Automatic production device and production process of a hollow capsule

Abstract

This invention belongs to the technical field of hollow capsule production equipment, and discloses an automatic hollow capsule production device and production process. The device includes a body capsule production device, a cap capsule production device, and a fitting mechanism. The body capsule production device and the cap capsule production device are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the fitting mechanism and have identical structures. Both the body capsule production device and the cap capsule production device include capsule rotating cylinders. The two capsule rotating cylinders rotate relative to each other under the synchronous drive of a rotary drive device, rotating 90° each time, sequentially traversing the demolding position, cutting position, and fitting position from the standby position. In this invention, the two capsule rotating cylinders operate simultaneously, and the body / cap capsules are produced synchronously. The working cycle time of each station is greatly shortened, and the working efficiency can be increased several times compared to existing mechanisms, showing a significant improvement. Furthermore, each station is equipped with a corresponding mechanism, making the entire device ingeniously designed, simple in structure, easy to assemble and disassemble, and convenient for maintenance and repair.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the technical field of empty capsule production equipment, specifically relating to an automatic empty capsule production device and production process. Background Technology

[0002] The production process of empty capsules generally includes the following steps: demolding, cutting, and assembly. Existing equipment uses traditional mechanisms to produce empty capsules, and its production cycle must follow the above sequence, which limits its production efficiency.

[0003] Meanwhile, existing capsule-making automatic machines include two cam boxes, each controlled by a mechanical cam linkage. The cam box has multiple cams highly integrated inside. Furthermore, to reduce friction and cool down, the mechanical cam linkage structure requires frequent oil changes (similar to changing the oil and filter in a car engine). During operation, the oil needs a built-in mechanical oil pump to spray it onto the cams. This results in a high degree of integration and complexity in the internal structure of the cam box, and oil splashing and leakage occur during operation. Currently, the cam box oil needs to be changed every 5-6 months, approximately 6 liters each time. During daily operation, the oil level needs to be replenished as needed. Oil stains caused by splashing and leakage need to be cleaned twice per shift, each cleaning taking at least 15 minutes. The bearings and cam discs inside the cam box have a limited lifespan and require maintenance every 2-3 months. During maintenance, due to the high degree of integration and compactness of the cam box's internal structure, special tooling is required to disassemble and replace damaged parts. Highly skilled assembly personnel are also needed for assembly and debugging. Overhauling one automatic machine takes 1-3 working days. Therefore, the existing capsule automatic machines have complex mechanical structures, require frequent cleaning and maintenance, and each cleaning and maintenance is time-consuming and difficult, requires frequent oiling, and has high production costs.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for an automated empty capsule production device and process that can meet the requirements of high-efficiency and fast-paced production while being simple in structure and easy to maintain. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention aims to address the technical problems existing in the prior art by providing an automated empty capsule production device and production process, which can meet the requirements of high efficiency and fast production cycle while having the characteristics of simple structure and convenient maintenance.

[0006] To achieve the above technical objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] An automated empty capsule production device includes a body capsule production device, a cap capsule production device, and a fitting mechanism; the body capsule production device and the cap capsule production device are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the fitting mechanism and have the same structure.

[0008] Both the body capsule production device and the cap capsule production device include a capsule rotating cylinder. Four rows of clamps are arranged at 90° intervals along the axial direction on the capsule rotating cylinder. Each row of clamps corresponds to a standby position, a demolding position, a cutting position, and a fitting position. The standby position is located above the capsule rotating cylinder and is used to wait for entry into the demolding position. The demolding positions are located on the left and right sides of the capsule rotating cylinder and are equipped with demolding mechanisms to automatically demold the body capsules / capsules from the mold and push them into the clamps. The cutting position is located below the capsule rotating cylinder and is equipped with a cutting mechanism to cut off excess material from the body capsules / capsules. The fitting position is located between the two capsule rotating cylinders and is equipped with a fitting mechanism to fit the body capsules and cap capsules together.

[0009] The two capsule cylinders on the left and right rotate relative to each other under the synchronous drive of the rotary drive device, rotating 90° each time, and sequentially traversing the demolding position, cutting position and fitting position from the standby position to complete the production of hollow capsules.

[0010] Furthermore, each row of clamps in the capsule rotating cylinder includes multiple clamps;

[0011] The collet includes a collet body, which is connected to the capsule rotating cylinder. A push rod is slidably disposed inside the collet body. A push block is fixedly connected above one end of the push rod near the capsule rotating cylinder. The push block is movably disposed in a sliding groove opened on the collet body. A first push plate is fixedly connected to the upper end of the push block.

[0012] The end of the collet body away from the capsule rotating cylinder is threadedly connected to the collet head through a bushing. The collet head is provided with a locking boss, and a second push plate is movably sleeved between the locking boss and the bushing.

[0013] The collet head is provided with an open flap claw at the end away from the bushing. The open flap claw is used to elastically grasp the capsule / capsule. When the second push plate slides toward the bushing, the open flap claw opens. When the second push plate slides toward the locking boss, the open flap claw closes and locks.

[0014] Furthermore, two linear motor modules are provided on each of the left and right sides of the end of the capsule rotating cylinder, namely a first linear motor module and a second linear motor module;

[0015] The first linear motor module is provided with a first actuating plate on each of the left and right sides of the end of the first push plate. The two first actuating plates are used to clamp and actuate the first push plate to drive the push rod to move left and right. When the push rod moves to the outside of the collet, it can push out the material head of the body capsule / cap capsule to a set length, which is the fixed length of the material head cutting at the cutting position.

[0016] The second linear motor module is provided with a second actuating plate on each of the left and right sides of the end of the second push plate; the two second actuating plates are used to clamp and move the second push plate left and right, so as to realize the opening of the collet jaws or the closing and locking of the collet head.

[0017] Furthermore, the demolding mechanism provided at the demolding position includes two forward servo motors, each of which is connected to a horizontal toothed plate via gear meshing.

[0018] The upper end of the forward-pushing servo motor is fixedly connected to a biting servo motor. The biting servo motor is simultaneously connected to a first vertical gear plate and a second vertical gear plate through a first gear. The first vertical gear plate and the second vertical gear plate are located on the left and right sides of the first gear, respectively.

[0019] The first vertical toothed plate is fixedly connected to the upper clamping plate, and the second vertical toothed plate is fixedly connected to the lower clamping plate.

[0020] Furthermore, an upper cover plate and an upper side plate are respectively provided on the upper side of the upper clamping plate and the inner side near the capsule rotating cylinder. An upper engaging piece is floatingly provided on the mating surface of the inner side of the upper clamping plate and the upper side plate. The upper engaging piece is connected to the upper cover plate by an upper spring. An upper elliptical hole is opened through the upper engaging piece. The upper side plate and the inner side of the upper clamping plate are fixedly connected by an upper bolt. The upper elliptical hole of the upper engaging piece floats through the upper bolt.

[0021] Similarly, a lower cover plate and a lower side plate are respectively provided on the lower side of the lower clamping plate and the inner side near the capsule rotating cylinder. A lower engagement piece is floatingly provided on the mating surface of the inner side of the lower clamping plate and the lower side plate. The lower engagement piece is connected to the lower cover plate by a lower spring. A lower elliptical hole is opened through the lower engagement piece. The lower side plate and the inner side of the lower clamping plate are fixedly connected by a lower bolt. The lower elliptical hole of the lower engagement piece floats through the lower bolt.

[0022] Furthermore, the cutting mechanism at the cutting position includes a guide rail, on which a mounting base is slidably disposed. The end of the mounting base is driven and connected to a cutting reciprocating servo motor. A cutting motor is fixedly connected to the mounting base, and a cutting blade is rotatably connected to the cutting motor.

[0023] Furthermore, the cutting end of the cutter is angled upwards.

[0024] Furthermore, the fitting mechanism at the fitting position includes several fitting blocks; one side of each fitting block is rotatably connected to the cap-side fitting hopper, and the other side is fixedly connected to the body-side fitting hopper; the chambers of the cap-side fitting hopper, the fitting block, and the body-side fitting hopper are interconnected for fitting the cap capsule and the body capsule; the fitting block and the body-side fitting hopper are fixedly arranged.

[0025] The opening of the cap-side fitting hopper is aligned with the cap-side clamp, and the cap-side clamp holds the cap capsule; the opening of the body-side fitting hopper is aligned with the body-side clamp, and the body-side clamp holds the body capsule.

[0026] A cap-side hopper gear is fixedly installed near the fitting block. The cap-side hopper gear is meshed with a cap-side transmission rack. One end of the cap-side transmission rack is driven and connected to the cap-side hopper tilting cylinder.

[0027] Furthermore, both the cap-side fitting hopper and the body-side fitting hopper are semi-cylindrical structures with open tops, and the chamber diameter of the cap-side fitting hopper is larger than that of the body-side fitting hopper.

[0028] Meanwhile, the present invention also provides an automated production process for empty capsules, which uses the automated empty capsule generating device as described in any of the preceding claims, and the production process includes the following steps:

[0029] Demolding: Drive the capsule cylinder to rotate 90°, rotate the clamp from the standby position to the demolding position, start the forward servo motor of the demolding mechanism, and move it along the horizontal toothed plate to approach the clamp; after the demolding mechanism moves horizontally into position, turn off the forward servo motor and start the bite servo motor to rotate forward. The bite servo motor synchronously drives the first vertical toothed plate to move downward and the second vertical toothed plate to move upward, so that the upper clamping plate and the lower clamping plate approach each other and converge, and then the upper bite plate and the lower bite plate approach each other to bite the mold pin on the mold; after the bite action is completed, the forward servo motor continues to move along the horizontal toothed plate to the clamp of the capsule cylinder, so that the capsule attached to the mold pin is pushed away from the mold pin by the upper and lower bite plates and pushed into the clamp; after demolding is completed, the forward servo motor returns to the initial position, and the bite servo motor reverses to open the upper and lower clamping plates and return to the initial position;

[0030] Cutting to fixed length: The first linear motor module starts, driving the first actuating plate to move the first push plate to push the push rod to move outward of the collet, pushing the capsule outward to the material head of the set length, so as to fix the capsule length for the next station of cutting; then, the second linear motor module starts, driving the second actuating plate to move the second push plate to move towards the locking boss, so that the collet gathers and locks the capsule.

[0031] Cutting: Continue to drive the capsule cylinder to rotate 90°, so that the clamp at the demolding position rotates to the cutting position. Then, start the cutting motor and the cutting reciprocating servo motor of the cutting mechanism in sequence. The cutting reciprocating servo motor drives the cutting motor to drive the cutter to rotate at high speed, cutting off the capsule material head in a row of clamps. After the cutting is completed, the cutting reciprocating servo motor drives the cutting motor to reset.

[0032] Fitting: Continue to drive the capsule cylinder to rotate 90°, so that the clamp at the cutting position rotates to the fitting position, and the push rods on the body capsule side and the cap capsule side push the body capsule and the cap capsule into the fitting block in the middle of the fitting mechanism for fitting.

[0033] Material collection: After the fitting is completed, the push rod on the cap capsule side returns, and the push rod on the body capsule side continues to extend, passing through the middle fitting block to push the fitted capsule into the cap-side fitting hopper. Then, the push rod on the body capsule side returns. Next, the cap-side hopper tilting cylinder is activated to drive the cap-side transmission rack to move linearly a set distance, thereby driving the cap-side hopper gear to rotate the cap-side hopper, causing the fitted capsule in the cap-side hopper to rotate downwards and fall onto the conveyor belt below for transportation and collection. Afterward, the cap-side hopper tilting cylinder drives the cap-side transmission rack to reset, thus resetting the cap-side hopper.

[0034] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0035] (1) The automatic hollow capsule production device provided by the present invention has the same structure for the body capsule production device and the cap capsule production device, which are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the fitting mechanism. The body / cap capsule production device includes a capsule rotating cylinder. The two capsule rotating cylinders rotate relative to each other under the synchronous drive of the rotating drive device. Each rotation is 90°. The device passes through the demolding position, cutting position and fitting position in sequence from the standby position. The hollow capsule is produced by the cooperation of the demolding mechanism, cutting mechanism and fitting mechanism on the corresponding work station. The two capsule rotating cylinders move at the same time and the body / cap capsule is produced synchronously. The working cycle of each work station is greatly shortened. The working efficiency can be increased by several times compared with the existing mechanism, which is a significant improvement.

[0036] (2) Meanwhile, the automatic empty capsule production device provided by the present invention has two capsule rotating cylinders on the left and right sides operating simultaneously and the body / cap capsules being produced synchronously. Each station is equipped with a corresponding mechanism (including demolding mechanism, cutting mechanism and fitting mechanism). There is no need to set up a traditional cam box, which makes the whole device ingeniously designed, simple in structure and easy to disassemble and assemble. It significantly reduces the frequency, time and difficulty of maintenance and cleaning, and facilitates maintenance. At the same time, there is no need to add oil frequently, which greatly reduces production cost and maintenance cost. Attached Figure Description

[0037] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the automated empty capsule production device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 2 This is a front view of the automated empty capsule production device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the collet structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 4 This is a partially enlarged structural schematic diagram of the automated hollow capsule production device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the demolding mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the floating connection structure of the upper and lower interlocking pieces in the demolding mechanism of this invention.

[0043] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the cutting mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the fitting position according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 9 This is a top view structural diagram of the fitting position according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the fitting mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0047] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0048] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "coaxial," "bottom," "one end," "top," "middle," "other end," "upper," "side," "top," "inner," "front," "center," "both ends," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting this invention.

[0049] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "setting," "connection," "fixing," "screw connection," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal connection of two components or the interaction between two components. Unless otherwise explicitly limited, those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0050] Example 1

[0051] Combination Figure 1-2 As shown, this embodiment of the invention provides an automatic empty capsule production device, including a body capsule production device, a cap capsule production device, and a fitting mechanism; the body capsule production device and the cap capsule production device are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the fitting mechanism and have the same structure.

[0052] Both the body capsule production device and the cap capsule production device include a capsule rotating cylinder 6. Four rows of clamps are arranged at 90° intervals along the axial direction on the capsule rotating cylinder 6. Each row of clamps corresponds to a standby position 1, a demolding position 2, a cutting position 3, and a fitting position 4. The standby position 1 is located above the capsule rotating cylinder 6 and is used to wait for entry into the demolding position 2. The demolding positions 2 are located on the left and right sides of the capsule rotating cylinder 6 and are equipped with demolding mechanisms 5, which automatically demold the body capsules / capsules from the mold and push them into the clamps 8. The cutting position 3 is located below the capsule rotating cylinder 6 and is equipped with a cutting mechanism 10, which cuts off excess material from the body capsules / capsules. The fitting position 4 is located between the two capsule rotating cylinders 6 and is equipped with a fitting mechanism 11, which fits the body capsules and cap capsules together.

[0053] The two capsule rotating cylinders 6 on the left and right rotate relative to each other under the synchronous drive of the rotary drive device 7, rotating 90° each time. They sequentially pass through the demolding position 2, the cutting position 3 and the fitting position 4 from the standby position 1 to complete the production of hollow capsules. The two capsule rotating cylinders 6 on the left and right move at the same time, and the body capsule and the cap capsule are produced synchronously. The working cycle of each station is greatly shortened, and the working efficiency can be increased several times compared with the existing mechanism.

[0054] Specifically, each row of clamps in the capsule rotating cylinder 6 includes multiple clamps 8, such as 20-40 clamps 8. Figure 3-4As shown, the collet 8 includes a collet body 8.3, which is threadedly connected to the capsule rotating cylinder 6 via an external threaded connector 8.7. A push rod 8.2 is slidably disposed inside the collet body 8.3. A push block 8.1 is fixedly connected above the end of the push rod 8.2 near the external threaded connector 8.7. The push block 8.1 is movably disposed in a sliding groove 8.8 opened on the collet body 8.3, and a first push plate 9 is fixedly connected to the upper end of the push block 8.1. The end of the collet body 8.3 away from the external threaded connector 8.7 is threaded through a bushing 8.4. A screw-on collet 8.6 is provided, on which a locking boss 8.5 is provided. A second push plate 10 is movably sleeved between the locking boss 8.5 and the bushing 8.4. An opening flap claw 8.8 is provided at the end of the collet 8.6 away from the bushing 8.4. The opening flap claw is used to elastically grasp the capsule / capsule. When the second push plate 10 slides toward the bushing 8.4, the opening flap claw 8.8 opens; when the second push plate 10 slides toward the locking boss 8.5, the opening flap claw 8.8 closes and locks the contents of the capsule / capsule.

[0055] In some embodiments, the diameter of the collet 8.6 can be changed according to the diameter of the body capsule / capsule of the current batch, making the operation convenient and flexible.

[0056] See Figure 4 As shown, two linear motor modules 14 are provided on the left and right sides of the end of the capsule rotating cylinder 6, namely a first linear motor module 14.1 and a second linear motor module 14.2. The first linear motor module 14.1 is provided with a first actuating plate 12 on each of the left and right sides of the end of the first push plate 9. The two first actuating plates 12 are used to clamp and actuate the first push plate 9 to drive the push rod 8.2 to move left and right. When the push rod 8.2 moves outward to the outside of the collet 8, the material head of the body capsule / cap capsule can be pushed outward to a set length, thereby setting the material head cutting length at the cutting position 3. The second linear motor module 14.2 is provided with a second actuating plate 13 on each of the left and right sides of the end of the second push plate 10. The two second actuating plates 13 are used to clamp and actuate the second push plate 10 to move left and right, thereby realizing the opening flap claw 8.8 of the collet head 8.6 opening or closing and locking.

[0057] The linear motor module 14 is equipped with a linear motor, which is used to drive the corresponding toggle plate to reciprocate left and right.

[0058] The demolding mechanism 5 provided at the demolding position 2 is as follows: Figure 5As shown, it includes two forward servo motors 5.1. Each forward servo motor 5.1 is movably connected to a horizontal gear plate 5.2 via gear meshing. The upper end of the forward servo motor 5.1 is fixedly connected to a biting servo motor 5.3 via an L-shaped connecting plate 5.14. The biting servo motor 5.3 is simultaneously connected to a first vertical gear plate 5.4 and a second vertical gear plate 5.5 via a first gear (not shown). The first vertical gear plate 5.4 and the second vertical gear plate 5.5 are located on the left and right sides of the first gear, respectively. The first vertical gear plate 5.4 is fixedly connected to an upper clamping plate 5.6, and the second vertical gear plate 5.5 is fixedly connected to a lower clamping plate 5.5.

[0059] An upper cover plate 5.8 and an upper side plate 5.15 are respectively provided on the upper side of the upper clamping plate 5.6 and the inner side near the capsule rotating cylinder 6. An upper engaging piece 5.11 is floatingly provided on the mating surface of the inner side of the upper clamping plate 5.6 and the upper side plate 5.15. The upper engaging piece 5.11 is connected to the upper cover plate 5.5 by an upper spring 5.17. An upper elliptical hole 5.19 is provided through the upper engaging piece 5.11. The upper side plate 5.15 and the inner side of the upper clamping plate 5.6 are fixedly connected by an upper bolt 5.21. The upper elliptical hole 5.19 of the upper engaging piece 5.11 floats through the upper bolt 5.21.

[0060] Similarly, a lower cover plate 5.9 and a lower side plate 5.16 are respectively provided on the lower side of the lower clamping plate 5.7 and the inner side near the capsule rotating cylinder 6. A lower engaging piece 5.12 is floatingly provided on the mating surface of the inner side of the lower clamping plate 5.7 and the lower side plate 5.16. The lower engaging piece 5.12 is connected to the lower cover plate 5.9 by a lower spring 5.18. A lower elliptical hole 5.20 is provided through the lower engaging piece 5.12. The lower side plate 5.16 and the inner side of the lower clamping plate 5.7 are fixedly connected by a lower bolt 5.22. The lower elliptical hole 5.20 of the lower engaging piece 5.12 floats through the lower bolt 5.22.

[0061] When the row of collets 8 of the capsule rotating cylinder 6 rotates to the demolding position 2, the forward push servo motor 5.1 is activated, causing it to move along the horizontal toothed plate 5.2 closer to the collets 8; after the horizontal movement is in place, the forward push servo motor 5.1 is turned off; the mold (not shown) in the external equipment drives the mold pin 5.13 to move to the demolding position 2; the biting servo motor 5.3 is activated to rotate forward, and the biting servo motor 5.3 synchronously drives the first vertical toothed plate 5.4 to move downward and the second vertical toothed plate 5.5 to move upward, so that the upper clamping plate 5.6 and the lower clamping plate 5.7 move closer and converge, thereby causing the upper biting piece 5.11 and the lower biting piece 5.12 to move closer and bite the mold pin 5.13 on the mold; during the biting process, the upper and lower biting pieces float through their respective upper and lower springs to achieve the correction and fit of the mold pin; after the biting action is completed, the forward push servo motors on both sides... Machine 5.1 continues to move along the horizontal toothed plate 5.2 toward the collet 8 of the capsule rotating cylinder 6, so that the capsule attached to the die needle 5.13 is pushed away from the die needle by the upper and lower biting plates and pushed into the collet head 8.6 of the collet 8 (the opening flap claw 8.8 opens); after demolding, the forward push servo motor 5.1 returns to the initial position, and the biting servo motor 5.3 reverses, so that the upper and lower clamping plates open and return to the initial position; then, the first linear motor module 14.1 starts, driving the first actuating plate 12 to drive the first push plate 9 to push the push rod 8.2 to move outward of the collet 8, pushing the capsule outward to the material head of a set length, so as to fix the capsule length for the next station of cutting; after that, the second linear motor module 14.2 starts, driving the second actuating plate 13 to drive the second push plate 10 to move toward the locking boss 8.5, so that the opening flap claw 8.8 gathers and locks the capsule.

[0062] like Figure 7 As shown, the cutting mechanism 10 at the cutting position 3 includes a guide rail 10.1, a mounting base 10.5 is slidably disposed on the guide rail 10.1, the end of the mounting base 10.5 is driven and connected to the cutting reciprocating servo motor 10.2, a cutting motor 10.3 is fixedly connected to the mounting base 10.5, and a cutter 10.4 is rotatably connected to the cutting motor 10.3.

[0063] The guide rail 10.1 is fixedly mounted on the cutting bracket (not shown), and a collection cover (not shown) is provided below the guide rail 10.1 for collecting the tail material after cutting; the collection cover is a funnel-shaped collection cover to better collect the tail material after cutting.

[0064] During cutting, the cutting reciprocating servo motor 10.2 drives the mounting base 10.5 to move linearly along the guide rail 10.1, and the cutting motor 10.3 drives the cutter 10.4 to rotate at high speed, cutting off the capsule head in a row of collets 8. The cut-off material falls into the collection hood. After cutting is completed, the cutting reciprocating servo motor 10.2 drives the mounting base 10.5 to move the cutting motor 10.3 back to the initial position.

[0065] In addition, the cutting end of the cutter 10.4 is inclined upward. Specifically, the mounting base 10.5 adjusts the tilt angle of the cutter 10.4 on the cutting motor 10.3 by means of four fixing bolts.

[0066] The purpose of this design is that after the cutting end of the cutter 10.4 cuts off the capsule head, the cut capsule does not come into contact with the non-cutting end of the cutter 10.4. This effectively avoids burrs on the capsule caused by friction between the cutter blade and the capsule after the blade cuts horizontally. It also reduces the wear of the capsule on the cutter body, extends the service life of the cutter, and ensures the cutting effect.

[0067] like Figure 8-10 As shown, the fitting mechanism 11 at the fitting position 4 includes several fitting blocks 11.3; one side of each fitting block 11.3 is rotatably connected to the cap-side fitting hopper 11.4, and the other side is fixedly connected to the body-side fitting hopper 11.5; the chambers of the cap-side fitting hopper 11.4, the fitting blocks 11.3, and the body-side fitting hopper 11.5 are interconnected for fitting the cap capsule and the body capsule; the opening of the cap-side fitting hopper 11.4 is aligned with the cap-side collet 8.9, and the cap-side collet 8.9 clamps the cap capsule. The cap-shaped capsule is held in place, with the opening of the body-side fitting hopper 11.5 aligned with the body-side collet 8.10, which holds the capsule. The fitting block 11.3 and the body-side fitting hopper 11.5 are fixedly arranged; specifically, the fitting block 11.3 or the body-side fitting hopper 11.5 is fixedly connected to a fitting bracket (not shown). The cap-side fitting hopper 11.4 is fixedly fitted with a cap-side hopper gear 11.6 (see [reference]) near the fitting block 11.3. Figure 10 The cap-side hopper gear 11.6 is meshed with a cap-side transmission rack 11.2, and one end of the cap-side transmission rack 11.2 is driven by the cap-side hopper tilting cylinder 11.1.

[0068] In other embodiments of the present invention, the hat-side drive rack 11.2 may be engaged with the top or bottom of the hat-side hopper gear 11.6. Preferably, the hat-side drive rack 11.2 is engaged with the bottom of the hat-side hopper gear 11.6, which facilitates better meshing of the hat-side drive rack 11.2 and the hat-side hopper gear 11.6 by means of gravity.

[0069] Meanwhile, both the cap-side hopper 11.4 and the body-side hopper 11.5 are semi-cylindrical structures with open tops. The chamber diameter of the cap-side hopper 11.4 is larger than that of the body-side hopper 11.5 (because the diameter of the cap capsule is larger than that of the body capsule).

[0070] During fitting, the push rods 8.2 on the body capsule side and the cap capsule side push the body capsule / cap capsule into the middle fitting block 11.3 for fitting. After fitting, the push rod 8.2 on the cap capsule side returns, while the push rod 8.2 on the body capsule side extends further, passes through the middle fitting block 11.3, and pushes the fitted capsule into the cap-side fitting hopper 11.4. Then, the push rod 8.2 on the body capsule side returns. Since each cap-side fitting hopper 11.4 is equipped with a cap-side hopper gear 11.6, the cap-side transmission rack 11.2 is driven to move linearly a set distance by the cap-side hopper tilting cylinder 11.1, thereby driving the cap-side hopper gear 11.6 to rotate the cap-side fitting hopper 11.4 by 90° (or more), so that the entire fitted capsule falls down for collection.

[0071] Furthermore, a conveyor belt (not shown) is provided below the fitting mechanism for receiving the fallen fitted capsules and transporting and collecting them.

[0072] Example 2

[0073] This invention provides an automated production process for empty capsules, which uses the automated empty capsule generating device described in Example 1.

[0074] Specifically, the production process includes the following steps:

[0075] (1) Demolding: Drive the capsule rotating cylinder 6 to rotate 90°, rotate the capsule rotating cylinder 6 from the standby position to the demolding position 2, start the forward push servo motor 5.1 of the demolding mechanism 5, so that it moves along the horizontal toothed plate 5.2 close to the cartridge clamp 8; after the demolding mechanism 5 moves horizontally into place, turn off the forward push servo motor 5.1, start the bite servo motor 5.3 to rotate forward, and the bite servo motor 5.3 synchronously drives the first vertical toothed plate 5.4 to move downward and the second vertical toothed plate 5.5 to move upward, so that the upper clamping plate 5.6 and the lower clamping plate 5.7 move closer to each other and converge, thereby making the upper bite plate 5.11 and the lower bite plate 5.12 The mold pins 5.13 on the mold bite mold approach each other; during the biting process, the upper and lower biting plates float through their respective upper and lower springs to correct and fit the mold pins; after the biting action is completed, the forward push servo motors 5.1 on both sides continue to move along the horizontal toothed plate 5.2 toward the collet 8 of the capsule rotating cylinder 6, so that the capsule attached to the mold pin is pushed away from the mold pin by the upper and lower biting plates and pushed into the collet head 8.6 of the collet 8 (the opening flap claw 8.8 is initially open); after demolding is completed, the forward push servo motor 5.1 returns to the initial position, and the biting servo motor 5.3 reverses to make the upper and lower clamping plates open and return to the initial position;

[0076] (2) Cutting to fixed length: The first linear motor module 14.1 starts, driving the first actuating plate 12 to drive the first push plate 9 to push the push rod 8.2 to move outward of the collet 8, pushing the capsule outward to the material head of a set length, and setting the capsule length in order to complete the cutting of the next station; then, the second linear motor module 14.2 starts, driving the second actuating plate 13 to drive the second push plate 10 to move towards the locking boss 8.5, so that the opening flap claw 8.8 gathers and locks the capsule;

[0077] (3) Cutting: Continue to drive the capsule cylinder 6 to rotate 90°, so that the clamp 8 at the demolding position 2 rotates to the cutting position 3. Then, start the cutting motor 10.3 and the cutting reciprocating servo motor 10.2 of the cutting mechanism 10 in sequence. The cutting reciprocating servo motor 10.2 drives the mounting base 10.5 to move linearly along the guide rail 10.1. The cutting motor 10.3 on the mounting base 10.5 drives the cutter 10.4 to rotate at high speed, cutting off the capsule material head in a row of clamps 8. The cut-off tail material falls into the collection hood for collection. After the cutting is completed, the cutting reciprocating servo motor 10.2 drives the mounting base 10.5 to drive the cutting motor 10.3 back to the initial position.

[0078] (4) Fitting: Continue to drive the capsule rotating cylinder 6 to rotate 90°, so that the clamp 8 at the cutting position 3 rotates to the fitting position 4, and the push rods 8.2 on the body capsule side and the cap capsule side push the body capsule and the cap capsule respectively into the fitting block 11.3 in the middle of the fitting mechanism 11 for fitting;

[0079] (5) Material collection: After the fitting is completed, the push rod 8.2 on the cap capsule side returns, and the push rod 8.2 on the body capsule side continues to extend and pass through the middle fitting block 11.3 to push the fitted capsule into the cap-side fitting hopper 11.4. Then, the push rod 8.2 on the body capsule side returns. Then, the cap-side hopper tilting cylinder 11.1 is activated to drive the cap-side transmission rack 11.2 to move linearly a set distance, thereby driving the cap-side hopper gear 11.6 to rotate the cap-side hopper 11.4 by 90° (or more), so that the fitted capsule in the cap-side hopper 11.4 rotates downward and falls onto the conveyor belt below for transportation and collection. After that, the cap-side hopper tilting cylinder 11.1 drives the cap-side transmission rack 11.2 to reset, so that the cap-side hopper 11.4 is reset.

[0080] The above description is merely an embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the scope of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automated empty capsule production device, characterized in that, It includes a body capsule production device, a cap capsule production device, and a fitting mechanism; the body capsule production device and the cap capsule production device are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the fitting mechanism and have the same structure; Both the body capsule production device and the cap capsule production device include a capsule rotating cylinder. Four rows of clamps are arranged at 90° intervals along the axial direction on the capsule rotating cylinder. Each row of clamps corresponds to a standby position, a demolding position, a cutting position, and a fitting position. The standby position is located above the capsule rotating cylinder and is used to wait for entry into the demolding position. The demolding positions are located on the left and right sides of the capsule rotating cylinder and are equipped with demolding mechanisms to automatically demold the body capsules / capsules from the mold and push them into the clamps. The cutting position is located below the capsule rotating cylinder and is equipped with a cutting mechanism to cut off excess material from the body capsules / capsules. The fitting position is located between the two capsule rotating cylinders and is equipped with a fitting mechanism to fit the body capsules and cap capsules together. The two capsule cylinders on the left and right rotate relative to each other under the synchronous drive of the rotary drive device, rotating 90° each time, and sequentially traversing the demolding position, cutting position and fitting position from the standby position to complete the production of hollow capsules; The cutting mechanism at the cutting position includes a guide rail, on which a mounting base is slidably disposed. The end of the mounting base is driven and connected to a cutting reciprocating servo motor. A cutting motor is fixedly connected to the mounting base, and a cutting blade is rotatably connected to the cutting motor. The cutting end of the cutting blade is inclined upward.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each row of clamps in the capsule rotating cylinder includes multiple clamps; The collet includes a collet body, which is connected to the capsule rotating cylinder. A push rod is slidably disposed inside the collet body. A push block is fixedly connected above one end of the push rod near the capsule rotating cylinder. The push block is movably disposed in a sliding groove opened on the collet body. A first push plate is fixedly connected to the upper end of the push block. The end of the collet body away from the capsule rotating cylinder is threadedly connected to the collet head through a bushing. The collet head is provided with a locking boss, and a second push plate is movably sleeved between the locking boss and the bushing. The collet head is provided with an open flap claw at the end away from the bushing. The open flap claw is used to elastically grasp the capsule / capsule. When the second push plate slides toward the bushing, the open flap claw opens. When the second push plate slides toward the locking boss, the open flap claw closes and locks.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, Two linear motor modules are provided on each of the left and right sides of the end of the capsule rotating cylinder, namely the first linear motor module and the second linear motor module; The first linear motor module is provided with a first actuating plate on each of the left and right sides of the end of the first push plate. The two first actuating plates are used to clamp and actuate the first push plate to drive the push rod to move left and right. When the push rod moves to the outside of the collet, it can push out the material head of the body capsule / cap capsule to a set length, which is the fixed length of the material head cutting at the cutting position. The second linear motor module is provided with a second actuating plate on each of the left and right sides of the end of the second push plate; the two second actuating plates are used to clamp and move the second push plate left and right, so as to realize the opening of the collet jaws or the closing and locking of the collet head.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The demolding mechanism provided at the demolding position includes two forward servo motors, each of which is connected to a horizontal toothed plate via gear meshing. The upper end of the forward-pushing servo motor is fixedly connected to a biting servo motor. The biting servo motor is simultaneously connected to a first vertical gear plate and a second vertical gear plate through a first gear. The first vertical gear plate and the second vertical gear plate are located on the left and right sides of the first gear, respectively. The first vertical toothed plate is fixedly connected to the upper clamping plate, and the second vertical toothed plate is fixedly connected to the lower clamping plate.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that, An upper cover plate and an upper side plate are respectively provided on the upper side of the upper clamping plate and the inner side near the capsule rotating cylinder. An upper engagement piece is floatingly provided on the mating surface of the inner side of the upper clamping plate and the upper side plate. The upper engagement piece is connected to the upper cover plate by an upper spring. An upper elliptical hole is opened through the upper engagement piece. The upper side plate and the inner side of the upper clamping plate are fixedly connected by an upper bolt. The upper elliptical hole of the upper engagement piece floats through the upper bolt. Similarly, a lower cover plate and a lower side plate are respectively provided on the lower side of the lower clamping plate and the inner side near the capsule rotating cylinder. A lower engagement piece is floatingly provided on the mating surface of the inner side of the lower clamping plate and the lower side plate. The lower engagement piece is connected to the lower cover plate by a lower spring. A lower elliptical hole is opened through the lower engagement piece. The lower side plate and the inner side of the lower clamping plate are fixedly connected by a lower bolt. The lower elliptical hole of the lower engagement piece floats through the lower bolt.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fitting mechanism at the fitting position includes several fitting blocks; one side of each fitting block is rotatably connected to the cap-side fitting hopper, and the other side is fixedly connected to the body-side fitting hopper; the chambers of the cap-side fitting hopper, the fitting block, and the body-side fitting hopper are interconnected and used to fit the cap capsule and the body capsule; the fitting block and the body-side fitting hopper are fixedly arranged. The opening of the cap-side fitting hopper is aligned with the cap-side clamp, and the cap-side clamp holds the cap capsule; the opening of the body-side fitting hopper is aligned with the body-side clamp, and the body-side clamp holds the body capsule. A cap-side hopper gear is fixedly installed near the fitting block. The cap-side hopper gear is meshed with a cap-side transmission rack. One end of the cap-side transmission rack is driven and connected to the cap-side hopper tilting cylinder.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, Both the cap-side fitting hopper and the body-side fitting hopper are semi-cylindrical structures with open tops, and the chamber diameter of the cap-side fitting hopper is larger than that of the body-side fitting hopper.

8. An automated production process for empty capsules, using the automated empty capsule generating apparatus as described in any one of claims 1-7, the production process comprising the following steps: Demolding: Drive the capsule cylinder to rotate 90°, rotate the clamp from the standby position to the demolding position, start the forward servo motor of the demolding mechanism, and move it along the horizontal toothed plate to approach the clamp; after the demolding mechanism moves horizontally into position, turn off the forward servo motor and start the bite servo motor to rotate forward. The bite servo motor synchronously drives the first vertical toothed plate to move downward and the second vertical toothed plate to move upward, so that the upper clamping plate and the lower clamping plate approach each other and converge, and then the upper bite plate and the lower bite plate approach each other to bite the mold pin on the mold; after the bite action is completed, the forward servo motor continues to move along the horizontal toothed plate to the clamp of the capsule cylinder, so that the capsule attached to the mold pin is pushed away from the mold pin by the upper and lower bite plates and pushed into the clamp; after demolding is completed, the forward servo motor returns to the initial position, and the bite servo motor reverses to open the upper and lower clamping plates and return to the initial position; Cutting to fixed length: The first linear motor module starts, driving the first actuating plate to move the first push plate to push the push rod to move outward of the collet, pushing the capsule outward to the material head of the set length, so as to fix the capsule length for the next station of cutting; then, the second linear motor module starts, driving the second actuating plate to move the second push plate to move towards the locking boss, so that the collet gathers and locks the capsule. Cutting: Continue to drive the capsule cylinder to rotate 90°, so that the clamp at the demolding position rotates to the cutting position. Then, start the cutting motor and the cutting reciprocating servo motor of the cutting mechanism in sequence. The cutting reciprocating servo motor drives the cutting motor to drive the cutter to rotate at high speed, cutting off the capsule material head in a row of clamps. After the cutting is completed, the cutting reciprocating servo motor drives the cutting motor to reset. Fitting: Continue to drive the capsule cylinder to rotate 90°, so that the clamp at the cutting position rotates to the fitting position, and the push rods on the body capsule side and the cap capsule side push the body capsule and the cap capsule into the fitting block in the middle of the fitting mechanism for fitting. Material collection: After the fitting is completed, the push rod on the cap capsule side returns, and the push rod on the body capsule side continues to extend, passing through the middle fitting block to push the fitted capsule into the cap-side fitting hopper. Then, the push rod on the body capsule side returns. Next, the cap-side hopper tilting cylinder is activated to drive the cap-side transmission rack to move linearly a set distance, thereby driving the cap-side hopper gear to rotate the cap-side hopper, causing the fitted capsule in the cap-side hopper to rotate downwards and fall onto the conveyor belt below for transportation and collection. Afterward, the cap-side hopper tilting cylinder drives the cap-side transmission rack to reset, thus resetting the cap-side hopper.

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