The feeding hopper structure of the capsule cutting machine

Abstract

This utility model relates to the field of capsule production technology, specifically to the feeding hopper structure of a capsule cutting machine. It includes a feeding hopper, a dispensing cylinder, a sliding plate, a lever, a transverse reciprocating mechanism, and a longitudinal reciprocating mechanism. The transverse and longitudinal reciprocating mechanisms are connected by a transmission mechanism. This feeding hopper structure of the capsule cutting machine features a transverse reciprocating mechanism that drives two sliding plates to reciprocate in opposite directions, creating a "shearing" effect. This pushes the internal capsules to rotate laterally, preventing capsules from getting stuck above the dispensing hole due to their different orientation. This allows capsules to fall horizontally, vertically, or obliquely in the same direction as the dispensing hole. The addition of a transmission mechanism and a longitudinal reciprocating mechanism allows the transverse reciprocating mechanism to drive multiple levers to move asynchronously up and down in a wave-like pattern, guiding the horizontally or obliquely positioned capsules in the dispensing hole to fall vertically, thus achieving a uniform vertical arrangement and enabling continuous and efficient capsule feeding.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of capsule production technology, specifically to the feeding hopper structure of a capsule cutting machine. Background Technology

[0002] As the core carrier of pharmaceutical preparations, capsules are an indispensable key link in the pharmaceutical process. During cutting, a feeding hopper is needed to temporarily store, transport, and evenly feed the capsules, so as to orderly introduce batches of capsules into the subsequent cutting process.

[0003] A search revealed a Chinese patent (CN222681093U) discharging structure for a capsule cutting machine, comprising a frame and a pushing structure. The top of the frame is movably connected to a feeding trough, and an internal feeding rack is provided. A pushing structure is fixed to one side of the feeding rack, and a vibration mechanism is fixed to one side of the feeding trough. The frame includes an inlet trough, an outlet trough, and a support plate. Through the pushing structure, capsules fall from the feeding trough into the inlet trough, causing them to fall vertically onto the feeding rack. The outlet trough and inlet trough are staggered. A rotating slide column drives a push plate to align the feeding rack with the inlet trough, allowing the capsules to fall into the feeding rack. Continuous rotation of the slide column resets the push plate, aligning the feeding rack with the outlet trough, resulting in neatly arranged capsules falling out. This design enables the capsule cutting machine to dispense a fixed amount of material, facilitating simultaneous cutting of multiple capsules and reducing production costs.

[0004] Due to the special shape of the capsule, the capsules need to maintain a uniform posture during the falling process. However, in actual use, it was found that the vibration mechanism of the above-mentioned patent is a horizontal unidirectional vibration, which causes the capsules to pile up in different directions (such as lying horizontally or standing obliquely) in the feeding trough, instead of being uniformly arranged vertically. Horizontally lying capsules may completely or partially block the feeding rack entrance, preventing subsequent capsules from entering. Therefore, we propose a feeding hopper structure for the capsule cutting machine. Utility Model Content

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by this application is that, due to the special shape of the capsule, the capsule needs to be in a uniform posture during the falling process. However, in actual use, it was found that the vibration mechanism of the above-mentioned patent is a horizontal unidirectional vibration, which causes the capsules to be piled up in different directions (such as lying horizontally or standing obliquely) in the feeding groove, instead of being uniformly arranged vertically. Horizontally lying capsules may completely or partially block the feeding rack entrance, causing subsequent capsules to be unable to enter. To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this application provides a feeding hopper structure for a capsule cutting machine, including a feeding hopper. The feeding hopper is a cone shape that smoothly transitions from a square top to a circular bottom. A distributing cylinder is installed at the bottom of the feeding hopper. The top of the distributing cylinder has multiple distributing holes. Slide plates are slidably connected to both ends of the feeding hopper. Multiple levers extending into the distributing holes are provided at the upper end of the distributing cylinder. A transverse reciprocating mechanism is provided outside the slide plates at both ends. A longitudinal reciprocating mechanism connected to the multiple levers is provided at the middle end of the distributing cylinder. The transverse reciprocating mechanism and the longitudinal reciprocating mechanism are connected by a transmission mechanism.

[0006] In some embodiments, both ends of the feeding hopper are provided with sliding holes that are slidably connected to the slide plate, both ends of the feeding hopper are provided with guide rails that are slidably connected to the bottom of the slide plate, and a soft layer is pasted on the inner side of the slide plate.

[0007] In some embodiments, a support frame is rotatably mounted on the lower end of the dispensing cylinder, and the transverse reciprocating mechanism includes a fixed rod mounted on the outer ends of the two end slide plates. A guide hole is provided at the bottom of the fixed rod, and a guide block is slidably connected in the guide hole. A transmission rod is rotatably connected to the bottom of the guide block, and a rotating rod is rotatably connected to the bottom of the transmission rod. The bottom end of one end of the rotating rod is rotatably connected to one end of the top of the support frame, and the bottom end of the other end of the rotating rod is connected to the output end of a motor mounted at the bottom of the support frame.

[0008] In some embodiments, the transverse reciprocating mechanism further includes side rods installed on both sides of the fixed rod, with a limiting sleeve movably sleeved on the outer side of the side rod, and a support rod fixedly connected to the feeding hopper installed on the top of the limiting sleeve.

[0009] In some embodiments, the longitudinal reciprocating mechanism includes a rotating drum rotatably connected to the middle end of the dispensing cylinder. A wave-shaped groove is provided on the outer side of the rotating drum, and a plurality of sliders are slidably connected in the groove. The outer sides of the plurality of sliders are connected to the lower ends of a plurality of levers. An annular plate located at the top of the rotating drum is also installed at the middle end of the dispensing cylinder. A plurality of through holes slidably connected to the levers are provided on the top of the annular plate.

[0010] In some embodiments, the transmission mechanism includes a first pulley rotatably mounted on the lower end of the dispensing cylinder and fixedly connected to the bottom of the rotating cylinder, and a second pulley mounted on the lower end of each of the two rotating rods. Two belts are tensioned and sleeved on the outer sides of the first pulley and the two second pulleys.

[0011] In some embodiments, the end of the lever located inside the dispensing hole is inclined downwards, and there is a gap between the lever and the dispensing hole for the capsule to fall vertically. A rubber sleeve is fitted on the outer side of one end of the lever.

[0012] This utility model has at least the following beneficial effects: A transverse reciprocating mechanism drives two sliding plates to reciprocate in opposite directions, creating a "shearing" effect that pushes the internal capsules to rotate laterally. This prevents the capsules from getting stuck above the dispensing hole due to their different orientation, allowing the capsules to fall horizontally, vertically, or obliquely in the same direction as the dispensing hole. A transmission mechanism and a longitudinal reciprocating mechanism are added. When the transverse reciprocating mechanism moves, it drives multiple levers to move up and down asynchronously in a wave-like pattern through the transmission mechanism and the longitudinal reciprocating mechanism. This guides the horizontally or obliquely positioned capsules in the dispensing hole to fall vertically, thus achieving a uniform vertical arrangement and enabling continuous and efficient capsule feeding. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a top view of the overall structure of this utility model; Figure 2 This utility model Figure 1 Enlarged view of the structure at point A in the middle; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure of the transverse reciprocating mechanism, the longitudinal reciprocating mechanism, and the transmission mechanism of this utility model; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the longitudinal reciprocating mechanism of this utility model; Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the internal structure of the material distribution cylinder of this utility model; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the lever structure of this utility model.

[0014] In the diagram: 1. Feeding hopper; 101. Sliding hole; 102. Guide rail; 2. Distributing cylinder; 201. Distributing hole; 3. Slide plate; 301. Soft layer; 4. Lever; 401. Rubber sleeve; 5. Lateral reciprocating mechanism; 501. Fixed rod; 5011. Guide hole; 502. Guide block; 503. Transmission rod; 504. Rotating rod; 505. Side rod; 506. Limiting cylinder; 507. Support rod; 508. Motor; 6. Longitudinal reciprocating mechanism; 601. Rotating cylinder; 6011. Slide groove; 602. Sliding block; 603. Ring plate; 6031. Through hole; 7. Transmission mechanism; 701. First pulley; 702. Second pulley; 703. Belt; 8. Support frame. Detailed Implementation

[0015] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0016] Example 1: Please refer to Figures 1-4This utility model provides a technical solution: a feeding hopper structure for a capsule cutting machine, including a feeding hopper 1, which is a cone shape with a square top and a smooth transition to a circular bottom. A distributing cylinder 2 is installed at the bottom of the feeding hopper 1. Multiple distributing holes 201 are opened at the top of the distributing cylinder 2. Slide plates 3 are slidably connected to both ends of the feeding hopper 1. Multiple levers 4 extending into the distributing holes 201 are provided at the upper end of the distributing cylinder 2. A transverse reciprocating mechanism 5 is provided outside the slide plates 3 at both ends. A longitudinal reciprocating mechanism 6 connected to the multiple levers 4 is provided at the middle end of the distributing cylinder 2. The transverse reciprocating mechanism 5 and the longitudinal reciprocating mechanism 6 are connected by a transmission mechanism 7.

[0017] The feeding hopper 1 is designed as a cone shape with a square top and a smooth transition to a round bottom. This design helps the capsules to gradually concentrate in the feeding hopper 1 and gradually adjust their posture during the falling process, preparing them for the subsequent material distribution and cutting processes. The square top facilitates the reception and temporary storage of a large number of capsules, while the round bottom helps guide the capsules smoothly into the dispensing cylinder 2.

[0018] Multiple dispensing holes 201 are provided, and the multiple dispensing holes 201 are distributed in an array at equal intervals. The top of the dispensing hole 201 and the contact surface with the dispensing cylinder 2 are set with an arc transition. The array of dispensing holes 201 at equal intervals ensures that the capsules can enter the dispensing holes 201 evenly and orderly in the feeding hopper 1. In addition, the arc transition design at the top of the dispensing hole 201 further reduces the risk of capsule jamming and blockage when entering the dispensing hole 201, and improves the smoothness of capsule falling.

[0019] Furthermore, a support frame 8 is rotatably mounted on the lower end of the dispensing cylinder 2. The transverse reciprocating mechanism 5 includes a fixed rod 501 mounted on the outer ends of the two end slide plates 3. A guide hole 5011 is opened at the bottom of the fixed rod 501. A guide block 502 is slidably connected in the guide hole 5011. A transmission rod 503 is rotatably connected to the bottom of the guide block 502. A rotating rod 504 is rotatably connected to the bottom of the transmission rod 503. The bottom end of one end of the rotating rod 504 is rotatably connected to one end of the top of the support frame 8. The bottom end of the other end of the rotating rod 504 is connected to the output end of the motor 508 mounted at the bottom of the support frame 8. It also includes side rods 505 mounted on both sides of the fixed rod 501. A limiting cylinder 506 is movably sleeved on the outer side of the side rod 505. A support rod 507 fixedly connected to the feeding hopper 1 is mounted on the top of the limiting cylinder 506.

[0020] The transverse reciprocating mechanism 5 achieves the reciprocating motion of the slide plate 3 through the following components: the guide hole 5011 at the bottom of the fixed rod 501 forms a sliding pair with the guide block 502; the transmission rod 503 and the rotating rod 504 constitute a linkage mechanism; among them, the auxiliary system composed of the side rod 505, the limiting cylinder 506, and the support rod 507 plays a key role: the side rod 505 provides lateral support for the slide plate 3; the limiting cylinder 506, through its design of being movably sleeved on the side rod 505, ensures smooth movement and precisely limits the stroke; the support rod 507 securely connects the entire mechanism to the feeding hopper 1. This three-component collaborative design ensures the smooth reciprocating motion of the slide plate 3 and achieves precise stroke limiting function. The side rod 505, the limiting cylinder 506, and the support rod 507 ensure the smooth movement of the slide plate 3 and limit its range of motion, thus realizing the dual functions of movement and limiting.

[0021] Furthermore, the longitudinal reciprocating mechanism 6 includes a rotating drum 601 rotatably connected to the middle end of the distributing drum 2. A wave-shaped groove 6011 is provided on the outer side of the rotating drum 601. Multiple sliders 602 are slidably connected in the groove 6011. The outer sides of the multiple sliders 602 are connected to the lower ends of multiple levers 4. An annular plate 603 located at the top of the rotating drum 601 is also installed at the middle end of the distributing drum 2. Multiple through holes 6031 that are slidably connected to the levers 4 are provided on the top of the annular plate 603.

[0022] The longitudinal reciprocating mechanism 6 adopts a linkage design of rotary drum 601 and slider 602 to realize the regular movement of lever 4: the rotary drum 601 forms a cam mechanism with slider 602 through the wave-shaped groove 6011 (which can be replaced by an equilateral trapezoid or continuous V-shaped groove) on the outer side. When the rotary drum 601 rotates, slider 602 moves along the trajectory of groove 6011, driving lever 4 to complete precise longitudinal reciprocating motion. The ring plate 603 provides double protection for lever 4 through through hole 6031: it provides an axial movement channel and ensures the stability of the movement trajectory through the wall constraint of the material distribution hole 201, effectively preventing radial deviation.

[0023] Furthermore, the transmission mechanism 7 includes a first pulley 701 rotatably mounted on the lower end of the distributing cylinder 2 and fixedly connected to the bottom of the rotating cylinder 601, and a second pulley 702 mounted on the lower end of the rotating rods 504 at both ends. Two belts 703 are tensioned and sleeved on the outer sides of the first pulley 701 and the second pulleys 702 at both ends.

[0024] The transmission mechanism 7 adopts a double-pulley synchronous transmission system to realize motion transmission: the first pulley 701 is coaxially fixed with the rotating drum 601 to form the main drive unit; the bottom of the rotating rods 504 at both ends is equipped with a second pulley 702 to form a driven unit. Two belts 703 are tensioned and sleeved between the first pulley 701 and the second pulleys 702 on both sides to form a "one main and two driven" triangular transmission layout. When one rotating rod 504 is driven to rotate, the belt 703 will synchronously drive the other rotating rod 504 to rotate in the same direction as the rotating drum 601, realizing the coordinated linkage between the transverse reciprocating mechanism 5 and the longitudinal reciprocating mechanism 6. This design simplifies the transmission structure and ensures motion synchronization by driving the dual actuators with a single power source.

[0025] Example 2: Based on Example 1, as follows Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, both ends of the feeding hopper 1 are provided with sliding holes 101 that are slidably connected to the slide plate 3, and both ends of the feeding hopper 1 are provided with guide rails 102 that are slidably connected to the bottom of the slide plate 3. A soft layer 301 is pasted on the inner side of the slide plate 3.

[0026] The feeding hopper 1 adopts a dual-guide system to ensure the precise movement of the slide plate 3: the sliding holes 101 at both ends form the main directional channel with the slide plate 3, while the guide rail 102 added at the bottom constitutes an auxiliary sliding pair, forming a "hole and rail dual constraint" structure. The soft layer 301 (material such as rubber or polyurethane) pasted on the inner side of the slide plate 3 not only achieves flexible contact with the material, but also plays a role in shock absorption and noise reduction. This design ensures the motion accuracy through a three-dimensional guide system, and achieves stable feeding in conjunction with the soft layer 301. The guide rail 102 plays a role in limiting the linear sliding of the slide plate 3. The soft layer 301 (such as rubber or silicone) reduces friction and compression on the capsule, optimizes the movement speed and amplitude of the slide plate 3, and avoids damage to the capsule due to excessive movement.

[0027] Example 3: Based on Example 2, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the end of the lever 4 located inside the dispensing hole 201 is inclined downwards, and there is a gap between it and the dispensing hole 201 for the capsule to fall vertically. A rubber sleeve 401 is fitted on the outer side of one end of the lever 4.

[0028] The inclined end face and the dispensing hole 201 form a wedge-shaped channel, allowing the capsule to fall vertically along the inclined surface under the action of gravity, avoiding the problem of material jamming caused by horizontal deviation. The rubber sleeve 401 (rubber material) on the outside can absorb the impact energy during the fall of the rubber material due to its elastic deformation characteristics, preventing the capsule from being damaged due to rigid contact.

[0029] Based on the above embodiments, the following is the complete working principle of the above embodiments: In use, the capsules are first poured into the feeding hopper 1. Capsules of different directions are stuck in the feeding hopper 1 after entering the feeding hopper 1. The motor 508 is started. The motor 508 drives one end of the rotating rod 504 to rotate. One end of the rotating rod 504 drives the other end of the rotating rod 504 to rotate through the second pulley 702, the belt 703 and the first pulley 701. The two ends of the rotating rod 504 drive the transmission rod 503 to rotate. The transmission rod 503 drives the guide block 502 to slide in the guide hole 5011 of the fixed rod 501. Through the fixed rod 501, the slide plate 3 is driven to slide laterally back and forth on the guide rail 102. When the slide plate 3 slides back and forth, it drives the soft layer 301 to contact the capsule, and drives the capsule that is horizontal but perpendicular to the axis of the dispensing hole 201 to rotate to fall in a horizontal, vertical or oblique manner parallel to the axis of the dispensing hole 201. When the capsule falls into the dispensing hole 201, it is guided by the arc transition of the dispensing hole 201 and the inclined setting of the lever 4 into the gap between the dispensing hole 201 and the lever 4. At the same time, when the first pulley 701 rotates, it drives the rotating drum 601 to rotate. When the rotating drum 601 rotates, the lever 4 slides up and down under the limit of the sliding groove 6011 and the slider 602 of the rotating drum 601. When sliding up and down, the lever 4 guides the capsule stuck in the dispensing hole 201 to fall vertically, thereby realizing the continuous and efficient feeding of capsules.

[0030] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. The feeding hopper structure of a capsule cutting machine, characterized in that: The feeding hopper (1) is a cone shape with a square top and a smooth transition to a circular bottom. A distributing cylinder (2) is installed at the bottom of the feeding hopper (1). Multiple distributing holes (201) are opened at the top of the distributing cylinder (2). Slide plates (3) are slidably connected to both ends of the feeding hopper (1). Multiple levers (4) that extend into the distributing holes (201) are provided at the upper end of the distributing cylinder (2). A transverse reciprocating mechanism (5) is provided on the outside of the slide plates (3) at both ends. A longitudinal reciprocating mechanism (6) connected to the multiple levers (4) is provided at the middle end of the distributing cylinder (2). The transverse reciprocating mechanism (5) and the longitudinal reciprocating mechanism (6) are connected by a transmission mechanism (7).

2. The feeding hopper structure of the capsule cutting machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: Both ends of the feeding hopper (1) are provided with sliding holes (101) that are slidably connected to the slide plate (3). Both ends of the feeding hopper (1) are provided with guide rails (102) that are slidably connected to the bottom of the slide plate (3). A soft layer (301) is pasted on the inner side of the slide plate (3).

3. The feeding hopper structure of the capsule cutting machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lower end of the dispensing cylinder (2) is rotatably mounted with a support frame (8). The transverse reciprocating mechanism (5) includes a fixed rod (501) mounted on the outer end of the two end slide plates (3). The bottom of the fixed rod (501) is provided with a guide hole (5011). A guide block (502) is slidably connected in the guide hole (5011). A transmission rod (503) is rotatably connected to the bottom of the guide block (502). A rotating rod (504) is rotatably connected to the bottom of the transmission rod (503). The bottom end of the rotating rod (504) is rotatably connected to one end of the top of the support frame (8). The bottom end of the rotating rod (504) is connected to the output end of the motor (508) mounted at the bottom of the support frame (8).

4. The feeding hopper structure of the capsule cutting machine according to claim 3, characterized in that: The transverse reciprocating mechanism (5) also includes side rods (505) installed on both sides of the fixed rod (501). A limiting cylinder (506) is movably sleeved on the outside of the side rod (505). A support rod (507) fixedly connected to the feeding hopper (1) is installed on the top of the limiting cylinder (506).

5. The feeding hopper structure of the capsule cutting machine according to claim 4, characterized in that: The longitudinal reciprocating mechanism (6) includes a rotating drum (601) rotatably connected to the middle end of the distributing drum (2). A wave-shaped groove (6011) is provided on the outer side of the rotating drum (6011). Multiple sliders (602) are slidably connected in the groove (6011). The outer sides of the multiple sliders (602) are connected to the lower ends of multiple levers (4). A ring plate (603) located at the top of the rotating drum (601) is also installed at the middle end of the distributing drum (2). Multiple through holes (6031) slidably connected to the levers (4) are provided on the top of the ring plate (603).

6. The feeding hopper structure of the capsule cutting machine according to claim 5, characterized in that: The transmission mechanism (7) includes a first pulley (701) rotatably installed at the lower end of the dispensing cylinder (2) and fixedly connected to the bottom of the rotating cylinder (601), and a second pulley (702) installed at the lower end of the rotating rods (504) at both ends. Two belts (703) are tensioned on the outer sides of the first pulley (701) and the second pulleys (702) at both ends.

7. The feeding hopper structure of the capsule cutting machine according to claim 5, characterized in that: The lever (4) is located inside the dispensing hole (201) with one end inclined downwards, and there is a gap between it and the dispensing hole (201) for the capsule to fall vertically. A rubber sleeve (401) is fitted on the outer side of one end of the lever (4).

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