JP2001017514A - Preparation of gelatin capsule and apparatus for preparing it - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a new method for preparing a gelatin capsule and an apparatus for preparing it wherein the internally wrapped body is rapidly fed and no bridge phenomenon is generated by feeding an internally wrapped body so as to push it down approximately in the rightly downward direction without bending the internally wrapped body. SOLUTION: An apparatus 1 for preparing a gelatin capsule is provided with a pair of die rolls 44 for bonding two pieces of gelatin sheets S under a joining condition and a nozzle segment 96 for feeding a powder granule, an example of an internally wrapped body M to this gelatin sheet S and a feeding path 100 being a feeding passage for the internally wrapped body M is straightly formed toward approximately in the rightly downward direction. In addition, coating treatment of a fluororesin is applied on approximately whole periphery of the nozzle segment 96 and the dimension of the feeding passage for the internally wrapped body M is formed approximately 20% of the whole height dimension. In addition, a hopper 84 in which the internally wrapped body M is fed is provided with a screw which can distribute and feed the internally wrapped body M into a plurality of places in its bottom part.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method for producing a soft-type gelatin capsule containing a drug or the like. The present invention relates to a novel production method for improving the production efficiency of gelatin capsules by more accurately supplying them, and a production apparatus therefor.

[0002]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Various soft-type gelatin capsules in which drugs, nutrients, and the like are wrapped in a soft gelatin capsule to make them easy to take are commercially available. The applicant of the present invention has made various attempts to develop a method for efficiently and hygienically manufacturing such a gelatin capsule (hereinafter, the gelatin capsule is referred to as a soft capsule in the present specification). Gelatin sheet molding equipment in manufacturing equipment ”(Japanese Patent Publication No. 5-88143)
No .: Japanese Patent No. 1876976) and "Adjustment device in manufacturing apparatus of gelatin capsule" (Japanese Patent Publication No. 5-88144).
No .: Japanese Patent No. 1876977) or “Capsule removing device in gelatin capsule manufacturing device”
-88145: Japanese Patent No. 1876978).

[0003] The present applicant has also developed a case in which a powdery or granular powdery substance is encapsulated in a gelatin capsule without being limited to only a liquid (including a mixture of liquid and powder). Attempts and patent applications of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 10-212257, entitled "Gelatin Capsules Enclosing Granular Materials and Methods for Producing the Same, and Apparatus for Producing the Same" I have.

However, even in such a method, there is still room for improvement in the following points. That is, according to the method described in Japanese Patent Application No. 10-257218, "Method for Producing Gelatin Capsules and Apparatus for Producing the Same", a supply port for supplying an inner package to a gelatin sheet is separated into two branches, and a pocket portion serving as a site for receiving the inner package. In order to prevent unsuturing of the gelatin sheet, a very good result was obtained in that the gelatin sheet on which the gelatin sheet was formed was supplied with approximately half the amount of one capsule per capsule from one supply port. However, depending on the properties of the granules, for example, the size, etc., it may take time to drop and supply the granules themselves, or the granules themselves may have a supply port or a bifurcated bend. In some cases, a phenomenon called so-called “bridge” occurs at the parts, and the supply itself cannot be performed smoothly.

[0005]

[Technical Problem Attempted to Develop] The present invention has been made in view of such a background, and the present invention has been developed by supplying an inner package without being bent, so as to push the inner package almost downward. An attempt was made to develop a novel production method and a production apparatus capable of producing gelatin capsules more efficiently, with a quick supply and without the occurrence of a bridging phenomenon.

[0006]

That is, in the method for producing a gelatin capsule according to the first aspect of the present invention, two gelatin sheets are supplied to a pair of die rolls, and a pocket portion that wraps an inner package for the gelatin sheet. Forming a gelatin capsule by supplying an inner package from a nozzle segment to a gelatin sheet along with the formation of the pocket portion, and then joining the pocket portions in a mating state to produce a gelatin capsule. It is characterized in that it is extruded and supplied almost directly downward. According to the present invention, the inclusion body does not bend,
Since the supply is performed while being extruded in a straight shape substantially directly downward, accurate and quick supply can be performed, and the occurrence of a bridge phenomenon can be prevented. Also, various kinds of liquids, powders and the like can be applied as the inclusion body.

[0007] A method for producing a gelatin capsule according to a second aspect is characterized in that, in addition to the requirements described in the first aspect, a powder material is applied to the inner package. According to the present invention, a gelatin capsule containing a granular material can be manufactured more efficiently.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for producing a gelatin capsule, wherein in addition to the requirement of the first or second aspect, the nozzle segment is coated with a fluororesin substantially all around. It is a feature. ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, clogging of the inclusion body in the supply port in a nozzle segment and sticking of the gelatin sheet on the surface along a die roll can be prevented more effectively.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the requirements of the first, second or third aspect, after the inner package is put into the hopper, the capsule is provided with a screw provided at a lower portion of the hopper. , And are distributed and supplied to a plurality of locations. According to the present invention, even when a large number of gelatin capsules are manufactured at once, the inclusions can be measured more accurately, and efficient production can be achieved.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gelatin capsule manufacturing apparatus, wherein two gelatin sheets are joined to each other in an engaged state, and a pocket portion which wraps an inner package with respect to this gelatin sheet by a stage before joining. A pair of die rolls, and a nozzle segment for supplying the inner package to the gelatin sheet in accordance with the formation of the pocket portion. In a device for producing a gelatin capsule wrapping the inner package, the device becomes a supply passage for the inner package. The supply path is characterized in that it is formed in a straight shape substantially in a downward direction. According to the present invention, since the inner packet is supplied while being extruded in a straight shape substantially right below without being bent, there is almost no clogging at the supply port or the like. Also, various kinds of liquids, powders and the like can be applied as the inclusion body.

[0011] The apparatus for producing a gelatin capsule according to claim 6 is characterized in that, in addition to the requirements described in claim 5, the inner package is formed by applying a powder or granule. According to the present invention, a gelatin capsule containing a granular material can be manufactured more efficiently.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in addition to the requirement of the fifth or sixth aspect, the nozzle segments are coated with a fluororesin almost all around. It consists of. ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, clogging of the inclusion body in the supply port in a nozzle segment and sticking of the gelatin sheet on the surface along a die roll can be prevented more effectively.

[0013] In the apparatus for manufacturing a gelatin capsule according to claim 8, in addition to the requirements described in claim 5, 6, or 7, the nozzle segment is configured such that the supply path dimension is about 20% of the total height dimension. It is characterized by having. According to the present invention, since the nozzle segment can be formed in a flat shape, that is, the dimension of the supply path is relatively short with respect to the height dimension of the nozzle segment, the bridge phenomenon in the supply path can be more effectively prevented.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the requirements of the fifth, sixth, seventh, or eighth aspect, the hopper into which the internal body is put has the internal body dispersed at a plurality of locations. The screw that can be supplied is provided at the lower part. According to the present invention, even when a large number of gelatin capsules are manufactured at once, the inclusions can be measured more accurately, and efficient production can be achieved.

[0015]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described below with reference to the illustrated embodiments. In the description, the gelatin capsule A manufactured by the manufacturing apparatus 1 of the present invention will be schematically described, then the manufacturing apparatus 1 will be described, and then the operation mode of the apparatus will be described. The method will be described. First, the gelatin capsule A starts with a gelatin sheet S as a starting material as shown in FIG.
And the inner body M wrapped thereby. As will be described later, the capsule outer skin portion G is formed by a pair of gelatin sheets S, which are the starting materials, being fitted together in the middle while being opposed to each other, and then fused. In addition, appropriate powders such as pharmaceuticals, nutrients, health food extracts, seasonings, and luxury goods are applied to the internal body M as an example, but other conventional liquids and the like are also applied. Of course it is possible.

Next, the gelatin capsule manufacturing apparatus 1 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, this is roughly composed of a sheet forming section 2 and a capsule forming section 3, and these members are assembled to a frame F. First, the sheet forming section 2 will be schematically described. This is a part for forming a gelatin sheet S which is a starting material of the capsule shell part G. The two formed gelatin sheets S are supplied to the capsule forming part 3 in an interlocking state. A pair is provided on the left and right sides of the frame F with the capsule molding part 3 interposed therebetween. However, in addition to such a form, for example, the gelatin sheet S is formed by one sheet forming unit 2,
This is cut into two pieces while reaching the capsule molding part 3,
It is possible to adopt a mode or the like in which the liquid is supplied to the capsule molding unit 3 in a facing manner.

A gelatin tank 5 for storing molten gelatin is provided above the sheet forming section 2 and a supply hose 6 is provided from the gelatin tank 5.
Is drawn downward, and a valve 7 is provided on the way. The gelatin tank 5 is provided with a heater in order to ensure a molten state of the gelatin. Supplied. Then the gelatin is spreader box 1
It is fed to a cooling drum 30 provided below the lower part 0, where it is formed into a gelatin sheet S of an appropriate thickness while being cooled to an appropriate temperature. The details of the sheet forming section 2 described above are omitted here, and
No.-212,257, "Gelatin capsule containing powder and granules, method for producing the same, and apparatus for producing the same" are incorporated herein by reference.

Next, the capsule molding unit 3 will be described.
This is provided after the sheet forming section 2 configured as described above, that is, on the side to which the gelatin sheet S is supplied. A feed roll 40 is formed so as to relay each forming section. I have. For this reason, after the gelatin sheet S is cooled to an appropriate temperature around the cooling drum 30, it is put into the capsule forming section 3 while passing between the plurality of feed rolls 40 in a zigzag manner. In the vicinity of the feed roll 40, a thickness sensor 410 for measuring the thickness of the gelatin sheet S put into the capsule molding section 3
Is provided. The details of the thickness sensor 410 are omitted here, and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H08-1818 filed by the applicant of the present invention.
No. 2744, "Apparatus for monitoring the thickness of a gelatin sheet in an apparatus for producing a gelatin capsule" is incorporated herein by reference.

As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the capsule molding section 3 is mainly composed of a die head 42 having a pair of die rolls 44 provided on a die roll frame 43. One of the pair of die rolls 44 is fixed and the other is configured so as to be accessible to the fixed die roll 44. When it is necessary to distinguish the two and display them, one is fixed to the fixed die roll 44. 44a, and the other as an adjustable die roll 44b.

Each die roll 44 is formed with a molded projection 45 having an appropriate shape on the surface thereof. For example, when a gelatin capsule A having a substantially spindle shape is formed, the center portion is depressed. It is formed in an oval shape. A suction hole 45a for sucking the supplied gelatin sheet S is formed in the inner peripheral portion of each molding protrusion 45. This is shown in FIG.
The suction path 45b is formed so as to extend from the end face on the die roll frame 43 side to the suction hole 45a. In the present embodiment, one formed protrusion 45 and two formed protrusions are alternately arranged in the width direction (axial direction) of the die roll 44. Although the number of suction holes 45a communicating with one suction path 45b is one or two, the number can be changed as appropriate. That is, for example, when a large number of gelatin capsules A are manufactured at once, it is possible to increase the width dimension and the diameter dimension of the die roll 44, thereby increasing the number of the forming protrusions 45, and thus the suction holes 45a and the suction passages 45b. It is. Suction hole 45a communicating with one suction path 45b
If it is difficult to uniformly adhere the gelatin sheet S to the inner peripheral portion of the molding projection 45 due to the difference in the number of the molding projections 45, the number of the molding projections 45 formed in the width direction of the die roll 44 is fixed, and one suction It is also possible to keep the number of suction holes 45a leading to the path 45b constant.

A sheet suction mechanism 70 is provided between the die roll 44 and the die roll frame 43. The sheet suction mechanism 70 is a die roll receiver 71 which rotates together with the die roll 44.
And a suction main body 72 fixedly attached to the die roll frame 43. The die roll receiver 71 is fitted inside the die roll 44 and fixed to the die roll 44 with bolts or the like, and has a peripheral portion substantially equal to the outer periphery of the die roll 44. The same number of communication holes 71a having the same size and the same size as the suction path 45b of the die roll 44 are formed in the peripheral portion. Although the die roll 44 and the die roll receiver 71 are formed separately in this embodiment, they may be formed integrally.

On the other hand, the die body 7
On one surface, a suction groove 72a is formed in a range of about 115 ° from the upper side to the drawing side of the gelatin sheet S, for example, and the upper part of the suction groove 72a is formed at the top of the suction body 72. It is formed so as to follow the vacuum hole 72b. Then, when suction is started from the vacuum hole 72 b, the suction action is performed by the suction passage 45 of the rotating die roll 44 via the die roll receiver 71.
b, and within a range where the suction hole 45a is rotated by about 115 ° from the upper side slightly in front of the suction groove 45 corresponding to the suction groove 72a formed in the suction main body 72, the gelatin sheet S is formed into the shape of the forming protrusion 45. Deformed into a shape familiar to the inner circumference,
A pocket portion P is formed. The sheet suction mechanism 70
The mechanism that substantially contributes to the formation of the pocket portion P, including the suction hole 45a and the suction passage 45b of the die roll 44, is generally referred to as a pocket portion forming mechanism.

Next, a mechanism for adjusting the contact pressure of the die roll 44 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the bearing 46 of the adjustable die roll 44 b is connected to the die roll frame 4.
3 is formed so as to be slidable on the other fixed die roll 44a side, and is configured such that a pair of front and rear leaf springs 47, 48 for pressing act on this bearing portion 46. ing. That is, the pair of leaf springs 47 and 48 come into contact with each other by a central contact portion 49 whose center projects, and the leaf spring 47 on the side closer to the bearing portion 46 contacts both ends thereof with the bearing portion 46 so that the bearing portion 46 is brought into contact with the bearing portion 46. It acts so as to be pushed into the fixed die roll 44a side.

An adjusting push rod 51 is in contact with both ends of the other leaf spring 48. The adjusting push rod 51 is configured to be screwed to the die roll frame 43, and its operating end is The adjusting push rod 51 is provided so that a stronger contact pressure can be obtained when the adjusting push rod 51 is screwed tightly. The contact pressure is numerically detected by the pressing force gauge 53.

Further, the capsule forming section 3 including the pair of die rolls 44 is provided with a position shift detecting mechanism 441 for detecting occurrence of a position shift of the die rolls 44 in the circumferential direction.
The details of the position shift detecting mechanism 441 are also omitted here, and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-182743 filed by the applicant of the present invention.
The content described in the issue No. “Die roll misalignment monitoring device in a gelatin capsule manufacturing device” is cited.

Next, the inclusion body supply section 80 will be described.
In this example, an inner package M contained in one capsule is supplied in a substantially equal amount to the gelatin sheet S in which the pocket P is formed by the pocket forming mechanism. And a guide mechanism 82 for guiding the internal body M to the gelatin sheet S after measuring the internal body M to the appropriate amount of supply as shown in FIG.
And an extruding mechanism 83 for finally extruding the inner packet M. Hereinafter, each component mechanism will be described.

First, the weighing mechanism 81 will be described. This is a hopper 84 for storing an inclusion body M such as a granular material.
A support member 85 for supporting the hopper 84, the pushing mechanism 83, and the like; a top plate 86 fixedly provided below the support member 85; and a slider set to be slidable in the left-right direction below the top plate 86. It comprises a plate 87. Top plate 8
6, a communication hole 88 is provided at a position almost directly above a supply port 98 of a nozzle segment 96 described later, that is, at a position almost directly below a pusher 101 described later, and further sandwiches the communication hole 88. Storage holes 89 are provided on the right and left sides for storing equal amounts of the inclusion bodies M. The storage hole 89 is provided at a lower portion of the hopper 84 and stores the falling inner packet M.

In this embodiment, as one example, three communication holes 88 are provided on each of the left and right sides, and a total of six communication holes 88 are provided.
A storage hole 89 is provided on the right side of each communication hole 88 (to the right in FIG. 6).
And one storage hole 89 is provided on the left side. This is because the molding protrusion 45 described above is used for the die roll 44.
There are one formed in the width direction and two formed in the width direction, and these are arranged alternately. Therefore, each of the storage holes 89 at one position on the left and right sides is formed with the molding protrusion 45 formed at one position in the width direction of the die roll 44.
And two storage holes 89 on each side.
Acts on the forming protrusions 45 formed at two positions in the width direction of the die roll 44. When these storage holes 89 are represented separately, the storage holes 89a acting on the molding projections 45 formed in one place in the width direction of the die roll 44 are 89a, and the storage holes acting on the molding projections 45 formed in two places are 89b. To distinguish them. Therefore, the hopper 84
Also in the above, when distinguishing by the forming projections 45 acting, the hopper acting on one formed in the width direction of the die roll 44 is denoted by 84a, and the hopper acting on one formed at two locations is denoted by 84b. To distinguish.

The communication holes 88 and the storage holes 89 described above, the measurement holes 94 of the slider plate 87 described later, and the supply ports 98 of the nozzle segments 96 are connected to the die roll 44.
As described in the description above, during mass production or the like, it is possible to form a large number with the increase of the molding projections 45. In such a case, for the purpose of accurately and efficiently dispersing and supplying the inclusions M, as shown in FIG. 8, for example, a mode in which a screw 90 having a spiral groove 90a is formed below the hopper 84 may be adopted. Then, at the time of supply, the screw 90 is rotated so that the inclusion body M is placed in the hopper 8.
4 to each storage hole 89 accurately. In rotating the screws 90, a gear 91 is provided on the base end side of each screw 90, and these are rotated by a driving gear 92 driven by a motor or the like.

The slider plate 87 is a member for substantially measuring the inclusion M, and is slidable left and right by an actuator 93 provided on the front portion of the apparatus as shown in FIG. 2, for example. The slider plate 87 has, for example, in the state shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, measurement holes at almost directly below communication holes 88 (a total of four places in front, rear, left and right) of the top plate 86 and almost immediately below storage holes 89a. 94 is formed. Note that the state shown in the figure is the slider plate 8
7 shows a state in which 7 is shifted to the right (to the right as viewed in FIG. 6),
Although only the storage hole 89b of the top plate 86 is in a non-communicating state, when the slider plate 87 is shifted to the left, on the contrary, as shown in FIGS. In a non-communication state.

The measuring hole 94 of the slider plate 87
Similarly to the communication holes 88 and the storage holes 89 of the top plate 86, they are formed in accordance with the mode of formation of the forming projections 45. When the measuring holes 94 are distinguished by the working forming projections 45, In this embodiment, a measuring hole acting on one formed in the width direction of the die roll 44 is denoted by reference numeral 94a, and a measuring hole acting on two formed ones is denoted by reference numeral 94b. In this case, a total of two measuring holes 94a are formed at one location on the left and right, and a total of four measuring holes 94b are formed at two locations on the left and right.

Next, the guide mechanism 82 will be described. This is composed of an under plate 95 fixedly provided below the slider plate 87 and a pair of die rolls 4.
Nozzle segment 9 provided so as to enter between
6 is provided. The under plate 95 has a supply port 98 for a nozzle segment 96 described later.
The same number of guide holes 97 are formed at positions directly above the guide holes 97.

As shown in FIG. 6, the nozzle segment 96 has such a shape that the tip end protrudes sufficiently to enter between the pair of die rolls 44.
And a supply port 98 for supplying the same. The nozzle segment 96 is coated with a fluororesin or the like over substantially the entire circumference, and has a function of preventing clogging of the inclusion body M such as a granular material and sticking of the gelatin sheet S. In this case, three heaters 99 are inserted as an example, and serve to keep the gelatin sheet S at a proper temperature or higher over a relatively wide range. The three heaters 99 are arranged, for example, one at each of the left and right ends of the nozzle segment 96, and the other is arranged immediately above the portion where the gelatin sheet S is stitched. This is a structure that can be adopted because the supply port 98 of the inner package M is divided into two parts. For this reason, the gelatin sheet S is effectively warmed, and the subsequent formation of the pocket P and the enclosing of the inner package M are performed. A series of manufacturing operations such as subsequent suturing can be performed more smoothly. Further, the number of the heaters 99 can be appropriately changed according to various conditions such as the size of the die roll 44 and the nozzle segment 96 or the size of the suction force. Further, as shown in the drawing, the nozzle segment 96 according to the present invention has a generally flat shape, that is, the supply passage size of the inner package M is formed to be about 20% of the total height dimension inserted between the die rolls 44, Thereby, the transfer path of the inclusion body M is configured to be relatively short, and the supply operation itself can be smoothly performed.

The above-described guide holes 97 of the under plate 95 and the supply ports 98 of the nozzle segments 96 are also formed in accordance with the form of the forming projections 45.
In this embodiment, as an example, three locations are formed on the left and right, for a total of six locations. In addition, the passage from the communication hole 88 of the top plate 86 to the supply port 98 of the nozzle segment 96 is a passage through which the inner package M is substantially extruded.
This passage is generically referred to as a supply passage 100 for the inclusion body M.

Next, the pushing mechanism 83 will be described. As shown in FIG. 11A, a plurality of pushers 101 for substantially extruding the inclusion body M,
It comprises a cylinder 102 which slides up and down 01 at a predetermined timing, and a push plate 103 for synchronizing the appropriately grouped pushers 101. The pusher 101 is a columnar member having an appropriate cross-sectional shape such as a substantially circular shape or a square shape. The pusher 101 is a pair of two right and left members, and simultaneously extrudes the encapsulant M contained in one capsule by almost equal amounts. is there. As one of the features of the present invention, the supply path 100 of the inner package M extruded by the pusher 101 is formed so as to be directed straight downward, and thereby the powder and granules are provided in the middle of the supply path 100. This effectively prevents the so-called bridge phenomenon in which the inclusion body M solidifies.

Note that the pusher 101 and the like also have the
In this embodiment, three pairs, a total of six lines, are applied as an example. When the pusher 101 is distinguished by the forming protrusion 45 acting thereon, a pusher for pushing out the inner package M into one formed in the width direction of the die roll 44 is used.
a, a pusher that pushes out the inner body M is distinguished by a reference numeral 101b, and a pair of pushers 101a is provided at a center portion and two pushers 101b are provided at front and rear portions. A set is provided. Here, the pusher 101a corresponds to the hopper 84a, the storage hole 89a, and the measuring hole 94a described above.
b corresponds to the hopper 84b, the storage hole 89b, and the measuring hole 94b.

The cylinder 102 and the push plate 10
Also in the case of No. 3, in the case of being distinguished by the forming projections 45 acting, the one related to one formed in the width direction of the die roll 44 is the cylinder 102a and the push plate 103a, and the one related to the two formed. The components are distinguished from each other by attaching reference numerals to the cylinder 102b and the push plate 103b. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 11B, there are a case where the above-described molding protrusions 45 are formed four in the width direction of the die roll 44 and a case where five are formed, and these are alternately formed. In this case, four pairs of pushers 101a are provided on the left and right, and five pairs of pushers 101b are provided on the left and right.

Next, members provided below the die roll 44 and involved in taking out the gelatin capsule A as a product will be described. As shown in FIG. 12, reference numeral 61 denotes a trough for removing the gelatin capsule A, which is a die roll 44.
Is configured to be drawn out to the front of the apparatus from below.

The die roll 44 is brought into contact with a die roll scraping brush 63 for taking out the gelatin capsule A that has been bitten between the molding projections 45 of the die roll 44. Further gelatin capsule A
Is expected to remain on the blank sheet S 'from which the gelatin capsule A has been punched out. Opposite.

Further, a blank sheet feed roll 65 for drawing the blank sheet S 'downward positively is provided below the blank sheet S'. In the present apparatus, the die roll scraping brush 63 and the blank sheet scraping brush 64 are used.
The blank sheet feed roll 65 is driven to a different system from the other drive systems. The details of this drive system are also omitted here, and
No. 5 (Japanese Patent No. 1876978) is incorporated herein by reference.

Next, a method of manufacturing a gelatin capsule according to the present invention will be described with reference to an operation mode of the manufacturing apparatus 1 for a gelatin capsule configured as described above. In the description, the operation mode in which the pocket portion P is formed by the pocket portion forming mechanism and the operation mode in which the inclusion body M such as a powder or the like is supplied to the pocket portion P will be described separately. The description of the operation of the entire apparatus is also omitted here, and Japanese Patent Publication No. 5-88145 (Japanese Patent No.
No. 78) is cited.

First, the operation of forming the pocket P on the gelatin sheet S will be described. (1) Start of suction First, the gelatin sheet S formed in the sheet forming section 2 is gradually fed to the die roll 44 via the feed roll 40.
Sent to. As shown in FIG. 13, the gelatin sheet S reaches the top of the die roll 44 and the suction position slightly on the near side, and at the same time, the suction hole 45 a formed in the inner peripheral portion of the molding projection 45 is inserted into the suction groove 72 a of the suction main body 72. Reached,
The suction of the gelatin sheet S is started.

(2) Formation of Pocket When the suction is started, the gelatin sheet S is inserted into the suction hole 45a.
, And is deformed into a shape conforming to the inner peripheral surface of the molding protrusion 45, and the pocket portion P is formed. It should be noted that approximately half the amount of the inner package M of one capsule is supplied to the pocket P from almost directly above.

(3) Formation of Stitching Section When the gelatin sheet S starts to contact by rotation of the die roll 44, the forming projection 4
The stitch part g is formed by the operation of 5. At this time, the left and right pocket portions P are welded in a mating state while enclosing the inner package M in substantially equal amounts, and the sewn portion g extends from below to the entire circumference, and the capsule outer skin portion G is formed. In addition, in order to supply the inner package M from the supply port 98 divided into two, it is possible to arrange one heater 99 immediately above the suturing part g. The heater 99 is always and effectively warmed from the start of suction to the formation of the capsule shell G, and a series of manufacturing of the gelatin capsule A can be smoothly performed.

(4) Suction Release Almost simultaneously with the completion of the formation of the capsule shell G, the suction hole 45 is formed.
a reaches a rotation position of approximately 90 ° from the upper part of the die roll 44, the suction action is released, and the gelatin capsule A is removed from between the molding protrusions 45. In this embodiment, the suction groove 72a is formed in the suction main body 72 in a range of about 115 °, and the gelatin sheet S is suctioned only within the range. However, depending on the number of the projections 45, etc. An appropriate angle can be set.

Next, a description will be given of an operation mode in which the inclusion body M is supplied to the gelatin sheet S. (1) Initial state (rightward state) With the formation of the pocket portion P as described above, the supply of the inclusion body M such as a granular material is performed. At this time, as an example, FIGS.
The state in which the slider plate 87 is moved to the right (to the right as viewed in FIG. 6) by the actuator 93 as shown in FIG. In this initial state, the measuring hole 94a of the slider plate 87 is connected to the storage hole 89a of the top plate 86, while another measuring hole 9a is formed.
4b is a communication hole 88 of the top plate 86, a guide hole 97 of the under plate 95, or a nozzle segment 96.
To form a supply path 100. In this state, the inner body M charged into the hopper 84a is filled in the measuring hole 94a, and the actual weighing is performed.

(2) Leftward state When the inner body M is filled in the measuring hole 94a and the measuring is completed,
As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the slider plate 87 is moved leftward by the actuator 93 (leftward as viewed in FIG. 9).
It is in a state of being approached. In this state, the measurement hole 94b of the slider plate 87 is connected to the storage hole 89b of the top plate 86, while another measurement hole 9b is formed.
4a is a communication hole 88 of the top plate 86, a guide hole 97 of the under plate 95, or a nozzle segment 96.
To form a supply path 100. In this state, the inner package M measured by the measuring hole 94a as described above is pushed straight out in the supply path 100 substantially downward by the pusher 101a, and a hopper is formed in the other measuring hole 94b. The inner body M that has been charged into 84b is filled, and substantial measurement is performed by the measurement holes 94b.

(3) Rightward state When the supply of the inner package M filled in the measuring hole 94a is completed, the slider plate 87 is again brought to the right side by the actuator 93. This state is the same as the initial state described above, and the measuring hole 94
The inner body M measured by the b
b, the inside of the supply path 100 is extruded in a straight shape almost directly downward, and the other measuring holes 94a are filled with another inner package M, and again the measuring holes 94a are filled.
The measurement by b is performed, and such an operation is sequentially repeated. The timing of extruding the inner package M into the gelatin sheet S is not limited to the form in which the pocket P is extruded after the pocket P is formed as described above. A form in which both are formed simultaneously, such as forming P, can be adopted. In such a case, the suction start position of the gelatin sheet S can be set to a position almost at the top of the die roll 44 to which the inner package M is supplied.

In this embodiment, the pocket portion P is formed mainly by sucking the gelatin sheet S. However, other than this, for example, embossing using a mold or the like, or forming protrusions using an air nozzle or the like may be used. Various modes such as a mode of pressing the gelatin sheet S supplied on the surface 45 can be adopted.

[0050]

According to the first or fifth aspect of the present invention, since the inner package M is supplied while being extruded in a straight shape almost directly downward without bending, accurate and quick supply can be performed. Therefore, the occurrence of the bridge phenomenon can be prevented. Also, various kinds of liquids, powders and the like can be applied as the inclusion body.

Further, according to the second or sixth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to more efficiently manufacture a gelatin capsule A containing a granular material.

Furthermore, according to the third or seventh aspect of the present invention, it is possible to more effectively prevent clogging of the inner package M at the supply port 98 in the nozzle segment 96 and sticking of the gelatin sheet S on the surface along the die roll 44. Can be prevented.

According to the fourth or ninth aspect of the present invention, even when a large number of gelatin capsules are manufactured at once, the inclusions M can be measured more accurately, and efficient production can be achieved.

Further, according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, since the nozzle segment 96 can be formed in a flat shape, that is, the length of the supply path 100 can be made relatively short with respect to the height dimension of the nozzle segment 96, The bridge phenomenon in 100 can be more effectively prevented.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an apparatus for producing a gelatin capsule of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view showing an inclusion body supply unit.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged plan sectional view showing a periphery of a die head.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a die roll and a suction mechanism.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the periphery of a die head.

FIG. 6 is a front sectional view showing the weighing mechanism when the slider plate is moved to the right.

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the same.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view partially showing a state in which the screw having a spiral groove is applied and the inner package is dropped into a plurality of storage holes.

FIG. 9 is a front sectional view showing the weighing mechanism when the slider plate is moved to the left.

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the same.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory view showing two types of embodiments of an extrusion mechanism.

FIG. 12 is a front view showing members arranged on a die roll take-out side.

FIG. 13 is a front view schematically showing a state in which a gelatin capsule is formed by a pair of die rolls.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 manufacturing apparatus 2 sheet forming section 3 capsule forming section 5 gelatin tank 6 supply hose 7 valve 10 spreader box 30 cooling drum 40 feed roll 410 thickness sensor 42 die head 43 die roll frame 44 die roll 44a fixed die roll 44b adjustable die roll 441 Position shift detection mechanism 45 Molding protrusion 45a Suction hole 45b Suction path 46 Bearing part 47 Leaf spring 48 Leaf spring 49 Center contact part 51 Adjustment push rod 52 Adjustment dial 53 Pressing force gauge 61 Extraction trough 63 Die roll scraping brush 64 Blank sheet Scraping brush 65 Blank sheet feed roll 70 Sheet suction mechanism 71 Die roll receiver 71a Communication hole 72 Suction body 72a Suction groove 72b Vacuum hole 80 Inner body supply unit 81 Measuring mechanism 82 Guide mechanism 83 Extrusion mechanism 84 Hopper 84a Hopper 84b Hopper 85 Support member 86 Top plate 87 Slider plate 88 Communication hole 89 Storage hole 89a Storage hole 89b Storage hole 90 Screw 90a Spiral groove 91 Gear 92 Drive gear 93 Actuator 93a Slider 94 Metering Hole 94a Measuring hole 94b Measuring hole 95 Under plate 96 Nozzle segment 97 Guide hole 98 Supply port 99 Heater 100 Supply path 101 Pusher 101a Pusher 101b Pusher 102 Cylinder 102a Cylinder 102b Cylinder 103 Push plate 103a Push plate 103b Push plate A Gelatin capsule F frame G Capsule outer skin g Suture M Inner body P Pocket S Gelatin sheet S 'Blank Door

Continuation of front page (72) Inventor Toshikazu Nito 2362 Obuchi, Fuji-shi, Shizuoka Prefecture Sankyo Co., Ltd. F-term (reference) 4C076 AA56 BB01 EE42 GG11

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A method for supplying two gelatin sheets to a pair of die rolls, forming a pocket for enclosing an inner package for the gelatin sheet, and forming a pocket from the nozzle segment to the gelatin sheet with the formation of the pocket. In a method for manufacturing a gelatin capsule by supplying an inner package and then joining the pocket portions in a mating state, the inner capsule is extruded substantially directly downward in a supply path and supplied. Manufacturing method. 2. The method for producing a gelatin capsule according to claim 1, wherein a powdery material is applied to the internal body. 3. The method for producing a gelatin capsule according to claim 1, wherein the nozzle segment is coated with a fluororesin almost all around. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the inner package is dispersed and supplied to a plurality of locations by a screw provided at a lower portion of the hopper after being put into the hopper.
Or a method for producing a gelatin capsule according to item 3. 5. A pair of die rolls for joining two gelatin sheets in an engaged state and forming a pocket for enclosing an inner package with respect to the gelatin sheet before the joining, and the pockets A nozzle segment for supplying an internal body to the gelatin sheet with the formation of the gelatin capsule, in a device for producing a gelatin capsule wrapping the internal body, a supply path serving as a supply passage of the internal body,
An apparatus for producing a gelatin capsule, wherein the apparatus is formed in a straight shape substantially downward. 6. The apparatus for producing a gelatin capsule according to claim 5, wherein a granular material is applied to said internal body. 7. A gelatin capsule manufacturing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said nozzle segment is coated with a fluororesin on substantially the entire circumference. 8. The apparatus for producing a gelatin capsule according to claim 5, wherein said nozzle segment has a supply passage size of an inner package that is about 20% of a total height dimension. 9. The gelatin according to claim 5, wherein the hopper into which the internal body is charged has a screw provided at a lower portion capable of dispersing and supplying the internal body at a plurality of locations. Capsule manufacturing equipment.