Capsule sealing device

Abstract

1. An apparatus (22) for sealing capsules (10), the capsules each having one capsule shell, the capsule shells being formed by a first shell part and a second shell part, the shell parts being provided or being provided with a sealing liquid in a bonding region, the apparatus having a heat source (30) for drying the sealing liquid, the apparatus having at least one cover (32), the cover (32) being arranged between the heat source and the capsule in an emission region of the heat source, the cover having at least one passing region for passing radiation of the heat source and for irradiating the bonding region of the capsule, and the cover having at least one shielding region for shielding a partial region of the capsule that is arranged offset with respect to the bonding region from the radiation of the heat source.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for sealing capsules, each of which has a capsule shell formed by a first shell part and a second shell part, the shell parts being provided with or being provided with a sealing liquid in a joining region, the apparatus comprising a heat source for drying the sealing liquid.

[0002] German Patent No. 3718320 discloses a method for sealing capsules consisting of two shell parts. After the edge portions of the first and second shell parts are interlocked, a sealing liquid (an aqueous hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) solution, gelatin solution, or generally a solution of capsule material) is applied to the overlap or joining area of ​​the capsule. The drying of this sealing liquid is then accelerated by the introduction of heat from a heat source, forming a solid band of HPMC, gelatin, or capsule material.

[0003] However, by introducing the heat used for drying, the capsule contents enclosed by the capsule shell are also heated, which can lead to undesirable overpressure within the capsule shell and, in the most undesirable cases, even to separation of the shell parts.

[0004] Starting from this, the problem underlying the present invention is to provide an apparatus that allows for capsule-friendly drying of the sealing liquid.

[0005] This problem is solved in that in an apparatus of the type mentioned at the beginning, at least one cover is arranged between the heat source and the capsule, the cover has at least one passage area through which radiation from the heat source passes and for irradiating the joining area of ​​the capsule, and the cover has at least one shielding area that shields a partial area of ​​the capsule that is arranged offset with respect to the joining area from the radiation of the heat source.

[0006] The passage area of ​​the cover is particularly formed as at least one elongated opening, and the passage area is defined by a shielding area adjacent to the elongated opening. A portion of the thermal radiation impinging on the shielding area of ​​the cover is suppressed. The suppression of the thermal radiation in the shielding area can occur concomitantly with reflection of the thermal radiation passing through the shielding area and / or absorption of heat by the shielding area.

[0007] That is, the use of a cover allows the undirected thermal radiation emitted by the heat source into a poorly defined area to be focused into a purposefully defined irradiation area.

[0008] Preferably, the distance between the cover and the capsule and the width of the passage area perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the opening are adapted to the size, particularly the length, of the bonding area of ​​the capsule. Therefore, when the capsule is positioned within a properly defined irradiation area, the thermal radiation acts precisely on or within the bonding area of ​​the capsule where the sealing liquid is applied, significantly accelerating the drying of the sealing liquid. At the same time, irradiation of areas of the capsule where no sealing liquid is present is prevented, minimizing heating of the capsule contents and the resulting overpressure inside the capsule.

[0009] After application of the sealing liquid, the capsules are preferably transported by a capsule transport device, which may be configured as a transport belt. A heat source is arranged at a distance from the transport belt. The heat source may extend over a portion of the length of the transport belt or over the entire length of the transport belt.

[0010] The longitudinal axes of the capsules arranged on the conveyor belt are aligned perpendicular to the conveying direction. Preferably, the capsules are driven to rotate about their longitudinal axes during transport in the conveying direction. The configuration of the conveyor belt allows the positions of the bonding regions of adjacent capsules, each with a sealing liquid, to be kept aligned relative to one another along the conveying direction.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the main axis of the passage area of ​​the cover runs parallel to the transport direction of the capsules, which, in combination with the above-mentioned positioning of the capsules, ensures that heat is introduced into the coupling areas of the capsules that are aligned with one another in the transport direction over at least a portion of the transport section of the transport device, while partial areas of the capsules that are respectively arranged offset relative to the coupling areas are not exposed to direct heat radiation.

[0012] Particularly preferably, the heat source includes at least one infrared radiator. The use of an infrared radiator has the advantage that the frequency range of the infrared radiation can be adapted to the solvent used in the sealing liquid, thereby intentionally exciting the solvent. This significantly increases the sublimation rate of the solvent, achieving faster drying, which allows for a higher capsule throughput. Furthermore, the space requirements of the apparatus, especially the transport section, can be reduced.

[0013] Furthermore, it is preferred that the heat source includes at least two infrared emitters, the radiation of which differs from one another in terms of their frequency range and / or their intensity. The frequency ranges can be selected to suit the desired excitation of different solvents, respectively. This allows for rapid drying of various solvents without modification of the device. When infrared emitters with different intensities are used, the heat load on potentially heat-sensitive contents of the capsule can be reduced. Again, this avoids the need for time-consuming modifications of the device.

[0014] Furthermore, it is preferable that the device has a cooling device for cooling the cover. The cover absorbs the thermal radiation that is not reflected on the side facing the heat source, which causes the shielded area of ​​the cover to heat up, which can lead to heat being released into the capsule on the side of the cover opposite the radiation source. By cooling the cover, the absorbed heat can be dissipated and unwanted heat release into the capsule can be avoided. Cooling can be achieved, for example, by a water line connected to a water circuit, which is in contact with the shielded area or is integrated into the shielded area.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes at least one fan device that provides an air flow around the capsule and / or around the cover, which can be used to cool the cover and / or carry away sublimated solvent from the sealing liquid. Optionally, the air in the air flow can be pre-dried, which can entrain a larger amount of sublimated solvent. Carrying away the solvent increases the rate of sublimation of the solvent from the sealing liquid, thereby facilitating drying.

[0016] Particularly preferably, the air flow has a flow direction opposite to the transport direction of the capsules, which allows the sublimated solvent to be removed quickly and efficiently.

[0017] More preferably, the fan device comprises a flow divider which divides the air flow into two parts: a first part of the air flow is used for cooling the cover, and a second part of the air flow allows the sublimated solvent to be carried away.

[0018] Particularly preferably, a first part of the air flow flows in a first subspace defined by the heat source and the cover, and a second part of the air flow flows in a second subspace defined by the cover and the capsule, so that the first part of the air flow can be used intentionally for cooling the cover and the second part of the air flow can be used intentionally for carrying away the sublimated solvent.

[0019] It is further preferred that the device has at least one suction device for sucking in the air flow or at least one part of the air flow, which prevents stagnation of the air that has been heated and / or saturated with the sublimated solvent after cooling of the cover.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, a filter is attached between the heat source and the cover. The filter can reduce the intensity of the radiation, which reduces the heat load on the capsule contents, which may be particularly sensitive to heat. Furthermore, wavelength-selective filters can be used to optimize the frequency range of the thermal radiation to suit the solvent used.

[0021] Particularly preferably, an additional cover is disposed between the heat source and the cover, and the passage area of ​​the additional cover is aligned with the passage area of ​​the cover in the radiation direction of the heat source. The additional cover can block most of the thermal radiation that would otherwise hit the shielding area of ​​the cover. Since heating of the cover is significantly reduced, the cover radiates less thermal radiation to the capsule area that does not have sealing liquid, and the capsule contents are heated less.

[0022] More preferably, the passage area of ​​the additional cover is smaller than the passage area of ​​the cover. Since the radiation expands in a cone shape after passing through the additional cover, it is possible to achieve focusing of the radiation on the passage area of ​​the cover, which further reduces heating of the cover.

[0023] Further features and advantages of the invention are the subject of the following description and illustration of an embodiment of the device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a plan view of an individual capsule including a first shell portion and a second shell portion with a strip of material attached thereto. [Figure 2] 1 is a side view of an embodiment of a device for sealing a capsule. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the cover of the device shown in FIG. [Figure 4] 2 is a plan view showing a capsule transport device of the device shown in FIG. 1 together with a capsule. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a side view showing another embodiment of a device for sealing capsules. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a side view showing another embodiment of a device for sealing capsules. [Figure 7] 7 is a plan view showing a cover and an additional cover of the device shown in FIG. 6.

[0025] 1 exemplarily shows a capsule 10 having a first capsule shell 12 and a second capsule shell 14. As is known per se, the opposing edge sections of the capsule shells 12, 14 are forced together in a nested manner at an overlap or joining region 16 of the capsule 10. The capsule 10 extends along a central capsule axis 18.

[0026] A sealing liquid 20 is applied to the outside of the bonding area 16 and extends around the closed periphery, centered on the capsule axis 18. The sealing liquid 20 may be, for example, an aqueous gelatin solution. After drying, a fixed band is formed that seals the capsule 10 and can act as an integrity protector.

[0027] 2 shows an apparatus, generally designated by the reference numeral 22, for sealing the capsules 10 with a sealing liquid 20. After application of the sealing liquid 20, the capsules 10 are conveyed on a capsule conveying device 24, for example a conveying belt 25.

[0028] The conveyor belt 25 may have a number of conveying regions 28 extending parallel to the conveying direction 26 for accommodating a number of capsules 10, respectively, see Figure 4. The capsules 10 are preferably arranged along each conveying region 28 such that the capsule axes 18 of the capsules 10 arranged in the conveying region 28 are aligned parallel to one another.

[0029] A heat source 30, in particular an infrared radiator, is arranged at a distance from the conveyor belt 25. Between the heat source 30 and the conveyor belt 25 there is a cover 32 (see FIG. 2). The cover 32 is made, for example, from special steel or a special steel alloy and has a number of passage areas 34 and shielding areas 36 (see FIG. 3). The passage areas 34 are formed as elongated openings, the main axis of each of which is aligned parallel to the capsule conveying direction 26. The passage areas 34 are delimited by the shielding areas 36.

[0030] Thermal radiation emitted from and propagating from the heat source 30 strikes the cover 32, where it is absorbed in a shielding area 36 of the cover 32 and / or reflected from the shielding area 36 back toward the heat source 30. Only through the passing area 34 can the thermal radiation strike the conveyor belt 25 and the capsules 10 positioned on the conveyor belt 25. That is, the thermal radiation is focused by the passing area 34 into a defined irradiation area 38.

[0031] Preferably, the capsule axes 18 of the capsules 10 are arranged on the conveyor belt 25 perpendicular to the conveying direction 26. More preferably, the joining regions 16 of adjacent capsules 10 are aligned with each other (see FIG. 4).

[0032] The distance between the cover 32 and the conveyor belt 25 and the width 40 of the passage area 36 (see FIG. 3) are preferably adapted to the length of the bonding area 16 of the capsules 10, measured parallel to the capsule axis 18, so that the width 42 of the irradiation area 38 corresponds to the length of the bonding area 16 of the capsules 10 (see FIGS. 1 and 4). This allows heat to be introduced preferably exclusively into the sealing liquid 20, while at the same time minimizing the heat load on the capsule areas that are arranged offset with respect to the bonding area 16.

[0033] The device optionally includes a fan device 44 and a suction device 46, which are arranged at opposite ends of the conveyor belt 25. The fan device 44 serves to create an air flow, the direction of which preferably flows counter to the conveying direction 26 of the capsules 10.

[0034] The fan device 44 and the suction device 46 may optionally have respective flow dividers 48 which serve to divide the air flow into two parts: a first part 47 of the air flow (in a first subspace 52 of the device 22) which allows for the intentional supply of air flow to the cover 32, and a second part 49 of the air flow (in a second subspace 54 of the device 22) which allows for the intentional supply of air flow to the capsule 10. That is, the first part 47 of the air flow may be used for cooling the cover 32, and the second part 49 of the air flow may be used for carrying away the sublimated solvent.

[0035] 5 shows another embodiment of the apparatus 22 in which a filter 50 is disposed between the heat source 30 and the cover 32. The filter 50 may be formed as an intensity filter and / or a wavelength-selective filter.

[0036] The first fan device 44 and the first suction device 46 are arranged in a first subspace 52 of the device 22 extending between the heat source 30 and the cover 32 .

[0037] The second fan device 56 and the second suction device 58 are arranged in a second subspace 54 of the device 22 , which second subspace 54 extends between the cover 32 and the conveyor belt 25 .

[0038] The cover 32 extends from the side of the second fan device 56 facing away from the conveyor belt 25 to the side of the second suction device 58 facing away from the conveyor belt 25. The shielded area 36 of the cover 32 thus serves as a demarcation between a first air flow, which is assigned to the first subspace 52 and serves to cool the cover, and a second air flow, which is assigned to the second subspace 54 and serves to carry away the sublimated solvent. The aforementioned air flows preferably in the direction opposite to the transport direction 26 of the capsules 10. This separation of the air flows allows for precise control of the properties of the air used for each air flow. In particular, the air of the second air flow, which is assigned to the second subspace 54, can therefore be pre-dried, so that a relatively large amount of sublimated solvent can be absorbed by the air of this second air flow.

[0039] 6 and 7 show another embodiment of the device 22, in which an additional cover 60 is arranged between the heat source 30 and the cover 32, as viewed in the direction of radiation of the heat source 30. The additional cover 60 has at least one passage area 62 defined by at least one shielding area 64.

[0040] Preferably, the number of passage areas 62 of the additional cover 60 matches the number of passage areas 34 of the cover 32 (see FIG. 7 ). The additional cover 60 suppresses a significant proportion of the thermal radiation, thereby minimizing heating of the cover 32. Preferably, the width 66 of the passage areas 62 of the additional cover 60 is smaller than the width 40 of the passage areas 34 of the cover 32, so that the thermal radiation of the heat source 30 is directed by the additional cover 60 toward the passage areas 34 of the cover 32.

Claims

1. An apparatus (22) for sealing capsules (10), each of the capsules (10) having a capsule shell formed by a first shell portion (12) and a second shell portion (14), the first and second shell portions (12, 14) being or being provided with a sealing liquid (20) in a bonding region (16), the apparatus (22) having a heat source (30) for drying the sealing liquid (20), The device (22) has a single planar cover (32), the cover (32) being arranged between the heat source (30) and the plurality of capsules (10) in the radiation area of ​​the heat source (30), the cover (32) having a plurality of passing areas (34) for passing radiation from the heat source (30) and irradiating the bonding areas (16) of the plurality of capsules (10), and the cover (32) having a plurality of shielding areas (36) for shielding partial areas of the plurality of capsules (10) that are arranged offset with respect to the bonding areas (16) from the radiation of the heat source (30).

2. The apparatus (22) according to claim 1, characterized in that the apparatus (22) comprises a capsule conveying device (24), and each of the plurality of passing regions (34) has a main axis extending parallel to a conveying direction (26) of the capsules (10).

3. The apparatus (22) of claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the heat source (30) comprises at least one infrared radiator.

4. 3. The device (22) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the heat source (30) comprises at least two infrared radiators, the radiation of which differs from one another with respect to their frequency range and / or their intensity.

5. 3. The device (22) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the device (22) comprises a cooling device for cooling the cover (32).

6. 3. The device (22) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the device (22) comprises at least one fan device (44) for providing an air flow around the capsule (10) and / or around the cover (32).

7. 7. The device (22) according to claim 6, characterized in that the air flow has a flow direction opposite to the conveying direction (26) of the capsules (10).

8. 7. The apparatus (22) of claim 6, wherein the fan device (44) comprises a flow divider (48) that divides the air flow into a first portion (47) for cooling the cover (32) and a second portion (49) for carrying away evaporated solvent from the sealing liquid (20).

9. 9. The device (22) of claim 8, wherein the first portion (47) of the air flow flows in a first subspace (52) defined by the heat source (30) and the cover (32), and the second portion (49) of the air flow flows in a second subspace (54) defined by the cover (32) and the capsule (10).

10. 9. The device (22) according to claim 8, characterized in that it comprises at least one suction device (46) for suctioning the air flow or at least one of the first portion (47) and the second portion (49) of the air flow.

11. The device (22) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the device (22) has at least one filter (50) for reducing the intensity of radiation from the heat source (30), the filter (50) being arranged between the heat source (30) and the cover (32).

12. The device (22) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the device (22) has an additional cover (60) arranged in the radiation area of ​​the heat source (30) and placed in front of the cover (32) in the radial direction of the heat source (30), and a plurality of passage areas (62) of the additional cover (60) are aligned with the plurality of passage areas (34) of the cover (32) when viewed in the radial direction of the heat source (30).

13. The device (22) of claim 12, wherein the plurality of passage areas (62) of the additional cover (60) are smaller than the plurality of passage areas (34) of the cover (32).

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