Capsule filling machine

Abstract

A capsule filling machine for filling capsules includes a machine housing, a machine table, and a conveyor wheel whose perimeter includes capsule holders, each of which has capsule receivers for capsules. A conveyor wheel drive is configured to be rotated incrementally so that the capsule holders move incrementally along a conveyor track. A plurality of process stations are arranged along the conveyor track at or on the machine table and include at least one feeding station, at least one opening station, at least one filling station, at least one closing station, and at least one ejection station. The process stations have process drives for their operation, which are controllable independently of the conveyor wheel drive. A cabinet includes a computer machine for operating the capsule filling machine and controlling the conveyor wheel drive as well as the process drives is connected to the conveyor drive and the process drives.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application is based upon and claims priority to German Patent Application No. 10 2015 106 369.7, filed Apr. 24, 2015, under relevant sections of 35 USC §119, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.[0002]The invention relates to a capsule filling machine for filling capsules made up of a capsule top part and a capsule bottom part.[0003]The electrics and electronics of such capsule filling machines take up more and more space. Since the introduction of capsule filling machines controlled by computer machines, cabinets have been provided, which accommodate the computer machine for controlling the capsule filling machine. In known capsule filling machines, the cabinet is either permanently mounted, for example flange-mounted, laterally on the outside on the machine housing, or set up as an external cabinet separately from the machine housing either in the same room as the capsule filling machine or in a separat...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is a capsule filling machine with a machine housing that is easily accessible from all sides, making cleaning easier, reducing cleaning time, and improving cleaning quality. This results in cost savings. The machine can be set up at a different location faster, more reliably, and more cost-effectively. The floor space of the machine is reduced compared to conventional cabinets. The invention simplifies planning, simplifies on-site installation, and improves accessibility for machine maintenance. The conveyor wheel drive can be an electric servo drive or a direct drive, and the cabinet can be arranged in a free space below the machine table or on a carrier plate. A removal device can be provided for easy maintenance or repair. A control unit can be provided outside the machine housing for easy operation.

Problems solved by technology

The electrics and electronics of such capsule filling machines take up more and more space.

In the case of cabinets fastened on the outside of the machine housing, one side of the capsule filling machine is no longer accessible or only accessible to a limited degree.

Cleaning and installation work of this side is thereby made more difficult or impossible.

As a result, the time required to perform these activities is increased and the ergonomics of the capsule filling machine is worsened.

Further, the floor space of the capsule filling machine is greater than necessary.

Lines guided through the room accommodating the capsule filling machine are bothersome for operating personnel located in the room and make cleaning more difficult and take up too much space.

If the external cabinet is arranged in the production room accommodating the capsule filling machine, additional space is needed.

In contrast, if the cabinet is arranged in an external engineering room, maintenance is made more difficult.

Since a critical length of the lines are guided from the cabinet to the capsule filling machine, transfer problems can occur or expensive signal converters need to be used.

The retrofitting of subassemblies is made more difficult.

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