Capsule filling machine for filling capsules and method for operating a capsule filling machine

Abstract

To provide an improved capsule filling machine.SOLUTION: A station for closing and for transport capsules comprises a closing device 8 with a closing element 90 arranged below a conveying device 32. The closing element 90 is configured, for example, in the shape of a plunger and has a closing surface 92 at a free end. The closing element 90 can be driven by means of a closing drive. The closing element is movable along a closing axis 96 and parallel to the longitudinal axes of a capsule upper part receiver 44 and a capsule lower part receiver 46, and namely between an initial position in which the closing surface 92 is arranged below a conveying region 42 of the conveying device 32, and actuating positions in which the closing surface 92 is arranged inside and / or above the conveying region 42.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a capsule filling machine having the features recited in the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] A capsule filling machine of the type mentioned at the outset is known from DE 2 830 849 A1 and US Pat. No. 3,534,526.

[0003] Starting from the above mentioned prior art, the problem underlying the present invention is to provide an alternative capsule filling machine.

[0004] The invention achieves this object in that the counterholder can be or is arranged at least in the final part of the joining path between the filled lower capsule part and the upper capsule part in a contact area spaced apart from the conveying area with an ejection area interposed, as viewed along the joining axis, and in the ejection area an ejection sleeve is arranged, which fixes the filled and completely joined capsule outside the conveying area and ejects it.

[0005] Due to the abutment area being spaced apart from the conveying area, it is possible to utilize this intermediate space as an unloading area, in particular to provide an unloading sleeve in the unloading area.

[0006] Furthermore, the arrangement of the counterholder in the abutment area results in the final joining path being moved from the conveying area (as is done in the prior art) into the discharge area, which allows the filled and fully joined capsule to be discharged immediately following the final part of the joining path, in particular without further movement of the closure member and / or the counterholder, since the filled and fully joined capsule can be fixed in the discharge sleeve.

[0007] In one preferred embodiment, the height of the discharge area measured between the conveying area and the abutment area corresponds at least to the length of a filled and completely joined capsule. This ensures that the entire completely joined capsule can be accommodated in the discharge area and that a particularly reliable discharge of the capsule from the discharge area is possible. In particular, damage to the capsule (e.g. due to the capsule being dragged along the surfaces that define the conveying area) is prevented.

[0008] More preferably, the counter-holder is movable along the joining axis and acts on the upper surface of the upper capsule part in the conveying and / or discharge area. When the joining of the capsule parts begins, i.e. when the lower capsule part is first inserted into the upper capsule part, the upper capsule part is moved by the lower capsule part in an uncontrolled manner, which creates a risk, for example, of the lower capsule part tilting together with or within the upper capsule part. By moving the counter-holder into the conveying and / or discharge area, a force is already exerted by the counter-holder on the upper capsule part in the conveying and / or discharge area, which is directed against the direction of movement of the closing member and which ensures a correct insertion of the lower capsule part into the upper capsule part.

[0009] During the joining process, the capsule upper part is subjected to a force by a counter surface of a counter holder, which is directed against the direction of movement of the closure member.

[0010] Particularly preferably, the counterholder arranged in the transport or discharge area can be moved into the abutment area by a movement of the closure member that is transmitted to the counterholder via the capsule part. This potentially simplifies the control of the movement of the counterholder. In the simplest case, it is sufficient to control the possibly desired movement of the counterholder only in one movement direction from the abutment area into the discharge or transport area. In contrast, the return of the counterholder in the opposite movement direction back into the abutment area can be performed passively and controlled via the closure member.

[0011] More preferably, the counter holder exerts a force on the upper surface of the capsule upper part in a direction opposite to the direction of movement of the closure member, which force assists the joining process between the capsule upper part and the capsule lower part.

[0012] Furthermore, the closing drive is preferably configured such that the closing element moves uninterruptedly along the joining axis from the initial contact with the underside of the filled capsule lower part until the end of the final part of the joining path. This allows for a simplified movement control of the closing element, since only the start and end positions of the closing element along the joining axis need to be defined. Furthermore, the uninterrupted movement reduces the time required for joining the capsule parts.

[0013] Particularly preferably, the upper capsule part has a holding area for receiving and holding the upper capsule part and a guide area facing the lower capsule part for receiving and guiding the lower capsule part. The holding area ensures a reliable and reproducible positioning of the upper capsule part in the upper capsule part. The guide area serves to guide and align the lower capsule part relative to the upper capsule part during the movement of the lower capsule part along the joining axis. Lateral support of the lower capsule part in the guide area prevents in particular a tilting of the lower capsule part relative to the joining axis.

[0014] Particularly preferably, the holding area of ​​the capsule upper part receiving part is defined by an annular projection, by means of which an annular edge of the capsule upper part can be or is supported, which is a simple means for especially gravitationally supporting the capsule upper part and locating it in a well-defined and reproducible position in the holding area.

[0015] Furthermore, the length of the guide region of the capsule upper part receiving part, seen along the joining axis, corresponds to at least 30% of the length of the capsule lower part, preferably at least 70% of the length of the capsule lower part, in particular at least 100% of the length of the capsule lower part. In this case, a longer guide region entails an improved guiding of the capsule lower part, since a larger part of the capsule lower part can be received and guided in the guide region.

[0016] One preferred embodiment provides that the capsule upper part housing has a wall with a slit. Since the volume enclosed by the capsule parts is reduced during joining of the capsule parts, an overpressure can build up inside the capsule. As a result, the (especially gaseous) medium contained in the capsule is displaced from the capsule and accumulates in the capsule upper part housing, whereby an overpressure can build up in the capsule upper part housing. The wall with the slit ensures the outflow of the displaced medium from the capsule upper part housing and thus prevents, in particular, an unintended movement and / or ejection of the capsule upper part caused by the overpressure.

[0017] Particularly preferably, the upper and lower capsule receptacles are each formed as gauge parts which can be inserted into the transport device. The dimensions of the upper and lower capsule receptacles are particularly adapted to a given capsule size. The insertable gauge parts allow for a simple and quick exchange between different capsule sizes.

[0018] It is particularly preferred that the conveying device is designed in the shape of a disk and that the conveying drive drives the conveying device about its rotation axis, which ensures a particularly space-saving and efficient construction of the capsule filling machine.

[0019] More preferably, the discharge sleeve is part of a discharge device, which is in particular configured as a sorting device. This allows the completely joined capsules to be discharged from the discharge area directly following the joining of the capsule parts. If the discharge device is configured as a sorting device, incorrectly filled and / or joined capsules can be easily removed from the production process (good / bad sorting).

[0020] In one preferred embodiment, the unloading device comprises a conveying member and a conveying drive, which drives the conveying member about a conveying member axis arranged offset relative to the conveying device. In particular, the unloading sleeve is part of the conveying member, which allows a space-saving and efficient construction of the unloading device. The conveying drive makes it possible to coordinate the movement of the conveying member about the conveying member axis with the movement of the conveying device about the conveying device rotation axis.

[0021] The problem stated at the outset is also solved by a method for operating a capsule filling machine which comprises the features of a parallel method claim.

[0022] The advantages and configurations of the method according to the invention have been explained above in connection with the advantages and configurations of the capsule filling machine according to the invention, and therefore reference is made to said explanations.

[0023] Further features and advantages of the invention are the subject of the following description and illustration of one preferred embodiment. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1a] FIG. 2 is a front view of a capsule having an upper capsule portion and a lower capsule portion in an unjoined state. [Figure 1b] FIG. 1b shows the capsule corresponding to FIG. 1a in a fully joined state. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing one embodiment of a capsule filling machine. [Diagram 3]FIG. 3 is a perspective view, partially in section, of a conveying device of the capsule filling machine shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 4 is a cross-sectional view of the conveying device taken along a part of the cross section indicated by IV in FIG. 3. [Diagram 5] 3 is a perspective view showing a conveying device and a dosage device having a measuring cell, the perspective view being cut along the cross section indicated by VV in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 6] 3 is a perspective view - corresponding to the viewing direction indicated by VI in FIG. 2 - of the station of the capsule filling machine for closing and discharging the capsules, as shown in FIG. 2; FIG. [Figure 7] 7 is a cross-sectional view of the station shown in FIG. 6 taken along the cross section indicated by VII-VII in FIG. 2; [Figure 8] 8A-8C show enlarged views of the portion indicated by VIII in FIG. 7 during successive capsule closing and ejection phases. [Figure 9] 8A-8C show enlarged views of the portion indicated by VIII in FIG. 7 during successive capsule closing and ejection phases. [Figure 10] 8A-8C show enlarged views of the portion indicated by VIII in FIG. 7 during successive capsule closing and ejection phases. [Figure 11] 8A-8C show enlarged views of the portion indicated by VIII in FIG. 7 during successive capsule closing and ejection phases. [Figure 12] 8A-8C show enlarged views of the portion indicated by VIII in FIG. 7 during successive capsule closing and ejection phases. [Figure 13] 8A-8C show enlarged views of the portion indicated by VIII in FIG. 7 during successive capsule closing and ejection phases. [Figure 14] 8A-8C show enlarged views of the portion indicated by VIII in FIG. 7 during successive capsule closing and ejection phases. [Figure 15] 8A-8C show enlarged views of the portion indicated by VIII in FIG. 7 during successive capsule closing and ejection phases. [Figure 16]8A-8C show enlarged views of the portion indicated by VIII in FIG. 7 during successive capsule closing and ejection phases.

[0025] The directions "up" and "down" are defined relative to the direction of gravity.

[0026] One embodiment of a capsule filling machine 10, generally designated 10, is used for filling and closing capsules 12, preferably hard capsules, especially gelatin capsules.

[0027] 1a and 1b illustrate a capsule 12 in an unbonded and fully bonded state. The capsule 12 includes a rotationally symmetric upper capsule portion 14 and a rotationally symmetric lower capsule portion 16. The inner diameter 18 of the upper capsule portion 14 is slightly larger than the outer diameter 20 of the lower capsule portion 16. The upper capsule portion 14 has a circular edge 22 facing the lower capsule portion 16. The lower capsule portion has a circular edge 24 facing the upper capsule portion.

[0028] In an initial state, at the start of the joining process, the capsule upper part 14 and the capsule lower part 16 are arranged such that their respective edges 22 and 24 are arranged at the same height along a joining axis 26. To close the capsule 12, the capsule lower part can be inserted into the capsule upper part along the joining axis, the section from the initial state to the complete joining of the capsule 12 being called the joining path 27. The length 28 of the completely joined capsule 12 runs parallel to the joining axis 26. In a reservoir (not shown) of the capsule filling machine 10 (see FIG. 2), a number of capsules 12 are held inserted into one another but not completely joined.

[0029] The capsule filling machine 10 has a horizontal working surface 30 on which a conveying device 32 and a number of work stations 80, 82, 86 are arranged. The conveying device 32 is disk-shaped and can be driven rotatably about a conveying device rotation axis 34, with a conveying drive 36 for driving the conveying device 32 being arranged below the working surface 30. The conveying device 32 has receiving sections 40 regularly arranged along its edge 38 for receiving the capsules 12 or capsule parts 14, 16. The conveying device 32 conveys the capsules 12 or capsule parts 14, 16 between the work stations 80, 82, 86, with a conveying area 42 of the conveying device 32 being defined by the space through which the capsules 12 or capsule parts 14, 16 move during their conveying by the conveying device 32.

[0030] The receptacle 40 for receiving the capsule 12 is formed by separate capsule upper receptacle 44 and capsule lower receptacle 46 which can be inserted into the conveying device 32 (see FIG. 3). The capsule lower receptacle 46 is inserted in a capsule lower receptacle support 48 which is guided in a control cam 50 which runs eccentrically relative to the conveying device rotation axis 34 and can thus be moved radially outward and radially inward during the rotational movement of the conveying device 32. This makes it possible to expose the capsule lower receptacle 46 together with the capsule lower part 16 radially outward relative to the capsule upper receptacle 44 or the capsule upper part 14.

[0031] Along the longitudinal axis 52 of the capsule upper part container 44, a holding area 54 is defined (see FIG. 4). The holding area 54 is delimited by an upper surface 56 of the conveying device 32 and by an annular projection 58 located on the inside. The capsule upper part 14 contained in the holding area 54 is supported by its edge 22 on the projection 58 and can thus be held in the capsule upper part container 44. The holding area 54 adjoins a guide area 60 in the direction of the capsule lower part container support 48, which extends from the annular projection 58 to a lower end 62 of the capsule upper part container 44. The inner diameter 64 of the guide area 60 is adapted to the outer diameter 20 of the capsule lower part 16 and is preferably slightly larger.

[0032] Preferably, the holding area 54 and / or the guide area 60 have a wall 66 with a slit. Furthermore, the capsule upper part receiving portion 44 has an opening 68 at its lower end 62.

[0033] The capsule lower part housing 46 has a housing chamber 70 for housing the capsule lower part 16. The capsule lower part 16 is supported at a tapered end 72 of the housing chamber 70 and is held within the housing chamber 70. At the tapered end 72, the capsule lower part housing and the capsule lower part housing support each have an opening 74, 76.

[0034] When the capsule lower portion housing support 48 is fully inserted radially inward, the longitudinal axis 52 of the capsule upper portion housing 44 and the longitudinal axis 78 of the capsule lower portion housing 46 are aligned with each other.

[0035] The capsules 12 held in the reservoir are fed by a feed station 80 to the receptacle 40 of the transport device 32 (see FIG. 2). In this case, the transport device 32 is stationary. The capsules 12 are adjusted in the feed station 80 in a manner known per se, so that the capsule lower part 16 faces the transport area 42 and the joining axis 26 of the capsule 12 is aligned with the longitudinal axis 52 of the capsule upper part receptacle 44 and with the longitudinal axis 78 of the capsule lower part receptacle 46. In the initial state, the received capsules 12 (inserted into each other but not completely joined) are held in the holding area 54 of the capsule upper part receptacle 44. The capsule parts 14, 16 are then separated from each other in a manner known per se, for example by negative pressure, so that the capsule upper part 14 remains in the capsule upper part receptacle 44 and the capsule lower part 16 is received in the capsule lower part receptacle 46.

[0036] By rotation of the conveying device 32 about the conveying device rotation axis 34, the capsule parts 14, 16 are conveyed to the filling station 82. During the conveying, the capsule lower part receptacle support 48 is moved radially outwardly, thus exposing the capsule lower part 16, which allows the metering device 83 to fill the capsule lower part 16 with the filling material (see FIG. 5).

[0037] The filling station 82 may have a weighing cell 84. By lowering the conveying device 32 along the conveying device rotation axis 34 - by means of a lifting drive (not shown) - the capsule lower part receptacle 46 can be lowered onto the weighing cell 84 and exposed to the capsule lower part receptacle support 48. This ensures precise control and management of the filling of the capsule lower part 16 with the filling material. It is possible that the capsule filling machine 10 has a plurality of filling stations 82 and / or metering devices 83 and / or weighing cells 84. After the capsule lower part 16 is filled, the capsule parts 14, 16 are conveyed by the rotation of the conveying device 32 to a closing and unloading station 86 (see FIG. 2). During the conveying, the capsule lower part receptacle support 48 is again brought by the control cam 50 into its initial position, radially inwardly inserted.

[0038] The closing and unloading station 86 comprises a closing device 88 with a closing member 90 arranged below the transport device 32 (see Figs. 6 and 7). The closing member 90 is, for example, plunger-shaped and has a closing surface 92 at one free end. The closing member 90 can be driven by a closing drive 94. The closing member is movable along a closing axis 96 and parallel to the longitudinal axis 52 of the capsule upper part receiving part 44 and to the longitudinal axis 78 of the capsule lower part receiving part 46 between an initial position in which the closing surface 92 is arranged below the transport area 42 of the transport device 32 and an operating position in which the closing surface 92 is arranged inside and / or above the transport area 42.

[0039] The closing device 88 further comprises a counterholder 98 arranged above the transport device 32, which is, for example, in the form of a plunger and has a counterface 100 at one free end. The counterholder 98 can be driven along the longitudinal axis 52 of the capsule upper part receiving part 44 and along the longitudinal axis 78 of the capsule lower part receiving part 46 by a counterholder drive 102. In the initial state, the counterface 100 of the counterholder 98 is arranged in an abutment area 104 of the closing device 88. The abutment area 104 is arranged above the transport area 42 and at a distance from it.

[0040] For the discharge of the fully joined capsules 12, an unloading sleeve 106 is provided, which can receive and hold the fully joined capsules 12. The unloading sleeve 106 is arranged in particular in an unloading area 108, which is bounded below by the conveying area 42 and above by the abutment area 104. The height 109 of the unloading area 108 preferably corresponds to the length 28 of the filled and fully joined capsules 12.

[0041] The discharge sleeve 106 is part of a conveying member 110 of a discharge device 112 (see FIG. 6). The conveying member 110 can be driven by a conveying drive 114 about a conveying member axis 116, so that the fully joined capsules 12 held in the discharge sleeve 106 can be removed from the discharge area 108. The discharge device 112 preferably comprises a first discharge station 118 and a second discharge station 120, each with a discharge member 122, so that the discharge device 112 can be used as a (good / bad) sorting device. The capsules 12 contained in the discharge sleeve 106 can be conveyed by the conveying member 110 to the respective discharge stations 118, 120. Capsules 12 that are properly filled and joined are removed from the discharge sleeve 106 by an ejection member 122 at a first ejection station 118, and capsules 12 that are not properly filled and / or joined are removed at a second ejection station 120.

[0042] 8 to 16 show successive closing and ejection stages of the capsule 12.

[0043] In the initial state (see FIG. 8), the storage section 40 of the conveying device 32 is located at the closing and unloading station 86, with the upper capsule part 14 located in the upper capsule part storage section 44 and the lower capsule part 16 filled with a filling material located in the lower capsule part storage section 46.

[0044] Starting from this initial state, the transport device 32 is lowered by means of the lifting drive parallel to the transport device rotation axis 34 (starting from FIG. 8, see FIG. 9). The lowering of the transport device 32 lowers the capsule lower part receptacle 46 onto the lowering member 124 of the station 86 and moves it upwards relative to the capsule lower part receptacle support 48. A form-locking contact, preferably with mutual centering, is then established between the upper surface 126 of the capsule lower part receptacle 46 and the lower surface 128 of the capsule upper part receptacle 44.

[0045] In the initial position, the closing surface 92 of the closing member 90 is arranged at a distance from the capsule lower part 16. In a next step, the counterholder 98 is lowered downwards from the abutment area 104, so that it penetrates the discharge sleeve 106 arranged in the discharge area 108 (see FIG. 10). When the counterholder 98 comes into contact with its counterholder surface 100 against the upper surface 130 of the capsule upper part 14, the movement of the counterholder 98 is stopped.

[0046] The lower capsule part 16 is then moved towards the upper capsule part 14 by the movement of the closure member 90, the closure surface 92 coming into contact with the underside 132 of the lower capsule part 16 (see FIG. 11). The lower capsule part 16 then enters the guide area 60 of the upper capsule part receiving part 44 and is guided therein. When the lower capsule part 16 reaches the holding area 54, the edges 22, 24 of the capsule parts 14, 16 are respectively arranged at the same height. Starting from there, the actual joining process begins, in which the lower capsule part 16 is inserted into the upper capsule part 14 along the joining path 27. During the joining process, a force is exerted on the upper capsule part 14 by the counter surface 100 of the counter holder 98 in the direction opposite to the movement direction of the closure member 90.

[0047] The force exerted by the counterholder 98 on the capsule upper part 14 can be adjusted independently of the position of the counterholder 98 and may in particular be constant, for example by the effect of the weight of the counterholder 98 and / or by pressing the counterholder 98 with a constant driving force, for example generated pneumatically. For equalization of such a driving force, a pressure limiting valve can be used.

[0048] With the start of the joining process, the counterholder 98 again (in particular passively) moves upwards in the direction of the abutment area 104, while the closure member 90 continues its upward movement (see FIG. 12). The counterholder 98 and the closure member 90 each remain in contact with the respective capsule parts 14, 16 during their movement, so that the now pre-joined capsule 12 is likewise moved upwards until it reaches the discharge area 108 or into the discharge sleeve 106.

[0049] The movement of the counterholder 98 ends when the counterholder 98 is again located in its initial position in the abutment area 104 (see FIG. 13). While the counterholder 98 is already again located in the abutment area 104 and is therefore immobile, the closure member 90 continues to move upwards, so that in the final part of the joining path 27 the capsule lower part 16 is inserted into the capsule upper part 14 until the capsule 12 is completely joined and closed.

[0050] The fully joined capsule 12 is held in the discharge sleeve 106 (see FIG. 14). The closure member 90 is then moved back from the conveying region 42 to its initial position (starting from FIG. 13 and see FIG. 14).

[0051] Starting from the situation shown in FIG. 14, the conveying device 32 is raised parallel to the conveying device rotation axis 34 (starting from FIG. 14, see FIG. 15).

[0052] Rotation of the conveying member 110 then causes the capsule 12 held within the discharge sleeve 106 to be conveyed out of the discharge area 108 and further conveyed (see Figures 16 and 6, now without the capsule 12).

[0053] As an alternative to the method described above, it is also possible for the counterholder 98 to remain in its position in the abutment area 104 and for the counterholder surface 100 of the counterholder 98 to only come into contact with the capsule upper part 14 at the very end of the joining path 27. In this case too, the very end of the joining process only takes place in the discharge sleeve 106 or in the discharge area 108.

Claims

1. A capsule filling machine for filling capsules (12) having two capsule parts, namely a capsule upper part (14) and a capsule lower part (16), comprising: a conveying device (32) having a capsule upper part receiving portion (44) for receiving the capsule upper part (14) and a capsule lower part receiving portion (46) for receiving the capsule lower part (16), the capsule upper part receiving portion (44) and the capsule lower part receiving portion (46) being positionable to be aligned with each other along a joint axis (26), the conveying device (32) being movably driven within a conveying region (42) by a conveying drive device (36); at least one filling station (82) for filling the capsule lower part (16) with a filling material; 1. A capsule filling machine (10) comprising at least one station (86) for closing the filled capsule lower part (16) by the capsule upper part (14) and for conveying the filled and completely joined capsule (12), the at least one station (86) having a closing member (90) movable along the joining axis (26) and driven by a closing drive (94) cooperating with a lower surface (132) of the filled capsule lower part (16) and a corresponding holder (98) cooperating with an upper surface (130) of the capsule upper part (14), a capsule filling machine (10) in which the counter holder (98) is arranged at least in the final part of the joining path (27) between the filled lower capsule part (16) and the upper capsule part (14) in an abutment area (104) spaced apart from the conveying area (42) with an intervening discharge area (108) as viewed along the joining axis (26), in which a discharge sleeve (106) is arranged for fixing and discharging the filled and completely joined capsule (12) outside the conveying area (42).

2. 2. The capsule filling machine (10) of claim 1, wherein the height of the discharge area (108) measured between the conveying area (42) and the abutment area (104) corresponds at least to the length (28) of the filled and fully joined capsule (12).

3. 3. The capsule filling machine (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the counter holder (98) is movable along the joining axis (26) and acts on the upper surface (130) of the capsule upper part (14) in the conveying area (42) and / or in the discharge area (108).

4. 4. The capsule filling machine (10) of claim 3, wherein the corresponding holder (98) arranged in the conveying area (42) or the discharge area (108) can be moved into the abutment area (104) by movement of the closure member (90) transmitted to the corresponding holder (98) via the capsule parts (14, 16).

5. 5. The capsule filling machine (10) of claim 4, wherein the counter holder (98) applies a force to the top surface (130) of the capsule upper part (14) in a direction opposite to a direction of movement of the closure member (90).

6. 3. The capsule filling machine (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the closing drive (94) is configured such that the closing member (90) moves along the joining axis (26) without interruption or halt from the initial contact with the lower surface (132) of the filled capsule lower part (16) until the end of the final part of the joining path (27).

7. 3. The capsule filling machine (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the capsule upper part storage section (44) has a holding area (54) for receiving and holding the capsule upper part (14) and a guide area (60) facing the capsule lower part storage section (46) for receiving and guiding the capsule lower part (16).

8. 8. The capsule filling machine (10) of claim 7, wherein the holding area (54) of the capsule upper part receiving portion (44) is defined by an annular protrusion (58) which is capable of supporting or which supports an annular edge (22) of the capsule upper part (14).

9. 8. The capsule filling machine (10) according to claim 7, wherein the length of the guide area of ​​the capsule upper part receiving part (44) as viewed along the joining axis (26) corresponds to at least 30% of the length of the capsule lower part (16).

10. 3. The capsule filling machine (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the capsule upper part receiving portion (44) has a wall (66) with a slit.

11. 3. The capsule filling machine (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the upper capsule portion (44) and the lower capsule portion (46) are each formed as standard sized members that can be inserted into the conveying device (32).

12. 3. The capsule filling machine (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the conveying device (32) is disk-shaped and the conveying drive (36) drives the conveying device (32) about a conveying device rotation axis (34).

13. 3. The capsule filling machine (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the discharge sleeve (106) is part of a discharge device (112) which is in particular formed as a sorting device.

14. 14. The capsule filling machine (10) according to claim 13, wherein the discharge device (112) comprises a conveying member (110) and a conveying drive device (114) for driving the conveying member (110) about a conveying member axis (116) arranged offset relative to the conveying device (32).

15. A capsule filling machine (10) as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the closure member (90) continues to move upwards while the corresponding holder (98) is already again positioned in the abutment area (104) and remains immobile, so that in the final part of the joining path (27) the lower capsule part (16) is inserted into the upper capsule part (14) until the capsule (12) is completely joined and closed.

16. A method for operating a capsule filling machine according to claim 1 or 2, comprising the steps of: the conveying device (32) moves the capsule upper part (14) and the filled capsule lower part (16) into the closing and unloading station (86); The closure member (90) is moved along the joint axis (26) and acts on the lower surface (132) of the capsule lower part (16); Inserting the capsule lower part (16) into the capsule upper part (14) along a first portion of the joining path (27); Subsequently, the capsule parts (14, 16) are joined together along a second portion of the joining path (27) which follows the first portion of the joining path (27) while moving into the discharge area (108); joining the capsule parts (14, 16) together over a final portion of the joining path (27) while the upper surface (130) of the capsule upper part (14) is in abutment against the corresponding holder (98) located in the abutment area (104); method.

Images