Combined soft capsule processing equipment

Abstract

The invention discloses combined soft capsule processing equipment which comprises a first forming module and a second forming module which are symmetrically arranged left and right, each of the first forming module and the second forming module comprises a forming roller and an airflow distributor, the forming rollers are rotationally mounted on a rack, a plurality of groups of mold grooves are uniformly distributed in the circumferential side surfaces of the forming rollers, and a plurality of airflow channels are formed in the forming rollers; one end of each air flow channel axially extends to the first end face of the forming roller, and an air vent is formed in the first end face of each air flow channel; the air flow distributor is provided with a vent groove, the vent groove and the first end face are arranged in a dynamic sealing mode, the vent groove is connected with a negative pressure source, the forming roller rotates relative to the air flow distributor, the vent ports of the first end face all pass through the vent groove, the vent ports and the vent groove are communicated when the vent ports and the vent groove are opposite, and the communicated die grooves are in a negative pressure state. The rubber covering the surface of the forming roller is sucked into the mold groove to form the containing cavity, tablets, pellets and the like can be contained in the containing cavity, and processing of soft capsules containing different dosage forms can be achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of soft capsule processing, specifically to a combined soft capsule processing equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Soft capsules and hard capsules are two types of pharmaceutical packaging. Soft capsules are typically used for liquid medications, while hard capsules are used for powders, microcapsules, and other similar medications. In recent years, with advancements in pharmaceutical technology, to provide greater convenience for patients, soft capsules have been used to simultaneously contain two dosage forms of medication. For example, a combination of liquid medication with powders, tablets, microcapsules, or hard capsules can not only contain two different medications but also maximize their efficacy due to the different breakdown sequences of these drugs in the body.

[0003] The principle of traditional soft capsule production can be found in publication number CN119394032A, entitled "An Anti-Adhesion Soft Capsule Compression Device," which discloses the following: The soft capsule shell is conveyed between two rollers. The two rollers rotate and compress the capsules. An injection component is positioned above the rollers to inject the medication into the conveyed shell between the rollers, allowing the medication to be injected between the compressed shells. The two rollers then use rolling grooves to roll and separate the injected soft capsules from the bonded shells, and the rotating rollers carry the capsules away. Traditional soft capsule filling only requires injection of medication between the shells via the injection component. However, hard capsules, tablets, and powders cannot be squeezed into the shells using this injection method. Therefore, existing soft capsule processing equipment cannot process soft capsules containing tablets, capsules, or other dosage forms. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the technical problems existing in the background art, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a combined soft capsule processing equipment, which actively forms the capsule shell and can be filled with drugs in dosage forms such as tablets and microcapsules.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: the combined soft capsule processing equipment is characterized in that it includes a forming mechanism and a feeding mechanism; The forming mechanism includes a first forming module, which includes forming rollers and an airflow distributor. The forming roller is rotatably mounted on the frame. Several sets of mold grooves are evenly distributed on the circumferential side of the forming roller. Several airflow channels are provided inside the forming roller, with one set of mold grooves corresponding to one airflow channel. The same set of mold grooves communicates with the corresponding airflow channel. One end of each airflow channel extends axially to the first end face of the forming roller and has a vent on the first end face. The airflow distributor is fixedly mounted on the frame. The side of the airflow distributor facing the forming roller has a ventilation groove. The ventilation groove and the first end face are dynamically sealed. The ventilation groove is connected to a negative pressure source. The forming roller rotates relative to the airflow distributor. All ventilation ports on the first end face pass through the ventilation groove, and the two are connected when the ventilation ports and the ventilation groove are facing each other. The forming roller is provided with a forming station, a feeding station and a sealing station. The ventilation groove at least covers the ventilation port of the forming station. The airflow channel from the forming station to the sealing station is kept under negative pressure. The negative pressure is released from the airflow channel from the forming station to the sealing station. The feeding mechanism includes a diverter with a closed material channel that is open at both ends. The number of material channels is the same as the number of mold slots in a set. The upper end of each material channel is a feed inlet, and the lower end is a discharge outlet. The discharge outlet of each material channel corresponds to the mold slot at the unloading station. When the vent is connected to the venting groove, the airflow channel connected to the vent and the set of mold slots are under negative pressure, drawing the rubber sheet covering the surface of the forming roller into the set of mold slots. The rubber sheet adheres to the inner surface of the mold slot, and the recessed part of the rubber sheet forms a cavity. The feeding mechanism then adds tablets, capsules, microcapsules, and other dosage forms into the forming cavity. After active feeding, liquid material can also be injected, thus enabling the processing of soft capsules containing different dosage forms.

[0006] Preferably, the air vents of the several airflow channels are arranged in a circle, and the air vents are equally spaced. The forming roller rotates at a uniform speed, and the air vents on the forming roller pass through the air vents in an orderly manner, so that the rubber on the surface of the forming roller is formed in an orderly manner.

[0007] Preferably, the vent enters the molding station, and the vent groove is connected to the mold groove through the vent. The negative pressure draws the rubber on the surface of the molding roller into the mold groove and forms a cavity. The vent extends from the molding station to the sealing station, and is dynamically sealed to the airflow distributor. When the airflow channel is under negative pressure at the molding station, and then seals at the sealing station, the airflow channel remains under negative pressure, ensuring the rubber adheres to the mold groove and maintains the molded state.

[0008] Preferably, the venting groove covers the vents from the molding station to the sealing station. Negative pressure causes the rubber sheet between the molding station and the sealing station to adhere to the mold groove, maintaining the molded state.

[0009] Preferably, the forming roller is further provided with a filling station, which is located between the unloading station and the sealing station; at the filling station, the liquid agent is injected into the rubber.

[0010] The airflow distributor is annular, and the mounting shaft at one end of the forming roller passes through the central hole of the airflow distributor and is rotatably connected to the frame.

[0011] Preferably, the vent groove is arc-shaped; the arc shape of the vent groove and the circular arrangement of the vents are concentrically arranged.

[0012] Preferably, the forming mechanism further includes a second forming module, which is symmetrically arranged with the first forming module; the forming rollers of the first forming module and the second forming module rotate and press each other, and the mold grooves on the two forming rollers correspond one-to-one during the pressing.

[0013] Preferably, the several sets of mold slots are divided into a first set of mold slots and a second set of mold slots, which are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction, and the first set of mold slots and the second set of mold slots are axially offset. The mold slots are arranged compactly, and the first forming module and the second forming module feed material into the first set of mold slots and the second set of mold slots respectively, thereby improving production efficiency.

[0014] Preferably, the first molding module can move horizontally relative to the second molding module to adjust the distance between them; The frame is provided with a sliding groove, and a slider is provided in the sliding groove. The slider is locked to the frame by a locking device. The airflow distributor of the first forming module is connected to the slider, and the forming roller of the first forming module is rotatably connected to the slider. The gap between the two forming rollers is adjusted to meet the requirement that the two forming rollers roll and press the two rubber sheets into soft capsules.

[0015] Preferably, a spray body is provided above the forming rollers of both the first forming module and the second forming module, and the nozzle of the spray body is close to the rolling point of the two forming rollers.

[0016] Preferably, the combined soft capsule processing equipment also includes a feeding mechanism, which includes a diverter. The diverter has a closed material channel with unobstructed ends, and the number of the material channels is the same as the number of a set of mold slots. The upper end of the material channel is the inlet, and the lower end is the outlet. The outlet of the material channel corresponds to the mold groove of the unloading station. The material is fed into the rubber molding cavity through the diverter, realizing automatic dispensing and feeding.

[0017] Preferably, the feeding mechanism further includes a material distribution component, which includes a material distribution wheel. Each material channel is equipped with a material distribution wheel, which is mounted on a rotating shaft and rotates vertically. The circumferential side of the material distribution wheel is provided with a material groove. Part of the material distribution wheel enters the material channel. The width of the material distribution wheel matches the width of the material channel. The circumferential side of the material distribution wheel is dynamically sealed to the inner wall of the opposite flow divider. The material channel is divided into an upper channel and a lower channel by the material distribution wheel. The feed trough faces upwards to receive material. The distribution wheel rotates to orient the feed trough toward the lower channel, allowing the material in the feed trough to enter the lower channel. The material in the upper channel is blocked by the distribution wheel. The rotation of the distribution wheel causes the feed trough to receive and transfer material. The amount of material in the feed trough is the amount of material used to fill the soft capsules. The distribution wheel, in conjunction with the diverting component, allows the material to enter the lower channel and be discharged from the outlet at the lower end.

[0018] Preferably, the feed trough of the feed wheel remains within the material channel at least from the time it receives the material until the material enters the next section of the channel.

[0019] Preferably, the portion of the material distribution wheel outside the material channel includes the first part from when the material trough receives material leaving the upper channel to when it enters the lower channel; The diverting component includes a base plate, a cover plate, and a first wheel cover. The base plate has an inlet for the diverting wheel to enter, and the cover plate has a first notch for the first part to pass through. The first wheel cover is installed at the first notch and has a first groove that matches the first part. The diverting wheel passes through the cover plate, and the material trough leaves the material channel. The first wheel cover covers the material trough to prevent material leakage and ensures that the material enters the next section of the channel stably.

[0020] Preferably, the extrusion zone between the circumferential side of the distributing wheel facing the upper channel and the inner wall of the diverter is filled with a material baffle, and the circumferential side of the distributing wheel and the bottom surface of the material baffle are dynamically sealed. The material baffle keeps the micro-pellet material outside the extrusion zone, preventing the micro-pellet material from being crushed by the distributing wheel and the diverter, thus keeping the micro-pellets intact. This not only preserves the medicinal properties but also prevents material jamming and powder from sticking to the rubber sheet, ensuring high-quality completion of the micro-pellet distributing and rubber sealing operations.

[0021] Preferably, the side of the material stop that blocks the material is the material-blocking surface; The angle A formed between the tangent plane of the distribution wheel and the bottom edge of the retaining surface, with the tangent plane pointing towards the material retainer, and the retaining surface, is no greater than 90 degrees. As the distribution wheel rotates, it moves the micro-particles along its edge. When the micro-particles hit the retaining surface, they rebound upwards relative to the distribution wheel, preventing them from being compressed and maintaining their integrity.

[0022] Preferably, when the material is micro pellets, the discharge end of the material channel gradually narrows and corresponds to the mold groove of the unloading station; the discharge end of the material channel gradually narrows and corresponds to the rubber forming cavity below. The diverter is mounted on the lifting seat, which can be raised and lowered on the frame; During the micro-pellet packaging process, the lifting platform moves downward, bringing the discharge end of the material channel closer to the lower rubber forming cavity. The discharge port of the material channel converges, and the output micro-pellets are concentrated into the forming cavity of the rubber, preventing the micro-pellets from scattering.

[0023] Preferably, when the material is a capsule or tablet, the lower section of the material channel is arc-shaped, guiding the material to gradually tilt and reducing the angle β between the material and the horizontal plane. This allows the material discharged from the outlet to lie roughly flat as it enters the lower rubber forming cavity. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a partial front view of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the molding mechanism of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the forming roller of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the forming roller of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 6 This is the front view of the dispenser of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the feeding mechanism of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the base plate of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 9 This is an exploded view of the flow divider of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 10 For the present invention Figure 8 Enlarged view at point R.

[0034] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of the material bucket of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the material distribution process in this invention.

[0036] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram for installing material stoppers.

[0037] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the three-section flow element and the material distribution wheel in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 15 For the present invention Figure 14 A magnified view of a portion of the image.

[0039] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the flow divider and the material distribution wheel in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 17This is a schematic diagram of the flow divider and the material distribution wheel in Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of the flow divider and the material distribution wheel in Embodiment 4 of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0042] The following describes the embodiments and related details and working principles of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. This combined soft capsule processing equipment includes a forming mechanism and a feeding mechanism; the forming mechanism includes a first forming module 1 and a second forming module 2a, which are symmetrically arranged left and right, each including forming rollers 11 and 1a1 and an airflow distributor 13. The forming rollers are rotatably mounted on the frame, and several sets of mold grooves 15 are evenly distributed on the circumferential side of the forming rollers. The forming rollers of the first and second forming modules rotate and roll against each other, with the mold grooves on the two forming rollers corresponding one-to-one during rolling. The mold grooves in the same group are arranged axially, and each group of mold grooves consists of at least two. Figure 3 As shown, several groups of mold grooves are arranged circumferentially aligned. Figure 4 As shown, the several sets of mold grooves are divided into a first set of mold grooves 151 and a second set of mold grooves 152. The two sets of mold grooves are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction, and the first set of mold grooves and the second set of mold grooves are arranged in an axially offset manner.

[0043] The forming roller has several airflow channels 16. One end of each airflow channel extends axially to the first end face 17 of the forming roller and has a vent 12 on the first end face. Each set of mold slots corresponds to one airflow channel 16, and the same set of mold slots communicates with the corresponding airflow channel. The airflow distributor is fixedly mounted on the frame. The side of the airflow distributor facing the forming roller is the mating surface 19. The mating surface has a vent groove 14, and the vent groove 14 and the first end face 17 are dynamically sealed, meaning that the first end face can rotate relative to the vent groove while preventing air leakage from the vent groove; see attached figure. Figure 5 A sealing ring 18 is provided between the mating surface 19 of the airflow distributor and the first end face 17 of the forming roller, so that the first end face and the venting groove are dynamically sealed. The venting groove 14 is connected to a negative pressure source. The forming roller rotates relative to the airflow distributor, and the vents on the first end face all pass through the venting groove. When the vents and the venting groove are opposite each other, they are connected. See Appendix Figure 2Rubber sheets 2 and 2a are applied to the surface of the forming roller. As the forming roller rotates, the rubber sheets are conveyed to the roller pressing area. When the vent 12 of the forming roller rotates to the vent groove 14, the two are connected. The airflow channel 16 and the mold groove 15 corresponding to this vent are both under negative pressure. The negative pressure draws the rubber sheets covering the surface of the forming roller into the mold groove. The rubber sheets adhere to the inner surface of the mold groove, and the surface of the rubber sheets is recessed to form a cavity. After the cavity is actively formed, it can be filled with tablets, hard capsules, microcapsules, etc., and can also be injected with liquid. In this way, soft capsules with different dosage forms can be formed to create combined soft capsules. When each vent on the forming roller rotates to connect with the vent groove, the corresponding mold groove 15 adsorbs the rubber sheets, shaping them, that is, the surface is recessed to form a cavity. See Appendix Figure 2 The forming roller rotates circumferentially, and the air vents of several airflow channels are arranged in a circle, with the center point of the circle on the central axis of the forming roller, and the air vents are equally spaced. The forming roller rotates at a uniform speed, and the air vents on the forming roller pass through the air vents in an orderly manner, so that the rubber on the surface of the forming roller is formed in an orderly manner.

[0044] The forming roller has a forming station 31 and a sealing station 34. The venting groove 14 at least covers the vent of the forming station. The airflow channel from the forming station 31 to the sealing station 34 is kept under negative pressure. When the vent on the forming roller rotates to the forming station, the vent communicates with the venting groove. The mold groove of the forming station then adsorbs the rubber on its surface, forming a cavity. The airflow channel is kept under negative pressure, so the rubber remains in the formed state, that is, the rubber corresponding to the mold groove remains concave and has a cavity. The sealing station 34 is where the two forming rollers press the two rubber pieces into a soft capsule, that is, the two formed rubber pieces are sealed together. The airflow channel outside the forming station 31 to the sealing station 34 is released from negative pressure. After the negative pressure is released, the soft capsule is not subject to suction and can naturally detach from the mold groove.

[0045] The venting groove 14 can communicate only with the vent 12 of the molding station. The vent extends from the molding station to the sealing station, and is dynamically sealed to the airflow distributor. That is, when the vent enters the molding station 31, the venting groove communicates with the mold groove connected to the vent. Negative pressure draws the rubber from the surface of the molding roller into the mold groove and shapes it. When it leaves the molding station and reaches the sealing station 34, the vent 12 is sealed, and the airflow channel 16 maintains negative pressure, causing the rubber to adhere to the mold groove 15 and maintain the molded state. Alternatively, see attached diagram. Figure 6The ventilation groove 14 covers the ventilation openings 12 from the molding station to the sealing station, and the ventilation groove 14 is arc-shaped; the arc shape of the ventilation groove and the circular arrangement of the ventilation openings are concentrically arranged. That is, the ventilation openings enter the molding station and continue to the sealing station, communicating with the ventilation groove. The negative pressure keeps the rubber in contact with the mold groove in this section from the molding station to the sealing station, maintaining the molding state. The airflow distributor is annular, and the mounting shaft 111 at one end of the molding roller passes through the central hole 110 of the airflow distributor and is rotatably connected to the frame. The airflow distributor protrudes radially from the section corresponding to the molding station to the sealing station, reducing the amount of airflow distributor used and lowering costs.

[0046] The forming roller has a feeding station 32 and a filling station 33, which are located between the forming station 31 and the sealing station 34. This means that the feeding station and the forming station are shared, and the rubber sheet is formed immediately upon entering the forming station and then fed out, so the forming station and the feeding station are in the same station. Of course, forming and feeding can also be separated into two stations. In the feeding station, tablets, powders, or hard capsules are added into the recessed cavity of the rubber sheet to form a cavity. In the attached figure, forming and feeding are separated into two stations. The first forming module 1 and the second forming module 2a have a spray body 5 above the forming rollers. The nozzle of the spray body is close to the rolling point of the two forming rollers. The location of the nozzle is the filling station 33. In the filling station, the liquid agent is injected into the rubber sheet that has been sealed at the bottom and is gradually being sealed. The first forming module 1 can move horizontally relative to the second forming module 2a to adjust the distance between the two forming rollers so that the two forming rollers can roll and press the two rubber sheets into soft capsules. The frame is provided with a slide groove, and a slider 10 is provided in the slide groove. The slider is locked to the frame by a locking member, which can be a bolt. The airflow distributor of the first forming module is connected to the slider, and the forming roller of the first forming module is rotatably connected to the slider.

[0047] The feeding mechanism includes a diverter 6 and a distributing assembly. The diverter has a closed material channel 61 with unobstructed access at both ends. The number of material channels is the same as the number of mold slots. The upper end of the material channel 61 is the inlet, and the lower end is the outlet. The diverter 6 can be a one-piece structure, but it is difficult to manufacture a closed material channel 61 with unobstructed access at both ends in a one-piece structure. The diverter includes a base plate 62 and a cover plate 63. The front of the base plate has a groove that runs vertically and is open. The cover plate 63 is installed on the front of the base plate and encloses the groove, thereby forming a closed material channel 61 with unobstructed access at both ends. That is, the grooves of the cover plate 63 and the base plate 62 together form the material channel 61. The diverter adopts a separate structure of base plate and cover plate, which is simple to manufacture and facilitates inspection and maintenance. The cover plate is made of transparent material, allowing workers to observe the dispensing situation in the material channel through the cover plate. The material channel 61 is vertically inclined, and the material moves from top to bottom in the material channel by gravity. If the material is micro-pellets 22, the outlet end of the material channel gradually narrows and corresponds to the rubber forming cavity below. The outlet of the material channel converges, causing the output micro-pellets 22 to concentrate and enter the rubber forming cavity. This prevents the micro-pellets from scattering, facilitating subsequent rubber sealing. If the material is tablets or capsules 21, which are roughly cylindrical, the cross-section of the material channel 61 is close to the cross-section of the material when it is upright. The lower section of the material channel 61 is arc-shaped and guides the material to gradually tilt, reducing the angle β between the material and the horizontal plane. (See Appendix) Figure 10 The material at the discharge port is in a tilted state, forming an angle β of approximately 60 degrees with the horizontal plane. After leaving the discharge port, the material enters the rubber forming cavity below in a horizontal state. The diverter 6 is mounted on the lifting seat 35, which can move up and down on the frame 3. The lifting of the lifting seat 35 can be driven by a cylinder. During the initial rubber feeding, the lifting seat moves upward, causing the diverter 6 to move upward, increasing the distance between it and the rubber forming roller below, making it easier for the rubber to pass between them. During the packaging operation, the lifting seat moves downward, and the discharge end of the material channel 61 approaches the rubber forming cavity below, allowing the concentrated output micro-pellets 22 to directly enter the forming rubber groove, further preventing the micro-pellets from scattering.

[0048] The material distribution assembly includes a material distribution wheel 8, and each material channel 61 is equipped with a material distribution wheel. The material distribution wheel 8 is mounted on a rotating shaft 81, which is connected to a motor 82 that drives its rotation. The material distribution wheel rotates vertically, and a material groove 83 is provided on the circumferential side of the material distribution wheel. Part of the material distribution wheel enters into the material channel 61. (See attached figure) Figure 9The back of the base plate 62 has an inlet for the material distribution wheel to enter, corresponding to the material channel 61. The material distribution wheel enters the material channel through this inlet. The width of the material distribution wheel matches the width of the material channel. The circumferential side of the material distribution wheel is dynamically sealed to the inner wall of the corresponding diverter. The material channel is divided into an upper channel 611 and a lower channel 612 by the material distribution wheel. The trough 83 faces upward to receive material. The rotation of the material distribution wheel causes the trough to face the lower channel. The material trough 83, filled with material, is blocked by the diverter between the upper channel 611 and the lower channel 612 to prevent material from falling or leaking out until the material in the trough enters the lower channel 612. During rotation, the material in the upper channel is blocked by the material distribution wheel and cannot directly enter the lower channel; it can only be transferred through the trough 83, thus enabling precise control of material feeding and metering. Figure 12-18 In the process, after the material distribution wheel 8 receives the material, it rotates counterclockwise to deliver the material entering the material trough 83 to the lower channel 612. The rotating shaft can rotate in the same direction. The material trough goes through the material channel, receives the material, conveys the material, leaves the material channel, and re-enters the material channel 612, thus completing a cycle. To improve the efficiency of material distribution, two or three material troughs 83 can be set on the material distribution wheel 8, achieving two or three material conveying operations per revolution. If only one material trough 83 is set, the rotating shaft can also rotate in both directions. Counterclockwise rotation of the shaft conveys the material to the material trough 83, and clockwise rotation resets the material trough to receive the material. This reciprocating rotation shortens the stroke of the material distribution wheel and improves the efficiency of material distribution.

[0049] See attached Figure 13If the material is micro-pellets 22, the angle between the circumferential side of the distributing wheel 8 facing the upper channel 611 and the inner wall of the diverter is the extrusion zone 9. The rotation of the distributing wheel causes material at its edge to move towards the extrusion zone 9. The material gets trapped in the corner of the extrusion zone and cannot be discharged. More material moves towards the extrusion zone, causing the material in the extrusion zone to break down into powder due to extrusion. This not only affects the efficacy of the medicine but also causes material blockage, preventing the distributing wheel from rotating normally. Furthermore, the powder is more easily dispersed and falls onto the sealing area of ​​the rubber sheet, affecting the sealing operation. To solve this problem, the extrusion zone between the circumferential side of the distributing wheel facing the upper channel and the inner wall of the diverter is filled with a material baffle 7. The circumferential side of the distributing wheel 8 and the bottom surface of the material baffle are dynamically sealed. The material baffle 7 blocks the material outside the corner of the extrusion zone, preventing the material from entering the extrusion zone 9. The material baffle 7 and the diverter 6 can be an integral or separate structure. To further improve the material blocking effect and prevent the material from being crushed, the side of the material block that blocks the material is the blocking surface 71; the angle A formed by the tangent surface 72 of the material distribution wheel relative to the bottom edge of the blocking surface and the direction of the tangent surface towards the material block is no greater than 90 degrees. The material distribution wheel rotates counterclockwise, causing the material at the edge of the material distribution wheel to run towards the material block 7. When the material hits the blocking surface 71, it is rebounded. When the angle A is 90 degrees, the material rebounds along the original path; if the angle A is less than 90 degrees, such as... Figure 15 In the direction of the arrow, the material rebounds upwards towards the distribution wheel 8, thus preventing it from being crushed by the distribution wheel 8 and the flow divider 6, maintaining its integrity, and solving the problem of material jamming. If the material is tablets or capsules 21, there is no need to set up the material stop 7.

[0050] The feeding mechanism also includes a material tank 4, the lower end of which is the discharge end. The material tank contains several baffles 42, which divide the discharge end of the material tank 4 into several diversion channels 43. Each diversion channel 43 corresponds to a material channel 61; four material channels correspond to four diversion channels. The baffles 42 divert the material at the discharge end of the material tank, allowing it to flow smoothly out and preventing blockages, especially for capsule 21 materials. To ensure orderly entry of material into the material channel 61, a connecting seat 41 is provided below the material tank 4. This connecting seat has a connecting channel 44, the upper and lower ends of which communicate with the material tank 4 and the material channel 61, respectively. The upper end of the connecting channel 44 is funnel-shaped. Material enters the material channel 61 in an orderly manner through the connecting channel 44.

[0051] The material distribution wheel has different specifications relative to the material channel and cover plate of the diverter, resulting in some variations in their positional relationships. These are described below through four embodiments: Example 1, see appendix Figure 12 , 16The cover plate 63 faces the inner surface of the distributing wheel, i.e., the inner wall of the diverting component. The circumferential side of the distributing wheel 8 is dynamically sealed to the inner surface of the cover plate. The material trough 83 of the distributing wheel remains within the material channel 61 at least from the time it receives the material until the material enters the lower channel 612. This design is suitable for smaller distributing wheels, where the material trough 83 containing the material remains within the material channel. Simultaneously, the cooperation between the distributing wheel 8 and the cover plate 63 stably delivers the material in the trough to the lower channel 612. It is also suitable for microcapsules 22, tablets, capsules 21, etc.

[0052] The following three embodiments apply to the micro pellets 22. The part of the distributing wheel outside the material channel includes a first part 84 from the material trough receiving material leaving the upper channel 611 to entering the lower channel 612, and a second part 85 on the back of the bottom plate 62.

[0053] Example 2, see appendix Figure 17 The inner wall of the diverter is provided with a second groove 631 that matches the first part 84, that is, the cover plate 63 is provided with a second groove 632 that matches the first part 84. The material distribution wheel occupies the position of the cover plate, and its first part 84 is in the second groove 632 of the cover plate. When the material trough 83 receives material, it enters the second groove 632. The cover plate covers the material trough to prevent the material in the trough from leaking, until the material trough 83 enters the lower channel 612. The material distribution wheel and the cover plate cooperate to make the material in the trough enter the lower channel stably.

[0054] Example 3, see appendix Figure 9 , 14 -15, the diverting component also includes a first wheel cover 64, through which the material-diverting wheel 8 passes. The cover plate has a first notch 631 for the first part 84 to pass through. The first wheel cover 64 is installed at the first notch 631, and the first wheel cover has a first groove 641 that matches the first part. For ease of installation, the first notch is made relatively large, and the first wheel cover matches the first notch. The first wheel cover is placed inside the first notch and is connected to the base plate. The first wheel cover 64 fills the first notch 631 and is adapted to the first part 84 of the material-diverting wheel, so that the material trough containing the material will not leak during the transfer process. The material stop 7 is installed on the first wheel cover 64, or it can be an integral structure with the first wheel cover. When a material jamming problem occurs, the first wheel cover can be removed from the base plate, and the material-diverting wheel can be directly seen and cleaned. Installation and maintenance are very convenient, and it is also convenient for the processing of the diverting component 6.

[0055] Example 4, see appendix Figure 18The diverter 6 also includes a second wheel cover 65. The cover plate has a second notch that matches the width of the first part 84. The second wheel cover 65 is installed on the cover plate and corresponds to the second notch. The second wheel cover has a third groove 651 that matches the exposed part of the first part outside the cover plate. That is, the part of the first part 84 that passes through the cover plate is adapted to the second wheel cover 65. The combination of the cover plate 63 and the second wheel cover ensures that the material trough containing the material will not leak during the transfer process, thereby allowing the material to enter the next channel stably.

[0056] The working principle of the preferred embodiment is further explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings: For ease of description, the two rubber sheets are respectively the first rubber sheet 2 and the second rubber sheet 2a; the forming rollers of the first forming module 1 and the second forming module 2a are respectively the first forming roller 11 and the second forming roller 2a1. The two forming rollers are sequentially provided with a forming station 31, a feeding station 32, a filling station 33 and a sealing station 34 along the rotation direction. The filling station is close to the sealing station. The feeding station 32 is located in the first quadrant of the forming roller, that is, between the top of the forming roller and the pressure between the two forming rollers. The first rubber sheet 2 and the second rubber sheet 2a are respectively output and covered on the surfaces of the first forming roller 11 and the second forming roller 2a1. The first forming roller and the second forming roller rotate in opposite directions, and the first rubber sheet and the second rubber sheet are then conveyed to the sealing station 34. The first rubber sheet 2 and the second rubber sheet 2a enter the molding station 31, where the vent 12 at the location of the rubber sheet communicates with the vent groove 14. The airflow channel 16 and the mold groove 15 connected to the vent are under negative pressure, drawing the rubber sheet from the surface of the molding roller into the mold groove 15. The first rubber sheet 2 and the second rubber sheet 2a are formed, each having an inwardly recessed first cavity and a second cavity, respectively. The two molding rollers continue to rotate in opposite directions, and the two rubber sheets remain in the molded state within the vent 12 and the vent groove 14 before entering the unloading station 32. At the unloading station, the material trough faces the upper channel and receives material. As the material distribution wheel rotates counterclockwise, the material trough faces the lower channel, and the material in the trough enters the lower channel and is discharged from the outlet. For micro-pellet materials, two feeding mechanisms can feed the same first and second cavities. The combined feeding amount is the filling amount. The two feeding mechanisms can fill the same set of materials or two different materials. For capsule or tablet materials, the feeding amount of a single feeding mechanism is the filling amount. In this case, one feeding mechanism can feed only the first or second cavity. Alternatively, two feeding mechanisms can feed alternately. The two feeding mechanisms are the first feeding mechanism and the second feeding mechanism. The several sets of mold grooves 15 on the surface of the forming roller are divided into the first set of mold grooves 151 and the second set of mold grooves 152. The first set of mold grooves and the second set of mold grooves are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction. The first feeding mechanism feeds the first set of mold grooves 151 of the first forming roller, and the second feeding mechanism feeds the second set of mold grooves 152 of the second forming roller. The alternating feeding improves efficiency and provides time for material conveying. As the forming rollers continue to rotate, the two rubber sheets enter the sealing station 34. The first forming roller 11 and the second forming roller 2a1 rotate in opposite directions to align the first and second cavities of the two rubber sheets, and the bottoms of the two forming rubber sheets close first. The spray body 5 then injects the liquid material. As the two rollers continue to rotate in opposite directions, the two rubber sheets gradually close and are cut off from the rubber sheets to form a completely closed soft capsule. In this way, the soft capsule contains materials of different dosage forms, forming a combined soft capsule.

Claims

1. A combined soft capsule processing equipment, characterized in that: It includes a forming mechanism and a feeding mechanism; The forming mechanism includes a first forming module, which includes forming rollers and an airflow distributor. The forming roller is rotatably mounted on the frame. Several sets of mold grooves are evenly distributed on the circumferential side of the forming roller. Several airflow channels are provided inside the forming roller, with one set of mold grooves corresponding to one airflow channel. The same set of mold grooves communicates with the corresponding airflow channel. One end of each airflow channel extends axially to the first end face of the forming roller and has a vent on the first end face. The airflow distributor is fixedly mounted on the frame. The side of the airflow distributor facing the forming roller has a ventilation groove. The ventilation groove and the first end face are dynamically sealed. The ventilation groove is connected to a negative pressure source. The forming roller rotates relative to the airflow distributor. All ventilation ports on the first end face pass through the ventilation groove, and the two are connected when the ventilation ports and the ventilation groove are facing each other. The forming roller is provided with a forming station, a feeding station and a sealing station. The ventilation groove at least covers the ventilation port of the forming station. The airflow channel from the forming station to the sealing station is kept under negative pressure. The negative pressure is released from the airflow channel from the forming station to the sealing station. The feeding mechanism includes a diverter, which has a closed material channel with unobstructed ends. The number of material channels is the same as the number of a set of mold slots. The upper end of the material channel is the inlet and the lower end is the outlet. The outlet of the material channel corresponds to the mold slot of the unloading station.

2. The combined soft capsule processing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The air vents of several airflow channels are arranged in a circle, and the air vents are equally distributed. The ventilation groove covers the ventilation openings from the molding station to the sealing station.

3. The combined soft capsule processing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The forming roller is also provided with a filling station, which is located between the unloading station and the sealing station; The airflow distributor is annular, and the mounting shaft at one end of the forming roller passes through the central hole of the airflow distributor and is rotatably connected to the frame. The ventilation slot is arc-shaped; The arc shape of the ventilation groove and the circular arrangement of the ventilation openings are concentrically set.

4. The combined soft capsule processing equipment according to claim 3, characterized in that: The molding mechanism further includes a second molding module, which is arranged symmetrically with the first molding module. The forming rollers of the first forming module and the second forming module rotate and press each other, and the mold grooves on the two forming rollers correspond one-to-one during the pressing process. A spray nozzle is provided above the forming rollers of both the first forming module and the second forming module, with the nozzle of the spray nozzle close to the rolling pressure of the two forming rollers.

5. The combined soft capsule processing equipment according to claim 4, characterized in that: The mold grooves are divided into a first group of mold grooves and a second group of mold grooves. The two groups of mold grooves are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction, and the first group of mold grooves and the second group of mold grooves are arranged in an axially staggered manner. The first molding module can move horizontally relative to the second molding module to adjust the distance between them; The frame is provided with a slide groove, and a slider is provided in the slide groove. The slider is locked to the frame by a locking member. The airflow distributor of the first forming module is connected to the slider, and the forming roller of the first forming module is rotatably connected to the slider.

6. The combined soft capsule processing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The feeding mechanism also includes a material distribution component, which includes a material distribution wheel. Each material channel is equipped with a material distribution wheel, which is mounted on a rotating shaft and rotates vertically. The circumferential side of the material distribution wheel is provided with a material groove. The material distribution wheel partially enters the material channel. The width of the material distribution wheel matches the width of the material channel. The circumferential side of the material distribution wheel is dynamically sealed to the inner wall of the opposite flow divider. The material channel is divided into an upper channel and a lower channel by the material distribution wheel. The feed trough faces upward to receive materials, and the distribution wheel rotates to make the feed trough face the lower channel. The materials in the feed trough enter the lower channel, while the materials in the upper channel are blocked by the distribution wheel.

7. The combined soft capsule processing equipment according to claim 6, characterized in that: The portion of the material distribution wheel outside the material channel includes the first part from when the material trough receives material leaving the upper channel to when it enters the lower channel; The diverter includes a base plate, a cover plate, and a first wheel cover. The base plate has an inlet for the material diverting wheel to enter, and the cover plate has a first notch for the first part to pass through. The first wheel cover is installed at the first notch and has a first groove that matches the first part.

8. The combined soft capsule processing equipment according to claim 6, characterized in that: The extrusion zone between the circumferential side of the material distribution wheel facing the upper channel and the inner wall of the diverter is filled with a material baffle, and the circumferential side of the material distribution wheel and the bottom surface of the material baffle are dynamically sealed. The side of the material block that blocks the material is the material-blocking surface; The angle A formed by the tangent plane of the material distribution wheel relative to the bottom edge of the material blocking surface and the direction of the tangent plane towards the material blocking block and the material blocking surface is not greater than 90 degrees.

9. The combined soft capsule processing equipment according to claim 6, characterized in that: When the material is micro pellets, the discharge end of the material channel gradually narrows and corresponds to the mold groove of the unloading station; The diverter is mounted on the lifting seat, which can be raised and lowered on the frame; During the micro-pellet packaging process, the lifting seat moves downward, and the material outlet of the material channel approaches the rubber forming cavity below.

10. The combined soft capsule processing equipment according to claim 6, characterized in that: When the material is a capsule or tablet, the lower section of the material channel is arc-shaped and guides the material to gradually tilt, reducing the angle β between the material and the horizontal plane.

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