EP3755176A1

EP3755176A1 - System and method for polishing capsules

Info

Publication number: EP3755176A1
Application number: EP18708932.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Martial Dollinger
Original assignee: PHARMA Tech SA
Current assignee: PHARMA Tech SA
Priority date: 2018-02-21
Filing date: 2018-02-21
Publication date: 2020-12-30
Anticipated expiration: 2038-02-21
Also published as: ES2915506T3; SI3755176T1; CN111954476A; CN111954476B; BE1026212B1; JP2021514216A; WO2019161893A1; EP3755176B1; BE1026212A1; US20210031241A1; US11738371B2

Abstract

The invention relates to a system (1) and a method for polishing capsules (2). The system (1) according to the invention comprises a brush (5) situated at least partially inside a wall (4) disposed around an axis (Z). The brush comprises bristles (6) disposed around the axis (Z) so as to form a helical conveying ramp for the capsules (2). The lengths of the bristles (6) of the brush (5) are substantially different and a protuberance (8, 8A, 8B) is mechanically coupled to the wall (4) so as to bend at least some of the bristles (6) of the brush (5) when the latter is rotating about the axis (Z). The method according to the invention consists substantially in putting the abovementioned system into practice.

Description

System and method of polishing capsules Technical field

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

Prior art

A capsule is an orally swallowed medicine that consists of a hard, hollow shell that contains an active substance.

Such capsules are generally produced in the pharmaceutical industry. In the process of producing a capsule, two parts of a hard shell are assembled to trap an active substance and thereby form the drug in a customary consumable form. During this step, it is not uncommon for undesirable powder to remain stuck on the external surface of the envelope, for example by electrostatic effect.

Therefore, the process of producing a capsule generally comprises a step of removing this powder adhered to the outer surface of the envelope. This step is called "polishing a capsule".

This particular step of the capsule production process is generally performed by exploiting mechanical effects to pick up the aforementioned powder. These mechanical effects are produced by means of a system of polishing capsules according to the state of the art, this system comprising

an entrance ;

an exit ;

a wall disposed about an axis; a brush located at least partially inside the wall and comprising bristles arranged around the axis so as to form a helical conveyor ramp for the capsules, from the inlet to the outlet;

each of the bristles including a free end facing an inner face of the wall; and

a mechanical unit arranged to generate a rotational movement of the brush around the axis for conveying the capsules from the inlet to the outlet.

The brush used in this polishing system is a helical brush. The rotational movement of the brush around the axis allows to drive the capsules from the entry to the exit.

A defect of this polishing system is the poor quality of the brushing and the polishing of the capsules. In addition, this system generally does not allow a line vacuum after use because some capsules get stuck episodically in the bristles of the brush or in other parts of the polishing system. This is regularly causes a painful disassembly and cleaning of the various parts of the polishing system in order to evacuate these capsules. This disassembly and cleaning are also an obvious source of waste of time.

Summary of the invention

A first object of the present invention is to provide a polishing system of capsules allowing a better polishing of the capsules and a better line vacuum after use.

For this purpose, the invention proposes a system for polishing capsules comprising:

an entrance ;

an exit ;

a wall disposed about an axis extending from the inlet to the outlet; a brush located at least partially within the wall and comprising bristles disposed about said axis so as to form a helical conveying ramp for said capsules, from said inlet to said outlet; each of said bristles comprising a free end facing an inner face of said wall;

a mechanical unit arranged to generate a rotational movement of said brush about said axis for conveying said capsules from said inlet to said outlet; characterized in that

a distance between the axis and the free end of a first bristle of the brush, and a distance between the axis and the free end of a second bristle of the brush differ by at least 2 mm; and,

preferably, the system further comprises at least one protrusion at the inner face of the wall and arranged to bend at least some of the bristles of the brush during the rotational movement of the brush about the axis.

The polishing system of capsules proposed by the invention is particularly advantageous. It is a fast and efficient polishing of a large number of capsules.

In particular, the distinctive characteristics of the polishing system according to the invention allow better polishing of the capsules and a better line vacuum after use.

Indeed, as the bristles of the brush are arranged around the axis so as to form a helical conveying ramp, the capsules are conveyed on the lateral side of a portion of the bristles of the gel polishing system of the capsules. the invention. Since the different free ends of the bristles of the brush are not all at the same distance from the axis, the capsules are likely to be supported by brush bristles whose free ends are further from the axis and to be in contact with the free ends of the brush bristles closer to the axis , Or vice versa. The system according to the invention thus induces a possible contact between the free end of at least one hair and the capsules. However, the free ends of the bristles are the brushiest side of the brush. It follows that the polishing quality of the capsules conveyed on a brush of a system according to the invention will therefore be higher than that obtained by using a brush for which all the hair ends are at the same distance from the axis and for which the capsules rest exclusively on the lateral side brushing little brush bristles during their conveying.

It is preferred that the system further comprises at least one protrusion at the inner face of the wall and arranged to curve at least some of the bristles of the brush during the rotational movement of the brush about the axis. The rotating bristles are thus curved against the at least one protuberance in such a way as to induce disturbances of the trajectory of the potential capsules resting on these at least some hairs during their conveying. This is particularly interesting because during the rotational movement of the brush around the axis, the capsules undergo a centrifugal force, and therefore, they remain particularly in contact with the inner face of the wall during their conveying.

Disturbances due to the protrusion induce additional force to the centrifugal force. Consequently, a path thus disturbed removes the capsules from the inner face and brings them closer to the axis, inducing a possible contact between the free end of at least one hair and the capsules. The at least one protuberance therefore advantageously increases the polishing effect of the capsules obtained thanks to the system according to the invention. In general, the at least one protuberance also allows to increase turbulence suffered by the capsules on the brush during the rotational movement.

In addition, the capsules that are potentially wedged between the bristles of the brush are able to be released when the at least some hairs bend through the arrangement of the at least one protrusion. Indeed, when some hair bends, others remain in their position, which increases the spaces between your hair and allows the announced release. Thus, a better line vacuum is obtained thanks to the system according to the invention in the sense that the number of capsules that are not conveyed from the inlet to the outlet is very greatly reduced, or even preferably zero. In particular, disassembly and cleaning of the capsule polishing system according to the invention in order to evacuate capsules stuck in it will be few, which saves time and money for the user of the system.

Preferably, the bristles comprise several bristles whose free ends are at a first distance from the axis and several other bristles which are at a second distance from the axis, the two distances differing by at least 2 mm. Preferably, the first hair belongs to the several hairs and the second hair belongs to the other several hairs.

Thus, advantageously, the polishing quality of capsules is further improved.

Preferably, the space of at least 2 mm mentioned above for the system according to the invention corresponds to a space larger than a diameter of one of the capsules, of determined size, preferably with a margin of error of approximately 10%. , so that this capsule can rest on the side of a certain hair while being in contact with the free end of some other hair whose distance to the axis is at least 2 mm smaller than the distance from the free end of the certain hair to the axis. In this case, preferentially, the certain hair is the first hair and the other hair is the second hair.

Preferably, the datum of at least 2 mm as a difference of two distances from two ends of two hairs distinct from the axis is at least 5 mm, more preferably at least 8 mm.

Preferably, the bristles comprise a plurality of bristles whose distance from the free ends to the axis is at least 8 mm smaller than the distance of the free ends of another plurality of bristles to the axis.

For the purposes of this document, the "mechanical coupling" between two elements preferably refers to a fixed mechanical holding of the positions of these two elements relative to each other. In particular, a mechanical coupling between two elements includes the possibility of a direct fixation between these two elements, but also that of an indirect fixing by means of at least one intermediate element. However, a mechanical coupling between two elements does not exclude a possible relative movement between these two elements.

For the purposes of this document, the term "space" refers to three-dimensional ambient space in which classical physics and mechanical issues are usually considered at our scale. This space is provided with the orthonormal reference defined by the vectors

(1,0,0), (0,1,0) and (0,0,1)

corresponding to the three axes of the mark respectively noted and represented by the letters X, Y and Z, in the context of this document.

For the purpose of this paper, the notion of "distance" between two coordinate points (x, y, z) and (c ', g', z ') in space E ³ is the positive real number defined by

V (c'-x) ² + (y '- y) ² + (z' - z) ² .

This notion of distance corresponds to the notion of intuitive distance that the man of the street uses daily to our scale. In the context of this _{document, "the} concept of" distance between two sets of points And and E ₂ in space "is the smallest distance between a point of the set E ₁ and a point of the set E2. In _{particular, "the"} distance between two objects in space "is the shortest distance between two points of the two objects.

In the context of the present document, the _" interior" of a hollow three-dimensional object is _" preferentially _" the space included within the concave surface defined by the object itself. In the context of this document _" " an inner face "of such an object is a collection of point of the object that belong to the edge of its interior.

In the context of the present document, the _" outer surface" of a three-dimensional object is _" preferentially _" the surface of the object that can be seen by an observer outside the object when the object considered in isolation. In particular _"the outer surface of an object consists of edge points of the complement of the object in the space which does not belong to any interior surface of the object.

In the context of this _{document, "a"} wall "of a three-dimensional object preferably refers to an envelope of the object including its outer surface. Unlike the outer surface of the object _"wall may have a strictly positive thickness.

In the context of this _{document, "a"} trajectory "of a point in space in motion can be a curve described by the movement of this point in space. In the context of this _{document, "a"} trajectory of a capsule "in motion in the space is defined by the trajectory of the center of gravity of the capsule.

As part of this document _"a" cylindrical "object corresponds to a cylinder-shaped object. A "cylinder" is a surface of the _" regular _" infinite space arranged symmetrically about an axis and of which any transverse section orthogonal to the axis defines a circle of predetermined radius. The latter is called "cylinder radius" in the context of the present document The designation of a cylinder shape for an object does not imply that the object is itself a cylinder. By the adjective "cylindrical", it is essentially designated a global form of the object without excluding that the object is of a certain thickness, or that its shape differs locally from that of a cylinder, for example, including at least one protuberance and / or an opening.

For the purpose of this paper, an "ellipse" is the location of the points in space whose sum of predetermined fixed two-point distances is constant. In particular, a circle is an ellipse. An ellipse comprises two perpendicular axes: a major axis passing through the two predetermined fixed points and a minor axis passing through the middle of the line segment between these two fixed points. A "half-ellipse" is an ellipse half shared by one of its axes.

For the purposes of this document, a "helicoid" is preferably a surface of space based on a helix and an axis. It is obtained for example by means of the rotation of a half line or a line segment around an axis, the rotation being accompanied by a translation of the half-line or the line segment along the line. of this axis. For example, a helicoid inscribed in a cylinder of radius R _z based on the Z = (0,0,1) axis in space can be given by the surface consisting of the coordinate points (x, y, z) satisfying the equations

x = r cos (0)

y = r sin (0) with r E] R _lt R _z [and Q e] 0 ₁ 0 ₂ [, (*) z = aq

the parameters ae R \ {0}, 0 <R ₁ <R ₂ and 0 _lt q ₂ e R being fixed. In this case, and as part of this document, the number 2 a is called "pitch of the helicoid", the number (aq _c - a 0 ₂ | is called "helical length" and the numbers R _t and R ₂ are respectively called "inner radius" and "outer radius" of the helicoid The right half or the straight line segment mentioned above is then an open line segment of length R ₂ - R In the context of this document, the helicoid defined by the equations (*) is an example of a "circular helicoid resting on the Z axis, of pitch 2? R / a, of length \ a Q ₁ - a 0 ₂ |. of inner radius R _t and of outer radius R ₂ ". More generally, if A designates any axis of space, a "circular helicoid" resting on the axis A, of pitch, of length and of given inner and outer radii, can be given for example by Helicoid obtained by causing a rotation bringing the Z axis on the axis A to the circular helicoid bearing on the Z axis, the same pitch, the same length, the same inner and outer radii.

In the context of this document, a "helical" object preferably corresponds to an object in the form of a helicoid. The designation of a helical shape for an object does not imply that the object is itself a helicoid. By the adjective "helical", it is essentially designated a global form of the object without excluding that the object is of a certain thickness, or that its shape differs locally from that of a helicoid, for example, including at least one protuberance and / or an opening.

For the purposes of this document, a "hair" of a brush, for example, means a fiber, a filament or a wire which is attached to a mount of the brush. A bristle of a brush preferably comprises two ends: a "fixed end", for example at a point on the frame of the brush; and a "free end". The latter term refers to an end that is not attached to a point in space. In particular, when the fixed end is stable at a point in space, the free end of a hair is able to move in space. A "length of a hair" of brush is the distance separating its fixed end from its free end. The "side part of a hair" of a brush is a part of the hair not including its ends.

In the context of this document, a "helical brush" designates for example a brush of which each hair is essentially disposed along a half-line or a line segment capable of generating a helicoid by rotation and translation about an axis. In particular, in the case of an overall shape of a circular helical inner radius R and the outer radius R _2, each bristle of a helical brush and is preferably arranged substantially radially _"between a cylinder of radius R _t and a cylinder of radius R _z , so that its fixed end is fixed at a point of the cylinder of radius R ₁ or of its interior, and that its free end is in contact with a point of the cylinder of radius R ₂ . Several layers of bristles can thus be superimposed on circular helicoids of the same pitch on a common axis so as to give a thickness of bristles to the brush. In this case, the "pitch of the helical brush" corresponds to the pitch of one of these circular helicoids.

For the purposes of this document, as defined in the prior art, the step of producing a capsule consisting of removing powder adhered to an outer surface of the envelope is called "polishing" of the capsule. This term equivalently refers to "cleaning" and / or "dusting" and / or "brushing" of the capsule. In particular, in the context of this document, on the one hand, the terms "capsule polishing system", "capsule dusting system", "capsule cleaning system" and "capsule brushing system" are equivalent. and on the other hand, the terms "capsule polishing method", "capsule dusting method", "capsule cleaning method" and "capsule brushing method" are equivalent.

For the purposes of this document, a "line vacuum" of a capsule polishing system is that no capsule introduced into the polishing system gets stuck in the bristles of the brush or in other parts of the body. polishing system. In particular, a polishing system of capsules allowing a line vacuum after use is a capsule polishing system for which all capsules are conveyed from the inlet to the outlet within a reasonable time, that is, without having to put the system into action when it contains only Capsules stuck in the bristles of the brush or in other parts of the polishing system.

Preferably, the first hair is capable of supporting at least some of said capsules, said free end of said second hair is able to come into contact with these capsules and said protuberance is able to come into contact with said capsules so as to influence a trajectory of these capsules. capsules during the rotational movement of the brush.

For example, during the rotational movement of the brush about the axis, a lateral portion of the first hair is able to support each of the capsules, the free end of the second hair is able to come into contact transversely with each of the capsules, and the protuberance is adapted to come into contact with each of the capsules so as to modify a trajectory thereof.

Preferably, the at least one protuberance is mechanically coupled to the inner face of the wall.

Preferably, a thickness of the first hair differs from a thickness of the second hair. Preferably, a thickness of the bristles of the brush is between 0.05 mm and 0.5 mm. More preferably, the bristles are of a thickness of 0.1 mm or 0.3 mm.

Preferably, the brush comprises several thousand hairs of different lengths.

The brush of the system according to the invention is preferably a helical brush so that the arrangement of the brush bristles around the axis is such that the brush forms a conveying ramp for the capsules from the inlet to the outlet.

Preferably, the axis corresponds essentially to the Z axis. Preferably, the length of the brush along the axis is between 400 mm and 1000 mm.

Preferably, the length of the wall along the axis is between 500 mm and 1500 mm.

Preferably, the largest diameter of the brush, between the end of a hair and the end of the opposite hair on the helical ramp, is between 70 and 100 m, more preferably between 80 and 90 mm.

Preferably, the largest diameter of the inner face of the wall is between 60 and 110 mm, more preferably between 70 and 100 mm. More preferably, the largest diameter of the inner face of the wall is substantially equal to the largest diameter of the brush.

Preferably, the free end of a bristle of the bristles brushes and / or is in contact with the inner face of the wall. More preferably, the free ends of many bristles brush brush and / or are in contact with the inner face of the wall.

Advantageously, the system according to the invention can easily be arranged in a small space.

Preferably, the system according to the invention is mechanically coupled to a mobile carriage.

Advantageously, the system according to the invention is easily manageable and transportable.

Preferably, the system according to the invention is composed of easily detachable parts and removable.

Advantageously, the system according to the invention is easy to clean because it is easily dismountable into loose parts.

Preferably, the mechanical unit comprises a motor capable of generating the rotational movement.

Preferably, the system comprises a central part arranged symmetrically along the axis, inside the wall, and each of the bristles has an end attached to this central portion. Preferably, the mechanical unit generates a rotational movement of this central portion about the axis so as to induce the rotational movement of the brush about the axis. Preferably, a form of this central portion corresponds to a shape of the inner face of the wall. Preferably, the largest diameter of this central portion is between 40 mm and 60 mm.

Advantageously, the bristles of the brush are arranged around the axis so as to constitute a conveying ramp for the capsules. Most capsules are therefore not able to penetrate into the brush, between the bristles, of the system according to the invention, during the rotational movement. Advantageously, the line vacuum of the system according to the invention is therefore better. If, despite everything, one of the capsules penetrates between the bristles of the brush, the presence of the at least one protuberance makes it possible to bend the at least some hairs, preferably all the bristles, and thus to enlarge the space between these bristles so as to to release the capsule. Preferably, the conveying ramp formed by the bristles of the brush is perfectly hermetic to the capsules.

Preferably, a capsule introduced into the inlet is conveyed to the outlet of the polishing system on the conveyor ramp in less than 25 seconds, more preferably in less than 20 seconds.

Advantageously, the polishing system according to the invention makes it possible to polish, brush and / or clean a large number of capsules in a very short time, in an efficient manner, with a better line vacuum.

Preferably, the at least one protuberance comprises a rigid element elongated along the axis so as to deflect the trajectories of the capsules during the rotational movement, and so as to bend the at least some bristles during the rotational movement. However, the polishing system according to the invention is not imitative of the case where the at least one protuberance comprises a comb or a side brush attached to the inner face of the wall. Such a comb or such a lateral brush preferably comprises bristles arranged in segments of straight lines parallel to and orthogonal to the axis, so that a free end of such a hair face the axis.

Advantageously, as the centrifugal force drives the capsules against the wall during the rotational movement of the brush, in the case where the at least one protuberance comprises a comb or a side brush attached to the inner face of the wall, the capsules are then in contact with at least one free end of a pile of the side brush or the comb, and the quality of their polishing is improved.

According to a particular embodiment of the capsule polishing system according to the invention, the bristles are essentially arranged along line segments that are orthogonal to the axis, so as to coincide with the straight line segments;

the line segments corresponding to transverse sections of circular helicoids based on S'axe, the transverse sections being made in planes orthogonal to the axis;

the circular helicoids being likewise not and of the same internal radius;

an outer radius of a first helicoid of the helicoids differing by at least 2 mm from an outer radius of a second helicoids helicoids.

Recall that the notion of circular helicoid is precisely defined in the preliminary part of this summary of the invention. In addition, i! It is known that a transverse section of a circular helicoid orthogonal to the axis on which it rests comprises only one line segment. A man in the street can be convinced by fixing a value of the variable Q in equation (*). According to this embodiment, the bristles are essentially arranged along a selection of such straight segments. This characteristic makes it possible to apprehend the arrangement of the hairs around the axis. In addition, this embodiment of the invention ensures such a disposition of the hairs in circular helicoids of the same pitch, of the same internal radius but of different external rays. It follows that the fixed ends of the bristles of the system according to this embodiment are aligned at a predetermined distance from the axis, this distance being given by the internal radius of the helicoids, but that the free ends of the bristles are not all arranged at the same distance from the axis.

In particular, it follows that there is a first plurality of bristles whose free ends are at a first distance from the axis, corresponding to a first outer radius of a helicoid, and a second plurality of bristles whose ends free are at a second distance, which differs by at least 2 mm, preferably at least 5 mm, more preferably at least 8 mm, the first distance, corresponding to a second outer radius of a helicoid. The first and second bristles are likely to belong arbitrarily to one or other of these pluralities of bristles, the choice of the plurality of bristles being distinct for the first and second bristles.

Advantageously, this particular embodiment of the invention provides bristles whose arrangement is essentially ordered precisely on circular helicoids, but also offers bristles whose free ends are at different distance from the axis, while ordering your bristles of which the free ends are at the same distance from the axis as being disposed on transverse sections of the same hemoisoid.

During their conveying on the bristles of the brush, and during the rotational movement, the capsules preferably rest on the lateral side of the longest hairs arranged along transverse sections. a plurality of helicoids of the same maximum outer radius, these bristles preferentially forming a helical conveyor ramp. The capsules are also preferably able to come into contact transversely with the free ends of shorter hairs arranged along transverse sections of helicoidal outer rays smaller than the maximum outer radius. An improved polishing effect is then induced by such a helical brush according to this particular embodiment of the invention.

Preferably, the pitch of the circular helicoids is between 40 mm and 60 mm, more preferably between 45 mm and 55 mm. Preferably, the circular helicoids have between 5 and 25 steps.

Preferably, the circular helicoids have an inner radius of between 30 mm and 65 mm, more preferably between 40 and 55 mm. Preferably, the circular helicoids have an outer radius of between 45 mm and 75 mm, more preferably between 52 and 68 mm.

Preferably, there is a plurality of helicoids helicoids having a smaller outer radius. The bristles arranged along the transverse sections of a helicoid of this plurality of helicoids preferably have a smaller thickness than the other hairs. Preferably, this thickness is 0.1 mm. Preferably, the thickness of the other hairs is 0.3 mm.

Preferably, i! there is a plurality of helicoids of the helicoids having a maximum outer radius at least 8 mm larger than the smallest outer radius, preferably at least 16 mm larger than the smallest outer radius.

According to a particular embodiment of the capsule polishing system according to the invention the free ends of the bristles included in a transverse section of the brush in a plane comprising the axis are essentially arranged along four to twenty straight lines parallel to the axis, aligned symmetrically on the plane, on either side of the axis;

a distance between the axis and a first of the lines, and

a distance between the axis and a second of the lines,

differing by at least 2 mm.

The bristles of the brush according to this particular embodiment of the invention are arranged in the form of steps, a length of a step being at least 2 mm larger, preferably 8 mm, more preferably 16 mm that one length of another works. A helical brush according to this embodiment of the invention is called a "multi-stage brush".

In this analogy, the edge of a step is determined by a straight line along which hair-free ends are aligned. The brush is preferably arranged symmetrically about the axis and is preferably helical. The straight lines given by the free ends of the bristles appearing during a cross section of the brush comprising the axis are therefore even in number, arranged symmetrically on both sides of the axis. The number of lines being limited, the bristles are necessarily aligned and ordered so that several free ends of the bristles are on the same line. Preferably, the number of lines is between four and eight, more preferably, it is six, that is to say, the free ends of the bristles are aligned in three different stages.

During their conveying on the bristles of the brush, and during the rotational movement, the capsules preferably rest on the longest helical step, that is to say on the lateral side of the bristles whose free ends are aligned on the two straightest furthest from the axis, these hairs preferentially forming a helical conveyor ramp. The capsules are also preferably able to come into contact transversely with the free ends of the hair forming a shorter step superimposed on the longest step. An improved polishing effect is then induced by such a brush according to this particular embodiment of the invention.

Preferably, the bristles are arranged in such a way that the longest step has a thickness of between 4 and 8 mm, this thickness being obtained by a superposition of bristles so as to form the helical conveying ramp for the capsules.

Preferably, the first and second bristles have a free end in the transverse section of the brush in the plane comprising the axis, and the free end of the first bristle is disposed along the first straight line while the free end of the second bristles hair is arranged along the second straight line.

According to a particular embodiment of the capsule polishing system according to the invention distinct from the previous particular embodiment, the free ends of the bristles included in a transverse section of the brush in a plane comprising the axis are essentially arranged along the :

similar half-ellipses of axes parallel and / or orthogonal to the axis; and

along two lines parallel to the axis, aligned symmetrically on the plane, on both sides of S'axe.

The bristles of the brush being arranged around the axis so as to form a helical ramp and the two parallel lines given by the free ends of the bristles appearing during a transverse section of the brush comprising the axis being aligned symmetrically from and other axis, the helical ramp is based on the axis. The number of half-ellipses is then an even number, and the half-ellipses are arranged on either side of the axis, the major axes and small axes of the ellipses comprising the half-ellipses and composing the axes of the half-ellipses. ellipses being parallel or orthogonal to the axis as mentioned above. The number of straight lines being limited and the half-ellipses being all similar, preferably identical, it follows that the bristles are necessarily aligned and arranged so that several free ends of the hairs are on the same straight line or half-wave. ellipse. Preferably, the number of half-ellipse is between ten and thirty, more preferably between sixteen and twenty-four.

The ends of the half-ellipses are preferably aligned on the straight lines. The half-ellipses are preferably semicircles.

During their conveying on the bristles of the brush, and during the rotational movement, the capsules preferably rest on the lateral side of the bristles, the free ends of which are aligned on the two straight lines, these being preferentially further from the axis. These only hairs preferentially form a helical conveyor ramp capable of conveying the capsules from the inlet to the outlet. The movement of the capsules is then limited orthogonally to the axis by cuvetes formed by the free ends of the other hairs arranged along the half-ellipses. In particular, the capsules are able to come into contact transversely with the free ends of these other hairs. An improved polishing effect is then induced by such a brush according to this particular embodiment of the invention.

Preferably, the adjacent bristles of the brush according to this embodiment, whose free ends are aligned along a straight line comprised in a transverse section of the brush according to a yoke comprising the axis, form a portion of a conveying ramp for capsules having a thickness of between 4 and 8 mm, this thickness being obtained by a superposition of these adjacent hairs.

Preferably, the first and second bristles have a free end in the transverse section of the brush according to the plane comprising the axis, and the free end of the first bristle is arranged along the of a straight line, while the free end of the second hair is arranged along a half-ellipse.

According to a particular embodiment of the capsule polishing system according to the invention distinct from the two previous particular embodiments, the free ends of the bristles included in a transverse section of the brush in a plane comprising the axis are essentially arranged along from:

from two to twenty parallel lines, each line being secant to the axis so as to form a first angle with the axis;

from two to twenty parallel lines, each of the straight lines intersecting with the axis so as to form a second angle with the axis;

along two straight lines parallel to the axis, aligned symmetrically on the plane, on either side of Taxe.

Preferably, each of the straight lines forming a first angle with the axis is perpendicular to each of the lines forming a second angle with the axis.

Preferably, the number of straight lines forming a first angle with the axis is equal to the number of straight lines forming a second angle with the axis. More preferably, each of the straight lines forming a first angle with the axis is an orthogonal symmetry with respect to the axis of a line forming a second angle with the axis.

The advantages and the preferred embodiments of this last particular embodiment of the invention are deductive and similar to those mentioned for the two embodiments which precede it.

All of these three embodiments of the invention describe different arrangements of the free ends of bristles of the polishing system brush according to the invention. The cross sections of its brushes in a plane including the axis reveal a succession of steps, basins or slopes surmounting a superposition of hairs of maximum length constituting alone a helical conveyor ramp on which the capsules can be conveyed from the inlet to the outlet. Steps of stairs, cuvettes or hair tip slopes are able to be in contact with the capsules during their conveying, while they rest on at least one hair of maximum length. These three particular provisions of the brush bristles of the system according to the invention can be combined and many variations of such provisions can be imagined without departing from the scope of the invention.

According to a particular embodiment of the capsule polishing system according to the invention:

the wall is cylindrical and arranged symmetrically along the axis;

the wall comprises:

^• a lower cylindrical section comprising an inlet opening mechanically coupled to the input, and

^• an upper cylindrical section surmounting the lower cylindrical section and including an outlet opening coupled mechanically to the output;

the inner face is cylindrical of radius R;

the system comprises a central cylindrical portion which is arranged symmetrically along the axis and which comprises a cylindrical outer surface of radius r <R; each of the bristles of the brush includes an end attached to the central cylindrical portion.

Preferably, each square centimeter of said cylindrical outer surface of said central cylindrical portion intersects a strictly positive number of said bristles. Preferably, the wall consists of the assembly of the lower cylindrical section, of an intermediate cylindrical section overlying the lower cylindrical section, and of the upper cylindrical section, the latter overlying the intermediate cylindrical section.

Advantageously, the cylindrical shape of the wall and of the central portion is perfectly adapted to the use of a circular helical brush whose advantages and particular embodiments are extensively discussed above.

According to a particular embodiment of the capsule polishing system according to the invention, the system further comprises a suction unit able to evacuate dust from the inside of the wall.

These dusts include in particular unwanted powder adhered to the outer surface of the capsule casing introduced into the polishing system according to the invention.

Very advantageously, the polishing system according to this particular embodiment of the invention not only allows effective polishing of the capsules but also to remove the dust from the inside of the wall so that it does not clog the various elements. of the system. This dust is preferably channeled through ducts from the inside of the wall to a receiving unit to accommodate the dust.

Various embodiments of the forthcoming invention detail the practical arrangement of the suction unit with respect to the inside of the wall and with respect to the wall. In particular, and preferably, the suction unit comprises a plurality of ducts connecting a space of the interior of the wall to a device adapted to suck the dust.

According to a particular embodiment of the capsule polishing system according to the invention, the wall comprises a plurality of sections mechanically coupled to one another, and the at least one protuberance comprises at least one protuberance section facing two of the sections, and attached to at least one of the sections.

Preferably, each of the sections is isolated from the others by means of at least one joint. More preferably, the at least one seal is mechanically coupled to one end of the section of the wall. More preferably, the sections comprise a lower section, an upper section overlying the lower section, and at least one intermediate section overlying the lower section and surmounted by the upper section, each section comprising two ends, an upper end of the lower section being coupled. mechanically at a lower end of the at least one intermediate section, the other end of this at least one intermediate section being mechanically coupled to only one of: another intermediate section, the upper section; each mechanical coupling between two sections by their respective ends involving a seal so as to isolate these two sections.

Advantageously, the polishing system according to this embodiment comprises different containment levels composed of the different sections. This allows easier handling and cleaning of the polishing system.

According to a particular embodiment of the capsule polishing system according to the invention, the at least one protuberance comprises at least one protrusion portion attached to an additional element configured to be mechanically coupled to the wall so as to marry at least locally a shape of the wall;

the at least one protuberance portion being configured to penetrate a through-wall passageway when the additional member is mechanically coupled to the wall, such that the at least one protrusion portion is disposed at least partially within the wall. When the additional element matches the shape of the wall, the at least one protrusion portion penetrates from the outside of the wall inside the wall, through the passage La at least one protrusion portion is further coupled mechanically to the inner face of the wall so as to produce the technical advantages mentioned earlier in this text. Once thus arranged, the additional element and the at least one protuberance portion are preferably elongated along the axis. Preferably at least two such protruding portions elongated along the axis are fixed parallel to the additional element and able to enter two separate passages of the wall when the additional element at least partially marry a shape of the wall. Preferably, the element adds! is able to be in contact on an inner face with the outer surface of the wall.

Preferably, the additional element is coupled to the wall by means of fixing elements. These are likely to include screws and / or bolts and / or welds.

Preferably, the system comprises at least three such additional elements elongated along the axis, arranged in line along a portion of the elongated wall along the axis, a first additional element overhanging a second additional element, it even overhanging a third additional element, each additional element comprising at least one portion of protrusion elongated along the axis, more preferably at least two portions of similar protuberances, elongated along the axis, and parallel.

Each such additional element is then preferably coupled to a section of the wall when the wall comprises a plurality of sections as explained previously. In this case, when the at least one protuberance also includes at least one protrusion section facing two of the sections, and attached to at least one of the sections, elongated protuberances along the axis are thus advantageously arranged end to end along a direction parallel to the axis, on the inner face of the wall, so that all the bristles of the brush are able to be bent during the rotational movement of the brush around of the axis, and this thanks to the fact that a protuberance exists along the inner face of the wall, so facing the free ends of bristles of the brush distributed over the entire length of the brush.

Advantageously, a better polishing and a better line vacuum is thus obtained thanks to the system according to this particular embodiment of the invention.

Preferably, the at least one protuberance portion and the additional element are composed at least partially of a plastic material.

According to a particular embodiment of the above particular embodiment of the capsule polishing system according to the invention:

the system further comprises a suction unit adapted to evacuate dust from the inside of the wall; the wall comprises at least one hole of a diameter capable of being strictly smaller than a diameter of the capsules; the additional element comprises a pipe, a first end of the pipe being mechanically coupled to a portion of the wall comprising the at least one hole,

a second end of the pipe being mechanically coupled to the suction unit;

the pipe being arranged to transport the dust.

Advantageously, the at least one hole and the pipe make it possible to evacuate the dust from the inside of the wall. The dust is sucked by the suction unit, and thus pass through the at least one hole and the pipe, one end of which is mechanically coupled to a portion of the wall comprising the at least one hole, and a second end is mechanically coupled to the suction unit.

Advantageously, the at least one hole being of a diameter strictly smaller than a diameter of the capsules, the capsules are not able to be sucked by the at least one hole. In particular, only the dust is able to be sucked by the at least one hole.

Preferably, said wall comprises a plurality of holes of a diameter strictly smaller than a diameter of a capsule. Preferably, the plurality of holes is included in a portion of the elongated wall along the axis, the portion extending preferably along the entire wall relative to the axis.

Preferably, the at least one protuberance portion is fixed on the additional element without obstructing an end and / or an opening of the pipe. Preferably, the addition element and the at least one protuberance portion is parallelepipedal and elongated along the axis, the pipe is cylindrical, openings at the ends of the pipe are circular, the end of the pipe mechanically cut to a portion of the wall is formed in an inner face of the additional element and the at least one protrusion portion is fixed on this inner face at a predetermined distance from the circular opening.

More preferably, the additional element comprises two such parallelepipedal protuberance portions, elongated along the axis, fixed on the inner face, parallel to one another, at the same strictly positive distance from the coupled end. at the wall, on both sides of this end. Preferably, the system comprises at least three such additional elements elongated along the axis, arranged in line along a portion of the elongated wall along the axis, a first additional element overhanging a second additional element, it - even overhanging a third additional element, each additional element comprising a pipe and two portions of protuberances as described above in this paragraph.

Advantageously, portions of protuberances elongated along the axis are thus arranged end to end along a direction parallel to the axis, on the inside face of the wall, on either side of the ends of the pipes. coupled to the wall, so that all the bristles of the brush are able to be bent during the rotational movement of the brush about the axis, thus allowing a detachment of dust from the envelopes of the capsules, these dusts being sucked by the holes in the wall and the pipes mechanically coupled to the suction unit.

Advantageously, a better distribution of the pressure inside the wall, along the axis, is obtained through a series of two, three or more pipes mechanically coupled to a portion of the wall comprising holes not leaving pass the capsules, the ends of the ducts coupled to the wall being equidistant.

According to a particular embodiment of the above particular embodiment of the capsule polishing system according to the invention, the latter further comprises at least one seal attached to an inner face of the additional element, the at least one seal describing a curve on the inner face of the additional element, the curve being configured to conform locally to the shape of the wall, so as to surround an outer surface of the portion of the wall comprising the at least one hole, when the additional element is mechanically coupled to the wall.

Advantageously, this embodiment of the polishing system according to the invention allows a confinement of the portions of the wall with which the first end of the pipe is mechanically coupled, so as to ensure a dust-tight suction through the wall, by the at least one hole. This allows easier disassembly and cleaning of the polishing system.

Preferably, the curve described by the seal surrounds the at least one protuberance portion on the inner face of the additional element.

Preferably, for the embodiments comprising several additional elements, each such additional element is provided with such a seal on its inner face.

Preferably, when this particular embodiment is particularized in the case of a wall comprising several sections as described above, these sections are isolated by joints. Thus, lateral and end openings on the wall section are insulated by seals so as to facilitate the cleaning and disassembly of the polishing system.

According to a particular embodiment of the capsule polishing system according to the invention, the system further comprises:

a lower platen disposed perpendicular to the axis, mechanically coupled to the wall and a lower extremity section of the brush;

the lower end section of the brush being adapted to convey the capsules, from the inlet to an upper section of the brush overlying the lower end section of the brush during the rotational movement of the brush;

the upper section of the brush being able to convey the capsules of the lower extreme section of the brush at the outlet, during the rotational movement of the brush; at least one lug at a surface of the tray bordering the inside of the wall, the lug being adapted to drive at least one of the capsules, the tray to the lower end section of the brush, during the rotational movement of the brush.

The tray is preferably mechanically fixed to a base of the wall. Both the wall and the plate are fixed during the rotational movement.

Advantageously, the system according to this embodiment of the invention allows a line vacuum after use.

Indeed, as described above, the at least one protrusion of the polishing system effectively helps to remove any capsules that would be stuck in the bristles of the brush during their conveying. However, despite these protuberances, it is not excluded that a capsule between its entry into the polishing system and its actual conveyance on the conveyor ramp constituted by your bristles of the brush in rotational movement about the axis , misses its passage between the entrance and the extreme lower end of the brush and does not fall under the brush, therefore under the conveyor ramp. Obviously, this situation is rare and the system according to the invention is arranged so that it does not occur, but it still provides advantageously this case.

In order to solve the technical problem of the evacuation of capsules which would be stuck at the base of the polishing system, under the brush, under the conveyor ramp therefore, the system according to a particular embodiment of the invention proposes a tray provided with a lug, the plate and the lug having the technical characteristics mentioned above. When a capsule falls between the inlet and the lower end section of the brush, it is received by the tray. So, advantageously, she is not lost. Then, the brush being in rotational movement, it will drive the capsule on the plateau, towards the pin enjoying an advantageous position and an advantageous form, traditionally known by a skilled person. The movement of the rotating brush then allows the capsule pushed against the pin to acquire a trajectory partially along the axis and therefore, to start upwards, towards the lower extremal section of the brush, and therefore to be able to conveyed by this last. In other words, the capsule bounces against the lug of the tray and is received by the rotating brush. Thus, the capsules on the tray are conveyed on the conveyor ramp to the outlet and the polishing system according to this embodiment of the invention allows a line vacuum.

Advantageously, the plate provided with the pin is very easy and inexpensive to design and place on a polishing system according to the invention.

Preferably, the lug is fixed to an upper surface of the plate.

Preferably, the plate comprises feet capable of being inserted into a flange surmounting a base comprising the mechanical unit of the polishing system. The wall is preferably fixed to this base and the mechanical coupling between the plate and the wall is preferably carried out indirectly from this base. The wall and the tray are not driven in a rotational movement by the mechanical unit, unlike the brush.

the system further comprises a suction unit adapted to evacuate dust from the inside of the wall the tray comprises at least one orifice of a diameter capable of being strictly smaller than a diameter of the capsules; the suction unit comprises a duct mechanically coupled to the tray, the at least one orifice of the tray surmounting an opening of the duct;

the duct being arranged to transport the dust.

Advantageously, the dust is then sucked through the at least one orifice, by the suction unit, at the base of the polishing system according to this embodiment.

In the system according to this embodiment of the invention is also provided with holes in the wall and several lateral ducts included in additional elements as described above, a good balance of the pressure from bottom to top, in the interior of the wall, is ensured, as well as an optimal evacuation of the dust.

According to a particular embodiment of the capsule polishing system according to the invention, this system further comprises a logic unit connected to the mechanical unit and comprising an interface capable of:

- communicate information to a human operator outside the system;

- receive instructions from a human operator outside the system.

Advantageously, the connection between the logic unit and the mechanical unit allows these two units to communicate with each other by means of a wired or wireless connection. In particular, such a connection allows data exchange.

Advantageously, a human operator can consult the information relating to the systems via the interface and send instructions to the logical unit via the interface to adjust or adapt system operating parameters that are contained in the information.

Preferably, the information that is communicated to a human operator comprises a speed of rotation of the brush about the axis. Preferentially, the instructions that are received from a human operator include a rotational speed of the brush about the axis, the speed being within a predetermined range. Preferentially, the instructions that are received from a human operator include a stop or start of the system according to the invention.

The present invention also provides a capsule production line comprising the system according to the invention.

Preferably, this capsule production line comprises a gelatinizer comprising an access for introducing raw material and an escapement to evacuate capsules produced, the escapement being mechanically coupled to the inlet of the system according to the invention.

Typically, your current capsules have an escapement located low enough. Advantageously, the inlet of the polishing system according to the invention can be arranged at the same height as the escapement of a capsule to be coupled with the escape of a capsule within this capsule production line. In this case, the axis essentially corresponds to the Z axis and the outlet overhangs the inlet, the conveying ramp bringing the capsules from bottom to top.

Preferably, the capsule production line is configured to produce capsules in an automated manner.

According to a particular embodiment of the capsule polishing system according to the invention, this system also comprises:

an antistatic polymer tube mechanically coupled to the outlet and configured to route the capsules from the outlet; a detection unit mechanically coupled to the tube and configured to detect metal intoxication of the capsules as they are conveyed by the tube.

Advantageously, this polishing system not only polishes and cleans the capsules introduced by the inlet but also a detection of possible metal intoxication of these capsules.

According to this embodiment of the invention, when it is in action, the capsules leave the conveying ramp formed by the brush inside the wall and are entrained by the tube, the latter preferably comprising a mechanically coupled end. to the output. The tube preferably passes through the detector.

The advantageous composition of the antistatic polymer tube allows optimal sliding of the capsules potentially charged with static electricity.

Metallically poisoned capsules are ejected from the tube by an outlet, while the other capsules open into an ejection box mechanically coupled to another end of the tube. This ejection box is preferably connected to the earth so as to evacuate the static electricity of the capsule shell.

The tube is preferably rigid. The coupling of the tube with the housing and the outlet is at its ends via a cutting system comprising a flexible sleeve as described in European Patent Publication No. EP2321564B1.

A second object of the present invention is to provide a method of polishing capsules that allows both a particularly fast and effective polishing of capsules.

For this purpose, the invention proposes a method of polishing capsules comprising the steps of:

(i) providing a polishing system of the capsules according to the invention; (ii) generating a rotational movement of the brush about the axis by means of the mechanical unit;

(iii) introduce the capsules into the system through the inlet;

(iv) conveying the capsules from the inlet to the outlet on the conveying ramp formed by the brush in rotational movement about the axis;

(v) evacuate and recover the capsules by the outlet.

All of the embodiments and all the advantages of the capsule polishing system according to the invention transpose mutatis mutandis to the present polishing method. In this sense, an application of the method according to the invention allows a fast and efficient polishing of a large number of capsules.

Preferably, the method of polishing capsules according to the invention is included in a method for producing capsules so as to produce and polish capsules on the chain.

Brief description of the figures

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the detailed description which follows for the understanding of which reference will be made to the appended figures among which:

- Figure 1 illustrates a simplified schematic three-dimensional overall view of a capsule polishing system according to one embodiment of the invention;

- Figure 2 illustrates a schematic view of a lower portion of a capsule polishing system according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a three-dimensional diagrammatic view of an assembly of parts that make up the lower portion of the capsule polishing system according to the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 2; FIG. 4 illustrates a three-dimensional diagrammatic view of an additional element of a capsule polishing system according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic top view of the additional element of the capsule polishing system according to the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 4;

FIG. 8A illustrates a three-dimensional diagrammatic view of a plate and a pin of a capsule polishing system according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6B illustrates a two-dimensional schematic view of the placement of a tray similar to that shown in FIG. 6A in a capsule polishing system according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates a three-dimensional schematic view of a brush of a capsule polishing system according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 illustrates a flat transverse section of the brush of the capsule polishing system according to the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 illustrates a three-dimensional schematic view of a brush of a capsule polishing system according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10 illustrates a flat transverse section of the brush of the capsule polishing system according to the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 9.

The drawings of the figures are not to scale. Generally, similar elements are denoted by similar references in the figures. For the purpose of this document, identical or similar elements may bear the same references. In addition, the presence of reference numbers in the drawings can not be considered as limiting, even when these numbers are indicated in the claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PARTICULAR EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

This section provides a detailed description of preferred embodiments of the present invention. This last is described with particular embodiments and references to figures but the invention is not limited by them. In particular, the drawings or figures described below are only schematic and not limiting.

Note also that the Z axis, the lines d, d ', di, d ₂ , cfe, d ₄ , d ₅ , of, and the circle S are represented in certain figures which follow for purely illustrative purposes in order to visualize different characteristics embodiments of capsule polishing systems. In particular, these abstract geometric elements do not correspond to concrete material objects.

In the embodiments described, the axis of the capsule polishing system according to the invention coincides with the axis Z = (0, 0, 1) of the reference defined in the summary of the invention and the entry is dominated by the output of the system according to the invention. These choices and this particular representation is in no way limiting to the scope of the invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic three-dimensional simplified schematic view of a capsule polishing system 1 according to one embodiment of the invention.

The system 1 comprises an inlet 3A located at the bottom, an outlet 3B located at the top, and a cylindrical wall 4 arranged symmetrically along the axis Z. The wall is composed of three sections: a lower cylindrical section 4A, a cylindrical section intermediate 4C, and an upper cylindrical section 4B, mechanically coupled to each other from the bottom up along the Z axis. The section 4A includes an inlet opening (9A, visible in FIG. 2) coupled to the inlet 3A and the section 4B comprises an outlet opening 9B coupled to the outlet 3B More specifically, the inputs 3A and 3B each comprise a duct fitting into the respective inlet and outlet openings.

A helical brush is located in the interior of the wall. The representation of FIG. 1 being a three-dimensional overall view of a polishing system according to an embodiment of the invention by observer, the helical brush is not represented through the wall. The figures will focus on the helical brush later.

Returning to the polishing system shown in FIG. 1. This comprises additional elements 12, 12C and 12B arranged from bottom to top, in this order, at the same length interval, along the Z axis, and facing respectively. in the middle of the sections 4A, 4C and 4B of the wall 4. Each of the additional elements 12, 12C and 12B is coupled to the wall 4 via a pipe not shown in FIG. 1, one end of which is coupled with a portion of the wall comprising holes not shown in FIG.

The additional elements allow mechanical coupling with a series of ducts 11A, 11C and 11B belonging to a suction unit 11. These ducts are arranged from bottom to top, in this order, along the axis Z, to form a single long conduit disposed along the Z axis, two conduits being coupled to each other by one of the additional elements. The conduit 11A faces a base of the system 1 and a lower half of the section 4A, the conduit 11C faces an upper half of the section 4A and a lower half of the section 4C, the conduit 1 1 B is facing an upper half of Section 4C and a lower half of Section 4B. The conduit 11A is attached to a bend and to another conduit 1 1 D surmounted by the wall, communicating via at least one orifice with the inside of the wall. The ducts 11A-D of the suction unit connect four zones bounding the inside of the wall communicating with the inside of the wall via the holes and orifices mentioned above, so as to extract dust from the inside of the wall. and to evacuate it through the conduits 11A-D. The dust typically comprises powder glued to the capsules.

The system 1 preferably comprises an antistatic polymer tube 21 mechanically coupled to the outlet 3B by a flexible sleeve, the coupling being as described in European Patent Publication No. EP2321564B1, so as to route the capsules without the static electricity present on their envelopes does not hinder it. The tube 21 passes through a metal poisoning detecting unit 20, so as to detect any capsules possibly intoxicated with metals. An evacuation of such capsule is also provided at the outlet of the tube 21.

The system 1 is disposed on a carriage 18 comprising an enclosure in which technical and electronic infrastructures are arranged including a possible dust receiver coupled to the suction unit 11. The entire system can thus be easily moved and positioned, especially at the exit of a gel capsule.

The carriage is also likely to comprise a logic unit of which an interface 17 is shown in FIG. 1. Thus, various parameters of the system 1 such as the speed of rotation of the helical brush around the Z axis can be communicated to a human operator or order by a human operator.

FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic view of a lower portion of a capsule polishing system 1 according to one embodiment of the invention. This is a more detailed representation of the ducts 11A and 11D, as well as the lower cylindrical section of the wall 4 described above. The inlet opening 9A and the inlet 3A make it possible to introduce the capsules 2 into the system, and to allow their conveying by the helical brush not shown and located inside the wall 4

The junction between the additional element 12 and the conduit 11A is achieved by means of connections 19. The element adds! 12 is mechanically coupled to the wall 4 with fastening elements 13 so as to conform to the shape of a portion of the wall 4 comprising at least one hole for letting the dust sucked in from the inside of the wall by the suction unit 11.

Similar representations and descriptions are current for the other additional elements 12C and 12B, as well as for the conduits 11B and 11C.

FIG. 3 illustrates a three-dimensional schematic view of an assembly of parts that make up the lower portion of the polishing system 1 of capsules 2 according to the embodiment of the invention which is illustrated in FIG. 2.

This view constitutes a plan allowing a person skilled in the art to easily reconstitute the system according to the invention. This view shows the holes 43 in a portion of the wall 4 coupled to one end of the pipe 14 of the additional element 12. Thus, the holes pass the dust that is sucked from the inside of the wall by the unit. suction 11, these dusts being channeled through line 14 and ducts 11A and 11D.

The element adds up! 12 is configured to be mechanically coupled to the portion of the wall 4 including the holes 43. In order to fit the cylindrical shape of the wall 4, the additional element is elongated along the Z axis and in the form of a cylindrical portion. A curved joint 22A is between a face of the element and the portions of the wall 4 comprising the holes 43, so as to isolate this portion and contribute to sealing the system 1. Another seal 22B is coupled to an upper end of the portion of the wall so as to also contribute to a sectional sealing of the system 1. This sealing allows easier cleaning and disassembly of the system 1 It also allows the system to include a cleaning unit. capsules (not shown) by means of a liquid.

The at least one protuberance comprises two portions of protuberances elongated along the axis, not visible in this figure, which are fixed on an inner face of the additional element so as to penetrate into two elongated passages 42 through the wall 4, these being arranged on either side of the holes 43. When the additional element is coupled to the wall 4 with the fastening elements 13, the protuberance portions protrude through the passages 42 inside the wall 4, so as to constitute protuberances of the inner face 41 of the wall along the entire cylindrical section of the wall 4 shown. Thus, the at least one protuberance is capable of bending at least some of the bristles of the brush inside the wall 4. The at least one protuberance also comprises a protrusion section 8B fixed to the portion of the wall 4 so as to constituting an extension of a protuberance portion along the Z axis, and to obtain a better drainage along the entire Z axis, and not just along the protuberance portions.

The present considerations extend without limitation to the other additional elements and the other cylindrical sections of the wall 4. In addition, the number of such 3 elements or section is not limiting and a higher or lower number can be chosen without departing of the scope of the invention.

The at least one protuberance is described as including protrusion sections 8B straddling two cylindrical sections of the wall, aligned along the Z axis, as well as elongate protrusion portions and attached to additional elements 12 conforming to a portion of the wall 4 provided with holes. However, this last realization of protrusion portions is not limited to the case where the protuberances are attached to the inner face 41 of the wall 4 without having to be coupled thereto by means of an additional element. In addition, the at least one protrusion can combine both sections of protuberances attached to the inner face 41 of the wall and protrusion sections attached to at least one additional element 12 mechanically coupled to the wall 4.

FIG. 4 illustrates a three-dimensional schematic view of an additional element 12 of a polishing system 1 of capsules 2 according to one embodiment of the invention.

The connection 19A makes it possible to connect together the ducts 11A and 11C shown in FIG. 1, but also to connect them to the duct 14 of the additional element 12, one end of which faces the holes 43 of the wall 4. The dusts are thus easily extracted from the inside of the wall 4 through the holes 43 and channel through the pipe 14 and the ducts 11A-D.

The connections 19B make it possible to mechanically couple the additional element 12 to a portion of the wall 4 by means of the fastening elements 13.

FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic top view of the additional element 12 of the polishing system 1 of capsules 2 according to the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 4.

This figure is the first one allowing finally to precisely visualize the position of the two elongated protuberances of the at least one protuberance 8 which are fixed on a cylindrical inner face of the additional element 12.

The ends 14A and 14B of the pipe 14 are also visible in FIG. 5. The end 14A is mechanically coupled to the portion of the wall 4 comprising the holes 43, and the end 14B is mechanically coupled to the conduits 11A and 11C, and therefore to the suction unit 11.

FIG. 6A illustrates a three-dimensional schematic view of a plate 15 and a pin 18 of a polishing system 1 of capsules 2 according to one embodiment of the invention, while FIG. 6B illustrates a two-dimensional schematic view of the invention. placing such a tray 15 in this polishing system 1 of capsules 2.

The plate 15 is of annular shape and comprises orifices 15A surmounting an opening of the duct 11 D, allowing a complementary connection of the inside of the wall 4 with the suction unit 1 1 so as to evacuate the dust through the duct 11 D.

The lug 16 is typically half-cylinder shaped so as to allow the capsules 2 which would be under the conveying ramp to bounce on the lug 16, under the influence of the rotational movement of the brush, so as to be to cause the plate 15 to a lower extremal section of the brush.

An opening 19C in the center of the plate allows a housing for a central cylindrical portion 10 disposed symmetrically about the Z axis, on which part are fixed the ends of the bristles. The central cylindrical portion 10 is rotated, causing in this movement the bristles of the brush, while the plate 15 and the wall 4 are fixed. The plate comprises legs 15B inserted into a flange 23 fixed to a base to which the wall 4 is coupled, the base comprising the mechanical unit of the system 1.

The at least one protuberance comprises debut protuberances 8A surmounting two portions of the lateral end of the plate 15. These protuberances begin to face the lower extremal section of the brush and are arranged to curve at least some hairs of the extremal section bottom of the brush during the rotation movement. These beginnings of protuberances are in contact with both elongate protuberances shown in Figure 5 when all the parts of the polishing system 1 are nested.

Figures 7 and 9 illustrate two schematic views of helical brushes 5 of a polishing system 1 of capsules 2 according to two separate embodiments of the invention.

These two representations are neither exhaustive nor limiting of the embodiments of the brush 5 according to the invention.

The brush comprises the lower end section 5A of which it has been discussed above and an upper section 5B constituting essentially the rest of the brush 5. The lower end section 5A conveys the capsules of the inlet to the upper section 5B, and the upper section 5B conveys the capsules of the lower end section 5A to the outlet 5B.

The brush 5 is disposed inside the wall 4 so that a plurality of free ends of the longest bristles touch or are in contact with the wall 4, thus forming a conveying ramp for the capsules 2 from entrance 3A to exit 3B. The helical brush is supported on the Z axis and is arranged symmetrically with respect to this axis and to the wall 4.

FIG. 8 illustrates a flat transverse section of the helical brush 5 of the polishing system 1 of capsules 2 according to the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 7.

In particular, Figure 8 illustrates the bristles 6 of the brush 5 and the free end 7 of each bristle 6. Each bristle 8 comprises an end fixed to a central cylindrical portion 10 already discussed above. A first hair 61 comprises a free end 71 at a distance more than 2 mm further from the Z axis than the free end 72 of a second hair 62. The free end 71 is arranged along the straight line d ₄ , while the free end 62 is disposed along the line of, these two lines being parallel to the Z axis and spaced more than 2 mm. The free ends 7 of the bristles 6 are aligned on parallel lines di, d ₂ , da, d ₄ d ₅ and d ₆ , arranged symmetrically on either side of the axis Z. Thus, di, d ₂ and ds are respectively the orthogonal symmetries of d ₂ , d ₄ and with respect to the Z axis. The ends of the bristles 7 thus have a profile stair step vaunted and detailed in the summary of the present invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates a flat transverse section of the helical brush 5 of the polishing system 1 of capsules 2 according to the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 9.

In particular, Figure 10 illustrates the different bristles 6 of the brush 5 and the free end 7 of each bristle 6. Each bristle 6 comprises an end attached to the central cylindrical portion 10. A first bristle 61 includes a free end 71 at a distance more than 2 mm further from the Z axis than the free end 72 of a second pile 62. The free end 71 is disposed along the straight line of, while the free end 62 is arranged along a circle similar to S whose center is on the right of.

In general, the free ends 7 of the bristles 6 are arranged along two straight lines d and d 'and along semicircles based on the circle S whose centers are exclusively aligned at the same distance on two straight lines d and d'. . The ends of the bristles 7 thus have a vaulted profile vaulted and detailed in the summary of the present invention.

In summary, the present invention relates to a system 1 and a method of polishing capsules 2. The system 1 according to the invention comprises a brush 5 located at least partially inside a wall 4 arranged around a Z axis The brush comprises bristles 6 arranged around the axis Z so as to form a helical conveyor ramp for the capsules 2. The lengths of the bristles 6 of the brush 5 are substantially distinct and a protuberance 8, 8A, 8B is coupled. mechanically to the wall 4 to bend at least some of the bristles 6 of the brush 5 when the latter is rotated about the Z axis The method according to the invention essentially consists of putting the aforementioned system into practice.

The present invention has been described in relation to specific embodiments, which have a purely illustrative value and should not be considered as limiting.

In general, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the examples illustrated and / or described above. The invention includes each of the novel features described throughout this document, as well as all their combinations. For example, it is possible, while remaining within the scope of the invention, for the system to comprise bristles arranged in the manner illustrated in FIG. 8 and bristles arranged in the manner illustrated in FIG.

For the purposes of this document, the terms "first",

"Second", "third" and "fourth" serve only to differentiate the different elements and do not imply any order between them. The use of the verbs "to understand", "to include", "to include", or any other variant, as well as their conjugations, can in no way exclude the presence of elements other than those mentioned. The use of the indefinite article "a", "an", or the definite article "the", "the" or "P", to introduce an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of these elements.

Claims

claims

System (1) for polishing capsules (2) comprising:

an entry (3A);

an output (3B);

a wall (4) disposed about an axis (Z) extending from said inlet (3A) to said outlet (3B);

a brush (5) located at least partially inside the wall (4) and comprising bristles (6) arranged around said axis (Z) so as to form a helical conveying ramp for said capsules (2), said inlet (3A) at said outlet (3B);

each of said bristles (6) comprising a free end (7) facing an inner face (41) of said wall (4); a mechanical unit arranged to generate a rotational movement of said brush (5) around said axis (Z) for conveying said capsules (2) from said inlet (3A) to said outlet (3B);

characterized in that

a distance between said axis (Z) and said free end (71) of a first hair (61) of said brush (5), and a distance between said axis (Z) and said free end (72) of a second pile (62) of said brush (5) differ by at least 2 mm;

said system (1) comprises at least one protuberance (8, 8A, 8B)

at said inner face (41) of said wall (4), and arranged to curve at least some of said bristles (6) of said brush (5) during said rotational movement of said brush (5) about said axis (Z )

2. System (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that: - the first hair (81) is adapted to support said capsules (2);

said free end (72) of said second bristle (62) is adapted to come into contact with said capsules (2); and

said protuberance (8, 8A, 8B) is adapted to come into contact with said capsules (2) so as to influence a trajectory of said capsules (2) during said rotational movement of said brush (5) about said axis (Z).

3. System (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that said bristles (6) are substantially arranged along straight segments orthogonal to said axis (Z), so as to coincide with said segments of right;

said line segments corresponding to transverse sections of circular helicoids bearing on said axis (Z), said transverse sections being made in planes orthogonal to said axis (Z); said circular helicoids being likewise not and of the same internal radius;

an outer radius of a first helicoid of said helicoids differing by at least 2 mm from an outer radius of a second helicoid of said helicoids

4. System (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said free ends (7) of said bristles (6) included in a transverse section of said brush (5) in a plane comprising said axis ( Z) are essentially arranged along four to twenty lines parallel to said axis (Z), aligned symmetrically on said plane, on either side of said axis (Z);

a distance between said axis (Z) and a first of said straight lines, and a distance between said axis (Z) and a second of said straight lines, differing by at least 2 mm.

5. System (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said free ends (7) of said bristles (6) included in a transverse section of said brush (5) in a plane comprising said axis ( Z) are essentially arranged along:

similar half-ellipses of axes parallel and / or orthogonal to said axis (Z); and

along two straight lines parallel to said axis (Z), aligned symmetrically on said plane, on either side of said axis (Z).

6. System (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that:

said wall (4) is cylindrical and arranged symmetrically along said axis (Z);

said wall (4) comprises:

A lower cylindrical section (4A) comprising an inlet opening (9A) mechanically coupled to said inlet (3A), and

An upper cylindrical section (4B) overlying said lower cylindrical section (4A) and including an outlet opening (9B) mechanically coupled to said outlet (3B);

said inner face (41) is cylindrical with radius R;

said system (1) comprises a central cylindrical portion (10) disposed symmetrically along said axis (Z) and comprising a cylindrical outer surface of radius r <R; each of said bristles (8) of said brush (5) comprises an end fixed to said central cylindrical portion (10).

7. System (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said wall (4) comprises a plurality of sections (4A, 4B, 4C) mechanically coupled to each other, and in that said at least one protuberance (8, 8A, 8B) comprises at least one protrusion section (8B) facing two of said sections (4A, 4B, 4C), and attached to at least one of said sections (4A, 4B, 4C) .

8. System (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said at least one protrusion (8, 8A, 8B) comprises at least one protrusion portion (8) attached to an additional element (12). ) configured to be mechanically coupled to said wall (4) so as to conform at least locally to a shape of said wall (4); said at least one protuberance portion (8) being configured to penetrate a passage (42) passing through said wall (4) when said additional member (12) is mechanically coupled to said wall (4), so that said at least one protrusion portion (8) is disposed at least partially within said wall (4).

9. System (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that:

the system (1) comprises a suction unit (11) able to evacuate dust from the inside of said wall (4);

said wall (4) comprises at least one hole (43) of a diameter capable of being strictly smaller than a diameter of said capsules (2);

said additional element (12) comprises a pipe (14), a first end (14A) of said conduit (14) being mechanically coupled to a portion of said wall (4) comprising said at least one hole (43), a second end (14B) of said conduit (14) being mechanically coupled to said suction unit (11);

said pipe (14) being arranged to transport said dust,

10. System (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it further comprises at least one seal (22A) attached to an inner face of said additional element (12), said at least one seal (22k) describing a curve on said inner face of said additional element (12), said curve being configured to conform locally to said shape of said wall (4), so as to surround an outer surface of said portion of said wall (4) comprising said at least one hole ( 43), when said additional element (12) is mechanically coupled to said wall (4).

System (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that it further comprises:

a lower plate (15) disposed perpendicularly to said axis (Z), mechanically coupled to said wall (4) and a lower end section (5A) of said brush (5);

said lower end section (5A) of said brush (5) being adapted to convey said capsules (2) from said inlet (3A) to an upper section (5B) of said brush (5) overlying said lower end section (5A) said brush (5) during said rotational movement of said brush (5); said upper section (5B) of said brush (5) being able to convey said capsules (2) of said lower end section (5A) of said brush (5) to said outlet (3B) during said rotational movement of said brush ( 5); at least one lug (16) at a surface of said plate (15) bordering the inside of said wall (4), said lug (16) being able to drive at least one of said capsules (2) of said plate (15); ) at said lower end section (5A) of said brush (5), during said rotational movement of said brush (5),

12. System (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that:

said plate (15) comprises at least one orifice (15A) of a diameter capable of being strictly smaller than a diameter of said capsules (2);

said suction unit (11) comprises a duct (11D) mechanically coupled to said platen (15), said at least one aperture (15A) of said platen (15) surmounting an opening of said duct (11 D);

said duct (11 D) being arranged to transport said dust.

13. Capsule production line (2) comprising the system (1) for polishing said capsules (2) according to any one of the preceding claims.

14. System (1) according to any one of the preceding claims _{"characterized} in that it further comprises:

an antistatic polymer tube (21) mechanically coupled to said outlet (3B) and configured to route said capsules (2) from said outlet (3B);

a detection unit (20) mechanically coupled to said tube (21) and configured to detect metal intoxication of said capsules (2) when conveyed by said tube (21).

15. A method of polishing capsules (2) comprising the steps of:

) providing a system (1) for polishing said capsules (2) according to any one of the preceding claims;

(ü) generating a rotational movement of said brush (5) about said axis (Z) by means of said mechanical unit;

(iii) introducing said capsules (2) into said system (1) through said inlet (3A);

(iv) conveying said capsules (2) from said inlet (3A) to said outlet (3B) on said conveying ramp formed by said brush (5) in rotational movement about said axis (Z);

(v) evacuate and recover said capsules (2) through said outlet (3B).