A gelatin tape automatic mounting device for soft capsule machine and soft capsule machine

Abstract

The application discloses a gelatin tape automatic installation device for a soft capsule machine and the soft capsule machine, and relates to the field of food and medicine equipment manufacturing. The gelatin tape automatic installation device comprises an electric control system, a gelatin tape transmission mechanism, a mold, a pellet dropping device and a net pulling roller mechanism. In addition, the device further comprises a gelatin tape stripping mechanism which is used for stripping the gelatin tape from a gelatin roller and delivering the stripped gelatin tape to the gelatin tape transmission mechanism. The gelatin tape transmission mechanism receives and transmits the gelatin tape, so that the gelatin tape passes through the gaps between the mold, the pellet dropping device and the net pulling roller mechanism in sequence. The gelatin tape stripping mechanism, the gelatin tape transmission mechanism, the mold, the pellet dropping device and the net pulling roller mechanism are connected with the electric control system. The application further discloses a soft capsule machine comprising the gelatin tape automatic installation device. The application realizes the automation of the gelatin tape installation in the soft capsule production preparation link.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of food and pharmaceutical equipment manufacturing technology, and in particular to an automated soft capsule production equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Soft capsules, also known as capsules, are a type of capsule made by sealing liquid drugs or liquid-solid mixtures within a soft capsule material. This soft capsule material is made of gelatin, water, glycerin, or other suitable excipients. Since the 1980s, my country has imported and manufactured soft capsule machines, which have become the mainstream product in the Chinese market. However, existing soft capsule machines cannot achieve full automation in soft capsule production; the work and adjustments in the production and preparation stages still need to be performed manually by operators.

[0003] Chinese patent CN202210905270.1 discloses an automated production equipment for soft capsules, which improves the automation of the soft capsule production process. However, the gelatin tape installation preparation step before soft capsule processing still requires manual operation, which cannot be integrated with the automation of the production process and fails to meet the requirements of full-process automation. Existing soft capsule machines have the following drawbacks in the production preparation stage:

[0004] 1. The gelatin strips used as raw materials for soft capsule production are attached to the gelatin rollers. Operators need to peel the gelatin strips off the gelatin rollers by hand, which is labor-intensive for workers and poses a risk of raw material contamination.

[0005] 2. The installation of gelatin tape requires manual labor: In the production preparation stage, operators need to manually pass the gelatin tape through the guide roller, lubrication roller, support roller, mold, shot maker and screen pulling roller to complete the installation of the gelatin tape. This work is inefficient and also poses a risk of raw material contamination.

[0006] 3. In the existing technology, the pellet feeder and the mesh roller mechanism of the soft capsule machine are integrated structures. The gap between the left and right pellet feeders and the mesh roller is very small, which is not conducive to the automatic passage of gelatin tape. The gelatin tape needs to be manually passed through the left and right pellet feeders and the mesh roller before the gelatin tape installation work before pressing soft capsules can be completed. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to provide an automatic gelatin tape installation device for soft capsule machines. Under the control of an electronic control system, the device automatically peels the gelatin tape off the gelatin roller and transfers the peeled gelatin tape to a gelatin tape conveying mechanism. The gelatin tape is lubricated and conveyed, and pushed through the gap between an openable mold, a pellet feeder, and a mesh roller to complete the automatic installation process of the gelatin tape, thereby preparing for soft capsule compression production.

[0008] The present invention provides an automatic gelatin tape installation device for a soft capsule machine, including an electrical control system, a gelatin tape transmission mechanism, a mold, a pellet feeder and a mesh roller mechanism. In addition, it also includes a gelatin tape peeling mechanism for peeling gelatin tape from the gelatin roller and transferring the peeled gelatin tape to the gelatin tape transmission mechanism.

[0009] The gelatin tape transmission mechanism includes a conveyor belt assembly for receiving and transmitting the gelatin tape delivered by the gelatin tape peeling mechanism, so that the gelatin tape passes sequentially through the mold, the pelletizer and the screen roller mechanism.

[0010] The mold is a split structure that can be opened and closed, and when separated, it has a gap that can accommodate gelatin tape to pass through;

[0011] The pellet feeder and the mesh roller mechanism are separate structures that can be opened and closed, and when separated, they have a gap that can accommodate gelatin tape to pass through.

[0012] The gelatin strip peeling mechanism, gelatin strip conveying mechanism, mold, pellet feeder, and screen pulling roller mechanism each have their own driving devices. The electrical control system is connected to each driving device to send control signals to the driving device and control the movement of the driving device.

[0013] Furthermore, the gelatin strip peeling mechanism includes a vacuum suction cup for adsorbing and releasing the gelatin strip.

[0014] Furthermore, the vacuum suction cup is movable and is used to transfer gelatin tape to the gelatin tape transfer mechanism.

[0015] Furthermore, the gelatin strip peeling mechanism is rotatably connected to the rotating mechanism, and the gelatin strip adsorbed by the vacuum suction cup is transferred to the gelatin strip release position above the gelatin strip transmission mechanism and then released.

[0016] Optionally, the gelatin strip peeling mechanism can move linearly to transfer the gelatin strip adsorbed by the vacuum suction cup to the gelatin strip release position above the gelatin strip transport mechanism and then release it.

[0017] On the other hand, the gelatin tape transport mechanism includes two sets of conveyor belt assemblies that are close to each other and rotate in opposite directions, for clamping and transporting gelatin tape.

[0018] Furthermore, the conveyor belt assembly includes an elastic conveyor belt and a rubber roller, the circumferential surface of which has grooves, and the elastic conveyor belt is placed in the grooves of the rubber roller.

[0019] Furthermore, the circumferential surface of the rubber roller that contacts the gelatin strip has a knurled or straight-lined pattern.

[0020] Optionally, a thickness sensor is provided above the rubber roller near the mold in the conveyor belt assembly to measure the thickness of the conveyed gelatin belt and transmit the measurement value to the connected electrical control system.

[0021] On the other hand, the mold includes an openable left mold and a right mold. A drive device is connected to the outside of the mold, and a compression spring is provided on the inside of the mold. The drive device is connected to an electronic control system to receive control signals sent by the electronic control system in order to realize the opening and closing movement of the mold.

[0022] On the other hand, the pellet feeder and the screen-drawing roller mechanism are split structures that can be opened and closed. The outer side is connected to the drive device, and the inner side is provided with elastic components and guide rails. The drive device is connected to the electronic control system to receive control signals sent by the electronic control system in order to realize the opening and closing movement of the pellet feeder and the screen-drawing roller mechanism.

[0023] The present invention also provides a soft capsule machine including an automatic gelatin tape installation device, wherein the automatic gelatin tape installation device is located between the left and right gelatin rollers of the soft capsule machine.

[0024] Furthermore, a gelatin strip peeling mechanism is provided on the upper side of the gelatin roller.

[0025] Optionally, an angle sensor is provided on the upper side of the gelatin roller to measure the angle at which the gelatin strip peels off from the gelatin roller and transmits the measurement signal to the connected electronic control system.

[0026] The technical solution provided by this invention uses a movable gelatin strip peeling mechanism to peel gelatin strips from a gelatin roller and transfers the gelatin strips between two sets of conveyor belt assemblies rotating in opposite directions. The conveyor belt assemblies then clamp and transport the gelatin strips through an openable mold, a pellet feeder, and a screen roller, thus achieving gelatin strip installation. The movement of the above mechanisms is controlled by a connected electrical control system, avoiding the risk of contamination from manual operation, improving work efficiency, and automating the gelatin strip installation process in the soft capsule production preparation stage. This solves the inefficiency caused by the need for manual peeling and installation of gelatin strips in the existing soft capsule machine production preparation stage, improving the efficiency and quality of soft capsule production and reducing the labor intensity of workers. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of the automatic gelatin tape installation device for a soft capsule machine according to the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the adsorption starting point of Embodiment 1 of the gelatin tape peeling mechanism of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the release endpoint of Embodiment 1 of the gelatin tape peeling mechanism of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of Embodiment 2 of the gelatin tape peeling mechanism of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the gelatin tape transport mechanism of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the elastic conveyor belt assembly of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the guide roller structure of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the detection roller structure of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the split-type pellet feeder and screen pulling roller mechanism of the present invention.

[0036] In the diagram: 1. Left gelatin roller; 2. Left gelatin box; 3. Left gelatin strip; 4. Left guide roller; 5. Left mold; 6. Spray assembly; 7. Feed pump; 8. Right gelatin roller; 9. Right gelatin box; 10. Right gelatin strip; 11. Right guide roller; 12. Touch screen and PLC electrical control system; 13. Right mold; 14. Left angle sensor; 15. Right thickness sensor; 16. Left thickness sensor; 17. Mold cylinder; 18. Right angle sensor; 19. Soft capsule; 20. Lower left pelletizer cylinder; 21. Right gelatin strip peeling mechanism; 22. Left gelatin strip peeling mechanism; 23. Lower right pelletizer and screen pulling roller mechanism; 24. Lower left pelletizer and screen pulling roller mechanism; 25. 26. Lower right shot blasting cylinder; 27. Vacuum suction cup; 28. Vacuum pipeline; 29. ​​Rotating mechanism; 30. Belt support roller; 31. First group of circular elastic conveyor belts; 32. Second group of circular elastic conveyor belts; 33. Second group of lubrication rollers; 34. Detection support roller; 35. Circular elastic conveyor belt support roller A; 36. Circular elastic conveyor belt support roller B; 37. Circular elastic conveyor belt support roller C; 38. Left shot blasting roller; 39. Upper linear guide rail; 40. Upper spring; 42. Lower linear guide rail; 43. Lower spring; 44. Right mesh pulling roller; 45. Left mesh pulling roller; 47. Right shot blasting roller; 48. Linear motion mechanism; 49. Linear guide rail. Detailed Implementation

[0037] To make the above-mentioned objects, features, and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the structural diagrams and specific embodiments described herein are only for explaining the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0038] like Figure 1As shown, this invention provides an embodiment of an automatic gelatin tape installation device for a soft capsule machine. The soft capsule machine has a liquid filling system, including a spray assembly 6 and a feed pump 7, located in the middle of its body. This system is used to realize the filling process from adding and maintaining the liquid until it is poured into molds 5 and 13. Symmetrically distributed on the left and right sides of the liquid filling system are: a left gelatin tape generating system, a left gelatin tape peeling mechanism 22, a left gelatin tape conveying mechanism, a left mold 5, a left lower pelletizer, and a screen roller mechanism 24, located on the left side of the dividing line; and a right gelatin tape generating system, a right gelatin tape peeling mechanism 21, a right gelatin tape conveying mechanism, a right mold 13, a right lower pelletizer, and a screen roller mechanism 23, located on the right side of the dividing line. Since the structures and movements on both sides are identical, in this specific embodiment, the situation described using either side as an example is applicable to the situation on the other side.

[0039] The gelatin strip production system includes a left gelatin box 2 and a right gelatin box 9 filled with gelatin liquid. The gelatin liquid flows out from the opening at the bottom of the gelatin box and is applied to the left gelatin roller 1 and the right gelatin roller 8. As the gelatin rollers rotate, the gelatin liquid gradually cools and forms gelatin strips 3 and 10.

[0040] After the gelatin strip is formed, it needs to be separated from the gelatin roller and conveyed to the gelatin strip transport mechanism. Previously, this required manual separation of the gelatin strip from the gelatin roller. In this embodiment, gelatin strip separation mechanisms 21 and 22 are used to achieve automatic separation of the gelatin strip. Gelatin strip separation mechanisms 21 and 22 are located above the arc side of the last quarter stroke of the gelatin roller's rotation direction above the axis of gelatin rollers 1 and 8. At this position, the stroke after separating the gelatin strip is shorter, and the force required for separation and transport is smaller. Subsequently, gelatin strip separation mechanisms 21 and 22 transport the separated gelatin strip to a position above guide rollers 4 and 11. The separated gelatin strip is placed on guide rollers 4 and 11, and the gelatin strip is transported to the left and right molds 5 and 13 by the gelatin strip transport mechanism composed of the rollers and the gelatin strip conveyor belt assembly. Relying on the gravity of the gelatin strip, it passes between the left mold 5 and the right mold 13.

[0041] The left mold 5 and right mold 13 are assembled in a disengaging manner. A cylinder 17 or a linear motor, or other drive device, is connected to the outside of the molds. Cylinders can be installed on one or both sides of the mold, connected to the outside of the molds via piston rods. Compression springs are installed between the opposing shaft seats of the left and right molds. The drive device is connected to an electronic control system, receiving control signals from the system and making linear movements to achieve the clamping or disengagement of the left mold 5 and right mold 13. During gelatin tape installation, the left mold 5 and right mold 13 separate, forming a gap for the gelatin tape to pass through. After the gelatin tape installation is completed, the left mold 5 and right mold 13 close, forming a space for soft capsule compression molding. This disengaging mold structure has been disclosed in Chinese invention patent CN202210905270.1, entitled "An Automated Production Equipment and Speed ​​Adjustment Method for Soft Capsules".

[0042] Below the left mold 5 and the right mold 13 are the pellet feeder and mesh-pulling roller mechanisms 23 and 24, used to separate the soft capsules from the gelatin tape mesh. In this embodiment, the pellet feeder and mesh-pulling roller are separate units. The left pellet feeder and mesh-pulling roller 24 are connected to the left pellet feeder cylinder 20, and the right pellet feeder and mesh-pulling roller 23 are connected to the right pellet feeder cylinder 25. The cylinders drive the left and right pellet feeder and mesh-pulling roller mechanisms to close or separate. The cylinders are connected to the touchscreen and PLC electrical control system 12, receiving control signals from the touchscreen and PLC electrical control system 12 to drive the left and right pellet feeder and mesh-pulling roller mechanisms to close or separate. During gelatin tape installation, the left pellet feeder and mesh-pulling roller mechanism 24 separates from the right pellet feeder and mesh-pulling roller mechanism 23 under cylinder control, forming a gap that facilitates the passage of the gelatin tape. After the gelatin tape installation is completed, the left pellet feeder and mesh-pulling roller 24 closes with the right pellet feeder and mesh-pulling roller 23, meeting the requirements for soft capsule pelleting. The cylinder can also be replaced by other drive devices such as linear motors. Other electrical control systems can also be selected for the touchscreen and PLC electrical control system.

[0043] Furthermore, the soft capsule machine also includes an electrical control system consisting of a touch screen and a PLC electrical control system 12. This system is connected to the drive devices of the gelatin strip peeling mechanisms 22 and 21, the gelatin strip conveying mechanism, the mold, the pellet feeder, and the screen pulling roller, respectively, to achieve motion control and adjustment of each mechanism and process. The touch screen in the electrical control system is a human-machine interaction means used to facilitate data input and display. It can be completely replaced by other separate input and display devices, such as a laptop computer. As long as the communication with the PLC is set up, separate devices can be used to achieve the electrical control purpose.

[0044] The aforementioned gelatin tape peeling mechanism, gelatin tape conveying mechanism, detachable mold, detachable pellet feeder and screen roller mechanism, and electrical control system constitute an automatic gelatin tape installation device.

[0045] Through the aforementioned mechanism, this invention enables the automatic peeling of gelatin strips from the gelatin rollers and their transmission through the left and right molds, left and right pelletizers, and the mesh-stretching rollers, thereby completing the automatic installation of the gelatin strips. This reduces the labor intensity of operators and improves the production quality of soft capsules. The following is a detailed description of each structural component of the automatic gelatin strip installation device of this invention.

[0046] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, this invention provides an embodiment of an automatic gelatin tape peeling mechanism. In this embodiment, the specific structure is described using the right gelatin tape peeling mechanism as an example; the left gelatin tape peeling mechanism is the same and will not be described again. One end of the right gelatin tape peeling mechanism 21 is connected to a rotating mechanism 28 fixed on the frame and can rotate a certain angle around the rotating mechanism. The other end of the right gelatin tape peeling mechanism 21 is provided with a vacuum suction cup 26 and a vacuum tube 27. The right gelatin tape peeling mechanism 21 also includes a driving device such as a cylinder or a linear motor. The driving device is connected to an electronic control system, receives control signals sent by the electronic control system, and drives the vacuum suction cup 26 and the vacuum tube 27 to perform linear telescopic motion relative to the rotating mechanism 28.

[0047] When the gelatin strip 10 rotates with the right gelatin roller 8 and moves below the right gelatin strip peeling mechanism 21, the touch screen and PLC electrical control system 12 sends a control signal to the drive device of the right gelatin strip peeling mechanism 21. The drive device pushes the vacuum suction cup 26 and vacuum line 27 downward to a designated position above and to the side of the right gelatin roller 8. The vacuum suction cup generates a vacuum suction force, adsorbs the right gelatin strip 10, and peels the gelatin strip away from the right gelatin roller 8. Subsequently, the drive device drives the vacuum suction cup 26 and vacuum line 27 upward, away from the right gelatin roller 8, thereby driving the gelatin strip adsorbed on the vacuum suction cup 26 to move upward. The right gelatin strip 10 on plate 6 moves upward together. After reaching a predetermined height, the right gelatin strip peeling mechanism 21 rotates clockwise around the rotating mechanism 28 by a certain angle, rotating the right gelatin strip 10 held by the vacuum suction cup 26 above the right guide roller 4. This rotation angle should ensure that the right gelatin strip 10 held by the vacuum suction cup 26 is at least above the vertical center line of the rotation axis of the right guide roller 4, or it can exceed the vertical center line of the rotation axis of the right guide roller 4 and deviate towards the right mold. This position makes it easier for the gelatin strip to be transported to the gelatin strip conveyor belt assembly after being released. At this time, the touch screen and PLC electrical control system 12 send a signal to the air valve of the vacuum suction cup 26, and the vacuum suction cup 26 is inflated to zero air pressure or positive pressure. After the right gelatin strip 10 is detached from the vacuum suction cup 26, it falls onto the right guide roller 4 under the action of gravity, thus completing the automatic peeling process of the gelatin strip. The above gelatin strip peeling mechanism movement process is controlled and executed by a pre-set PLC program.

[0048] In this embodiment, the position of the gelatin strip moving with the gelatin roller can be detected by an infrared sensor or a light sensor set on the outside of the gelatin roller. When the sensor detects that the gelatin strip has rotated to the designated position with the gelatin roller, it sends a detection signal to the electronic control system.

[0049] Of course, the movement time of the gelatin belt can also be predetermined by dividing the circumference of the gelatin roller by the angular velocity, and then the movement time of the gelatin belt can be preset in the PLC program to synchronize the movement of the cylinder or linear motor. Alternatively, other methods can be used to synchronize the movement of the gelatin belt with the movement of the cylinder or linear motor.

[0050] like Figure 4 As shown, the present invention provides another embodiment of an automatic gelatin tape peeling mechanism. In this embodiment, a linear motion mechanism 48 is used instead of the one described above. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The rotating mechanism 28 and the linear motion mechanism 48 shown are fixed at a certain distance above the right guide roller 4 and the right gelatin roller 8. The right gelatin strip peeling mechanism 21 is connected to the linear motion mechanism 48 and can move linearly in the left and right directions along the linear guide rail 49 of the linear motion mechanism 48. The sliding position on the left should ensure that the right gelatin strip 10 adsorbed by the vacuum suction cup 26 is at least above the vertical center line of the rotating shaft of the right guide roller 4, or beyond the vertical center line of the rotating shaft, so that when the gelatin strip falls, it can fall on the right guide roller 4 in the direction biased towards the right mold 13. The sliding position on the right needs to be set to maintain an appropriate safe distance from the right gelatin box 9 to avoid the gelatin strip from mixing with the gelatin liquid.

[0051] When the gelatin strip 10 rotates with the right gelatin roller 8 and moves to below the right gelatin strip peeling mechanism 21, the touch screen and PLC electrical control system 12 send a control signal to the drive device of the right gelatin strip peeling mechanism 21. The drive device moves, pushing the vacuum suction cup 26 and vacuum line 27 downward to a designated position above the side of the right gelatin roller 8. The vacuum suction cup generates a vacuum suction force, adsorbs the right gelatin strip 10 and peels the gelatin strip away from the right gelatin roller 8. The drive unit moves again, causing the vacuum suction cup 26 and vacuum line 27 to retract upwards, thereby moving the right gelatin strip 10 adsorbed on the vacuum suction cup 26 upwards as well. After reaching a predetermined height, the drive unit stops moving. Subsequently, the right gelatin strip peeling mechanism 21 moves along the linear guide rail 49 towards the right guide roller 4. When it moves above or beyond the vertical center line of the right guide roller 4, it stops moving. The vacuum suction cup 26 is inflated to zero pressure or positive pressure. After the right gelatin strip 10 detaches from the vacuum suction cup 26, it falls onto the right guide roller 4 under gravity, thus completing the automatic peeling process of the gelatin strip. The drive unit can be a cylinder or a linear motor. In this embodiment, the linear motion can also be achieved by setting one end of the gelatin strip peeling mechanism in a chute.

[0052] In this embodiment, the vacuum suction cup 26 of the right gelatin strip peeling mechanism 21 can also be non-retractable. The vacuum suction cup 26 is positioned at a certain distance above the gelatin roller 8, and this distance should be sufficient to allow the suction force generated by the vacuum suction cup 26 to pick up the gelatin strip. When the gelatin strip 10 rotates with the right gelatin roller 8 and moves to below the right gelatin strip peeling mechanism 21, the vacuum suction cup 26 receives a control signal from the electronic control system, generates a vacuum suction force, picks up the right gelatin strip 10, and peels the gelatin strip away from the right gelatin roller 8. Subsequently, the right gelatin strip peeling mechanism 21 moves along the linear guide rail 49 toward the right guide roller 4. When it moves above or beyond the vertical center line of the right guide roller 4, it stops moving. The vacuum suction cup 26 is inflated to zero pressure or positive pressure. After the right gelatin strip 10 leaves the vacuum suction cup 26, it falls onto the right guide roller 4 under the action of gravity.

[0053] Of course, the present invention can also combine the movement modes of the two embodiments above to complete the transfer movement of the gelatin strip. For example, after the gelatin strip peeling mechanism peels the gelatin strip from the gelatin roller, it rises to a predetermined height, then slides along the linear slide rail toward the mold to a specified horizontal position and is fixed. Then, it rotates a specified angle around the fixed position as the axis, rotates the vacuum suction cup to a predetermined position, releases the gelatin strip, and allows the gelatin strip to fall onto the guide roller under the action of gravity.

[0054] This invention employs a vacuum suction cup adsorption method to peel gelatin strips off gelatin rollers. The gelatin strip peeling mechanism is moved and placed by an electronic control system through mechanical movements such as extension, rotation, and linear motion. This achieves automatic peeling and transfer of gelatin strips from the gelatin rollers, preparing the gelatin strips for transport.

[0055] like Figure 5 As shown, this invention provides an embodiment of a gelatin tape transport mechanism. This embodiment uses a right-side gelatin tape transport mechanism as an example; the left-side gelatin tape transport is similar and will not be described again. The gelatin tape transport mechanism consists of two sets of conveyor belt assemblies rotating in opposite directions: the first set of conveyor belt assemblies includes six rollers: a right guide roller 4, a first set of lubrication rollers 33, a detection support roller 34, a tape support roller 29, a circular elastic conveyor belt support roller B 36, and a circular elastic conveyor belt support roller C 37; it also includes a first set of circular elastic conveyor belts 30. The six rollers are interconnected by the first set of circular elastic conveyor belts 30 and move counterclockwise. The second set of conveyor belt assemblies includes two rollers: a second set of lubrication rollers 32 and a circular elastic conveyor belt support roller B 35; and a second set of circular elastic conveyor belts 31. These rollers are interconnected by the second set of circular elastic conveyor belts 31 and move clockwise.

[0056] After the peeled right gelatin strip 10 is placed on the right guide roller 4, as the right guide roller 4 rotates, the gelatin strip is guided between the first and second conveyor belt assemblies, which are close to each other but rotate in opposite directions. The gelatin strip is conveyed towards the mold under the clamping and conveying of the elastic conveyor belts of the two sets of conveyor belt assemblies. When the gelatin strip passes through the second lubrication roller 32 and the first lubrication roller 33, it is coated with the lubricating oil necessary for soft capsule pressing. It is then conveyed to the detection support roller 34, and after the thickness is detected by the right thickness sensor 15, it is fed between the left mold 5 and the right mold 13. The two sets of conveyor belt assemblies, rotating in opposite directions and close to each other, work together to clamp and move the gelatin strip, thereby completing the automatic conveying and lubrication of the gelatin strip.

[0057] Furthermore, as a preferred method, to ensure the gelatin strip maintains stable thickness and tension during transport, an angle sensor 18 is installed near the gelatin strip peeling position diagonally above the right gelatin roller 8 to detect the angle at which the gelatin strip deviates from the gelatin roller; a right thickness sensor 15 is installed along the gelatin strip transport path, particularly at the support roller 34 before entering the mold, to detect the thickness of the gelatin strip. The angle and thickness sensors are connected to the touchscreen and PLC electrical control system 12 via cables, respectively, transmitting measurement signals to them. The touchscreen and PLC electrical control system 12, according to preset programs and values, send control signals to the linear motor on the switch board of the gelatin box to adjust the opening size of the gelatin box, thereby adjusting the thickness of the gelatin strip; or send control signals to the drive motor of the gelatin roller to adjust the rotation speed of the gelatin roller, thereby adjusting the angle at which the gelatin strip deviates from the gelatin roller, ensuring that the gelatin strip delivered to the mold meets the technical requirements for soft capsule pressing production.

[0058] To facilitate the stable clamping and conveying of gelatin tape, the present invention also improves the structure of the conveyor belt and rubber roller in the conveyor belt assembly.

[0059] like Figure 6As shown, this invention provides an embodiment of a circular elastic conveyor belt assembly, taking the second set of conveyor belt assemblies as an example; the first set of conveyor belt assemblies is similar. In this embodiment, the circumferential surfaces of the second set of lubrication rollers 32 and the circular elastic conveyor belt support rollers B 35 are both machined with semi-circular grooves to fix the position of the circular elastic conveyor belt 31. The second set of circular elastic conveyor belt 31 is placed in the semi-circular grooves of the second set of lubrication rollers 32 and the circular elastic conveyor belt support rollers B 35, thereby stably connecting the second set of lubrication rollers 32 and the circular elastic conveyor belt support rollers B 35, allowing them to rotate synchronously in the same direction, thus forming the second set of conveyor belt assemblies. In this embodiment, several grooves can be machined in a uniformly distributed axial manner or non-uniformly distributed manner. The number of grooves needs to be calculated and determined according to the load-bearing value of the conveyor belt, but the number and position of the second set of lubrication rollers 32 and the circular elastic conveyor belt support rollers B 35 should correspond to each other.

[0060] like Figure 7 As shown, this invention provides a structural embodiment of a guide roller. The right guide roller 4 is used as an example in this embodiment; the structure of the left guide roller is the same and will not be described again. The right guide roller 4 has semi-circular grooves machined on its circumferential surface to accommodate a circular elastic conveyor belt. The remaining circumferential surface of the guide roller 4 is treated with a knurled or straight-knitted finish to increase the friction with the gelatin belt and improve the efficiency of conveying the gelatin belt.

[0061] like Figure 8 As shown, this invention provides a structural embodiment of a detection support roller. The embodiment uses a right detection support roller as an example, but this structure is also applicable to a left detection support roller. As shown, the circumferential surface of the detection support roller 34 is machined with semi-circular grooves to accommodate the circular elastic conveyor belt 30. Except for the grooved circumferential portion, the other circumferential surfaces of the detection support roller 34 are treated with a knurled or straight-knitted finish. The knurled or straight-knitted portions increase the friction with the gelatin belt, facilitating its transport. The circumferential surface of the detection support roller 34 used to support the thickness sensor retains a smooth surface for use with the gelatin belt thickness sensor.

[0062] The number of grooves and the distance between the grooves in each rubber roller of the first conveyor belt assembly should be the same; the number of grooves and the distance between the grooves in each rubber roller of the second conveyor belt assembly should also be the same, so as to achieve a stable connection of the elastic conveyor belt within the grooves. Of course, the conveyor belt can also take other common shapes, such as triangular or square, or it can be a one-piece conveyor belt without grooves.

[0063] Whether the circumferential surface of each rubber roller in each conveyor belt assembly is knurled or straight-lined depends on whether it is in contact with the gelatin belt. In the first conveyor belt assembly, at least the right guide roller 4, the first lubrication roller 33, the detection support roller 34, and the belt support roller 29 need to be knurled or straight-lined. In the second conveyor belt assembly, the second lubrication roller 32 needs to be knurled or straight-lined to increase the friction with the gelatin belt.

[0064] This invention utilizes the friction and thrust generated by the movement of two sets of conveyor belt assemblies that are close to each other and rotate in opposite directions to automatically transport gelatin tape between molds. During this process, the gelatin tape is coated with lubricating oil on both sides as it passes through inner and outer lubrication rollers, preparing it for soft capsule production. By processing the circumferential surfaces of the guide rollers and other rollers in the gelatin tape transmission path, the friction is increased, facilitating the fixation of the gelatin tape and long-distance transmission. The design of the two sets of circular elastic conveyor belt mechanisms in the embodiments of this invention also better achieves the purpose of long-distance transmission.

[0065] like Figure 9 As shown, this invention provides an embodiment of a split-type shot chuck and screen roller structure. In the prior art, the shot chuck and screen roller mechanism is an integrated structure with very small gaps between the left and right shot chucks and the screen roller. When installing gelatin tape, operators need to manually pass the gelatin tape through the gaps between the left and right shot chucks and the screen roller. In this embodiment, the lowering shot and the screen-drawing roller mechanism adopts a split structure that can be disengaged and reassembled, consisting of a separate left lowering shot and screen-drawing roller mechanism 24 and a right lowering shot and screen-drawing roller mechanism 23. The outer sides of the left and right lowering shot and screen-drawing roller mechanisms are connected to the left and right lowering shot cylinders 20 and 25, respectively, and the cylinders are connected to the electronic control system. On the other hand, the left lowering shot and screen-drawing roller mechanism 24 and the right lowering shot and screen-drawing roller mechanism 23 are respectively provided with an upper linear guide rail 39 and a lower linear guide rail 42 in their corresponding upper and lower spaces. Through the upper and lower linear guide rails, the left lowering shot and screen-drawing roller mechanism 24 and the right lowering shot and screen-drawing roller mechanism 23 can move relatively linearly, realizing the smooth, stable, and precise movement of the left and right lowering shot and screen-drawing roller mechanisms.

[0066] In this embodiment, upper and lower springs 40 and 43 are preferably provided in the middle part of the linear guide rail to push and support the separated left and right lowering pellets and the pulling roller mechanism 24 and 23. Of course, the upper and lower springs 40 and 43 can also be omitted, and the separation and closure of the lowering pellets and the pulling roller can be achieved by means of the linear motion of the cylinder or linear motor.

[0067] When gelatin strips 3 and 10 pass through the left and right molds and need to pass further through the lower shot and the screen-pulling roller mechanism, the touch screen and PLC electrical control system 12 sends control signals to the left cylinder 20 of the lower shot and the right cylinder 25 of the lower shot. The piston rods of the cylinders retract, driving the lower shot and screen-pulling roller mechanism 24 and the lower shot and screen-pulling roller mechanism 23 to move in opposite directions along the upper linear guide rail 39 and the lower linear guide rail 42, respectively. At the same time, the upper spring 40 and the lower spring 43 use elastic force to push and fix the gap between the lower shot and screen-pulling roller mechanism 24 and the lower shot and screen-pulling roller mechanism 23, so that the distance between the left shot stripping roller 38 and the right shot stripping roller 47, and between the left screen-pulling roller 45 and the right screen-pulling roller 44, increases to a level that allows the left and right gelatin strips to pass smoothly.

[0068] Once the gelatin strip passes smoothly through the gap between the left and right peeling rollers 38 and 47, and the gap between the left and right meshing rollers 45 and 44, the touch screen and PLC electrical control system 12 sends control signals to the lower pellet cylinders 20 and 25. The cylinder piston rods push the left and right lower pelletizers and meshing roller mechanisms 24 and 23 to move linearly towards the center along the upper linear guide rail 39 and the lower linear guide rail 42, compressing the upper and lower springs 40 and 43. This ultimately brings the left and right peeling rollers 38 and 47, and the left and right meshing rollers 45 and 44, closer together to the distance required for the soft capsule machine to compress pellets, thus completing the installation of the gelatin strip and preparing for soft capsule production.

[0069] In this embodiment, a dual-drive method is adopted in which both the left and right droppers and the screen-drawing roller mechanism are connected to cylinders or linear motors. Of course, a single-drive method can also be adopted, such as fixing one side of the dropper and screen-drawing roller mechanism, and only setting a cylinder or linear motor on the outside of the dropper and screen-drawing roller mechanism on the other side. The cylinder or linear motor on the other side is activated by the control signal sent by the electronic control system, which drives the dropper and screen-drawing roller mechanism on that side to move along the linear guide rail, thereby realizing the separation and closure of the left and right droppers and screen-drawing roller mechanisms.

[0070] The above-mentioned separate pellet feeder and mesh roller, under the operation of the electronic control system, provide a sufficient gap to accommodate the gelatin tape during installation. After the gelatin tape passes through, the gap closes automatically, thus completing the automatic installation of the gelatin tape and preparing for subsequent soft capsule production.

[0071] The gelatin tape peeling mechanism, gelatin tape conveying mechanism, detachable mold, split-type pellet feeder, and mesh roller all operate in coordination under the control system, automatically realizing the entire process of gelatin tape peeling, conveying, and installation. This greatly reduces the labor intensity of operators, reduces the risk of contamination of soft capsule products by manual intervention, improves the quality of soft capsule products, and represents a significant step forward for unmanned production of soft capsule machines.

[0072] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automatic gelatin tape installation device for a soft capsule machine, comprising an electrical control system, a gelatin tape conveying mechanism, a mold, a pellet feeder, and a screen roller mechanism, characterized in that, It also includes a gelatin strip peeling mechanism for peeling gelatin strips off the gelatin roller and transferring the peeled gelatin strips to the gelatin strip transport mechanism. The gelatin strip peeling mechanism is a movable vacuum suction cup that is rotatably connected to a rotating mechanism or moves linearly to transfer the gelatin strips adsorbed by the vacuum suction cup to the gelatin strip release position above the gelatin strip transport mechanism and then release them. The gelatin tape conveying mechanism includes two sets of conveyor belt assemblies that are close to each other and rotate in opposite directions. By clamping and conveying the gelatin tape, it receives and conveys the gelatin tape transferred by the gelatin tape peeling mechanism, so that the gelatin tape passes through the mold, the pelletizer and the screen roller mechanism in sequence. The mold is a split structure that can be opened and closed, and when separated, it has a gap that can accommodate gelatin tape to pass through; The pellet feeder and the screen-drawing roller mechanism are split structures that can be opened and closed. The outer side is connected to the drive device, and the inner side is provided with elastic components and guide rails. The drive device is connected to the electronic control system to receive control signals sent by the electronic control system in order to realize the opening and closing movement of the pellet feeder and the screen-drawing roller mechanism. The gelatin strip peeling mechanism, gelatin strip conveying mechanism, mold, pellet feeder, and screen pulling roller mechanism each have their own driving devices. The electrical control system is connected to each driving device to send control signals to the driving device and control the movement of the driving device.

2. The automatic gelatin tape installation device for a soft capsule machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The conveyor belt assembly includes an elastic conveyor belt and a rubber roller, the circumferential surface of which has grooves, and the elastic conveyor belt is placed in the grooves of the rubber roller.

3. The automatic gelatin tape installation device for a soft capsule machine according to claim 2, characterized in that, The circumferential surface of the rubber roller that contacts the gelatin strip has a knurled or straight-lined pattern.

4. The automatic gelatin tape installation device for a soft capsule machine according to claim 2, characterized in that, A thickness sensor is installed above the rubber roller near the mold in the conveyor belt assembly to measure the thickness of the conveyed gelatin belt and transmit the measurement value to the connected electrical control system.

5. The automatic gelatin tape installation device for a soft capsule machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mold includes an openable left mold and a right mold. A drive device is connected to the outside of the mold, and a compression spring is provided on the inside of the mold. The drive device is connected to an electronic control system to receive control signals sent by the electronic control system in order to realize the opening and closing movement of the mold.

6. A soft capsule machine, characterized in that, The automatic gelatin tape installation device includes any one of claims 1-5.

7. A soft capsule machine according to claim 6, characterized in that, The automatic gelatin tape installation device is located between the left and right gelatin rollers of the soft capsule machine.

8. A soft capsule machine according to claim 7, characterized in that, A gelatin strip peeling mechanism is provided on the upper side of the gelatin roller.

9. A soft capsule machine according to claim 7, characterized in that, An angle sensor is installed on the upper side of the gelatin roller to measure the angle at which the gelatin strip peels off from the gelatin roller and transmits the measurement signal to the connected electronic control system.

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