Pill dispensing hopper and pill sorting machine

Abstract

This invention provides a pill distribution hopper and a pill sorting machine, including a distribution ridge in the distribution hopper and inclined discharge ports on both sides of the distribution ridge. To prevent accumulated pills from directly entering the pill sorting mechanism, which would cause pills to accumulate and clog on the sorting tray, resulting in a low waste pill sorting rate, a pill distribution hopper is installed between the conveyor belt and the pill sorting mechanism. The distribution ridge evenly distributes the pills entering the hopper to both sides of the distribution ridge, and discharges them from the inclined discharge ports on both sides of the distribution ridge to the pill sorting mechanism. Each inclined discharge port corresponds to one pill sorting mechanism. The number of pills after being distributed by the distribution ridge is relatively small, thus reducing the likelihood of pill accumulation and clogging after entering the pill sorting mechanism, thereby increasing the waste pill sorting rate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of pellet selection technology, and in particular to a pellet dispensing hopper and pellet selector. Background Technology

[0002] In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) pharmaceutical companies, pill selection is typically accomplished using pill sorting machines to improve the production efficiency of TCM pills. To further improve the quality of pill selection, at least two sorting mechanisms are generally equipped on each production line to avoid problems such as pill accumulation and blockage on the sorting trays, which can lead to low waste pill removal rates. However, even when changing the output direction of the conveyor belt to feed from one conveyor belt to at least two sorting mechanisms, the correspondence between the conveyor belt and the sorting mechanisms remains one-to-one for a certain period. This results in pill accumulation and blockage on the sorting mechanisms during that time, causing the waste pill removal rate to fall short of expectations. Furthermore, this intermittent sorting process also leads to some sorting mechanisms being idle, resulting in low utilization rates. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of the above problems, the present invention is proposed to provide a pill dispensing hopper and pill sorting machine that overcomes or at least partially solves the above problems, and can solve the problem of uneven distribution of pills on the pill sorting mechanism, thereby achieving the purpose of increasing pill production.

[0004] Specifically, the present invention provides a pill dispensing hopper, comprising:

[0005] A support frame, configured to be fixed to a ceiling and / or floor base, to form connecting seats on opposite sides for connecting the conveyor ends of the conveyor belt;

[0006] The bucket body has an inverted and truncated conical chamber formed inside it. The chamber is located below the connecting seat and its axis extends vertically. The entrance end of the chamber extends vertically to the conveying end of the conveyor belt. At least on the inclined inner walls on the left and right sides of the chamber, two material distribution ridges are formed along the inclined inner walls and are flush with the conveying end of the conveyor belt and distributed in a V-shape or truncated V-shape. Inclined discharge ports are distributed on the front and rear sides of each material distribution ridge.

[0007] A feeding pipe, the inlet of which is connected to the inclined discharge port, and the outlet of which is configured to feed the pellet sorting mechanism.

[0008] Optionally, the top of the material distribution ridge forms a ridge portion that is in the same vertical plane as the conveying end of the conveyor belt, and a guide surface that bends or slopes from the ridge portion to the front and rear sides; wherein the intersection of the guide surface and the inner wall of the hopper is spaced apart from or tangent to the edge of the inclined discharge port.

[0009] Optionally, the material separating protrusion is a semi-cylindrical shape extending left and right along the inclined surface.

[0010] Optionally, an arc-shaped, V-shaped, or trapezoidal shell extending along the inclined surface is welded to the inclined inner walls on the left and right sides of the chamber to form the material distribution protrusion on the inclined inner walls.

[0011] Optionally, the width of the material separating protrusion gradually decreases from top to bottom along its length direction.

[0012] Optionally, the material distribution ridges are also formed on the inclined inner walls at least on the front and rear sides of the chamber, so that the material distribution ridges and the inclined discharge port are alternately distributed in the circumference of the chamber.

[0013] Optionally, the chamber is in the shape of a square pyramid or a square truncated pyramid, and the adjacent inclined sides are transitioned by an arc surface; the inclined discharge port is located on the transition arc surface.

[0014] The present invention also provides a shot sorting machine, comprising:

[0015] As described in any of the above, the feeding pipe of the pill dispensing hopper extends downward at an angle;

[0016] The shot selection mechanism, of which there are at least two, is provided, with at least one of the feed pipes connected to the top of one of the shot selection mechanisms.

[0017] Optionally, there are four shot selection mechanisms, each corresponding to one of the feeding pipes.

[0018] Optionally, the shot selection mechanism includes:

[0019] A column extends vertically upwards, and a receiving bin is provided at the top of the column to connect with the outlet of the feeding pipe. An inclined discharge port is formed on one side of the receiving bin.

[0020] A spiral disc, the spiral disc being wound around the column at a position below the receiving hopper, and the spiral disc having at least two turns;

[0021] The waste channel has a U-shaped half-box that can be detachably connected to one side of the column between two adjacent spiral discs. The upper and lower ends of the half-box are connected to the flow openings formed on the spiral discs. The upstream side of the half-box forms an inlet opening for the waste pellets that flow into the inner ring of the spiral discs.

[0022] In a pill distribution hopper of the present invention, to prevent accumulated pills from directly entering the pill sorting mechanism, which would cause pills to accumulate and clog on the sorting tray, resulting in a low waste pill sorting rate, a pill distribution hopper is installed between the conveyor belt and the pill sorting mechanism. Using distribution ridges, the pills entering the hopper are evenly distributed to both sides of the distribution ridges and discharged from the inclined discharge ports on both sides of the distribution ridges to the pill sorting mechanism. Each inclined discharge port corresponds to one pill sorting mechanism. The number of pills after being distributed by the distribution ridges is relatively small, thus preventing pills from accumulating and clogging after entering the pill sorting mechanism, thereby increasing the waste pill sorting rate.

[0023] The above and other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The following sections will describe some specific embodiments of the invention in a detailed manner by way of example and not limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or similar parts or portions. Those skilled in the art should understand that these drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the drawings:

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of the overall structure of a pill dispensing hopper according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic structural diagram of a material-separating protrusion according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic structural diagram of a shot sorting machine according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic structural diagram illustrating the feed opening according to one embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The following reference Figures 1 to 4 This invention describes a pill dispensing hopper and pill sorting machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this description, it should be understood that the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature, that is, include one or more of that feature. In the description of the present invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified. When a feature "includes or contains" one or more of the features it encompasses, unless otherwise specifically described, this indicates that other features are not excluded and may be further included.

[0030] Unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "set up," "install," "connect," "link," "fix," and "couple" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art should be able to understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0031] Furthermore, in the description of this embodiment, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or it can include contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. That is, in the description of this embodiment, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," or "below" of the second feature can mean the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0032] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0033] like Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment of the invention provides a pill dispensing hopper, including a support frame 1, a hopper body 2, and a feeding pipe. The support frame 1 is configured to be fixed to a ground foundation, forming connecting seats 11 on the left and right sides opposite each other for connecting the conveyor ends of a conveyor belt 3. An inverted, truncated cone-shaped hopper chamber 21 is formed inside the hopper body 2. The hopper chamber 21 is located below the connecting seats 11 and extends vertically along its axis, with the inlet end of the hopper chamber 21 extending vertically to the conveyor end of the conveyor belt 3. Two dispensing protrusions 4, flush with the conveyor ends of the conveyor belt 3 and distributed in a V-shape, are formed on the inclined inner walls on the left and right sides of the hopper chamber 21, and inclined discharge ports 22 are distributed on the front and rear sides of each dispensing protrusion 4. The inlet of the feeding pipe is connected to the inclined discharge port 22, and its outlet is configured to feed pills to a pill sorting mechanism 5.

[0034] In this embodiment of the invention, connecting seats 11 are formed on opposite sides of the support frame 1, and the two sides of the conveying end of the conveyor belt 3 are respectively fixed on the connecting seats 11. The bucket 2 is also fixedly mounted on the support frame 1. The support frame 1 serves to support the conveying end of the conveyor belt 3 and the bucket 2.

[0035] The upper end of the hopper 2 is open, forming an inlet, through which the pills enter the hopper 2. The inner wall of the hopper 2 forms a chamber 21, located below the connecting seat 11, so that the pills, after being ejected from the conveyor end of the conveyor belt 3, fall into the chamber 21. In other words, after the upper process is completed, the pills are ejected from the conveyor end of the conveyor belt 3 and fall into the lower chamber 21. The upper process generally includes: thoroughly mixing and stirring the pharmaceutical ingredients in a certain proportion to form a paste; then dividing the paste into strips of appropriate thickness for easy granulation; next, placing the granulated medicine into a shot blasting machine, where a rotating centrifugal disc causes the granules to move in a ring-like, rope-like motion, thereby transforming the granules into pills with high sphericity.

[0036] The chamber 21 is shaped like an inverted truncated cone, meaning that the area at the entrance of the chamber 21 is larger than the area at the bottom, which facilitates the collection of pills thrown out from the conveyor end of the conveyor belt 3.

[0037] The axis of the hopper 21 is vertically upward, and the entrance end of the hopper 21 extends upward to the conveying end of the conveyor belt 3. On the one hand, when the pill is thrown from the conveying end of the conveyor belt 3, if the entrance end of the hopper 21 is close to the conveying end of the conveyor belt 3, the pill can more easily enter the hopper 21; on the other hand, if the vertical distance between the entrance end of the hopper 21 and the conveying end of the conveyor belt 3 is relatively close, the falling height of the pill into the hopper 21 is also relatively low, thus making it less likely to damage the pill.

[0038] Two material distribution ridges 4 are formed on the opposite inclined inner walls of the left and right sides of the hopper 21. These ridges extend laterally along the inclined inner walls of the hopper 21 and are distributed in a V-shape. The material distribution ridges 4 are flush with the conveyor end of the conveyor belt 3. To improve efficiency, the shot blasting machine is usually operated at a higher speed, resulting in a relatively larger output of shot per unit time. Therefore, when the shot flows from the outlet of the shot blasting machine onto the conveyor belt 3, it easily causes the shot to accumulate on the conveyor belt 3. The accumulated shot falls onto the material distribution ridges 4 inside the hopper 21 and is diverted by the ridges, causing the shot to roll downwards from both sides of the ridges 4.

[0039] The two distributing ridges 4 are V-shaped, meaning their ends near the bottom of the hopper 21 meet, completely dividing the inner wall of the hopper 2 into two independent sections, thus ensuring complete diversion of the pills. The distributing ridges 4 are flush with the conveyor end of the conveyor belt 3, allowing the pills to fall onto them. The two distributing ridges 4 extend laterally along the inner wall of the hopper 21, increasing the contact time between the ridges 4 and the pills during their fall, thereby increasing the diversion time and resulting in a more uniform distribution of the pills.

[0040] Each of the dividing protrusions 4 has oblique discharge ports 22 distributed on both its front and rear sides. The inlet of the feeding pipe is connected to the oblique discharge port 22, and its outlet is configured to feed the pellets into the pellet sorting mechanism 5. The pellets, after being diverted by the dividing protrusions 4, flow out from the corresponding oblique discharge ports 22 and enter the pellet sorting mechanism 5 through the feeding pipe for pellet sorting.

[0041] In summary, to prevent accumulated pills from directly entering the shot sorting mechanism 5, which would cause pills to accumulate and clog on the shot sorting tray, resulting in a low waste shot sorting rate, a pill distribution hopper is installed between the conveyor belt 3 and the shot sorting mechanism 5. Using the distribution ridge 4, the pills entering the hopper chamber 21 are evenly distributed to both sides of the distribution ridge 4 and discharged from the inclined discharge ports 22 on both sides of the distribution ridge 4 into the shot sorting mechanism 5. Each inclined discharge port 22 corresponds to one shot sorting mechanism 5. The number of pills after being distributed by the distribution ridge 4 is relatively small, thus reducing the likelihood of pill accumulation and clogging after entering the shot sorting mechanism 5, thereby increasing the waste shot sorting rate.

[0042] Furthermore, the pill dispensing hopper of the present invention can be used not only in the pharmaceutical industry, but also in other fields that require material diversion, such as the food and chemical industries.

[0043] In some other embodiments of the pill dispensing hopper of the present invention, the support frame 1 may only be used to support the hopper body 2. The conveying end of the conveyor belt 3 is supported by other means, for example, by providing a separate support frame 1 for the conveyor belt 3.

[0044] In some other embodiments of the pill dispensing hopper of the present invention, the support frame 1 may also be configured to be fixed to the ceiling, in which case the conveying end of the conveyor belt 3 is located between the ceiling and the hopper body 2.

[0045] In some other embodiments of the pill dispensing hopper of the present invention, there are two dispensing protrusions 4, arranged side by side in a truncated V-shape, meaning that the ends of the two dispensing protrusions 4 near the bottom of the hopper chamber 21 do not meet. A portion of the pills, after being diverted by the dispensing protrusions 4, directly enters the inclined discharge port 22. The remaining pills, falling near the bottom of the hopper chamber 21, are no longer diverted by the dispensing protrusions 4 but accumulate at the bottom of the hopper chamber 21. After accumulating to a certain height, the pills will automatically divert through the inclined discharge port 22.

[0046] In some embodiments of the pill dispensing hopper of the present invention, such as Figure 1 As shown, the support frame 1 includes a base 13 and two symmetrically arranged fixing plates 12, both of which are vertically fixed to the base 13. The bucket 2 is fixedly connected between the two fixing plates 12. For example, the bucket 2 is fixed to the fixing plates 12 by welding. The conveying end of the conveyor belt 3 is located between the two fixing plates 12, and both sides of the conveying end of the conveyor belt 3 are fixed to the two fixing plates 12 respectively. That is, the drive shaft of the conveying end of the conveyor belt 3 is horizontally fixedly connected to the fixing plates 12.

[0047] In some other embodiments of the pill dispensing hopper of the present invention, the support frame 1 is a frame welded from multiple right-angled steel bars. The support frame 1 includes a rectangular base 13 and vertical rods respectively vertically fixed to the four corners of the rectangular base 13. Two fixing plates 12, i.e., connecting seats 11, are symmetrically fixed to the conveying end of the support frame 1 where it connects to the conveyor belt 3. The hopper body 2 is welded to the side walls of the four vertical rods.

[0048] In some embodiments of the pill dispensing hopper of the present invention, such as Figure 2 As shown, the top of the material distribution ridge 4 forms a ridge portion 41 that is in the same vertical plane as the conveying end of the conveyor belt 3. The material distribution ridge 4 bends from the ridge portion 41 to the front and rear sides to form a guide surface 42. The part where the guide surface 42 intersects with the inner wall of the hopper 21 is separated from the edge of the inclined discharge port 22.

[0049] In this embodiment of the invention, when the pill falls from the conveying end into the hopper 21, it first contacts the spine 41, and then flows along the guide surface 42 to the front and rear sides of the distribution ridge 4. Since the spine 41 and the conveying end are on the same vertical plane, the pill will be evenly distributed after falling onto the spine 41. Furthermore, because the intersection of the guide surface 42 and the inner wall of the hopper 21 is separated from the edge of the inclined discharge port 22, the pill guided by the guide surface 42 will roll a certain distance along the inner wall of the hopper 21 before entering the inclined discharge port 22.

[0050] In some other embodiments of the pill dispensing hopper of the present invention, the dispensing ridge 4 is inclined from the spine 41 to the front and rear sides to form a guide surface 42.

[0051] In other embodiments of the pill dispensing hopper of the present invention, such as Figure 1 As shown, the intersection of the guide surface 42 and the inner wall of the chamber 21 is tangent to the edge of the inclined discharge port 22. Compared to the intersection of the guide surface 42 and the inner wall of the chamber 21, which is separated from the edge of the inclined discharge port 22, the pills, after being guided by the guide surface 42, directly enter the inclined discharge ports 22 on both sides of the distribution ridge 4. This prevents some pills from clogging in the chamber 21 and failing to enter the inclined discharge port 22.

[0052] In some other embodiments of the pill dispensing hopper of the present invention, the spine 41 is a plane and the guide surface 42 is an inclined surface. In this case, the dispensing ridge 4 can be regarded as a frustum extending left and right along the inclined surface of the inner wall of the hopper chamber 21.

[0053] In some other embodiments of the pill dispensing hopper of the present invention, the spine 41 is a plane and the guide surface 42 is an arc surface.

[0054] In some other embodiments of the pill dispensing hopper of the present invention, the spine 41 is an arc surface and the guide surface 42 is an inclined surface.

[0055] In some other embodiments of the pill dispensing hopper of the present invention, the spine 41 is an arc surface and the guide surface 42 is an arc surface.

[0056] In some other embodiments of the pill dispensing hopper of the present invention, the spine 41 is a straight line and the guide surface 42 is an inclined surface. In this case, the dispensing ridge 4 is a pyramid extending left and right along the inclined surface.

[0057] In some embodiments of the pill dispensing hopper of the present invention, the spine 41 is a straight line and the guide surface 42 is an arc surface. In this case, the dispensing ridge 4 is a semi-cylindrical shape extending left and right along the inclined surface. Compared to when the spine 41 is a plane, pills will not remain in the spine 41; compared to when the dispensing ridge 4 is a pyramid, pills are less likely to be damaged when they fall from the conveyor end of the conveyor belt 3 onto the spine 41.

[0058] In some embodiments of the pill dispensing hopper of the present invention, such as Figure 1 As shown, arc-shaped, V-shaped, or trapezoidal shells extending left and right along the inclined surface are welded onto the inclined inner walls on both sides of the chamber 21 to form material distribution protrusions 4 on the inclined inner walls.

[0059] In this embodiment of the pill dispensing hopper of the present invention, when the shell is arc-shaped, the dispensing protrusion 4 is semi-cylindrical; when the shell is V-shaped, the dispensing protrusion 4 is pyramidal; and when the shell is trapezoidal, the dispensing protrusion 4 is frustum-shaped. The dispensing protrusion 4 is configured as the shell and is fixed to the inner wall of the hopper chamber 21 by welding. When manufacturing and fixing the dispensing protrusion 4, easily bendable plate-like parts can be used directly, bending and welding simultaneously, making the operation more convenient. The plate-like parts can be sheet metal.

[0060] In some embodiments of the pill dispensing hopper of the present invention, the width of the dispensing protrusion 4 gradually decreases from top to bottom along its own length direction.

[0061] In this embodiment of the pill dispensing hopper of the present invention, the width of the dispensing protrusion 4 gradually decreases from top to bottom along its own length direction, which can make the area of ​​the inclined discharge port 22 larger, thereby making it easier for the pills to fall into the inclined discharge port 22.

[0062] In some embodiments of the pill dispensing hopper of the present invention, such as Figure 1 As shown, material distribution ridges 4 are also formed on the inclined inner walls on both sides of the front and rear sides of the chamber 21, so as to promote the material distribution ridges 4 and the inclined discharge port 22 to be alternately distributed around the circumference of the chamber 21.

[0063] In this embodiment of the pill dispensing hopper of the present invention, after the pills are diverted by one of the dispensing protrusions 4 on the left and right sides, under the action of inertia, some of the pills will roll from above the inclined discharge ports 22 on both sides of the dispensing protrusion 4 to the inclined discharge port 22 corresponding to the other dispensing protrusion 4, causing uneven distribution of the pills. Dispensing protrusions 4 are also formed on the inclined inner walls on the front and rear sides of the hopper 21 to promote the alternating distribution of the dispensing protrusions 4 and the inclined discharge ports 22 in the circumference of the hopper 21. The dispensing protrusions 4 on the front and rear sides play an isolation role, so that the pills can only enter the corresponding inclined discharge ports 22, thereby making the distribution of the pills more uniform.

[0064] In some embodiments of the pill dispensing hopper of the present invention, such as Figure 1 As shown, the chamber 21 is a truncated pyramid with a square shape, and its adjacent inclined sides are transitioned by an arc surface. The inclined discharge port 22 is located on the transition arc surface.

[0065] In this embodiment of the pill dispensing hopper of the present invention, after the pills enter the hopper chamber 21, they roll along the inner wall of the hopper chamber 21. Compared to the angle between adjacent inclined sides of the inner wall of the hopper chamber 21, the adjacent inclined sides are transitioned by an arc surface, which can prevent the pills from getting stuck in the angle between the inclined sides, thereby allowing the pills to completely enter the inclined discharge port 22.

[0066] In some other embodiments of the pill dispensing hopper of the present invention, the hopper chamber 21 may also be in the shape of a quadrangular pyramid.

[0067] Embodiments of the present invention also provide a shot sorting machine, such as... Figure 3 As shown, for reference Figure 4 The system includes a pill dispensing hopper and a pill sorting mechanism 5, as described in any of the above embodiments. The feeding pipe of the pill dispensing hopper extends downward at an angle. There are two pill sorting mechanisms 5, with two feeding pipes connected to the top of each pill sorting mechanism 5.

[0068] In this embodiment of the pellet sorting machine of the present invention, the pellets flow out from the inclined discharge port 22 of the pellet distribution hopper and are fed to the pellet sorting mechanism 5 through the feeding pipe for sorting, thereby recovering waste pellets. There are two pellet sorting mechanisms 5, each with two feeding pipes connected to its top. That is, the pellets in the pellet distribution hopper are divided into two parts and fed into the corresponding pellet sorting mechanism 5 respectively. Compared to feeding all the pellets in the pellet distribution hopper into one pellet sorting mechanism 5, this prevents the pellets from accumulating and clogging within the sorting mechanism 5, which is detrimental to the pellet sorting operation. In severe cases, it may cause machine shutdown and affect production efficiency.

[0069] In some embodiments of the shot sorting machine of the present invention, there are four shot sorting mechanisms 5, which are arranged one-to-one with the feeding pipes.

[0070] In this embodiment of the pellet sorting machine of the present invention, each pellet sorting machine corresponds to a feeding pipe, so that relatively few pellets enter each pellet sorting machine. This better prevents pellets from accumulating and clogging within the pellet sorting mechanism 5.

[0071] In some embodiments of the shot sorting machine of the present invention, such as Figure 3 As shown, for reference Figure 4 The shot selection mechanism 5 includes a column 52, a spiral disc 53, and a waste channel. The column 52 extends vertically upward, and a receiving bin 51 is provided at the top of the column 52, which connects to the outlet of the feeding pipe. An inclined discharge port 511 is formed on one side of the receiving bin 51. The spiral disc 53 is wound around the column 52 and located below the receiving bin 51. The spiral disc 53 has two turns. A U-shaped semi-box 54 is provided between two adjacent spiral discs 53, located on one side of the column 52. The upper and lower ends of the semi-box 54 are respectively connected to the flow openings 531 formed on the spiral disc 53. An inlet opening 541 is formed on the upstream side of the semi-box 54 for the waste shot to flow into the inner ring of the spiral disc 53. A waste shot collection chamber is provided below the column 52, and the waste shot collection chamber corresponds to the flow opening 531.

[0072] In this embodiment of the pellet sorting machine of the present invention, the pellets enter the receiving bin 51 from the outlet of the feeding pipe and fall from the discharge port 511 of the receiving bin 51 onto the uppermost layer of the spiral disk 53. Under the action of their own gravity and centrifugal force, the pellets automatically roll downwards along the spiral disk 53. During the rolling process, the qualified pellets are lighter and will automatically roll towards the outer edge of the spiral disk 53. The waste pellets are heavier and, because they are not easy to roll, will automatically concentrate towards the inner edge of the spiral disk 53. Under the mutual collision and pushing of the pellets, the waste pellets enter the semi-box 54 from the feed opening 541 and flow downwards from the overflow opening 531 into the waste collection chamber 55 for collection, without accumulating on the inner side of the spiral disk 53, thereby improving the pellet sorting efficiency. The qualified pellets continue to roll downwards along the spiral disk 53 until they flow to the discharge port of the pellet sorting mechanism 5.

[0073] Furthermore, the pellet sorting machine of this invention can be used not only in the pharmaceutical industry, but also in other fields that require pellet sorting, such as the food and chemical industries.

[0074] In some other embodiments of the pellet sorting machine of the present invention, the spiral disk 53 has multiple turns, and the pellets roll on the spiral disk 53 for a longer time, thereby achieving a better pellet sorting effect.

[0075] In some embodiments of the shot sorting machine of the present invention, such as Figure 3As shown, the half-box 54 is detachably connected to one side of the column 52. A bolt 542 is inserted through the side of the half-box 54 away from the column 52, and the end of the bolt 542 away from the nut is threaded into a threaded hole in the column 52.

[0076] In this embodiment of the pellet selector of the present invention, the half-box 54 can be removed from the column 52 by loosening the bolt 542 for replacement. The structure is relatively simple and the operation is convenient.

[0077] Therefore, those skilled in the art should recognize that although numerous exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described in detail herein, many other variations or modifications conforming to the principles of the present invention can be directly determined or derived from the disclosure of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the scope of the present invention should be understood and construed as covering all such other variations or modifications.

Claims

1. A pill dispensing hopper, characterized in that, include: A support frame, configured to be fixed to a ceiling and / or floor base, to form connecting seats on opposite sides for connecting the conveyor ends of the conveyor belt; The bucket body has an inverted and truncated conical chamber formed inside it. The chamber is located below the connecting seat and its axis extends vertically. The entrance end of the chamber extends vertically to the conveying end of the conveyor belt. At least on the inclined inner walls on the left and right sides of the chamber, two material distribution ridges are formed along the inclined inner walls and are flush with the conveying end of the conveyor belt and distributed in a V-shape or truncated V-shape. Inclined discharge ports are distributed on the front and rear sides of each material distribution ridge. A feeding pipe, the inlet of which is connected to the inclined discharge port, and the outlet of which is configured to feed the shot selection mechanism. The top of the material distribution ridge forms a ridge portion that is in the same vertical plane as the conveying end of the conveyor belt, and a guide surface that bends or slopes from the ridge portion to the front and rear sides; wherein the intersection of the guide surface and the inner wall of the hopper is spaced apart from or tangent to the edge of the inclined discharge port.

2. The pill dispensing hopper according to claim 1, characterized in that, The material separating protrusion is a semi-cylindrical shape extending left and right along the inclined plane.

3. The pill dispensing hopper according to claim 1, characterized in that, Arc-shaped, V-shaped, or trapezoidal shells extending left and right along the inclined surfaces are welded onto the inclined inner walls on the left and right sides of the chamber to form the material distribution protrusions on the inclined inner walls.

4. The pill dispensing hopper according to claim 1, characterized in that, The width of the material separating protrusion gradually decreases from top to bottom along its length.

5. The pill dispensing hopper according to claim 1, characterized in that, The material distribution protrusions are also formed on the inclined inner walls at least on the front and rear sides of the chamber, so that the material distribution protrusions and the inclined discharge port are alternately distributed in the circumference of the chamber.

6. The pill dispensing hopper according to claim 1, characterized in that, The chamber is in the shape of a square pyramid or a square truncated pyramid, and the adjacent inclined sides are transitioned by an arc surface; the inclined discharge port is located on the transition arc surface.

7. A shot sorting machine, characterized in that, include: The pill dispensing hopper as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the feeding pipe of the pill dispensing hopper extends downward at an angle; The shot selection mechanism, of which there are at least two, is provided, with at least one of the feed pipes connected to the top of one of the shot selection mechanisms.

8. The shot sorting machine according to claim 7, characterized in that, There are four shot selection mechanisms, each corresponding to a feed pipe.

9. The shot sorting machine according to claim 7, characterized in that, The pellet selection mechanism includes: A column extends vertically upwards, and a receiving bin is provided at the top of the column to connect with the outlet of the feeding pipe. An inclined discharge port is formed on one side of the receiving bin. A spiral disc, the spiral disc being wound around the column at a position below the receiving hopper, and the spiral disc having at least two turns; The waste channel has a U-shaped half-box that can be detachably connected to one side of the column between two adjacent spiral discs. The upper and lower ends of the half-box are connected to the flow openings formed on the spiral discs. The upstream side of the half-box forms an inlet opening for the waste pellets that flow into the inner ring of the spiral discs.

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