction. It provides a shoot to be performed.

  According to the present invention, as an eighteenth means for solving the above problem, in any one of the first to seventeenth solving means, the buffer member is formed of a polyacetal resin, a fluororesin or other plastic material. The present invention provides a chute characterized by

  The present invention provides, as a nineteenth means for solving the above-mentioned problems, in any one of the first to eighteenth solving means, wherein the buffer member is detachably attached to the chute body. It provides a shoot to be performed.

  The present invention provides, as a twentieth means for solving the above-described problems, in any one of the first to nineteenth solving means, wherein the chute body has translucency. Is.

  According to the present invention, as a twenty-first means for solving the above problem, in any one of the first to twentieth solving means, the chute body has a specific color that blocks light of a specific wavelength. A characteristic shoot is provided.

  According to the present invention, as a twenty-second means for solving the above-described problem, in any one of the first to twenty-first means, the object to be processed is a tablet, capsule, granule, or pill. The present invention provides a chute characterized by being.

  According to the present invention, as described above, the buffer members such as a plurality of rods are arranged so as to overlap each other in the vertical and horizontal directions, and the object to be dropped is dropped at every predetermined distance while colliding with it. Compared to sliding and transporting, the chance of contact between the chute and the object to be processed is reduced, so that the tablet can be prevented from being damaged and at the same time a sufficient drop speed can be secured. There is an actual benefit that the processed material can be efficiently transferred.

  In this case, in particular, according to the present invention, as described above, the object to be processed can be dispersed and dropped by the buffer members such as a plurality of rods arranged in the horizontal direction. However, there is an advantage that it can be dropped efficiently, and at the same time, interference between the objects to be processed can be reduced, and damage due to contact between the objects to be processed can be prevented.

  At the same time, it is dropped at a predetermined distance by a plurality of buffer members such as a plurality of rods arranged in the vertical direction. There is an advantage that impact applied to an object can be reduced, and damage to the object to be processed can be prevented while ensuring a sufficient drop speed.

  Further, according to the present invention, as described above, since the curved peripheral surface is formed on at least a part of the rod, the object to be processed is made to fall down toward the lower rod while being collided. There is a practical advantage that can ensure a sufficient drop speed.

  Furthermore, according to the present invention, as described above, the distance between the upper and lower buffer members, that is, the distance of one drop to the next buffer member after the collision of the workpiece with the buffer member, or the buffer member Since the width (diameter in the case of a rod), and the distance between the buffer members in the horizontal direction (passage width of the object to be processed), etc. are adjusted appropriately, the buffer member can be used without directly lowering the object to be processed. There is an actual advantage that it is possible to ensure a sufficient drop speed and improve the transfer efficiency while ensuring the collision to prevent the workpiece from being damaged.

  In addition, according to the present invention, since a buffer member such as a plurality of rods is appropriately arranged such as overlapping, the workpiece is set so as not to fall directly from the inlet to the outlet of the chute, There is an actual advantage that the object to be processed can be reliably collided with the buffer member to reduce the drop impact.

  In addition, according to the present invention, as described above, since the buffer member such as a rod is installed so as to be movable in the horizontal direction, the horizontal direction between the buffer members is adjusted according to the size of the object to be dropped. There is a practical advantage that the distance and number can be set appropriately.

  Similarly, according to the present invention, as described above, since the buffer member such as a rod is movably installed in the vertical direction, the upper and lower portions between the buffer members are adjusted according to the size of the object to be dropped. There is a practical advantage that the distance in the direction, and in turn, the falling distance and the number of objects to be processed can be appropriately set.

  According to the present invention, as described above, since the buffer member such as a rod is detachably attached to the chute body, the entire chute can be disassembled and easily cleaned, and hygiene can be maintained. At the same time, by attaching a buffer member such as a plurality of rods at an arbitrary position of the chute body, or by replacing it with a buffer member of an arbitrary size, the buffer is adapted to the size of the object to be dropped. There is an advantage that the distance between the members can be set appropriately.

  According to the present invention, as described above, the buffer member such as a rod is made of a polyacetal resin such as polyoxymethylene (trade name Duracon (registered trademark)) having sufficient mechanical strength and excellent wear resistance, Because it is made of a plastic material such as polytetrafluoroethylene (trade name Teflon (registered trademark)) such as a fluororesin, it does not peel off due to repeated collisions of the object to be treated, and it maintains hygiene appropriately. At the same time, it is possible to impart durability, and unlike the case of forming from a metal material, there is an advantage that impact noise due to collision of the object to be processed can be reduced.

  According to the present invention, as described above, by forming the chute body from a transparent material such as polycarbonate, the chute body has translucency, so the transfer status can be confirmed from the outside. In the case where a failure such as clogging occurs, it is possible to respond quickly and there is an advantage that maintenance is easy.

  According to the present invention, as described above, the chute main body has a specific color that blocks only light of a specific wavelength. There is an advantage that the drug can be appropriately transferred while suppressing denaturation.

  The embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIGS. 1 to 3 show a chute 10 according to the present invention, and the chute 10 is a charging device such as a hopper 1 as shown in FIG. It is connected to, and is transferred to the next process while dropping the object to be processed. Accordingly, the object to be processed passes through the chute 10 while falling. In addition, if this chute | shoot 10 aims at fall transfer, there is no limitation in the installation form in particular, For example, in addition to the installation form connected with the illustrated hopper 1 grade | etc., Between each process of a to-be-processed object is connected directly. It can also be installed as a connecting passage.

  The material to be dropped and transferred by the chute 10 is not particularly limited as long as it is solid, but as shown in FIG. 5, in particular, lens-shaped tablets 2 such as sugar-coated tablets, other capsules, Suitable for dropping and transporting drugs such as granules and pills, and foods having the same shape. In addition, there is no particular limitation on the shape of the solid material that is the object to be processed, but the object to be processed that has a lens shape, a spindle shape, a cylindrical shape, or a spherical shape, or a shape having a curved surface at least at a part of a corner or the like If it is a to-be-processed object, the effect of this invention can be exhibited to the maximum. Further, there is no particular limitation on the size of the solid matter that is the object to be treated, but generally the size that is to be transferred by dropping, for example, the maximum width in the horizontal direction is 3 mm to 30 mm. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, when the object to be processed is a medicine such as tablet 2, the size is usually about 5 mm to 15 mm, and the capsule is usually about 8 mm to 25 mm. It becomes the size of.

  In the present invention, the `` maximum width in the horizontal direction of the object to be processed '' means that when the object to be processed is naturally allowed to stand on a horizontal plane, of the cross section of the object to be processed in a plane parallel to the horizontal plane, This refers to the maximum length of the horizontal width in the portion having the maximum cross-sectional area. Further, “the maximum thickness in the vertical direction of the object to be processed” similarly refers to the maximum length in the vertical direction from the horizontal plane when the object to be processed is naturally left on the horizontal plane. Therefore, for example, if the shape of the workpiece is a perfect circle, the “maximum thickness in the vertical direction of the workpiece” and the “maximum width in the horizontal direction of the workpiece” are the same as the diameter of the true circle. Become.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the chute 10 is attached to the chute main body 14 so as to cross the dropping passage 12 and a chute main body 14 that forms a dropping passage 12 through which an object to be processed such as a tablet 2 passes. And a plurality of buffer members 16.

<1. Chute body>
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the chute main body 14 is formed of a four-sided panel that forms a substantially rectangular space, that is, a drop passage 12 for an object to be processed. It is detachably attached to the other three-sided panel having a letter-shaped shape by appropriate means such as a bolt 15.

  Accordingly, by removing the front panel 14A, the internal falling passage 12 can be accessed, so that maintenance inside the chute body 14 is facilitated, and at the same time, the chute 10 can be disassembled and cleaned easily. Thus, hygiene can be easily maintained. In addition, by attaching and detaching the front panel 14A, it is possible to easily attach and detach the buffer member 16 to be described later to the chute body 14, and furthermore, according to the size and the like of the buffer member 16 to which the front panel 14A and the like are to be attached. By appropriately replacing them, it is possible to appropriately cope with the drop transfer of various objects to be processed. The size of the chute main body 14 may be set as appropriate in accordance with the type and size of the object to be processed, the installation location, the number of objects to be processed, and the like. In the embodiment, the width can be around 130 mm, the height around 160 mm, the depth around 90 mm, and the wall thickness around 10 mm.

  The chute body 14 is preferably translucent. Specifically, this can be dealt with by forming the chute body from a transparent material. Thereby, it is possible to confirm the state of transfer of the processing object such as the tablet 2 from the outside of the chute 10, and it is possible to respond quickly when a failure such as clogging occurs, and maintenance is facilitated.

  In this case, the chute body 14 is preferably formed from polycarbonate, cyclic polyolefin, or polyethylene terephthalate in order to ensure sufficient strength while ensuring sufficient strength as the chute body 14. In addition, since acrylic resin, polyethylene resin, polypropylene resin, polystyrene resin, and the like are transparent, they can be used as a material for the chute body 14. If it is not always necessary to ensure translucency, the chute body 14 can also be formed from a metal material such as stainless steel.

  The chute body 14 can be given a specific color that blocks light of a specific wavelength. When a specific color is imparted to the chute body 14 simultaneously with the above translucency, it can be dealt with by making the chute body 14 colored and transparent. As a result, when the object to be treated is a medicine such as tablet 2 in particular, the medicine is appropriately applied while suppressing the denaturation of the medicine such as tablet 2 due to light, as in the case of a colored transparent bottle for medicine. Can be transferred to.

  In addition, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the chute body 14 can be provided with a fixture 18 for attaching the chute 10 to other equipment. Further, the chute body 14 is formed with an opening 12A serving as an entrance of the drop passage 12 at an upper portion and an exhaust port 12B serving as an exit of the drop passage 12 disposed at a lower portion. In this case, when the inclined member 14B that discharges the object to be processed such as the tablet 2 in a predetermined direction is formed in the discharge port 12B, as shown in FIG. Therefore, it is possible to smoothly process the workpiece.

<2. Buffer member>
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 5, the plurality of buffer members 16 are arranged at predetermined intervals in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction, and a predetermined distance is obtained while colliding a processing object such as a falling tablet 2. Drop and transfer each time. Therefore, in the chute 10 according to the present invention, the contact opportunity between the chute 10 and the object to be processed such as the tablet 2 is reduced as compared with the case where the object to be processed such as the tablet 2 is slid and conveyed on the slope. Can be prevented, and at the same time, a sufficient drop speed can be secured, so that the object to be processed can be efficiently transferred.

  The buffer member 16 does not transfer the object to be processed such as the tablet 2 while causing the object to be processed such as the tablet 2 to collide at a predetermined distance, that is, by sliding on the inclined surface. As long as it can be dropped while repeating the collision, the form is not particularly limited. However, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, it is most desirable to use a rod 20 having a certain diameter.

  In this case, the rod 20 collides with the object to be processed such as the tablet 2, and at least in order to send the object to be processed such as the tablet 2 to the lower side, that is, the rod 20 which is the lower buffer member 16 at least. It is desirable to have a curved peripheral surface in part. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, it is desirable that the rod 20 has a circular cross section, but other than that, the cross section is elliptical, or a triangular shape whose apex is formed in an arc shape, or the like. The rod 20 can also be used.

  In the embodiment shown in the drawing, these rods 20, specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, five or six rods 20 are arranged in parallel at predetermined intervals in the horizontal direction. Has been placed. Thereby, first, since the falling flow path in the dropping passage 12 of the processing object such as the tablet 2 is branched, the processing object such as the tablet 2 is dispersed even when a large amount is put into the dropping passage 12. Moreover, it can be dropped efficiently, and at the same time, interference between objects to be processed such as tablets 2 can be reduced, and damage due to contact between objects to be processed such as tablets 2 can also be prevented. Note that the number of rods 20 in the horizontal direction, that is, the number of rods 20 in each stage is not limited to the number shown in the figure, and may be appropriately determined according to the type, size, shape, etc. of the object to be processed. Can be set.

  Further, the plurality of rods 20 arranged in the horizontal direction in this way are installed in a plurality of stages as shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, specifically, in the embodiment shown in FIG. These are arranged at predetermined intervals in the vertical direction. The plurality of rods 20 arranged in the up and down direction are disposed at predetermined intervals, thereby dropping an object to be processed such as the tablet 2 at a predetermined distance, that is, a dropping distance per one time. By setting the length to be shorter, the impact applied to the object to be processed such as the tablet 2 at the time of collision with the rod 20 that is the buffer member 16 due to the drop is reduced compared with the case of dropping over a long distance. It has a role of preventing breakage of an object to be processed such as the tablet 2 while securing the speed.

  Therefore, the rods that are the plurality of buffer members 16 firstly cause the object to be processed such as the tablet 2 to reliably collide, and the object to be processed such as the falling tablet 2 is fed from the inlet 12A of the chute 10. It arrange | positions so that the direct path | route part directly under to the discharge port 12B may not be formed.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 3 and FIG. 5, the plurality of rods that are the buffer members 16 are positioned in the horizontal direction with respect to the upper and lower rods 20 for each step in the vertical direction. This can be dealt with by shifting the positions. That is, as shown in FIG. 5 in particular, the lower rod 20 is placed below the gap between the plurality of rods 20 in the horizontal direction at a certain step. As a result, the object to be processed such as the tablet 2 can always collide with any one of the rods 20 regardless of which drop channel is passed through.

  However, in this case, in order to close the direct passage, not only the arrangement of the rod 20 as the buffer member 16, but also the horizontal width of the buffer member 16, that is, the buffer member 16 as in the illustrated embodiment. In the case where is a circular rod, it is necessary to consider the relationship with the diameter thereof and the relationship with the distance in the horizontal direction of the rod 20 as the buffer member 16. That is, when the horizontal width of the buffer member 16 is too narrow (when the diameter of the rod 20 is too small), the horizontal distance between the rods 20 as the buffer member 16 (the width of the passage for the object to be processed). If the shortest distance between the circumferential surfaces of the two rods 20 arranged in the horizontal direction (see arrow A in FIG. 12) is too wide, the horizontal position of the rod 20 as the buffer member 16 is shifted in the vertical direction. However, there is a possibility that a processing object such as the tablet 2 may slip through because a direct passage is formed.

  In this case, as shown in FIG. 6A, when the horizontal interval between the rods 20 serving as the buffer members 16 is not more than twice the maximum thickness in the vertical direction of the workpiece such as the tablet 2 or the like. Even if the diameter of the rod 20 (the width in the horizontal direction of the buffer member 16) is thin, the workpiece such as the tablet 2 that has passed between the upper rods 20 always collides with the lower rods 20. In addition, as shown in FIG. 6B, when the horizontal interval between the rods 20 serving as the buffer members 16 is three times the maximum thickness in the vertical direction of the workpiece such as the tablet 2, the rods If the diameter of 20 (the horizontal width of the buffer member 16) is at least equal to or greater than the maximum thickness in the vertical direction of the workpiece such as the tablet 2 (see the rod 20A in FIG. 6B), the space between the upper rods 20 The processed material such as the tablet 2 that has passed through always collides with the lower rod 20. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 6C, when the horizontal interval between the rods 20 serving as the buffer members 16 is four times the maximum thickness in the vertical direction of the workpiece such as the tablet 2, If the diameter of the rod 20 (the horizontal width of the buffer member 16) is at least twice the maximum thickness in the vertical direction of the workpiece such as the tablet 2 (see the rod 20A in FIG. 6C), An object to be processed such as the tablet 2 that has passed between the rods 20 always collides with the lower rod 20.

  That is, the horizontal width of each buffer member 16 (the diameter of the rod 20) is such that the horizontal spacing between the rods 20 as the plurality of buffer members 16 exceeds twice the maximum thickness in the vertical direction of the workpiece. When it is double (n> 2), the rod 20 which is the buffer member 16 is made to be treated such as the tablet 2 by setting at least (n−2) times the maximum thickness in the vertical direction of the treatment. Can be made to collide reliably.

  However, in this case, when the horizontal width of each buffer member 16 (the diameter of the rod 20) is less than the horizontal interval between the plurality of rods 20 as the buffer member 16 (FIG. 6B) 7), as shown in FIG. 7, the plurality of rods 20 that are the buffer members 16 are connected to the rods 20 that are the upper and lower buffer members 16 for each step in the vertical direction, the tablet 2, etc. It is preferable to dispose the workpieces in the horizontal direction with a distance less than the maximum thickness in the vertical direction. Thereby, it is possible to reliably cause the object to be processed such as the tablet 2 to collide with the rod 20 that is the buffer member 16 at least in any step in the vertical direction.

  However, when the horizontal width of each buffer member 16 (the diameter of the rod 20) is small, the interval between the upper and lower rods 20 which are buffer members 16 described later (arrow B in FIG. 12) is inevitably large. Therefore, desirably, as in the rod 20B in FIGS. 6B and 6C, the horizontal width of each buffer member 16 (the diameter of the rod 20) is at least a plurality of the buffer members 16. It is desirable that the distance is 20 or more in the horizontal direction (arrow A in FIG. 12). As a result, the object to be processed such as the tablet 2 is made to collide with the rod 20 that is the buffer member 16 reliably, and is caused to collide and drop at every predetermined distance, that is, for each rod 20 in each vertical direction. Thus, it is possible to shorten the drop distance per time and more effectively prevent the processing object such as the tablet 2 from being damaged.

  Secondly, by dropping the object to be processed such as the tablet 2 every predetermined distance, the impact applied to the object to be processed such as the tablet 2 at the time of collision with the rod 20 which is the buffer member 16 due to the dropping is reduced. For this reason, the rods 20 that are the plurality of buffer members 16 are separated from each other by the interval between the upper and lower rods 20 that are the buffer members 16 (two rods arranged in the vertical direction as the width of the passage flow path of the object to be processed). It is desirable to appropriately set the shortest distance between the 20 peripheral surfaces (see arrow B in FIG. 12).

  In this case, first, specifically, as shown in FIG. 8A, first, the distance between the upper rod 20X and the lower rod 20Y (arrow B in FIG. 12) is the tablet to be processed. If the thickness is not greater than the maximum thickness in the vertical direction of 2, the tablet 2 as the object to be processed cannot fall downward. Of course, the horizontal interval (arrow A in FIG. 12) between the rods 20 as the buffer members 16 also needs to be at least the maximum thickness in the vertical direction of the object to be processed such as the tablet 2.

  However, considering the reduction of the impact when dropping, focusing only on setting the distance between the upper and lower rods 20 (arrow B in FIG. 12) to be narrow, the flow of the processing object such as the tablet 2 is increased. It may not be smooth and may cause clogging or the like, resulting in a decrease in processing efficiency. Therefore, as will be understood from the experimental examples described later, the distance between the upper and lower shock absorbing members 16 between the rods 20 (arrow B in FIG. 12) is 1.125 times the maximum thickness in the vertical direction of the workpiece such as the tablet 2. It is desirable to set it above. As will be understood from the experimental example described later, this is also the plurality of buffer members 16 even if the distance between the rods 20 as the upper and lower buffer members 16 (arrow B in FIG. 12) is a relatively small value. If the horizontal distance between the rods 20 (arrow A in FIG. 12) is sufficiently secured, it means that a smooth flow of the object to be processed such as the tablet 2 can be secured.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8C, when the distance between the upper rod 20X and the lower rod 20Y is too large, the fall distance per one treatment object such as the tablet 2 is long. Accordingly, the impact applied to the object to be processed such as the tablet 2 when colliding with the rod 20 as the buffer member 16 is increased, and the probability of breakage is increased. Therefore, as will be understood from the experimental examples described later, when the horizontal interval between the plurality of buffer members (arrow A in FIG. 12) is equal to or greater than the maximum width in the horizontal direction of the tablet 2 as the object to be processed, It is desirable to set the distance between the rods 20 that are the upper and lower cushioning members 16 (arrow B in FIG. 12) to 2.175 times or less the maximum thickness in the vertical direction of the workpiece such as the tablet 2.

  That is, when the horizontal distance (arrow A in FIG. 12) between the rods 20 as the plurality of buffer members 16 is relatively wide, the distance between the upper and lower rods 20 (arrow B in FIG. 12) is less than a predetermined value. By suppressing to the value, the dropping speed of the object to be processed such as the tablet 2 can be sufficiently reduced, and the impact due to the dropping can be reduced. As will be understood from the experimental examples described later, this is a plurality of buffer members 16 if the distance between the rods 20 as the upper and lower buffer members 16 (arrow B in FIG. 12) is limited within a certain range. This means that even if the horizontal distance between the rods 20 (arrow A in FIG. 12) is widened to some extent, it is possible to suppress the drop speed to a level sufficient to reduce the impact.

  It is particularly desirable that the distance between the rods 20 as the upper and lower cushioning members 16 (arrow B in FIG. 12) be 2.175 times or less the maximum thickness in the vertical direction of the workpiece such as the tablet 2. As described above, when the horizontal distance between the plurality of cushioning members (arrow A in FIG. 12) is relatively wide, more than the maximum width in the horizontal direction of the tablet 2 that is the object to be processed, and the falling speed tends to increase. However, when the horizontal interval (arrow A in FIG. 12) between the plurality of buffer members is relatively narrow, specifically, when it is less than the maximum width in the horizontal direction of the tablet 2 that is the object to be processed. However, if the distance between the rods 20 as the upper and lower cushioning members 16 (arrow B in FIG. 12) is too wide, it will be difficult to slow down similarly, so the lower limit (tablet 2 Maximum thickness of workpieces such as The while 1.125 times) or more, while, the upper limit, likewise, it is desirable that the following 2.175 times the maximum thickness in the vertical direction of the object 2, such as tablets.

  On the other hand, when the horizontal distance (arrow A in FIG. 12) between the rods 20 that are the plurality of buffer members 16 is relatively narrow, specifically, the maximum in the horizontal direction of the tablet 2 that is the object to be processed. If it is less than a large value, the tablet 2 or the like that is the object to be processed may be clogged, and it may be difficult to ensure the processing efficiency by a smooth flow. And a plane in contact with the lowest point of the rod 20 that is the upper plurality of buffer members 16 and a surface in contact with the uppermost point of the rod 20 that is the next plurality of buffer members 16. The length (arrow D in FIG. 12) combined with the vertical distance (arrow C in FIG. 12) is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, specifically, the maximum width in the horizontal direction of the tablet 2 or the like that is the object to be processed It is desirable to set it above.

  That is, if the distance D (see FIG. 12) is too short, the tablet 2 or the like to be processed may stay on the next lower rod 20 and cannot enter the passage 2. Specifically, this is a case where the interval D (see FIG. 12) is ½ or less of the maximum width in the horizontal direction of the tablet 2 or the like that is the object to be processed. Therefore, in order for the tablet 2 or the like to be processed to flow sufficiently smoothly, at least the distance D (see FIG. 12) needs to exceed 1/2 of the maximum width in the horizontal direction of the tablet 2 or the like to be processed. In order to ensure a smoother flow, it is desirable that the width is equal to or greater than the maximum width in the horizontal direction of the tablet 2 or the like to be processed.

  On the other hand, if the distance D (see FIG. 12) is too long, the effect of reducing the drop impact due to the deceleration effect of the object to be processed may be reduced. Therefore, the distance D (see FIG. 12) is set in the horizontal direction of the object to be processed. The maximum width is preferably 3 times or less, more preferably 2 times or less. Also in an experimental example described later, it has been confirmed that the object is sufficiently decelerated at 1.78 times the maximum width in the horizontal direction of the workpiece.

  In order not to form a passage directly under the object to be processed, when the rods 20 that are the buffer members 16 are arranged at equal intervals, the buffer member that can come into contact with the side wall panel 14C of the chute body 14 as shown in FIG. 16, a rod 21 having a shape in which the rod 20 is divided in half along the center line in the diameter direction can be arranged. The arrangement of the rod 21 can prevent the object to be processed from dropping directly on the side wall side of the chute body 14.

  Further, when the distance between the rod 20 as the buffer member 16 and the side panel 14C of the chute body 14 is less than the maximum thickness in the horizontal direction of the tablet 2 or the like as the object to be processed, the tablet 2 or the like as the object to be processed However, there is a risk of clogging on the side panel 14C side and closing the flow path. Therefore, the rods that are the plurality of buffer members 16 are set such that the distance in the horizontal direction of the rods 20 that are the buffer members 16 (arrow A in FIG. 12) is twice or more the maximum thickness in the vertical direction of the workpiece 2 such as the tablet 2. By arranging 20 and 21 at equal intervals, the distance between the side panel 14C and the rod 20 as the buffer member 16 is also at least greater than or equal to the maximum thickness in the vertical direction of the workpiece such as the tablet 2, so clogging is prevented. It can flow smoothly without waking up.

  When the distance in the horizontal direction of the rod 20 that is the buffer member 16 (arrow A in FIG. 12) is less than twice the maximum thickness in the vertical direction of the workpiece such as the tablet 2, that is, the side panel 14C and the buffer. Even when the distance between the rods 20 as the members 16 is less than the maximum thickness in the vertical direction of the workpiece such as the tablet 2, as shown in FIG. 13, between the side panel 14 </ b> C and the rods 20 and 21. In order to prevent an object to be processed such as the tablet 2 from entering the falling passage 12, an entry preventing rod 24, a swash plate 25, or the like can be provided.

  In this way, for example, as shown in FIG. 8B, the interval between the upper and lower rods 20 that are the buffer members 16 is appropriately set, and the object to be processed such as the tablet 2 is adjusted by appropriately adjusting the drop speed. The processing efficiency can be ensured by ensuring a smooth flow that does not cause clogging at the same time. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the 10-stage rod 20 is arranged in the vertical direction. However, the number of installation stages is not particularly limited, and the type, size, shape, and buffer of the object to be processed are not limited. The number of steps can be appropriately set according to the diameter of the rod 20 that is the member 16 and the distance between the steps.

  The material of the buffer member 16 such as the rod 20 is not particularly limited, but polyoxymethylene (trade name: Duracon (registered trademark): Poly) having sufficient mechanical strength and excellent wear resistance. Polyacetal resin such as Plastics Co., Ltd., polytetrafluoroethylene (trade name Teflon (registered trademark): manufactured by DuPont), tetrafluoroethylene / perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether copolymer, tetrafluoroethylene / hexafluoropropylene copolymer It is desirable to form from plastic materials, such as fluororesins. By using these materials, peeling due to repeated collisions of objects to be processed such as tablets 2 can be prevented, hygiene can be appropriately maintained, and at the same time durability can be imparted. Unlike the case of forming from a metal material, it is possible to reduce the impact sound caused by the collision of the object to be processed such as the tablet 2.

  In the same sense, it can be said that polybutylene terephthalate resin and polyamide resin are also suitable as the material of the rod 20 that is the buffer member 16, and ABS resin, polyethylene resin, polypropylene resin, polystyrene resin, etc. are also suitable for the buffer member 16. Can be used as material.

  Further, the rods 20 as the buffer members 16 are detachably attached to the chute body 14. Specifically, the end of the rod 20 is inserted into the insertion hole formed in the chute body 14, and further, if necessary, can be fixed by an appropriate means such as a screw. Accordingly, the entire chute 10 can be disassembled and easily cleaned, hygiene can be maintained, and at the same time, by attaching the buffer members 16 such as the plurality of rods 20 to any position of the chute body 14, Alternatively, by replacing the buffer member 16 with an arbitrary size, the distance between the buffer members 16 can be appropriately set according to the size of the object to be processed such as the tablet 2 to be dropped.

<3. Other Embodiments>
In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 8, the plurality of rods 20 that are the buffer members 16 are arranged so that the axes thereof are all directed in the same direction. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited to this embodiment. 9A to 9C, the buffer member 16 can be used as long as a sufficient drop speed can be ensured by a smooth flow while preventing the processing object such as the tablet 2 from being damaged. It can also arrange | position so that the axis line of the some rod 20 may mutually orthogonally cross for every step of an up-down direction.

  Further, in this case, the axes of the plurality of rods 20 that are the buffer members 16 do not necessarily have to be orthogonal to each other, and as shown in FIG. 9D, the axes of the plurality of rods 20 intersect at an angle other than a right angle. It can also be arranged.

  Further, in any of the above-described embodiments, the plurality of rods 20 for each step in the vertical direction are arranged in parallel in the horizontal direction, but the tablet 2 and the like are dispersed while the flow of the object to be processed is dispersed. If it is possible to prevent the workpiece 2 such as 2 from being directly under the discharge port 12B, it may be arranged with a slight angle such as a letter C shape.

  Similarly, in the illustrated embodiment, it is shown that the intervals between the plurality of rods 20, which are buffer members 16, are evenly installed. However, the processing object such as the tablet 2 is not damaged. If sufficient fall speed can be ensured while preventing, it does not necessarily need to equalize, and it can also arrange so that a space | interval may differ for each buffer member 16 regardless of upper and lower, right and left.

  In addition, as shown in FIG.10 and FIG.11, the rod 20 which is the buffer member 16 can also be installed so that a movement in a horizontal direction is possible (refer arrow A of FIG. 10). Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, a long hole 22 that supports the end of the rod 20 so as to be displaceable is formed in the chute main body 14, and the end of the rod 20 is an arbitrary portion of the long hole 22. This can be handled by fixing the position. In this case, the long hole 22 can be formed in the chute main body 14 itself, but can also be attached to the chute main body via a crosspiece 23 in which the long hole 22 is formed as shown in FIG. Accordingly, the horizontal distance (interval) between the plurality of rods 20 serving as the buffer members 16 and the number thereof are appropriately set and adjusted in accordance with the size of the processing object such as the tablet 2 to be dropped. Can do.

  Similarly, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the rod 20 that is the buffer member 16 can be installed so as to be movable in the vertical direction (see arrow B in FIGS. 10 and 11). Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the crosspiece 23 that supports the rod 20 as the buffer member 16 is attached to the chute body 14 so as to be vertically displaceable and fixed at an arbitrary position. be able to. In this case, the rod 20 which is the buffer member 16 can be displaced in both the horizontal direction and the vertical direction together with the above-described long hole 22 by being movable in the vertical direction via the crosspiece 23. be able to. Of course, when movement in the horizontal direction is not necessarily required, the chute body 14 itself is formed so as to extend in the vertical direction of the chute body, and has a long hole 22 that supports the end of the rod 20 so as to be displaceable. It is also possible to respond by forming. Accordingly, the distance (interval) in the vertical direction between the plurality of rods 20 serving as the buffer members 16 described above in accordance with the size of the processing object such as the tablet 2 to be dropped, that is, the tablet 2 or the like. It is possible to appropriately set and adjust the drop distance and the number of processed objects per one time.

  In addition, in the illustrated embodiment, the shock-absorbing member 16 is shown as the rod 20, but the shock-absorbing member 16 is also smooth while preventing damage to the processing object such as the tablet 2. There is no particular limitation as long as a sufficient drop speed due to a simple flow can be ensured, and other forms such as a rotating plate that rotates about an axis may be employed.

<4. Transport method>
The above-described method of using the chute 10 of the present invention, that is, the method of transferring the workpiece such as the tablet 2 using the chute 10 of the present invention will be described. As shown in FIG. A method for transferring an object to be processed by passing through a chute 10 by dropping, and in a drop passage 12 formed inside a chute body 14 so as to cross the drop passage 12 in the horizontal and vertical directions. The processing object such as the tablet 2 falling on the plurality of buffer members 16 such as the rods 20 arranged at predetermined intervals is dropped and transferred at predetermined intervals while colliding.

  In the chute 10 of the present invention, several experimental examples set for obtaining an appropriate distance between the rods 20 as the buffer members 16 will be described. Specifically, the maximum thickness in the vertical direction as a sample is 4.0 mm and the maximum width in the horizontal direction on the chute 10 of Experimental Examples 1 to 10 in which the distance between the rods 20 is set to the values shown in Table 1 below. 100 tablets of sugar-coated tablets (diameter: 7.3 mm in diameter) were introduced, and the flow state (occurrence of clogging and deceleration state) was confirmed. In any experimental example, the rod 20 serving as the buffer member 16 was a rod 20 having a diameter of 16 mm and a circular cross section. The rod 20 was made of polyoxymethylene (trade name Duracon (registered trademark)).

  As can be seen from Table 1, clogging did not occur between the rods 20 except for Experimental Example 3. In this case, focusing on the difference between the experimental example 3 and the other experimental examples in the experimental examples 1 to 10, in the experimental example 3, the interval between the upper and lower rods 20 (arrow B in FIG. 12). Is narrower than the other experimental examples, and is the same as the maximum thickness in the vertical direction of the tablet 2 as a sample. On the other hand, paying attention to Experimental Example 7 in which the value of the distance between the upper and lower rods 20 (arrow B in FIG. 12) is small following Experimental Example 3, the distance between the upper and lower rods 20 (arrow B in FIG. 12) Despite being 1.125 times the maximum thickness of a tablet 2 in the vertical direction, a good flow state is ensured.

  For this reason, if the distance between the rods 20 as the upper and lower cushioning members 16 is set to 1.125 times or more of the maximum thickness in the vertical direction of the object to be processed such as the tablet 2, it is possible to secure a good flow state. It turns out to be desirable.

  Further, in this case, as can be seen from the comparison between Experimental Example 3 and Experimental Example 7, in particular, even when the distance between the upper and lower rods 20 (arrow B in FIG. 12) is relatively narrow, If the interval (arrow A in FIG. 12) is equal to or greater than the maximum width in the horizontal direction of the object to be processed such as the tablet 2, it can be said that a good flow state can be secured. However, when the horizontal distance between the rods 20 (arrow A in FIG. 12) is large and the distance between the upper and lower rods 20 (arrow B in FIG. 12) is too large, clogging does not occur, but falling There is a possibility that the drop impact due to the increase in speed cannot be sufficiently reduced.

  Then, next, in Table 1, the horizontal distance between the rods 20 (arrow A in FIG. 12) is equal to or larger than the maximum width (diameter) in the horizontal direction of the workpiece such as the tablet 2 or the like. When Example 10 was focused on, except for Experimental Example 10, clogging did not occur between the rods 20, and the falling speed was also reduced to a speed sufficient to reduce the impact caused by dropping. In this case, focusing on the difference between the experimental example 10 and the other experimental examples among the experimental examples 4 to 10, in the experimental example 10, the interval between the upper and lower rods 20 (arrow B in FIG. 12). Is larger than other experimental examples. On the other hand, focusing on Experimental Example 8 in which the value of the distance between the upper and lower rods 20 (arrow B in FIG. 12) is the second largest after Experimental Example 10, the distance between the upper and lower rods 20 (arrow B in FIG. 12) Despite being 2.175 times the maximum thickness of a certain tablet 2 in the vertical direction, a good flow state is secured.

  From this, when the horizontal interval (arrow A in FIG. 12) between the rods 20 is equal to or larger than the maximum width in the horizontal direction of the object to be processed such as the tablet 2, the distance between the rods 20 as the upper and lower buffer members 16. It has been found that it is desirable to secure a good flow state if the interval is suppressed to 2.175 times or less of the maximum thickness in the vertical direction of the object to be processed such as tablet 2. Actually, among the experimental examples 4 to 10 in which the horizontal distance between the rods 20 (arrow A in FIG. 12) is equal to or larger than the maximum width (diameter) in the horizontal direction of the workpiece 2 such as the tablet 2, this condition is satisfied. Other than the experimental example 10 that is not satisfied, this is supported by the fact that a good flow state can be realized in all the experimental examples.

  In this case, also in Experimental Example 1 to Experimental Example 3 in which the horizontal interval between the rods 20 (arrow A in FIG. 12) is less than the maximum width (diameter) in the horizontal direction of the workpiece such as the tablet 2, In any of the experimental examples, except for Experimental Example 3 in which the distance between the rods 20 that are the upper and lower buffer members 16 is less than 1.125 times the maximum thickness in the vertical direction of the workpiece 2 such as the tablet 2 that is the lower limit value. Similarly, the distance between the rods 20 as the upper and lower cushioning members 16 is 2.175 times or less the maximum thickness in the vertical direction of the object to be processed such as the tablet 2, and a sufficiently good flow state can be realized. did it. Therefore, even when the horizontal interval (arrow A in FIG. 12) between the plurality of buffer members is less than the maximum width (diameter) in the horizontal direction of the tablet 2 that is the object to be processed, the upper and lower buffer members 16 The distance between the rods 20 is not less than the above lower limit value (1.125 times the maximum thickness in the vertical direction of the object to be processed such as tablet 2), while the upper limit value is similarly set to tablet 2 etc. It is desirable to set 2.175 times or less of the maximum thickness in the vertical direction of the workpiece.

  Of the experimental examples 1 to 10, except for Example 3 and Experimental Example 10, the horizontal spacing between the rods 20 as the plurality of buffer members 16 (arrow A in FIG. 12) and the upper and lower buffer members 16 are used. In the experimental example that satisfies the condition regarding the distance between the rods 20 (arrow B in FIG. 12), the distance D (see arrow D in FIG. 12) is 1.78 times or less of the maximum width in the horizontal direction of the workpiece. It is. Further, among Experimental Examples 1 to 10, in Experimental Examples 7 to 9, no clogging was observed between the side panel 14C and the rod 20. In these experimental examples, the distance between the side panel 14C and the rod 20 (equal to 1/2 of the horizontal distance between the plurality of rods 20 (arrow A in FIG. 12)) of the tablet 2 that is the object to be processed. This is considered to be due to exceeding the maximum thickness in the vertical direction.

  From the above experiment, if it is an experimental example satisfying the above conditions other than Experimental Example 3 and Experimental Example 10, the flow rate is reduced to a sufficient speed to prevent clogging and reduce the drop impact, and a good flow state Therefore, in the range where this condition is satisfied, the distance between the rods 20 is set as shown in Table 2 below. The comparative example which does not satisfy | fill was set, and the effect was confirmed.

  Specifically, as can be seen by comparing Table 2 with Table 1, Example 1 corresponds to Experimental Example 1 in Table 1, and Example 2 corresponds to Example 8 in Table 1. The comparative example corresponds to Experimental Example 10 in Table 1. The length (height) of the entire chute 10 was 160 mm (the distance from the uppermost rod 20 to the malleable lowermost rod 20 was 79 mm). First, as for the samples of Examples 1 and 2 and the comparative example, a sugar-coated tablet having a maximum thickness in the vertical direction of 4.0 mm and a maximum width (diameter) in the horizontal direction of 7.3 mm (elliptical cross section) as a sample. ) Was added to these Examples and Comparative Examples 10 times 10 times, and the average drop time was determined. As a result, as shown in Table 2, in the comparative example, 30 msec (0.03 s) was almost not decelerated, whereas in Examples 1 and 2, it was compared with 100 msec (0.1 s). It can be said that the speed is reduced by about 3 times compared to the example, and the drop impact can be sufficiently reduced. Of course, this drop speed is sufficient for efficient processing.

  On the other hand, as Example 3 and Example 4, as shown in Table 2, the horizontal distance between the rods 20 (arrow A in FIG. 12) is 9 mm (more than the maximum width in the horizontal direction of the tablet 2 and the tablet 2, the maximum thickness in the vertical direction of 2), a plane in contact with the lowest point of the rod 20 that is the upper plurality of buffer members 16, and the uppermost point of the rod 20 that is the next plurality of buffer members 16 A chute 10 was manufactured in which the vertical distance between the contact surfaces (arrow C in FIG. 12) was set to 4 mm (one time the maximum thickness of the tablet 2 in the vertical direction). In these Example 3 and Example 4, the horizontal space | interval (arrow A of FIG. 12) between the rods 20 is more than the maximum width in the horizontal direction of the tablet 2 of to-be-processed objects, such as the tablet 2, and is vertical. The distance between the rods 20 as the upper and lower cushioning members 16 (arrow B in FIG. 12) is 2.175 times the maximum thickness in the vertical direction of the object to be processed such as the tablet 2. Hereinafter, specifically, it is set to 1.89 times the maximum thickness of the tablet 2 in the vertical direction, and is set within a range that satisfies the above conditions.

  In this case, in Example 3, 12,000 tablets / minute of the above sample, and in Example 4, 45000 tablets / minute of the above sample, tablet 2 were repeatedly charged 3 times. The flow condition and the effect of damage to the workpiece were confirmed.

  As a result, in both Example 3 and Example 4, as shown in Table 2 above, the tablets 2 are all properly discharged without clogging in the chute 10, No wear was found. This is presumably because the flow path of the tablet 2 was dispersed and the impact due to dropping was reduced by repeated short-distance dropping. In this case, there is a gap in the flow of the tablet 2 in Example 3, and there is no gap in Example 4, but there is no clogging, and there is a smooth and sufficient drop speed. The tablets 2 could be transferred efficiently. Thus, according to the chute 10 of the present invention, it was confirmed that even if a large amount of objects to be processed were dropped and transferred, no damage or the like occurred.

  Further, in this case, if the distance between the upper and lower rods 20 (arrow B in FIG. 12) is 2.175 times or less the maximum thickness in the vertical direction of the workpiece 2 such as the tablet 2, the distance C (see FIG. 12). It has also been found that even the minimum width necessary for the tablet to fall (one time the maximum thickness in the vertical direction of the tablet) can be processed smoothly. In any of the above experimental examples and examples, if the horizontal interval between the rods 20 (arrow A in FIG. 12) and the interval between the upper and lower rods 20 (arrow B in FIG. 12) are determined, The interval (see arrow C in FIG. 12) of each step in the vertical direction of the rod 20 that is the buffer member 16 is inevitably determined. In other words, after setting intervals (see arrow C in FIG. 12) for each step in the vertical direction of the rod 20 as the buffer member 16, the horizontal intervals between the rods 20 (arrow A in FIG. 12). Alternatively, the interval between the upper and lower rods 20 (arrow B in FIG. 12) can be set to an appropriate value. In this case, as described above, if the rod 20 can be moved vertically and horizontally, the interval between the rods 20 can be adjusted to an appropriate value quickly and smoothly.

  The chute of the present invention can be widely applied not only to dropping and transferring between processes such as tablets, capsules, granules, and pills, but also to dropping and transferring foods that are similar solids.

It is a schematic front view of the chute | shoot of this invention. It is a schematic side view of the chute | shoot of this invention. It is a schematic plan view of the chute | shoot of this invention. It is a schematic perspective view which shows an example of the installation state of the chute | shoot of this invention. FIG. 5 shows an arrangement state of rods used in the chute of the present invention, where FIG. 5 (A) is a front view thereof and FIG. 5 (B) is a side view thereof. It is a front view which shows the relationship between the diameter of the rod used for the chute | shoot of this invention, and the width | variety of a to-be-processed object. It is a front view which shows the relationship between the diameter of the rod used in other embodiment of the chute | shoot of this invention, and the width | variety of a to-be-processed object. It is a front view which shows the relationship between the distance in the up-down direction of the rod used for the chute | shoot of this invention, and the width | variety of a to-be-processed object. It is a figure which shows the arrangement | positioning state in other embodiment of the rod used for the chute | shoot of this invention. It is a front view which shows the attachment state to the chute | shoot main body in other embodiment of the rod used for the chute | shoot of this invention. It is a side view which shows the attachment state to the chute | shoot main body in embodiment shown in FIG. 10 of the rod used for the chute | shoot of this invention. It is a front view which shows the relationship between the rods used for the chute | shoot of this invention. It is a front view which shows arrangement | positioning of the rod in the side surface in the chute | shoot of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Hopper 2 Tablet 10 Chute | shoot 12 Drop passage 12A Input port 12B Ejection port 14 Chute | shoot main body 14A Front panel 14B Inclined member 14C Side panel 15 Bolt 16 Buffer member 18 Mounting tool 20 Rod 21 Rod 22 Long hole 23 Crosspiece 24 Entry prevention rod 25 Inclined Board

Claims (22)

  A chute through which a workpiece is dropped and passes, the chute having a chute body that forms a dropping passage through which the workpiece passes, and a plurality of chutes attached to the chute body so as to cross the dropping passage A plurality of buffer members arranged at predetermined intervals in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction, and dropped and transferred at predetermined distances while colliding the object to be dropped. A characteristic shoot.   2. The chute according to claim 1, wherein the buffer member is a rod having a curved peripheral surface at least partially.   3. The chute according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of impact members are shifted in a horizontal position with respect to upper and lower shock-absorbing members for each step in the vertical direction. A shoot characterized by being placed.   4. The chute according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of buffer members are arranged in parallel in the horizontal direction for each step in the vertical direction.   5. The chute according to claim 1, wherein the buffer member does not form a direct passage portion in which the workpiece to be dropped falls directly from an inlet to an outlet of the chute. A chute characterized by being arranged in   The chute according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a horizontal width of each of the buffer members is such that a horizontal interval between the plurality of buffer members is in a vertical direction of the workpiece. A chute that is at least (n-2) times the maximum thickness of the workpiece in the vertical direction when n is more than twice the maximum thickness.   7. The chute according to claim 1, wherein a horizontal width of each of the buffer members is at least equal to or greater than a horizontal interval between the plurality of buffer members. shoot.   The chute according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein when the horizontal width of each of the buffer members is less than a horizontal interval between the plurality of buffer members, the plurality of the chute members. The above-mentioned buffer members are shifted in the horizontal direction at a distance of less than the maximum thickness in the vertical direction of the workpieces from the upper and lower buffer members for each stage in the vertical direction.   The chute according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein a horizontal interval between the plurality of buffer members and a gap between the upper and lower buffer members are at least a maximum in a vertical direction of the workpiece. A shoot characterized by exceeding thickness.   The chute according to claim 9, wherein a horizontal interval between the plurality of buffer members is equal to or greater than a maximum width in a horizontal direction of the workpiece.   11. The chute according to claim 10, wherein an interval between the upper and lower cushioning members is 2.175 times or less of a maximum thickness in a vertical direction of the workpiece.   It is a chute | shoot as described in Claim 9, Comprising: When the space | interval of the horizontal direction between these buffer members is less than the maximum width of the said to-be-processed object in the horizontal direction, it is 1 of the height of the said buffer member. / 2 and the combined length of the vertical distance between the plane that is in contact with the lowest point of the plurality of buffer members in the upper stage and the surface that is in contact with the highest point of the plurality of buffer members in the next lower stage, A chute having a width equal to or greater than a maximum width in a horizontal direction of the workpiece.   The chute according to claim 12, wherein a vertical distance between a plane in contact with the lowest point of the plurality of buffer members on the upper stage and a surface in contact with the uppermost point of the plurality of buffer members on the next lower stage. The combined length is not more than three times the maximum width in the horizontal direction of the workpiece.   14. The chute according to claim 9, wherein an interval between the upper and lower buffer members is 1.125 times or more of a maximum thickness in a vertical direction of the workpiece. And shoot.   It is a chute | shoot as described in any one of Claim 9 thru | or 14, Comprising: The space | interval of the horizontal direction between these buffer members is 2 times or more of the maximum thickness in the perpendicular direction of the said to-be-processed object. A characteristic shoot.   The chute according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the buffer member is installed so as to be movable in a horizontal direction.   The chute according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the buffer member is installed so as to be movable in the vertical direction.   The chute according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the buffer member is made of a plastic material such as polyacetal resin, fluororesin, or the like.   19. The chute according to claim 1, wherein the buffer member is detachably attached to the chute body.   20. The chute according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the chute body has translucency.   21. The chute according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the chute body has a specific color that blocks light of a specific wavelength.   The shoot according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the object to be processed is a medicine of a tablet, a capsule, a granule, or a pill.

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