Tablet dispensing apparatus and method

Abstract

A tablet dispensing apparatus for dispensing tablets into a container comprises a cylindrical drum comprising an inner cavity and a cylindrical side wall, the side wall being provided with at least one row of seats arranged to abut each other along a circumferential arc, each seat being adapted to house a respective tablet, an ejection device in the inner cavity to interact with the seats at an angular ejection position of the drum to eject the tablets from the seats to the outside of the drum, the side wall being internally provided with at least one recess, the ejection device comprising at least one ejection element movable in an operating position at the angular ejection position of the drum during rotation of the drum, in which operating position the ejection element is slidably inserted into the at least one recess and at least partially into the seats of the at least one row to push the respective tablets outward and thus eject them from the seats while the drum is rotating. The invention also relates to a method for dispensing tablets into a container.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to packaging machines for packaging tablets, lozenges, and pills, such as packaging machines for pharmaceutical, cosmetic, food, and chemical applications. In particular, this invention relates to dispensing equipment for dispensing tablets, lozenges, and pills into containers, and methods for dispensing tablets. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of packaging tablets, lozenges, pills, etc., using automated packaging machines, it is known that a predetermined number of tablets needs to be precisely dispensed into containers. This requirement is most evident in the pharmaceutical industry, as the number of tablets dispensed into the container must exactly match the number shown on the label of the container.

[0003] In the case of microtablets (i.e., tablets typically between 2 and 3 mm in diameter) dispensed into hard gelatin capsules for oral administration, dispensing precision should be even higher, as the number of microtablets determines the amount of product, usually the drug, administered along with the capsule itself. Furthermore, in automated packaging processes, even one microtablet more or less than the intended number can result in capsules being discarded, leading to loss and waste of the medication.

[0004] Known tablet dispensing devices include a cylindrical drum that rotates about a horizontal axis of rotation, and multiple seats provided on the cylindrical sidewall of the tablet dispensing device. The seats are adapted to receive and accommodate corresponding tablets, typically microtablets. The seats are circumferentially distributed on the outer portion of the sidewall of the drum and parallel to the axis of rotation of the drum.

[0005] The drum-shaped piece is partially inserted into a storage container or hopper containing multiple bulk tablets, such that by rotating the tablets that are in contact with the side wall of the drum-shaped piece, the tablets can be inserted and occupy the seat.

[0006] The tablet's seat is in fluid communication with the interior of a drum-shaped component, which is maintained at a low or negative pressure by a suitable suction device, thereby holding the tablet within the seat during the rotation of the drum-shaped component.

[0007] A pneumatic discharge device is provided at a predetermined angle position within the drum-shaped component. The pneumatic discharge device is capable of delivering pressurized air to the seat to discharge tablets that can be conveyed to the lower container.

[0008] However, these dispensing devices are not always permitted in the pharmaceutical industry due to the discharge of pressurized air, as the jet of pressurized air within the packaging machine can cause contamination, such as contamination of sterile or disinfected packaging environments.

[0009] An apparatus for dispensing tablets, particularly microtablets, is also known, which further includes a cylindrical drum that rotates about a horizontal axis of rotation, and the apparatus has a plurality of seats on the outer side of its sidewalls suitable for receiving and accommodating tablets.

[0010] A rotating drum transfers tablets to a lower dispensing wheel by gravity. The dispensing wheel rotates about a vertical axis of rotation and is equipped with housing assemblies arranged along the outer edge of the dispensing wheel and spaced at an angle relative to the vertical axis of rotation. Each assembly comprises multiple housings aligned with each other, and the number of each assembly is equal to the number of seats arranged along a direction parallel to the horizontal axis of rotation on the outer wall of the drum. Thus, each housing in the assembly receives a predetermined number of tablets from the drum, calculated based on the residence time of the housing assembly below the drum and / or the angular displacement of the housing assembly below the drum during that time.

[0011] After the shells are filled, the dispensing wheel moves each set of shells to the dispensing area, where a series of pushers eject the tablets from the shells and push them into the corresponding containers.

[0012] The device described above, while allowing for precise tablet dispensing at relatively high speeds in packaging machines without the use of pressurized air jets, suffers from the disadvantages of being bulky and complex because it includes multiple components (drums, wheels, pushers) that must move in a coordinated manner. The same multiple components and associated actuators must also be replaced to accommodate the production speed of the packaging machine.

[0013] GB 1514847 describes an apparatus for dispensing tablets or capsules, comprising a drum-shaped member that rotates about a horizontal axis and having a plurality of openings arranged in a row on the outer peripheral wall of the drum-shaped member, the row extending parallel to the axis, the openings forming a seat suitable for receiving a respective tablet. The apparatus includes an inner covering element and a pair of outer covering elements arranged adjacent to the wall of the drum-shaped member to prevent tablets from falling out of the seat except in a dispensing area, in which a plurality of chutes suitable for conveying tablets into a container are provided. Tablets are discharged from the seat in the dispensing area by a discharge element actuated by a corresponding solenoid during the remaining phases of the rotating drum-shaped member actuated by intermittent motion.

[0014] The disadvantage of this type of dispensing equipment is that it reduces productivity due to the intermittent motion of the rotating drum. Summary of the Invention

[0015] The object of the present invention is to improve known dispensing equipment associated with packaging machines and known methods for dispensing tablets, lozenges, pills, etc. into containers.

[0016] Another objective is to provide a dispensing device and method for accurately and precisely dispensing a predetermined number of tablets into containers, even at high production rates.

[0017] Another objective is to develop a dispensing device that is particularly compact in size and has low production costs.

[0018] Another objective remains to provide a dispensing device that is particularly suitable for use in the pharmaceutical field.

[0019] In a first aspect of the invention, a tablet dispensing apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention is provided.

[0020] In a second aspect of the invention, a method for dispensing tablets according to embodiments of the invention is provided. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The invention can be better understood and practiced by referring to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate exemplary and non-limiting embodiments of the invention, wherein:

[0022] - Figure 1 This is a front view of the tablet dispensing device according to the present invention;

[0023] - Figure 2 It is based on Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of line II-II, which shows the means for moving the container to be filled;

[0024] - Figure 3 yes Figure 2 The enlarged detail view shows, in particular, the tablet dispensing device and the tablet delivery device;

[0025] - Figure 4 yes Figure 1 The enlarged detail view specifically shows the rows of tablet seats and the corresponding through slots;

[0026] - Figure 5 It is based on Figure 2 The cross section of line VV;

[0027] - Figure 6 and Figure 7 These are a three-dimensional view and a two-dimensional view from above the discharge device. Detailed Implementation

[0028] Reference Figures 1 to 7 This illustrates a tablet dispensing device 1 suitable for dispensing or dispensing a defined number of tablets 50 into a container 100.

[0029] In the embodiment shown in the figure, the tablet 50 is a microtablet, for example having a diameter or lateral dimension between 1.8 mm and 3 mm, and the container is a capsule 100 formed by a bottom 100a attached to a cap 100b and made of hard gelatin.

[0030] The tablet dispensing device 1 includes a cylindrical drum 2 that rotates about a rotation axis X, which is, for example, almost horizontal, and the cylindrical drum 2 includes an internal cavity 3 and sidewalls 4, particularly the cylindrical sidewalls. The sidewalls 4, especially on their outer surface, i.e., on the outer portion or surface of the sidewalls 4, are provided with one or more rows 10 of seats 5 of a series 20, each seat 5 adapted to receive a corresponding tablet 50.

[0031] Each row 10 of seats includes a defined number of seats 5 (e.g., twelve in the example shown in the figure).

[0032] In each row of 10 seats, the seats 5 are arranged adjacent to each other along the circumferential arc of the corresponding guide circumferential portion H of the drum-shaped member 2. Each group 20 includes one or more rows of seats 10 arranged circumferentially along the corresponding guide circumferential portion H of the drum-shaped member 2 and spaced at an angle.

[0033] The circumferential portion H refers to the circumferential portion defined by the intersection of the cylindrical sidewall 4 of the drum-shaped member 2 with a vertical plane orthogonal to the axis of rotation X.

[0034] The dispensing device 1 also includes a discharge device 6, which is located in the internal cavity 3 of the drum 2 and is configured to interact with the seat 5 at a discharge position E at a defined angle of the drum 2 so as to discharge the tablet 50 from the drum 2 itself to the corresponding seat 5.

[0035] The sidewall 4 of the drum-shaped member 2 is internally, i.e., on its internal portion or surface, provided with one or more grooves 8, each groove 8 extending along a corresponding circumferential arc and communicating with the seat portion of a corresponding row 10. Specifically, each groove 8 is associated with and extends along and below the corresponding row 10 of the seat portion, so that the corresponding seat portion 5 is in fluid communication with the internal cavity 3. The groove 8 passes through, i.e., through the thickness of the sidewall 4, and extends sequentially along the corresponding guide circumferential portion H (associated with each row 10 of the seat portion).

[0036] The discharge device 6 includes at least one discharge element 7, which is movable during the rotation of the drum 2 and is in an angled discharge position E in the operating position A, wherein the discharge element 7 is slidably inserted into the groove 8 and at least partially inserted into the seat 5 of the corresponding seat 10, thereby pushing the corresponding tablet 50 outward and thus discharging the tablet 50 from the seat 5 when the drum 2 rotates.

[0037] The discharge element includes, for example, a discharge disc, which is mounted in a manner rotatable about a corresponding axis of rotation Y, particularly parallel to the axis of rotation X of the drum 2. The discharge disc is shaped and sized such that it can be inserted into a groove 8 during rotation of the drum 2, as better explained in the following description.

[0038] The discharge device 6 is associated with an actuator 15, which is located within the internal cavity 3 of the drum-shaped member and is configured to actuate the discharge element 7 between an operating position A and a non-operating position, in which the discharge element 7 is spaced apart from the sidewall 4.

[0039] For example, the actuator 15 is cam-type and includes: an actuating cam 16, which is provided with a guide channel 16a and fixed to the drum-shaped member 2; and a transfer roller 17, which is engaged in the channel 16a and is rotatable integrally with a support element 18, which rotatably supports the discharge element 7.

[0040] The support element 18 is rotatably fixed to the support devices 11 and 12 of the dispensing device 1, thereby oscillating or partially rotating about an oscillation axis W parallel to the rotation axis X of the drum-shaped member 2, and thereby causing the discharge element 7 to move along an arcuate trajectory between the operating position A and the non-operating position. More precisely, during the rotation of the drum-shaped member 2, the support element 18 moves via a rotary actuation cam 16, in which a channel 16a and a transfer roller 17 are engaged.

[0041] The support devices 11 and 12 also rotatably support the drum-shaped member 2 and the actuating cam 16. More precisely, the support devices 11 and 12 of the drum-shaped member 2 include a shaft 12, which is rotatably supported by the support frame 11 of the dispensing device 1 and driven by a rotary actuator 13, such as an electric motor, to rotate about the rotation axis X in the rotational direction R (see reference). Figure 2 and Figure 3 The rotation is counterclockwise. The shaft 12 supports the hub 14 at its free end, and the hub 14 supports the front wall 19 of the drum-shaped member 2; the circumferential edge of the front wall 19 is connected to and supports the side wall 4. The guide cam 16 is mounted on the front wall 19.

[0042] In the illustrated embodiment, the hub 14 and the front wall 19 are made as a single piece.

[0043] The drum-shaped member 2 is closed at the rear, that is, on the side opposite to the front wall 19, by the fixed abutment wall 11a of the support frame 11. The side wall 4, the front wall 19, and the abutment wall 11a of the support frame 11 define and enclose the internal cavity 3 of the drum-shaped member 2.

[0044] In the embodiment of the dispensing device of the present invention shown in the figure, the sidewall 4 of the drum-shaped member 2 is provided with rows 10 of seats 5 of multiple series 20, for example, seven series 20, and each series 20 row includes six rows 10 of seats arranged sequentially along a corresponding guide circumferential portion H. Therefore, the rows 10 of seats are angularly spaced at an angle of 60° around the rotation axis X. Thus, the rows 10 of seats in different series 20 are distributed along the corresponding guide circumferential portions H, which are parallel to each other and spaced apart parallel to the rotation axis X.

[0045] The number of angled discharge positions E of the drum-shaped member 2 is equal to the number of rows 10 of the seat portion in each series 20, that is, six angled discharge positions E in this embodiment, so as to allow the discharge device 6 to discharge tablets 50 from the seat portion 50 of each row 10.

[0046] Similarly, the discharge device 6 includes a plurality of discharge elements 7, which are equal to the number of adjacent rows of series 20 parallel to the axis of rotation X, i.e., seven discharge elements 7. Each discharge element is configured to be inserted into the groove 8 of the row 10 of the seat of the corresponding row of series 20 in the operating position A of the discharge device 6, thereby pushing the corresponding tablet 50 outward and discharging it from the seat 5.

[0047] Specific reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 Each groove 8 includes: a central portion 8a that specifically extends through the thickness of the sidewall 4 and provides the internal cavity 3 in fluid connection with the external environment, the central portion 8a being arranged to face the seat 5 in the corresponding row 10 of the seat; an inlet portion 8b having an increasing depth (i.e., gradually extending into the thickness of the sidewall 4), the inlet portion 8b being arranged upstream of the central portion 8a relative to the rotation direction R of the drum 2, and the inlet portion 8b engaging with the discharge element 7 first during the rotation of the drum 2; and an outlet portion 8c having a decreasing depth, the outlet portion 8c being arranged downstream of the central portion 8a relative to the rotation direction R of the drum 2, and the outlet portion 8c being used for final engagement with the discharge element 7 during the rotation of the drum 2.

[0048] The tablet dispensing device 1 further includes a conveying device 30 associated with the outside of the drum 2 and adapted to receive tablets 50 discharged from a corresponding seat 5 by one or more discharge elements 7 and convey the tablets 50 into one or more lower containers 100.

[0049] For this purpose, the delivery device 30 includes one or more conduits 31 having: a corresponding inlet opening 31a facing the sidewall 4 of the drum-shaped member and in an angled discharge position E; and an outlet opening 31b facing the corresponding lower container 100 to be filled, such as the bottom 100a of the capsule 100 subsequently closed by a corresponding cap 100b.

[0050] In the illustrated embodiment, the delivery device 30 includes six parallel conduits 31, i.e., the number of conduits 31 is equal to the series 20 of rows.

[0051] The tablet dispensing device 1 also includes a closure device 35 associated with the delivery device 30, specifically at the outlet end 31b of the conduit 31, and is selectively positioned at a closed position C. Figure 2 ) and open position D ( Figure 3 The operation proceeds between the following positions: In the closed position C, the closure device 35 engages and closes the conduit 31, particularly the outlet end 31a of the conduit 31, to retain the tablet 50 within the delivery device 30, thereby allowing the corresponding container 100 to be positioned below the outlet end 31b, and in particular, allowing the bottom 100a of the capsule 100 to be positioned below the outlet end 31b. In the open position D, the closure device 35 disengages from the outlet end 31b, particularly spaced apart from it, and opens the conduit 31 to allow the tablet 50 to be released from the outlet end 31b, particularly into the corresponding container 100.

[0052] The closure device 35 generally includes a plate that is suspended on a support 36 and moves linearly between a closed position C and an open position D via a linear actuator 37.

[0053] The container 100 is positioned below the conveying device 30 by a suitable moving device 60 of a filling / packaging machine known but not shown, or more precisely, the bottom 100a of the capsule 100 is positioned below the conveying device 30 by a suitable moving device 60 of the filling / packaging machine on which the tablet dispensing device 1 of the present invention is mounted.

[0054] Special Reference Figure 2The tablet dispensing device 1 includes a storage unit or hopper 26 adapted to accommodate a plurality of bulk tablets 50. A drum 2 is partially inserted into the storage unit 26 such that a portion 24 of the sidewall 4 of the drum 2 is in external contact with the tablets 50, thereby allowing the tablets 50 to be inserted into the seat 5.

[0055] A rotating cylindrical brush 27, positioned on top of the storage container 26, overlaps the outer surface of the side wall 4 of the drum-shaped member 2 at the outlet of the storage container 26 to remove excess tablets 50 (e.g., two overlapping tablets) inserted into the seat portion 5 and allow the excess tablets to fall into the storage container 26. The rotating cylindrical brush 27 rotates in the same direction as the drum-shaped member 2 (see reference). Figure 2 Rotate in the counterclockwise direction.

[0056] The tablet dispensing device 1 also includes a sensor device of a known type, but not shown in the figure, which is capable of detecting an empty or tabletless seat 5 at the outlet of the storage unit 26, thereby discarding the container that is not filled with an insufficient number of tablets 50.

[0057] The tablet dispensing device 1 is also provided with a suction device 25, which is in flow connection with the interior of the drum 2 and is particularly adapted to generate a negative pressure in the internal cavity 3. This negative pressure cooperates with the rotating device of the drum 2 to hold the tablet 50 in the corresponding seat 5 until the dispensing device 6 intervenes.

[0058] The operation of the tablet dispensing device 1 of the present invention includes rotating the drum 2 about a rotation axis X to allow the dispensing device 6 to dispense tablets 50 from a seat 5 located on the outer portion of the cylindrical sidewall 4, and simultaneously allowing other tablets 50 contained in the storage member 26 to be inserted into the seat 50. When the drum 2 is in one of the angled dispensing positions E, the dispensing element 7 of the dispensing device 6 is periodically moved to an operating position A by an actuation device 15, in which the seat of the corresponding dispensing device 10 faces the inlet opening 31 of the conduit 31 of the conveying device 30. More precisely, during the rotation of the drum 2, that is, when the drum 2 rotates in a continuous motion, the transfer roller 17 follows the contour of the channel 16a of the guide cam 16, which causes the support element 18 of the dispensing device 6 to rotate about the swing axis W from a non-operating position to an operating position A, and from an operating position A to a non-operating position. The support element 18 supports the dispensing element 7 to rotate freely about the corresponding rotation axis Y.

[0059] In operating position A, the discharge element 7 is progressively inserted into the groove 8 and thus into the seat 5 of the corresponding row 10, so as to discharge the corresponding tablet 50 from the seat 5 itself and push the tablet 50 into the conduit 31 of the delivery device 30 while the drum 2 rotates. The tablet 100 descends along the conduit 31 by gravity until it reaches the outlet opening 31a. The outlet opening 31a is closed by the closing device 35 arranged in the closed position C and actuated to the open position D by the linear actuator 37 to allow the tablet 50 to exit and fill the bottom 100a below the container 100. More precisely, the closing device 35 is arranged in the open position D only when a predetermined number of tablets 50 to be dispensed into the container 100 has accumulated in each conduit 31 of the delivery device 30—this predetermined number is typically equal to the number of seats 5 in each row 10 (twelve)—and when the corresponding container 100 is correctly positioned below the outlet end 31b of the conduit 31.

[0060] Because of the tablet dispensing device 1 of the present invention, which can be associated with a packaging machine, tablets, lozenges, pills, etc., especially microtablets, can be dispensed precisely and accurately within a container 100, particularly within a hard gelatin capsule.

[0061] The dispensing device 6, equipped with multiple dispensing elements 7 inserted into grooves 8 formed at the seat of each row 10 while the drum 2 rotates, effectively allows the tablets 100 to be dispensed quickly and accurately, and pushed into the container by the conveying device 30. The actuating device 15, including cam devices 16, 17, is capable of precisely and reliably moving the dispensing elements 7 in operating position A during the rotation of the drum 2. Therefore, tablets 50 can be dispensed by actuating the drum in a continuous motion, ensuring high productivity of the dispensing equipment.

[0062] Furthermore, since the dispensing device 6 and the actuating device 15 are housed within the drum-shaped member 2 and the internal cavity 3, the tablet dispensing device 1 of the present invention is not only compact in size but also particularly suitable for packaging in the pharmaceutical field. All components and mechanisms of the dispensing device 6 and the actuating device 15 are effectively separated from the external packaging environment housed within the internal cavity 3, which is further maintained by the suction device 25, thereby preventing potential contamination of the aforementioned packaging environment.

[0063] The method for dispensing tablet 50 into container 100 according to the present invention includes the following steps:

[0064] - A cylindrical drum-shaped member 2 capable of rotating about a rotation axis X is arranged. The drum-shaped member 2 includes an internal cavity 3 and a cylindrical sidewall 4. The sidewall 4 is provided with at least one row of 10 seat portions 5, which are arranged to be adjacent to each other along a circumferential arc. The sidewall 4 of the drum-shaped member 2 has at least one groove 8 inside, which extends along the circumferential arc and communicates with the at least one row of 10 seat portions 5.

[0065] - The discharge device 6 is arranged inside the internal cavity 3 of the drum-shaped member 2;

[0066] - While rotating the drum 2, multiple tablets 50 are fed onto a portion of the outer surface of the drum 2 so that each tablet 50 is arranged in the corresponding seat 5;

[0067] - The discharge device 6 is activated in the angled discharge position E defined by the drum 2 to discharge the tablet 50 from the corresponding seat 5 toward the outside of the drum 2.

[0068] The discharge device 6 includes at least one discharge element 7, which is actuated to move to an operating position A during the rotation of the drum 2 in an angular discharge position E. In the operating position A, the discharge element 7 is slidably inserted into at least one groove 8 and at least partially inserted into the seat 5, such that the tablet 50 is discharged from the corresponding seat 5 to the outside of the drum 2 while the drum 2 is rotating.

[0069] The method also provides that: the drum 2 rotates in a circumferential arc to allow a predetermined amount of tablets 50 to be discharged into the corresponding container 100, and then the drum 2 stops and rotates again in a subsequent circumferential arc to allow a subsequent predetermined amount of tablets 50 to be discharged into the subsequent corresponding container 100.

[0070] The container 100 is arranged below the delivery device 30 associated with the drum 2 on the outside to deliver tablets 50 discharged from the corresponding seat 5 to the container 100 below.

Claims

1. A tablet dispensing device (1) for dispensing tablets (50) into a container (100), the tablet dispensing device (1) comprising: - A cylindrical drum (2) rotatable about a rotation axis (X), and the drum (2) includes an internal cavity (3) and a cylindrical sidewall (4) provided with at least one row (10) of seats (5), each seat (5) adapted to accommodate a corresponding tablet (50), the seats (5) in the at least one row (10) of seats being arranged to be adjacent to each other on a circumferential arc extending along the guide circumferential portion (H) of the drum (2); - Discharge device (6), which is located in the internal cavity (3) of the drum (2) and is configured to interact with the seat (5) at an angled discharge position (E) of the drum (2) to discharge the tablet (50) from the seat (5) to the outside of the drum (2); The sidewall (4) of the drum-shaped member (2) is provided with at least one groove (8) inside, the groove (8) extends along the circumferential arc and communicates with the seat (5) of the at least one row (10); The tablet dispensing device is characterized in that the discharge device (6) includes at least one discharge element (7) at an angled discharge position (E) of the drum (2), during continuous rotation of the drum (2), the discharge element (7) is movable in an operating position (A), in which the discharge element (7) is slidably inserted into at least one groove (8) and at least partially inserted into the seat (5) of at least one row (10) to push the corresponding tablet (50) outward and thus discharge it from the seat (5) while the drum (2) is continuously rotating.

2. The tablet dispensing device (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The tablet dispensing device (1) includes an actuator (15) located within the internal cavity (3) and arranged to actuate at least one of the discharge elements (7) between the operating position (A) and the non-operating position, wherein the discharge element (7) is spaced apart from the sidewall (4) in the non-operating position.

3. The tablet dispensing device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The discharge element includes a disc-shaped component, which is mounted to be rotatable about a corresponding rotation axis parallel to the rotation axis (X) of the drum-shaped component (2), and the disc-shaped component is shaped and sized to be inserted into at least one of the grooves (8).

4. The tablet dispensing device (1) according to claim 2, wherein, The actuating device (15) includes: an actuating cam (16) having a guide channel (16a) and fixed to the drum (2); and a transfer roller (17) engaging in the guide channel (16a) and being rotatable integrally with a support element (18) that rotatably supports the discharge element (7).

5. The tablet dispensing device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, At least one of the grooves (8) includes a central portion (8a), an inlet portion (8b) having an increased depth, and an outlet portion (8c) having a decreased depth. The central portion (8a) is arranged to face the seat (5) in the seat of the corresponding row (10). The inlet portion (8b) is arranged upstream of the central portion (8a) relative to the rotation direction (R) of the drum (2) and is intended to be engaged first by the discharge element (7) during the rotation of the drum (2). The outlet portion (8c) is arranged downstream of the central portion (8a) relative to the rotation direction (R) of the drum (2) and is intended to be engaged last by the discharge element (7) during the rotation of the drum (2).

6. The tablet dispensing device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The sidewall (4) is provided with a plurality of rows of groups (20), wherein the rows of seats (10) in each group (20) are arranged circumferentially along the corresponding guide circumferential portion (H) of the drum-shaped member (2) and spaced at an angle, and the rows of seats (10) in each group (20) are spaced apart from the rows of seats (10) in possible adjacent groups (20) parallel to the axis of rotation (X).

7. The tablet dispensing device (1) according to claim 6, wherein, The discharge device (6) includes a number of discharge elements (7) equal to the number of groups (20) of rows adjacent to each other in a manner parallel to the axis of rotation (X). Each discharge element (7) can be inserted at the operating position (A) into the groove (8) of the row (10) of the seat in the corresponding group (20) to push the corresponding tablet (50) outward and thereby discharge it from the seat (5).

8. The tablet dispensing device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The tablet dispensing device (1) includes a storage unit (26) adapted to accommodate a plurality of bulk tablets (50), the drum (2) being partially rotatably inserted into the storage unit (26) such that each time a portion (24) of the sidewall (4) comes into external contact with the tablet (50), thereby allowing the tablet (50) to be inserted into the seat (5).

9. The tablet dispensing device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The tablet dispensing device (1) includes a suction device (25) for generating a negative pressure in the internal cavity (3) at least upstream of the angular discharge position (E) to hold the tablet (50) within the corresponding seat (5) of the tablet during rotation of the drum (2).

10. The tablet dispensing device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The tablet dispensing device (1) includes a conveying device (30) externally associated with the drum (2) and adapted to receive the tablet (50) discharged from the corresponding seat (5) via the discharge element (7) and convey the tablet (50) to the container (100) below.

11. The tablet dispensing device (1) according to claim 10, wherein, The delivery device (30) includes at least one conduit (31) having an inlet opening (31a) at the angled discharge position (E) outward toward the side wall (4) and an outlet opening (31b) facing the container (100) to be filled below.

12. The tablet dispensing device (1) according to claim 11, wherein, The tablet dispensing device (1) includes a closure device (35) associated with the delivery device (30) and operable between a closed position (C) and an open position (D). In the closed position (C), the closure device engages with and closes the at least one conduit (31) to retain the tablet (50) within the delivery device (30). In the open position (D), the closure device (35) disengages from and opens the at least one conduit (31) to allow the tablet (50) to be released from the outlet opening (31b).

13. A method for dispensing tablets (50) into a container (100) by dosage, the method comprising the following stages: - A cylindrical drum-shaped member (2) capable of rotating about a rotation axis (X) is arranged, the drum-shaped member (2) including an internal cavity (3) and a cylindrical sidewall (4), the sidewall (4) being provided with at least one row (10) of seat portions (5), the seat portions (5) being arranged to be adjacent to each other along a circumferential arc, the sidewall (4) of the drum-shaped member (2) having at least one groove (8) inside, the groove (8) extending along the circumferential arc and communicating with the at least one row (10) of seat portions (5); - The discharge device (6) is arranged in the internal cavity (3) of the drum-shaped member (2); - While rotating the drum (2), a plurality of tablets are fed onto a portion of the outer surface of the drum (2) such that each tablet is arranged in a corresponding seat (5); - The discharge device (6) is activated in the defined angled discharge position (E) of the drum (2) to discharge the tablet (50) from the corresponding seat (5) toward the outside of the drum (2); The method is characterized in that the discharge device (6) includes at least one discharge element (7) which, during the continuous rotation of the drum (2) in the angular discharge position (E), is actuated to move in an operating position (A) in which the discharge element (7) is slidably inserted into at least one of the grooves (8) and at least partially inserted into the seat (5) to discharge the tablet (50) from the corresponding seat (5) to the outside of the drum while the drum (2) is continuously rotating.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein, The drum (2) rotates in a circumferential arc to allow a predetermined amount of tablets (50) to be discharged into the corresponding container (100), and then the drum (2) stops and rotates in a subsequent circumferential arc to allow a subsequent predetermined amount of tablets (50) to be discharged into the subsequent corresponding container (100).

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein, The container (100) is arranged below the delivery device (30) associated with the drum (2) on the outside to deliver the tablet (50) discharged from the corresponding seat (5) to the container (100) below.

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