Device and method for filling at least one capsule with a filling material

Abstract

A device (10) for filling at least one capsule with a filling material (14), said device having features of claim 1, and a method for filling at least one capsule with a filling material (14), said method having features of the additional independent claim.

Description

[0001] Title: Device and method for filling at least one capsule with a filling material

[0002] Description The invention relates to a device for filling at least one capsule with a filling material having features of claim 1 and a method for filling at least one capsule with a filling material having features of the dependent claim .

[0003] Devices for filling capsules with a product typically have dispensing openings that are initially overfilled with the product. The excess product is then scraped off, leaving the desired quantity in the dispensing openings.

[0004] The fill material is then transferred from the dispensing openings into the base of a capsule. During this process, the fill material may clump, form bridges, or flow poorly, resulting in the dispensing openings not being completely emptied and / or becoming clogged.

[0005] DE 10 2006 013 160 A1 discloses a device for filling capsules with pellets. The device has a plunger that acts on the pellets to transfer them into and / or out of the metering opening. The plunger is driven by an actuator located outside the device and extends through a large part of the device, which makes the technical implementation of the plunger, and thus the entire device, complex.

[0006] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a device and a method for filling at least one capsule with a filling material, thereby eliminating the above disadvantages.

[0007] The above problem is solved by a device for filling at least one capsule with a filling material having the features of claim 1. The filling material can be a drug / pharmaceutical containing a (medicinal) active ingredient. The filling material can be in the form of a powder and / or pellets. The capsule can be a hard gelatin capsule.

[0008] The device comprises a metering unit for dispensing the material to be introduced into the capsule. The metering unit has at least one metering opening. The device also includes a closing device for closing and / or opening the metering opening on one side. The closing device has at least one closing opening. The closing opening may be tapered (conically) in the direction of gravity.

[0009] The device comprises a filling device for filling the metering device (or its metering opening). The filling device has at least one filling opening and at least one filling medium. The filling medium is designed to generate and / or exert a force.

[0010] The metering device is located between the filling device and the shut-off device. The filling device can be positioned above the metering device with respect to the direction of gravity. The metering device can also be positioned above the shut-off device with respect to the direction of gravity. This allows gravity to be used to fill the metering device or its metering opening.

[0011] The dosing device is designed to be movable between a dosing position and a filling position. In particular, the dosing device can be designed to be movable transversely to the direction of gravity.

[0012] In the dispensing position, the filling opening and the dispensing opening are aligned (in particular, coaxially) with each other. In the dispensing position, the dispensing opening is closed on one side by means of the closing device. Specifically, the lower end of the dispensing opening, relative to the direction of gravity, is closed or opened by means of the closing device.

[0013] In the filling position, the filling medium, the metering opening and the closing opening are aligned (especially coaxially) with each other.

[0014] This allows for the simple implementation of a device for filling at least one capsule with a product. It eliminates the need for a filling plunger, which extends through a large portion of the device. This makes the device significantly easier to implement. Improved product distribution is achievable. The device can be used to retrofit existing filling machines.

[0015] According to the invention, the device comprises a storage space for the filling material. The filling device is arranged at least partially within the storage space.

[0016] This allows the filling opening, the dosing opening, and / or the closing opening to be filled using simple means, particularly by utilizing gravity. By storing the fill material, complete filling of the filling opening, the dosing opening, and / or the closing opening can always be ensured.

[0017] According to a further development of the device, the dosing device, the filling device, and / or the closing device can be designed as a plate. The dosing opening, the filling opening, and / or the closing opening can each be designed as a through-hole. The dosing opening, the closing opening, and / or the filling opening can each have a non-stick coating.

[0018] This allows the dosing device, filling device and / or closing device or dosing opening, filling opening and / or closing opening to be implemented using simple means. In particular, a compact design is achievable.

[0019] According to a further development of the device, the device can include a capsule holder. The capsule holder can be configured to receive at least one capsule base. The device, and in particular the capsule holder, can be designed such that the capsule base received in the capsule holder is aligned with the end opening. The capsule base and the end opening can be arranged coaxially with each other. The capsule base can be oriented upwards in the direction of gravity within the capsule holder with its open end pointing in the direction of gravity. The open end of the capsule base can be arranged below the end opening (and coaxially with it) in the direction of gravity.

[0020] This makes it possible to pick up and fill the capsule or its lower part using simple means.

[0021] According to a further development of the device, the filling unit can include a compressed air supply for feeding and / or providing compressed air within the filling unit. The filling medium can be configured to generate and / or exert a force using the compressed air supplied via the compressed air supply. This allows the filling medium to generate and / or exert a force using simple means. Higher process speeds can be achieved because a compressed air pulse or impulse can be triggered quickly.

[0022] It is also conceivable that the device could include at least one negative pressure or vacuum source by means of which a negative pressure or vacuum can be applied to the dispensing opening in such a way that the emptying of the contents from the dispensing opening through the closing opening or into the capsule base can be supported. The negative pressure or vacuum can be applied constantly or in pulses.

[0023] According to a further development of the device, the filling medium can have at least one nozzle for venting the compressed air supplied by the compressed air supply from the filling medium (and thus from the filling device) into the metering opening. The filling medium can have a chamber fluidically coupled to the nozzle. The chamber can be configured to direct the compressed air supplied by the compressed air supply to the nozzle or (in the case of multiple nozzles) to distribute it evenly among the nozzles.

[0024] This allows the force generated or exerted by the filling material to be increased (locally) and directed precisely into the dispensing opening. Targeted compressed air pulses or impulses can be implemented.

[0025] According to a further development of the device, the filling medium can have several nozzles. The nozzles can be arranged in a ring-like and / or helical (screw-like) configuration. This allows for further optimization of the force generated or exerted by the filling medium. A so-called compressed air swirl can be introduced into the metering opening. This allows the filling material, particularly that adhering to the inner wall of the metering opening, to be blown off in a controlled manner.

[0026] According to a further development of the device, the filling material can have at least one movable plunger. The plunger can be movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the plunger can be retracted (into the filling material) and positioned outside the metering opening. In the second position, the plunger can be extended (out of the filling material) and protrude at least partially into the metering opening.

[0027] This allows any remaining or adhering material in the dispensing opening to be safely removed using simple means.

[0028] It is conceivable that the device could include a mechanism for monitoring the position of the plunger. This would allow, in particular, the determination of whether the plunger is in the first position. This can be important because movement of the metering device should only occur when the plunger is in the first position, i.e., outside the metering opening. Otherwise (if the plunger protrudes partially into the metering opening), damage may occur.

[0029] According to a further development of the device, the plunger can be made movable into the second position by applying compressed air via the compressed air supply. Alternatively or additionally, the plunger can be moved into the second position by applying negative pressure, in particular a vacuum, via the

[0030] The compressed air supply should be designed to be movable into the first position. It is conceivable that a vacuum can be generated using compressed air, e.g., based on the Venturi effect (or Venturi nozzle).

[0031] It is also possible that the plunger can be electrically or hydraulically movable between the first position and the second position.

[0032] This allows the movement of the plunger into the first and / or second position to be implemented using simple means.

[0033] According to a further development of the device, the plunger can be pre-tensioned in the first position. In particular, the plunger can be pre-tensioned by means of a spring.

[0034] This allows the movement of the plunger to be implemented in the first position using simple means.

[0035] According to a further development of the device, the filling unit can comprise several filling agents. The filling agents can be fluidically coupled to each other. The filling agents can also be fluidically coupled to the compressed air supply.

[0036] With a fluidic connection or a fluidic

[0037] Coupling in this context means that a gas and / or a liquid (fluid), in particular compressed air, can flow between two fluidically coupled elements or between two elements in fluidic connection.

[0038] This allows the filling materials to be supplied simultaneously with the same amount of compressed air. This ensures that the same force can be generated or exerted with all filling materials.

[0039] According to a further development of the device, the device can include a compressed air reservoir for supplying compressed air. The compressed air supply can be fluidically coupled to the compressed air reservoir or be capable of being coupled. The compressed air supply can be coupled to the compressed air reservoir by means of a (fast-acting) valve or be capable of being coupled.

[0040] This allows a sufficient quantity of compressed air to be provided using simple means. The process speed can be further optimized (increased) because a compressed air burst or pulse can be triggered (or switched) quickly.

[0041] The above problem is solved by a method for filling at least one capsule with a filling material having the features of the dependent claim. The method comprises the following steps:

[0042] Providing a device in accordance with the above descriptions.

[0043] Moving the dosing device into the dosing position.

[0044] Filling the filling opening with material. Filling the dispensing opening with material from the filling opening.

[0045] Move the dosing device into the filling position.

[0046] Generating and / or exerting a force by means of the filling agent, so that emptying of the dosing opening is supported by means of the generated and / or exerted force.

[0047] Regarding the advantages achievable with this method, reference is made to the relevant explanations concerning the device. The measures described in connection with the device and / or those explained below can serve to further develop the method.

[0048] According to a further development of the procedure, the procedure can include the following step:

[0049] Providing multiple dispensing openings, closing openings, filling openings and fillers.

[0050] Simultaneous generation and / or application of a force by means of the respective filling agent, so that emptying of the dosing openings is supported simultaneously by means of the generated and / or applied force.

[0051] This allows multiple dosing openings to be filled or emptied simultaneously, thus further optimizing (increasing) the process speed.

[0052] Further features, details and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the wording of the claims and from the following description of exemplary embodiments based on the

[0053] Drawings. They show:

[0054] Fig. 1 shows a schematic sectional view of a device with a dosing unit in a dosing position;

[0055] Fig. 2 shows a schematic sectional view of the device according to Figure 1, wherein the metering device is arranged in a filling position;

[0056] Fig. 3 shows a section of a perspective view of a filling device of the apparatus according to Figure 1 according to a first embodiment;

[0057] Fig. 4 shows a section of a perspective sectional view of the filling device of the apparatus according to Figure 1 according to a second embodiment;

[0058] Fig. 5 shows a section of a perspective view of the filling device according to Figure 4 and

[0059] Fig. 6 shows a schematic sectional view of the device according to Figure 1 with the filling device according to a third embodiment.

[0060] In the following description and in the figures, corresponding components and elements are assigned the same reference numerals. For clarity, not all reference numerals are shown in every figure. Figure 1 shows a schematic sectional view of a device 10 for filling at least one capsule with a filling material 14.

[0061] The device 10 comprises a metering device 16 for metering the filling material 14 to be inserted into the capsule. The metering device 16 comprises at least one metering opening 18. Two metering openings 18 are shown here.

[0062] The device 10 comprises a closing device 20 for closing and / or releasing the dispensing opening 18 on one side. The closing device 20 comprises at least one closing opening 22, in particular for releasing the dispensing opening 18. Two closing openings 22 are shown here.

[0063] The device 10 comprises a filling device 24 for filling the metering device 16. The filling device 24 comprises at least one filling opening 26 and at least one filling medium 28. Three filling openings 26 are shown here.

[0064] The metering device 16 is arranged between the filling device 24 and the closing device 20. In this case, with respect to the direction of gravity 12, the metering device 16 is arranged above the closing device 20 and the filling device 24 is arranged above the metering device 16.

[0065] The metering device 16 is movable between a metering position 30 and a filling position 32. In metering position 30, the filling opening 26 and the metering opening 18 are aligned with each other, and the metering opening 18 is closed on one side by means of the closing device 20. Thus, the filling opening 26 and the metering opening 18 can be filled with the material 14 by gravity. By closing the metering opening 18 from below (with respect to the direction of gravity 12) by means of the closing device 20, the desired quantity of material 14 remains in the metering opening 18.

[0066] In the present case, the closing device 20 closes the respective lower ends of the two metering openings 18 shown, in relation to the direction of gravity 12.

[0067] Figure 2 shows a schematic sectional view of the device 10 according to Figure 1, wherein the metering device 16 is arranged in the filling position 32.

[0068] In filling position 32, the filling medium 28, the metering opening 18, and the closing opening 22 are aligned with each other. In particular, the metering opening 18 is no longer closed by the closing device 20. The metering opening 18, or rather its lower end (with respect to the direction of gravity 12), is released by the closing opening 22.

[0069] The (metered) filling material 14 arranged in the metering opening 18 can thus be transferred through the closing opening 22 into the capsule base 38 located below it. In other words, the metering opening 18 can be emptied through the closing opening 22 into the capsule base 38. The force generated or exerted by the filling medium 28 can assist in emptying the metering opening 18. Two filling mediums 28 are shown here. The two filling mediums 28, the two metering openings 18, and the two closing openings 22 are arranged in alignment with each other.

[0070] The metering device 16 is designed to be movable transversely to the direction of gravity 12. Thus, the metering device 16 can be moved from the metering position 30 shown in Figure 1 to the right in Figure 1 to the filling position 32 shown in Figure 2. The movement of the metering device 16 from the metering position 30 to the filling position 32 is indicated by an arrow in Figure 1. During the movement of the metering device 16 from the metering position 30 to the filling position 32, the metering opening 18 is covered by the filling device 24, so that the desired quantity of fill material 14 remains in the metering opening 18.

[0071] The device 10 can include a storage space 34 for storing the filling material 14. The filling device 24 can be arranged at least partially within the storage space 34.

[0072] The metering device 16, the filling device 24 and / or the closing device 20 can be plate-shaped. The metering opening 18, the closing opening 22 and / or the filling opening 26 can each be configured as a through-hole. The metering opening 18, the closing opening 22 and / or the filling opening 26 can each be a

[0073] The device 10 may have a capsule holder 36 for receiving at least one capsule base 38. The device 10 may be designed such that the capsule base 38 is aligned (in particular coaxially) with the end opening 22. Two capsule bases 38 are shown here, held in a capsule holder 36.

[0074] The filling device 24 can include a compressed air supply 40 for supplying and / or providing compressed air within the filling device 24. The filling medium 28 can be configured to generate and / or exert a force by means of the compressed air supplied via the compressed air supply 40.

[0075] The device 10 can include a compressed air reservoir 50 for supplying compressed air. The compressed air supply 40 can be fluidically coupled to the compressed air reservoir 50, for example by means of a (fast-acting) valve, or be capable of being coupled to it. The coupling of the compressed air supply 40 with the compressed air reservoir 50 (or the supply of the compressed air) is indicated in Figure 2 by an arrow.

[0076] Figure 3 shows a section of a perspective view of the filling device 24 of the device 10 according to Figure 1 according to a first embodiment.

[0077] The filling medium 28 can have at least one nozzle 42 for directing the compressed air supplied by means of compressed air supply 40 from the filling medium 28 into the metering opening 18. The filling device 24 can comprise several filling media 28. The filling media 28 can be fluidically coupled to one another.

[0078] Two filling materials 28, each with nine nozzles 42, are shown. The two filling materials 28, the nine nozzles 42, and the compressed air supply 40 are fluidically coupled. Each filling material 28 has a chamber 43 that distributes the compressed air evenly to the respective nozzles 42. The nozzles 42 are arranged in an annular and helical or screw-like configuration. This allows a compressed air vortex to be generated.

[0079] Figure 4 shows a section of a perspective sectional view and Figure 5 shows a section of a perspective view of the filling device 24 of the apparatus 10 according to Figure 1 according to a second embodiment. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment shown in Figure 3 in the following ways:

[0080] In the present case, each filling medium 28 has eight nozzles 42. One of the eight nozzles 42 is located centrally, and the remaining seven nozzles 42 are arranged in a ring within the respective filling medium 28. The nozzles 42 each have a shape or cross-section that tapers in the direction of gravity 12 or towards the metering opening 18 (when the metering device 16 is in the filling position 32).

[0081] There are several compressed air inlets 40 present, whereby all compressed air inlets 40 and all filling media 28 are fluidically coupled to one another. Figure 6 shows a schematic sectional view of the device 10 according to Figure 1 with the filling device 24 according to a third embodiment. The third embodiment differs from the second embodiment shown in Figures 4 and 5 in the following ways:

[0082] The filling elements 28 each comprise a plunger 48. The plunger 48 is designed to be movable between a first position 44 and a second position 46.

[0083] In the first position 44, the plungers 48 are retracted (into the respective filling medium 28) and arranged outside the metering opening 18. Here, the first position 44 is indicated by two plungers 48, each shown with a dashed line.

[0084] In the second position 46, the plungers 48 are extended and protrude at least partially into the corresponding metering openings 18. By protruding into the metering openings 18, the fill material 14 is pushed out of the metering openings 18 (in particular, completely) by means of the plungers 48. Here, the second position 46 is indicated by two plungers 48, each represented by a solid line.

[0085] The plungers 48 can be made movable to the second position 46 by applying compressed air via the compressed air supply 40. The plungers 48 can be made movable to the first position 44 by applying negative pressure (especially vacuum) via the compressed air supply 40. It is also conceivable that the plungers 48 can be pre-tensioned in the first position 44. This can be achieved, for example, by means of at least one spring (not shown). In this case, the plungers 48 can be made movable to the first position 44, in particular by means of spring force.

[0086] It is conceivable that the filling materials 28 and / or the individual elements of the filling device 24, as described above, can be combined with one another or be interchangeable. Thus, a filling device 24 can comprise filling materials 28 according to the first, second, and / or third embodiment.

[0087] The following describes a method for filling at least one capsule with a filling material 14, with reference to Figures 1 to 6. The method comprises the following steps:

[0088] Providing a device 10 in accordance with the above descriptions.

[0089] Moving the dosing device 16 into the dosing position 30.

[0090] Filling the filling opening 26 with filling material 14.

[0091] Filling the dosing opening 18 with filling material 14 from the filling opening 26.

[0092] Moving the dosing device 16 to the filling position 32.

[0093] Generating and / or exerting a force by means of the filling medium 28, such that the emptying of the metering opening 18 is supported by the generated and / or exerted force. The method may comprise the following steps:

[0094] Providing multiple dispensing openings 18, closing openings 22, filling openings 26 and filling materials 28.

[0095] Simultaneous generation and / or application of a force by means of the respective filling medium 28, so that the emptying of the metering openings 18 is supported simultaneously by means of the generated and / or applied force.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Device (10) for filling at least one capsule with a filling material (14) comprising: a metering device (16) for metering the filling material (14) to be filled into the capsule with at least one metering opening (18), a closing device (20) for closing and / or releasing the metering opening (18) on one side with at least one closing opening (22), a filling device (24) for filling the metering device (16) with at least one filling opening (26) and at least one filling medium (28), wherein the filling medium (28) is designed to generate and / or exert a force, wherein the metering device (16) is arranged between the filling device (24) and the closing device (20), wherein the metering device (16) is designed to be movable between a metering position (30) and a filling position (32),wherein in the metering position (30) the filling opening (26) and the metering opening (18) are aligned with each other and the metering opening (18) is closed on one side by means of the closing device (20), wherein in the filling position (32) the filling medium (28), the metering opening (18) and the closing opening (22) are aligned with each other, wherein the device (10) comprises a storage space (34) for storing the filling material (14), wherein the filling device, (24) is located at least partially within the storage room (34).

2. Device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the metering device (16), the filling device (24) and / or the closing device (20) are designed as plates and that the metering opening (18), the closing opening (22) and / or the filling opening (26) are each designed as a through-hole.

3. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (10) has a capsule holder (36) for receiving at least one capsule lower part (38), wherein the device (10) is designed such that the capsule lower part (38) received in the capsule holder (36) is aligned with the closing opening (22).

4. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filling device (24) comprises a compressed air supply (40) for supplying and / or providing compressed air within the filling device (24), wherein the filling medium (28) is arranged to generate and / or exert a force by means of the compressed air supplied via the compressed air supply (40).

5. Device (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that the filling medium (28) has at least one nozzle (42) for discharged by means of the Compressed air supply (40) supplied compressed air from the filling medium (28) into the metering opening (18).

6. Device (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that the filling medium (28) has several nozzles (42), wherein the nozzles (42) are arranged in a ring shape and / or in a helical shape.

7. Device (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that the filling medium (28) has at least one plunger (48) movable between a first position (44) and a second position (46), wherein in the first position (44) the plunger (48) is retracted and arranged outside the metering opening (18), wherein in the second position (46) the plunger (48) is extended and projects at least partially into the metering opening (18).

8. Device (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that the plunger (48) is moved into the second position (46) by applying compressed air via the compressed air supply (40) and / or by applying negative pressure, in particular vacuum, via the The compressed air supply (40) is designed to be movable into the first position (44).

9. Device (10) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the plunger (48) is pre-tensioned to the first position (44), in particular by means of a spring.

10. Device (10) according to one of claims 4 to 9, characterized in that the filling device (24) comprises several filling means (28), wherein the filling means (28) are fluidically coupled to each other.

11. Device (10) according to one of claims 4 to 10, characterized in that the device (10) comprises a compressed air reservoir (50) for providing compressed air, wherein the compressed air supply (40) is fluidically connected, in particular by means of a valve, to the Compressed air storage (50) is designed to be coupled or coupling.

12. Method for filling at least one capsule with a filling material (14) comprising the steps: Providing a device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims; Moving the dosing device (16) into the dosing position (30) ; Filling the filling opening (26) with filling material (14) ; Filling the dosing opening (18) with filling material (14) from the filling opening (26) ; Moving the dosing device (16) into the filling position (32) ; Generating and / or exerting a force by means of the filling medium (28) such that emptying of the metering opening (18) is supported by means of the generated and / or exerted force. The method of claim 12 comprising the steps of: providing multiple dispensing openings (18), closing openings (22), filling openings (26) and filling media (28); Simultaneous generation and / or application of a force by means of the respective filling medium (28) such that the emptying of the metering openings (18) is supported simultaneously by means of the generated and / or applied force.

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