BE1029812B1 - CAPSULE POLISHING BRUSH, CAPSULE POLISHING SYSTEM, AND CAPSULE POLISHING METHOD - Google Patents

Abstract

A capsule polishing brush (14) extending along an axis (18) includes bristles (20) for conveying capsules from one end of the brush to another end, the conveying bristles (20) being around the axis according to turns of a helical conveying ramp for capsules, and polishing bristles (22) for capsules having a free end, the polishing bristles (22) being between the turns of the helical conveyor ramp, the diameter of the brush (14) at the free end of the polishing bristles between the turns (24) increasing from one end of the brush (14). The invention also relates to a capsule polishing system and a capsule polishing method.

Description

Capsule polishing brush, capsule polishing system and capsule polishing method

Technical area

The present invention relates to a capsule polishing brush, a capsule polishing system and a method of polishing capsules.

Prior art

In the field of nutrition or pharmacy, a capsule is an element intended to be swallowed orally and consists of a hard and hollow shell which contains an active substance. Such capsules contain, for example, vitamins, dietary supplements, an active principle, etc.

During the production process of a capsule, two parts of a hard shell are joined in order to trap a substance and thus form the element in a usual consumable form. During this step, it is not uncommon for unwanted powder to remain stuck to the outer surface of the casing.

Therefore, the production process of a capsule usually includes a step of removing this powder stuck on the outer surface of the shell. This step is called “polishing a capsule”.

One solution is to polish the capsules by hand. The pace of work then does not support an industrial rhythm.

Document US2918691A describes a capsule polishing system comprising a rotating brush in an inclined wall. The brush is helical in shape to advance the capsules along the wall and at the same time operate the polishing of the capsules on the side of the bristles.

The disadvantage of this system is that the capsules are not polished satisfactorily and the production rate is not sufficient.

There is a need for good quality polishing of capsules while guaranteeing a high production rate.

Disclosure of Invention

To this end, the invention proposes a brush for polishing capsules, extending along an axis and comprising bristles for conveying capsules from one end of the brush to another end, the conveying bristles being around of the axis according to the turns of a ramp for the helical conveying of the capsules. The brush also includes capsule polishing bristles having a free end, the polishing bristles being between the coils of the helical conveyor ramp, the diameter of the brush at the free end of the polishing bristles between the coils increasing at from one end of the brush.

According to a variant, the diameter of the brush at the free end of the polishing bristles between the turns is increasing from one end to half the length of the brush, the brush preferably being tapered over part of the length of the brush.

According to a variant, the diameter of the brush at the free end of the polishing bristles between the turns is constant over part of the length of the brush, preferably over half the length of the brush.

Alternatively, the conveying bristles are thicker than the polishing bristles.

The invention also relates to a system for polishing capsules, comprising an inlet and an outlet for capsules, the brush as described previously, the end of the brush having the smallest diameter at the free end of the polishing bristles being at the entrance.

According to a variant, the system further comprises a wall around the brush, extending between the inlet and the outlet, the conveying bristles having their free end in contact with the internal face of the wall.

According to a variant, the system further comprises at least one protrusion from the internal face of the wall in the direction of the brush, at least some conveying bristles being deformed by the protrusion or protrusions during the rotational movement of the brush around the brush. 'axis.

According to a variant, the protuberance(s) are capable of coming into contact with the capsules so as to influence a trajectory of the capsules during the rotational movement of the brush around the axis.

According to a variant, the protuberance(s) are tabs extending in the direction of the brush from the outer face of the wall.

According to a variant, the protrusions are carried by the branches of a rail of U-shaped section, the rail being on the external face of the wall and the protrusions arranged in staggered rows on the branches of the rail extend in the direction brush through wall lights.

According to a variant, the system further comprises a suction unit capable of evacuating dust from inside the wall, the dust being evacuated through the wall in the area of the protrusions.

According to a variant, the wall comprises dust suction orifices through the wall, the orifices being between rows of openings through which the protrusions pass.

According to a variant, the axis of the brush is vertical.

According to a variant, entry is in a direction tangential to the turns.

The invention also relates to a method for polishing capsules, comprising the following steps: ° Providing a system for polishing capsules as described above; ° Generate a rotation movement of the brush around the axis; ° Introduce the capsules into the system through the inlet; ° Convey the capsules from the inlet to the outlet by the conveyor ramp moving around the axis; ° Evacuate and recover the capsules at the exit.

The use, in this document, of the verb "understand", its variants, as well as its conjugations, can in no way exclude the presence of elements other than those mentioned. The use, in this document, of the indefinite article “un”, “une”, or of the definite article “le”, “la” or “>”, to introduce an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of these elements.

The terms "first", "second", "third", etc. are, for their part, used within the framework of this document exclusively to differentiate between different elements, and this without implying any order between these elements.

All of the embodiments as well as all of the advantages of the brush transpose mutatis mutandis to the polishing system and to the polishing method and vice versa. The different embodiments can be considered alone or in combination.

Brief description of figures

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear on reading the following detailed description for the understanding of which reference will be made to the appended figures which show: - Figure 1, a schematic view of a capsule polishing system; - Figure 2, a schematic view of an embodiment of a capsule polishing brush; - Figure 3, a schematic sectional view of an embodiment of a capsule polishing brush.

Figure drawings are not to scale. Like elements are generally denoted by like references in the figures. In the context of this document, identical or similar elements may bear the same references. Furthermore, the presence of reference numbers or letters in the drawings cannot be considered as limiting, including when these numbers or letters are indicated in the claims.

Detailed description of embodiments of the invention

The invention relates to a brush for polishing capsules, extending along an axis and comprising bristles for conveying capsules from one end of the brush to another end and polishing bristles for capsules. The conveying bristles of the capsules are around the axis according to turns of a helical conveying ramp for the capsules, the conveying bristles having a free end. The capsule polishing bristles are between the turns of the helical conveyor ramp. The polishing bristles have a free end, with the diameter of the brush at the free end of the polishing bristles increasing from one end of the brush. Thanks to a smaller diameter of the brush at one end of the latter, a greater number of capsules can be introduced between the turns of conveying bristles to then be conveyed to a larger diameter of the brush at the free end polishing bristles to ensure the polishing of the capsules. Thus, good quality polishing is obtained while ensuring a high production rate.

FIG. 1 illustrates a polishing system 10 comprising a brush according to the invention. The system 10 comprises a cylindrical wall 12 with an inlet 15 of capsules and an outlet 16 of capsules. The system comprises a capsule polishing brush 14 (represented in FIGS. 2 and 3) in the wall 12. The brush 14 makes it possible on the one hand to convey the capsules from the inlet 15 to the outlet 16 of the wall 12 and on the other hand, to ensure the polishing of the capsules, in cooperation with the wall 12. The wall 12 delimits a closed enclosure, by lids of the lid 17 type.

Figure 2 shows the capsule polishing brush 14. The brush 14 extends along an axis 18 and has a first end 141 and a second end 142. The brush 18 is rotatably mounted in the wall 12, and is guided in rotation at each of its ends 141, 142 relative to the wall 12. A drive unit comprising a motor allows the brush to be driven in rotation around the axis 18.

The brush 14 comprises capsule conveying bristles 20 and capsule polishing bristles 22. The bristles 20 and 22 are not shown in detail in the figures. The conveying bristles 20 are thicker than the polishing bristles 22.

Indeed, the conveying bristles 20 of a larger diameter are stiffer than the polishing bristles 22; the conveying bristles 20 thus allow the displacement of the capsules along the brush 14. The polishing bristles 22 of a smaller diameter are softer than the conveying bristles 20; the polishing bristles 22 thus allow the capsules to be polished as they move along the brush 14. By way of example, the polishing bristles 22 can have a diameter between 0.07 and 0.08 mm, preferably 0.075mm. The conveying bristles 20 can have a diameter between 0.3 to 0.6 mm, preferably 0.4 mm.

The conveying bristles 20 are around the axis 18 according to turns 24 of a helical conveying ramp for the capsules. The rotational drive of the brush 14 in the anti-clockwise direction in top view allows the capsules to move from the end 141 to the end 142. Other characteristics allow the capsules to be driven along the brush. 14, as described below. Furthermore, and by way of example only, the pitch of the turns can be between 40 mm and 60 mm, more preferably between 40 and 50 mm. This allows the treatment of a large volume of capsules while ensuring good quality polishing. Preferably, the brush 24 has between 5 and 25 turns, allowing effective treatment of the capsules.

The polishing bristles 22 have a free end 26 such that the diameter of the brush 14 at the free end 26 of the polishing bristles 22 is increasing from the end 141 of the brush. The external diameter of the brush 14 at the level of the polishing bristles 22 increases from the end 141. Thus the volume between the turns 24 is the greatest at this end 141 of the brush. In other words, the polishing bristles 22 being shorter (transversely to the axis 18) at the end 141, the space available between the turns 24 is greater at the end 141.

This makes it possible to receive more capsules to be polished at the end 141. In connection with FIG. 1, the diameter of the brush 14 at the free end 26 of the polishing bristles 22 between the turns 24 increases from the end 141 of the brush 14 which is opposite the entrance 15 of the wall 12. The space or volume available between the free end 26 of the polishing bristles 22 and the wall 12 being larger, this makes it possible to convey more capsules to be polished inside the wall 12 and therefore to increase the rate of treatment of the capsules. Thus, the polishing bristles 22 form a helical polishing ramp whose outer diameter increases from the end 141 of the brush.

Figure 3 is a schematic sectional view of an embodiment of the brush 14 for polishing capsules. The brush 14 is represented in a horizontal position with the end 141 on the left and the end 142 on the right. A lug 28 at the end 141 and a recess 30 at the end 142 allow the positioning and rotational drive of the brush 14 in the wall 12. The conveying bristles 20 and the polishing bristles 22 (not shown in detail) extend from a shaft 32 of the brush (transversely to the axis 18), between the ends 141 and 142. The bristles 20, 22 are fixed by one of their ends to the shaft 32 and have their other end who remains free. The free end of the bristles 20, 22 faces, or even comes into contact with, the wall 12.

The diameter of the brush 14 at the free end of the conveying bristles 20, forming turns, can be variable. Preferably, this diameter is constant so as to ensure effective movement of the capsules along the brush 14. In other words, the length of the conveying bristles 20, transversely to the axis 18 and to the shaft 32, is constant along the brush 14. The diameter of the brush 14 at the free end of the conveying bristles 20 is between 95 mm and 100 mm.

The diameter of the brush 14 at the free end 26 of the polishing bristles 22 between the turns 24 is increasing from one end 141. In FIG. 'shaft 32, is increasing from the end 141. The length of the polishing bristles 22 can be increasing regularly or not. The length of the polishing bristles 22 can be gradually increasing or in stages, in a regular or irregular manner.

The diameter of the brush 14 at the free end 26 of the polishing bristles 22 between the turns 24 can increase from one end 141 to half the length of the brush 14. This makes it possible to introduce a large volume of capsules suitably well distributed then along the brush 14 in order to be able to polish them effectively. According to the example of Figure 3, the diameter of the brush 14 is tapered over part of the length of the brush between its ends - with a flare from the lower end 141 . The regularity of the growth of the diameter of the brush between the turns allows a gradual spreading of the capsules reaching the brush 14 through the inlet 15 of the wall 12. This avoids the formation of clusters of capsules blocked in their progression along the brush, and thus avoids voids in the production of the capsules. Thus the diameter of the brush

14 at the free end 26 of the polishing bristles 22 between the turns 24 can be tapered over half the length of the brush to achieve the above effects.

The diameter of the brush 14 at the free end 26 of the polishing bristles 22 between the turns 24 can be constant over part of the length of the brush. The regularity of the diameter of the brush at the end of the polishing bristles 22 allows good quality polishing, especially since a large volume of capsules has been suitably distributed along the brush thanks to the increasing diameter of the brush between the coils. The capsules being well distributed when they reach the constant diameter of the brush between the turns, the polishing is of good quality. For example, the diameter of the brush 14 at the free end 26 of the polishing bristles 22 between the turns 24 is constant over half the length of the brush. This ensures a balance between growth of the diameter of the brush between the turns allowing a good distribution of the capsules and constancy of the diameter of the brush between the turns allowing sufficient polishing.

The diameter of the brush 14 at the free end of the polishing bristles 22, between the turns of conveying bristles 20, is between 55 mm and 65 mm at the end 141 of the brush and is between 85 and 95 mm at the end 141 of the brush.

The diameter of the shaft 32 is shown constant in FIG. 3, the increasing diameter of the brush 14 between the turns 24 being obtained by polishing bristles 22 of increasing length transversely to the shaft 32. The diameter of the shaft 32 could also be variable, growing from the end 141 and the polishing bristles 22 of constant length.

According to FIG. 1, the inlet 15 of the polishing system 10 is facing the end of the brush 14 having the smallest diameter at the free end 26 of the polishing bristles 20. This makes it possible to convey a greater volume of polishing capsules. The inlet 15 can emerge perpendicular to the axis 18 of the brush 14. Preferably, the inlet 15 is in a direction tangential to the turns 24, for example in the direction of the arrow 34 of FIG. 2. The advantage is to be able to insert the capsules between the turns in an optimal manner, to convey them efficiently along the brush. Outlet 16 is directed downwards, which allows the capsules to come out by gravity when they are next to the outlet

16. The polishing bristles 22 also facilitate the expulsion of the capsules through the outlet 16.

The brush 14 is at least partially—preferably completely—in the wall 12. The conveying bristles 20 have their free end in contact with the internal face of the wall. This makes it possible to prevent the capsules from returning backwards by passing between the polishing bristles 20 and the internal face of the wall 12. The diameter of the brush at the free end of the conveying bristles 20 is at least equal to the internal diameter of the wall 12.

To allow the capsules to be conveyed in the direction of the outlet 16 of the wall, the system comprises at least one protrusion 36 from the internal face of the wall 12 in the direction of the brush 14. The protuberance(s) 36 make it possible to create a mess in the movement of the capsules in order to promote the conveying of the capsules towards the outlet 16 by the rotation of the ramp of conveying bristles 20.

More specifically, at least some conveying bristles 20 are deformed or bent by the protuberances 36 during the rotational movement of the brush 14 around the axis 18. The deformation of the conveying bristles 20 makes it possible to disturb or influence the trajectory of the capsules to advance them along the brush 14. The deformation of the conveying bristles 20 is temporary, the time for the conveying bristles 20 to pass the protuberance(s) 36.

The protuberance(s) 36 are elements making it possible to reduce the internal diameter of the wall 12, so as to deform the conveying bristles 20 and promote the advancement of the capsules. The protuberance(s) 36 may be a deformation of the internal face of the wall 12. According to FIG. 1, the protuberance(s) 36 are tabs extending in the direction of the brush 14 from the external face of the wall 12. the tabs forming a protrusion 36 can be introduced from the exterior of the wall 12 towards the interior of the wall 12. This facilitates the creation of the protuberance(s) 36 inside the wall 12.

Also, the protuberance(s) 36 are also capable of coming into contact with the capsules so as to influence their trajectory during the rotational movement of the brush 14 around the axis 18 and thus promote the conveying of the capsules.

The protrusions 36 can be arranged in several rows along the wall 12, along the axis 18. For example, the protrusions 36 in the form of tabs can be carried by the branches of a rail 38 of cross section (and cross the axis 18) in the shape of a U. The end of the branches has a crenellated shape, the asperities being the tongues of elongated shape along the axis 18 and penetrating through the wall 12. The rail 38 is applied against the wall 12, on the external face, so that the protuberance(s) 36 extend in the direction of the brush 14 through longitudinal slots 40 of the wall 12. The manufacture of the wall 12 provided with protuberances 36 is simplified. In addition, the size of the protrusions 36 in the direction of the axis 18 is easily modifiable by changing the rail 38, which makes it possible to refine the conveying of the capsules. Furthermore, the presence of the protrusions 36 in several rows, for example in two rows at the end of the branches of the rail, makes it possible to distribute the friction forces of the conveying bristles 20 on the protrusions 36 in several zones.

The protuberances 36 can be staggered on the rows.

For example the protuberances 36 can be staggered on the branches of the rail 38. In other words, the protrusions 36 of a branch of the U-shaped section of the rail 38 are offset with respect to the protrusions 36 other branch of the U-shaped section. The protuberances 36 of one branch are not facing the other branch. The staggered arrangement of the protrusions 36 makes it possible not to constrain the conveying bristles 20 in a uniform manner to better influence the movement of the capsules during the rotation of the brush 14.

The protuberances 36 can be arranged over the entire length of the wall 12, between the inlet 15 and the outlet 16, along the brush 14. This makes it possible to disturb the movement of the capsules over the entire length of the wall 12, up to 'at the exit 16 of the capsules.

The system 10 may further comprise a suction unit capable of evacuating dust from the interior of the wall 12. For this a depression is created between the interior and the exterior of the wall 12. The dust may be sucked at the top or at the bottom of the wall 12; preferably the dust is evacuated through the wall 12. This allows a more efficient evacuation of the dust. For this, the wall 12 may include orifices 42 along the length of the wall 12 between the inlets 15 and outlet 16 of the capsules. The orifices 42 are of a smaller diameter than the capsules so as not to suck up the capsules. A pressure difference is exerted through the wall 12, for example via the orifices 42 between the inside and the outside of the wall 12. A cover 44 extending along the wall 12 and covering, at the using a seal 46, the orifices 42 make it possible to create a depression to suck the dust from the capsules via the orifices 42. A mouth 48 in the lid 44 makes it possible to suck the dust. Preferably, the mouth 48 is at the base of the lid 44 so as to facilitate the evacuation of the dust also by gravity (in particular after stopping the system).

Advantageously, the dust is evacuated through the wall 12 in the area of the protrusions 36. This makes it possible to create a braking zone for the capsules by the protrusions 36 - and to disturb or influence their movement - and to suck in this zone the dust picked up by the polishing bristles 22. This improves the evacuation of the dust and therefore the polishing in general. For this, the orifices 42 through the wall 12 are for example between the rows of slots 40 for the passage of the protrusions 36. This makes it possible to create a braking zone between two rows of protrusions 36 and to suck the dust in this zone. . In addition, this makes it possible to place the cover 44 on the rail 38 supporting the protrusions 36. Thus, the cover 44 forms a depression space in which the rail 38 is located. The dust from the capsules is sucked into this space and evacuated via the mouth 48. Thus, the leaks caused by the openings 40 between the inside and the outside of the wall 12 are compensated by the presence of the cover 44 and the seal 46. Capsule dust can also be sucked in through lights 40, to a lesser extent than through orifices 42. Whatever happens, the presence of lights 40 is not detrimental to the performance of the system.

According to Figure 1, the axis 18 of the brush 14 is vertical. In other words, the brush 14 and the wall 12 are vertical. The advantage is that the system has a smaller footprint. The quality of the conveying ensured by the system 10 along the wall 12 and up to the exit by the exit 16 makes it possible to place the system vertically and therefore to save space on the ground. The system is more compact.

In addition, capsule elevation (which is greater in the present system for an equivalent but angled 12 tube length) allows filling of larger drums, for reduced processing time.

The polishing of the capsules is carried out according to the following method. In the polishing system 10 described, a rotational movement of the brush 14 around the axis 18 is generated. Capsules are introduced into the system 10 through the inlet 15, between the turns 24 of conveying bristles 20. The tangential orientation of the inlet 15 favors the introduction of the capsules between the turns 24. The capsules being introduced opposite from the smallest diameter of the brush to the free end of the polishing bristles 22, a large volume of capsules can be introduced.

The capsules are conveyed from the inlet 15 to the outlet 16 by the conveying ramp moving around the axis 18. The rotation of the brush 16 in cooperation with the protuberance(s) 36 allow the conveying of the capsules towards the end 142 of the brush 14. During the conveying by the conveying bristles 20, the capsules encounter an increase in the diameter of the brush, at the free end of the polishing bristles 22. As the conveying proceeds, the capsules are progressively stressed by the polishing bristles 22 against the wall 12, allowing the capsules to be polished. More specifically, the capsules are biased against the wall 12 by the free end of the polishing bristles 22. Polishing by the free end of the polishing bristles 22 is more effective than polishing by the side of the bristles 22. The diameter increasing the brush at the level of the polishing bristles 22 from the end 141 promotes polishing by the free end of the polishing bristles 22.

Also, the lengthening of the polishing bristles 22 as the capsules are conveyed also promotes the spreading of the capsules along the brush; such a brush makes it possible to increase the volume of polished capsules while ensuring quality polishing. Finally, the capsules are evacuated through outlet 16 and are recovered polished.

The brush, the system and the method are, for example, applicable for the polishing of capsules in the pharmaceutical field or even in the field of nutrition (and this in a non-limiting manner).

The present invention has been described in relation to specific embodiments, which are purely illustrative and should not be construed as limiting. In general, it will appear obvious to a person skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the examples illustrated and/or described above.

Claims (15)

Claims 1. Brush (14) polishing capsules, extending along an axis (18) and comprising e Conveying bristles (20) capsules from one end of the brush to another end, the bristles of conveying (20) being around the axis according to turns of a helical conveying ramp for the capsules, e Polishing bristles (22) for the capsules having a free end, the polishing bristles (22) being between the turns of the helical conveyor ramp, the diameter of the brush (14) at the free end of the polishing bristles between the turns (24) increasing from one end of the brush (14). 2 Brush (14) according to claim 1, wherein the diameter of the brush (14) at the free end (26) of the polishing bristles (22) between the turns (24) is increasing from one end (141) to 'half the length of the brush (14), the brush preferably being tapered over part of the length of the brush. 3. Brush (14) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the diameter of the brush (14) at the free end (26) of the polishing bristles (22) between the turns (24) is constant over a portion the length of the brush, preferably over half the length of the brush. 4. Brush (14) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the conveying bristles (20) are thicker than the polishing bristles (22). 5. System (10) for polishing capsules, comprising e an inlet (15) and an outlet (16) of capsules, e The brush (14) according to one of the preceding claims, the end (141) of the brush having the smallest diameter at the free end (26) of the polishing bristles (20) being at the entrance (15 ). 6. System (10) according to the preceding claim, further comprising a wall (12) around the brush (14), extending between the inlet (15) and the outlet (16), the conveying bristles (20 ) having their free end in contact with the internal face of the wall (12). 7. System (10) according to claim 5 or 6, further comprising at least one protrusion (36) from the internal face of the wall in the direction of the brush (14), at least some conveying bristles (22) being deformed by the protrusion(s) (36) during the rotational movement of the brush (14) around the axis (18). 8. System (10) according to the preceding claim, in which the protuberance(s) (36) are capable of coming into contact with the capsules so as to influence a trajectory of the capsules during the rotational movement of the brush (14) around the axis (18). 9. System (10) according to claim 7 or 8, in which the projection(s) (36) are tongues extending in the direction of the brush (14) from the exterior face of the wall (12). 10. System (10) according to one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the protrusions (36) are carried by the branches of a rail (38) of U-shaped section, the rail being on the outer face of the wall (12) and the protuberance(s) (36) staggered on the branches of the rail (38) extend in the direction of the brush (14) through openings (40) of the wall (12). 11. System (10) according to one of claims 7 to 10, further comprising a suction unit capable of evacuating dust from inside the wall (12), the dust being evacuated through the wall ( 12) in the area of the protuberances (36). 12. System according to claim 11 when it depends on claim 10, in which the wall (12) comprises orifices (42) for sucking dust through the wall (12), the orifices (42) being between rows of slots (40) for passage of the protrusions (36). 13. System (10) according to one of claims 7 to 12, wherein the axis (18) of the brush (14) is vertical. 14. The system (10) according to one of claims 7 to 13, wherein the inlet (15) is in a direction tangential to the turns (24). 15. Method for polishing capsules, comprising the following steps: e Providing a system (10) for polishing capsules according to one of claims 5 to 14; e Generate a rotation movement of the brush (14) around the shaft (18); e Introduce the capsules into the system through the inlet (15); e Convey the capsules from the inlet (15) to the outlet (16) by the conveyor ramp moving around [axis; e Evacuate and recover the capsules at the exit (16).