A preparation device and method of a traditional Chinese medicine compound granule

Abstract

The present application relates to the preparation equipment and method of traditional Chinese medicine compound granules, the equipment includes the feeding plate, multiple feeding channels are arranged side by side on the feeding plate, multiple feeding grooves are arranged below the feeding plate, and a screw conveyor is arranged in the feeding groove;The preparation equipment further includes a receiving strip, a horizontal moving unit and a protractor, multiple receiving hoppers and multiple first horizontal moving cylinders are arranged on the edge of the protractor;Multiple metering holes are arranged at the lower end of the receiving strip, a squeezing head is arranged in the metering hole, a pressure sensor is arranged in the metering hole, the screw conveyor is used for upward feeding, the material surface at the upper end of the feeding channel is kept relatively flat by slight shaking of the screw conveyor itself during feeding, the squeezing effect of the squeezing head and the elastic element in the metering hole is combined, the volume of the material is relatively regular, the material is conveniently volumetrically metered, the fed material is compacted to a certain degree, the interference caused by the uneven gap between traditional Chinese medicine granules is greatly eliminated, and the accuracy of volumetric measurement is ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of traditional Chinese medicine compound granule processing technology, and more specifically, to a device and method for preparing traditional Chinese medicine compound granule formulations. Background Technology

[0002] When traditional Chinese medicine granules are prepared in pharmacies according to prescriptions, they are mostly dispensed manually by weighing and measuring. This method is labor-intensive and inefficient. Although there are some specially designed dispensing equipment, simply measuring by volume can achieve a faster dispensing speed. However, because the gaps between granules are often uneven, volume measurement will result in a large difference in the final weight. On the other hand, weighing will make the whole process more time-consuming. Therefore, there is a need for batch dispensing equipment that can better balance dispensing efficiency and dispensing accuracy. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a device for preparing compound granules of traditional Chinese medicine, and a method for preparing compound granules of traditional Chinese medicine, in view of the above-mentioned defects of the prior art.

[0004] The technical solution adopted by this invention to solve its technical problem is:

[0005] A device for manufacturing compound granules of traditional Chinese medicine is provided, comprising a feeding plate with multiple longitudinal feeding channels arranged side by side on the feeding plate, and multiple feeding troughs corresponding to the feeding channels below the feeding plate. An auger is installed in each feeding trough to push the traditional Chinese medicine granules into the feeding channels. The device further includes a receiving strip attached to the upper end of the feeding plate, a lateral movement unit for laterally moving the receiving strip, and an indexing plate located on one side of the feeding plate. Multiple receiving hoppers are arranged in a ring around the edge of the indexing plate, and multiple first lateral movement cylinders corresponding to each receiving hopper are used to move them laterally to the feeding plate for receiving. The lower surface dimension of the receiving strip is approximately equal to the upper surface dimension of the feeding plate, and the lower end of the receiving strip has multiple cylindrical metering holes corresponding to the feeding channels. A cylindrical extrusion head is slidably disposed longitudinally within each metering hole, and a pressure sensor is installed within the metering hole. The movable end of the pressure sensor is connected to the extrusion head via an elastic element.

[0006] The equipment for producing compound granules of traditional Chinese medicine according to the present invention includes two indexing plates located on both sides of the feeding plate; two rows of metering holes are arranged at the lower end of the receiving strip; and the transverse unit drives the receiving strip to move alternately to feed the receiving hoppers on the two indexing plates.

[0007] The equipment for preparing compound granules of traditional Chinese medicine according to the present invention includes a metering orifice and an extrusion head that are both cylindrical, and the lower end of the extrusion head is conical.

[0008] The equipment for manufacturing compound granules of traditional Chinese medicine according to the present invention includes an elastic element that is a spring, one end of which is coaxially and fixedly connected to the upper end of the extrusion head, and the other end of which is coaxially and fixedly connected to the detection end of the pressure sensor.

[0009] The equipment for preparing compound granules of traditional Chinese medicine according to the present invention includes slide rails on both sides of the upper end of the feeding plate, and the two ends of the receiving strip are slidably connected to the two slide rails respectively.

[0010] The equipment for producing compound granules of traditional Chinese medicine according to the present invention includes a first adsorption head at the tail end of the receiving hopper; a second adsorption head corresponding to the first adsorption head and a second transverse cylinder for driving the second adsorption head to move laterally on the indexing plate; and a bag supply mechanism for supplying packaging bags between the first adsorption head and the second adsorption head on the indexing plate.

[0011] The equipment for making compound granules of traditional Chinese medicine according to the present invention includes a bag feeding mechanism comprising a longitudinal rotary motor disposed in the middle of the indexing plate, the movable end of the rotary motor being provided with a bag storage bin for storing packaging bags and a feeding robot arm for taking material from the bag storage bin and feeding it between the first adsorption head and the second adsorption head.

[0012] A method for preparing a compound traditional Chinese medicine granule preparation, applied to the aforementioned equipment for preparing compound traditional Chinese medicine granules, includes the following steps:

[0013] The lower end of the receiving strip is attached to the upper end of the feeding plate, and the metering holes are aligned with the feeding channels.

[0014] Multiple augers operate to guide the Chinese medicine granules from the corresponding feeding tank into the feeding channel, and overflow from the upper end of the feeding channel into the metering hole.

[0015] When the Chinese medicine granules in the metering orifice reach the set volume, the pressure sensor is squeezed by the extrusion head and elastic element. When the pressure detected by the pressure sensor reaches the set value, a stop signal is sent to the corresponding auger.

[0016] After receiving a stop signal, the auger temporarily stops moving. When multiple augers stop moving, the transverse unit drives the receiving bar to move transversely, causing the metering hole to move out of the upper end area of ​​the feeding plate.

[0017] The elastic element regains its elasticity, squeezing out the Chinese medicine granules in the metering hole and letting them fall into the receiving hopper located on one side of the feeding plate. The first transverse cylinder operates to retract the receiving hopper.

[0018] The indexing plate rotates one station, moving the next empty receiving hopper to the receiving position. The corresponding first transverse cylinder drives the empty receiving hopper to extend and fit against one side of the feeding plate.

[0019] Once the pressure detected by the pressure sensor returns to its initial value, a delayed start signal is sent to the corresponding auger. The lateral movement unit drives the receiving bar to move laterally and reset, and the auger starts operating for the next discharge operation.

[0020] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: the lower end of the receiving strip is attached to the upper end of the feeding plate, and the metering holes and feeding channels are aligned one-to-one; multiple augers operate, guiding the Chinese medicine granules from the corresponding feeding troughs into the feeding channels, and overflowing from the upper end of the feeding channels into the metering holes; when the Chinese medicine granules in the metering holes reach the set volume, the pressure sensor is squeezed by the extrusion head and elastic element; when the pressure detected by the pressure sensor reaches the set value, a stop signal is sent to the corresponding auger; after receiving the stop signal, the auger temporarily stops moving; when multiple augers stop moving, the transverse unit drives the receiving strip. The transverse movement causes the metering orifice to move out of the upper surface area of ​​the feeding plate; the elastic element regains its elasticity, squeezing out the Chinese medicine granules in the metering orifice and letting them fall into the receiving hopper located on one side of the feeding plate. The first transverse movement cylinder operates to retract the receiving hopper; the indexing plate rotates one station, moving the next empty receiving hopper to the receiving position. The corresponding first transverse movement cylinder drives the empty receiving hopper to extend and fit against one side of the feeding plate; the pressure detected by the pressure sensor returns to the initial value, and a delayed start signal is sent to the corresponding auger. The transverse movement unit drives the receiving bar to move and reset, and the auger operates to perform the next discharge operation;

[0021] The method described in this application employs an auger for upward feeding. During feeding, the slight vibration of the auger itself keeps the material surface at the upper end of the feeding channel relatively flat. Combined with the squeezing action of the extrusion head and elastic element within the metering orifice, the material volume is made more regular, facilitating volumetric metering while simultaneously compacting the supplied material to a certain extent. This significantly reduces interference from unevenness in the gaps between Chinese medicine granules, ensuring the accuracy of volumetric metering. Furthermore, the elastic element ensures smooth discharge. Using a pressure sensor signal to trigger the auger's operation and pause maintains continuous feeding and solves the problem of cross-contamination between different drugs. In addition, the equipment using this application allows for easy volumetric control of the required dosage by adjusting the trigger pressure value of the pressure sensor, effectively addressing the major deficiency of current volumetric metering schemes in achieving precise measurement. The overall structure is reasonable and compact, ensuring batch feeding while maintaining a high degree of automation. The overall cost is low, making it suitable for widespread adoption. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the present invention will be further described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. The drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort:

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the equipment for manufacturing compound Chinese medicine granules according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a top view of the feeding plate and feeding trough of the equipment for making compound Chinese medicine granules according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of the equipment and method for preparing compound Chinese medicine granules according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0026] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, a clear and complete description will be provided below in conjunction with the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0027] The preferred embodiment of the present invention includes the equipment for preparing compound granule formulations of traditional Chinese medicine, such as... Figure 1 As shown, see also Figure 2 The equipment includes a feeding plate 1 with multiple longitudinal feeding channels 10 arranged side by side (for different types of Chinese herbal granules). Below the feeding plate 1 are multiple feeding troughs 2 corresponding to the feeding channels 10, and augers 20 are installed in the feeding troughs 2 to push the Chinese herbal granules into the feeding channels. The equipment also includes a receiving strip 3 that fits against the upper end of the feeding plate 1, a transverse moving unit 4 that moves the receiving strip 3 laterally, and an indexing plate 5 located on one side of the feeding plate 1. The edges of the indexing plate 5 are arranged in a ring. The equipment is equipped with multiple receiving hoppers 6 and multiple first transverse cylinders 7 that drive the receiving hoppers 6 to move laterally to the feeding plate to receive materials; the lower surface dimension of the receiving strip 3 is equivalent to the upper surface dimension of the feeding plate 1, and the lower end of the receiving strip 3 is provided with multiple cylindrical metering holes 30 that correspond one-to-one with the feeding channel 10. A cylindrical extrusion head 31 is longitudinally slidably arranged in the metering hole 30, and a pressure sensor 32 is arranged in the metering hole 30. The movable end of the pressure sensor 32 is connected to the extrusion head 31 through an elastic element 33.

[0028] The lower end of the receiving strip 3 is attached to the upper end of the feeding plate 1, and the metering holes 30 are aligned with the feeding channels 10. Multiple augers 20 operate, guiding the herbal granules from the corresponding feeding troughs 2 into the feeding channels 10, and overflowing from the upper end of the feeding channels 10 into the metering holes 30. When the herbal granules in the metering holes 30 reach the set volume, they are compressed by the extrusion head 31 and the elastic element 33, which acts on the pressure sensor 32. When the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 32 reaches the set value, a stop signal is sent to the corresponding auger 20. The auger 20 temporarily stops moving after receiving the stop signal. When multiple augers 20 stop moving, the transverse unit 4 drives the receiving strip 3. The transverse movement causes the metering hole 30 to move out of the upper end area of ​​the feeding plate 1; the elastic element 33 regains its elasticity and squeezes out the Chinese medicine granules in the metering hole 30, which fall into the receiving hopper 6 located on one side of the feeding plate 1. The first transverse movement cylinder 7 operates to retract the receiving hopper 6; the indexing plate 5 rotates one station and moves the next empty receiving hopper 6 to the receiving position. The corresponding first transverse movement cylinder 7 drives the empty receiving hopper 6 to extend and fit against one side of the feeding plate 1; the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 32 returns to the initial value and sends a delayed start signal to the corresponding auger 20. The transverse movement unit 4 drives the receiving strip 3 to transversely move and reset, and the auger 20 operates to perform the next discharge operation;

[0029] Using the method described in this application, an auger 20 is used for upward feeding. During feeding, the slight vibration of the auger 20 itself (caused by the drive motor) keeps the material surface at the upper end of the feeding channel 10 relatively flat. At the same time, combined with the squeezing action of the extrusion head 31 and the elastic element 33 in the metering hole 30, the material volume is relatively regular, which facilitates the material to be measured by volume. At the same time, the supplied material is compacted to a certain extent, which greatly eliminates the interference caused by the unevenness of the gaps between Chinese medicine particles, ensuring the accuracy of volume measurement. Moreover, the elastic element can also ensure the smoothness of the discharge. Using the signal of the pressure sensor 32 to trigger the operation and pause of the auger 20 can maintain the continuity of feeding, reduce the dwell time, and also solve the problem of cross-contamination between different drugs.

[0030] Furthermore, the device using this application can easily control the required dosage volume by adjusting the trigger pressure value of the pressure sensor 32, which can effectively solve the major defect of the current volume measurement scheme that cannot accurately measure; the overall structure is reasonable and compact, which can ensure batch feeding while having a high degree of automation and low overall cost, making it suitable for promotion and popularization.

[0031] In addition to the above methods, two indexing plates 5 can be set up and located on both sides of the feeding plate 1 respectively; two rows of metering holes 30 are set at the lower end of the receiving strip 3; the transverse unit 4 drives the receiving strip to move alternately to feed the receiving hoppers 6 on the two indexing plates 5; by adopting this dual-station design with the left and right swinging of the dividing strip 3, the auger's pause time can be further reduced and the sub-packaging efficiency can be improved; accordingly, the dwell time parameter of the auger after receiving the pressure sensor signal needs to be adjusted accordingly.

[0032] Preferably, both the metering orifice 30 and the extrusion head 31 are cylindrical, and the lower end of the extrusion head 31 is tapered; the lower end of the extrusion head 31 only needs to have a slight taper to ensure that the extrusion head 31 can fully contact the Chinese medicine granules during compression.

[0033] Preferably, the elastic element 33 is a spring, with one end of the spring being coaxially fixedly connected to the upper end of the extrusion head 31 and the other end being coaxially fixedly connected to the detection end of the pressure sensor 32; of course, it is understood that the elastic element 33 can also be replaced with other existing components.

[0034] Preferably, slide rails 11 are provided on both sides of the upper end of the feeding plate 1, and the two ends of the receiving strip 3 are slidably connected to the two slide rails 11 respectively, so as to ensure the stability of operation.

[0035] Preferably, the tail end of the receiving hopper 6 is provided with a first adsorption head 60; the indexing plate 5 is provided with a second adsorption head 50 corresponding to the first adsorption head 60 and a second transverse cylinder 51 that drives the second adsorption head 50 to move laterally; the indexing plate 5 is provided with a bag supply mechanism 8 for supplying packaging bags 9 between the first adsorption head 60 and the second adsorption head 50, the bag supply mechanism 8 includes a longitudinal rotary motor 80 provided in the middle of the indexing plate 5, the movable end of the rotary motor 80 is provided with a bag storage bin 81 for storing packaging bags and a feeding robot 82 for taking materials from the bag storage bin and feeding them to the space between the first adsorption head and the second adsorption head;

[0036] During operation, after the loading robot 82 picks up or clamps the packaging bag 9 from the bag storage bin, it supplies the packaging bag between the first suction head 60 and the second suction head 50 corresponding to the empty receiving hopper 6. The second transverse cylinder 51 drives the second suction head 50 to retract to leave a gap for the packaging bag to enter. Then, the second transverse cylinder 51 drives the second suction head 50 to reset. The first suction head 60 and the second suction head 50 clamp the packaging bag. At the same time, the first suction head 60 and the second suction head 50 adsorb the packaging bag. The robot supplies the packaging bag between the first suction head 60 and the second suction head 50 corresponding to the next empty receiving hopper 6.

[0037] When the first transverse cylinder 7 drives the receiving hopper 6 to extend, the corresponding first adsorption head 60 moves with the receiving hopper 6, causing the packaging bag between the first adsorption head 60 and the second adsorption head 50 to be opened. After the receiving hopper 6 receives the material, the Chinese medicine granules flow into the packaging bag along the receiving hopper. When the receiving hopper retracts, the packaging bag between the first adsorption head 60 and the second adsorption head 50 is closed, completing the bagging action. At this time, the unloading action can be performed manually or by a robotic arm (opening the second transverse cylinder); the overall action is smooth and the packaging processing efficiency is high.

[0038] A method for preparing a compound traditional Chinese medicine granule preparation, applied to the aforementioned equipment for preparing compound traditional Chinese medicine granules, such as... Figure 3 As shown, it includes the following steps:

[0039] S01: The lower end of the receiving strip is attached to the upper end of the feeding plate, and the metering holes are aligned with the feeding channels.

[0040] S02: Multiple augers operate to guide the Chinese medicine granules in the corresponding feeding tank into the feeding channel, and overflow from the upper end of the feeding channel into the metering hole.

[0041] S03: When the Chinese medicine granules in the metering orifice reach the set volume, the pressure sensor is squeezed by the extrusion head and elastic element. When the pressure detected by the pressure sensor reaches the set value, a stop signal is sent to the corresponding auger.

[0042] S04: After receiving a stop signal, the auger temporarily stops moving. When multiple augers stop moving, the transverse unit drives the receiving bar to move transversely, causing the metering hole to move out of the upper end area of ​​the feeding plate.

[0043] S05: The elastic element restores its elasticity, squeezing out the Chinese medicine granules in the metering hole and letting them fall into the receiving hopper located on one side of the feeding plate. The first transverse cylinder operates to retract the receiving hopper.

[0044] S06: The indexing plate rotates one station, moving the next empty receiving hopper to the receiving position. The corresponding first transverse cylinder drives the empty receiving hopper to extend and fit against one side of the feeding plate.

[0045] S07: When the pressure detected by the pressure sensor returns to the initial value, a delayed start signal is sent to the corresponding auger. The transverse unit drives the receiving bar to transverse and reset, and the auger runs to perform the next discharge operation.

[0046] By employing the method described in this application, an auger is used for upward feeding. During feeding, the slight vibration of the auger itself keeps the material surface at the upper end of the feeding channel relatively flat. At the same time, combined with the squeezing action of the extrusion head and elastic element in the metering orifice, the material volume is made more regular, which facilitates the material to be measured by volume. At the same time, the supplied material is compacted to a certain extent, which greatly eliminates the interference caused by the unevenness of the gaps between Chinese medicine particles, ensuring the accuracy of volume measurement. Moreover, the elastic element can also ensure the smoothness of the discharge. Using the signal of the pressure sensor to trigger the operation and pause of the auger can maintain the continuity of feeding and also solve the problem of cross-contamination between different drugs.

[0047] Furthermore, the device using this application can easily control the required dosage volume by adjusting the trigger pressure value of the pressure sensor, which can effectively solve the major defect of the current volume measurement scheme that cannot accurately measure; the overall structure is reasonable and compact, which can ensure batch feeding while having a high degree of automation and low overall cost, making it suitable for promotion and popularization.

[0048] It should be understood that those skilled in the art can make improvements or modifications based on the above description, and all such improvements and modifications should fall within the protection scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A device for preparing compound granules of traditional Chinese medicine, characterized in that, The equipment includes a feeding plate and two indexing plates, with the two indexing plates located on opposite sides of the feeding plate. Multiple longitudinal feeding channels are arranged side-by-side on the feeding plate, and multiple feeding troughs corresponding to each feeding channel are located below the feeding plate. Each feeding trough contains an auger to push the herbal granules into the feeding channels. The equipment also includes a receiving strip that abuts against the upper end of the feeding plate and a lateral movement unit that moves the receiving strip laterally. Multiple receiving hoppers are arranged in a ring around the edge of the indexing plates, and multiple corresponding units that move the receiving hoppers laterally to the feeding plate. The first transverse cylinder for receiving the material; the lower surface dimension of the receiving strip is the same as the upper surface dimension of the feeding plate, and the lower end of the receiving strip is provided with a plurality of cylindrical metering holes corresponding one-to-one with the feeding channels. A cylindrical extrusion head is longitudinally slidably arranged in the metering hole, and a pressure sensor is arranged in the metering hole. The movable end of the pressure sensor is connected to the extrusion head through an elastic element; the transverse unit drives the receiving strip to move alternately to feed the receiving hoppers on the two indexing plates; both the metering hole and the extrusion head are cylindrical, and the lower end of the extrusion head is conical; The positions, connections, and functional relationships of the receiving strip, transverse unit, metering orifice, extrusion head, pressure sensor, elastic element, auger, receiving hopper, indexing plate, and first transverse cylinder are as follows: The lower end of the receiving strip is attached to the upper end of the feeding plate, and the metering holes are aligned with the feeding channels. Multiple augers operate to guide the Chinese medicine granules from the corresponding feeding tank into the feeding channel, and overflow from the upper end of the feeding channel into the metering hole. When the Chinese medicine granules in the metering orifice reach the set volume, they are squeezed by the extrusion head and elastic element and applied to the pressure sensor. When the pressure detected by the pressure sensor reaches the set value, a stop signal is sent to the corresponding auger. After receiving a stop signal, the auger temporarily stops moving. When multiple augers stop moving, the transverse unit drives the receiving bar to move transversely, causing the metering hole to move out of the upper surface area of ​​the feed plate. The elastic element regains its elasticity, squeezing out the Chinese medicine granules in the metering hole and letting them fall into the receiving hopper located on one side of the feeding plate. The first transverse cylinder operates to retract the receiving hopper. The indexing plate rotates one station, moving the next empty receiving hopper to the receiving position. The corresponding first transverse cylinder drives the empty receiving hopper to extend and fit against one side of the feeding plate. Once the pressure detected by the pressure sensor returns to its initial value, a delayed start signal is sent to the corresponding auger. The lateral movement unit drives the receiving bar to move laterally and reset, and the auger starts operating for the next discharge operation.

2. The equipment for preparing compound granule formulations of traditional Chinese medicine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The elastic element is a spring, one end of which is coaxially and fixedly connected to the upper end of the extrusion head, and the other end is coaxially and fixedly connected to the detection end of the pressure sensor.

3. The equipment for preparing compound granule formulations of traditional Chinese medicine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper end of the feeding plate is provided with slide rails on both sides, and the two ends of the receiving strip are slidably connected to the two slide rails respectively.

4. The equipment for preparing compound granule formulations of traditional Chinese medicine according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The receiving hopper is provided with a first adsorption head at its tail end; the indexing plate is provided with a second adsorption head corresponding to the first adsorption head and a second transverse cylinder that drives the second adsorption head to move laterally; the indexing plate is provided with a bag supply mechanism for supplying packaging bags between the first adsorption head and the second adsorption head.

5. The equipment for preparing compound granule formulations of traditional Chinese medicine according to claim 4, characterized in that, The bag feeding mechanism includes a longitudinal rotary motor located in the middle of the indexing plate. The movable end of the rotary motor is provided with a bag storage bin for storing packaging bags and a feeding robot arm that takes materials from the bag storage bin and feeds them between the first adsorption head and the second adsorption head.

6. A method for preparing a compound traditional Chinese medicine granule formulation, applied to the equipment for preparing compound traditional Chinese medicine granules as described in any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: The lower end of the receiving strip is attached to the upper end of the feeding plate, and the metering holes are aligned with the feeding channels. Multiple augers operate to guide the Chinese medicine granules from the corresponding feeding tank into the feeding channel, and overflow from the upper end of the feeding channel into the metering hole. When the Chinese medicine granules in the metering orifice reach the set volume, they are squeezed by the extrusion head and elastic element and applied to the pressure sensor. When the pressure detected by the pressure sensor reaches the set value, a stop signal is sent to the corresponding auger. After receiving a stop signal, the auger temporarily stops moving. When multiple augers stop moving, the transverse unit drives the receiving bar to move transversely, causing the metering hole to move out of the upper surface area of ​​the feed plate. The elastic element regains its elasticity, squeezing out the Chinese medicine granules in the metering hole and letting them fall into the receiving hopper located on one side of the feeding plate. The first transverse cylinder operates to retract the receiving hopper. The indexing plate rotates one station, moving the next empty receiving hopper to the receiving position. The corresponding first transverse cylinder drives the empty receiving hopper to extend and fit against one side of the feeding plate. Once the pressure detected by the pressure sensor returns to its initial value, a delayed start signal is sent to the corresponding auger. The lateral movement unit drives the receiving bar to move laterally and reset, and the auger starts operating for the next discharge operation.

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