JPH09253579A - Transporting device for granular material - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make it possible to separate and expel foreign matter from granular materials in a transporting stage and to efficiently transport the granular materials from which the foreign matter is removed to the ensuing stage. SOLUTION: This transporting device is composed of a straight pipe-like cylindrical body 2, a transporting member 3 which has spiral vanes 13 rotating within this cylindrical body 2 and a driving section 4 interlocked and connected to this transporting member 3. The angle (a) of intersection between the axial center 5 of the cylindrical body 2 and a horizontal plane is set at <=75 deg.. A feed port 7 and a discharge port 10 are opened in this cylindrical body 2 and a granular material transporting path S is formed within the cylindrical body 2 between this feed port 7 and the discharge port 10. The lower side peripheral wall in at least part of this granular material transporting path S is successively provided with a foreign matter discharge path 39 smaller than the external shape of the transported granular materials 18.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a conveying device for conveying granules such as tablets and capsules, and more particularly to separating powdery or granular foreign matter mixed between granules from the granules. The present invention relates to a device for eliminating and efficiently transporting only particulate matter.

[0002]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Generally, in the sugar coating process of tablets, sugar-coated components and water are alternately sprayed on plain tablets to form sugar-coated tablets. The sugar-coated components which have not adhered to the tablets in the sugar coating process are fine powdery foreign substances. As a result, they may be mixed in the sugar-coated tablets. If these foreign substances remain mixed in the sugar-coated tablets, they cannot be shipped as normal products, and if they are sent to the next process such as the printing process, they will be bitten by the device of the next process and cause an operation failure, or defective products such as printing defects. There is a risk of quality deterioration. Therefore, it is necessary to remove these foreign substances from the tablet especially when the tablet is transported from the sugar coating step to the next step.

[0003]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, when a tablet is transported from the sugar coating step to the next step, the foreign matter is separated from the tablet by sieving the tablet mixed with the foreign matter before transporting the tablet.

[0004]

In the above prior art,
Foreign substances are separated from the tablets by a sieving process before the sugar-coated tablets are conveyed, and then the tablets from which the foreign substances have been removed are conveyed, which necessitates equipment for the sieving process and the next step. It took a lot of man-hours to carry the tablets, and the tablets could not be efficiently carried.

The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems, and provides a granular material conveying device capable of separating and eliminating foreign matters from the granular matters in the conveying process and efficiently conveying the granular matters from which the foreign matters have been removed to the next step. This is a technical issue.

[0006]

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention will be described with reference to, for example, FIGS. 1 to 9 showing an embodiment of the present invention. It is composed. That is, a straight tubular cylinder (2)
And a conveying member (3) rotatably arranged inside the cylindrical body (2), and a drive unit (4) interlockingly connected to the conveying member (3).
A rotary shaft (12) provided with the conveying member (3) along the axis (5) of the cylindrical body (2) and a spiral blade (12) protruding from the peripheral surface of the rotary shaft (12). 13) composed of and the above cylindrical body
(2), the intersection angle (a) between the axis (5) and the horizontal plane is 75
The cylindrical body (2) is provided with a charging port (7) and a discharging port (10), and the charging port (7)
And the discharge port (10) between the cylindrical body (2) and the granular material transport path.
(S) is formed, and a foreign matter discharge path (39) is provided on the lower peripheral wall of at least a part of the above-mentioned foreign matter discharge path (S). It is characterized in that it is formed smaller than the outer shape of the granular material (18) which conveys the inlet (43) opening to ().

Here, the granular material conveyed by the device of the present invention is not limited to tablets of pharmaceuticals, but it has a suitable hardness and a certain size, such as capsules and pellets, foods such as confectionery and ornaments such as beads. Any shape such as a sphere, a capsule, a cylinder, a rectangular parallelepiped, a donut shape, and other special shapes can be applied. Therefore, as for tablets, not only sugar-coated tablets in which foreign substances are easily mixed, but also plain tablets, uncoated tablets,
It can be applied to the transportation of all tablets such as film tablets. Further, the foreign matter refers to a powdery or granular solid material smaller than the granular material, which is originally mixed in the granular material group or is generated during the production, processing, or transportation of the granular material. Generally, it is called dust, scrap, dust, etc., and has various shapes.

The material of the cylindrical body is not particularly limited, such as synthetic resin such as polycarbonate, metal such as stainless steel, or glass, but the finished state of the inner surface has a great influence on transport performance and prevention of damage to the granular material. It is desirable to form the inner surface smoothly in order to prevent damage to the object.

When this cylindrical body is made of synthetic resin, since the material has a cushioning property, there is little risk of damaging the granular material, and the surface friction coefficient is low and foreign matter is easily slipped.
The foreign matter is preferable because it can easily move in the cylindrical body and be reliably discharged from the foreign matter discharge path.

Further, when the cylindrical body is made of a metal material, the roundness and surface roughness of the inner surface of the cylindrical body can be processed with high accuracy, so that the contact between the outer peripheral edge of the spiral blade and the inner surface of the cylindrical body is prevented. However, there is an advantage that the gap between the two can be set to a predetermined size or less.

The axis of the cylindrical body may have an angle of intersection with the horizontal plane of 75 degrees or less, and includes the case of being oriented in the horizontal direction or the case of being oriented obliquely downward. When this conveying direction is directed diagonally upward, the intersecting angle between the axis and the horizontal plane will not be reduced unless the particles are easily slipped off, but the conveying efficiency will decrease. In order to carry, a long carrying distance is required in the horizontal direction, and the carrying device becomes large. Therefore, the intersection angle is preferably set to 30 degrees or more, and when set to about 45 degrees, the apparatus can be applied to a wide range of granular materials while being small in size.

The spiral blade of the conveying member may be any one as long as it can move smoothly without damaging the particulate matter.
It can be formed of a synthetic resin such as ultra-high density polyethylene or a metal such as stainless steel. However, this spiral blade is also preferably made of a material having excellent impact resistance and abrasion resistance, and is preferably a synthetic resin. In particular, ultra-high density polyethylene and the like are more preferable because they have excellent self-lubricating property and workability. . Even when the rotary shaft and the spiral blade are integrally formed of synthetic resin, it is desirable to reduce the bending during rotation by embedding a metal core in the rotary shaft.

The foreign matter discharge passage may be provided only in a part of the granular material conveying passage, for example, in the vicinity of the charging port, but may be provided over the entire length, and the portion provided with the foreign matter discharge passage may be provided. The longer the length, the more reliably the foreign matter can be removed.

The inlet of the foreign matter discharge passage may be provided at least through the lower peripheral wall of the granular material conveying passage, but it may be provided over the entire periphery of the granular material conveying passage, and in this case. Since it is not necessary to consider the directionality of the cylindrical body when assembling the carrier device, the assembling work can be simplified.

The foreign matter discharge path can be formed by a known method, for example, a method using a drill or a punch, but it is desirable to process it so that the inner surface of the granular material conveyance path does not return. Further, the cylindrical body in the portion where the foreign matter discharge passage is provided may be made of a mesh material, and the mesh may form the foreign matter discharge passage.

[0016]

[Action]

(1) When the transport member is rotated by the drive unit, the granular material charged into the charging port is pushed by the spiral blade, is transported through the granular material transportation path, and is discharged from the discharge port. At this time, since the foreign matter discharging passage is provided through the lower peripheral wall of the granular material conveying passage, fine foreign matter mixed in the granular material is discharged from the foreign matter discharging passage to the outside of the cylindrical body and separated from the granular material. To be done. On the other hand, since the entrance of the foreign matter discharge path is smaller than the outer shape of the particulate matter, the particulate matter is smoothly conveyed toward the discharge port without being discharged from the foreign matter discharge path.

(2) The granular material is conveyed by the rotating spiral blade toward the discharge port along the axial direction of the cylindrical body, but is also pushed in the rotational direction by the friction with the spiral blade. Some particles move relative to other particles. For this reason, the foreign matter that has been separated from the peripheral wall of the cylindrical body by being sandwiched between the granular materials gradually approaches the peripheral wall with the relative movement of the granular material, and is finally discharged from the foreign matter discharge path to the outside. Become. It should be noted that if the rotation speed of the conveying member is increased, a part of the granular material exceeds the upper side of the rotation axis of the conveying member, and the relative movement of the granular materials becomes frequent, so that the granular material is sandwiched between the granular materials. The foreign matter moves more quickly and is discharged to the outside from the foreign matter discharge path.

(3) When the entrance of the foreign matter discharge path is formed in a circular shape, the opening length of the entrance is constant regardless of the direction of the granular material, and the circumference of the entrance is a smooth curve. However, there is no risk that the particulate matter will get caught in this inlet. However, the inlet shape of the foreign matter discharge passage of the present invention is not limited to a circular shape, and may be, for example, a rectangular shape or another shape, or a long slit shape.

(4) When the foreign matter discharge path is formed of a slit, the opening area of the entrance of one foreign matter discharge path is large, and the foreign matter in the granular material conveying path is efficiently captured. Be promoted. Moreover, when the slit is provided in the direction intersecting with the outer peripheral edge of the spiral blade, the granular material located on the slit is pushed by the rotating spiral blade, smoothly passes through the slit, and is conveyed toward the discharge port. .

(5) When the passage direction of the foreign matter discharge path is formed close to the vertical direction, the foreign matter entering the foreign matter discharge path is smoothly discharged to the outside by the action of gravity. Moreover, in this case, if the conveying direction of the granular material conveying path is inclined obliquely upward, the peripheral edge on the downstream side in the conveying direction is formed as an obtuse angle at the entrance of the foreign matter discharging path, and the granular material is caught on this peripheral edge. It can be transported smoothly.

(6) When the outer tube is arranged so as to cover the portion of the cylindrical body where the foreign matter discharge passage is provided, and the end of this outer tube is fixed to the cylindrical body in a hermetically sealed state, the foreign matter comes out of the tablet conveying passage. The foreign matter discharged to the outside through the discharge path is received by the inner surface of the outer tube and is easily removed without being scattered. Further, since the end of the outer tube is fixed to the cylindrical body in a hermetically sealed state, the granular material transport path is in a closed state, and the granular material transport path is filled with a cleaning liquid, etc. Can be washed without disassembling.

(7) When a gap having a size smaller than the outer shape of the granular material to be conveyed is formed between the outer peripheral edge of the spiral blade and the inner surface of the cylindrical body, the peripheral edge of the spiral blade contacts the inner surface of the cylinder. And the abrasion and the generation of foreign matter due to the contact between the two are suppressed. Further, while the granular material is conveyed by the rotation of the spiral blade, fine foreign matters pass through this gap, and therefore are not conveyed by the rotation of the spiral blade. The gap between the outer peripheral edge of the spiral blade and the inner surface of the cylindrical body may be partially formed along the outer peripheral edge of the spiral blade, but the peripheral portion of the spiral blade is formed over the entire inner surface of the cylindrical body. It is desirable to form so as not to touch.

(8) When the pressure gas supply means is connected to the particulate matter conveying path, the foreign matter sandwiched between the particles moves by the pressure gas supplied from the pressure gas supply means,
It is smoothly discharged from the foreign matter discharge path to the outside of the cylindrical body.

(9) When the vibrating device is interlocked and connected to the cylindrical body, the vibrating device vibrates the cylindrical body, so that the foreign matter sandwiched between the granular materials is shaken down and the cylindrical body is discharged from the foreign matter discharge path. Is smoothly discharged to the outside.

(10) When the agitating member is provided on the surface of the conveying member, the agitating member passes through the inside of the agglomerate of the granules as the conveying member rotates, so that the agglomerates are agitated and the granules are agitated. The held foreign matter moves downward and is smoothly discharged from the foreign matter discharge path to the outside of the cylindrical body.

[0026]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 1 to 3 show Embodiment 1 of the present invention, FIG. 1 is a partially cutaway side view of a tablet conveying device, FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. 1, and FIG. FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a main part of the tablet transport path.

This tablet conveying device (1) is used in the tablet manufacturing process, for example, from a tableting machine to a product transfer container, from the transfer container to a coating device, and from these devices and containers to various inspection devices and printers. It is used when the tablets are transported diagonally upwards during transport between processes, transport between processes, or transport within processes, and as shown in FIG. 2), a conveying member (3) rotatably disposed inside the cylindrical body (2), and a driving unit fixed to the upper end of the cylindrical body (2) and interlockingly connected to the conveying member (3). Electric motor
(4) and are provided. The tablet transfer device (1) may be fixed at the installation site as a transfer process facility, but in order to facilitate disassembly and assembly work, for example, a support provided with a trolley, a lifting means, etc. It may be configured so as to be movable while being supported by the device.

The cylindrical body (2) is made of transparent polycarbonate, and has a crossing angle between the axis (5) and the horizontal plane, that is, the cylindrical body (2).
The tilt angle (a) of (1) is changeably supported by a supporting device (not shown), and the tilt angle (a) is tilted at 45 degrees during normal operation. And the lower part (6) of this cylinder (2)
Open the tablet charging port (7) on the top surface and start the charging path (8) from the previous process.
A tablet discharge port (10) is formed on the lower surface of the upper part (9) so that the tablet can be discharged to the discharge path (11) to the next process. 7) and tablet outlet (10)
And a tablet conveying path (S) is formed inside the cylindrical body (2) between and.

The inclination angle (a) of the cylindrical body (2) is
Depending on the slipperiness of tablets, the transportation efficiency, the transportation height, the installation space, and the like, they are appropriately set to be upward, downward, or horizontal within a range of 75 degrees or less. In addition, in the first embodiment, the tablet inlet (7) and the tablet outlet (10) are not only sealed to inline the tablet transportation between the front and rear steps, but also the tablet is easily closed. It may be opened to the atmosphere and used depending on the type and use of the granular material to be conveyed.

As shown in FIG. 1, a tablet loading space (28) is provided above the tablet loading port (7), and the tablet loading space (2
8) Open the end (8a) of the charging path (8) at the lower part of
The tablet is constructed so that it does not stay excessively above the tablet inlet (7). Further, a tablet inflow space (29) is formed on the upper surface of the cylindrical body (2) on the downstream side of the tablet input port (7) in the conveying direction, and a weir (30) is formed between the tablet input port (7) and the tablet input port (7). It is provided, and the gap between the lower end of the weir (30) and the outer peripheral edge (16) of the transfer member (3) is larger than the outer shape of the tablet. Therefore, when a large amount of tablets are temporarily charged, the tablets flow into the tablet inflow space (29) and the space between the peripheral edge of the tablet insertion port (7) and the outer peripheral edge (16) of the transport member (3) is increased. It is configured to prevent the tablet from being pinched and to prevent damage.

The conveying member (3) is the axial center of the cylindrical body (2).
A rotating shaft (12) arranged along (5) and a spirally projecting portion from the peripheral surface of the rotating shaft (12), and an outer peripheral edge (16) of which is the cylindrical body (2).
And a spiral blade (13) along the inner surface (17) of the. The rotating shaft (12) and the spiral blade (13) are integrally formed of ultra-high density polyethylene resin, and a stainless steel core material (14) is embedded inside the rotating shaft (12) to increase strength. I am doing it. As shown in FIG. 1, a closed portion (31) is provided at the lower end of the spiral blade (13) so that the tablet loaded from the tablet loading port (7) is retained in the lower portion (6). It is configured to smoothly convey to the tablet discharge port (10).

An air supply passage (36) is formed inside the core material (14). As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, this air supply passage (36) is formed.
A plurality of jet ports (37) communicating with the above are opened at appropriate intervals on the peripheral surface of the rotating shaft (12). As shown in FIG. 1, a pressure air supply means (35) is connected to one end of the air supply passage (36) so as to pressurize the compressed air through the ejection port (37). It is configured so that it can be ejected into (S).

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the spiral blade
A gap (19) smaller than the outer shape of the tablet (18) to be conveyed is formed between the outer peripheral edge (16) of the (13) and the inner surface (17) of the cylindrical body (2). 3) can rotate smoothly without rubbing the inner surface (17) of the cylindrical body (2), and the tablet (18) has this gap (1).
9) Never get in.

The cylindrical body (2) is constructed so that it can be divided above the tablet inlet (7), and is divided into a lower cylindrical body (2d) and an upper cylindrical body (2u) by a flange fixing portion (27). It is configured to be disassembled. An annular mounting plate (38) is fixed to the upper and lower ends of the upper cylindrical body (2u), and both mounting plates (38
・ A large number of foreign matter discharge passages (39) are provided on the peripheral wall of the cylindrical body (2) between the two mounting plates (38, 38) between the outer pipes.
(40) is airtightly fixed to cover the portion of the cylindrical body (2) where the foreign matter discharge passage (39) is provided. At the lower end of this outer tube (40),
A foreign matter storage container (41) is attached, and if necessary, a dust collecting blower (42) shown in phantom in FIG. 1 is connected.

As shown in FIG. 3, the foreign substance discharge path (39) has an inlet (43) which is open to the tablet conveying path (S) and is formed smaller than the outer shape of the tablet (18). The periphery of the inlet (43) is made smooth so that the tablets (18) transported through the transport path (S) are not caught.

By the rotation of the electric motor (4), as shown in FIG. 2, the tablet (18) tries to rotate together with the spiral blade (13), and a part of the tablet (18) is above the rotary shaft (12). However, due to the effect of gravity and the frictional resistance with the inner surface (17) of the cylindrical body (2), most of the tablets (18) cannot pass above the rotation axis (12), and as a result, the tablets ( 18) is slid on the surface of the spiral blade (13) and is pressed and conveyed toward the upper tablet discharge port (10).

If the rotation speed of the carrying member (3) becomes too high, many tablets (18) will rotate around the rotary shaft (12) together with the spiral blade (13), and the carrying efficiency will be improved. Besides, the tablet (18) may be subjected to a large external force.
For this reason, the rotation speed of the conveying member (3) depends on the slipperiness of the tablet (18), the inclination angle (a) of the cylindrical body (2), or the spiral blade.
An appropriate value depending on the lead angle of (13), for example 500r.
It is set to be pm or less, preferably 200 r.pm or less.

In the first embodiment, since friction with the tablets (18) is reduced, so-called powdering, which is a powder generated from the tablets (18), is unlikely to occur, but before the carrying step using this device. When the process is, for example, a sugar coating process, sugar coating components such as granulated sugar, calcium carbonate, and titanium oxide, which have not adhered to the tablets, may be sandwiched in the tablet group as dust or scraps.

These foreign matters (44) gradually move to the lower peripheral wall of the tablet conveying path (S) while a part of the tablets (18) relatively moves due to friction with the spiral blade (13) during conveyance. approach. Since the foreign matter discharge path (39) is provided on the lower peripheral wall of the tablet transport path (S), the foreign matter (44) is transferred from the foreign matter discharge path (39) to the cylindrical body.
It is discharged to the outside of (2) and completely separated from the tablet (18). On the other hand, since the entrance (43) of the foreign matter discharge path (39) that is open to the tablet conveying path (S) is smaller than the outer shape of the tablet (18),
The (18) is not discharged from the foreign matter discharge path (39) to the outside, but is smoothly conveyed to the tablet discharge port (10).

The foreign matter (4
4) is the foreign matter container (4
1) Collected in. And this foreign matter container (41)
Foreign objects removed and collected before being filled with (44) (44)
Is disposed of or, in some cases, reused as a resource.

Further, in the first embodiment, since the gap (19) is formed between the outer peripheral edge (16) of the spiral blade (13) and the inner surface (17) of the cylindrical body (2), it is being conveyed. Foreign matter that has separated from the tablet (18) and moved to the lower peripheral wall of the tablet transport path (S) is in this gap (1
9) and, as a result, is not directly conveyed by the rotation of the spiral blade (13) but is easily separated from the tablet (18).

Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, an air blower (21) is communicatively connected to one end of the tablet conveying path (S), and this air blower (2
Even if it is configured such that 1) is operated during the transportation of the tablet 18 and the foreign matter 44 is separated more effectively from the tablet 18 by being placed on the air flow sent into the cylindrical body 2. Good. In this case, tablets (1
Part of the foreign matter (44) separated from 8) is discharged from the foreign matter discharge path (39), and the remaining part moves along the inner surface of the cylindrical body (2) and is connected to the other end of the cylindrical body (2). Exhausted from the exhaust pipe (32)
Collected in the dust collector (33). When the pressurized air from the pressurized air supply means (35) is jetted from the peripheral surface of the rotary shaft (12) through the air supply passage (36) and the jet outlet (37), the blower (21) is used. May be omitted.

Further, as shown by the phantom line in FIG. 1, the vibrating device (45) is interlockingly connected to the cylindrical body (2), and the vibrating device (4)
When the tablet (18) is vibrated by the operation of (5), foreign matter (4
The foreign matter (44) sandwiched between 4) and the tablets (18) may be shaken off and effectively discharged from the foreign matter discharge path (39).

The tablets (18) are sequentially conveyed in a lump state by the conveying member (3). For example, as shown by the phantom line in FIG. 3, the rotating shaft (12) and the spiral blade (13). If a stirring member (46) having a rod shape or a blade shape is projected on the surface of the sheet, the conveying member (3)
As the stirring member (46) passes through the inside of the lump of tablets (18) to stir with the rotation of, the foreign matter (44) adhering to the tablets (18) and the foreign matter sandwiched between the tablets (18) ( 44) moves downward and is effectively discharged from the foreign matter discharge path (39).

A lid portion (34) is detachably fixed to a lower end (2a) of the cylindrical body (2) by a flange fixing portion (27), and a bearing (15) is interposed in the lid portion (34). The lower end of the rotary shaft (12) is rotatably supported. On the other hand, similarly to the lower end (2a), the upper end (2b) of the cylindrical body (2) is detachably fixed to the lid, and the upper end of the rotary shaft (12) can be rotated through a bearing on the lid. Further, the electric motor (4) is attached to the lid portion on the upper end (2b) side through the gear case (25).
Cylindrical body by releasing the fixing by the flange fixing part (27)
(2) By removing the lid (34) at the lower end,
(3) is constructed so that it can be easily disassembled and assembled by inserting and removing from below the cylindrical body (2).

Therefore, the transporting device (1) of the present invention is easy to maintain and disassemble and clean. However, in the first embodiment, the foreign matter discharge path
Since the outer tube (40) is airtightly fixed to the part where (39) is transparent, it is possible to perform so-called in-line cleaning that does not require disassembly or reassembly when changing the type of tablets to be transported. is there.

That is, the lid (3) at the lower end (2a) of the cylindrical body (2) is
4) is provided with a cleaning inlet (20) on the end surface, and the cleaning liquid tank (2) is connected to this cleaning inlet (20) via the liquid feed pump (26).
3) is connected. On the other hand, a cleaning discharge port (22) is opened on the upper surface of the upper end (2b) of the cylindrical body (2).

When the tablets (18) have been conveyed, the on-off valves (24) are operated to open the cleaning liquid tank (23) into the cleaning inlet.
The cleaning liquid is communicated with (20), the cleaning liquid is supplied by the liquid feed pump (26) to fill the inside of the cylindrical body (2), and the cleaning liquid is discharged from the cleaning discharge port (22). Inside the cylindrical body (2), only the conveying member (3) consisting of the rotating shaft (12) and the spiral blade (13) is arranged, and the foreign matter discharge path (39) in the cylindrical body (2). The transparent portion is covered with the outer tube (40) in an airtight manner, so that it can be easily washed with the washing liquid.

At this time, since the shape of the tablet inlet (7) of the cylindrical body (2) is relatively complicated, before supplying the cleaning liquid,
The flange fixing part (27) is unfixed and the lower cylindrical body (2
It is advisable to remove d) and assemble a straight tubular replacement cylinder with the same length. As a result, the inner surface (17) of the cylindrical body (2)
Has a uniform shape.
All the corners of (3) can be cleaned well, and the removed lower cylindrical body (2d) can be easily cleaned because the length is short and the corners of the inner surface are easily accessible.

When the pressurized air from the pressurized air supply means (35) is ejected from the ejection port (37) during the cleaning, the bubbling effect causes the inner surface (17) of the cylindrical body (2) and the conveying member (3) to be ejected. It can be washed well. Also, during this cleaning, the cylindrical body
Change the intersection angle (a) between the axis (5) of (2) and the horizontal plane,
For example, by changing from a vertical posture in which the lower portion (6) of the cylindrical body (2) is directly below to a horizontal posture or a vertical posture in which the lower portion (6) is directly above, the inner surface (17) of the cylindrical body (2) is changed. ), The foreign matter discharge path (39), the corners of the conveying member (3), etc. can be cleaned well. Furthermore, by rotating the spiral blade (13) forward and backward at a high speed of, for example, 150 rpm or more during the cleaning,
The apparatus can be efficiently washed by stirring the washing liquid in the cylindrical body (2).

When the cleaning is completed, each on-off valve (24) is switched next, and dry air is introduced into the cylindrical body (2) from the pressure air supply means (35) through the jet port (37). Cylindrical body
The inner surface (17) of (2) and the transport member (3) can be dried. Also in this drying process, the washing liquid is drained by centrifugal force by rotating the spiral blade (13), and the dry air is rotated at a high speed to generate a large amount of dry air on the surface of the spiral blade (13). It can be washed thoroughly and dried quickly.

In the first embodiment, the lower part of the cylindrical body (2)
Although the cleaning liquid or the like was introduced from (6), it may be introduced from the upper part (9), and the cleaning inlet (20) and the cleaning outlet (22) provided in the cylindrical body (2) are used. Although the cleaning liquid is circulated in this manner, the cleaning liquid and the drying air may be circulated in the cylindrical body (2) by using the tablet inlet (7) and the tablet outlet (10).

In the first embodiment, the conveying member (3) is constructed by fixing one spiral blade (13) to the rotary shaft (12), but it is constituted by fixing plural spiral blades. May be. Further, in the first embodiment, the upper cylindrical body (2u) and the conveying member (3) are each constituted by one member, but the present invention is constituted by connecting a plurality of cylindrical bodies or conveying members in series. It is also possible to do so. Further, in the first embodiment, the electric motor
Although (4) is fixed to the upper part of the cylindrical body (2), it may be fixed to the lower part of the cylindrical body, or it may not be directly fixed to the cylindrical body but may be interlockingly connected to the conveying member via a transmission mechanism. Good.

In the first embodiment, the foreign substance discharging passage (39) is formed over substantially the entire length of the tablet conveying passage (S).
When (S) is sufficiently long, for example, it may be formed only on a part of the tablet insertion port (7) side. Also, this foreign matter discharge path (39)
Need only be transparently provided on at least the lower peripheral wall of the tablet conveying path (S).

That is, FIG. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the second embodiment, in which the foreign matter discharge path (39) is provided through the lower peripheral wall of the tablet conveying path (S), and the foreign matter discharge path (39) is provided. The outer pipe (40) is fixed to the cylindrical body so as to cover only the transparent portion. The other structure is the same as that of the first embodiment, and the foreign matter (44) mixed in the tablet (18) is separated from the tablet (18) and is removed from the foreign matter discharge path (39) to the outside of the cylindrical body (2). Is discharged to.

In both the first and second embodiments, the end of the outer tube (40) is hermetically fixed to the cylindrical body (2).
The tablet transport path (S) is closed. However, in the device of the present invention, the end of the outer tube (40) does not necessarily need to be fixed to the cylindrical body (2) in a hermetically sealed state unless it is required to be closed.

That is, FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the third embodiment, in which a gutter-shaped receiving member (47) is arranged below the cylindrical body (2) and is discharged from the foreign matter discharge path (39). It is constructed so that it can receive and collect foreign matter (44). In addition, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, in the third embodiment, the passage direction of the foreign matter discharge passageway (39) is formed in the vertical direction. Therefore, the foreign matter (44) entering the inlet (43) of the foreign matter discharge passage (39) can be smoothly removed to the outside by the action of gravity, and as shown in FIG. Since the tablet (18) has an obtuse angle on the downstream side in the transport direction, the tablet (18) is smoothly transported without being caught by the peripheral edge.

FIG. 7 shows the fourth embodiment, in which the foreign matter discharge path (3
9) is formed in a taper shape that opens outward. That is, the foreign matter discharge passage (39) of the present invention may have the inlet (43) smaller than the outer shape of the granular material (18) such as tablets.
When the foreign matter discharge path (39) is formed into a taper shape that opens outward as described above, the foreign matter (44) that has entered the inlet (43) is smoothly removed to the outside.

In all of the first to fourth embodiments described above, the foreign matter discharge passage (39) has a circular cross section, but the foreign matter discharge passage of the present invention may be formed in another shape.

That is, FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the main part of the cylindrical body according to the fifth embodiment, in which the foreign matter discharge path (39) is provided with the axial center (5) of the cylindrical body (2).
It is composed of an elongated slit formed on a plane orthogonal to.

FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the main part of the cylindrical body according to the sixth embodiment, in which the foreign matter discharge path (39) is provided with the axial center (5) of the cylindrical body (2).
It is composed of slits parallel to. In this case, the tablet (18) located on the slit-like foreign matter discharge path (39) is less likely to be pressed right beside the slit direction by the spiral blade (13), and the tablet smoothly passes over the slit. It is conveyed toward the discharge port (10).

In each of the above-described first to sixth embodiments, the case where a tablet, which is a drug, is conveyed has been described, but it goes without saying that the same can be applied to the case where another granular material is conveyed. Further, the present invention aims to efficiently convey the particulate matter while separating and eliminating the mixed foreign matter, and is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment. Therefore, the material, outer diameter, shape and structure of the spiral blade, the rotation speed of the conveying member, etc. of the cylindrical body and the conveying member are appropriately set and combined according to the type of the granular material to be conveyed, the conveying height, the installation space, etc. Applied.

Although the above embodiment has been described with respect to the case where the tablet is conveyed obliquely upward, the device of the present invention can be applied to the case where the granular material is conveyed horizontally or obliquely downward, and is similarly effective. It is possible to achieve various effects.

[0064]

Since the present invention is constructed and operates as described above, it has the following effects.

(1) Since foreign matter contained in the group of particulates is discharged to the outside from the foreign matter discharge path in the process of transporting the particulate matter by the rotation of the carrying member, the particulate matter containing the foreign matter is carried. It is possible to remove foreign matter from the granular material simply and reliably only by itself, and it is possible to efficiently convey only the granular material. Moreover, since the foreign matter can be removed only by carrying it with a carrying device having a foreign matter discharge passage transparently provided on the peripheral wall of the granular matter carrying passage, equipment for the sieving step and additional man-hours as in the above-mentioned prior art are not required, and it is inexpensive. Can be carried out.

(2) When the entrance of the foreign matter discharge passage is formed in a circular shape, the foreign matter discharge passage can be easily processed, and there is no risk of particulate matter being caught in the entrance of the foreign matter discharge passage. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the particulate matter from being damaged by the catch and to smoothly convey the particulate matter to the discharge port.

(3) When the foreign matter discharge path is formed by a slit, the opening area of the entrance of one foreign matter discharge path is large, and the foreign matter in the granular material conveying path can be efficiently captured and discharged. Moreover, when the slit is provided in the direction intersecting with the outer peripheral edge of the spiral blade, the granular material is pushed by the spiral blade and can smoothly pass over the slit, so that the granular material is damaged or damaged. It can be transported without.

(4) When the passage direction of the foreign matter discharge path is formed close to the vertical direction, the foreign matter entering the foreign matter discharge path can be smoothly discharged to the outside, and the conveying direction of the granular material conveying path is inclined obliquely upward. Since the particulate matter is less likely to be caught at the inlet peripheral edge of the foreign matter discharge path in the case of being allowed, the granular matter can be smoothly conveyed toward the diagonally upper discharge port.

(5) When the outer pipe is arranged so as to cover the portion of the cylindrical body where the foreign matter discharge passage is provided, and the end portion of this outer pipe is fixed to the cylindrical body in a hermetically sealed state, the external body is removed from the foreign matter discharge passage. The foreign matter discharged to the inside of the outer tube can be received and easily removed without being scattered. In addition, since the granular material transport path is closed, there is no risk of new foreign matter from entering from the outside, and the so-called in-line when the apparatus is assembled by filling the granular material transport path with a cleaning liquid. It can be easily washed and dried. Therefore, there is a great advantage that manufacturing items can be easily and reliably changed without causing cross-contamination, particularly in the manufacturing process of pharmaceuticals.

(6) When a gap having a size smaller than the outer shape of the granular material to be conveyed is formed between the outer peripheral edge of the spiral blade and the inner surface of the cylindrical body, the peripheral portion of the spiral blade and the inner surface of the cylindrical body are In addition to suppressing abrasion and the generation of foreign matter due to contact, fine particles are not conveyed through this gap, while fine particles are conveyed by the spiral blade, so these foreign matters are effectively separated from the particles. can do.

(7) When the pressure gas supply means is connected in communication with the granular material conveying path, the foreign matter sandwiched between the granular materials is moved by the pressure gas supplied from the pressure gas supplying means. The foreign matter can be smoothly discharged to the outside of the cylindrical body.

(8) When the vibrating device is interlocked with the cylindrical body, the foreign matter sandwiched between the granular materials is shaken off by the vibration of the vibrating machine. Therefore, the foreign matter is discharged from the foreign matter discharge path to the outside of the cylindrical body. Can be discharged smoothly.

(9) When the agitating member is provided on the surface of the conveying member, the agitating member agitates the lump of the granular material and moves the foreign matter sandwiched between the granular materials downward. The foreign matter can be smoothly discharged to the outside of the cylindrical body.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a partially cutaway side view of a tablet conveying device showing a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line AA of FIG.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a main part in the tablet transport path of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a view corresponding to FIG. 2, showing a second embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a view corresponding to FIG. 2, showing a third embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a main part around a foreign substance discharge path, showing a third embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a view corresponding to FIG. 6, showing a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the main part of the cylindrical body, showing the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a view corresponding to FIG. 8, showing a sixth embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

2 ... Cylindrical body, 3 ... Conveying member, 4 ... Driving unit (electric motor), 5 ... Cylindrical shaft center, 7 ... Input port (tablet input port), 10 ... Discharge port (tablet discharge port), 12 ... Rotation Shaft, 13 ... Spiral blade, 16 ... Outer peripheral edge of spiral blade, 17 ... Inner surface of cylindrical body, 18 ... Granular material (tablet), 19 ... Gap, 35 ... Pressure gas supply means (pressure air supply means), 39 ... Foreign material Discharge passage, 40 ... Outer pipe, 43 ... Inlet of foreign matter discharge passage, 45 ... Vibrating device, 46 ... Stirring member, a ... Crossing angle of cylinder axis and horizontal plane (tilt angle of cylinder), S ... Granule Material transport path (tablet transport path).

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A straight tubular cylinder (2) and this cylindrical body (2)
A transport member (3) rotatably disposed inside the transport member (3) and a drive unit (4) interlockingly connected to the transport member (3) are provided. The rotary shaft (12) arranged along (5) and the spiral blade (13) protruding from the peripheral surface of the rotary shaft (12), and the cylindrical body (2) is 5) Crossing angle with horizontal plane
(a) is set and arranged so as to be 75 degrees or less, and the inlet (7) and the outlet (10) are opened in the cylindrical body (2), and the inlet (7) and the outlet are opened. A granular material conveying path (S) is formed inside the cylindrical body (2) with the (10), and a foreign matter discharge path (39) is formed on the lower peripheral wall of at least a part of the granular material conveying path (S). The granular material, which is transparently formed to be smaller than the outer shape of the granular material (18) which conveys the entrance (43) opening to the granular material conveying passage (S) of the foreign matter discharge passage (39). Transport device. 2. The granular material conveying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the entrance (43) of the foreign matter discharge passage (39) is circular. 3. The apparatus for transporting particulate matter according to claim 1, wherein the foreign matter discharge path (39) is a slit provided in a direction intersecting with a spiral outer peripheral edge (16) of the spiral blade (13). 4. The foreign matter discharge passage (39) is formed such that the passage direction thereof is close to the vertical direction.
An apparatus for transporting particulate matter according to the item. 5. An outer pipe (40) is arranged so as to cover a portion of the cylindrical body (2) where a foreign matter discharge passage (39) is provided, and an end portion of the outer pipe (40) is formed on the cylindrical body (2). The granular material conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, which is fixed in a closed state. 6. The outer peripheral edge (16) of the spiral blade (13) and the cylindrical body (2).
A gap (19) having a size smaller than the outer shape of the granular material (18) to be conveyed is formed between the inner surface (17) and the inner surface (17).
5. The granular material conveying device according to any one of 1. 7. A pressure gas supply means (3) is provided in the granular material conveying path (S).
5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6 in which 5) is interconnected and connected.
An apparatus for transporting particulate matter according to the item. 8. The apparatus for transporting particulate matter according to claim 1, wherein a vibrating device (45) is interlockingly connected to the cylindrical body (2). 9. The granular material conveying device according to claim 1, wherein a stirring member (46) is provided on the surface of the conveying member (3) in a protruding manner.