US20150239585A1 - Metering device for tablets and method for metering tablets - Google Patents

Metering device for tablets and method for metering tablets Download PDF

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Publication number
US20150239585A1
US20150239585A1 US14/627,192 US201514627192A US2015239585A1 US 20150239585 A1 US20150239585 A1 US 20150239585A1 US 201514627192 A US201514627192 A US 201514627192A US 2015239585 A1 US2015239585 A1 US 2015239585A1
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
tablet
tablets
metering
receiving elements
tablet receiving
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US14/627,192
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English (en)
Inventor
Marco Weigel
Bernhard HANDEL
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Harro Hofliger Verpackungsmaschinen GmbH
Original Assignee
Harro Hofliger Verpackungsmaschinen GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
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Assigned to HARRO HOFLIGER VERPACKUNGSMASCHINEN GMBH reassignment HARRO HOFLIGER VERPACKUNGSMASCHINEN GMBH ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: HANDEL, BERNHARD, WEIGEL, MARCO
Publication of US20150239585A1 publication Critical patent/US20150239585A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B37/00—Supplying or feeding fluent-solid, plastic, or liquid material, or loose masses of small articles, to be packaged
    • B65B37/08—Supplying or feeding fluent-solid, plastic, or liquid material, or loose masses of small articles, to be packaged by rotary feeders
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B5/00—Packaging individual articles in containers or receptacles, e.g. bags, sacks, boxes, cartons, cans, jars
    • B65B5/10—Filling containers or receptacles progressively or in stages by introducing successive articles, or layers of articles
    • B65B5/101—Filling containers or receptacles progressively or in stages by introducing successive articles, or layers of articles by gravity
    • B65B5/103—Filling containers or receptacles progressively or in stages by introducing successive articles, or layers of articles by gravity for packaging pills or tablets
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B35/00—Supplying, feeding, arranging or orientating articles to be packaged
    • B65B35/06—Separating single articles from loose masses of articles
    • B65B35/08—Separating single articles from loose masses of articles using pocketed conveyors
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B37/00—Supplying or feeding fluent-solid, plastic, or liquid material, or loose masses of small articles, to be packaged
    • B65B37/16—Separating measured quantities from supply

Definitions

  • the application relates to a metering device for tablets, in particular for micro tablets as well as to a method for metering tablets.
  • a rotating drum with a horizontal rotational axis which is filled by way of a tablet store is provided in one realization.
  • On the inside the circumferential wall of the drum comprises tablet receiving elements into which individual tablets are fitted.
  • the tablets, separated into singles are conveyed out of the tablet store, ejected in a corresponding number and supplied to the target container.
  • One known alternative includes providing a rotating disk with an inclined rotational axis, wherein corresponding tablet receiving means are installed on the top surface of the rotating disk.
  • the tablet store is poured onto the rotating disk, as a result of which the separating out into singles or the metering operation is performed in an analogous manner to the drum version.
  • the tablet store which is located in the drum or on the disk, is set into movement and is intermixed as a result of the rotation.
  • the tablets rub against one another and also against their moved support, which results in broken tablets, or at least in considerable development of dust.
  • the tablets can lose their size as per specification as a result. Tablet fragments and dust can be removed from the tablet store only at great effort—if at all. Tablet fragments which pass into the tablet receiving elements do not meet the metering objective on the one hand, but prevent, on the other hand, tablets as per specification passing into the corresponding tablet receiving elements. All in all it is difficult to ensure that each tablet receiving element has received one tablet each and that, as a result, the desired number of tablets as per specification can be transferred into the target container.
  • metering device includes a fixed device part and a metering element, which rotates in a plane of rotation, having several tablet receiving elements.
  • the plane of rotation lies at an angle of inclination of no more than 30° with respect to the weight force direction.
  • the tablet receiving elements of the rotating metering element are open in at least one lateral direction with reference to the plane of rotation.
  • the fixed device part includes a feeder surface for the tablets which, with reference to the weight force direction, is arranged in the bottom region of the metering element and at the side next to the metering element.
  • the feeder surface borders on the metering element by way of a lead-in edge at the level of the tablet receiving element.
  • the metering element can be realized as a rotating conveyor belt, as a rotating conveyor chain or the like, and is realized in a preferred manner as a metering wheel which is rotatable about a rotational axis.
  • the plane of rotation of the metering element lies in an expedient manner at an angle of inclination of no more than 15° and in particular is almost approximately parallel to the weight force direction.
  • a tablet store with tablets is provided in a bottom potion of the metering device with reference to the weight force direction.
  • the metering element is made to rotate, wherein tablets are supplied from the tablet store laterally to the tablet receiving elements by way of the feeder surface.
  • the tablet receiving elements then receive in each case at least one, in a preferred manner precisely one tablet.
  • the geometric development of the tablet receiving elements can be matched in such a manner to the form and size of the tablets to be metered that, for example, two or three tablets pass into one tablet receiving element.
  • the geometric development is matched in such a manner that precisely one tablet passes into the tablet receiving elements and consequently one tablet comes to rest in each tablet receiving element.
  • the tablets are then transported in the tablet receiving elements to the tablet outlet by way of the metering element.
  • the tablets are counted and are supplied in a counted quantity from the tablet receiving elements through the tablet outlet to a target container.
  • the weight of the tablet store is carried first and foremost or even exclusively by the fixed feeder surface which is associated with the fixed device part.
  • the tablets of the tablet store experience an, at best, only slight pressing pressure against the rotating metering element.
  • the rotation of the metering element induces an only slight inherent movement in the tablet store with very small frictional forces such that the tablets are treated in a manner which protects the material.
  • the risk of fracture and the development of dust are reduced to a minimum. Tablets which stick together as duplicates or triplicates can hardly pass into the tablet receiving elements such that they do not occupy them.
  • the metering element rotates continually, the tablet receiving elements continuously receiving tablets from the tablet store.
  • the tablet receiving elements continuously receiving tablets from the tablet store.
  • individual contiguous rows which are spaced apart from one another are formed from the continuously received row of tablets. More precisely, as a result of ejecting tablets in a selective manner from their tablet receiving elements, contiguous rows of tablet receiving elements with tablets are formed in a desired, counted number, further rows of empty tablet receiving elements, that is without tablets, being formed between the aforementioned rows.
  • the tablets following one after another in a contiguous row are supplied as a group through the tablet outlet into the target container. Whilst the following empty row of tablet receiving elements without tablets passes the tablet outlet, the target container is changed. The cycle of supplying the tablets to the target container and changing the target container can then start again.
  • the ejected tablets can be guided back into the tablet store so that they are not lost.
  • the number of tablets to be ejected can be freely chosen in order, for example, to meter different quantities dependent on the requirement. This can be carried out, in particular, when, using suitable monitoring elements (sensor, camera, counter), a tablet receiving element that has remained empty in an unwanted manner has been detected. Individual tablets can also be supplied subsequently in conjunction with the selective ejecting process. As a result it can be ensured that the correct number of tablets passes into the target container even in the event of the aforementioned error.
  • the tablets received to form a continuous uninterrupted row are moved continuously to the tablet outlet.
  • the tablets are ejected from their receiving elements in the desired counted number and are supplied to the target container by way of the tablet outlet.
  • Subsequent tablets are guided past the tablet outlet and back to the tablet store.
  • the target container is changed whilst the tablets are being returned.
  • the cycle of supplying tablets to the target container and changing the target container can then start again.
  • high volume output rates can be achieved with a high level of processing reliability.
  • the number of tablets to be removed into the respective target container can be varied and adapted to the respective requirements simply by adapting the control system.
  • a further advantageous variant of the continuous method can be realized using a metering element which comprises at least one continuing and defined row of consecutive tablet receiving elements, which in their number correspond to the desired, counted number of tablets, and which are followed by a segment without tablet receiving elements.
  • the tablets are ejected from the continuing, defined row of tablet receiving elements and are supplied to the target container by way of the tablet outlet. Whilst the subsequent segment without tablet receiving elements passes the tablet outlet, the target container is changed. The cycle of supplying the tablets to the target container and changing the target container can then start again.
  • the metering element is a format part where the number of tablets of an individual metering quantity is defined by the number of tablet receiving elements combined in the defined row.
  • An expensive control system can be omitted. Rather, reception, transport and ejection of the tablets is effected in conjunction with each individual tablet receiving element or with the lack of such, as a result of which expenditure on the device and method is kept low whilst the level of process reliability is high.
  • the metering element can be expedient for the metering element to rotate in a pulsed manner.
  • the metering pulse is measured in such a manner that a row of consecutive tablet receiving elements, which correspond in their number to the desired counted number of tablets, is moved within the named metering pulse to the tablet outlet where the tablets are ejected from their respective tablet receiving elements and are supplied to the target container by way of the tablet outlet.
  • a rest pulse in which the metering element stands still follows the metering pulse.
  • the target container is changed during the rest pulse. Following this, the cycle of the metering pulse and the rest pulse can start again.
  • the metering element includes a basic body and entrainment elements which project radially from the basic body, wherein the entrainment elements lie spaced apart from one another in the direction of rotation and as a result in each case define between them a tablet receiving element.
  • the metering element consequently obtains a structural shape comparable to a toothed wheel, the teeth of which form the entrainment elements and the tooth spaces of which form the tablet receiving elements.
  • the tablet receiving elements are not only open at the side for insertion of the tablets but are also open radially outward.
  • the opening in the radial direction enables, on the one hand, optional tablet ejection also in said radial direction.
  • an advantageous possibility to separate off tablet fragments, tablet dust or other unwanted part quantities of the tablet store is created as a result.
  • a separation gap which, with reference to the weight force direction, is arranged in the bottom region and radially outside of the metering element, is advantageously realized in the fixed device part, wherein the separation gap is defined at the side by the lead-in edge of the feeder surface.
  • the separation gap is connected to a suction device.
  • the entrainment elements, radially outside, in each case comprise a tapered portion, by way of which they project into the separation gap when running through the bottom position or when running through the gap region.
  • the lead-in edge of the feeder surface ensures that a tablet passes into the tablet receiving element between two entrainment elements and at the same time prevents the tablet from being able to drop down out of the tablet receiving element through the separation gap.
  • the separation gap is wide enough to enable tablet fragments, tablet dust or other unwanted part quantities of the tablet store to be removed through the separation gap out of the tablet receiving element. This latter can occur as a result of the acting weight force.
  • the suction device is used advantageously in a supporting manner, as a result of which the tablet receiving element and also the separation gap itself are kept free in a reliable manner. This latter is also promoted as a result of the portion of the respective entrainment element which tapers into the separation gap.
  • the named portion in this case, also helps to keep tablets correctly as per specification in the respective tablet receiving element and at the same time to avoid jamming, tilting or the like.
  • the named entrainment elements comprise in each case a front entrainment face, with reference to the direction of rotation, against which one tablet comes to abut in each case.
  • the front entrainment faces can be aligned in a radial manner.
  • they are at a positive entrainment angle with reference to the radial direction, as a result of which they advance or transport the respective tablets not only in the direction of rotation but also, at the same time, lift them up from the feed surface or the lead-in edges. This contributes to avoiding any jamming or the like.
  • the feed surface is given central importance for supplying the tablets laterally from the tablet store into the respective tablet receiving elements. It can be aligned in a horizontal manner, the lateral feed being provided, for example, by way of a vibratory movement or other measures such as suction or blast air or the like.
  • the feed surface is inclined toward the metering element at a plane angle of no more than 50° and in particular of no more than 30° with respect to the horizontal direction. As a result of the angle of inclination, the tablets or the tablet store slip automatically to the side without any additional effort onto the metering element and also into the laterally open metering receiving element.
  • the aforementioned defining of the plane angle ensures that the tablets are only pressed lightly, brought about by the weight force of the tablets, against the rotating metering element whilst the weight force is supported overall at least for the most part by the fixed feeder face.
  • the tablets consequently experience only a slight load with a low level of abrasion and a low risk of fracture.
  • the metering device comprises a tablet outlet with a counting device for the tablets.
  • a counting device for the tablets.
  • the metering element in the direction of rotation the metering element comprises a row of tablet receiving elements which, with reference to the plane of rotation, are open in only one side direction and are closed in the opposite side direction.
  • a fixed wall part or a wall part which rotates with the metering element can be used as a side closure.
  • the metering element it can be expedient for the metering element to comprise on the two opposite sides tablet receiving elements which are open toward the lateral faces of the metering element and which are separated from one another by way of a central partition wall. Where the tablets are fed from a tablet store on both sides, the ejection rate can be increased.
  • metering elements which are realized as metering wheels are combined to form one unit which is rotatable about a common rotational axis, wherein the metering wheels are provide with spokes and run through a common tablet store.
  • the metering wheels are fed in an advantageous manner from a common tablet store. Where the fill level is correspondingly sufficient, the tablets can be moved through between the spokes and consequently lead to a fill level balancing process. Consequently, a sufficient tablet store abuts against all the metering wheels.
  • one row or lane of target containers each can be filled simultaneously by way of each metering wheel whilst, as an alternative to this or in combination therewith, it is possible to fill one row or lane of target containers with correspondingly increased tablet ejection by way of several metering wheels.
  • the fixed device part comprises a fill level sensor which is directed through between the spokes onto the tablet store, and wherein, in particular, the spokes are spaced apart from one another at irregular angular distances.
  • a metering device for metering tablets has a fixed device part and a metering element.
  • the metering element rotates in a plane of rotation and has several tablet receiving elements.
  • the plane of rotation lies at an angle of inclination of no more than 30° with respect to the weight force direction, and the tablet receiving elements are open in at least one lateral direction with reference to the plane of rotation and the fixed device part.
  • the embodiment includes a feeder surface for the tablets which, with reference to the weight force direction, is arranged in the bottom region of the metering element and at the side next to the metering element.
  • the feeder surface borders on the metering element by way of a lead-in edge at the level of the tablet receiving elements.
  • the metering element is realized as a metering wheel which is rotatable about a rotational axis.
  • the plane of rotation lies at an angle of inclination of no more than 15° with respect to the weight force direction, or the plane of rotation lies parallel to the weight force direction.
  • the metering element includes a basic body and entrainment elements which project from the basic body in a radial manner.
  • the entrainment elements lie spaced apart from one another in a direction of rotation and as a result in each case define between them a tablet receiving element.
  • Still a further variant includes a separation gap, which, with reference to the weight force direction, is arranged in the bottom region as well as radially outside the metering element, and which is realized in the fixed device part.
  • the separation gap is defined radially inside by the lead-in edge of the feeder surface.
  • the separation gap is connected to a suction device.
  • the entrainment elements radially outside, in each case comprise a tapered portion by way of which they project into the separation gap.
  • the entrainment elements may also comprise a front entrainment face, with reference to the direction of rotation, wherein the entrainment faces lie in each case at a positive entrainment angle with reference to the radial direction.
  • Still another example of the application includes a feeder surface inclined toward metering element at a surface angle of no more than 50° with respect to the horizontal direction.
  • the feeder surface is inclined toward metering element at a surface angle of no more than 30° with respect to the horizontal direction.
  • the metering device comprises a tablet outlet with a counting device for the tablets.
  • the metering element comprises a row of tablet receiving elements which, with reference to the plane of rotation, are open in only one lateral direction and closed in the opposite lateral direction.
  • the metering element on the two opposite sides the metering element comprises tablet receiving elements which are open toward the lateral faces of the metering element and which are separated from one another by way of a central partition wall.
  • metering elements may also be realized as metering wheels and may be combined to form one unit which is rotatable about a common rotational axis in another embodiment.
  • the metering wheels are provided with spokes and run through a common tablet store.
  • a fill level sensor may also be provided which is directed through between the spokes onto the tablet store. Additionally, the spokes may be spaced apart from one another at irregular angular distances.
  • An embodiment of the method for metering tablets using a metering device includes forming contiguous rows of tablet receiving elements containing tablets in a desired, counted number as a result of ejecting tablets from their tablet receiving elements in a selective manner, wherein between the rows of tablet receiving elements with tablets further rows of tablet receiving elements without tablets are formed.
  • a cycle is repeated including supplying through the tablet outlet to the target container the tablets in one of the contiguous rows to tablet receiving elements containing tablets, and changing the target container while a subsequent row of tablet receiving elements without tablets passes the tablet outlet.
  • Another embodiment of the method includes continuously guiding to the tablet outlet the tablet receiving elements which are continuously provided with tablets.
  • the method provides for repeating a cycle involving ejecting the tablets from their tablet receiving elements in the desired, counted number at the tablet outlet and supplying the tablets to the target container by way of the tablet outlet, guiding any following tablets past the tablet outlet and back to the tablet store, and changing the target container while the tablets are being returned.
  • the metering element comprises at least one continuing and defined row of consecutive tablet receiving elements, which correspond in their number to the desired, counted number of tablets, and which is followed by a segment without tablet receiving elements.
  • the variant also involves ejecting the tablets at the tablet outlet from the continuous, defined row of tablet receiving elements and supplying the tablets to the target container by way of the tablet outlet and changing the target container while the following segment without any tablet receiving elements passes the tablet outlet.
  • Still another optional example involves repeating a cycle involving rotating the metering element in a pulsed manner, moving a row of consecutive tablet receiving elements, which correspond in their number to the desired, counted number of tablets, within a metering pulse to the tablet outlet where the tablets are ejected from their respective tablet receiving elements and supplying the tablets to the target container by way of the tablet outlet, following the metering pulse with a rest pulse in which the metering element stands still, and changing the target container during the rest pulse.
  • Another exemplary embodiment includes tablets which are supplied to the target container and counted in the tablet outlet by way of the counting device, and in the case of a lesser quantity being ascertained, the number of tablets missing is additionally supplied.
  • such quantities are removed through the separation gap. This can optionally be accomplished by sucking out through the separation gap by way of the suction device.
  • FIG. 1 shows a schematic front view of a first exemplary embodiment of a metering device according to the application with a rotatable metering wheel, at the circumference of which are situated entrainment elements for tablets, in conjunction with a tablet store;
  • FIG. 2 shows a sectional view of a detail of the metering wheel according to FIG. 1 with one single tablet receiving element in conjunction with a feeder surface when receiving one single tablet;
  • FIG. 3 shows a variant of the arrangement according to FIG. 2 with two tablet receiving elements located laterally opposite one another and associated feeder surfaces;
  • FIG. 4 shows an enlarged view of a detail of the arrangement according to FIG. 1 in the region of the tablet receiving elements and associated entrainment elements;
  • FIG. 5 shows a representation of a cutout of the arrangement according to FIG. 1 with details of a separation gap arranged in the bottom region;
  • FIG. 6 shows a variant of the arrangement according to FIG. 5 with a segmented separation gap
  • FIG. 7 shows an enlarged representation of a detail of a portion of an alternative embodiment of the metering wheel according to FIGS. 1 to 6 with tablet receiving elements combined in groups;
  • FIG. 8 shows a longitudinal sectioned representation of an embodiment of the metering device with several metering wheels arranged along a common axis of rotation.
  • FIG. 1 shows a schematic front view of a first exemplary embodiment of a metering device 1 for tablets 2 according to the application.
  • the tablets 2 in the preferred exemplary embodiment shown are micro tablets with a diameter of 3.0 mm or less which are to be metered in each case in a fixed number and filled into target containers (not shown) such as two-piece capsules or the like. Larger tablets can also be metered in place of micro tablets.
  • the metering is effected according to quantity by tablets 2 being separated out into singles from a vibrated tablet store 19 , measured in the predefined quantity and then supplied to the target container (not shown).
  • the metering device 1 includes a fixed device part 3 and a metering element which rotates in a plane of rotation E.
  • the metering element in the preferred exemplary embodiment shown, is realized as a metering wheel 5 which is rotatable about a rotational axis 4 .
  • the plane of rotation E lies in the drawing plane, whilst the rotational axis 4 is perpendicular thereto.
  • suitable metering elements within the framework of the application, for example in the form of a rotating conveyor belt or a rotating conveyor chain.
  • the metering wheel 5 comprises several tablet receiving elements 6 which, in the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 1 , are arranged uniformly and equidistantly along the wheel circumference.
  • the tablet receiving elements 6 can be bores, blind holes, indentations or the like in at least one lateral face of the metering wheel 5 .
  • the tablet receiving elements 6 are realized as gaps between entrainment elements 10 which protrude radially outward from a basic body 9 of the metering wheel 5 . As a result, the tablet receiving elements 6 are open radially outward.
  • Each tablet receiving element 6 is defined by one entrainment element 10 each, at least to the rear in opposition to the direction of rotation 11 , in the exemplary embodiment shown also to the front in the direction of rotation 11 .
  • the metering device 1 is shown in its usual operating position relative to the downwardly acting weight force direction which is specified by an arrow 27 .
  • the fixed device part 3 that is not rotating with the metering wheel 5 , includes a feeder surface 7 for the tablets 2 , which is described in more detail in FIGS. 2 and 3 and is arranged, with reference to the weight force direction, in the bottom region of the metering device 1 and of the metering wheel 5 . From an overall view of FIGS. 2 and 3 it can also be seen that the feeder surface 7 is additionally also arranged laterally next to the metering wheel 5 . In the front view according to FIG.
  • the feeder surface 7 is curved in the form of a circular ring segment following the development of the tablet receiving elements 6 and is arranged in such a manner in the region of or at the level of the tablet receiving elements 6 that the tablet receiving elements 6 are open directly above the feeder surface 7 in the lateral or axial direction.
  • a large quantity of tablets 2 are supplied as bulk material by way of a tablet feeder 24 , said tablets forming a tablet store 19 which rests on the feeder surface 7 .
  • the metering wheel 5 is provided in the region of its basic body 9 with spokes 18 , between which windows 22 are realized.
  • the spokes 18 are at irregular angular spacings to one another.
  • the fixed device part 3 includes a fill level sensor 20 which is directed between the spokes 18 through the windows 22 onto the tablet store 19 , checks the fill level and consequently ensures a sufficient fill level of tablets 2 in the tablet store 19 .
  • the metering device 1 is provided with a tablet outlet 16 as well as, as an option, with an outlet 25 which is once again downstream and in this case borders directly on the feeder surface 7 .
  • a cover 26 is provided as part of the fixed device part 3 , said cover covering the circumferential region of the metering wheel 5 including its tablet receiving elements 6 and its entrainment element 10 .
  • FIG. 2 shows a sectioned view of a detail of the metering wheel 5 according to FIG. 1 in the region of one single tablet receiving element 6 .
  • the thickness of the metering wheel 5 at least however the clearance of the metering receiving element 6 is matched in such a manner to the size of the tablets 2 that at least one single tablet 2 , in this case precisely one single tablet fits completely in the tablet receiving element 6 , a second tablet 2 , however, is not able to pass into the tablet receiving element 6 at the same time.
  • the feeder surface 7 borders on the metering wheel 5 by way of a lead-in edge 8 at the level of the tablet receiving element 6 in such a manner that the tablet 2 , proceeding from the feeder surface 7 , is able to pass into the tablet receiving element 6 .
  • the lead-in edge 8 is arranged relative to the radially inner bottom of the tablet receiving element 6 such that a sufficiently large lateral window of the tablet receiving element 6 remains for receiving the tablet 2 .
  • the tablets 2 are automatically fed laterally into the tablet receiving elements 6 as a result of the weight force acting on the tablets 2 .
  • the feeder surface 7 measured in a plane perpendicular to the plane of rotation E—is inclined toward the metering wheel 5 at a plane angle ⁇ .
  • the plane angle ⁇ is measured in the section shown according to FIG. 2 between the feeder surface 7 and the horizontal direction, and in this embodiment is no more than 50°, in particular no more than the 30° provided in this case.
  • the feeder surface 7 can be made to vibrate (horizontally, vertically or in a combination thereof) in a manner which supports the named downwardly acting force.
  • a suction air draft or a blast air draft as well as a combination of the two can also be used in a supporting manner.
  • it can be expedient to develop the surface of the feeder surface 7 in a structured manner.
  • the surface structuring can be realized such that tablets 2 that would like to settle into one tablet receiving element at the same time and in this case mutually obstruct one another, are influenced such that in a preferred manner one of said tablets 2 is slipped in.
  • the plane of rotation E lies almost approximately, in this case precisely parallel to the weight force direction which is specified by an arrow 27 .
  • a slight inclination of the rotational axis 4 and consequently of the plane of rotation E can also be expedient, in this case the angle of inclination a expediently being no more than 30° and in particular no more than 15°.
  • the metering wheel 5 comprises only or precisely one row of tablet receiving elements 6 in the direction of rotation.
  • said tablet receiving elements with reference to the plane of rotation E, are open in only one lateral direction which is specified by an arrow 28 . They are closed in the opposite lateral direction, for which purpose in this case a wall part 30 is provided as a cover.
  • the wall part 30 can be part of the fixed device part 3 . In the exemplary embodiment shown, it is part of the metering wheel 5 and is entrained by the same. As an alternative to this, a realization as is shown in FIG. 3 can be expedient.
  • the metering wheel 5 comprises one rotating row of tablet receiving elements 6 , 6 ′ each, which are separated from one another by way of a central partition wall 17 .
  • the tablet receiving elements 6 , 6 ′ are open in each case toward the associated lateral face of the metering wheel 5 in the associated lateral directions specified by arrows 28 , 29 .
  • feeder surfaces 7 , 7 ′ with lead-in edges 8 , 8 ′ border on the two sides.
  • a separation gap 12 which is arranged in the bottom region and radially outside the metering wheel 5 with reference to the weight force direction 27 , is realized in the fixed device part 3 .
  • the separation gap 12 is defined radially inside, in this case therefore upward, by way of the lead-in edge 8 of the feeder surface 7 .
  • the separation gap 12 is defined by the wall part 30 in the opposite lateral direction such that the tablets 2 abut against the lead-in edge 8 on the one side and against the wall part 30 on the opposite side.
  • the width of the separation gap 12 shown in cross section here is smaller than the smallest cross sectional dimension of the tablet 2 such that the tablet 2 gets caught on the lead-in edge 8 and is not able to drop down through the separation gap 12 out of the tablet receiving element 6 .
  • FIGS. 5 and 6 each show variants of the arrangement according to FIGS. 1 and 2 in a sectioned front view with details for the development of the separation gap 12 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 .
  • the separation gap 12 extends in the direction of rotation of the metering wheel 5 over an angular region which covers several tablet receiving elements 6 .
  • the separation gap 12 is connected to a schematically indicated suction device 13 so as to transmit pressure and flow. A suction air flow is created which, on the one hand, sucks tablets 2 into the respective tablet receiving elements 6 corresponding to the representation according to FIG. 2 .
  • FIGS. 5 and 6 each show variants of the arrangement according to FIGS. 1 and 2 in a sectioned front view with details for the development of the separation gap 12 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 .
  • the separation gap 12 extends in the direction of rotation of the metering wheel 5 over an angular region which covers several tablet receiving elements 6 .
  • the separation gap 12 is connected to a schematically indicated suction device 13 so
  • the separation gap 12 is divided into different segments, only each next but one segment being connected to the suction device 13 .
  • each tablet receiving element 6 is consequently acted upon in an intermittent or pulsating manner with negative pressure, which can promote the slipping-in of the tablets 2 and the sucking-up of unwanted material.
  • the entrainment elements 10 comprise, radially outside, in each case a portion 14 which tapers in the direction of the width or axis and by way of which they project into the separation gap 12 .
  • the entrainment elements 10 are in full surface contact with the tablets 2 even where the tablets 2 , corresponding to the representation according to FIG. 2 , come to rest in part in the separation gap 12 .
  • FIG. 4 shows an enlarged view of a detail of the arrangement according to FIG. 2 corresponding to the intersection line IV-IV indicated there.
  • the radial direction which proceeds from the rotational axis 4 is specified by an arrow 31 .
  • the entrainment elements 10 comprise, with reference to the direction of rotation, a front entrainment face 15 against which the respective tablets 2 abut as a result of the rotational movement of the metering wheel 5 .
  • the entrainment face 15 lies at a positive entrainment angle ⁇ with reference to the radial direction 31 .
  • the entrainment angle ⁇ is positive in such a case in which the entrainment face 15 is inclined in the direction of rotation 11 proceeding from radially inside to radially outside.
  • the feeder surface exerts on the tablet 2 not only a feed force in the direction of rotation 11 , but also in opposition to the radial direction 31 a lifting force which reduces the pressing pressure of the tablet 2 onto the lead-in edge 8 or which even raises the tablet 2 from the lead-in edge 8 in opposition to the radial direction 31 .
  • FIG. 8 shows a longitudinal sectional representation of an embodiment of the metering device 1 with several metering wheels 5 which are arranged on a common axis component 25 along the axis of rotation 4 .
  • Each individual metering wheel 5 has associated therewith at least one feeder surface 7 each.
  • the individual metering wheels 5 and feeder surfaces 7 correspond in their design to the previously described designs.
  • a tablet store 19 which rests on the feeder surfaces 7 is able to be distributed through the windows 22 between the spokes 18 in a uniform manner such that all the metering wheels 5 are loaded from the same tablet store 19 at a sufficiently uniform fill level.
  • the fill level of the common tablet store 19 can be monitored through the windows 22 between the spokes 18 by just one single fill level sensor 20 .
  • an embodiment of the method according to the application for the metering of tablets in terms of quantities by way of the metering device 1 according to the application is realized as follows:
  • a fairly large volume of tablets 2 is initially poured in as bulk material through the tablet feed 24 , as a result of which a tablet store 19 is realized resting on the feeder surface 7 in the bottom portion of the metering device 1 .
  • the metering wheel 5 is then set into motion rotating about the rotational axis 4 in the direction of rotation 11 .
  • tablets 2 are supplied laterally from the tablet store 19 to the tablet receiving elements 6 in the above-described manner by way of the feeder surface 7 .
  • the tablet receiving elements 6 in dependence on the geometric adaptation to the form and size of the tablets 2 , in each case receive one or several, in this case in a preferred manner precisely one tablet 2 .
  • the tablet receiving elements 6 are open at the side such that they are able to receive the tablets 2 .
  • the metering wheel 5 is covered by way of the cover 26 in such a manner that the received tablets 2 are not able to fall unintentionally out of their tablet receiving elements 6 .
  • the metering element rotates continuously.
  • the metering wheel 5 rotates about its rotational axis 4 at least approximately uniform angular speed.
  • the tablet receiving elements 6 are distributed uniformly over the circumference of the metering wheel 5 .
  • the tablet receiving elements 6 continuously receive tablets 2 from the tablet store 19 .
  • the tablets have to be counted and have to pass in the counted quantity from the tablet receiving elements 6 through the tablet outlet 16 into the target container.
  • the tablets 2 are selectively ejected for this purpose from their tablet receiving elements 6 .
  • This can be effected, for example, in the upper portion of the metering device 1 which is shown as having been removed in FIG. 1 .
  • the ejected tablets 2 fall back into the tablet store 19 .
  • contiguous rows 31 of tablet receiving elements 6 with tablets 2 entrained therein as well as rows 32 of empty tablet receiving elements 6 without tablets 2 are formed alternately as a result of said selective ejection.
  • Tablet receiving elements with tablets 2 are symbolized here in a schematic manner by way of circles whilst empty places, that is tablet receiving elements without tablets are symbolized by way of crosses.
  • Each individual contiguous row 31 includes overall the desired, counted number of tablets 2 which is supplied to the target container through the tablet outlet 16 .
  • the row 32 following this in the direction of rotation 11 is matched in its number of empty tablet receiving elements 6 in such a manner to the rotational speed of the metering wheel 5 that when the movement of the metering wheel 5 is uninterrupted, a time window is created in which no tablets 2 are separated off through the tablet outlet 16 .
  • the target container is changed.
  • the new target container is then filled from the following row 31 , the tablet receiving elements 6 of which is loaded with tablets 2 .
  • a cycle in which, with the metering wheel 5 rotating continuously, target containers are alternately filled with a desired, counted number of tablets 2 and then are exchanged, is produced from the above pattern.
  • a camera 23 by way of which the regular loading of the tablet receiving elements 6 with or without tablets 2 can be checked by way of image-processing monitoring, can be arranged as an option, on the entry side of the tablet outlet 16 , in this case in the upper portion of the metering device 1 . If a tablet 2 is missing from the provided tablet receiving element 6 , counter measures can be taken, for example by subsequently delivering one single tablet 2 or by interrupting the ejection operation from the tablet outlet 16 . In particular, however, it is expedient, corresponding to the representation according to FIG. 1 , to provide the tablet outlet 16 with a counting device 21 for tablets 2 .
  • a small bore branches off from the tablet receiving elements 6 for this purpose, the counting device 21 being arranged outside said bore.
  • the sensor of the counting device 21 looks through the named bore into the tablet outlet 16 and counts the tablets 2 moving through.
  • a small cavity in which a certain over pressure prevails is realized between the sensor of the counting device 21 and the bore.
  • the counting device 21 or the sensor thereof avoids getting dusty in spite of a high level of dust developing during the metering operation.
  • the bore too is always kept free such that reliable counting is possible. Unlike in the case of optical image processing, precise counting can be carried out even at high throughput speeds and high throughput volumes in this case with low technical expenditure.
  • the tablet receiving elements 6 which are continuously loaded with tablets 2 are guided continuously to the tablet outlet 16 .
  • the tablets are not ejected selectively en route. Rather, the tablets 2 are not ejected from their tablet receiving elements 6 in the desired, counted number until at the tablet outlet 16 and they are supplied to the target container by way of the tablet outlet 16 .
  • the ejection operation is interrupted once the predefined or desired number is reached.
  • Subsequent tablets which are entrained in the respective tablet receiving elements 6 are guided past the tablet outlet 16 and back to the tablet store 19 .
  • the target container is changed during said returning of the tablets 2 . Following this, the cycle of supplying tablets to the target container and changing the target container starts again.
  • a third variant of the continuous method according to the application makes use of an embodiment of the metering wheel 5 which is shown in portions in a frontal view in FIG. 7 .
  • the metering wheel 5 comprises at least one, in this case several continuous rows 33 which are defined in the direction of rotation 11 of consecutive tablet receiving elements 6 .
  • the tablet receiving elements 6 of one single row 33 correspond in their number to the desired number of tablets 2 to be counted.
  • Each defined row 33 is followed by a segment 34 in which no tablet receiving elements 6 are realized.
  • the tablet receiving elements 6 receive the tablets 2 in the above-described manner. With reference at the same time to the remaining Figures, the tablets 2 are now ejected from one single defined row 33 at the tablet outlet 16 and are supplied to the target container by way of the tablet outlet 16 .
  • the segment 34 without tablet receiving elements 6 then passes the tablet outlet 16 such that no tablets 2 are separated off during this period.
  • the length of the segment 34 measured in the direction of rotation 11 is matched to the rotational speed of the metering wheel 5 in such a manner that a sufficient time window remains to change the target container. The changeover is therefore undertaken whilst the segment 34 without tablet receiving elements 6 passes the tablet outlet 16 .
  • this is then followed by the next defined row 33 with filled tablet receiving elements 6 such that the cycle of supplying tablets to the target container and changing the target container can start again.
  • a pulsed method can be provided as an alternative method.
  • the metering wheel 5 rotates in pulsed manner.
  • the metering wheel 5 realizes a rotational movement during a metering pulse.
  • the metering pulse is measured in such a manner that consecutive tablet receiving elements 6 , which correspond in their number to the desired, counted number of tablets 2 , pass the tablet outlet 16 within said metering pulse.
  • There the tablets are ejected from their respective tablet receiving elements 6 in the named number and are supplied to the target container by way of the tablet outlet 16 .
  • the metering pulse is followed by a rest pulse in which the metering wheel 5 stands still.
  • the target container is changed during the rest pulse. As soon as this happens, the cycle of metering pulse and rest pulse starts again.
  • the fill level in the tablet store 19 can be monitored in particular using the fill level sensor 20 according to FIG. 1 , image-processing monitoring by way of the camera 23 and in particular counting of the tablets 2 actually ejected from the tablet outlet 16 can be monitored by way of the counting device 21 . If, in this connection, it is ascertained that not enough tablets 2 have been ejected, the corresponding missing quantity can be supplied additionally in a following operation.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Basic Packing Technique (AREA)
  • Medical Preparation Storing Or Oral Administration Devices (AREA)
US14/627,192 2014-02-22 2015-02-20 Metering device for tablets and method for metering tablets Abandoned US20150239585A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP14000630.5A EP2910478B1 (de) 2014-02-22 2014-02-22 Dosiervorrichtung für Tabletten und Verfahren zur Dosierung von Tabletten
EP14000630.5 2014-02-22

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US20150239585A1 true US20150239585A1 (en) 2015-08-27

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EP (1) EP2910478B1 (de)
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CN105644852A (zh) * 2015-12-24 2016-06-08 广东中道创意科技有限公司 颗粒物料分料机构
US11220361B2 (en) * 2018-10-12 2022-01-11 Aylward Enterprises, Llc Packaging apparatus for handling pills and associated method
US11273103B1 (en) 2021-06-22 2022-03-15 Vmi Holland B.V. Method, computer program product and dispensing device for dispensing discrete medicaments
US11498761B1 (en) 2021-06-22 2022-11-15 Vmi Holland B.V. Method for dispensing discrete medicaments, a test station for testing a feeder unit, and a method for determining a fill level of a feeder unit
IT202100019868A1 (it) * 2021-07-26 2023-01-26 Ima Spa Apparato dosatore di compresse.
US11673700B2 (en) 2021-06-22 2023-06-13 Vmi Holland B.V. Device and methods for packaging medicaments with fault detection

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CN109502092A (zh) * 2017-09-14 2019-03-22 皇普电气（江苏）有限公司 一种带片剂药粒整理功能的数粒机
EP3608232B1 (de) * 2018-08-08 2020-10-21 Harro Höfliger Verpackungsmaschinen GmbH Verfahren zur erzeugung einzelner dosiermengen mittels eines walzendosierers
EP3617080A1 (de) * 2018-08-28 2020-03-04 Harro Höfliger Verpackungsmaschinen GmbH Ausrichtvorrichtung zum ausrichten von tabletten, verfahren zum ausrichten von tabletten
EP3711869B1 (de) * 2019-03-21 2021-06-02 Harro Höfliger Verpackungsmaschinen GmbH Sortiereinrichtung für tabletten
CN113430103B (zh) * 2021-06-29 2023-10-10 杭州励嘉健康管理咨询有限公司 一种便于使用的基因检测取样器

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Also Published As

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EP2910478B1 (de) 2016-04-27
EP2910478A1 (de) 2015-08-26
CN104859892A (zh) 2015-08-26
CA2876812A1 (en) 2015-08-22

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