A tablet detector

Abstract

This utility model relates to the field of tablet detection technology, and more particularly to a tablet detector, aiming to solve the problems of existing tablet detectors being easily affected by vibration and having high difficulty in assembly, installation, debugging, and maintenance. This utility model includes a feeding mechanism, a weighing mechanism, a thickness detection mechanism, a transfer mechanism, and a first detection mechanism; the feeding mechanism is used to feed tablets one by one into the weighing mechanism; the weighing mechanism is used to weigh the tablets; the thickness detection mechanism includes a first lead screw and a first pressure plate; the transfer mechanism is used to transfer the tablets from the thickness detection mechanism to the first detection mechanism; the first detection mechanism includes a pressing assembly, which includes a second lead screw, a second pressure plate, and a force sensor. This utility model uses a lead screw to drive the pressure plate, and uses the displacement difference of the pressure plate to determine the tablet size. Compared with a linear encoder, it has better environmental adaptability, avoids interference caused by mechanical vibration, and reduces the difficulty of assembly, installation, debugging, and maintenance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of tablet detection technology, and in particular to a tablet detector. Background Technology

[0002] Existing tablet measuring instruments use optical encoders for direct measurement of tablet size, along with position sensors and spring-loaded telescopic rods to limit excessive compression. However, tablet measuring equipment is typically placed in a low position within the tableting chamber, often near air conditioning return vents, making it susceptible to wind and tablet press vibrations. The accuracy of the optical encoder is significantly affected by vibration and wind, thus requiring strict adherence to installation and operating environmental conditions. This is because vibration and wind alter the distance between the light source and receiver of the optical encoder, causing phase shifts in the signal and resulting in measurement errors. Tablet measuring instruments are usually placed next to the tablet press, operating in an environment with significant vibration. Furthermore, the measurement accuracy of the optical encoder is highly dependent on installation and usage experience, requiring sophisticated installation and debugging techniques.

[0003] Furthermore, the use of multiple components such as the grating ruler and the spring telescopic rod increases the difficulty of product installation and debugging. Moreover, once damage occurs, typical pharmaceutical factory operators and maintenance personnel do not have the ability to repair the grating ruler, making equipment maintenance difficult. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a tablet detector to solve the problems of existing tablet detectors being easily affected by vibration and being difficult to assemble, install, debug, and maintain.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution provided by this utility model is as follows:

[0006] This utility model provides a tablet detector, including a feeding mechanism, a weighing mechanism, a thickness detection mechanism, a transfer mechanism, and a first detection mechanism;

[0007] The feeding mechanism is used to feed the tablets one by one into the weighing mechanism;

[0008] The weighing mechanism is used to weigh the tablets;

[0009] The thickness detection mechanism includes a first lead screw and a first pressure plate. The first lead screw drives the first pressure plate to move in the vertical direction so that the first pressure plate contacts the tablet.

[0010] The transfer mechanism is used to transfer the tablet from the thickness detection mechanism to the first detection mechanism;

[0011] The first detection mechanism includes a compression assembly, which includes a second lead screw, a second pressure plate, and a force sensor. The second lead screw drives the second pressure plate to move horizontally toward the force sensor.

[0012] In some optional embodiments, the first detection mechanism further includes an adjustment component, which includes a first conveying unit and a second conveying unit;

[0013] The first conveying unit is used to convey materials to the second conveying unit along a first direction, and includes at least two first conveying rollers, wherein the linear velocity of the first conveying rollers decreases sequentially along the first direction;

[0014] The second conveying unit is used to convey materials to the first conveying unit along a second direction, and includes at least one second conveying roller;

[0015] The second conveying roller rotates in the opposite direction to the adjacent first conveying roller, but has the same linear velocity.

[0016] Furthermore, the second conveying unit includes at least two second conveying rollers, and the linear velocity of the second conveying rollers decreases sequentially along the second direction.

[0017] In some optional embodiments, the thickness detection mechanism further includes a first motor, which is a servo motor with an absolute encoder, for driving the first lead screw to rotate about its own axis.

[0018] Furthermore, the thickness detection mechanism also includes a linear guide rail, the slider of which is connected to the first pressure plate, and the guide rail of which is parallel to the first lead screw.

[0019] The first lead screw rotates about its own axis to drive the slider of the linear guide to move.

[0020] In some alternative embodiments, the extrusion assembly further includes a second motor, which is a servo motor with an absolute encoder, for driving the second lead screw to rotate about its own axis.

[0021] In some alternative embodiments, the feeding mechanism is configured as a vibratory feeder.

[0022] In some alternative embodiments, the weighing mechanism includes a weighing sensor and a first turntable;

[0023] The weighing sensor is used to weigh the tablets;

[0024] The first turntable is provided with a displacement ring; the first turntable is disposed above the weighing sensor and is configured to rotate around its own axis so that the displacement ring rotates around the axis of the first turntable.

[0025] Furthermore, the weighing mechanism also includes a linear vibrating feeder;

[0026] The shifting ring pushes the tablet into the linear vibrating feeder, which then feeds the tablet below the first pressure plate.

[0027] In some optional embodiments, the transfer mechanism includes a second turntable with a locking slot.

[0028] The second turntable is configured to rotate about its own axis so that the slot can drive the tablet located in the thickness detection mechanism into the first detection mechanism.

[0029] Based on the above technical solutions, the technical effects achieved by this utility model are as follows:

[0030] The tablet detector provided by this utility model includes a feeding mechanism, a weighing mechanism, a thickness detection mechanism, a transfer mechanism, and a first detection mechanism. The feeding mechanism is used to feed the tablets one by one into the weighing mechanism. The weighing mechanism is used to weigh the tablets. The thickness detection mechanism includes a first lead screw and a first pressure plate. The first lead screw drives the first pressure plate to move vertically so that the first pressure plate contacts the tablet. The transfer mechanism is used to transfer the tablets from the thickness detection mechanism to the first detection mechanism. The first detection mechanism includes a compression assembly, which includes a second lead screw, a second pressure plate, and a force sensor. The second lead screw drives the second pressure plate to move horizontally toward the force sensor.

[0031] The tablet detector provided by this utility model uses a lead screw to drive a pressure plate, and determines the tablet size by utilizing the displacement difference of the pressure plate. Compared with a linear encoder, it has better environmental adaptability, avoids interference from mechanical vibration and wind, and reduces the difficulty of assembly, installation, debugging, and maintenance. Specifically, a high-precision lead screw is selected to ensure measurement accuracy. During use, a servo motor is used for control. By limiting the torque of the servo motor, the pressure plate is controlled to apply pressure to the tablet within a certain range, ensuring accurate measurement. The torque limitation of the servo motor can also prevent excessive compression of the tablet. Attached Figure Description

[0032] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of this utility model or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0033] Figure 1 A top view of the tablet detector provided in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0034] Figure 2 A perspective view of the tablet detector provided in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0035] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first turntable;

[0036] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the channel structure of a linear vibrating feeder;

[0037] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the thickness detection mechanism;

[0038] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the second turntable.

[0039] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first testing institution;

[0040] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the extrusion assembly.

[0041] Figure 9 To adjust the structural diagram of the component;

[0042] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the collection tray.

[0043] Icons: 100, Feeding mechanism; 200, Weighing mechanism; 300, Thickness detection mechanism; 400, Transfer mechanism; 500, First detection mechanism; 600, Collection mechanism; 210, Weighing sensor; 220, First turntable; 230, Linear vibrating feeder; 221, Shift ring; 222, Discharge plate; 310, First lead screw; 320, First pressure plate; 330, First motor; 410, Second turntable; 411. 510. Gap; 520. Extrusion assembly; 511. Adjustment assembly; 512. Second lead screw; 513. Second pressure plate; 514. Force sensor; 515. Second motor; 516. Connecting rod; 517. Connecting block; 518. Sensor mounting plate; 521. First conveying roller; 522. Second conveying roller; 523. Adjustment bracket; 611. First collection trough; 612. Second collection trough; 101. Tablet. Detailed Implementation

[0044] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this utility model described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0045] The following detailed description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, outlines some embodiments of the present invention. Unless otherwise specified, the following embodiments and features can be combined with each other.

[0046] Existing tablet detectors use grating rulers to measure tablet size, but the measurement accuracy of grating rulers is greatly affected by vibration, and they have high requirements for installation and use environment. They are easily affected by vibration and wind, and are difficult to assemble, install, debug and maintain.

[0047] In view of this, the present invention provides a tablet detector, including a feeding mechanism 100, a weighing mechanism 200, a thickness detection mechanism 300, a transfer mechanism 400, and a first detection mechanism 500; the feeding mechanism 100 is used to feed tablets one by one into the weighing mechanism 200; the weighing mechanism 200 is used to weigh the tablets; the thickness detection mechanism 300 includes a first lead screw 310 and a first pressure plate 320, the first lead screw 310 drives the first pressure plate 320 to move vertically so that the first pressure plate 320 contacts the tablets; the transfer mechanism 400 is used to transfer the tablets from the thickness detection mechanism 300 to the first detection mechanism 500; the first detection mechanism 500 includes a pressing assembly 510, the pressing assembly 510 includes a second lead screw 511, a second pressure plate 512, and a force sensor 513, the second lead screw 511 drives the second pressure plate 512 to move horizontally toward the force sensor 513.

[0048] The tablet detector provided by this utility model uses a lead screw to drive a pressure plate, and determines the tablet size by utilizing the displacement difference of the pressure plate. Compared with a linear encoder, it has better environmental adaptability, avoids interference caused by mechanical vibration, and reduces the difficulty of assembly, installation, debugging, and maintenance. Specifically, a high-precision lead screw is selected to ensure measurement accuracy. During use, a servo motor is used for control. By limiting the torque of the servo motor, the pressure plate is controlled to apply pressure to the tablet within a certain range, ensuring accurate measurement. The torque limitation of the servo motor can also prevent excessive compression of the tablet.

[0049] The following combination Figures 1-10 The structure and shape of the tablet detector provided in this embodiment will be described in detail.

[0050] In an optional embodiment, the first detection mechanism 500 further includes an adjustment component 520, which comprises a first conveying unit and a second conveying unit, such as... Figure 9 As shown. The first conveying unit is used to convey materials to the second conveying unit along a first direction, and includes at least two first conveying rollers 521. Along the first direction, the linear velocity of the first conveying rollers 521 decreases sequentially. The second conveying unit is used to convey materials to the first conveying unit along a second direction, and includes at least one second conveying roller 522. The second conveying roller 522 rotates in the opposite direction to the adjacent first conveying roller 521 and has the same linear velocity.

[0051] The adjustment component 520 serves both to support the tablet and adjust its orientation. No adjustment is needed when the tablet is round; however, when the tablet is elongated and axially symmetrical, such as an ellipse or oblong shape, orientation adjustment is usually required. When the tablet enters from the first conveying unit, if the length direction of the tablet is not parallel to the axis of the first conveying roller 521, then as the tablet moves along the first direction, both ends of the tablet will contact the two adjacent first conveying rollers 521. Due to the difference in linear velocity between the two adjacent first conveying rollers 521, the first conveying roller 521 with the smaller linear velocity will hinder the tablet's forward movement through friction, causing the tablet to oscillate in the horizontal plane parallel to the axis of the first conveying roller 521, thus reducing the angle between the length direction of the tablet and the axis of the first conveying roller 521.

[0052] When the tablet arrives at the adjacent first conveyor roller 521 and second conveyor roller 522, since the two rotate in opposite directions and have equal linear velocities, the tablet finally completes its posture adjustment under the drive of the first conveyor roller 521 and second conveyor roller 522, so that the length direction of the tablet is parallel to the axis of the first conveyor roller 521 and symmetrical about the middle plane of the adjacent first conveyor roller 521 and second conveyor roller 522. At the same time, it is supported by the adjacent first conveyor roller 521 and second conveyor roller 522 for subsequent length and hardness measurement.

[0053] The adjustment assembly 520 adjusts the tablet's posture using the friction of the conveyor rollers, preventing the tablet from sticking or being pulled due to applied pressure, thus ensuring the adjustment effect. Simultaneously, the first conveying unit pre-adjusts the tablet's posture, minimizing the angle between the tablet's length direction and the axis of the first conveyor roller 521, thereby shortening the adjustment time of the tablet on the adjacent first and second conveyor rollers 521 and improving adjustment efficiency.

[0054] In an optional embodiment, the diameters of all first conveying rollers 521 are equal, and the rotational speed of each first conveying roller 521 decreases sequentially along the first direction, thereby ensuring that the linear velocity of each first conveying roller 521 decreases sequentially along the first direction. At this time, the heights of all first conveying rollers 521 are equal to ensure that a horizontal surface is formed for the tablets to pass through.

[0055] In an optional embodiment, the rotational speeds of each first conveying roller 521 are equal, the diameters of each first conveying roller 521 decrease sequentially along the first direction, and the linear velocity of each first conveying roller 521 decreases sequentially along the first direction. At this time, the apex heights of each first conveying roller 521 are the same to ensure that a horizontal surface is formed for the tablets to pass through.

[0056] In an optional embodiment, the second conveying roller 522 has the same diameter and rotation speed as the adjacent first conveying roller 521, so as to finally complete the posture adjustment of the tablet and make the length direction of the tablet parallel to the axial direction of the first conveying roller 521.

[0057] In an optional embodiment, the diameter and rotational speed of the second conveying roller 522 are not equal to those of the adjacent first conveying roller 521, and the diameter and rotational speed are inversely proportional, thereby ensuring that the linear speed of the second conveying roller 522 is equal to that of the adjacent first conveying roller 521.

[0058] In an optional embodiment, the second conveying unit includes at least two second conveying rollers 522. Along the second direction, the linear velocity of the second conveying rollers 522 decreases one by one, at which time the tablet can enter the adjustment assembly 520 from the second conveying unit.

[0059] In practical applications, the linear velocity can be varied by changing the diameter of the conveyor roller. Compared to using precision gears with different numbers of teeth to change the rotational speed, maintaining the same rotational speed and adjusting the linear velocity by changing the diameter of the conveyor roller is less costly to manufacture, enabling mass production of gears and reducing the variety of gear types.

[0060] Specifically, such as Figure 9 As shown, in this embodiment, the adjustment assembly 520 is equipped with ten conveying rollers of equal diameter. These ten rollers are divided into two groups, forming the first conveying unit and the second conveying unit, respectively. The first conveying rollers 521 are numbered 1-5 along the first conveying direction, and the second conveying rollers 522 are numbered 1-5 along the second conveying direction. The adjacent first conveying roller 521 (number 5) and second conveying roller 522 (number 5) constitute the measurement station. These two rollers jointly support the tablet for hardness, length, or diameter detection. During the process of the tablet entering the measurement station from the first conveying unit, if the length direction of the tablet is not parallel to the axis of the first conveying roller 521, both ends of the tablet will contact the two first conveying rollers 521 respectively. For example, when the two ends of the tablet are located at first conveying roller 521 (number 1) and first conveying roller 521 (number 2) respectively, the slower speed of the first conveying roller 521 (number 2) will obstruct the tablet, causing it to swing in the horizontal plane. That is, by using the speed difference, the length direction of the tablet is swung in a direction parallel to the axis of the first conveying roller 521, thereby minimizing the angle between the length direction of the tablet and the axis of the first conveying roller 521. When the tablet comes into contact with the adjacent No. 5 first conveying roller 521 and No. 5 second conveying roller 522, the tablet finally completes the posture adjustment under the obstruction of the No. 5 second conveying roller 522.

[0061] By setting multiple first conveying rollers 521 and second conveying rollers 522 and gradually decreasing rotation speeds along the conveying direction, the tablets begin to adjust their posture as soon as they enter the first or second conveying unit of the adjustment assembly 520, thereby reducing the time it takes for the tablets to adjust their posture when they reach the measurement station, i.e., the adjacent first conveying rollers 521 and second conveying rollers 522.

[0062] In this embodiment, the adjustment assembly 520 further includes an adjustment bracket 523, on which both the first conveying roller 521 and the second conveying roller 522 are mounted. The speed difference can be achieved by changing the transmission ratio through gear transmission, synchronous belt transmission, etc. The first conveying unit and the second conveying unit can be driven by the same power source or driven separately. The power source can be a servo motor, a stepper motor, or a constant speed motor, etc.

[0063] The adjustment component 520 provided in this embodiment has a simple and reliable structure, and only has the action of rotating the conveying roller. Compared with the tablet posture adjustment device driven by pneumatic components, it has the advantages of low equipment cost, high precision and working stability, low failure rate and convenient maintenance.

[0064] Through detailed testing and simulation of the conveyor roller dimensions and gaps, the adjustment assembly 520 is suitable for centering all round and elongated axisymmetric tablets within the size range of 5mm to 25mm. This essentially covers the shape and size of most commonly available tablets on the market. No manual adjustment is required during use, improving the equipment's versatility and reducing the workload for users. Specifically, the conveyor roller diameter is 3mm, the gap between the conveyor rollers is 1.5mm, and the speed ratio between adjacent conveyor rollers is 1.15 to 1.2.

[0065] In this embodiment, the extrusion assembly 510 further includes a second motor 514, which is a servo motor with an absolute encoder. The second motor 514 drives the second lead screw 511 to rotate around its own axis to ensure precise position control. The axis of the second lead screw 511 is parallel to the axis of the first conveying roller 521. A second pressure plate 512 and a force sensor 513 are disposed on both sides of the tablet. The second pressure plate 512 is configured to move towards the force sensor 513 to extrude the tablet placed on the adjustment assembly 520. The absolute encoder provides absolute position information of the motor shaft. When used in conjunction with the servo motor, the movement of the servo motor can be accurately controlled based on the precise position data fed back by the absolute encoder, enabling it to precisely reach the target position.

[0066] In this embodiment, the extrusion assembly 510 further includes a connecting rod 515, a connecting block 516, and a connecting frame 517, such as... Figure 8As shown. A second motor 514 is mounted on a connecting frame 517, a second lead screw 511 is rotatably mounted on the connecting frame 517, and a connecting block 516 is slidably mounted on the connecting frame 517. The connecting block 516 is fitted onto the second lead screw 511 and threadedly connected to it. One end of a connecting rod 515 is connected to the second pressure plate 512, and the other end is connected to the connecting block 516. To ensure the stability of the second pressure plate 512, at least two connecting rods 515 are provided. During operation, the second motor 514 drives the second lead screw 511 to rotate, causing the second lead screw 511 to slide the connecting block 516, which in turn causes the connecting block 516 to move the second pressure plate 512 to compress the tablets.

[0067] The connecting block 516 and the connecting frame 517 can be connected by a linear guide rail. The slider of the linear guide rail is connected to the connecting block 516, and the guide rail of the linear guide rail is parallel to the second lead screw 511 and installed on the connecting frame 517. Using a linear guide rail helps reduce friction. Alternatively, a guide rod can be used. Specifically, the guide rod is parallel to the second lead screw 511 and installed on the connecting frame 517. The guide rod is inserted into the connecting block 516 and slidably connected to the connecting block 516 to prevent the connecting block 516 from rotating with the second lead screw 511. Similarly, the connecting frame 517 itself can also restrict the rotation of the connecting block 516. In this case, one surface of the connecting block 516 contacts one surface of the connecting frame 517.

[0068] In this embodiment, the second motor 514, the second lead screw 511, the connecting block 516, the connecting frame 517, the linear guide rail, etc., can be integrated into a linear module to improve integration and reduce costs, and facilitate maintenance and replacement. The second lead screw 511 adopts a high-precision lead screw to ensure operating accuracy. Specifically, the accuracy of the second lead screw 511 can be set to a stroke variation of less than 0.012mm within any 300mm stroke.

[0069] In this embodiment, the extrusion assembly 510 further includes a sensor mounting plate 518, a force sensor 513 is mounted on the sensor mounting plate 518, and the sensor mounting plate 518 is mounted on the adjustment bracket 523.

[0070] In this embodiment, the extrusion assembly 510 can measure the diameter and length of the tablet, as well as the hardness of the tablet.

[0071] It should be noted that the conveying roller of the adjusting component 520 rotates continuously until the measurement is completed to avoid the tablets shifting during the measurement process, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the measurement results.

[0072] When a tablet breaks, if the size of the broken particles is smaller than the minimum gap between adjacent conveyor rollers, they can fall through the gap. If the particle size is larger than the minimum gap but smaller than the maximum gap, the particles will be squeezed by the two adjacent conveyor rollers due to their opposite rotation directions or speed difference, and further broken into particles smaller than the minimum gap. These particles will then fall through the gap and be discharged, preventing residual particles from affecting subsequent tablet detection. If the particle size is larger than the maximum gap, the rotation direction of the conveyor rollers can be reversed, causing the particles to be discharged from the end of the adjustment assembly 520 away from the transfer mechanism 400. This operation prevents the accumulation of broken tablet powder from affecting the accuracy of subsequent measurements. It should be noted that the maximum gap between adjacent conveyor rollers is the distance between the apexes of the adjacent conveyor rollers.

[0073] In this embodiment, the thickness detection mechanism 300 also includes a first motor 330, which is a servo motor with an absolute encoder, used to drive the first lead screw 310 to rotate around its own axis.

[0074] Furthermore, the thickness detection mechanism 300 also includes a linear guide rail, the slider of which is connected to the first pressure plate 320, and the guide rail of which is parallel to the first lead screw 310; the first lead screw 310 rotates around its own axis to drive the slider of the linear guide rail to move. Specifically, the structure of the thickness detection mechanism 300 can be referenced to the extrusion assembly 510, and the mechanical structures of the two can be exactly the same, so they will not be described in detail here. It should be noted that the thickness detection mechanism 300 also includes a photoelectric sensor to identify when the tablet reaches below the first pressure plate 320, thereby confirming that thickness detection can begin.

[0075] In an optional embodiment, the feeding mechanism 100 is configured as a vibratory feeder to output tablets one by one to the weighing mechanism 200. A through-beam photoelectric sensor is installed at the outlet of the vibratory feeder to monitor the entire channel cross-section, thereby confirming that a tablet has passed through the outlet and entered the weighing mechanism 200, preventing multiple tablets from being fed into the weighing mechanism 200. When a tablet is detected falling, the feeding mechanism 100 stops working and waits for the measurement and instruction from the weighing mechanism 200 to ensure that only one tablet falls accurately each time. In addition, a discharge port is provided on the vibratory feeder to discharge the dust that falls off during tablet vibration into a dust collection box below the vibratory feeder, preventing dust from affecting the weighing.

[0076] In an optional embodiment, the weighing mechanism 200 includes a weighing sensor 210 and a first turntable 220, such as... Figure 2As shown; the weighing sensor 210 is used to weigh the tablets, and the first turntable 220 is provided with a shift ring 221; the first turntable 220 is located above the weighing sensor 210 and is configured to rotate around its own axis so that the shift ring 221 rotates around the axis of the first turntable 220.

[0077] Furthermore, the weighing mechanism 200 also includes a linear vibrating feeder 230. Specifically, the shifting ring 221 pushes the tablets into the linear vibrating feeder 230, which then feeds the tablets below the first pressure plate 320.

[0078] In this embodiment, the first turntable 220 further includes a discharge plate 222 and a brush. The shifting ring 221, the discharge plate 222, and the brush are evenly distributed around the axis of the first turntable 220. The discharge plate 222 is provided with an inclined plane for discharging tablets into the collection mechanism 600. Figure 3 As shown in the figure, the bending plate is used to install the brush, which is used to clean the surface of the weighing sensor 210 to prevent dust and other residues from affecting the weighing accuracy.

[0079] In an optional embodiment, the transfer mechanism 400 includes a second turntable 410, on which a slot 411 is provided, such as... Figure 6 As shown, the slots 411 are V-shaped and used to carry tablets 101 of different sizes. In this embodiment, the three slots 411 are evenly distributed around the axis of the second turntable 410. The second turntable 410 is configured to rotate around its own axis so that the slots 411 can carry the tablets located in the thickness detection mechanism 300 into the first detection mechanism 500.

[0080] In this embodiment, both the first turntable 220 and the second turntable 410 can be driven by a servo motor in conjunction with a transmission mechanism.

[0081] In an optional embodiment, the collection mechanism 600 includes a collection tray, which is configured to rotate about its own axis. Specifically, as shown... Figure 10 As shown, the collection tray is provided with a plurality of first collection slots 611 evenly distributed around its own axis, and a second collection slot 612. Different collection slots are selected according to the required capacity and the type of tablets.

[0082] The usage process of the tablet detector provided in this embodiment is as follows:

[0083] S100 Weighing: The feeding mechanism 100 feeds the tablets one by one into the weighing mechanism 200. Specifically, the tablets fall onto the weighing sensor 210 and are located within the shifting ring 221. As the first turntable 220 reciprocates, the shifting ring 221 swings left and right to center the tablets in the weighing sensor 210, ensuring accurate weighing. The tablet weight should be 0.5 to 1.5 times the standard weight; otherwise, it is considered a tablet fragment or at least two tablets entering the weighing sensor 210 and is removed. At this time, the first turntable 220 rotates to the left, and the shifting ring 221 moves the tablets to the discharge port, where they fall into the collecting mechanism 600.

[0084] Once the required quantity for testing is completed, the first turntable 220 rotates to the discharge plate 222 and connects with the outlet of the vibrating plate. The remaining tablets in the vibrating plate are fed into the discharge plate 222 by the vibrating plate and fall into the collection mechanism 600 under the action of gravity.

[0085] S200 Thickness Measurement: After the tablets are weighed, the first turntable 220 rotates to the right, and the shifting ring 221 moves the tablets to the linear vibrating feeder 230. After the tablets are weighed, the brush rotates with the first turntable 220 to the weighing sensor 210 and cleans the surface of the weighing sensor 210.

[0086] The tablet enters the thickness detection mechanism 300 via a linear vibrating feeder 230. Once the photoelectric sensor detects the tablet's entry, the thickness detection mechanism 300 begins operation. A first motor 330 drives a first pressure plate 320 downwards to apply a pressure of no more than 10N to the tablet, typically set to 5N~7N. The tablet thickness can then be calculated based on the position of the first pressure plate 320. The pressure can be controlled by the torque of the first motor 330.

[0087] S300 Length Measurement: The second turntable 410 rotates and brings the tablet to the first detection mechanism 500. The tablet falls into the adjustment assembly 520 and finally enters the measurement station. Subsequently, the extrusion assembly 510 is activated, and the second motor 514 drives the second pressure plate 512 to move to apply a pressure of no more than 10N to the tablet, usually set to 5N~7N. At this time, the tablet thickness can be calculated based on the position of the second pressure plate 512. The pressure can be controlled by the torque of the first motor 330 or obtained by the force sensor 513.

[0088] The second pressure plate 512 then continues to move and crush the tablet to complete the tablet hardness test. During this process, the torque of the second motor 514 is continuously adjusted based on the data from the force sensor 513, so that the pressure on the tablet increases linearly. When the tablet is crushed, the torque of the second motor 514 or the value detected by the force sensor 513 will show a significant decrease.

[0089] The tablet detector provided in this embodiment uses a servo motor with an absolute encoder to drive a high-precision slide rail to move a pressure plate, and calculates the thickness, length, or diameter of the tablet. Before measurement, the pressure plate moves to contact a reference surface, which is used as the zero point for dimensional measurement. The reference surface is either the plane carrying the tablet in the thickness detection mechanism 300 or the plane where the force sensor 513 in the first detection mechanism 500 contacts the tablet. After the pressure plate moves to contact the tablet, the difference between the distance the pressure plate moves after leaving the reference surface and the distance the pressure plate moves back to the reference surface and contacts the tablet is calculated. This difference represents the thickness, length, or diameter of the tablet.

[0090] The tablet detector provided in this embodiment uses the number of rotations of the lead screw within a high-precision slide rail for accurate counting, and multiplies this by the lead screw pitch to calculate the displacement of the pressure plate each time. The lead screw's accuracy can easily reach the micrometer level, meeting measurement requirements. Simultaneously, an absolute encoder on the servo motor ensures the accuracy of the servo motor's count of lead screw rotations each time, guaranteeing accurate measurement. Torque limiting of the servo motor ensures that the pressure plate's squeezing force on the tablet is limited to within 10N, preventing excessive compression of the tablet during dimensional measurement.

[0091] The tablet detector provided in this embodiment uses the calculation of the number of rotations of a high-precision lead screw to measure dimensions, so the measurement accuracy is not affected by vibration or wind, and the difficulty of installation, debugging, and maintenance is greatly reduced. The measurement accuracy is only related to the machining accuracy of the lead screw itself and is not affected by other factors; at the same time, because the load during use is very small, the wear on the lead screw is extremely small, thus ensuring the long-term stability of single measurement accuracy and repeatable measurement accuracy.

[0092] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and are not intended to limit it. Although the utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model.

Claims

1. A tablet detector, characterized in that, It includes a feeding mechanism (100), a weighing mechanism (200), a thickness detection mechanism (300), a transfer mechanism (400), and a first detection mechanism (500). The feeding mechanism (100) is used to feed the tablets one by one into the weighing mechanism (200). The weighing mechanism (200) is used to weigh the tablets; The thickness detection mechanism (300) includes a first lead screw (310) and a first pressure plate (320). The first lead screw (310) drives the first pressure plate (320) to move in the vertical direction so that the first pressure plate (320) contacts the tablet. The transfer mechanism (400) is used to transfer the tablet from the thickness detection mechanism (300) to the first detection mechanism (500). The first detection mechanism (500) includes a pressing assembly (510), which includes a second lead screw (511), a second pressure plate (512) and a force sensor (513). The second lead screw (511) drives the second pressure plate (512) to move horizontally toward the force sensor (513).

2. The tablet detector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first detection mechanism (500) further includes an adjustment component (520), which includes a first conveying unit and a second conveying unit; The first conveying unit is used to convey materials to the second conveying unit along a first direction, and includes at least two first conveying rollers (521). Along the first direction, the magnitude of the linear velocity of the first conveying rollers (521) decreases one by one. The second conveying unit is used to convey materials to the first conveying unit in a second direction, and includes at least one second conveying roller (522). The second conveying roller (522) rotates in the opposite direction to the adjacent first conveying roller (521) and has the same linear velocity.

3. The tablet detector according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second conveying unit includes at least two second conveying rollers (522), and the linear velocity of the second conveying rollers (522) decreases sequentially along the second direction.

4. The tablet detector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thickness detection mechanism (300) also includes a first motor (330), which is a servo motor with an absolute encoder, used to drive the first lead screw (310) to rotate around its own axis.

5. The tablet detector according to claim 4, characterized in that, The thickness detection mechanism (300) further includes a linear guide rail, the slider of which is connected to the first pressure plate (320), and the guide rail of which is parallel to the first lead screw (310). The first lead screw (310) rotates about its own axis to drive the slider of the linear guide to move.

6. The tablet detector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The extrusion assembly (510) also includes a second motor (514), which is a servo motor with an absolute encoder, used to drive the second lead screw (511) to rotate around its own axis.

7. The tablet detector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The feeding mechanism (100) is configured as a vibratory feeder.

8. The tablet detector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The weighing mechanism (200) includes a weighing sensor (210) and a first turntable (220). The weighing sensor (210) is used to weigh the tablets; The first turntable (220) is provided with a shift ring (221); the first turntable (220) is disposed above the weighing sensor (210) and is configured to rotate around its own axis so that the shift ring (221) rotates around the axis of the first turntable (220).

9. The tablet detector according to claim 8, characterized in that, The weighing mechanism (200) also includes a linear vibrating feeder (230); The shifting ring (221) pushes the tablet into the linear vibrating feeder (230), which in turn feeds the tablet below the first pressure plate (320).

10. The tablet detector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transfer mechanism (400) includes a second turntable (410), on which a slot (411) is provided. The second turntable (410) is configured to rotate about its own axis so that the slot (411) can drive the tablet located in the thickness detection mechanism (300) into the first detection mechanism (500).

Images