EP3861974A1 - Capsule closing device for closing two-part capsules - Google Patents
Capsule closing device for closing two-part capsules Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP3861974A1 EP3861974A1 EP20156171.9A EP20156171A EP3861974A1 EP 3861974 A1 EP3861974 A1 EP 3861974A1 EP 20156171 A EP20156171 A EP 20156171A EP 3861974 A1 EP3861974 A1 EP 3861974A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- capsule
- receptacle
- closing device
- receiving bore
- bore
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
- 239000002775 capsule Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 279
- 238000009423 ventilation Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 37
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 32
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 32
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 8
- 239000000428 dust Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000000945 filler Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000005429 filling process Methods 0.000 description 3
- 229920003088 hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000002360 preparation method Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000001828 Gelatine Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000013543 active substance Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000005336 cracking Methods 0.000 description 2
- 235000015872 dietary supplement Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 229920000159 gelatin Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 235000019322 gelatine Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 235000010979 hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 230000009191 jumping Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000004480 active ingredient Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000994 depressogenic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000011161 development Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005553 drilling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003628 erosive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003801 milling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003825 pressing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000009747 swallowing Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000007704 transition Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000013022 venting Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61J—CONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
- A61J3/00—Devices or methods specially adapted for bringing pharmaceutical products into particular physical or administering forms
- A61J3/07—Devices or methods specially adapted for bringing pharmaceutical products into particular physical or administering forms into the form of capsules or similar small containers for oral use
- A61J3/071—Devices or methods specially adapted for bringing pharmaceutical products into particular physical or administering forms into the form of capsules or similar small containers for oral use into the form of telescopically engaged two-piece capsules
- A61J3/074—Filling capsules; Related operations
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61J—CONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
- A61J3/00—Devices or methods specially adapted for bringing pharmaceutical products into particular physical or administering forms
- A61J3/07—Devices or methods specially adapted for bringing pharmaceutical products into particular physical or administering forms into the form of capsules or similar small containers for oral use
- A61J3/071—Devices or methods specially adapted for bringing pharmaceutical products into particular physical or administering forms into the form of capsules or similar small containers for oral use into the form of telescopically engaged two-piece capsules
- A61J3/072—Sealing capsules, e.g. rendering them tamper-proof
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B08—CLEANING
- B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
- B08B5/00—Cleaning by methods involving the use of air flow or gas flow
- B08B5/04—Cleaning by suction, with or without auxiliary action
Definitions
- the invention relates to a capsule closing device for closing two-part capsules having the features according to the preamble of claim 1.
- Ingestible capsules are used, in the interior of which active substance preparations or the like are filled. Such capsules are designed in two parts and consist of a lower part of the capsule and an upper part of the capsule attached to it. Common capsule materials are hard gelatine, HPMC (hydroxylpropylmethyl cellulose) or the like.
- Empty capsules are delivered in a loosely assembled state for filling and fed to a capsule closing device.
- This comprises a capsule upper part receptacle and a capsule lower part receptacle, with the loosely assembled empty capsule initially coming to rest in the capsule upper part receptacle.
- the lower capsule part is pulled out of the upper capsule part, for example by means of negative pressure, and inserted into the lower capsule part receptacle.
- the lower part of the capsule is filled in the lower part of the capsule.
- the lower capsule part is then pressed, for example by means of a stamp, to the upper capsule part receptacle and there inserted into the upper capsule part.
- the capsule base of the lower capsule part can also tear or break when the lower capsule part receptacle is hit. Since high forces are also necessary when closing the capsule, the bottom can be depressed or even break by the punch engaging the bottom of the lower part of the capsule.
- the invention is based on the object of developing a capsule closing device of the generic type in such a way that its operational reliability is increased.
- the capsule closing device is based on the consideration that the high forces necessary for separating and closing the capsule are based on a lack of pressure compensation.
- the capsule top is supported along its capsule edge on the support shoulder of the capsule top receptacle.
- the lower part of the capsule is flush with the insertion hole of the upper part of the capsule receptacle. Consequently, the capsule upper part and the capsule lower part delimit one Interior, the volume of which expands with downward movement of the lower capsule part in the direction of the lower capsule part receptacle.
- the interior remains essentially airtight, at least initially. Accordingly, a negative pressure is formed in the interior between the upper part of the capsule and the lower part of the capsule, which makes it difficult to separate the capsule.
- the upper capsule part of the capsule receptacle has at least one ventilation groove on its inside.
- the ventilation groove extends from the receiving bore to the insertion bore.
- the upper part of the capsule receptacle preferably has at least two, in particular three, ventilation grooves on its inside.
- the ventilation groove allows sufficient air to flow into the interior space between the capsule upper part and the lower capsule part, so that pressure equalization is ensured. There is no or only a slight negative pressure in the interior. With an increasing number of ventilation grooves in the upper capsule receptacle, the pressure equalization can take place more quickly. The lower part of the capsule can be separated more easily from the upper part of the capsule. Because of the reduced separating forces, the lower part of the capsule that is finally released is sucked into the lower part of the capsule receptacle with less force, as a result of which capsule cracking or other damage to the capsule can be avoided. By avoiding a high negative pressure, the alternating pulse resulting therefrom in the event of a pressure equalization is also only very small, so that unintentional ejection of the capsule top part from the capsule top part receptacle can be avoided.
- the pressure equalization also takes place when the capsule is closed.
- the volume of the interior space between the lower part of the capsule and the upper part of the capsule is reduced.
- the excess air escapes through the ventilation groove, which prevents overpressure when closing the capsule. Accordingly, no overpressure counteracts the closing force on the lower capsule part.
- the forces can thereby be reduced when the capsule is closed, so that any damage to the capsule due to excessive closing forces can be avoided.
- the receiving bore of the upper capsule part preferably extends from a first longitudinal end to a second longitudinal end on the support shoulder, the at least one venting groove extending from the insertion bore to the first longitudinal end of the receiving bore.
- the first longitudinal end of the receiving bore corresponds to an insertion area with an insertion bevel for threading in the capsule.
- the insertion area tapers in the direction from the first longitudinal end to the second longitudinal end.
- the support shoulder of the capsule closing device typically has a circumferential inner edge.
- the at least one ventilation groove advantageously forms an interruption in this inner edge. Accordingly, the interruption of the inner edge is located exactly at the position at which the upper capsule part and the lower capsule part overlap in the closed state. If the lower capsule part is pulled out of the upper capsule part, the pressure compensation in the interior can take place at the earliest possible point in time when the lower capsule part and the upper capsule part no longer overlap. When closing the capsule, the pressure equalization take place over the longest possible period of time until the lower part of the capsule and the upper part of the capsule overlap again and define an airtight interior space.
- the capsule closing device preferably comprises a suction device for sucking off dust particles on the capsule.
- the suction device can preferably be connected to the ventilation groove.
- the capsule can be cleaned of dust particles at an early stage which, for example, have settled on the capsule during the filling process of filling material or were whirled up during the closing process.
- the support shoulder is formed by an annular groove in the receiving bore for receiving unwanted filler material.
- the receiving bore preferably comprises a second longitudinal section adjoining the annular groove and a first longitudinal section adjoining the second longitudinal section.
- the first longitudinal section of the receiving bore preferably forms a constriction for clamping the upper part of the capsule.
- the capsule pushed into the receiving bore is held clamped on the upper part of the capsule by the constriction of the second section.
- the constriction is designed in such a way that the clamping forces are sufficiently high to prevent the capsule top part from cracking during the separation and closing process of the capsule, and yet it is still possible to intentionally eject the capsule without damaging it.
- the receiving bore has a clamping diameter at the constriction, the clamping diameter being smaller than a base diameter of the second longitudinal section.
- the narrowing of the receiving bore is formed by this clamping diameter, which is smaller than the base diameter.
- the base diameter is preferably constant over the entire second longitudinal section.
- the clamping diameter is advantageously larger than the diameter of the receiving bore on the support shoulder.
- the clamping diameter at the constriction is sufficiently small to keep the upper part of the capsule clamped.
- the The clamping diameter is still sufficiently large that such a strong compression that the upper part of the capsule slips past the support shoulder into the insertion bore can be avoided.
- the corresponding lower capsule bushing can also have a constriction with a combination of base diameter and clamping diameter.
- the ratio of the clamping diameter to the base diameter is expediently approx. 0.97 on the upper part socket and about 0.96 on the lower part socket.
- An independent, likewise inventive idea consists in providing the aforementioned capsule closing device only with the aforementioned constriction instead of a ventilation groove.
- Fig. 1 shows a schematic, partially sectioned illustration of a two-part capsule 20, as it is used, for example, in the pharmaceutical sector or in the area of food supplements, and which contains an active ingredient preparation in the filled state.
- a two-part capsule 20 When completely filled and closed, it is intended to be swallowed by a person.
- Various materials such as hard gelatine, HPMC or the like come into consideration as the capsule material, which dissolves after swallowing and releases the capsule contents.
- the two-part capsule 20 is composed of an upper capsule part 21 and a lower capsule part 22, the lower capsule part 22 with a nominal lower part diameter du being pushed into the open side of the upper capsule part 21 with a larger nominal upper part diameter D O.
- the capsule upper part 21 consists in the usual design of a hemispherical dome 23, to which a cylinder section 24 is connected. On its open side, the upper capsule part 21 is delimited by a circumferential capsule edge 25 of the cylinder section 24.
- the lower capsule part 22 is constructed analogously to the upper capsule part 21 and consists of a hemispherical dome 26, to which a cylinder section 27 adjoins.
- the lower capsule part 22 On its side facing the upper capsule part 21 and inserted there, the lower capsule part 22 is delimited by a circumferential capsule edge 28 of the cylinder section 27, with a part of the cylinder section 27 including its circumferential capsule edge 28 within the cylinder section 24 of the upper capsule part in the assembled state of the upper capsule part 21 and lower capsule part 22 21 comes to rest.
- Fig. 2 shows a capsule closure device 1 according to the invention in a longitudinal sectional view, which comprises a capsule upper part receptacle 2 and a capsule lower part receptacle 3.
- a capsule closing arrangement with an upper capsule part 21 and a lower capsule part 22 of a capsule 20 is arranged.
- the upper capsule part receptacle 2 has a receiving bore 4 for receiving the upper capsule part 21 and merges in the direction of the lower capsule part receptacle 3 into a coaxially arranged insertion bore 5.
- the diameter of the insertion hole 5 is reduced compared to the diameter of the receiving hole 4, so that a circumferential support shoulder 6 is formed at the transition between the receiving hole 4 and the insertion hole 5.
- the support shoulder 6 delimits the receiving bore 4 downwards and, like the insertion bore 5, is narrowed relative to the receiving bore 4.
- the capsule 20 is inserted into the upper capsule part receptacle 2 according to the arrow 12 in such a way that the upper capsule part 21 comes to rest with its cylinder section 24 in the receiving bore 5, while the circumferential capsule edge 25 of the upper capsule part 21 rests on the support shoulder 6.
- the support shoulder 6 has a smaller inner diameter than the receiving bore 4, through which the lower capsule part 22 can be passed.
- the lower capsule part receptacle 3 is positioned coaxially and comprises a receiving bore 13.
- the lower capsule part 22 protruding into the insertion bore 5 is pulled out of the upper capsule part 21 into the receiving bore 13 of the lower capsule part receptacle 3 in the direction of arrow 12, to it comes to rest with its downwardly pointing dome 26 on a shoulder 14 that is reduced in diameter compared to the receiving bore 13.
- the cylinder section 27 of the lower capsule part 22 is supported by the peripheral wall of the receiving bore 14.
- the lower capsule part 22 is filled with the active substance preparation (not shown) while it is held in the lower capsule part receptacle 3.
- the capsule 20 is closed by means of the capsule closing device 1, for example by pressing the lower capsule part 21 against the direction of the arrow 12 against the direction of the arrow 12 through the receiving bore 14 and the insertion bore 5 into the upper capsule part 21, for example.
- a counterforce is exerted on the upper capsule part 21 for spatial fixation of the same in the direction of the arrow 12, for example by means of a stamp, also not shown.
- the circumferential capsule edge 28 of the lower capsule part 22 slides radially inside the circumferential capsule edge 25 of the upper capsule part 21 into its cylinder section 24.
- FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view of the capsule top part receptacle 2 according to FIG Fig. 2 shown.
- the receiving bore 4 extends along a longitudinal axis 16 of the capsule upper part receptacle 2 from a first longitudinal end 30 to a second longitudinal end 31.
- the receiving bore 4 can be divided in the direction of the arrow 12 into several sections in a corresponding sequence, namely the first longitudinal end 30, a longitudinal section 32 and the second longitudinal end 31.
- the first longitudinal end 30 of the receiving bore 4 is formed by an insertion region 35 with an insertion bevel 36 for threading the capsule 20.
- the insertion region 36 tapers in the direction of the arrow 12 and merges into the longitudinal section 34.
- the longitudinal section 34 extends to the second end 31 of the receiving bore 4, the receiving bore 4 being cylindrical along the longitudinal section 34 and having a constant diameter D 1 .
- the second end 31 is formed by a circumferential annular groove 29 on the inside 11 of the upper capsule part receptacle 2.
- the annular groove 29 serves to receive filler material that has escaped undesirably.
- a support shoulder 6 is formed on the annular groove 29, the support shoulder 6 having a shoulder diameter D A which is smaller than the diameter D 1 of the receiving bore 4 on the longitudinal section 34.
- the insertion bore 5 is formed adjacent to the support shoulder 6 and extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis 16 of the upper capsule part receptacle 2 as far as the bore end 37. At the end of the bore 37, the insertion hole 5 widens again like a funnel in the direction of the arrow 12, which promotes the threading of the lower capsule part 22 into the insertion hole 5 after the filling process.
- a plurality of ventilation grooves 9 are formed on the upper capsule part receptacle 2.
- the preferred embodiment of the capsule upper part receptacle 2 has three ventilation grooves 9 ( Fig. 4 ).
- the formation of a single ventilation groove 9 can already be expedient.
- the capsule upper part 21 rests with its capsule edge 25 flush against the inside 11 of the receiving bore 4. If the lower capsule part 22 is pulled out of the upper capsule part 22, the capsule edge 28 of the lower capsule part 22 is also flush with the inside 11 of the insertion bore 5.
- the upper capsule part 21 and the lower capsule part 22 delimit an interior 15.
- the ventilation groove 9 enables air to be exchanged between the interior 15 and the environment outside the upper capsule receptacle 2. Consequently, when the capsule 20 is separated and closed, pressure equalization takes place, so that a negative or positive pressure in the interior 15 can be avoided.
- the ventilation groove 9 is formed on the inside 11 of the upper capsule part receptacle 2. As in Fig. 3 As shown, the ventilation groove 9 runs from the insertion hole 5 to the receiving hole 4. In the exemplary embodiment, the ventilation groove 9 extends from the insertion hole 5 to the first longitudinal end 30 of the receiving hole 4 35 has the insertion bevel 36, the capsule upper part 21 lies in the The insertion area 35 does not touch the inside 11. The ventilation groove 9 in the insertion area 35 is therefore not closed by the capsule 20, as a result of which pressure equalization with the surroundings can take place. In an alternative embodiment of the capsule closure device 1, it can even be sufficient for effective pressure equalization if the ventilation groove 9 only extends into the longitudinal section 34.
- the ventilation groove 9 should then extend at least so far into the receiving bore 4 that the end 38 of the ventilation groove 9 facing away from the support shoulder 6 is at a distance a from the support shoulder 6 that corresponds at least to the diameter D 1 of the receiving bore 4 on the longitudinal section 34.
- the ventilation groove 9 runs through the support shoulder 6 and thereby forms an interruption 8 of the essentially circumferential inner edge 7 of the support shoulder 8.
- the interruption 8 of the inner edge 7 of the support shoulder 6 the capsule edge 25 of the upper capsule part 21 is not airtight on the Support paragraph 6, which ensures the earliest possible pressure equalization.
- Fig. 4 is the capsule upper part receptacle 2 according to the embodiment of FIG Fig. 2 shown in a top view.
- the ventilation grooves 9 are distributed in the circumferential direction of the longitudinal axis 16 at a uniform angular distance. Accordingly, in the exemplary embodiment according to Fig. 4 the angular distance between the three ventilation grooves 9 120 °. It can also be expedient to form the ventilation grooves 9 on the upper capsule part receptacle 2 at a non-uniform angular spacing in the circumferential direction of the longitudinal axis 16.
- the ventilation groove 9 extends in the circumferential direction of the longitudinal axis 16 over a width which corresponds to an angular range ⁇ of at least 15 °, preferably at least 30 °, advantageously approximately over 40 °.
- the ventilation groove 9 has a depth b, measured radially to the longitudinal axis 16, which corresponds to the receiving bore 4 on the longitudinal section 34 in a range of 2 to 10% of the diameter D 1. In the exemplary embodiment, the depth b of the ventilation groove 9 is approximately 6% of the diameter D 1 .
- the ventilation grooves 9 are preferably of the same design.
- the ventilation grooves 9 can be produced, for example, by drilling, milling, eroding.
- a further embodiment of the capsule closure device 1 is shown, which differs from the embodiment according to FIG Fig. 3 differs only in an additional constriction 40 for clamping the upper capsule part 21 in the receiving bore 4.
- the longitudinal section 34 of the receiving bore 4 shown in the previous embodiment is divided into a first longitudinal section 32 and a second longitudinal section 33 adjoining it.
- the first longitudinal section 32 thus runs from the first longitudinal end 30 to the second longitudinal section 33, with the second longitudinal section 33 at the second longitudinal end 31 adjoins.
- the receiving bore 4 comprises a constriction 40 for clamping the upper capsule part 21.
- the narrowing 40 is formed in the first longitudinal section 32 of the receiving bore 4.
- the constriction 40 is formed by reducing the cross section of the receiving bore 4.
- the first longitudinal section 32 has a clamping diameter D K which is smaller than a base diameter D G of the second longitudinal section 33.
- the clamping diameter D K corresponds to the smallest diameter in the first longitudinal section 32.
- the base diameter D G of the second longitudinal section 33 is therefore constant.
- the clamping diameter D K at the constriction 40 is smaller than the outer diameter of the upper capsule part 21, so that the upper capsule part 21 is clamped by the constriction 40. It is advantageous if the constriction 40, as shown in the exemplary embodiment, is formed near the first longitudinal end 30 of the receiving bore 4, since a compression of the capsule edge 25 of the capsule upper part 21 is avoided. This is necessary in order to ensure process-reliable support of the upper capsule part 21 on the support shoulder 6 and to secure the upper capsule part 21 against slipping through into the insertion bore 5.
- the constriction 40 therefore lies on the upper longitudinal half, i.e. the longitudinal half of the receiving bore 4 facing away from the support shoulder 6.
- the clamping diameter D K is greater than the diameter D A of the receiving bore 4 on the bearing shoulder 6.
- Fig. 6 a further embodiment is shown in which only a constriction 40 is formed without a ventilation groove 9.
- the capsule closing device 1 can in a further development a in Fig. 2 include only schematically indicated suction device 17.
- the suction device 17 is connected to the one or more ventilation grooves 9 and is used primarily for suctioning off dust particles adhering to the capsule 20.
- the suction device 17 is only switched on when the capsule 20 has already been closed again after the filling process. This prevents the capsule contents from being sucked out of the lower capsule part 3 by the suction device 17.
- the suction device 17 can also be used to clean the upper capsule part receptacle 2 from dust particles which, for example, settle on the inside 11 of the upper capsule part receptacle 2.
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Medicinal Chemistry (AREA)
- Pharmacology & Pharmacy (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Medical Preparation Storing Or Oral Administration Devices (AREA)
Abstract
Die Erfindung betrifft eine Kapselverschließeinrichtung zum Verschließen zweiteiliger Kapseln (20) mit je einem Kapseloberteil (21) und je einem Kapselunterteil (22). Die Kapselverschließeinrichtung (1) umfasst eine Kapseloberteilaufnahme (2) und eine Kapselunterteilaufnahme (3). Die Kapseloberteilaufnahme (2) weist eine Aufnahmebohrung (4) und eine koaxial zur Aufnahmebohrung (4) angeordnete Einführbohrung (5) auf. Die Kapseloberteilaufnahme (2) weist an ihrer Innenseite (11) zwischen der Aufnahmebohrung (4) und der Einführbohrung (5) einen Auflageabsatz (6) zur Abstützung des Kapseloberteils (21) auf. Die Kapseloberteilaufnahme (2) weist an ihrer Innenseite (11) eine Entlüftungsnut (9) auf, wobei sich die Entlüftungsnut (9) von der Aufnahmebohrung (4) zur Einführbohrung (5) erstreckt.The invention relates to a capsule closing device for closing two-part capsules (20), each with an upper capsule part (21) and a lower capsule part (22). The capsule closing device (1) comprises a capsule upper part receptacle (2) and a capsule lower part receptacle (3). The upper part of the capsule receptacle (2) has a receptacle bore (4) and an insertion bore (5) arranged coaxially to the receptacle bore (4). The upper capsule part receptacle (2) has on its inside (11) between the receptacle bore (4) and the insertion bore (5) a support shoulder (6) for supporting the upper capsule part (21). The upper part of the capsule receptacle (2) has a ventilation groove (9) on its inside (11), the ventilation groove (9) extending from the receiving bore (4) to the insertion bore (5).
Description
Die Erfindung betrifft eine Kapselverschließeinrichtung zum Verschließen zweiteiliger Kapseln mit den Merkmalen nach dem Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 1.The invention relates to a capsule closing device for closing two-part capsules having the features according to the preamble of
Insbesondere im Pharmabereich, aber auch im Bereich von Nahrungsergänzungsmitteln oder dgl. werden schluckbare Kapseln eingesetzt, in deren Innenraum Wirkstoffpräparate oder dgl. eingefüllt sind. Derartige Kapseln sind zweiteilig ausgeführt und bestehen aus einem Kapselunterteil sowie einem darauf aufgesteckten Kapseloberteil. Verbreitete Kapselmaterialien sind Hartgelatine, HPMC (Hydroxylpropylmethylcellulose) oder dgl.In particular in the pharmaceutical field, but also in the field of food supplements or the like. Ingestible capsules are used, in the interior of which active substance preparations or the like are filled. Such capsules are designed in two parts and consist of a lower part of the capsule and an upper part of the capsule attached to it. Common capsule materials are hard gelatine, HPMC (hydroxylpropylmethyl cellulose) or the like.
Leerkapseln werden für die Befüllung im lose zusammengesteckten Zustand angeliefert und einer Kapselverschließeinrichtung zugeführt. Diese umfasst eine Kapseloberteilaufnahme und eine Kapselunterteilaufnahme, wobei die lose zusammengesteckte Leerkapsel zunächst in der Kapseloberteilaufnahme zu liegen kommt. Hiervon ausgehend wird das Kapselunterteil aus dem Kapseloberteil beispielsweise mittels Unterdruck herausgezogen und in die Kapselunterteilaufnahme eingeführt. In der Kapselunterteilaufnahme findet die Befüllung des Kapselunterteils statt. Hieran anschließend wird das Kapselunterteil beispielsweise mittels eines Stempels zur Kapseloberteilaufnahme gedrückt und dort in das Kapseloberteil eingeführt.Empty capsules are delivered in a loosely assembled state for filling and fed to a capsule closing device. This comprises a capsule upper part receptacle and a capsule lower part receptacle, with the loosely assembled empty capsule initially coming to rest in the capsule upper part receptacle. Starting from this, the lower capsule part is pulled out of the upper capsule part, for example by means of negative pressure, and inserted into the lower capsule part receptacle. The lower part of the capsule is filled in the lower part of the capsule. The lower capsule part is then pressed, for example by means of a stamp, to the upper capsule part receptacle and there inserted into the upper capsule part.
Im praktischen Betrieb einer derartigen Kapselverschließeinrichtung sind während des Öffnens der Kapsel hohe Trennkräfte erforderlich. Derartige Trennkräfte werden durch ein auf das Kapselunterteil wirkendes Vakuum gebildet. Hat sich das Kapselunterteil von dem Kapseloberteil gelöst, wird das Kapselunterteil durch das anliegende, hohe Vakuum derart schnell in die Kapselunterteilaufnahme befördert, dass ein sogenanntes Kapselspringen erfolgen kann. Das Kapselspringen tritt dann auf, wenn das Kapselunterteil unzentriert auf die Kapselunterteilaufnahme trifft und ein Rückimpuls das Kapselunterteil aus der Kapselunterteilaufnahme herausstößt. Ein derartiges Kapselspringen kann auch bei Kapseloberteilen auftreten, so dass nach Trennung des Kapselunterteils vom Kapseloberteil das Kapseloberteil aus der Kapseloberteilaufnahme herausspringt.In the practical operation of such a capsule closing device, high separating forces are required during the opening of the capsule. Such separation forces are formed by a vacuum acting on the lower part of the capsule. If the lower capsule part has detached itself from the upper capsule part, the lower capsule part is conveyed into the lower capsule part receptacle by the applied high vacuum so quickly that a so-called capsule jumping can occur. The capsule rupture occurs when the lower capsule part hits the lower capsule receptacle in an uncentered manner and a return pulse pushes the lower capsule part out of the lower capsule receptacle. Such capsule jumping can also occur in the case of capsule tops, so that after separation of the capsule bottom part from the capsule top part, the capsule top part jumps out of the capsule top part receptacle.
Ferner kann bei derartig hohen Trennkräften auch der Kapselboden des Kapselunterteils reißen oder beim Aufschlagen auf die Kapselunterteilaufnahme brechen. Da auch beim Verschließen der Kapsel hohe Kräfte notwendig sind, kann durch den am Boden des Kapselunterteils angreifenden Stempel der Boden eingedrückt werden oder sogar brechen.Furthermore, with such high separating forces, the capsule base of the lower capsule part can also tear or break when the lower capsule part receptacle is hit. Since high forces are also necessary when closing the capsule, the bottom can be depressed or even break by the punch engaging the bottom of the lower part of the capsule.
Der Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zugrunde, eine gattungsgemäße Kapselverschließeinrichtung derart weiterzubilden, dass ihre Betriebssicherheit gesteigert ist.The invention is based on the object of developing a capsule closing device of the generic type in such a way that its operational reliability is increased.
Diese Aufgabe wird durch eine Kapselverschließeinrichtung mit den Merkmalen des Anspruchs 1 gelöst.This object is achieved by a capsule closing device with the features of
Der erfindungsgemäßen Kapselverschließeinrichtung liegt die Überlegung zugrunde, dass die notwendigen, hohen Kräfte zum Trennen und zum Verschließen der Kapsel auf einem fehlenden Druckausgleich basieren. Beim Trennen der Kapsel stützt sich das Kapseloberteil entlang seiner Kapselkante auf dem Auflageabsatz der Kapseloberteilaufnahme ab. Das Kapselunterteil liegt bündig an der Einführbohrung der Kapseloberteilaufnahme an. Folglich begrenzen das Kapseloberteil und das Kapselunterteil einen Innenraum, dessen Volumen sich mit Abwärtsbewegung des Kapselunterteils in Richtung der Kapselunterteilaufnahme erweitert. Dabei bleibt der Innenraum zumindest anfänglich im Wesentlichen luftdicht verschlossen. Demnach bildet sich im Innenraum zwischen Kapseloberteil und Kapselunterteil ein Unterdruck, der das Trennen der Kapsel erschwert.The capsule closing device according to the invention is based on the consideration that the high forces necessary for separating and closing the capsule are based on a lack of pressure compensation. When the capsule is separated, the capsule top is supported along its capsule edge on the support shoulder of the capsule top receptacle. The lower part of the capsule is flush with the insertion hole of the upper part of the capsule receptacle. Consequently, the capsule upper part and the capsule lower part delimit one Interior, the volume of which expands with downward movement of the lower capsule part in the direction of the lower capsule part receptacle. The interior remains essentially airtight, at least initially. Accordingly, a negative pressure is formed in the interior between the upper part of the capsule and the lower part of the capsule, which makes it difficult to separate the capsule.
Nach einer entsprechend langen Abwärtsbewegung des Kapselunterteils verlässt dieses die Kapseloberteilaufnahme, wodurch sich der vom Kapseloberteil und Kapselunterteil gebildete Innenraum öffnet. Darauf folgt ein Druckausgleich, der aufgrund des zuvor entstandenen hohen Unterdrucks einen derart hohen Wechselimpuls bewirkt, dass das Kapseloberteil aus der Kapseloberteilaufnahme gestoßen werden kann. Um die hohen Trennkräfte und den hohen Wechselimpuls zu mindern, weist die Kapseloberteilaufnahme an ihrer Innenseite mindestens eine Entlüftungsnut auf. Die Entlüftungsnut erstreckt sich von der Aufnahmebohrung zur Einführbohrung. Vorzugsweise weist die Kapseloberteilaufnahme an ihrer Innenseite mindestens zwei, insbesondere drei Entlüftungsnuten auf. Durch die Entlüftungsnut kann beim Öffnen der Kapsel ausreichend Luft in den Innenraum zwischen Kapseloberteil und Kapselunterteil nachströmen, so dass ein Druckausgleich gewährleistet wird. Es entsteht kein oder allenfalls ein nur geringer Unterdruck im Innenraum. Mit zunehmender Anzahl an Entlüftungsnuten in der Kapseloberteilaufnahme kann der Druckausgleich schneller erfolgen. Das Kapselunterteil lässt sich leichter von dem Kapseloberteil trennen. Wegen der reduzierten Trennkräfte wird das schließlich gelöste Kapselunterteil mit weniger Wucht in die Kapselunterteilaufnahme hinein gesaugt, wodurch ein Kapselspringen oder auch andere Beschädigungen an der Kapsel vermieden werden können. Durch die Vermeidung eines hohen Unterdrucks ist auch der daraus resultierende Wechselimpuls bei einem Druckausgleich nur sehr gering, so dass ein ungewolltes Ausstoßen des Kapseloberteils aus der Kapseloberteilaufnahme vermieden werden kann.After a correspondingly long downward movement of the lower capsule part, it leaves the upper capsule part receptacle, as a result of which the interior space formed by the upper capsule part and the lower capsule part opens. This is followed by a pressure equalization which, due to the high negative pressure that has previously developed, causes such a high alternating pulse that the capsule top part can be pushed out of the capsule top part receptacle. In order to reduce the high separation forces and the high alternating momentum, the upper part of the capsule receptacle has at least one ventilation groove on its inside. The ventilation groove extends from the receiving bore to the insertion bore. The upper part of the capsule receptacle preferably has at least two, in particular three, ventilation grooves on its inside. When the capsule is opened, the ventilation groove allows sufficient air to flow into the interior space between the capsule upper part and the lower capsule part, so that pressure equalization is ensured. There is no or only a slight negative pressure in the interior. With an increasing number of ventilation grooves in the upper capsule receptacle, the pressure equalization can take place more quickly. The lower part of the capsule can be separated more easily from the upper part of the capsule. Because of the reduced separating forces, the lower part of the capsule that is finally released is sucked into the lower part of the capsule receptacle with less force, as a result of which capsule cracking or other damage to the capsule can be avoided. By avoiding a high negative pressure, the alternating pulse resulting therefrom in the event of a pressure equalization is also only very small, so that unintentional ejection of the capsule top part from the capsule top part receptacle can be avoided.
Der Druckausgleich erfolgt ebenfalls beim Schließen der Kapsel. Wenn das Kapselunterteil durch die Kapseloberteilaufnahme in das Kapseloberteil geschoben wird, reduziert sich das Volumen des Innenraums zwischen Kapselunterteil und Kapseloberteil. Die überschüssige Luft entweicht durch die Entlüftungsnut, wodurch ein Überdruck beim Verschließen der Kapsel vermieden werden kann. Demnach wirkt kein Überdruck der Schließkraft an dem Kapselunterteil entgegen. Die Kräfte können dadurch beim Verschließen der Kapsel verringert werden, so dass etwaige Beschädigungen an der Kapsel durch zu hohe Schließkräfte vermieden werden können.The pressure equalization also takes place when the capsule is closed. When the lower part of the capsule is pushed through the upper part of the capsule into the upper part of the capsule, the volume of the interior space between the lower part of the capsule and the upper part of the capsule is reduced. The excess air escapes through the ventilation groove, which prevents overpressure when closing the capsule. Accordingly, no overpressure counteracts the closing force on the lower capsule part. The forces can thereby be reduced when the capsule is closed, so that any damage to the capsule due to excessive closing forces can be avoided.
Vorzugsweise erstreckt sich die Aufnahmebohrung des Kapseloberteils von einem ersten Längsende bis zu einem zweiten Längsende am Auflageabsatz, wobei die mindestens eine Entlüftungsnut von der Einführbohrung bis zum ersten Längsende der Aufnahmebohrung verläuft. Das erste Längsende der Aufnahmebohrung entspricht einem Einführbereich mit einer Einführschräge zum Einfädeln der Kapsel. Der Einführbereich verjüngt sich in Richtung vom ersten Längsende zum zweiten Längsende hin. Dadurch kann beim Öffnen der Kapsel die Luft in die Kapseloberteilaufnahme nachströmen oder beim Schließen der Kapsel aus der Kapseloberteilaufnahme entweichen. Dadurch ist ein Druckausgleich in der Kapseloberteilaufnahme insbesondere im Innenraum zwischen dem Kapseloberteil und dem Kapselunterteil mit der Umgebung sichergestellt.The receiving bore of the upper capsule part preferably extends from a first longitudinal end to a second longitudinal end on the support shoulder, the at least one venting groove extending from the insertion bore to the first longitudinal end of the receiving bore. The first longitudinal end of the receiving bore corresponds to an insertion area with an insertion bevel for threading in the capsule. The insertion area tapers in the direction from the first longitudinal end to the second longitudinal end. As a result, when the capsule is opened, the air can flow into the upper capsule receptacle or escape from the upper capsule receptacle when the capsule is closed. This ensures pressure compensation in the upper capsule part receptacle, in particular in the interior space between the upper capsule part and the lower capsule part with the surroundings.
Der Auflageabsatz der Kapselverschließeinrichtung weist typischerweise eine umlaufende Innenkante auf. In einem solchen Fall bildet die mindestens eine Entlüftungsnut vorteilhaft eine Unterbrechung dieser Innenkante. Demnach befindet sich die Unterbrechung der Innenkante genau an der Position, an welcher sich das Kapseloberteil und das Kapselunterteil in verschlossenem Zustand überlappen. Wird das Kapselunterteil aus dem Kapseloberteil herausgezogen, kann der Druckausgleich im Innenraum bereits zu einem frühestmöglichen Zeitpunkt erfolgen, wenn sich Kapselunterteil und Kapseloberteil nicht mehr überlappen. Beim Verschließen der Kapsel kann der Druckausgleich über einen möglichst langen Zeitraum erfolgen, bis sich eben Kapselunterteil und Kapseloberteil wieder überlappen und in sich einen luftdicht abgeschlossenen Innenraum begrenzen.The support shoulder of the capsule closing device typically has a circumferential inner edge. In such a case, the at least one ventilation groove advantageously forms an interruption in this inner edge. Accordingly, the interruption of the inner edge is located exactly at the position at which the upper capsule part and the lower capsule part overlap in the closed state. If the lower capsule part is pulled out of the upper capsule part, the pressure compensation in the interior can take place at the earliest possible point in time when the lower capsule part and the upper capsule part no longer overlap. When closing the capsule, the pressure equalization take place over the longest possible period of time until the lower part of the capsule and the upper part of the capsule overlap again and define an airtight interior space.
Die Kapselverschließeinrichtung umfasst bevorzugt eine Absaugeinrichtung zur Absaugung von Staubpartikeln an der Kapsel. Die Absaugeinrichtung kann vorzugsweise mit der Entlüftungsnut verbunden sein. Dadurch kann die Kapsel frühzeitig von Staubpartikeln gereinigt werden, die sich beispielsweise beim Abfüllvorgang von Füllgut auf der Kapsel niedergelegt haben oder beim Schließvorgang aufgewirbelt wurden.The capsule closing device preferably comprises a suction device for sucking off dust particles on the capsule. The suction device can preferably be connected to the ventilation groove. As a result, the capsule can be cleaned of dust particles at an early stage which, for example, have settled on the capsule during the filling process of filling material or were whirled up during the closing process.
Es ist vorzugsweise vorgesehen, dass der Auflageabsatz durch eine Ringnut in der Aufnahmebohrung zur Aufnahme unerwünschten Füllmaterials gebildet ist. Vorzugsweise umfasst die Aufnahmebohrung einen an die Ringnut angrenzenden zweiten Längsabschnitt und einen an den zweiten Längsabschnitt angrenzenden ersten Längsabschnitt. Der erste Längsabschnitt der Aufnahmebohrung bildet vorzugsweise eine Verengung zur Klemmung des Kapseloberteils. Die in die Aufnahmebohrung eingeschobene Kapsel wird an dem Kapseloberteil durch die Verengung des zweiten Abschnitts geklemmt gehalten. Die Verengung ist derart ausgelegt, dass die Klemmkräfte ausreichend hoch sind, um ein Kapselspringen des Kapseloberteils beim Trenn- und Schließvorgang der Kapsel zu vermeiden, und dennoch ein gewolltes Auswerfen der Kapsel, ohne diese dabei zu verletzen, möglich ist.It is preferably provided that the support shoulder is formed by an annular groove in the receiving bore for receiving unwanted filler material. The receiving bore preferably comprises a second longitudinal section adjoining the annular groove and a first longitudinal section adjoining the second longitudinal section. The first longitudinal section of the receiving bore preferably forms a constriction for clamping the upper part of the capsule. The capsule pushed into the receiving bore is held clamped on the upper part of the capsule by the constriction of the second section. The constriction is designed in such a way that the clamping forces are sufficiently high to prevent the capsule top part from cracking during the separation and closing process of the capsule, and yet it is still possible to intentionally eject the capsule without damaging it.
Es ist vorteilhaft vorgesehen, dass die Aufnahmebohrung an der Verengung einen Klemmdurchmesser aufweist, wobei der Klemmdurchmesser kleiner als ein Grunddurchmesser des zweiten Längsabschnittes ist. Durch diesen gegenüber dem Grunddurchmesser kleineren Klemmdurchmesser ist die Verengung der Aufnahmebohrung gebildet. Vorzugsweise ist der Grunddurchmesser über den gesamten zweiten Längsabschnitt konstant. Vorteilhaft ist der Klemmdurchmesser größer als der Durchmesser der Aufnahmebohrung am Auflageabsatz. Dadurch ist der Klemmdurchmesser an der Verengung ausreichend klein, um das Kapseloberteil geklemmt zu halten. Zudem ist der Klemmdurchmesser noch ausreichend groß, dass ein derart starkes Zusammendrücken, dass das Kapseloberteil am Auflageabsatz vorbei in die Einführbohrung rutscht, vermieden werden kann. In analoger Weise kann auch die korrespondierende Kapselunterteilbuchse eine Verengung mit einer Kombination aus Grunddurchmesser und Klemmdurchmesser aufweisen. Zweckmäßigerweise beträgt das Verhältnis des Klemmdurchmessers zum Grunddurchmesser an der Kapseloberteilbuchse ca. 0,97 und bei der Kapselunterteilbuchse ca. 0,96.It is advantageously provided that the receiving bore has a clamping diameter at the constriction, the clamping diameter being smaller than a base diameter of the second longitudinal section. The narrowing of the receiving bore is formed by this clamping diameter, which is smaller than the base diameter. The base diameter is preferably constant over the entire second longitudinal section. The clamping diameter is advantageously larger than the diameter of the receiving bore on the support shoulder. As a result, the clamping diameter at the constriction is sufficiently small to keep the upper part of the capsule clamped. In addition, the The clamping diameter is still sufficiently large that such a strong compression that the upper part of the capsule slips past the support shoulder into the insertion bore can be avoided. In an analogous manner, the corresponding lower capsule bushing can also have a constriction with a combination of base diameter and clamping diameter. The ratio of the clamping diameter to the base diameter is expediently approx. 0.97 on the upper part socket and about 0.96 on the lower part socket.
Ein eigenständiger, ebenfalls erfinderischer Gedanke besteht darin, die vorgenannte Kapselverschließeinrichtung lediglich mit der vorgenannten Verengung anstelle einer Entlüftungsnut vorzusehen.An independent, likewise inventive idea consists in providing the aforementioned capsule closing device only with the aforementioned constriction instead of a ventilation groove.
Ausführungsbeispiele der Erfindung werden im Folgenden anhand der Zeichnung erläutert. Es zeigen:
- Fig. 1
- in einer schematischen, teilweise geschnittenen Seitenansicht eine zweiteilige Kapsel,
- Fig. 2
- in einer Längsschnittdarstellung eine erfindungsgemäße Kapselverschließeinrichtung,
- Fig. 3
- in einer Schnittdarstellung die Kapseloberteilaufnahme,
- Fig. 4
- in einer Draufsicht die Kapseloberteilaufnahme,
- Fig. 5
- in einer Schnittdarstellung die Kapseloberteilaufnahme mit Verengung und
- Fig. 6
- in einer Schnittdarstellung die Kapseloberteilaufnahme mit Verengung ohne Entlüftungsnut.
- Fig. 1
- in a schematic, partially sectioned side view, a two-part capsule,
- Fig. 2
- a capsule closure device according to the invention in a longitudinal section,
- Fig. 3
- in a sectional view the upper part of the capsule receptacle,
- Fig. 4
- in a plan view the capsule top part receptacle,
- Fig. 5
- in a sectional view the capsule upper part receptacle with constriction and
- Fig. 6
- in a sectional view, the capsule top part receptacle with constriction without ventilation groove.
Die zweiteilige Kapsel 20 ist aus einem Kapseloberteil 21 und einem Kapselunterteil 22 zusammengesetzt, wobei das Kapselunterteil 22 mit einem Unterteil-Nenndurchmesser du in die offene Seite des Kapseloberteils 21 mit einem größeren Oberteil-Nenndurchmesser DO eingeschoben ist. Das Kapseloberteil 21 besteht in üblicher Bauform aus einer halbkugeligen Kalotte 23, an die sich ein Zylinderabschnitt 24 anschließt. An seiner offenen Seite ist das Kapseloberteil 21 durch eine umlaufende Kapselkante 25 des Zylinderabschnitts 24 begrenzt. Das Kapselunterteil 22 ist analog zum Kapseloberteil 21 aufgebaut und besteht aus einer halbkugeligen Kalotte 26, an die sich ein Zylinderabschnitt 27 anschließt. An seiner dem Kapseloberteil 21 zugewandten und dort eingeführten Seite ist das Kapselunterteil 22 mit einer umlaufenden Kapselkante 28 des Zylinderabschnitts 27 begrenzt, wobei im zusammengesteckten Zustand von Kapseloberteil 21 und Kapselunterteil 22 ein Teil des Zylinderabschnitts 27 samt seiner umlaufenden Kapselkante 28 innerhalb des Zylinderabschnitts 24 des Kapseloberteils 21 zu liegen kommt.The two-
Leere Kapseln 20 nach
Die Kapseloberteilaufnahme 2 weist eine Aufnahmebohrung 4 zur Aufnahme des Kapseloberteils 21 auf und geht in Richtung zur Kapselunterteilaufnahme 3 in eine koaxial angeordnete Einführbohrung 5 über. Die Einführbohrung 5 ist in ihrem Durchmesser gegenüber dem Durchmesser der Aufnahmebohrung 4 verringert, so dass am Übergang zwischen der Aufnahmebohrung 4 zur Einführbohrung 5 ein umlaufender Auflageabsatz 6 gebildet ist. Der Auflageabsatz 6 begrenzt die Aufnahmebohrung 4 nach unten und ist ebenso wie die Einführbohrung 5 gegenüber der Aufnahmebohrung 4 verengt. Die Kapsel 20 wird derart entsprechend dem Pfeil 12 in die Kapseloberteilaufnahme 2 eingeführt, dass das Kapseloberteil 21 mit seinem Zylinderabschnitt 24 in der Aufnahmebohrung 5 zu liegen kommt, während die umlaufende Kapselkante 25 des Kapseloberteils 21 auf dem Auflageabsatz 6 aufliegt. Der Auflageabsatz 6 hat einen gegenüber der Aufnahmebohrung 4 verringerten Innendurchmesser, durch den das Kapselunterteil 22 hindurchführbar ist.The upper
Unterhalb der Kapseloberteilaufnahme 2 ist die Kapselunterteilaufnahme 3 koaxial positioniert und umfasst eine Aufnahmebohrung 13. Beispielsweise mittels Vakuum oder dgl. wird das in die Einführbohrung 5 ragende Kapselunterteil 22 aus dem Kapseloberteil 21 in die Aufnahmebohrung 13 der Kapselunterteilaufnahme 3 in Richtung des Pfeils 12 herausgezogen, bis es mit seiner nach unten weisenden Kalotte 26 auf einem gegenüber der Aufnahmebohrung 13 im Durchmesser verringerten Absatz 14 zu liegen kommt. Hierbei wird der Zylinderabschnitt 27 des Kapselunterteils 22 durch die Umfangswand der Aufnahmebohrung 14 gestützt.Below the upper
Das Kapselunterteil 22 wird mit dem nicht dargestellten Wirkstoffpräparat befüllt, während es in der Kapselunterteilaufnahme 3 gehalten ist. Nach erfolgter Befüllung erfolgt ein Verschließen der Kapsel 20 mittels der Kapselverschließeinrichtung 1, indem das Kapselunterteil 21 beispielsweise mittels eines nicht dargestellten Stempels entgegen der Richtung des Pfeils 12 nach oben durch die Aufnahmebohrung 14 und die Einführbohrung 5 hindurch in das Kapseloberteil 21 hineingedrückt wird. Dabei wird eine Gegenkraft auf das Kapseloberteil 21 zur räumlichen Fixierung desselben in Richtung des Pfeils 12 beispielsweise mittels eines ebenfalls nicht dargestellten Stempels ausgeübt. Während des Verschließvorgangs gleitet die umlaufende Kapselkante 28 des Kapselunterteils 22 radial innenseitig der umlaufenden Kapselkante 25 des Kapseloberteils 21 in dessen Zylinderabschnitt 24 hinein.The
In
Wie in den
Beim Trennen der Kapsel 20 liegt das Kapseloberteil 21 mit seiner Kapselkante 25 bündig an der Innenseite 11 der Aufnahmebohrung 4 an. Ist das Kapselunterteil 22 aus dem Kapseloberteil 22 herausgezogen, liegt die Kapselkante 28 des Kapselunterteils 22 ebenfalls bündig an der Innenseite 11 der Einführbohrung 5 an. Dabei begrenzen Kapsel oberteil 21 und Kapselunterteil 22 einen Innenraum 15. Durch die Entlüftungsnut 9 wird ein Luftaustausch zwischen dem Innenraum 15 und der Umgebung außerhalb der Kapseloberteilaufnahme 2 ermöglicht. Folglich findet beim Trennen und Schließen der Kapsel 20 ein Druckausgleich statt, so dass ein im Innenraum 15 anliegender Unterdruck oder Überdruck vermieden werden kann.When the
Die Entlüftungsnut 9 ist an der Innenseite 11 der Kapseloberteilaufnahme 2 ausgebildet. Wie in
Wie in
In der
Wie in
In
Wie in
In
Die erfindungsgemäße Kapselverschließeinrichtung 1 kann in Weiterbildung eine in
Claims (10)
wobei die Kapselverschließeinrichtung (1) eine Kapseloberteilaufnahme (2) und eine Kapselunterteilaufnahme (3) umfasst,
wobei die Kapseloberteilaufnahme (2) eine Aufnahmebohrung (4) und eine koaxial zur Aufnahmebohrung (4) angeordnete Einführbohrung (5) aufweist,
und wobei die Kapseloberteilaufnahme (2) an ihrer Innenseite (11) zwischen der Aufnahmebohrung (4) und der Einführbohrung (5) einen Auflageabsatz (6) zur Abstützung des Kapseloberteils (21) aufweist,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Kapseloberteilaufnahme (2) an ihrer Innenseite (11) mindestens eine Entlüftungsnut (9) aufweist, wobei sich die Entlüftungsnut (9) von der Aufnahmebohrung (4) zur Einführbohrung (5) erstreckt.Capsule closing device for closing two-part capsules (20), each with an upper capsule part (21) and a lower capsule part (22),
wherein the capsule closing device (1) comprises a capsule upper part receptacle (2) and a capsule lower part receptacle (3),
wherein the capsule upper part receptacle (2) has a receiving bore (4) and an insertion bore (5) arranged coaxially to the receiving bore (4),
and wherein the upper capsule part receptacle (2) has a support shoulder (6) on its inside (11) between the receptacle bore (4) and the insertion bore (5) for supporting the upper capsule part (21),
characterized in that the upper part of the capsule receptacle (2) has at least one vent groove (9) on its inside (11), the vent groove (9) extending from the receiving bore (4) to the insertion bore (5).
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Kapseloberteilaufnahme (2) an ihrer Innenseite (11) mindestens zwei, insbesondere drei Entlüftungsnuten (9) aufweist.Capsule closing device according to claim 1,
characterized in that the upper part of the capsule receptacle (2) has at least two, in particular three ventilation grooves (9) on its inside (11).
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Aufnahmebohrung (4) des Kapseloberteils sich von einem ersten Längsende (30) bis zu einem zweiten Längsende (31) am Auflageabsatz (6) erstreckt, wobei die mindestens eine Entlüftungsnut (9) bis zum ersten Längsende (30) der Aufnahmebohrung (4) der Kapseloberteilaufnahme (2) verläuft.Capsule closing device according to claim 1 or 2,
characterized in that the receiving bore (4) of the capsule upper part extends from a first longitudinal end (30) to a second longitudinal end (31) on the support shoulder (6), wherein the at least one ventilation groove (9) to the first longitudinal end (30) of the The receiving bore (4) of the upper capsule receptacle (2) runs.
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Auflageabsatz (6) eine umlaufende Innenkante (7) aufweist, und die mindestens eine Entlüftungsnut (9) eine Unterbrechung (8) der Innenkante (7) bildet.Capsule closing device according to one of claims 1 to 3,
characterized in that the support shoulder (6) has a circumferential inner edge (7), and the at least one ventilation groove (9) forms an interruption (8) in the inner edge (7).
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Kapselverschließeinrichtung (1) eine Absaugeinrichtung zur Absaugung von Staubpartikeln an der Kapsel (20) umfasst.Capsule closing device according to one of claims 1 to 4,
characterized in that the capsule closing device (1) comprises a suction device for sucking off dust particles on the capsule (20).
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Auflageabsatz durch eine Ringnut (29) in der Aufnahmebohrung (4) zur Aufnahme unerwünschten Füllmaterials gebildet ist.Capsule closing device according to one of claims 1 to 5,
characterized in that the support shoulder is formed by an annular groove (29) in the receiving bore (4) for receiving undesired filling material.
wobei die Aufnahmebohrung (4) einen an die Ringnut (29) angrenzenden zweiten Längsabschnitt (33) und einen an den zweiten Längsabschnitt (33) angrenzenden ersten Längsabschnitt (32) umfasst, wobei der erste Längsabschnitt (32) der Aufnahmebohrung (4) eine Verengung (40) zur Klemmung des Kapseloberteils (21) bildet.Capsule closing device according to claim 6,
wherein the receiving bore (4) comprises a second longitudinal section (33) adjoining the annular groove (29) and a first longitudinal section (32) adjoining the second longitudinal section (33), the first longitudinal section (32) of the receiving bore (4) being a constriction (40) for clamping the upper capsule part (21).
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Aufnahmebohrung (4) an der Verengung (40) einen Klemmdurchmesser (DK) aufweist, wobei der Klemmdurchmesser (DK) kleiner als ein Grunddurchmesser (DG) des zweiten Längsabschnittes (33) ist.Capsule closing device according to claim 7,
characterized in that the receiving bore (4) at the constriction (40) has a clamping diameter (D K ), the clamping diameter (D K ) being smaller than a base diameter (D G ) of the second longitudinal section (33).
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Grunddurchmesser (DG) über den gesamten zweiten Längsabschnitt (32) konstant ist.Capsule closing device according to claim 7 or 8,
characterized in that the base diameter (D G ) is constant over the entire second longitudinal section (32).
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Klemmdurchmesser (DK) größer als der Durchmesser (DA) der Aufnahmebohrung (4) am Auflageabsatz (6) ist.Capsule closing device according to claim 6,
characterized in that the clamping diameter (D K ) is greater than the diameter (D A ) of the receiving bore (4) on the support shoulder (6).
Priority Applications (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP20156171.9A EP3861974B1 (en) | 2020-02-07 | 2020-02-07 | Capsule closing device for closing two-part capsules |
CA3106489A CA3106489A1 (en) | 2020-02-07 | 2021-01-18 | Capsule closure device for closing two-piece capsules |
US17/168,839 US20210244617A1 (en) | 2020-02-07 | 2021-02-05 | Capsule closure device for closing two-piece capsules |
CN202110160117.6A CN113244110A (en) | 2020-02-07 | 2021-02-05 | Capsule closure device for closing a two-part capsule |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP20156171.9A EP3861974B1 (en) | 2020-02-07 | 2020-02-07 | Capsule closing device for closing two-part capsules |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP3861974A1 true EP3861974A1 (en) | 2021-08-11 |
EP3861974B1 EP3861974B1 (en) | 2023-06-07 |
Family
ID=69528602
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP20156171.9A Active EP3861974B1 (en) | 2020-02-07 | 2020-02-07 | Capsule closing device for closing two-part capsules |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20210244617A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP3861974B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN113244110A (en) |
CA (1) | CA3106489A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN113729499A (en) * | 2021-09-29 | 2021-12-03 | 无锡鼎加弘思饮品科技有限公司 | Flow guiding device |
Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE3107627A1 (en) * | 1980-02-29 | 1982-01-21 | Automatisme et Technique, 94110 Arcueil, Val de Marne | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR SEALING GELATINE CAPSULES FROM HARD GELATINE AND FOR PREPARING A DOSAGE OF A LIQUID PRODUCT IN THE GELATINE CAPSULE SEALED IN THIS |
US20110088355A1 (en) * | 2009-06-01 | 2011-04-21 | Lester David Fulper | Systems and methods for capsule pressure-relief |
EP3545937A1 (en) * | 2018-03-28 | 2019-10-02 | Harro Höfliger Verpackungsmaschinen GmbH | Capsule bushing for plug capsules and bushing system |
Family Cites Families (42)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1073286A (en) * | 1908-09-23 | 1913-09-16 | Joseph Percy Remington | Capsule-filling mechanism. |
US1567639A (en) * | 1922-07-10 | 1925-12-29 | Eastman Louis Ralph | Capsule-filling machine |
US1993716A (en) * | 1930-01-02 | 1935-03-05 | Lilly Co Eli | Capsule filling machine |
US2108906A (en) * | 1937-07-21 | 1938-02-22 | Stephen J Speckhart | Capsule filling machine |
US2742749A (en) * | 1953-06-04 | 1956-04-24 | Kurt J Huttlinger | Capsule-filler |
US2831301A (en) * | 1956-03-06 | 1958-04-22 | Smith Kline French Lab | Method and apparatus for assembling capsules |
US3324902A (en) * | 1965-05-26 | 1967-06-13 | Bartelt Engineering Co Inc | Method of filling capsules |
GB1130474A (en) * | 1966-03-15 | 1968-10-16 | Sankyo Co | Capsule charging system |
US3552095A (en) * | 1968-04-18 | 1971-01-05 | Lilly Co Eli | Manual capsule filling apparatus |
DE1782374A1 (en) * | 1968-08-22 | 1971-08-12 | Hoefliger & Karg | Method and device for polishing hard gelatin capsules |
US3527015A (en) * | 1968-10-07 | 1970-09-08 | Lilly Co Eli | Method and apparatus for filling capsules |
US3675390A (en) * | 1970-07-31 | 1972-07-11 | Ansaks Ind Inc | Capsule filling apparatus |
JPS536916B2 (en) * | 1973-11-15 | 1978-03-13 | ||
US4040536A (en) * | 1975-05-05 | 1977-08-09 | R. P. Scherer Corporation | Locking hard gelatin capsule |
IT1069355B (en) * | 1976-03-05 | 1985-03-25 | Zanasi Nigris Spa | REFINEMENTS PARTICULARLY IN AUTOMATIC MACHINES FOR THE PACKAGING OF DOSES OF MEDICINAL PRODUCT WITHIN GELATINE CAPSULES |
DE2722807A1 (en) * | 1977-05-20 | 1978-11-23 | Capsugel Ag | PROCESS FOR MANUFACTURING A VISCOSE-FILLED CAPSULE |
US4581875A (en) * | 1983-06-20 | 1986-04-15 | Cosden Technology, Inc. | Process for forming tamper-resistant tamper-indicative capsules |
IT1171950B (en) * | 1983-09-30 | 1987-06-10 | Mg 2 Spa | PROCEDURE FOR THE FEEDING, ORIENTATION, FILLING, CLOSING AND EXPULSION OF CAPSULES AND PLANT THAT IMPLEMENTS THIS PROCEDURE |
DE3735260A1 (en) * | 1987-10-17 | 1989-04-27 | Bosch Gmbh Robert | SEALING DEVICE FOR TWO-PIECE CAPSULES |
DE3830013C2 (en) * | 1988-09-03 | 1996-10-17 | Bosch Gmbh Robert | Filling and closing machine for two-part capsules |
JPH02180265A (en) * | 1988-12-28 | 1990-07-13 | Nippon Eranko Kk | Charging device into capsule |
US5081822A (en) * | 1990-02-01 | 1992-01-21 | Warner-Lambert Company | Automatic caplet filler |
US5321932A (en) * | 1992-02-26 | 1994-06-21 | Professional Compounding Centers Of America, Inc. | Capsule handling system |
IT1266251B1 (en) * | 1993-02-16 | 1996-12-27 | Ima Spa | DEVICE FOR THE ORIENTATION OF THE BOTTOM AND THE LID OF HARD JELLY CAPSULES AND FOR THE FEEDING OF THESE WORKS |
PT765150E (en) * | 1994-06-16 | 2003-01-31 | Warner Lambert Co | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING CLOSED SEALED CAPSULES |
US6170226B1 (en) * | 1998-07-15 | 2001-01-09 | William Chang | Capsule filling apparatus |
IT1316684B1 (en) * | 1999-03-13 | 2003-04-24 | Bosch Gmbh Robert | SUPPORT OF CAPSULE PARTS IN A TWO-PART CAPSULE LOADING AND DECLARING MACHINE |
EP1547570B1 (en) * | 2002-07-05 | 2013-05-22 | Qualicaps Co., Ltd. | Capsule-filling and -sealing apparatus |
EP1459725B1 (en) * | 2003-03-21 | 2007-10-17 | Warner-Lambert Company LLC | Apparatus for and method of sealing capsules |
US7343724B1 (en) * | 2004-11-10 | 2008-03-18 | Mallinckrodt Inc. | Semi-automated custom capsule dispensing and assembly machine and method |
DE102005001332A1 (en) * | 2005-01-11 | 2006-07-20 | Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma Gmbh & Co. Kg | Two-piece capsule with pre-closure for holding pharmaceutical preparations for powder inhalers |
DE102005057393A1 (en) * | 2005-11-30 | 2007-05-31 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | Weighing device e.g. intermittent capsule filling machine for filling a product to be dosed into capsule, has first and second weighing device whereby second weighing device which detects net weight of capsule |
NL1033047C2 (en) * | 2006-12-13 | 2008-06-16 | Pharmachemie Bv | Capsule filled with a medicine, in particular an inhalable medicine. |
ES2399365T3 (en) * | 2007-06-20 | 2013-03-27 | Pharma Technology S.A. | Dusting device for pharmaceutical tablets or capsules |
DE102008013403A1 (en) * | 2008-03-10 | 2009-09-17 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | Capsule carrier arrangement for filling and closing machines |
JP5033147B2 (en) * | 2009-02-04 | 2012-09-26 | 株式会社 ノサカテック | Container lid joining method |
US8790692B2 (en) * | 2009-09-09 | 2014-07-29 | Patheon Pharmaceuticals Inc. | Break resistant gel capsule |
DE102010038544A1 (en) * | 2009-10-19 | 2011-04-21 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | Sensor device for a packaging machine |
IT1402461B1 (en) * | 2010-11-03 | 2013-09-13 | Mg 2 Srl | METHOD AND MACHINE FOR FILLING CAPSULES OR SIMILAR WITH AT LEAST TWO PRODUCTS, IN PARTICULAR PHARMACEUTICALS IN GRANULES |
JP6037315B2 (en) * | 2011-05-27 | 2016-12-07 | ベーリンガー インゲルハイム インターナショナル ゲゼルシャフト ミット ベシュレンクテル ハフツング | Inhaler and capsule for inhaler |
NL2016663B1 (en) * | 2016-04-22 | 2017-11-16 | Vmi Holland Bv | Apparatus and method for dispensing solid substances. |
EP3246000A1 (en) * | 2016-05-18 | 2017-11-22 | Capsugel Belgium NV | Separable capsule for sprinkling applications |
-
2020
- 2020-02-07 EP EP20156171.9A patent/EP3861974B1/en active Active
-
2021
- 2021-01-18 CA CA3106489A patent/CA3106489A1/en active Pending
- 2021-02-05 CN CN202110160117.6A patent/CN113244110A/en active Pending
- 2021-02-05 US US17/168,839 patent/US20210244617A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE3107627A1 (en) * | 1980-02-29 | 1982-01-21 | Automatisme et Technique, 94110 Arcueil, Val de Marne | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR SEALING GELATINE CAPSULES FROM HARD GELATINE AND FOR PREPARING A DOSAGE OF A LIQUID PRODUCT IN THE GELATINE CAPSULE SEALED IN THIS |
US20110088355A1 (en) * | 2009-06-01 | 2011-04-21 | Lester David Fulper | Systems and methods for capsule pressure-relief |
EP3545937A1 (en) * | 2018-03-28 | 2019-10-02 | Harro Höfliger Verpackungsmaschinen GmbH | Capsule bushing for plug capsules and bushing system |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20210244617A1 (en) | 2021-08-12 |
CN113244110A (en) | 2021-08-13 |
CA3106489A1 (en) | 2021-08-07 |
EP3861974B1 (en) | 2023-06-07 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
EP3106188B1 (en) | Method for mounting a safety device on a syringe | |
EP0361028B1 (en) | Container with double compartiments | |
DE102006024072B4 (en) | Device for feeding spherical objects into a container | |
EP0399234A1 (en) | Ampoule | |
DE102013107681A1 (en) | centrifuge | |
EP3044118B1 (en) | Container can and holding device | |
EP2872417B1 (en) | Container can, holding apparatus and method for providing a container can | |
DE60308751T2 (en) | Blind rivet of the flaking type | |
DE2042096A1 (en) | Insertion device for tampons | |
EP3861974B1 (en) | Capsule closing device for closing two-part capsules | |
DE2261173C3 (en) | Device for detachable fixing | |
EP3545937B1 (en) | Capsule bushing for plug capsules and bushing system | |
DE102010022869B4 (en) | Gripping insert for a packing tulip for the head-side gripping of bottles and packing tulip | |
DE202006001248U1 (en) | Device for inserting an inner snap ring | |
DE202010005089U1 (en) | Sterile containers for medical purposes | |
DE60034107T2 (en) | Device for supplying hard gelatin capsules to a capsule machine | |
DE102016122774A1 (en) | Spade clamping tool | |
DE102012015706A1 (en) | Sampling device for DNA samples in particular | |
EP3607931B1 (en) | Capsule closing device for closing two-part capsules | |
DE102014117985A1 (en) | Device for separating shaped bodies consisting of or containing one or more pharmaceutical active ingredients, in particular capsules and tablets | |
DE102019001741B4 (en) | Packing bell for gripping bottles from the head | |
DE202020100134U1 (en) | Container for cosmetics or other liquid or pasty products | |
DE112016004081T5 (en) | Treibstoffeinfüllstutzenvorrichtung | |
DE102014115848A1 (en) | Feeder insert with a stopper arranged in its lid area | |
EP3610988A1 (en) | Pressing device with centred bolt fixing |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION HAS BEEN PUBLISHED |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A1 Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE |
|
17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 20211103 |
|
RBV | Designated contracting states (corrected) |
Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
GRAP | Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED |
|
INTG | Intention to grant announced |
Effective date: 20220707 |
|
GRAJ | Information related to disapproval of communication of intention to grant by the applicant or resumption of examination proceedings by the epo deleted |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSDIGR1 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE |
|
INTC | Intention to grant announced (deleted) | ||
GRAP | Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED |
|
INTG | Intention to grant announced |
Effective date: 20230103 |
|
GRAS | Grant fee paid |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3 |
|
GRAA | (expected) grant |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: B1 Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: GB Ref legal event code: FG4D Free format text: NOT ENGLISH |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: EP Ref country code: AT Ref legal event code: REF Ref document number: 1572699 Country of ref document: AT Kind code of ref document: T Effective date: 20230615 Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R096 Ref document number: 502020003430 Country of ref document: DE |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: LT Ref legal event code: MG9D |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: NL Ref legal event code: MP Effective date: 20230607 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20230607 Ref country code: NO Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20230907 Ref country code: ES Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20230607 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: RS Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20230607 Ref country code: NL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20230607 Ref country code: LV Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20230607 Ref country code: LT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20230607 Ref country code: HR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20230607 Ref country code: GR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20230908 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: FI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20230607 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20230607 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: IS Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20231007 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SM Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20230607 Ref country code: SK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20230607 Ref country code: RO Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20230607 Ref country code: PT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20231009 Ref country code: IS Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20231007 Ref country code: EE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20230607 Ref country code: CZ Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20230607 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: PL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20230607 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R097 Ref document number: 502020003430 Country of ref document: DE |
|
PLBE | No opposition filed within time limit |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: IE Payment date: 20240220 Year of fee payment: 5 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: DK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20230607 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: DE Payment date: 20240219 Year of fee payment: 5 Ref country code: GB Payment date: 20240219 Year of fee payment: 5 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20230607 |
|
26N | No opposition filed |
Effective date: 20240308 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20230607 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: TR Payment date: 20240206 Year of fee payment: 5 Ref country code: IT Payment date: 20240228 Year of fee payment: 5 Ref country code: FR Payment date: 20240222 Year of fee payment: 5 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: MC Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20230607 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: PL |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: LU Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20240207 |