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EP0312760A2 - Closing device for two piece capsules - Google Patents

Closing device for two piece capsules Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0312760A2
EP0312760A2 EP19880114821 EP88114821A EP0312760A2 EP 0312760 A2 EP0312760 A2 EP 0312760A2 EP 19880114821 EP19880114821 EP 19880114821 EP 88114821 A EP88114821 A EP 88114821A EP 0312760 A2 EP0312760 A2 EP 0312760A2
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
cap
nozzle
sealing agent
capsule
capsule body
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP19880114821
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0312760A3 (en
EP0312760B1 (en
Inventor
Eberhard Dipl.-Ing. Krieger
Theo Moser
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Robert Bosch GmbH
Original Assignee
Robert Bosch GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
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Publication of EP0312760A2 publication Critical patent/EP0312760A2/en
Publication of EP0312760A3 publication Critical patent/EP0312760A3/en
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Publication of EP0312760B1 publication Critical patent/EP0312760B1/en
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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61J—CONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
    • A61J3/00—Devices or methods specially adapted for bringing pharmaceutical products into particular physical or administering forms
    • A61J3/07—Devices or methods specially adapted for bringing pharmaceutical products into particular physical or administering forms into the form of capsules or similar small containers for oral use
    • A61J3/071—Devices or methods specially adapted for bringing pharmaceutical products into particular physical or administering forms into the form of capsules or similar small containers for oral use into the form of telescopically engaged two-piece capsules
    • A61J3/072—Sealing capsules, e.g. rendering them tamper-proof
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10S53/00—Package making
    • Y10S53/90—Capsules

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a closing device for two-part capsules according to the preamble of claim 1.
  • a closing device of this type in which a sealing agent on the inside of an annular die of a plunger in a cap the cap is injected. It can happen that the excess sealing agent exits in the form of droplets and wets the outer surface not only of the cap but also of the capsule body connected to it.
  • the sealing agent deposited there which consists of water, liquid gelatin or the like adhesive or solvent, dissolves the surface of the capsules consisting of gelatin, starch or the like soluble substances, so that visible damage to the otherwise smooth surface is brought about.
  • the excess sealant can also cause several capsules to stick together. Furthermore, it is possible that excess sealing agent is displaced into the interior of the capsule so that it comes into contact with the filling material, which should also be avoided.
  • the device according to the invention with the characterizing features of claim 1 has the advantage that too much applied sealant is immediately removed by suction, so that a uniform film of sealant adheres to the junction of the one capsule part, which ensures a tight connection between capsule body and cap.
  • the thickness of the film can be controlled in a simple manner so that when the two capsule parts are plugged together, no sealant emerges from the seam.
  • the device according to the invention has the advantage that the sealing agent can be applied up to close to the edge of the cap without parts of it protruding outwards over the edge. This results in a particularly firm connection between the cap and the capsule part, since the edge of the cap cannot be lifted off.
  • FIG. 1 shows a cap receiving station
  • FIG. 2 shows a sealing agent application station
  • FIG. 3 shows a cap placement station, each in section of a closing device for two-part capsules.
  • the closing device is part of a machine known per se for filling and closing two-part capsules made of hard gelatin, starch or similar easily digestible substances, in which in particular powdery or liquid medicaments are packaged.
  • the capsules consist of a capsule body 1 receiving the filling material, which has a cylindrical or conical body 2 and a dome-shaped bottom 3.
  • a cap 4 can be plugged onto the capsule body 1, which cap has an upper dome-shaped closure 5 and a cylindrical extension 6 which engages over the upper part of the capsule body 2.
  • the upper part of the capsule body 2 has an externally offset part 7, over which an internally offset part 8 of the cap extension 6 engages.
  • the cap 4 is firmly and tightly connected to the capsule body 1 by a viscous sealing agent, for example liquid gelatin or water, which dissolves the wetted surface.
  • the closing device has, for example, three cap holders 11 on a switching wheel, not shown, which is rotated in cycles.
  • a cap holder 11 consists of a sleeve 12 and a plunger 13, which is guided coaxially at a distance therein.
  • the lower end of the sleeve 12 has a dome-shaped recess 14, de ren radius is adapted to the outer radius of a cap 4.
  • a cap 4 is partially receivable and is held in it by negative pressure, which acts on the cap 4 through a bore 15 in the sleeve 12 and through the gap between the sleeve interior and the plunger 13.
  • a vacuum source 18 is connected to the bore 15 via a valve 17.
  • the cap 4 thus held for transfer is removed from the cap holder 11 in that, after the negative pressure has been switched off, the sleeve 12 is pulled back relative to the plunger 13, the plunger 13 pushing the held cap 4 out of the recess 14.
  • a cap holder 11 On a cap receiving station 10 (FIG. 1) of the closing device, a cap holder 11 takes over the foremost of several caps 4 lined up in succession in a feeder 16. By rotation with an upward component, a translation component and a downward component, the cap holder 11 brings a cap 4 into each Area of a sealant application station 20 ( Figure 2).
  • a nozzle body 22 In this station 20, a nozzle body 22 is seated in a stationary block 21, the head 23 of which has a slightly smaller diameter than the inside diameter of a cap 4.
  • the nozzle body 22 has a cylindrical cavity 24 tapered at its ends and near its upper end in the head 23 several, for example twelve, cross bores 25. These cross bores 25 do not run radially to the nozzle body 22, but rather are inclined at 45 ° to the radial.
  • a tube 26 is inserted, which delimits the cavity 24 to form an annular gap 27, which is closed above the bores 25 and at the lower end of the nozzle body 22.
  • a plurality of transverse bores 28 lead to the annular gap 27 in the nozzle body 22 and are connected via a bore 29 in the block 21 to a metering pump 30 for feeding a viscous sealing agent in portions.
  • the lower end of the pipe 26 passes through the block 21 and is connected to it via a liquid separator 32 a vacuum source 33 connected.
  • the upper end of the tube 26 is flush with the upper end of the head 23 of the nozzle body 22. It wears a flat hat 36 on two narrow supports 35, the diameter of which almost corresponds to the diameter of the head 23.
  • the underside of the hat 36 forms, together with the top of the tube 26 and that of the head 23, an annular slot 37 through which air is drawn through the tube 26 by the vacuum source 33.
  • the cap 4 When transferring a cap 4 with the cap holder 11, the cap 4 is lowered over the hat 36 and the head 23 of the nozzle body 22, so that the ring slot 37 and the openings of the transverse bores 25 are immersed in the stepped part 7 of the neck 6 of the cap 4 , wherein the openings of the transverse bores 25 are arranged near the lower edge of the cap 4.
  • a short amount of sealing agent is sprayed through the transverse bores 25 almost tangentially against the inside of the cap 4 by briefly actuating the metering pump 30. The amount sprayed out is greater than that necessary for wetting the annular surface of the cap 4.
  • the cap 4 thus prepared for closing a capsule body 1 is in turn replaced by an upward, a translational and a Downward movement of the cap holder 11 is fed to the closing station 40 of the closing machine ( Figure 3).
  • a filled capsule body 1 is simultaneously brought into the closing station 40 in a carrier 41 of a feed wheel 42 rotated step by step.
  • the cap 4 carried along is placed on the upper part 7 of the fuselage 2.
  • the sleeve 12 and later the plunger 13 of the cap holder 11 is raised so that the cap 4 remains on the capsule body 1.
  • the sealing agent film previously applied to the inside of the cap 4 now also wets the adjoining upper part 7 of the capsule body 1.
  • a plurality of holders 11, sealing agent application nozzles 22 and carrier 41 can each be combined to form a unit, so that, as in known capsule filling and closing machines, a number of capsules are treated in one work cycle for higher output.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Medicinal Chemistry (AREA)
  • Pharmacology & Pharmacy (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Medical Preparation Storing Or Oral Administration Devices (AREA)
  • Closures For Containers (AREA)
  • Basic Packing Technique (AREA)

Abstract

Eine Vorrichtung zum Verschließen von zweiteiligen Kapseln hat einen Kapselträger (41) und einen Kappenhalter (11), die zum Aufsetzen ei­ner Kappe (4) auf einen Kapselkörper (1) aufeinander zu bewegbar sind. Um die Kappen fest und dicht mit den Kapselkörpern zu verbin­den, hat die Vorrichtung eine Düse (22, 25) zum Auftragen eines vis­kosen siegelmittels auf die Innenseite der Kappen. Damit Siegelmit­tel nicht im Überschuß auf die Kappe aufgebracht wird, ist der Düse eine Absaugeinrichtung in Form eines Ringschlitzes (37) zugeordnet, durch die überschüssiges Siegelmittel beim Auftragen entfernt wird.

Figure imgaf001
A device for closing two-part capsules has a capsule carrier (41) and a cap holder (11), which can be moved towards one another to put a cap (4) on a capsule body (1). In order to connect the caps firmly and tightly to the capsule bodies, the device has a nozzle (22, 25) for applying a viscous sealing agent to the inside of the caps. So that sealing agent is not applied in excess to the cap, a suction device in the form of an annular slot (37) is assigned to the nozzle, through which excess sealing agent is removed during application.
Figure imgaf001

Description

Stand der TechnikState of the art

Die Erfindung geht aus von einer Verschließvorrichtung für zweitei­lige Kapseln nach dem Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 1. Es ist bereits aus der DE-OS 28 30 849 eine Verschließvorrichtung dieser Art be­kannt, bei der aus einer Ringdüse eines in eine Kappe eintauchenden Stempels ein Siegelmittel auf die Innenseite der Kappe gespritzt wird. Dabei kann es vorkommen, das überschüssiges Siegelmittel in Form von Tröpfchen nach außen austritt und die Außenfläche nicht nur der Kappe, sondern auch des damit verbundenen Kapselkörpers benetzt. Das dort abgelagerte Siegelmittel, das aus Wasser, flüssiger Gela­tine oder dergleichen Klebe- oder Lösungsmittel besteht, löst die Oberfläche der aus Gelatine, Stärke oder dergleichen löslichen Stof­fen bestehenden Kapseln an, so daß eine sichtbare Beschädigung der sonst glatten Oberfläche herbeigeführt wird. Das überschüssige Sie­gelmittel kann jedoch auch ein Verkleben mehrerer Kapseln miteinan­der bewirken. Des weiteren ist es möglich, daß überschüssiges Sie­gelmittel ins Innere der Kapsel verdrängt wird, so daß es mit dem Füllgut in Berührung kommt, was ebenfalls vermieden werden sollte.The invention relates to a closing device for two-part capsules according to the preamble of claim 1. It is already known from DE-OS 28 30 849 a closing device of this type, in which a sealing agent on the inside of an annular die of a plunger in a cap the cap is injected. It can happen that the excess sealing agent exits in the form of droplets and wets the outer surface not only of the cap but also of the capsule body connected to it. The sealing agent deposited there, which consists of water, liquid gelatin or the like adhesive or solvent, dissolves the surface of the capsules consisting of gelatin, starch or the like soluble substances, so that visible damage to the otherwise smooth surface is brought about. However, the excess sealant can also cause several capsules to stick together. Furthermore, it is possible that excess sealing agent is displaced into the interior of the capsule so that it comes into contact with the filling material, which should also be avoided.

Wichtig ist jedoch, das genügend Siegelmittel gleichmäßig verteilt auf die Nahtstelle aufgetragen wird, so daß ein fester und dichter Verschluß entsteht, der es ermöglicht, auch in zweiteiligen Kapseln Arzneimittel in flüssiger Form zu verpacken. Zudem bildet ein sol­cher Verschluß einen Garantieverschluß, der vor unbefugtem Öffnen ohne Zerstörung der Kapsel schützt. Es ist daher Aufgabe der Erfin­dung, eine Verschließvorrichtung für zweiteilige Kapseln zu schaf­fen, mit der eine genaue Dosierung der auf ein Kapselteil aufgetra­genen Menge an Dichtmittel möglich ist.It is important, however, that sufficient sealing agent is applied evenly to the seam, so that a tight and tight seal is created, which makes it possible to pack pharmaceuticals in liquid form even in two-part capsules. In addition, such a closure forms a guarantee closure, which protects against unauthorized opening without destroying the capsule. It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a closure device for two-part capsules, with which an exact dosage of the amount of sealant applied to a capsule part is possible.

Vorteile der ErfindungAdvantages of the invention

Die erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung mit den kennzeichnenden Merkmalen des Anspruchs 1 hat den Vorteil, daß zuviel aufgetragenes Siegelmit­tel durch Absaugen sofort wieder entfernt wird, so daß ein gleich­mäßiger Siegelmittelfilm auf der Verbindungsstelle des einen Kapsel­teils haften bleibt, der eine dichte Verbindung von Kapselkörper und Kappe gewährleistet. Je nach Einstellung des Absaugunterdrucks läßt sich die Dicke des Films in einfacher Weise so steuern, daß beim, Zu­sammenstecken der beiden Kapselteile kein Dichtmittel aus der Naht­stelle austritt. Außerdem hat die erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung den Vorteil, daß das Siegelmittel bis nahe an den Rand der Kappe aufge­tragen werden kann, ohne daß Teile davon über den Rand nach außen vortreten. Dies ergibt eine besonders feste Verbindung von Kappe und Kapselteil, da der Rand der Kappe nicht abhebbar ist.The device according to the invention with the characterizing features of claim 1 has the advantage that too much applied sealant is immediately removed by suction, so that a uniform film of sealant adheres to the junction of the one capsule part, which ensures a tight connection between capsule body and cap. Depending on the setting of the suction vacuum, the thickness of the film can be controlled in a simple manner so that when the two capsule parts are plugged together, no sealant emerges from the seam. In addition, the device according to the invention has the advantage that the sealing agent can be applied up to close to the edge of the cap without parts of it protruding outwards over the edge. This results in a particularly firm connection between the cap and the capsule part, since the edge of the cap cannot be lifted off.

Durch die in den Unteransprüchen angegebenen Maßnahmen sind vorteil­hafte Weiterbildungen und Verbesserungen der im Anspruch 1 angegebe­nen Verschließvorrichtung möglich.The measures specified in the subclaims allow advantageous developments and improvements of the closing device specified in claim 1.

Zeichnungdrawing

Ein Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung ist in der Zeichnung darge­stellt und wird in der nachfolgenden Beschreibung näher erläutert. Es zeigen Figur 1 eine Kappenaufnahmestation, Figur 2 eine Siegel­mittelauftragsstation und Figur 3 eine Kappenaufsetzstation jeweils im Schnitt einer Verschließvorrichtung für zweiteilige Kapseln.An embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawing and is explained in more detail in the following description. FIG. 1 shows a cap receiving station, FIG. 2 shows a sealing agent application station, and FIG. 3 shows a cap placement station, each in section of a closing device for two-part capsules.

Beschreibung des AusführungsbeispielsDescription of the embodiment

Die Verschließvorrichtung ist Teil einer an sich bekannten Maschine zum Füllen und Verschließen von zweiteiligen Kapseln aus Hartgela­tine, Stärke oder dergleichen leicht verdaulichen Stoffen, in denen insbesondere pulverige oder flüssige Arzneimittel verpackt werden. Die Kapseln bestehen aus einem das Füllgut aufnehmenden Kapselkörper 1, der einen zylindrischen oder konischen Rumpf 2 und einen kalot­tenförmigen Boden 3 hat. Auf den Kapselkörper 1 ist eine Kappe 4 aufsteckbar, die einen oberen kalottenförmigen Abschluß 5 und einen zylindrischen Ansatz 6 hat, der den oberen Teil des Kapselrumpfes 2 übergreift. Beim dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiel hat der obere Teil des Kapselrumpfes 2 einen außen abgesetzten Teil 7, über den ein innen abgesetzter Teil 8 des Kappenansatzes 6 greift. In diesem Deckungsbereich wird die Kappe 4 mit dem Kapselkörper 1 durch ein viskoses Siegelmittel, beispielsweise flüssige Gelatine oder Wasser, das die benetzte Oberfläche anlöst, fest und dicht verbunden.The closing device is part of a machine known per se for filling and closing two-part capsules made of hard gelatin, starch or similar easily digestible substances, in which in particular powdery or liquid medicaments are packaged. The capsules consist of a capsule body 1 receiving the filling material, which has a cylindrical or conical body 2 and a dome-shaped bottom 3. A cap 4 can be plugged onto the capsule body 1, which cap has an upper dome-shaped closure 5 and a cylindrical extension 6 which engages over the upper part of the capsule body 2. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper part of the capsule body 2 has an externally offset part 7, over which an internally offset part 8 of the cap extension 6 engages. In this area of coverage, the cap 4 is firmly and tightly connected to the capsule body 1 by a viscous sealing agent, for example liquid gelatin or water, which dissolves the wetted surface.

Zum Durchführen des Verschließvorganges eines mit Gut gefüllten Kap­selkörpers 1 mit einer Kappe 4 hat die Verschließvorrichtung bei­spielsweise drei Kappenhalter 11 an einem taktweise gedrehten, nicht dargestellten Schaltrad. Ein Kappenhalter 11 besteht aus einer Hülse 12 und einem darin gleichachsig mit Abstand geführten Stößel 13. Das untere Ende der Hülse 12 hat eine kalottenförmige Ausnehmung 14, de­ ren Radius dem Außenradius einer Kappe 4 angepaßt ist. In diese Aus­nehmung 14 ist eine Kappe 4 teilweise aufnehmbar und wird in dieser durch Unterdruck gehalten, der durch eine Bohrung 15 in der Hülse 12 und durch den Spalt zwischen dem Hülseninneren und dem Stößel 13 auf die Kappe 4 wirkt. Mit der Bohrung 15 ist über ein Ventil 17 eine Unterdruckquelle 18 verbunden. Die so zum Überführen gehaltene Kappe 4 wird aus dem Kappenhalter 11 dadurch entfernt, daß nach Abschalten des Unterdrucks die Hülse 12 relativ zum Stößel 13 zurückgezogen wird, wobei der Stößel 13 die gehaltene Kappe 4 aus der Ausnehmung 14 herausdrückt.In order to carry out the closing process of a capsule body 1 filled with well with a cap 4, the closing device has, for example, three cap holders 11 on a switching wheel, not shown, which is rotated in cycles. A cap holder 11 consists of a sleeve 12 and a plunger 13, which is guided coaxially at a distance therein. The lower end of the sleeve 12 has a dome-shaped recess 14, de ren radius is adapted to the outer radius of a cap 4. In this recess 14, a cap 4 is partially receivable and is held in it by negative pressure, which acts on the cap 4 through a bore 15 in the sleeve 12 and through the gap between the sleeve interior and the plunger 13. A vacuum source 18 is connected to the bore 15 via a valve 17. The cap 4 thus held for transfer is removed from the cap holder 11 in that, after the negative pressure has been switched off, the sleeve 12 is pulled back relative to the plunger 13, the plunger 13 pushing the held cap 4 out of the recess 14.

Ein Kappenhalter 11 übernimmt auf einer Kappenaufnahmestation 10 (Figur 1) der Verschließvorrichtung jeweils die vorderste von mehre­ren hintereinander in einer Zuführung 16 aufgereihten Kappen 4. Durch eine Drehung mit einer Aufwärtskomponente, einer Translations­komponente und einer Abwärtskomponente bringt der Kappenhalter 11 jeweils eine Kappe 4 in den Bereich einer Siegelmittelauftragssta­tion 20 (Figur 2). In dieser Station 20 sitzt in einem stationären Block 21 ein Düsenkörper 22, dessen Kopf 23 einen etwas geringeren Durchmesser hat als der Innendurchmesser einer Kappe 4. Der Düsen­körper 22 hat einen zylindrischen, an seinen Enden verjüngten Hohl­raum 24 und nahe seinem oberen Ende im Kopf 23 mehrere, beispiels­weise zwölf Querbohrungen 25. Diese Querbohrungen 25 verlaufen nicht radial zum Düsenkörper 22, sondern jeweils um 45° geneigt zu den Ra­dialen. In dem Hohlraum 24 des Düsenkörpers 22 ist ein Rohr 26 ein­gesetzt, das den Hohlraum 24 zu einem Ringspalt 27 begrenzt, der oberhalb der Bohrungen 25 und am unteren Ende des Düsenkörpers 22 verschlossen ist. Zu dem Ringspalt 27 führen im Düsenkörper 22 meh­rere Querbohrungen 28, die über eine Bohrung 29 im Block 21 mit ei­ner Dosierpumpe 30 zum portionsweisen Zuführen eines viskosen Sie­gelmittels verbunden ist. Das Rohr 26 durchsetzt mit seinem unteren Ende den Block 21 und ist über einen Flüssigkeitsabscheider 32 mit einer Unterdruckquelle 33 verbunden. Das obere Ende des Rohrs 26 schließt mit dem oberen Ende des Kopfes 23 des Düsenkörpers 22 eben ab. Es trägt auf zwei schmalen Stützen 35 einen ebenen Hut 36, des­sen Durchmesser nahezu dem Durchmesser des Kopfes 23 entspricht. Die Unterseite des Huts 36 bildet zusammen mit der Oberseite des Rohres 26 und der des Kopfes 23 einen Ringschlitz 37 durch den von der Un­terdruckquelle 33 Luft durch das Rohr 26 gesaugt wird.On a cap receiving station 10 (FIG. 1) of the closing device, a cap holder 11 takes over the foremost of several caps 4 lined up in succession in a feeder 16. By rotation with an upward component, a translation component and a downward component, the cap holder 11 brings a cap 4 into each Area of a sealant application station 20 (Figure 2). In this station 20, a nozzle body 22 is seated in a stationary block 21, the head 23 of which has a slightly smaller diameter than the inside diameter of a cap 4. The nozzle body 22 has a cylindrical cavity 24 tapered at its ends and near its upper end in the head 23 several, for example twelve, cross bores 25. These cross bores 25 do not run radially to the nozzle body 22, but rather are inclined at 45 ° to the radial. In the cavity 24 of the nozzle body 22, a tube 26 is inserted, which delimits the cavity 24 to form an annular gap 27, which is closed above the bores 25 and at the lower end of the nozzle body 22. A plurality of transverse bores 28 lead to the annular gap 27 in the nozzle body 22 and are connected via a bore 29 in the block 21 to a metering pump 30 for feeding a viscous sealing agent in portions. The lower end of the pipe 26 passes through the block 21 and is connected to it via a liquid separator 32 a vacuum source 33 connected. The upper end of the tube 26 is flush with the upper end of the head 23 of the nozzle body 22. It wears a flat hat 36 on two narrow supports 35, the diameter of which almost corresponds to the diameter of the head 23. The underside of the hat 36 forms, together with the top of the tube 26 and that of the head 23, an annular slot 37 through which air is drawn through the tube 26 by the vacuum source 33.

Beim Überführen einer Kappe 4 mit dem Kappenhalter 11 wird die Kappe 4 über dem Hut 36 und dem Kopf 23 des Düsenkörpers 22 abgesenkt, so daß der Ringschlitz 37 und die Öffnungen der Querbohrungen 25 in den abgesetzten Teil 7 des Ansatzes 6 der Kappe 4 eingetaucht sind, wo­bei die Öffnungen der Querbohrungen 25 nahe dem unteren Rand der Kappe 4 angeordnet sind. Wenn die Kappe 4 diese Stellung eingenommen hat, wird durch kurzzeitiges Betätigen der Dosierpumpe 30 eine klei­ne Menge Siegelmittel durch die Querbohrungen 25 nahezu tangential gegen die Innenseite der Kappe 4 gespritzt. Die ausgespritzte Menge ist größer als die für die Benetzung der Ringfläche der Kappe 4 not­wendig ist. Überschüssiges, an der Kappe 4 nicht haftendes Siegel­mittel wird durch den Ringspalt 37 in das Rohr 26 und durch dieses von der Unterdruckquelle 33 zusammen mit der abgesaugten Luft mitge­rissen. Dadurch verbleibt am unteren Rand der Innenseite der Kappe 4 im Bereich des abgesetzten Teils 7 eine gleichmäßige Menge Siegel­mittel in Form eines Films haften, der nicht verläuft und keine Tröpfchen bildet. Das überschüssige, zusammen mit Luft abgesaugte Siegelmittel wird in dem Flüssigkeitsabscheider 32 zurückgehalten und kann dem vorrat des Dichtmittels wieder zugeleitet werden. Die Dicke des aufgetragenen Siegelmittelfilms kann durch Ändern des an dem Ringspalt 37 herrschenden Unterdrucks eingestellt werden.When transferring a cap 4 with the cap holder 11, the cap 4 is lowered over the hat 36 and the head 23 of the nozzle body 22, so that the ring slot 37 and the openings of the transverse bores 25 are immersed in the stepped part 7 of the neck 6 of the cap 4 , wherein the openings of the transverse bores 25 are arranged near the lower edge of the cap 4. When the cap 4 has assumed this position, a short amount of sealing agent is sprayed through the transverse bores 25 almost tangentially against the inside of the cap 4 by briefly actuating the metering pump 30. The amount sprayed out is greater than that necessary for wetting the annular surface of the cap 4. Excess sealing agent, which does not adhere to the cap 4, is entrained through the annular gap 37 into the tube 26 and through this by the vacuum source 33 together with the extracted air. As a result, a uniform amount of sealing agent in the form of a film remains on the lower edge of the inside of the cap 4 in the area of the offset part 7, which does not run and does not form any droplets. The excess sealing agent, which is sucked off together with air, is retained in the liquid separator 32 and can be returned to the supply of the sealing agent. The thickness of the sealant film applied can be adjusted by changing the negative pressure prevailing at the annular gap 37.

Die zum Verschließen eines Kapselkörpers 1 so vorbereitete Kappe 4 wird nun wiederum durch eine Aufwärts-, eine Translations- und eine Abwärtsbewegung des Kappenhalters 11 der Verschließstation 40 der Verschließmaschine zugeführt (Figure 3). In die Verschließstation 40 wird gleichzeitig in einem Träger 41 eines schrittweise gedrehten Förderrades 42 ein gefüllter Kapselkörper 1 gebracht. Beim Absenken des Halters 11 wird die mitgeführte Kappe 4 auf den oberen Teil 7 des Rumpfes 2 aufgesetzt. Danach wird zunächst die Hülse 12 und spä­ter der Stößel 13 des Kappenhalters 11 angehoben, so daß die Kappe 4 auf dem Kapselkörper 1 verbleibt. Der zuvor auf der Innenseite der Kappe 4 aufgetragene Siegelmittelfilm benetzt nun auch den anliegen­den oberen Teil 7 des Kapselkörpers 1. Durch Verdunsten des wässri­gen Anteils des Siegelmittels verbinden sich die angelösten Flächen der Kappe 4 und Kapselkörpers 1 fest und dicht. Nach dem Abheben des Halters 11 auf der Verschließstation 40 kehrt dieser wieder zu der Aufnahmestation 10 zurück, so daß ein neues Arbeitsspiel in der oben beschriebenen Weise beginnt.The cap 4 thus prepared for closing a capsule body 1 is in turn replaced by an upward, a translational and a Downward movement of the cap holder 11 is fed to the closing station 40 of the closing machine (Figure 3). A filled capsule body 1 is simultaneously brought into the closing station 40 in a carrier 41 of a feed wheel 42 rotated step by step. When the holder 11 is lowered, the cap 4 carried along is placed on the upper part 7 of the fuselage 2. Thereafter, first the sleeve 12 and later the plunger 13 of the cap holder 11 is raised so that the cap 4 remains on the capsule body 1. The sealing agent film previously applied to the inside of the cap 4 now also wets the adjoining upper part 7 of the capsule body 1. By evaporation of the aqueous portion of the sealing agent, the loosened surfaces of the cap 4 and capsule body 1 bond firmly and tightly. After the holder 11 has been lifted off the closing station 40, it returns to the receiving station 10, so that a new work cycle begins in the manner described above.

Ergänzend wird bemerkt, daß jeweils mehrere Halter 11, Siegelmittel­auftragdüsen 22 und Träger 41 jeweils zu einer Einheit zusammenge­faßt werden können, so daß wie bei bekannten Kapsel-Füll- und Schließmaschinen bei einem Arbeitstakt jeweils mehrere Kapseln zwecks höherer Ausbringung behandelt werden.In addition, it is noted that a plurality of holders 11, sealing agent application nozzles 22 and carrier 41 can each be combined to form a unit, so that, as in known capsule filling and closing machines, a number of capsules are treated in one work cycle for higher output.

Claims (4)

1. Verschließvorrichtung für zweiteilige Kapseln, die einen Kapsel­körper (1) und eine aufsteckbare Kappe (4) aufweisen, mit einem Kap­selkörperträger (41) und einem Kappenhalter (11), die relativ zuein­ander zum Aufsetzen einer Kappe auf den Kapselkörper bewegbar sind, sowie mit einer in die vom Kappenhalter gehaltene Kappe eintauchende Düse (22, 25), durch die ein viskoses Siegelmittel auf die Innen­fläche der Kappe aufgebracht wird, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der Düse (22, 25) eine Saugeinrichtung (37) zugeordnet ist, derart, daß überschüssig aufgebrachtes Siegelmittel entfernt wird.1. Closing device for two-part capsules, which have a capsule body (1) and an attachable cap (4), with a capsule body carrier (41) and a cap holder (11), which can be moved relative to one another to put a cap on the capsule body, and with a nozzle (22, 25) immersed in the cap held by the cap holder, through which a viscous sealing agent is applied to the inner surface of the cap, characterized in that a suction device (37) is associated with the nozzle (22, 25) such that excess sealant applied is removed. 2. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Saugeinrichtung als Ringschlitz (37) nahe der Auslaßöffnung der Düse (22, 25) ausgebildet ist.2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the suction device is designed as an annular slot (37) near the outlet opening of the nozzle (22, 25). 3. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Düse einen Düsenkörper (22) mit mehreren Querbohrungen (25) aufweist, die schräg zu Radialen des Düsenkörpers (22) münden.3. Apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the nozzle has a nozzle body (22) with a plurality of transverse bores (25) which open obliquely to the radial of the nozzle body (22). 4. Vorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3, dadurch gekenn­zeichnet, daß in dem Düsenkörper (22) gleichachsig ein Ringspalt (27) zum Zuführen des Siegelmittels und ein Kanal angeordnet sind, der mit dem Ringschlitz (37) einerseits und andererseits mit einer Unterdruckquelle (33) verbunden ist.4. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that in the nozzle body (22) coaxial with an annular gap (27) for supplying the sealing means and a channel are arranged with the ring slot (37) on the one hand and on the other hand with a vacuum source (33) is connected.
EP88114821A 1987-10-17 1988-09-09 Closing device for two piece capsules Expired - Lifetime EP0312760B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE19873735260 DE3735260A1 (en) 1987-10-17 1987-10-17 SEALING DEVICE FOR TWO-PIECE CAPSULES
DE3735260 1987-10-17

Publications (3)

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EP0312760A2 true EP0312760A2 (en) 1989-04-26
EP0312760A3 EP0312760A3 (en) 1990-06-27
EP0312760B1 EP0312760B1 (en) 1992-12-02

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP88114821A Expired - Lifetime EP0312760B1 (en) 1987-10-17 1988-09-09 Closing device for two piece capsules

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US (1) US4899516A (en)
EP (1) EP0312760B1 (en)
JP (1) JPH01126972A (en)
DE (2) DE3735260A1 (en)

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US6949154B2 (en) 2001-07-28 2005-09-27 Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma Kg Method and apparatus for sealing medicinal capsules

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US6949154B2 (en) 2001-07-28 2005-09-27 Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma Kg Method and apparatus for sealing medicinal capsules

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP0312760A3 (en) 1990-06-27
DE3876374D1 (en) 1993-01-14
US4899516A (en) 1990-02-13
JPH01126972A (en) 1989-05-19
DE3735260A1 (en) 1989-04-27
EP0312760B1 (en) 1992-12-02

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