Capsule filling machine for filling two-part capsules

Abstract

The invention relates to a capsule filling machine for filling two-part capsules, each consisting of a capsule top and a capsule bottom. The capsule filling machine comprises a main drive unit (4) for operating the capsule filling machine (1) and at least one capsule segment (5) for conveying the capsules. The capsule segment (5) comprises a segment bottom (6) for receiving the capsule bottom and a segment top (7) for receiving the capsule top. The segment bottom (6) and the segment top (7) are designed to be movable relative to each other. The capsule segment (5) is operatively connected to the main drive unit (4) such that the relative movement of the segment bottom (6) and segment top (7) relative to each other is effected by the main drive unit (4).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a capsule filling machine for filling two-part capsules.

[0002] Capsules are used primarily in the pharmaceutical sector, but also in the field of dietary supplements, to administer measured amounts of a powdery, granular, or liquid preparation. The capsules consist of hard gelatin or similar materials and dissolve after being swallowed, releasing their contents.

[0003] In the case of so-called plug-in capsules, a timed capsule filling machine first feeds in empty capsules, which are positioned upright in capsule holders and then opened. The capsule bottoms are held in a segmented lower section, and the capsule tops in a segmented upper section. After the capsules are separated, the segmented sections swing apart, releasing the capsule bottoms for filling. Subsequently, in one or more dosing stations, the upward-facing capsule bottoms are filled with the intended preparation in a measured quantity. After filling, the segmented sections swing back together so that the capsule top and bottom are aligned. In a closing station, the capsule tops are then placed back onto the filled capsule bottoms.The filled capsules produced in this way are then removed from their capsule holders at an ejection station and sent for further processing, in particular packaging.

[0004] Such capsule filling machines have several drive units. For example, one drive unit is provided for rotating the rotary table. Another drive unit serves to pivot the upper and lower segment sections relative to each other. Disadvantages of such capsule filling machines include the complex machine design and the associated difficulty in synchronizing the movements of the segment parts. Such a capsule filling machine is known from EP2135810 B1.

[0005] The invention is based on the objective of providing a capsule filling machine that has simplified machine technology and at the same time enables process-reliable filling of capsules.

[0006] This problem is solved by a capsule filling machine having the features of claim 1.

[0007] The capsule filling machine according to the invention is used for filling two-part capsules, each consisting of a capsule top and a capsule bottom. The capsule filling machine comprises a main drive unit for operating the machine and at least one capsule segment for conveying the capsules. The capsule segment comprises a lower segment for receiving the capsule bottom and an upper segment for receiving the capsule top. The lower and upper segments are designed to be movable relative to each other. The capsule segment is operatively connected to the main drive unit such that the relative movement of the lower and upper segments is effected by the main drive unit.

[0008] The capsule filling machine therefore features a single drive unit that serves both to operate the machine and to drive the relative movement of the upper and lower segments. This eliminates the need for additional drive units to move the segments. By saving on these additional drive units, the design of the capsule filling machine can be simplified. Furthermore, the relative movement of the upper and lower segments is kinematically coupled to the main drive unit. This ensures synchronization of the segment movements with each other and with the individual process stations.

[0009] The relative movement is designed to include a pivoting motion about a pivot axis of the capsule segment and a translational movement in the direction of the pivot axis. When the upper and lower segment sections are in overlap, they are preferably first moved apart in the direction of the pivot axis. In other words, the upper and lower segment sections move translationally apart. This establishes a distance between the two segment sections, preventing collisions during pivoting. Once the distance between the segment sections is sufficiently large, they are then pivoted relative to each other. The segment sections are to be pivoted apart in such a way that the lower segment section is accessible to the corresponding metering devices, allowing them to fill the capsule bases held within it.After the capsule bases have been filled, the segments are swung back into place until the capsule top and bottom are overlapping. The capsule top and bottom can then be closed together.

[0010] Preferably, the upper segment is pivotally driven about the pivot axis via the main drive unit. More preferably, the upper segment is driven translationally along the pivot axis of the capsule segment via the main drive unit. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the capsule filling machine, only the upper segment has the pivoting degrees of freedom and / or the translational degrees of freedom described above. It may also be advantageous for both the lower and upper segments to have pivoting degrees of freedom and / or translational degrees of freedom.

[0011] Preferably, the capsule filling machine includes a rotary table, which can be driven to rotate about a rotary axis of the rotary table by means of the main drive unit. Both the lower and upper segments are arranged on the rotary table. If the degrees of freedom described above are only provided for the upper segment, the lower segment is rigidly connected to the rotary table. In other words, the lower segment is fixed to the rotary table. This has the advantage that rotational movement of the lower segment is caused solely by the rotational movement of the rotary table. Additional rotational movement by the lower segment relative to the rotary table itself is not possible. Consequently, the angular velocities of the lower segment are low, which prevents or at least reduces the accumulation of contents from open lower-section capsules.

[0012] It is provided that a first cam guide is included, wherein the first cam guide, in conjunction with the main drive unit, effects the translational movement of the capsule segment. A second cam guide is included, wherein the second cam guide, in conjunction with the main drive unit, effects the pivoting movement of the capsule segment. The first cam guide and the second cam guide are preferably formed on a stationary housing part of the capsule filling machine. The rotary table is driven by the main drive unit to rotate about its axis of rotation relative to the stationary housing part. The capsule segment is preferably arranged on the rotary table, so that the capsule segment is also subject to a rotational movement.The capsule segment has a guide arm, which comprises a first cam element and a second cam element. The first cam element interacts with the first cam guide, and the second cam element interacts with the second cam guide. Through the interaction of the cam guides and cam elements, the rotary motion transmitted from the main drive unit to the capsule segment via the rotary table is converted into the pivoting motion and translational motion of the capsule segment described above. As a result, an additional drive unit for the capsule segment is unnecessary, ensuring a simple design for the capsule filling machine.

[0013] An embodiment of the invention is described in more detail below with reference to the drawing. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 shows a top view of a capsule filling machine in the embodiment according to the invention with a rotary table and capsule segments arranged on the rotary table; Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of the capsule filling machine without stations; Fig. 3 shows a partial perspective view of the capsule filling machine according to the invention. Fig. 2 , Fig. 4 in a side sectional view the capsule filling machine according to Fig. 2 and Fig. 5 in a side view the capsule filling machine according to Fig. 2 .

[0014] Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a top view of an embodiment of a capsule filling machine 1 according to the invention for filling capsules with a filling material. The filling material can be in the form of a powder, granules, tablets, or the like. It can be a pharmaceutical preparation, a food supplement, or the like. The capsules consist of a capsule base and a capsule top attached to it, both of which are made, for example, of hard gelatin.

[0015] The capsule filling machine 1 after Fig. 1 The capsule filling machine 1 comprises a rotary table 2 and a schematically represented main drive unit 4, wherein the rotary table 2 can be driven by the main drive unit 4 to rotate about a vertical axis of rotation 3 in timed steps in the direction of rotation 9. The main drive unit 4 comprises at least one electric motor which is operatively connected to and drives the rotary table 2. Preferably, the capsule filling machine 1 comprises a control unit 30 which is coupled to the main drive unit. The control unit 30 is also in Fig. 1 The diagram is shown schematically in dashed lines. A number of capsule segments 5 are arranged at uniform angular intervals on a circumferential area of ​​the rotary table 2. In the illustrated embodiment, a total of twelve capsule segments 5 are provided. A different number of capsule segments 5 may also be advantageous. Each capsule segment 5 consists of a lower segment part 6 fixed to the circumferential area of ​​the rotary table 2 and an upper segment part 7 pivotable relative to it. Several stationary machining stations 11 to 22, which do not rotate with the rotary table 2, are positioned around the rotary table 2. Fig. 1 not shown in detail. The number of processing stations 11 to 22 corresponds to the number of capsule segments 5, so that in each rotary position of the rotary table 2, which is clocked in angular increments, each capsule segment 5 lies within the access range of one of the processing stations 11 to 22.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the capsule segments 5 contain several capsule receptacles 8 for receiving the capsules. In a preferred embodiment, each capsule segment 5 contains five capsule receptacles 8. It may also be advantageous to provide several capsule receptacles 8, in particular ten, preferably twelve capsule receptacles 8. In a preferred embodiment, the capsule receptacles 5 are arranged in a linear, straight row. With a large number of capsule receptacles 5, they can also be arranged in two or more such rows.

[0017] The preferred embodiment of the capsule filling machine 1 comprises an insertion station 11 in which empty capsules, initially provisionally assembled and consisting of a capsule base and capsule top, are inserted into the capsule receptacles 8 of the capsule segment 5. During normal operation, the attached capsule top separates from the capsule base. The next processing station is a rejection station 12. Defective, unseparated empty capsules are rejected in the rejection station 12.

[0018] After the discharge station 12, the upper segment 7, with the capsule tops held within it, is pivoted relative to the lower segment 6, with the capsule bottoms held within it. The lower segment 6 is then guided to the three filling stations 13, 14, and 15 that follow the discharge station 12. At filling stations 13, 14, and 15, the capsule bottoms held within the lower segment 6 are filled with the intended contents. It may also be sufficient to provide only one or two filling stations.

[0019] After passing through the last filling station 15, the upper segment 7 is pivoted back into alignment with the lower segment 6 via stations 16, 17, and 18. At closing station 18, the capsules are sealed by sliding the previously removed or separated capsule tops back onto the filled capsule bottoms and locking them into place. Several inspection stations 19 and 20 follow closing station 18. At inspection stations 19 and 20, capsules are inspected and, if necessary, rejected. At a subsequent ejection station 21, the remaining capsules deemed acceptable are ejected by means of plungers or other ejection devices (not shown). Further inspections of the capsules can also be carried out at ejection station 21.

[0020] In Fig. 2 The capsule filling machine 1 according to the invention is shown in a perspective view without stations. The capsule filling machine 1 comprises a base plate 63 on which a stationary housing part 57 of the capsule filling machine 1 is mounted (see also Fig. 4 The base plate 63 is preferably mounted on a table (not shown). The stationary housing part 57 is formed from a bottom section 62, a cylindrical circumferential section 61, and a top section 64. The stationary housing part 57 is mounted on the base plate 63 via the bottom section 62. The bottom section 62 is connected to the top section 46 via the circumferential section 61. In the exemplary embodiment, the bottom section 62 is designed as a circular plate that extends radially with respect to the axis of rotation 3 of the rotary table 2. The cylindrical circumferential section 61 is arranged with its longitudinal axis coaxial to the axis of rotation 3 of the rotary table 2 and extends vertically upwards from the bottom section 62 along the axis of rotation 3 to the top section 64. Since the bottom section projects radially beyond the circumferential section 61 with respect to the axis of rotation 3, the bottom section 62 forms a collar 65 of the stationary housing part 57.

[0021] As particularly in Fig. 4 As shown, the deck section 64 adjoins the circumferential section 61. In this embodiment, the deck section 64 is designed as a plate and at least partially closes the circumferential section 61. The main drive unit 4 with its housing 25 is attached to the deck section 64. An opening 66 is provided in the deck section 64 through which a drive shaft (not shown) of the main drive unit 4 projects and is operatively connected to the rotary table 2 for driving the rotary table 2. The axis of rotation of the drive shaft naturally corresponds to the axis of rotation 3 of the rotary table 2.

[0022] As in Fig. 4 As shown, bottom section 62, circumferential section 61, and deck section 64 are each designed as individual components that are fastened together via bolted connections. The main drive unit 4 is essentially located within the circumferential section 61.

[0023] As in Fig. 2 As shown, the capsule segments 5 are arranged on the rotary table 2. In the exemplary embodiment, the lower segment part 6 of each capsule segment 5 is rigidly connected to the rotary table 2. Therefore, relative movement between the rotary table 2 and the lower segment part 6 is not possible. The upper segment part 7, on the other hand, is movably held on the rotary table 2 by means of a guide arm 58. The guide arm 58 is designed such that relative movement 51 between the upper segment part 7 and the lower segment part 6 ( Fig. 3 ) is made possible.

[0024] As in the Figuren 2 und 3 As shown, a first cam guide 55 and a second cam guide 56 are formed on the stationary housing part 57. The guide arm 58 engages in the cam guides 55, 56, so that the upper segment part 7 is operatively connected to the cam guides 55, 56 via the guide arm 58. The cam guides 55, 56 are designed such that the upper segment part 7 exerts a translational movement 53 as well as a pivoting movement 52 relative to the lower segment part 6 ( Fig. 3 The relative movement 51 between the lower segment part 6 and the upper segment part 7 releases the lower segment part 6 for filling the capsules held in the lower segment part 6 with the filling material. Therefore, no additional drive units are required besides the main drive unit 4 to separate and rejoin the lower segment part 6 and the upper segment part 7.

[0025] In Fig. 3 is an enlarged, partial representation of capsule filling machine 1 according to Fig. 2 shown. The first cam guide 55 is formed on the circumferential section 61 of the fixed housing part 57. The first cam guide 55 is, as also shown in particular in the Fig. 4 shown, in the exemplary embodiment designed as a groove 67. The first cam guide 55 has a height h ( Fig. 4 ), where the height h corresponds to the distance between the first cam guide 55 and the turntable 2, measured in the direction of the axis of rotation 3 of the turntable 2. The height h of the first cam guide 55 changes along the circumference of the circumferential section 61, thereby causing the translational movement 53 of the upper segment 7.

[0026] As in the Figuren 3 and 4As shown, the second cam guide 56 is formed on the base section 62, in particular on the collar 65 of the stationary housing part 57. The second cam guide 56 is preferably also formed in the form of a groove 67, like the first cam guide 55. In an alternative embodiment of the capsule filling machine 1, it may be advantageous to form the cam guides 55, 56 in the form of a slot or by corresponding projections on the stationary housing part 57. The grooves 67 provided in the exemplary embodiment are designed as rectangular grooves. Other cross-sectional geometries may also be advantageous for the grooves 67. The second cam guide 56 has a radial distance a from the axis of rotation 3 of the rotary table 2. The distance a of the second cam guide 56 changes in the circumferential direction of the axis of rotation 3, thereby causing the pivoting movement 52 of the upper segment part 7.

[0027] The first cam guide 55 and the second cam guide each extend along the stationary housing part 57 by an angle of 360° relative to the axis of rotation 3 of the rotary table 2. Thus, the rotary table 2 with the corresponding guide arms 58 can be rotated without stops by more than 360° relative to the stationary housing part 57.

[0028] As in Fig. 3 As shown, the upper segment 7 comprises the guide arm 58. The guide arm 58 is operatively connected to the first guide cam 55 and the second guide cam 56, whereby the guide arm 58 effects the pivoting movement 52 and the translational movement of the upper segment 7. The guide arm 58 comprises a first cam element 59, wherein the first cam element 59 engages in the first cam guide 55 on the stationary housing part 57. The guide arm 58 comprises a second cam element 60, wherein the second cam element 60 engages in the second cam guide 56 on the stationary housing part 57. The cam elements 59, 60 are preferably designed as rollers to minimize the friction between the cam guides 55, 56 and the cam elements 59, 60.

[0029] As in the Figuren 3 and 5As shown, the guide arm 58 further comprises an upper part 70, a lower part 71, a linear guide 72, a swivel arm 73, and a connecting shaft 74. The upper part 70 is attached to the underside 68 of the rotary table 2, which faces the base plate 63. The lower part 71 is connected to the upper part 70 via the linear guide 72. Furthermore, the lower part 71 is guided by the linear guide 72 so as to be translationally movable relative to the upper part 70 in the direction of the axis of rotation 3 of the rotary table 2. The connecting shaft 74 has a first end 75 facing the base plate 63 and an end 76 facing away from the base plate 63. The swivel arm 73 is attached to the first end 75 of the connecting shaft 74. Thus, the swivel arm 73 is rigidly connected to the connecting shaft 74. The connecting shaft 73 extends through the rotary table 2 with its second end 76, with the capsule top mount 33 being attached to the second end 76 of the connecting shaft 74.Accordingly, the capsule upper part receptacle 33 is also rigidly connected to the connecting shaft 74. The connecting shaft 73 has a pivot axis 54, which corresponds to the longitudinal center axis of the connecting shaft 73. The connecting shaft 73 is rotatably mounted about the pivot axis 54. The pivot axis 54 is preferably aligned parallel to the axis of rotation 3 of the rotary table 2. The connecting shaft 73 is preferably radially mounted on the upper part 70. The connecting shaft 73 is preferably axially, and in particular also radially, mounted on the lower part 71. The first cam element 59 is arranged on the lower part 71. The second cam element 60 is arranged at the end of the pivot arm 73 facing away from the connecting shaft 74.

[0030] The relative movement 51 induced by the cam guides 55, 56 between the upper segment part 7 and the lower segment part 6 is described below: The upper segment part 7 and the lower segment part 6 are in overlap, meaning that a capsule upper part held in the upper segment part 7 and a capsule lower part held in the lower segment part 6 are aligned coaxially with each other. The rotary table 2 is rotated about the axis of rotation 3 via the main drive unit 4. During this rotation, the cam elements 59, 60 slide and / or roll along the corresponding cam guides 55, 56. The height h of the first cam guide 55 decreases, causing the first cam element 59 to raise the connecting shaft 74 away from the base plate 63 via the lower part 71. The capsule upper part holder 33 is also raised and is positioned at a distance from the lower segment part 6. With further rotation of the turntable 2, the distance a of the second cam guide 56 is reduced.The swivel arm 73 is rotated about the pivot axis 54 by the second cam element 60, which is operatively connected to the second cam guide 56. The connecting shaft 74 and the capsule upper part receptacle 33 also rotate about the pivot axis 54 with the swivel arm 73. The upper segment part 7 and the lower segment part 6 are no longer overlapping. The lower segment part 6 is released, allowing the capsule lower parts held in the lower segment part 6 to be filled. The upper segment part 7 is pivoted back into alignment with the lower segment part 6 according to the same principle.

Claims

1. Capsule filling machine for filling two-part capsules, each with a capsule top part and a capsule bottom part, comprising a main drive unit (4) for operating the capsule filling machine (1) and at least one capsule segment (5) for transporting the capsules, wherein the capsule segment (5) comprises a segment bottom part (6) for receiving the capsule bottom part and a segment top part (7) for receiving the capsule top part, wherein the segment bottom part (6) and the segment top part (7) are arranged in a movable manner relative to each other, wherein the capsule segment (5) is operatively connected to the main drive unit (4) in such a way that the relative movement of the segment bottom part (6) and the segment top part (7) to each other is brought about by the main drive unit (4), wherein the relative movement (51) comprises a swivel movement (52) about a swivel axis (54) of the capsule segment (5) and a translational movement (53) in the direction of the swivel axis (54), wherein a first slotted guide (55) is provided, wherein the first slotted guide (55) in conjunction with the main drive unit (4) brings about the translational movement (53) of the capsule segment (5), wherein a second slotted guide (56) is provided, wherein the second slotted guide (56) in conjunction with the main drive unit (4) brings about the swivel movement (52) of the capsule segment (5), characterized in that the capsule segment (5) has a guide arm (58), wherein the guide arm (58) comprises a first guide piece element (59) and a second guide piece element (60), wherein the first guide piece element (59) interacts with the first slotted guide (55), and the second guide piece element (60) interacts with the second slotted guide (56).

2. Capsule filling machine according to Claim 1, characterized in that the segment top part (7) is driven swivellably about the swivel axis (54) via the main drive unit (4).

3. Capsule filling machine according to Claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the segment top part (7) is driven via the main drive unit (4) along the swivel axis (54) of the capsule segment (5) in a translationally movable manner.

4. Capsule filling machine according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the capsule filling machine (1) comprises a rotary table (2), wherein the rotary table (2) can be rotationally driven about a rotational axis (3) of the rotary table (2) by means of the main drive unit (4).

5. Capsule filling machine according to Claim 4, characterized in that the segment bottom part (6) is firmly connected to the rotary table (2).

6. Capsule filling machine according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the first slotted guide (55) and the second slotted guide (56) are formed on a fixed housing part (57) of the capsule filling machine (1).

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