Hopper, outlet valve, dispensing device and method for collecting and dispensing a dispersing agent

Abstract

The present invention relates to a hopper, an outlet valve, a dispensing device and a method for collecting and dispensing a dispersible drug, the hopper including a hopper inlet, a hopper outlet and an outlet valve at the hopper outlet movable between a closed position in which the outlet valve prevents the passage of the dispersible drug exiting the hopper through the hopper outlet and an open position in which the outlet valve allows the passage of the dispersible drug exiting the hopper through the hopper outlet in a falling direction, the outlet valve having a valve body defining a retaining surface on a side of the valve body that supports the dispersible drug at the hopper outlet when the outlet valve is in the closed position, the retaining surface having a cross-section for receiving the dispersible drug.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a hopper for collecting and dispensing a dispersible agent, an outlet valve for use in the hopper, a dispensing device including the hopper, and a method for collecting and dispensing a dispersible agent.

Background Art

[0002] U.S. Patent No. 10,457,427 B2 discloses an apparatus for dispensing a solid substance, the apparatus including a supply section having a plurality of supply device units and a collection section having a plurality of hoppers located below the plurality of supply device units. The plurality of hoppers are rotatable relative to a supply device unit for receiving the solid substance from one or more of the supply device units. Each hopper is provided with a hopper outlet for dispensing the solid substance to a packaging unit below and a dispensing valve for the hopper outlet, the dispensing valve for the hopper outlet being movable between an open position and a closed position for opening and closing the hopper outlet.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] A drawback of known hoppers is that they are part of a circular arrangement of hoppers that are moved in a high-speed stepwise rotation along a plurality of supply device units. As a result, the solid substance collected at the hopper outlet repeatedly receives a sudden horizontal force that causes the solid substance to behave unexpectedly. In particular, the solid substances tend to bounce off each other and off the inner surface of the hopper. The dispersible agent can consequently be damaged.

[0004] Furthermore, when the dispensing valve is moved to the open position immediately after the stepwise movement of each hopper to the packaging position above the packaging unit, some of the solid material contained in the hopper outlet immediately above the dispensing valve may still bounce back and not fall immediately. Furthermore, the trajectory of the solid material becomes unpredictable as a result of the bounce. Some of the solid material may fall outside the receiving funnel of the packaging unit.

[0005] Therefore, preventive measures such as additional sensors or longer waiting times must be taken to ensure that all solid material collected in the hopper is correctly dispensed.

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide a hopper for collecting and dispensing a dispersible agent, an outlet valve for use in the hopper, a dispensing device including the hopper, and a method capable of improving the reliability of dispensing the dispersible agent from the hopper.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] According to a first aspect, there is provided a hopper for collecting and dispensing a dispersible agent, the hopper including a hopper inlet, a hopper outlet, and an outlet valve at the hopper outlet, the outlet valve being movable between a closed position in which the outlet valve blocks the passage of the dispersible agent exiting the hopper through the hopper outlet and an open position in which the outlet valve allows the passage of the dispersible agent exiting the hopper through the hopper outlet in the dropping direction. The outlet valve has a valve body that defines a holding surface on a side of the valve body that supports the dispersible agent at the hopper outlet when the outlet valve is in the closed position. The holding surface has a cross section for receiving the dispersible agent, and the cross section is gutter-shaped. The hopper further includes a valve position sensor for detecting the open position and / or the closed position of the outlet valve.

[0008] The kinetic energy of the falling dispersing agent can be absorbed by the downward angled or tapered side of the trough-shaped cross-section before the dispersing agent reaches the bottom of the retaining surface where they can be reliably supported prior to dispensing. Thus, the dispersing agent is less likely to bounce back from the trough-shaped cross-section.

[0009] Further, the hopper, as part of a circular array of hoppers in a dispensing device that rotates along a plurality of supply device positions and / or one or more packaging positions, can repeatedly receive rapid, stepwise lateral movement that generates both horizontal and centrifugal forces on the dispersing agent supported on the retaining surface. The trough-shaped cross-section forms a recessed volume that can receive a plurality of dispersing agents in a densely packed manner, thereby reducing the chance that the dispersing agents bounce back and / or damage each other. More specifically, the trough-shaped cross-section allows the dispersing agent biased by the centrifugal force applied by the rotating circular array of the hopper to nest as closely as possible at the bottom of the trough-shaped cross-section of the retaining surface, thereby minimizing or preventing the horizontal forces applied to the dispersing agent during each stepwise movement of the hopper from causing unpredictable bouncing back and / or damage.

[0010] Detection of the open position and / or closed position of the valve by the sensor can provide insight into the correct operation and / or any malfunction occurring in the operating outlet valve. In particular, for example, it can be detected when at least a portion of the dispersing agent is clogged between the outlet valve and the hopper outlet, so that the outlet valve does not fully return to the closed position.

[0011] The aforementioned technical effects further ensure that the dispersing agents are relatively stationary with respect to each other and / or the hopper during dispensing. As a result, the dispersing agents can fall uniformly and / or with substantially no delay, particularly in a state where there is less chance of significant trajectory-changing contact between the dispersing agents.

[0012] In one embodiment, the outlet valve is rotatable between a closed position and an open position about a valve axis, and the cross-section is parallel to the valve axis. In other words, the outlet valve may have a groove shape extending in a direction perpendicular to the valve axis such that when the outlet valve rotates towards the open position, the holding surface can receive the dispersible agent dropping from below in the direction in which the groove shape tapers.

[0013] In a further embodiment, the valve body includes a first half and a second half that converge in a dropping direction (D) that converges from both sides of a central plane. The halves can effectively deflect the dispersible agent as they drop towards the lower part of the holding surface and can absorb the kinetic energy of the dispersible agent along the way.

[0014] Optionally, the first half and the second half are symmetric with respect to the central plane. As a result, the dispersible agent can behave similarly when in contact with any one of the halves.

[0015] Additionally or alternatively, the outlet valve is rotatable between a closed position and an open position about a valve axis, and the central plane extends perpendicular to the valve axis. Also in this case, when the outlet valve rotates towards the open position, the holding surface can receive the dispersible agent dropping from below in the direction in which the halves taper.

[0016] In a further embodiment, the valve body further includes a valley portion that interconnects the first half and the second half, and the valley portion extends linearly. The dispersible agent can be received uniformly on the holding surface, for example in a row with some degree of difference, so that they can be dropped uniformly when moving towards the open position.

[0017] In a particular embodiment, the cross-section is at least partially V-shaped. The inclined side walls of the V-shaped cross-section can effectively deflect the dispersible agent towards the bottom of the holding surface and / or can absorb the kinetic energy of the dispersible agent.

[0018] Alternatively, the cross-section is at least partially concave. Similar to the V-shaped cross-section, the concave sidewalls of the concave cross-section can be equally suitable for deflecting the dispersing agent and / or absorbing its kinetic energy.

[0019] In another embodiment, in the cross-section, the retaining surface has a width and a depth of at least half of the width. The cross-section can thus be deep or steep enough to receive a plurality of dispersing agents with a reduced chance of the dispersing agent bouncing back from or exiting the volume defined within the cross-section.

[0020] In another embodiment, the retaining surface has a longitudinal direction that is angled with respect to the horizontal plane when the outlet valve is in the closed position. The oblique orientation of the retaining surface can promote nesting of the dispersing agent in its trough-shaped cross-section, particularly under the influence of the aforementioned centrifugal force received during rotation of the hopper arrangement. In particular, the hopper is positioned in the hopper arrangement in such a way that the retaining surface is at an obtuse angle or perpendicular to the centrifugal force.

[0021] In another embodiment, the hopper is provided with a pin, the outlet valve is rotatable about the pin between a closed position and an open position, and the outlet valve at the position of the pin is provided with a reinforced bushing for receiving the pin. The reinforced bushing can extend the life of the hopper by preventing the outlet valve from wearing prematurely and coming off the pin after repeated opening and closing of the outlet valve.

[0022] Optionally, the reinforced bushing has a thickness in the axial direction parallel to the pin that is thicker than the valve body directly surrounding the reinforced bushing. The remaining part of the valve body does not wear against the pin and thus does not need to be reinforced. Thus, by simply increasing the thickness locally, the total weight of the outlet valve can be minimized.

[0023] In another embodiment, the outlet valve further includes a lever operable to move the outlet valve between a closed position and an open position. The lever can be actuated manually or by an actuator. The actuator may be part of the hopper or may be located outside the hopper, such as at one of the packaging positions of the dispensing device.

[0024] According to a second aspect, there is provided an outlet valve for use at the hopper outlet of a hopper, the outlet valve having a valve body that defines a retaining surface on a side of the valve body that supports the dispersible agent at the hopper outlet when the outlet valve is in the closed position during use. The retaining surface has a cross-section for receiving the dispersible agent, and the cross-section is gutter-shaped.

[0025] The outlet valve corresponds to the above-described outlet valve as part of the hopper and thus has the same technical advantages, which will not be repeated hereinafter. The outlet valve can be incorporated into a conventional hopper.

[0026] In one embodiment, the valve body includes a first half and a second half that converge in the dropping direction from both sides of a central plane.

[0027] Optionally, the first half and the second half are symmetric with respect to the central plane.

[0028] In another embodiment, the valve body further includes a valley portion that interconnects the first half and the second half, and the valley portion extends linearly.

[0029] In another embodiment, the cross-section is at least partially V-shaped.

[0030] Alternatively, the cross-section is at least partially concave.

[0031] In another embodiment, in the cross-section, the retaining surface has a width and a depth that is at least half of the width.

[0032] In another embodiment, the outlet valve is rotatable about a valve axis between an open position, and the outlet valve at the position of the valve axis is provided with a reinforcing bushing.

[0033] Optionally, the reinforcing bushing has a thickness in the axial direction parallel to the valve axis that is thicker than the valve body directly surrounding the reinforcing bushing.

[0034] In a further embodiment, the outlet valve further includes a lever operable to move the outlet valve between a closed position and an open position.

[0035] According to a third aspect, the use of the outlet valve according to an embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention is provided in a hopper for collecting and dispensing a dispersible agent.

[0036] According to a fourth aspect, a dispensing device is provided that includes a hopper according to any one of the embodiments of the first aspect, the dispensing device further including a valve opener for moving the outlet valve from a closed position to an open position and a control unit operatively connected to the valve opener, the control unit being configured to control the valve opener to accelerate the outlet valve from the closed position towards the open position faster than the acceleration due to gravity. Preferably, the outlet valve is accelerated at more than 9.81 m / s 2 sup.

[0037] The holding surface can thus be dropped faster than gravity from below the dispersible agent so that the dispersible agent can freely fall the moment the outlet valve begins to move from the closed position towards the open position. The dispersible agent can thus fall vertically or substantially vertically into the chute of the packaging unit below the hopper. In particular, it can be prevented that the outlet valve interferes with the trajectory of the dispersible agent after the outlet valve begins to move from the closed position towards the open position.

[0038] According to a fifth aspect, a dispensing device is provided that includes a hopper according to any of the embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the dispensing device including a valve position sensor for detecting the open position and / or the closed position of the outlet valve.

[0039] Detection of the open position and / or the closed position can provide insights into the correct operation and / or any faults occurring in the outlet valve during operation. In particular, it can be detected, for example, if the outlet valve does not fully return to the closed position because a dispersible agent is clogged between the outlet valve and the hopper outlet.

[0040] In an embodiment of the dispensing device described above, the valve position sensor includes a transmitter and a receiver at a first end of the detection region (A) and a reflector at a second end of the detection region opposite the first end. The outlet valve in the closed position extends at least partially in the detection region A and is not in the detection region in the open position. Information about the current position of the outlet valve can be obtained by detecting a signal or an interruption of said signal.

[0041] Optionally, the transmitter is configured to emit a light beam in a horizontal detection direction. The valve position sensor can reliably detect the position of the outlet valve in said horizontal direction without the need to measure or interpolate by triangulation. In particular, the valve position sensor can simply detect the presence or absence of a signal in said horizontal direction indicating each valve position.

[0042] According to a sixth aspect, a method for collecting and dispensing a dispersible agent using a hopper according to any one of the embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention is provided, the method comprising: - positioning the outlet valve in a closed position so as to block the passage of the dispersible agent exiting the hopper through the hopper outlet; - supporting the dispersible agent at the hopper outlet on the holding surface of the outlet valve; and - moving the outlet valve from the closed position towards the open position to enable the passage of the dispersible agent exiting the hopper through the hopper outlet. including.

[0043] The method relates to a practical implementation of the hopper according to the first aspect of the present invention and thus has the same technical advantages, which are not repeated hereinafter.

[0044] In one embodiment of the method, during movement of the outlet valve from the closed position towards the open position, the outlet valve is accelerated faster than the acceleration due to gravity.

[0045] Optionally, the outlet valve is accelerated at more than 9.81 m / s 2 squared.

[0046] In a further embodiment, the method further comprises the step of detecting the open position and / or the closed position of the outlet valve.

[0047] Optionally, the open position and / or the closed position are detected in a horizontal detection direction.

[0048] Further optionally, the step of detection comprises detecting the position of the lever of the outlet valve. This can ensure that the sensor is out of the path of movement of the valve itself and can accurately detect even a slight offset from the fully closed position.

[0049] The various aspects and features described and illustrated in the specification can be applied individually as far as possible. These individual aspects, particularly those described in the appended dependent claims, can be the subject of a divisional patent application.

[0050] The present invention is elucidated based on the exemplary embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0051]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

[0052] FIGS. 1 - 6 show a hopper 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention for collecting and dispensing dispersible agents, dispersible solid agents, pharmaceutical preparations or solids, articles or substances 90, such as pills, tablets, capsules, etc. for medical use. The dispersible agents 9 are shown only in FIGS. 4 and 5. The agents are "dispersible" in the sense that they can be collected in units one by one, individually, separately or in dose units in the hopper 1.

[0053] The hopper 1 is configured to be insertable into a dispensing device similar to the device disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 10,457,427B2, which is incorporated herein by reference. In the dispensing device, the hopper 1 forms part of a circular array of hoppers that are moved in a stepwise rotation along a plurality of supply device positions and receive dispersible agents from supply device units positioned at the supply device positions.

[0054] As best seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, hopper 1 includes a hopper inlet 2 and a hopper outlet 3. The hopper inlet 2 is relatively wide open at the top and tapers in the falling direction D towards the hopper outlet 3. In this exemplary embodiment, the falling direction D is vertical or substantially vertical. The hopper inlet 2 includes two inlet side walls 21, 22. The hopper inlet 2 is further provided with an inlet rear wall 23 and an inlet front wall 24 that taper towards each other and interconnect the two inlet side walls 21, 22. The inlet front wall 24 faces outward of the circular arrangement of the hoppers when the hopper 1 is placed on the dispensing device. A handle or gripping portion (not shown) may be provided on the front wall 24 for manually inserting and / or removing the hopper 1 from the dispensing device.

[0055] The hopper outlet 3 is located at the tapered end of the hopper inlet 2, is in open communication with the hopper inlet 2, and receives the dispersible agent 9 collected by the hopper inlet 2. The hopper outlet 3 is open in the falling direction D for dispensing or discharging the dispersible agent 9 from the hopper 1. The hopper outlet 3 includes two outlet side walls 31, 32 that interconnect the two outlet side walls 31, 32 and an outlet rear wall 33.

[0056] The hopper outlet 3 is further provided with a dust discharge channel 34 and a dust discharge opening 35 in the rear wall 33, enabling the extraction of dust or small particles from the hopper outlet 3 through the rear wall 33. The hopper outlet 3 also includes a suction grid 36 for connecting to a vacuum source to clean the hopper 1.

[0057] In this exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the hopper outlet 3, and in fact the entire hopper 1, is symmetric or substantially symmetric about the central plane M, although this may vary in different hoppers.

[0058] The hopper 1 is further provided with an outlet door, shutter or valve 4 at or in the hopper outlet 3 in order to open and close the hopper outlet 3. In particular, the outlet valve 4 is in a closed position shown in FIGS. 4 and 6 where the outlet valve 4 blocks the passage of the dispersible agent 9 exiting the hopper 1 through the hopper outlet 3, and the outlet valve 4 is in an open position shown in FIG. 5 where the outlet valve 4 allows the passage of the dispersible agent 9 exiting the hopper 1 through the hopper outlet 3 in the dropping direction D. It is movable between. In this exemplary embodiment, the outlet valve 4 is rotatable about a valve shaft S. The valve shaft S extends perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the central plane M.

[0059] As best seen in FIG. 3, the outlet valve 4 has a valve body 40 that defines a holding surface on the side of the valve body 40 that supports the dispersible agent 9 at the hopper outlet 4 when the outlet valve 4 is in the closed position. In other words, the holding surface V1 is the side facing upward of the valve body when the outlet valve 4 is in the closed position.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 4, the valve body 40 is elongated in the longitudinal direction L. The holding surface V1 extends parallel, substantially parallel, or in the longitudinal direction L to the longitudinal direction L. In the closed position of the outlet valve 4, the valve body 40 is arranged at an oblique angle K with respect to the horizontal plane. In particular, the valve body 40 extends obliquely downward toward the rear wall 33 of the hopper outlet 3.

[0061] FIG. 2 shows a cross-section C1 of the valve body 40 when the outlet valve 4 is in the closed position. The cross-section C1 is in a plane parallel to the valve shaft S. More specifically, in this example, the cross-section C1 is in a vertical plane parallel to the valve shaft S. The cross-section C1 could also be in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L. The cross-section C1 is trough-shaped. In the context of the present invention, the term "trough-shaped" should be interpreted as a cross-section that defines a recessed volume in the valve body 40 that opens upward to receive and support the dispersible agent 9 in a recessed manner. In particular, the cross-section C1 defines a long and narrow, channel-shaped volume in the longitudinal direction L of the valve body 40. The cross-section C1 may be polygonal, concave or a combination thereof.

[0062] In this exemplary embodiment, the cross-section C1 is V-shaped or substantially V-shaped. In particular, the valve body 40 includes a first half 41 and a second half 42 that converge in the dropping direction D from both sides of the central plane M. The first half 41 and the second half 42 preferably extend at an angle with respect to the central plane M that is relatively sharp, for example, 45 degrees or less. It should be noted that the first half 41 and the second half 42 are symmetric or substantially symmetric with respect to the central plane M.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 4, the valve body 40 further includes a valley portion 43 that interconnects the first half 41 and the second half 42. The valley portion 43 extends linearly, preferably in the central plane M or parallel to the central plane M, and / or parallel to the longitudinal direction L of the valve body 40. It should be noted that the valley portion 43 is aligned with the dust discharge opening 35 in the rear wall 33 and the dust discharge channel 34 on the opposite side of the rear wall 33 of the hopper outlet 3.

[0064] As best seen in FIG. 2, the holding surface V1 has a width W in a direction parallel to the valve axis S and a height or depth H in the dropping direction D. The width W is selected so that the valve body 40 fits properly between the outlet side walls 31, 32. The depth H is typically selected to be at least half of the width W. Therefore, the holding surface V1 is relatively deep compared to the width W.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 3, the hopper 1 is provided with a pin 38 to facilitate the rotation of the outlet valve 4 about the valve axis S. At the position of the pin 38, the outlet valve 4 is provided with a reinforcing ring or bushing 48 to receive rotation about the pin 38. The reinforcing bushing 48 has an axial thickness T parallel to the pin 38 that is thicker than the valve body 40 directly surrounding the reinforcing bushing 48. In this exemplary embodiment, the thickness T of the reinforcing bushing 48 is about twice the thickness of the valve body directly surrounding the reinforcing bushing 48. The reinforcing bushing 48 is preferably formed integrally with the rest of the valve body 40.

[0066] As further shown in FIG. 3, the outlet valve 4 further includes a lever 44 that is operable to move the outlet valve 4 between a closed position and an open position. The lever 44 includes a first lever side portion 45 and a second lever side portion 46 that extend parallel to each other on a side of the lever shaft S opposite to the valve body 40. In this example, the lever side portions 45, 46 are formed as arms. The lever 44 further includes a lever end 47 that interconnects the lever side portions 45, 46 at the tip of the lever 44.

[0067] FIG. 5 shows a hopper 1 that interacts with a valve opener 5 outside the hopper 1. The valve opener 5 may be part of a dispensing device on which the hopper 1 is placed. The valve opener 5 may include an actuator, such as a stepper motor, that interacts with the lever 44, more specifically the lever end 47, to open and close the outlet valve 4. The valve opener 5 is strategically positioned at a dispensing position, particularly above the packaging unit, to actuate the outlet valve 4 when the hopper 1 is substantially or directly above the packaging unit. The dispensing device further includes a control unit 8 that is operatively and / or electronically connected to the valve opener 5 to control the valve opener 5.

[0068] The control unit 8 is programmed, arranged, and / or configured to control the valve opener 5 to accelerate the valve opener 5 from the closed position shown in FIG. 4 towards the open position shown in FIG. 5 with a rotational arrow R faster than the acceleration due to gravity, i.e., at more than 9.81 m / s 2 sup. As a result, the holding surface V1 can fall or be pulled away from below the dispersible agent 9 faster than gravity to ensure that the dispersible agent 9 can freely fall from the hopper outlet 3. In other embodiments, the outlet valve 4 can be moved more slowly to help guide and / or slow down the fall.

[0069] As shown in Fig. 6, the hopper 1 is further provided with a return member 7, preferably a biasing element such as a spring, for returning the outlet valve 4 to the closed position when the valve opener 5 releases the outlet valve 4 from the open position. This can occur, for example, when the circular arrangement of the hoppers is rotated over another step and the hopper 1 pre-positioned directly above the packaging position and associated with the valve opener 5 at the packaging position now moves away from the valve opener 5 to a subsequent position downstream of the packaging position.

[0070] In said subsequent position, a dispensing device may further be provided with a valve position sensor 6 to check whether the outlet valve 4 has been correctly returned to the closed position. The outlet valve 4 may not return correctly when something, such as a portion of the dispersible agent 9 or the agent that has not fallen out of the hopper outlet 3 within a period of time, is jammed between the outlet valve 4 and the hopper 1. The valve position sensor 6 includes a transmitter 60 and a receiver 61 at a first end of the detection area A, and a reflector 62 at a second end of the detection area A opposite the first end. The transmitter 60 may be configured to emit a light beam B, for example, an infrared ray or a laser beam. The receiver 61 may be a photocell sensitive to the spectrum of the light beam B.

[0071] In the open position shown by the dashed line in Fig. 6, the outlet valve 4 extends away from the detection area A. In that case, the light beam B can move from the transmitter 60 to the reflector 62 and back towards the receiver 61 and be interrupted. However, in the closed position shown by the solid line in Fig. 6, the outlet valve 4 at least partially extends in the detection area A. The outlet valve 4, in particular its lever 44, intersects the light beam B and deflects it away from the reflector 62. Therefore, no signal is detected, which indicates that the outlet valve 4 has been correctly returned to the closed position.

[0072] The operation of the valve position sensor 6 may alternatively be reversed, for example, by positioning the transmitter 60, the reflector 61 and the receiver 62 such that a signal is detected when the outlet valve 4 is fully closed and no signal is detected when the outlet valve 4 is at least partially open.

[0073] The transmitter 60 and the reflector 62 are positioned such that they move the lever 44 at least partially out of the path of the light beam B even with a slight offset from the closed position. Thus, a signal is detected when the outlet valve 4 is not fully closed. Optionally, the detection direction E is horizontal or substantially horizontal. In other words, the light beam B is emitted and reflected horizontally or substantially horizontally.

[0074] The control unit 8 is operatively and / or electronically connected to the valve position sensor 6 in order to receive and process the signal (or the absence thereof) generated by the valve position sensor 6 and to take appropriate action, for example to stop the dispensing operation and / or to warn the operator.

[0075] FIG. 7 shows an alternative hopper 101 according to a second embodiment of the present invention, which differs from the hopper 1 previously considered in that its outlet valve 104 has a valve body 140 defining an alternative holding surface V2 with a concave cross-section C2. In particular, the two halves 141, 142 of the valve body 140 are arcuate and converge or taper towards each other from both sides of the central plane M. Similar to its V-shaped counterpart, the concave holding surface V2 is symmetric with respect to the central plane M. Also in this case, this has a depth H that is at least equal to half of the width W. Thus, the alternative holding surface V2 is equally well suited to receive the dispersible agent 9 by the recess.

[0076] FIG. 8 shows the hopper 1 described above in relation to the supply device unit F above it. The supply device unit F can individually and / or selectively guide the dispersible agent 9 into the hopper inlet 2. The hopper 1 is optionally provided with a deflection member 200 at the central region of the hopper inlet 2 for deflecting the dispersible agent in order to optimize their respective falling trajectories through the hopper inlet 2. In this way, it can be prevented that some of the dispersible agents 9 move along a longer trajectory than others. In particular, the shape of the deflection member 3 is optimized to ensure that all the dispersible agents 9 reach the hopper outlet 3 at substantially the same time, regardless of the position of the supply device unit F from which it originates. Optionally, the deflection member 200 is removable from the hopper inlet 2 for easy cleaning and to facilitate stacking of both the hopper inlet 2 and the deflection member 200.

[0077] The deflection member 200 includes a first deflection surface 201 and a second deflection surface 202 that extend at an oblique deflection angle X with respect to the horizontal plane. The deflection angle X is selected in the range of 30 to 60 degrees, more specifically in the range of 40 to 50 degrees. In this example, the deflection angle X is about 45 degrees. The deflection surfaces 201, 202 are angled inversely away from the center of the hopper inlet 2, like an inverted V-shape. In this example, the deflection surfaces 201, 202 are part of a single body. Alternatively, the deflection member 200 can be formed by two or more separate parts, each having its own deflection surfaces 201, 202. The deflection surfaces 201, 202 can interrupt the fall of the dispersible agent 9. The oblique deflection angle X can minimize or prevent damage to the dispersible agent 9.

[0078] The deflecting member 200 is further provided with a through hole 203 that provides a clear line of sight Z between the camera C located above the hopper 1 and the outlet valve 4. In this example, the line of sight Z is vertical or substantially vertical. In other words, the camera C is vertically aligned above the outlet valve 4. In this example, the through hole 203 is located between the deflecting surfaces 201, 202. Optionally, the dimensions of the through hole 203 are selected to be larger than, to match, or to substantially match the field of view of the camera C. The camera C can be used to determine whether the outlet valve 4 is properly opened or closed, or whether there is a dispersible agent 9 or other material remaining in the hopper outlet 3.

[0079] The camera C may be disposed at a dedicated camera position between the supply device units F, or it may be configured to be inserted into one of the positions normally occupied by the supply device units F. In particular, the camera C can be adapted to fit a docking base for such a supply device unit F, and the line of sight moves through a hole that is normally used to guide the dispersible agent 9 from each supply device unit F into the hopper 1. Alternatively, the camera C can be positioned below the hopper outlet 3 with its line of sight directed upward. In that case, a backlight can be provided at the top of the hopper 1.

[0080] A method for collecting and dispensing the dispersible agent 9 using any one of the aforementioned hoppers 1, 101 is briefly illustrated with reference to FIGS. 4-6.

[0081] FIG. 4 shows a situation where the outlet valve 4 is positioned in the closed position to block the passage of the dispersible agent 9 exiting the hopper 1 through the hopper outlet 3. A plurality of dispersible agents 9 are supported on the holding surface V1. In particular, due to the trough-shaped cross-section C1 shown in FIG. 2, the holding surface V1 can receive a plurality of dispersible agents 9 in a densely packed or nested state, thereby reducing the chance that the dispersible agents 9 bounce and damage each other.

[0082] Figure 5 shows the situation after the outlet valve 4 has been moved from the closed position towards the open position so as to enable the passage of the dispersible agent 9 exiting from the hoppers 1, 101 through the hopper outlet 3. As described above, the outlet valve 4 is accelerated faster than the acceleration due to gravity. In this way, after the outlet valve 4 has started to move from the closed position towards the open position, it can be prevented that the outlet valve 4 interferes with the trajectory of the dispersible agent 9. As can be observed in Figure 5, the group of dispersible agents 9 pre-supported by the holding surface V1 has started their free fall while remaining relatively closely proximate to each other, similar to their original relative positions at the holding surface VI. With little or no relative movement between the dispersible agents 9, contact that could change the trajectories between the dispersible agents 9 can be prevented as much as possible.

[0083] Figure 6 shows the situation after the outlet valve 4 has returned to the closed position, and the valve position sensor 6 detects said correct closure in the manner described above.

[0084] It should be understood that the above is included to illustrate the operation of the preferred embodiment and does not mean to limit the scope of the present invention. From the above discussion, many modifications that are not encompassed by the spirit and scope of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. <Supplementary Note> [Item 1] A hopper (1, 101) for collecting and dispensing a dispersing agent (9), wherein the hopper (1) includes a hopper inlet (2), a hopper outlet (3), and an outlet valve (4, 104) at the hopper outlet (3), and the outlet valve (4, 104) is movable between a closed position where the outlet valve (4, 104) blocks the passage of the dispersing agent (9) exiting the hopper (1, 101) through the hopper outlet (3) and an open position where the outlet valve (4, 104) allows the passage of the dispersing agent (9) exiting the hopper (1, 101) through the hopper outlet (3) in the dropping direction (D), and the outlet valve (4, 104) has a valve body (40, 140), and when the outlet valve (4, 104) is in the closed position, a holding surface (V1, V2) is defined on the side of the valve body (40, 140) that supports the dispersing agent (9) at the hopper outlet (3), the holding surface (V1, V2) has a cross-section (C1, C2) for receiving the dispersing agent (9), and the cross-section (C1, C2) is gutter-shaped, the hopper further includes a valve position sensor (6) for detecting the open position and / or the closed position of the outlet valve (4, 104). Hopper (1, 101). [Item 2] The outlet valve (4, 104) is rotatable between the closed position and the open position about a valve axis (S), and the cross-section (C1, C2) is parallel to the valve axis (S). The hopper (1, 101) according to claim 1. [Item 3] The valve body (40, 140) includes a first half (41, 141) and a second half (42, 142) that converge in the dropping direction (D) converging from both sides of a central plane (M). The hopper (1, 101) according to claim 1 or 2. [Item 4] The first half (41, 141) and the second half (42, 142) are symmetric with respect to the central plane (M). The hopper (1, 101) according to claim 3. [Item 5] The outlet valve (4, 104) is rotatable between the closed position and the open position about a valve axis (S), and the central plane (M) extends perpendicular to the valve axis (S). The hopper (1, 101) according to claim 3 or 4. [Item 6] The valve position sensor (6) includes a transmitter (60) and a receiver (61) at a first end of the detection area (A) and a reflector (62) at a second end of the detection area (A) opposite to the first end, the outlet valve (4, 104) in the closed position extends at least partially in the detection area (A), and is not in the detection area (A) in the open position. The hopper according to any one of claims 1 to 5. [Item 7] The transmitter (60) is configured to emit a light beam (B) in a horizontal detection direction (E). The hopper according to claim 6. [Item 8] The cross section (C2) is at least partially concave. The hopper (101) according to any one of claims 1 to 5. [Item 9] In the cross sections (C1, C2), the holding surfaces (V1, V2) have a width (W) and a depth (H) that is at least half of the width (W). The hopper (1, 101) according to any one of claims 1 to 8. [Item 10] The holding surfaces (V1, V2) have a longitudinal direction (L) that forms an oblique angle (K) with respect to the horizontal plane when the outlet valve (4, 104) is in the closed position. The hopper (1, 101) according to any one of claims 1 to 9. [Item 11] A pin (38) is provided on the hopper (1, 101), the outlet valve (4, 104) is rotatable about the pin (38) between the closed position and the open position, and a reinforcement bushing (48) is provided on the outlet valve (4, 104) at the position of the pin (38) to receive the pin (38). The hopper (1, 101) according to any one of claims 1 to 10. [Item 12] The reinforcement bushing (48) has a thickness (T) in an axial direction parallel to the pin (38) that is thicker than the valve body (40, 140) directly surrounding the reinforcement bushing (48). The hopper (1, 101) according to claim 11. [Item 13] The outlet valve (4, 104) further includes a lever (44) that is operable to move the outlet valve (4, 104) between the closed position and the open position. The hopper (1, 101) according to any one of claims 1 to 12. [Item 14] The position sensor (6) detects whether the outlet valve is in the open position or the closed position based on the position of the lever (44). The hopper according to claim 13. [Item 15] A dispensing device including a hopper (1, 101) for collecting and dispensing a dispersing agent (9), wherein the hopper (1) includes a hopper inlet (2), a hopper outlet (3), and an outlet valve (4, 104) at the hopper outlet (3), the outlet valve (4, 104) being movable between a closed position that blocks passage of the dispersing agent (9) exiting the hopper (1, 101) through the hopper outlet (3) and an open position that allows passage of the dispersing agent (9) exiting the hopper (1, 101) through the hopper outlet (3) in a dropping direction (D); the outlet valve (4, 104) includes a valve body (40, 140), and when the outlet valve (4, 104) is in the closed position, the valve body (40, 140) defines a holding surface (V1, V2) on a side that supports the dispersing agent (9) at the hopper outlet (3), the holding surface (V1, V2) has a cross-section (C1, C2) for receiving the dispersing agent (9), and the cross-section (C1, C2) is gutter-shaped, the dispensing device further includes a valve opener (5) for moving the outlet valve (4, 104) from the closed position to the open position, and a control unit (8) operatively connected to the valve opener (5), the control unit (8) being configured to control the valve opener (5) to accelerate the outlet valve (4, 104) from the closed position to the open position faster than the acceleration due to gravity, Dispensing device. [Item 16] The outlet valve (4, 104) is accelerated at more than 9.81 m / s 2 beyond, The dispensing device according to claim 15. [Item 17] The dispensing device includes a valve position sensor (6) for detecting the open position and / or the closed position of the outlet valve (4, 104), The dispensing device according to claim 15 or 16. [Item 18] The valve position sensor (6) includes a transmitter (60) and a receiver (61) at a first end of a detection region (A), and a reflector (62) at a second end of the detection region (A) opposite the first end, the outlet valve (4, 104) in the closed position at least partially extends in the detection region (A), and in the open position, it is not in the detection region (A), The dispensing device according to claim 17. [Item 19] The transmitter (60) is configured to emit a light beam (B) in the horizontal detection direction (E). The dispensing device according to claim 18. [Item 20] The outlet valve (4, 104) further includes a lever (44) operable to move the outlet valve (4, 104) between the closed position and the open position, and the position sensor (6) detects whether the outlet valve is in the open position or the closed position based on the position of the lever (44). The dispensing device according to any one of claims 17 to 19. [Item 21] A method for collecting and dispensing a dispersible agent (9) using the hopper (1, 101) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, the method comprising: Positioning the outlet valve (4, 104) in the closed position so as to block the passage of the dispersible agent (9) exiting the hopper (1, 101) through the hopper outlet (3); Supporting the dispersible agent (9) at the hopper outlet (3) by the holding surfaces (V1, V2) of the outlet valve (4, 104); Moving the outlet valve (4, 104) from the closed position towards the open position to enable the passage of the dispersible agent (9) exiting the hopper (1, 101) through the hopper outlet (3). A method comprising. [Item 22] During the movement of the outlet valve (4, 104) from the closed position towards the open position, the outlet valve (4, 104) is accelerated faster than the acceleration due to gravity. The method according to claim 21. [Item 23] The outlet valve (4, 104) is accelerated at more than 9.81 m / s 2 The method according to claim 22. The method according to claim 22. [Item 24] The method further includes a step of detecting the open position and / or the closed position of the outlet valve (4, 104). The method according to any one of claims 21 to 23. [Item 25] The open position and / or the closed position are detected in the horizontal detection direction (E). The method according to claim 21. [Item 26] The step of detection includes detecting the position of the lever of the outlet valve (4, 104). The method according to claim 24 or 25.

Explanation of Symbols

[0085] 1 Hopper 2 Hopper Inlet 21 Inlet Side Wall 22 Inlet side wall 23 Inlet rear wall 24 Inlet front wall 3 Hopper outlet 31 Outlet side wall 32 Outlet side wall 33 Outlet rear wall 34 Dust discharge channel 35 Dust discharge opening 36 Suction grid 38 Pin 4 Outlet valve 40 Valve body 41 First half 42 Second half 43 Valley part 44 Lever 45 First lever side part 46 Second lever side part 47 Lever end 48 Reinforcing bushing 5 Valve opener 6 Valve position sensor 60 Transmitter 61 Receiver 62 Reflector 7 Return member 8 Control unit 9 Dispersive agent 101 Alternative hopper 104 Outlet valve 140 Valve body 141 First half 142 Second half 200 Deflecting member 201 First deflecting surface 202 Second deflecting surface 203 Through hole A Detection area B Light ray C Camera C1 Cross section C2 Alternative cross section D Falling direction E Detection direction F Feeding device unit G Gravity H Depth K Oblique angle L Longitudinal direction M Central plane R Rotation S Valve shaft T Thickness V1 Holding surface V2 Alternative holding surface W Width X Deviation angle Z Line of sight

Claims

1. A hopper (1, 101) for collecting and dispensing a dispersing agent (9), wherein the hopper (1) includes a hopper inlet (2), a hopper outlet (3), and an outlet valve (4, 104) at the hopper outlet (3), the outlet valve (4, 104) being movable between a closed position in which the outlet valve (4, 104) blocks the passage of the dispersing agent (9) exiting the hopper (1, 101) through the hopper outlet (3) and an open position in which the outlet valve (4, 104) allows the passage of the dispersing agent (9) exiting the hopper (1, 101) through the hopper outlet (3) in a dropping direction (D), the outlet valve (4, 104) having a lever (44) operable to move the outlet valve (4, 104) between the closed position and the open position, and a valve body (40, 140) defining a holding surface (V1, V2) on a side of the valve body (40, 140) that supports the dispersing agent (9) at the hopper outlet (3) when the outlet valve (4, 104) is in the closed position, the holding surface (V1, V2) having a cross-section (C1, C2) for receiving the dispersing agent (9), the cross-section (C1, C2) being gutter-shaped, the hopper further including a valve position sensor (6) for detecting the open position and / or the closed position of the outlet valve (4, 104) based on the position of the lever (44), the valve position sensor (6) including a transmitter (60) and a receiver (61) at a first end of a detection region (A), the lever (44) in the closed position extending at least partially into the detection region (A) to intersect and deflect a light beam from the transmitter, and being absent from the detection region (A) in the open position, the valve position sensor (6) detecting a case where the outlet valve does not fully return to the closed position because at least a part of the dispersing agent is clogged between the outlet valve and the hopper outlet, Hopper (1, 101).

2. The outlet valve (4, 104) is rotatable between the closed position and the open position about a valve axis (S), and the cross sections (C1, C2) are parallel to the valve axis (S). The hopper (1, 101) according to claim 1.

3. The valve body (40, 140) includes a first half (41, 141) and a second half (42, 142) that converge in the dropping direction (D) converging from both sides of the central plane (M). The hopper (1, 101) according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The first half (41, 141) and the second half (42, 142) are symmetric with respect to the central plane (M). The hopper (1, 101) according to claim 3.

5. The outlet valve (4, 104) is rotatable between the closed position and the open position about a valve axis (S), and the central plane (M) extends perpendicular to the valve axis (S). The hopper (1, 101) according to claim 3.

6. The transmitter (60) emits laser light. The hopper according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The transmitter (60) is configured to emit a light beam (B) in a horizontal detection direction (E). The hopper according to claim 1 or 2.

8. The cross section (C2) is at least partially concave. The hopper (101) according to claim 1 or 2.

9. In the cross sections (C1, C2), the holding surfaces (V1, V2) have a width (W) and a depth (H) that is at least half of the width (W). The hopper (1, 101) according to claim 1 or 2.

10. The holding surfaces (V1, V2) have a longitudinal direction (L) forming an oblique angle (K) with respect to the horizontal plane when the outlet valves (4, 104) are in the closed position. The hopper (1, 101) according to claim 1 or 2.

11. A pin (38) is provided on the hopper (1, 101), and the outlet valves (4, 104) are rotatable about the pin (38) between the closed position and the open position. A strengthening bushing (48) is provided on the outlet valves (4, 104) at the position of the pin (38) for receiving the pin (38). The hopper (1, 101) according to claim 1 or 2.

12. The strengthening bushing (48) has a thickness (T) in the axial direction parallel to the pin (38) that is thicker than the valve body (40, 140) directly surrounding the strengthening bushing (48). The hopper (1, 101) according to claim 11.

13. A method for collecting and dispensing a dispersible agent (9) using the hopper (1, 101) according to claim 1, the method comprising: Positioning the outlet valve (4, 104) in the closed position so as to block the passage of the dispersible agent (9) exiting the hopper (1, 101) through the hopper outlet (3); Supporting the dispersible agent (9) at the hopper outlet (3) by the holding surfaces (V1, V2) of the outlet valve (4, 104); Moving the outlet valve (4, 104) from the closed position towards the open position to enable the passage of the dispersible agent (9) exiting the hopper (1, 101) through the hopper outlet (3); A method including the above steps.

14. During the movement of the outlet valve (4, 104) from the closed position towards the open position, the outlet valve (4, 104) is accelerated faster than the acceleration due to gravity. The method according to claim 13.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the outlet valve (4, 104) is accelerated at more than 9.81 m / s2. The method according to claim 14.

16. The method according to claim 13, further comprising detecting the open position and / or the closed position of the outlet valve (4, 104). The method according to claim 13.

17. The method according to claim 13, wherein the open position and / or the closed position are detected in a horizontal detection direction (E). The method according to claim 13.

18. The method according to claim 16, wherein the detecting step includes detecting the position of a lever of the outlet valve (4, 104). The method according to claim 16.

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