BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a dispensing device for piece goods, such as for instance capsules or tablets in the pharmaceutical industry.

A known dispensing device for piece goods comprises a conveyor and a discharge device for discharging the piece goods to the conveyor. The conveyor is provided with a number of successive vibrating troughs for passage of piece goods from the discharge device. The vibrating troughs are connected to electric coils able to ensure a certain vibration frequency. The reactive forces of the vibrating vibrating troughs influence the adjacent parts of the dispensing device, as a result of which uncontrollable resonances may occur that may adversely affect the passage of the piece goods across the vibrating troughs.

It is an object of the invention to provide a dispensing device having controllable dynamic properties.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect, the invention provides a dispensing device for piece goods, comprising a frame having a conveyor and a discharge device for discharging the piece goods to the conveyor, wherein the conveyor is provided with a sub frame, a first pillar guide connected to the sub frame which pillar guide bears a first vibrating trough and a second pillar guide connected to the sub frame which pillar guide bears a second vibrating trough, wherein the first and second vibrating trough are positioned successively for passage of the piece goods from the discharge device in a substantially horizontal direction of passage, wherein the first and second pillar guide guide the first and second vibrating trough in a first and second vibration direction, respectively, which directions are oriented parallel to each other and inclined to the direction of passage with a directional component in the direction of passage that is larger than transverse thereto, and a drive for in a translatory manner reciprocally moving the first and second vibrating trough, wherein the drive is provided with a drive shaft or an operationally coupled drive shaft train bearing mounted through the sub frame, which is provided with a first eccentrically placed bearing which with a first coupling is coupled to the first vibrating trough, a second eccentrically placed bearing which with a second coupling is coupled to the second vibrating trough, and a third eccentrically placed bearing which with a third coupling is coupled to a compensation mass, wherein the sub frame is provided with a third pillar guide for guiding the compensation mass in a third vibration direction substantially parallel to the first and second vibration direction.

The drive shaft mechanically synchronises the vibratory motion of the first and second vibrating trough, which vibrate in a determined vibration path due to the first and second pillar guides. As a result the dynamic behaviour of the first and second vibrating trough is determined and can be compensated with the compensation mass which vibrates along at the same frequency and in the same direction. The whole of the vibrating parts can thus dynamically be balanced, as a result of which the transmission of vibrations to the surrounding parts of the conveyor can be counteracted.

In one embodiment the drive shaft extends substantially transverse to the first and second vibration direction, as a result of which axial loads on the drive shaft or the eccentric bearings can remain within bounds.

In one embodiment the drive shaft in its longitudinal direction extends in a first vertical plane. The first and second coupling can then extend parallel next to each other to form the coupling with the successive vibrating troughs.

In one embodiment the vibration paths of the first mass centre of the first vibrating trough, the second mass centre of the second vibrating trough and the third mass centre of the compensation mass are situated in a common second vertical plane. The most important mass forces of inertia of the vibrating parts are then active in the same vertical plane, which is dynamically advantageous.

In one embodiment the first and second vertical plane are the same plane, preferably the vertical plane of symmetry of the conveyor. The direction of passage can in that case extend parallel to the plane of symmetry.

In one embodiment the second eccentric bearing has a greater eccentricity than the first eccentric bearing. In that way the second vibrating trough acquires a longer reciprocating stroke than the first vibrating trough, as a result of which the throughput speed on the second vibrating trough can be higher than on the first vibrating trough. An advantage thereof is that on the second vibrating trough in the direction of passage a greater spreading of piece goods can be achieved than is the case on the first vibrating trough. The spreading is advantageous to for instance the automated counting of the piece goods.

In one embodiment the first bearing and the second bearing differ in phase in the direction of rotation of the drive shaft. Said phase difference may ensure that the vibrating troughs move in opposite direction over at least a part of their reciprocating stroke, as a result of which the vibration generated by the vibrating troughs and resulting therefrom can remain within bounds. As a result the magnitude of the compensation mass to compensate this can remain within bounds as well.

Said vibrations resulting from the vibrating troughs can in particular be counteracted or in case of equal masses of the vibrating troughs even be completely absent, when the first and second eccentric bearing are substantially in opposite phase.

In one embodiment the second bearing in the longitudinal direction of the drive shaft is situated between the first and third bearing, wherein the first bearing and the third bearing are in phase. The first vibrating trough and the compensation mass as a result always move in the same direction with respect to the drive shaft, whereas the vibratory motion initiated by the second bearing situated in between them may deviate therefrom. This is particularly advantageous when the first eccentric bearing and the second eccentric bearing are in opposite phase.

In one embodiment in vertical direction the first and second mass centre of the first and second vibrating trough, respectively, are situated above the common mass centre of the conveyor and the mass centre of the compensation mass is situated below the common mass centre.

In one embodiment the conveyor comprises a servomotor coupled to the drive shaft for driving the drive shaft. The number of revolutions can be accurately set by the servomotor, as a result of which the vibrating troughs acquire a vibration frequency that is optimal for the piece goods to be dispensed.

In one embodiment the sub frame is connected to the frame by means of spring supports.

In one embodiment the sub frame defines a closed housing in which the pillar guides, the drive shaft and the compensation mass have been accommodated. The housing is able to shield the moving couplings from piece goods passing by at the upper side. In that way for instance lubricant for the moving parts can be kept away from the piece goods. This is particularly relevant when the dispensing device is used in the pharmaceutical industry.

In one embodiment the first and second vibrating trough are connected outside of the housing to the first and second pillar guide, respectively by means of a detachable fourth coupling, wherein the fourth coupling is provided with a first coupling member that is connected to the pillar guide and a second coupling member cooperating therewith and connected to the vibrating trough for coupling and uncoupling the vibrating trough. The vibrating troughs can be uncoupled for instance to be cleaned. In that case use can be made of an exchangeable set of vibrating troughs, so that the dispensing device can remain operative during cleaning the changed troughs. The vibrating troughs can be placed with an overview when the fourth coupling is adapted for placing the vibrating trough with the second coupling member from above on the first coupling member, in a placement direction substantially transverse to the vibration direction.

In one embodiment the fourth coupling comprises a locking pin that is movable through the first coupling member, which locking pin with a free end projects from the first coupling member, wherein the locking pin is adapted for by displacement of the free end towards the first coupling member engaging onto the second coupling member and pushing it into a clearance-free abutment with the first coupling member, so that detachment or rattling of the coupling during operation of the dispensing device can be counteracted. From the side of the first coupling member the locking pin may with the free end abut the second coupling member in order to push it into mutual abutment. The locking pin forms a part of the first coupling member, and therefore is not changed when changing the vibrating troughs.

In one embodiment the dispensing device comprises a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder for displacement of the locking pin with respect to the support.

In one embodiment the locking pin is pre-biassed towards its coupling position placed towards the first coupling member, as a result of which the fourth coupling during operation can remain in the coupled condition of its own accord.

According to a further aspect, the invention furthermore provides a dispensing device for piece goods, comprising a frame having a conveyor and a discharge device for discharging the piece goods to the conveyor, wherein the conveyor is provided with a sub frame, a first pillar guide connected to the sub frame which pillar guide bears a first vibrating trough for passage of the piece goods from the discharge device in a substantially horizontal direction of passage, wherein the first and second pillar guide guide the first vibrating through in a first vibration direction that is oriented inclined to the direction of passage with a directional component in the direction of passage that is larger than transverse thereto, wherein the first vibrating trough is connected to the first pillar guide by means of a detachable fourth coupling, wherein the fourth coupling is provided with a first coupling member that is connected to the pillar guide and a second coupling member cooperating therewith and connected to the vibrating trough for coupling and uncoupling the vibrating trough.

The vibrating trough can be uncoupled by means of the fourth coupling for instance to be cleaned. In that case use can be made of an exchangeable set of vibrating troughs, so that the dispensing device can remain operative during cleaning the changed troughs. The fourth coupling makes it possible to uncouple the vibrating troughs in order to be cleaned. This is particularly relevant when the dispensing device is used in the pharmaceutical industry.

The invention has preferred embodiments as described above.

The aspects and measures described in this description and the claims of the application and/or shown in the drawings of this application may where possible also be used individually. Said individual aspects may be the subject of divisional patent applications relating thereto. This particularly applies to the measures and aspects that are described per se in the sub claims.

SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be elucidated on the basis of a number of exemplary embodiments shown in the attached drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows an isometric front view of a dispenser machine according to the invention, in closed operational condition;

Figure 2 shows an isometric front view of the dispenser machine according to figure 1 , partially opened as a result of which the internal dispensing devices of the dispenser machine are visible;

Figure 3 shows a side view of one of the dispensing devices with conveyor according to figures 1 and 2; and Figure 4A-C show isometric front views and a side view of the housing of the conveyor according to figure 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The dispenser machine 1 for piece goods according to an embodiment of the invention as shown in figures 1 and 2 comprises a metal housing 2 having several doors 3 for access to the inside of the dispenser machine 1. The dispenser machine 1 is provided with an electronic control 6 having a display 4 at the outer side of the housing 2. The dispenser machine 1 comprises several identical dispensing devices 20 that are positioned parallel to each other. Collection chutes 7 have been positioned below the dispensing devices 20.

One of the dispensing devices 20 is also shown in side view in figure 3. The dispensing device 20 comprises a conveyor 21 having a housing 22 and two horizontally extending vibrating troughs 25a, 25b positioned in cascade, in which troughs parallel passage channels 31 have been formed, a discharge device 50 having a bunker 51 for receiving and discharging piece goods 29 in the horizontal main direction of passage D to the first vibrating trough 25a, and a counting device 30 for counting piece goods 29 discharged in a dosed manner by the second vibrating trough 25b. The path of one piece of piece goods 29 is shown with arrow G.

The dispenser machine 1 can be used in the pharmaceutical industry, for distributing relatively small batches of capsules or tablets over a large number of bottles. The batches for instance consist of a few thousand capsules that are distributed over a few hundred bottles. It is important here that the exact number of capsules or tablets mentioned on the label ends up in the bottles. An operator 28 then dumps the capsules in the bunkers 51 and checks the process from his work station 8 at the front of the dispenser machine 1.

Figures 4A-C show the housing of the conveyor 21 of one of the dispensing devices 20. In figures 3 and 4C the housing is shown in the orientation as it is accommodated in the dispenser machine 1. The metal housing 22 comprises an upper housing 33 which at the front side in a stepped manner merges into a longer middle housing 34, and below the middle housing 34 into a lower housing 35. The stepped shape at the upper side defines a recess 23 that offers room for coupling the first vibrating trough 25a thereto. The housing 22 is placed on rubber support blocks 27.

The conveyor 21 comprises two slide-bearing bushes 26a, 26b that extend parallel to each other and in which cylindrical supports 41a, 41 b have been accommodated. The cylindrical supports 41 a, 41 b at the front side extend through a head surface of the upper housing 33 and the middle housing 34, respectively. Through the slide-bearing bushes 26a, 26b parallel keys or cotters 46a, 46b extend, which at the one side are fixedly connected to the housing 22 and which at the other side extend through slots that are not further shown in the cylindrical supports 41a, 41 b in order to restrict their freedom of movement to a translatory motion in vibration direction T1 , T2. The vibration directions T1 , T2 are oriented parallel to each other and have a horizontal movement component in the substantially horizontal main direction of passage D. The vibration directions T1 , T2 in this embodiment are at an angle of 17 degrees to the horizontal main direction of passage D.

Outside of the housing 22, the cylindrical supports 41 a, 41b have been provided with an external flange of coupling 42a, 42b. Internally a centric longitudinal bore has been provided in which a locking pin 43a, 43b having a flange-shaped end 44a, 44b has been accommodated. The locking pins 43a, 43b can be moved in a coupling direction R1 , R2 parallel to the vibration direction T1 , T2. The flange-shaped ends 44a, 44b have been provided with circumferential inclined pilot edge 63a, 63b. The locking pins 43a, 43b are pre-biassed by means of a compression spring that is not further shown, towards a coupling position that is retracted in direction of the supports 41a, 41 b, and by means of an internal pneumatic cylinder that is not further shown, be temporarily placed in the extended uncoupling position shown in figures 4A-C. The pneumatic cylinders are connected to a rigid air pipe 47a, 47b which extends through the rear side of the housing 22. From that location the air pipes 47a, 47b, are connected to a pressurised air source that is not further shown, by means of a flexible tube. As shown in detail in figure 3, the vibrating troughs 25a, 25b at their lower side have been provided with a receiving coupling 61a, 61 b. The receiving coupling 61 a, 61b comprises a U-shaped mouth extending transverse to the vibration direction T1 , T2 and which in the receiving direction M1 , M2 engages from above onto the external flange of coupling 42a, 42b, wherein the two opposite, downwardly oriented parallel members or jaws of the mouth fittingly abut two joint faces 62a, 62b oriented in the receiving direction M1 , M2 on both sides of the flange of coupling 42a, 42b. After de-aerating the pneumatic cylinder the compression spring pulls the locking pin 43a, 43b to the flange of coupling 42a, 42b as a result of which the U-shaped mouth is forcefully pushed in direction R1 , R2 against the flange of coupling 42a, 42b. As a result a fixed, form-closed press fit is created between the cylindrical support 41a, 41 b and the vibrating trough 25a, 25b which can be ended again by actuating the pneumatic cylinder. The engagement on the joint faces 62a, 62b ensures that the vibrating troughs 25a, 25b are coupled in a rotation-fixed manner to the cylindrical supports 41 a, 41 b, as a result of which the vibrating troughs 25a, 25b remain in the upright position shown.

Internally the housing 22 is provided with four fixed rotary bearings 71 with which a crankshaft 72 is bearing mounted that is oriented substantially transverse to the vibration direction T1 , T2. The crankshaft in its longitudinal direction extends in a vertical plane. At its lower side the crankshaft 72 is coupled to an external servomotor 75 that is attached against the lower side of the housing 22. In this embodiment the crankshaft 72 is one single shaft. However, it can also be formed with a series of crankshaft segments of which the rotation is coupled. The cylindrical supports 41 a, 41 b are internally coupled to connecting rods 45a, 45b. At the end facing away from the cylindrical supports 41 a, 41 b the connecting rods 45a, 45b have been provided with a double bearing housing 48a, 48b with two rotary bearings 49a, 49b. By means of the rotary bearings 49a, 49b, the double bearing housings 48a, 48b are attached around a first and second eccentric member, respectively, of the crankshaft 72, wherein the eccentric members are in exact opposite phase and have different amplitudes. The amplitude of the first eccentric member is lower than the amplitude of the second eccentric member, in this embodiment 0.8 mm and 0.9 mm respectively.

In the lower housing 35, the housing 22 is provided with a slide-bearing bush 40 in which a cylindrical compensation mass 56 has been accommodated. The compensation mass 56 is movable in a translatory manner in direction T3 parallel to the vibration direction T1 , T2 of the cylindrical supports 41 a, 41 b. The compensation mass 56 is internally coupled to a connecting rod 57. At the end that faces away from the compensation mass 56, the connecting rod 57 is provided with a double bearing housing 58 with two rotary bearings 59. The rotary bearings 59 are attached around a third eccentric member of the crankshaft 72 that is in phase with the first eccentric member and therefore in opposite phase with the second eccentric member. The amplitude of the third eccentric member exceeds the amplitude of the second eccentric member, in this embodiment 1.5 mm.

In the lower housing 35, the housing 22 is provided with an oil chamber 36 in which a circulation pump 37 has been accommodated. The circulation pump 37 is coupled to an external electromotor 38. The circulation pump 37 when operational maintains an oil flow for the lubrication of the moving parts of the conveyor 21. Against the rear side of the housing 22 a fan 39 is attached that passes air through external cooling ribs of the housing 22.

When operational the servomotor 75 drives the crankshaft 72 with a number of revolutions that is adapted to the piece goods 29 to be counted. In that way the first vibrating trough 25a and the compensation mass 56 move up and down synchronously and in phase in direction T1 , T3. The second vibrating trough 25b moves in opposite phase thereto in direction T2. The paths of movement of the mass centres M1 , M2, M3 extend beyond each others extensions and parallel to each other in the same vertical plane as the crankshaft 72. Said vertical plane is the plane of symmetry of the conveyor 21. In vertical direction the mass centre M1 , M2 of the first and second vibrating trough 25a, 25b are situated above the common mass centre M4 of the conveyor 21 , and the mass centre M3 of the compensation mass 56 is situated below it. The amplitude of the second vibrating trough 25b exceeds the amplitude of the first vibrating trough 25a as a result of which the piece goods 29 on the second vibrating trough 25b acquire a higher throughput speed in the passage channels 31. This enhances the spreading of the piece goods 29 in the main direction of passage D, and aligns the piece goods in the passage channels 31.

The vibration paths of the mass centre Ml , M2 of the oppositely moving first and second vibrating trough 25a, 25b are beyond each others extension. The dynamic imbalance resulting therefrom is fully compensated by the compensation mass 56 that moves along synchronously, and of which compensation mass the vibration path of the mass centre M3 is parallel to and beyond the extension of the vibration paths of M1 and M2. Alternatively considered the mass centres M1 , M3 of the first vibrating trough 25a and the compensation mass 56 move synchronously in phase in parallel vibration paths situated beyond each others extension, and the mass centre M2 of the second vibrating trough 25b moves in opposite phase therewith in a parallel vibration path situated in between them. As a result the conveyor 21 thus transmits no or hardly any vibrations to the housing 2. Differences in mass between the connecting rods 45a, 45b can be compensated by adapting the weight of the compensation mass 56 thereto.

The above description is included to illustrate the operation of preferred embodiments of the invention and not to limit the scope of the invention. Starting from the above explanation many variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention will be evident to an expert.