JP2009119148A - Apparatus and method for producing multi-color seamless capsule - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a multi-color seamless capsule having a surface film with two or more colors. <P>SOLUTION: A seamless capsule SC is produced by discharging a multi-layer liquid droplet 28 from a nozzle 3 into a hardening liquid 13, and hardening the surface part of the liquid droplet. A core liquid 1 and also film liquids 4a, 4b for forming an external film 2 are supplied to the nozzle 3. The plurality of kinds of film liquid with different colors or tones are used as the film liquids. The film liquids joins together in the pre-stage of the nozzle 3 and supplied to the nozzle 3. The film liquids 4a, 4b such as gelatin or Japanese gelatin are highly viscous and not easily mixed, so as to be discharged from the nozzle 3 by circulation in a substantially two-layer state, while hardly mixing each other after joining together. Then, a plurality of parts which are different each other in color and tone are formed on the outer side of the liquid droplet 28, so as to obtain the multi-color seamless capsule. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a seamless capsule in which a filling material such as food, health food, pharmaceuticals, fragrances, spices and the like is coated with a film containing gelatin, agar or the like, and more particularly to a multicolor seamless capsule having a film of two or more colors.

Conventionally, in capsules such as pharmaceuticals, foods, functional foods, and health foods, seamless capsules in which filling substances such as drugs, fragrances, and spices are coated with a film containing gelatin, agar, or the like have been widely used. Many of such seamless capsules are manufactured by a manufacturing method called a dripping type, in which concentric multiple nozzles are used to form the inner and outer layers of the capsule. From the multi-nozzle, the core liquid that is the inner layer of the capsule and the coating liquid that is the outer layer are discharged, and the liquid droplets formed by these are dropped into the cooling liquid and solidified to form multiple seamless capsules. The
JP 2006-288215 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-15932

  However, since such a seamless capsule is formed by a manufacturing method in which the periphery of the core liquid is covered with a coating liquid and solidified in a cooling liquid, the capsule surface (outer layer) has a color of the coating liquid, that is, , Become a single color. Therefore, capsules with different contents are distinguished and identified by the size of the capsule and the colors and tones that appear on the surface. The number of types that can be identified is limited, and similar sizes and colors are used. In this case, there is a problem that it is difficult to identify the type of capsule.

  In particular, when seamless capsules are used for medicines, it is required that the type identification is clear and easy. With a single-color capsule, it is possible to reliably distinguish the types of medicines even for persons with color blindness. desired. In that respect, since soft capsules and hard capsules can combine two kinds of colors, the number of combinations is large, and a large change in color tone can be applied, and seamless capsules have been desired to have the same distinguishability.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a multicolor seamless capsule having a surface film of two or more colors.

  The multicolor seamless capsule manufacturing method of the present invention is a seamless capsule in which a core liquid is sealed in an outer film by discharging multi-layer droplets from a nozzle into a curable liquid and curing at least the surface portion of the droplets. And supplying a plurality of types of liquids having different colors or tones as an outer film forming liquid for forming the outer film. The plurality of types of liquids form a plurality of portions having different colors or tone on the outside of the droplet.

  In the present invention, as the outer film forming liquid, a plurality of kinds of liquids having different colors or color tones are supplied to the nozzle, so that two or more kinds of colors and colors can be given to the seamless capsule, Various combinations of colors and color changes can be applied to the capsule. Capsule with various appearances can be created by changing the color of the outer film, and it is easy to produce beautiful capsules that look good and have a good design, rather than the monotonous appearance of conventional monochromatic capsules. Can do.

  In the multicolor seamless capsule manufacturing method, the plurality of types of outer film forming liquids may be joined at the front stage of the nozzle and then supplied to the nozzle. The plural types of outer film forming liquids may be merged in the nozzle. In this case, the plural types of outer film forming liquids may be merged at the tip of the nozzle.

  On the other hand, the multicolor seamless capsule manufacturing apparatus of the present invention discharges a multi-layer droplet from a nozzle into a curable liquid and cures at least the surface portion of the droplet, thereby encapsulating the core liquid in the outer film. A capsule manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing a seamless capsule, wherein a core liquid supply system for supplying the core liquid to the nozzle, and a coating liquid supply for supplying an outer film forming liquid for forming the outer film to the nozzle The coating liquid supply system is connected to a plurality of coating liquid tanks that separately store a plurality of types of the outer film forming liquids having different colors or tones, and to the coating liquid tank, respectively. A plurality of coating liquid supply pipes through which the outer film forming liquid flows, a plurality of coating liquid supply means interposed respectively in the coating liquid supply pipe, the coating liquid supply means, and the With nozzle It is disposed between, and having a coating liquid merging pipe which is formed by merging the plurality of the coating liquid supply pipe.

  In the present invention, the coating liquid supply system is formed by joining a plurality of coating liquid supply pipes through which a plurality of types of outer film forming liquids having different colors or tones circulate, and these coating liquid supply pipes. Since the coating liquid merging tube is provided and plural kinds of liquids having different colors or colors are supplied to the nozzle as the outer film forming liquid, it is possible to attach two or more kinds of colors and colors to the seamless capsule. It becomes possible to apply various color combinations and color tone changes to the capsule. Capsule with various appearances can be created by changing the color of the outer film, and it is easy to produce beautiful capsules that look good and have a good design, rather than the monotonous appearance of conventional monochromatic capsules. Can do.

  Further, another multicolor seamless capsule manufacturing apparatus of the present invention discharges a multi-layer droplet from a nozzle into a curable liquid, and cures at least a surface portion of the droplet to thereby provide a core liquid in the outer film. A capsule manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing a sealed seamless capsule, a core liquid supply system for supplying the core liquid to the nozzle, and a film for supplying an outer film forming liquid for forming the outer film to the nozzle A liquid supply system, wherein the film liquid supply system includes a plurality of film liquid tanks that separately store a plurality of types of outer film forming liquids having different colors or tones, the film liquid tank, A plurality of coating liquid supply pipes that are individually connected to the nozzle and through which the outer coating forming liquid flows, and a plurality of coating liquid supply means that are respectively interposed in the coating liquid supply pipes; Having And butterflies.

  In the present invention, the coating liquid supply system is provided with a plurality of coating liquid supply pipes through which a plurality of types of outer coating forming liquids having different colors or tones circulate, and the outer coating forming liquid has different colors or tones. Since a plurality of kinds of liquids are supplied to the nozzle, two or more kinds of colors and color tones can be applied to the seamless capsule, and various color combinations and color tone changes can be applied to the capsule. Capsule with various appearances can be created by changing the color of the outer film, and it is easy to produce beautiful capsules that look good and have a good design, rather than the monotonous appearance of conventional monochromatic capsules. Can do.

  In the manufacturing apparatus, the plurality of types of outer film forming liquids may be merged in the nozzle. In this case, the plurality of types of outer film forming liquids may be merged at the tip of the nozzle. good. Further, in this case, a multi-nozzle having an outer nozzle and an inner nozzle is used as the nozzle, and a flow path through which the outer film forming liquid flows is provided in the gap between the outer nozzle and the inner nozzle. The flow path may be separated into a plurality of flow path chambers by partition walls formed on the outer periphery, and the plurality of coating liquid supply pipes may be individually connected to the flow path chambers.

  According to the multicolor seamless capsule manufacturing method of the present invention, in the so-called dripping type seamless capsule manufacturing method, as the outer film forming liquid, a plurality of types of liquids having different colors or tones are supplied to the nozzle. Two or more colors and colors can be added to the seamless capsule, and various combinations of colors and color changes can be applied to the capsule. Therefore, unlike conventional single-color capsules, different types of capsules can be clearly and easily identified, and seamless capsules can have the same distinctiveness as soft capsules and hard capsules. Can be used. Capsule with various appearances can be created by changing the color of the outer film, and it is easy to produce beautiful capsules that look good and have a good design, rather than the monotonous appearance of conventional monochromatic capsules. Is possible.

  According to the multicolor seamless capsule manufacturing apparatus of the present invention, in a so-called dripping type seamless capsule manufacturing apparatus, a plurality of films through which a plurality of types of outer film forming liquids having different colors or colors are distributed as a film liquid supply system. Since a liquid supply pipe and a film liquid merging pipe formed by joining these film liquid supply pipes are provided, a plurality of types of liquids having different colors or tones are supplied to the nozzle as the outer film forming liquid. The seamless capsule can be provided with two or more colors and colors, and various combinations of colors and changes in color can be applied to the capsule. Therefore, unlike conventional single-color capsules, different types of capsules can be clearly and easily identified, and seamless capsules can have the same distinctiveness as soft capsules and hard capsules. Can be used. Capsule with various appearances can be created by changing the color of the outer film, and it is easy to produce beautiful capsules that look good and have a good design, rather than the monotonous appearance of conventional monochromatic capsules. Is possible.

  In addition, according to another multicolor seamless capsule manufacturing apparatus of the present invention, a plurality of types of outer film forming liquids having different colors or tones circulate as a film liquid supply system in a so-called dripping type seamless capsule manufacturing apparatus. Since a plurality of coating liquid supply pipes are provided and a plurality of types of liquids having different colors or tones are supplied to the nozzle as the outer coating forming liquid, two or more types of colors and colors are attached to the seamless capsule. It is possible to apply various color combinations and color tone changes to the capsule. Therefore, unlike conventional single-color capsules, different types of capsules can be clearly and easily identified, and seamless capsules can have the same distinctiveness as soft capsules and hard capsules. Can be used. Capsule with various appearances can be created by changing the color of the outer film, and it is easy to produce beautiful capsules that look good and have a good design, rather than the monotonous appearance of conventional monochromatic capsules. Is possible.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  1 is an explanatory view showing the appearance of a multicolor seamless capsule which is an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an explanatory view showing the configuration of a seamless capsule manufacturing apparatus which is Embodiment 1 of the present invention. This multicolor seamless capsule is produced by the apparatus of FIG. As shown in FIG. 1, the seamless capsule SC according to the present invention has a general configuration in which a core liquid (inner layer liquid) 1 is enclosed in an outer film 2, but unlike a conventional seamless capsule, a two-color configuration. Thus, two portions having different colors or color tones are formed on the outer coating 2.

  As shown in FIG. 1, in the seamless capsule SC, the outer film 2 is composed of a transparent portion 2a having a light pink color and a white opaque portion 2b. The transparent part 2a and the opaque part 2b each expand in a hemispherical shape, and the entire seamless capsule SC is in a state of being divided into two colors by half. The inside of the capsule can be seen through from the transparent part 2a, and the appearance of the opaque part 2b spreading on the capsule surface opposite to the transparent part 2a can be visually recognized. The color referred to in the present invention includes transparency and metallic luster.

  The seamless capsule SC of FIG. 1 is formed by the seamless capsule manufacturing apparatus of FIG. The apparatus shown in FIG. 2 is also a so-called dripping type seamless capsule manufacturing apparatus, and has a multi-structure nozzle 3 as in the conventional dripping type apparatus. The nozzle 3 is supplied with a core liquid (inner layer liquid) 1 for forming the seamless capsule SC and a coating liquid (outer film forming liquid) 4 (4a, 4b) for coating the core liquid 1. A seamless capsule SC is manufactured by discharging droplets to the curable liquid in the flow channel tube 14.

  The core liquid 1 is a medicine such as a vitamin, a fragrance, a spice, a mineral, or an extract enclosed in the seamless capsule SC, and is supplied to the nozzle 3 by the core liquid supply system X. In this case, the core liquid supply system X includes a core liquid tank 5 in which the core liquid 1 is stored, a core liquid supply pipe 6 provided between the core liquid tank 5 and the nozzle 3, and a core liquid supply pipe. 6 and the core liquid pump 7 interposed. The core liquid 1 is pumped from the core liquid tank 5 by the core liquid pump 7 and supplied to the nozzle 3 through the core liquid supply pipe 6.

  On the other hand, hydrophilic materials such as gelatin are used for the coating liquids 4a and 4b. As the coating solutions 4a and 4b, gelatin, seaweed-derived polysaccharides such as agar, plant-based materials such as pectin, microorganism-derived materials such as xanthan gum, fiber-based materials such as methylcellulose, starch hydrolysates, etc. You can also. In the present embodiment, gelatin to which different pigments are added is used as the coating liquids 4a and 4b, whereby a light pink transparent portion 2a and a white opaque portion 2b are formed.

  The coating liquids 4a and 4b are supplied to the nozzle 3 by the coating liquid supply system Y. In the apparatus of FIG. 2, the coating liquid supply system Y is provided for each of the coating liquids 4a and 4b (Y1, Y2). Accordingly, the coating liquid supply system Y includes coating liquid tanks 8a and 8b in which the coating liquids 4a and 4b are stored, respectively, and a coating liquid supply pipe 9a provided between the coating liquid tanks 8a and 8b and the nozzle 3. , 9b and coating liquid pumps (coating liquid feeding means) 11a, 11b interposed in the coating liquid supply pipes 9a, 9b. Moreover, the coating liquid supply systems Y1 and Y2 of the apparatus merge between the nozzle 3 and the pumps 11a and 11b. That is, the coating liquid supply pipes 9 a and 9 b connected to the coating liquid tanks 8 a and 8 b are merged immediately before the nozzle 3 to reach the nozzle 3 as the coating liquid junction pipe 12. In addition, in order to supply the coating liquids 4a and 4b to the nozzle 3 in a liquid state, a heater is mounted outside the coating liquid supply pipes 9a and 9b and the coating liquid joining pipe 12.

  An inflow portion 15 </ b> A for the curing liquid 13 is provided at the upper end inlet of the flow channel tube 14. The curing liquid 13 is supplied to the inflow portion 15 </ b> A from the pump 25 through the pipe line 26. The seamless capsule manufacturing apparatus is a submerged nozzle type, and the nozzle 3 is inserted and installed in the inlet portion 27 of the inflow portion 15A. From the nozzle 3, the core liquid 1 and the coating liquids 4a and 4b, which are capsule forming liquids, are discharged. The nozzle 3 is vibrated by a vibrating device (vibrating means) 19, and the discharged liquid is appropriately cut by the vibration, and the coating liquid 4 a, 4 b covers the entire periphery of the core liquid 1. 28 (hereinafter abbreviated as droplet 28). The droplets 28 are cooled and hardened while moving in the hardening liquid 13 to form seamless capsules SC.

  The flow path pipe 14 is formed as a bent cylindrical body, and includes a substantially J-shaped inflow portion 15A and an inverted J-shaped outflow portion 15B that is nested with the inflow portion 15A. The inflow portion 15A and the outflow portion 15B are fitted and fixed in a sealed state at the fitting portion 15C. In addition, in the fitting portion 15C, the inflow portion 15A and the outflow portion 15B may be joined so as to be relatively movable in the vertical direction. Thereby, the height difference Δh between the liquid level of the inflow portion 15A and the liquid level of the outflow portion 15B can be adjusted, and the flow rate of the curing liquid 13 in the flow channel pipe 14 can be adjusted.

  A cylindrical inlet 27 is provided at the upper end of the inflow portion 15 </ b> A so as to face the nozzle 3. A substantially funnel-shaped separator 16 is provided below the outlet end of the outflow portion 15B. A mesh 17 that does not allow the seamless capsule SC to pass therethrough and allows only the curing liquid 13 to pass through is stretched in the separator 16. The separator 16 separates the seamless capsule SC and the hardening liquid 13 that have flowed together from the flow channel tube 14 from each other. The hardening liquid 13 separated from the seamless capsule SC by the separator 16 is collected in the lower separation tank 18. The curing liquid 13 in the separation tank 18 is pumped to the cooling tank 23 via the pipe line 22 by the pump 21. The curing liquid 13 is cooled to a predetermined temperature by the cooler 24 in the cooling tank 23. The curing liquid 13 in the cooling tank 23 is returned to the flow channel pipe 14 by the pump 25.

  In such a seamless capsule manufacturing apparatus, a seamless capsule is manufactured as follows. First, the core liquid 1 and the coating liquids 4 a and 4 b are supplied to the nozzle 3. As described above, the core liquid 1 is supplied from the core liquid tank 5 to the nozzle 3 through the core liquid supply pipe 6. Further, the coating liquids 4 a and 4 b are supplied to the nozzle 3 from the coating liquid tanks 8 a and 8 b through the coating liquid supply pipes 9 a and 9 b and the coating liquid joining pipe 12. At this time, the coating liquid 4 a and 4 b from the two coating liquid supply pipes 9 a and 9 b merge in the coating liquid junction pipe 12, but the viscosity of the gelatin solution or agar solution used for the coating liquid 4 a or 4 b is low. It is not easy to mix because it is expensive. That is, the two liquids do not mix much even after merging, and the coating liquids 4a and 4b circulate in the coating liquid merging pipe 12 in two layers.

  The core liquid 1 and the coating liquids 4a and 4b supplied to the nozzle 3 in this state are discharged from the nozzle tip, and spherical droplets 28 are formed in the curing liquid 13 in the flow channel tube 14. . At this time, the coating liquids 4 a and 4 b are maintained in a two-layer state even in the nozzle 3, and outer coatings of the coating liquids 4 a and 4 b are formed outside the droplets 28, respectively. Therefore, by using materials having different colors and tones for the coating liquids 4a and 4b, it is possible to form outer skins having different colors and tones on the outside of the droplets 28. In this apparatus, a transparent material is used for the coating solution 4a and an opaque white material is used for the coating solution 4b, thereby forming droplets 28 having a two-color configuration as shown in FIG.

  The liquid droplets 28 are cooled in the flow channel tube 14, and the coating liquids 4a and 4b are cured to form seamless capsules SC. Thereafter, the seamless capsule SC flows down together with the curing liquid 13 from the outlet end of the outflow portion 15B onto the mesh 17 of the separator 16. The seamless capsule SC is separated from the curing liquid 13 by the mesh 17 and is collected in a product collection container (not shown) in a batch manner when an appropriate amount is reached. On the other hand, the curing liquid 13 passes through the mesh 17 and is collected in the separation tank 18.

  The seamless capsule SC thus formed becomes a seamless capsule in which the core liquid 1 is enclosed in the outer film 2 in which the film liquids 4a and 4b are cured. As described above, the coating liquids 4a and 4b are made of materials having different colors, and the seamless capsule SC formed by curing the liquid droplets 28 having the two-color structure has two colors as shown in FIG. It becomes a seamless capsule with an outer skin 2. In addition, in the apparatus of FIG. 2, if a coating liquid supply system is added, it is possible to obtain multi-color seamless capsules SC such as three colors or four colors.

  That is, according to the seamless capsule manufacturing apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to add two or more kinds of colors and tone to the seamless capsule, and it is possible to apply various color combinations and tone changes to the capsule. Therefore, unlike conventional single color capsules, different types of capsules can be clearly and easily identified, and seamless capsules can be distinguished from soft capsules and hard capsules. For this reason, it becomes possible to use a seamless capsule widely also in the field | area of a medicine, and the application expansion of a seamless capsule is aimed at.

  In the seamless capsule SC, capsules having various appearances can be created by changing the color of the outer coating 2. Therefore, it is possible to easily produce a beautiful capsule that is not a monotonous appearance like a conventional single color capsule but has a good appearance and an excellent design. For this reason, the use expansion in fields such as confectionery and health foods can be expected, and demand for these products can be stimulated. Furthermore, since the seamless capsule SC of the present invention does not require a special nozzle, the existing equipment as shown in FIG. 2 can be used and can be manufactured without making a large capital investment.

  Next, a soft capsule manufacturing apparatus that is Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the outline. In the following embodiments, the same members and portions as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  As described above, in the manufacturing apparatus of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the coating liquids 4a and 4b are configured to merge between the nozzle 3 and the pumps 11a and 11b. The coating liquids 4 a and 4 b merge in the nozzle 3. That is, the coating liquid supply pipes 9a and 9b are individually connected to the nozzle 3, and the coating liquids 4a and 4b merge inside the nozzle 3 to form the coating liquid. Also in this case, the coating liquids 4a and 4b are not easily mixed because of their high viscosity, and the two liquids do not mix much even after merging, and the coating liquids 4a and 4b circulate in the nozzle 3 in approximately two layers. To do. The coating liquids 4a and 4b are discharged from the nozzle tip as they are, and two-color outer coatings are respectively formed on the outside of the droplets 28 as in the first embodiment, thereby forming a two-color seamless capsule as shown in FIG. Is done.

  Thus, in the apparatus of Example 2, since the joining position of the coating liquids 4a and 4b is in the nozzle, the distance through which the coating liquids 4a and 4b circulate after joining is shorter than that of the apparatus of Example 1. Therefore, compared with the apparatus of Example 1, the coating liquids 4a and 4b are less likely to be mixed, and the color coding of the outer coating 2 becomes clearer. Therefore, clearer color coding can be applied to the seamless capsule, and a beautiful capsule with a sharp impression can be manufactured.

Furthermore, the soft capsule manufacturing apparatus which is Example 3 of this invention is demonstrated. FIG. 4 is a side sectional view showing the configuration of the nozzle 31 used in the apparatus of the third embodiment. The configuration other than the nozzle 3 is the same as that of the apparatus of the second embodiment. Further, the nozzles 3 of the first and second embodiments are basically configured in the same manner as the nozzle 31 of FIG. 4. Also in the apparatus of the present embodiment, as with the apparatus of FIG. Merge in the nozzle 3. However, in the apparatus of the second embodiment, the coating liquids 4 a and 4 b merge immediately after entering the nozzle 3, whereas in the apparatus of the present embodiment, both liquids merge near the tip of the nozzle 31. As shown in FIG. 4, the nozzle 31 is a multiple nozzle having an outer nozzle 32 and an inner nozzle 33. The outer nozzle 32 is attached to the outer nozzle base 34, and the inner nozzle 33 is attached to the inner nozzle base 35. FIG. 5 is a side sectional view showing the configuration of the outer nozzle 32, FIG. 6 is the inner nozzle 33, FIG. 7 is the outer nozzle base 34, and FIG. 8 is the inner nozzle base 35. 9A is a perspective view showing the configuration of the inner nozzle 33 attached to the inner nozzle base 35, and FIG. 9B is a perspective view showing the configuration of the outer nozzle 32 attached to the outer nozzle base 34. This is a combination of a) and (b).

  As shown in FIG. 5, the outer nozzle 32 has a substantially cylindrical shape with a narrowed tip side (upper side in FIG. 5), and is composed of a straight pipe portion 36 and a tapered tip portion 37. . The outer periphery of the tip portion 37 is a tapered portion 38, and the inner and outer diameters of the tip portion 37 are gradually reduced toward the tip side. A discharge port 39 is opened at the end face (tip face) of the tip portion 37. On the other hand, a female thread portion 41 is threaded on the inner periphery of the rear end side (lower side in FIG. 5) of the straight pipe portion 36. An enlarged-diameter portion 42 is provided on the distal end side of the female screw portion 41, and a step portion 43 is formed at the tip thereof.

  The inner nozzle 33 is disposed on the inner side of the outer nozzle 32 and, as shown in FIG. The inner nozzle 33 is provided with a large diameter portion 44 corresponding to the straight pipe portion 36 of the outer nozzle 32 and a tip portion 45 corresponding to the tip portion 37. The outer periphery of the tip portion 45 is similarly a tapered portion 46, and a discharge port 47 is opened at the end surface. An end portion 48 having a smaller diameter than the large diameter portion 44 is provided on the rear end side (lower side in FIG. 6) of the large diameter portion 44, and a large diameter is provided between the large diameter portion 44 and the end portion 48. A ring-shaped convex portion 49 having a larger diameter than the diameter portion 44 is provided. The large-diameter portion 44 and the ring-shaped convex portion 49 are formed with a plurality of grooves 50 that serve as a flow path for the coating liquid flowing through the gap between the outer nozzle 32 and the inner nozzle 33.

  The outer diameter of the tip portion 45 is formed to be slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the tip portion 37 of the outer nozzle 32. The difference between the outer diameter of the tip 45 and the inner diameter of the tip 37 is appropriately determined according to the thickness of the seamless capsule film to be formed. The outer diameter of the tapered portion 46 is formed to be smaller than the inner diameter of the tapered portion 38 as a whole so that a flow path is formed between the outer peripheral wall of the tapered portion 46 and the inner peripheral wall of the tapered portion 38 of the outer nozzle 32. ing. The outer diameter of the ring-shaped convex portion 49 is substantially the same as the inner diameter of the enlarged diameter portion 42 of the outer nozzle 32.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the outer nozzle base 34 includes a cylindrical large diameter portion 52, a small diameter portion 53 provided coaxially with the large diameter portion 52, and a distal end in which a male screw is threaded on the outer peripheral portion. Part 54. The outer nozzle base 34 is formed with a through hole 55 that penetrates the large diameter portion 52, the small diameter portion 53, and the tip portion 54 in the axial direction (vertical direction in the drawing). The large diameter portion 52 is provided with coating liquid supply holes 56a and 56b connected to the coating liquid supply pipes 9a and 9b for supplying the coating liquids 4a and 4b. As shown in FIG. 9B, the coating liquid supply holes 56 a and 56 b are arranged to face the outer peripheral wall of the large diameter portion 52, and extend from the outer peripheral wall of the large diameter portion 52 toward the through hole 55. . The large-diameter portion 52 is formed with a plurality of bolt insertion holes 57 for passing bolts (not shown) integrated with the outer nozzle base 34 and the inner nozzle base 35.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the inner nozzle base 35 includes a cylindrical large diameter portion 58 and a small diameter portion 59 provided coaxially with the large diameter portion 58. The inner nozzle base 35 is formed with a through hole 61 that penetrates the large diameter portion 58 and the small diameter portion 59 in the axial direction. The large-diameter portion 58 includes a core liquid supply hole 62 extending from the outer peripheral wall of the large-diameter portion 58 toward the through hole 61, and a bolt (not shown) that integrates the outer nozzle base 34 and the inner nozzle base 35. A plurality of nut holes 63 to be screwed are formed. Further, the length of the small diameter portion 59 is substantially the same as the length of the through hole 55 of the outer nozzle base 34, and the outer diameter of the small diameter portion 59 is smaller than that of the through hole 55 so that a flow path for the coating liquid is formed. Each is formed. Further, a fitting recess 64 that fits with the terminal portion 48 of the inner nozzle 33 is formed at the tip of the small diameter portion 59. The fitting recess 64 has an inner diameter that is larger than the outer diameter of the end portion 48.

  In addition, a plurality of partition walls 65 are formed on the outer periphery of the small diameter portion 59. As shown in FIG. 9A, the partition walls 65 extend along the axial direction and are equally divided into two in the circumferential direction. By this partition wall 65, the gap between the outer nozzle 32 and the inner nozzle 33 that becomes the flow path of the coating liquid 4 is separated into two flow path chambers 51 a and 51 b. In this embodiment, the coating liquids 4a and 4b flow into the flow path chambers 51a and 51b, respectively, and both liquids merge at the nozzle tip (parts of the tapered portions 38 and 46).

  Such a nozzle 31 is assembled as follows. First, the outer nozzle base 34 and the inner nozzle base 35 are integrated with a bolt (not shown). That is, the small diameter portion 59 of the inner nozzle base 35 is inserted into the through hole 55 of the outer nozzle base 34, and the bolt is inserted into the bolt insertion hole 57 of the outer nozzle base 34 and the nut hole 63 of the inner nozzle base 35. The nozzle bases 34 and 35 are integrated by screwing the bolt into the nut hole 63. At this time, an O-ring 66 is inserted into the base of the small diameter portion 59, and the outer nozzle base 34 and the inner nozzle base 35 are joined in an airtight state.

  Next, the inner nozzle 33 is attached to the tip of the inner nozzle base 35. At this time, the end portion 48 of the inner nozzle 33 is fitted into the fitting recess 64 of the inner nozzle base 35 via the O-ring 67, whereby the inner nozzle base 35 and the inner nozzle 33 are joined in an airtight state. . Thereafter, the outer nozzle 32 is fixed to the outer nozzle base 34. In this case, the inner nozzle base 35 and the inner nozzle 33 are already attached to the outer nozzle base 34 side, and the outer nozzle 32 is attached so as to cover the outer side of the inner nozzle 33.

  When attaching the outer nozzle, the outer nozzle 32 is mounted such that the ring-shaped convex portion 49 of the inner nozzle 33 is sandwiched between the step portion 43 of the outer nozzle 32 and the tip portion 54 of the outer nozzle base 34. As a result, the ring-shaped convex portion 49 of the inner nozzle 33 enters the enlarged diameter portion 42 of the outer nozzle 32. The outer nozzle 32 and the outer nozzle base 34 are fixed by screwing the female thread portion 41 of the outer nozzle 32 and the tip portion 54 of the outer nozzle base 34. At the same time, the inner nozzle 33 is completely fixed to the inner nozzle base 35, and the nozzle 31 is completed.

  In the seamless capsule manufacturing apparatus having such a nozzle 31, when the core liquid 1 and the coating liquids 4 a and 4 b are supplied to the nozzle 31, both liquids 4 a and 4 b are placed between the outer nozzle 32 and the inner nozzle 33. It flows in the flow path chambers 51a and 51b. As described above, the flow path chambers 51a and 51b formed by the partition wall 65 are formed between the inner and outer nozzles 32 and 33, and the coating liquids 4a and 4b are isolated from each other. Circulate. Thereafter, the coating liquids 4a and 4b in the flow path chambers 51a and 51b merge at the tapered portions 38 and 46 of the inner and outer nozzles 32 and 33, respectively.

  Also in this case, as described above, the coating liquids 4a and 4b are not easily mixed because of their high viscosity, and the two liquids are discharged from the nozzle tip as they are without being mixed even after merging. For this reason, two-color outer films are formed on the outside of the droplets 28 as in the first embodiment, and a two-color seamless capsule as shown in FIG. 1 is formed.

  Thus, in the apparatus of Example 3, since the joining position of the coating liquids 4a and 4b is in the nozzle and in the vicinity of the nozzle tip, the distance through which the coating liquids 4a and 4b circulate after joining is described in Example 2. It becomes even shorter than this device. Accordingly, the coating liquids 4a and 4b are less likely to be mixed as compared with the apparatuses of Examples 1 and 2, and the color coding of the outer coating 2 becomes clearer. For this reason, clearer color coding can be applied to the seamless capsule, and a beautiful capsule with a very sharp impression can be manufactured.

  It goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which two-color seamless capsules are formed by using two types of coating liquid 4 has been shown. However, by increasing the types of coating liquid 4, it is possible to form multicolor seamless capsules. Is possible. In this case, the supply system of the coating liquid 4 is provided for each color, and in the nozzle 31 of the third embodiment, the partition walls 65 are increased accordingly and the flow path chambers 51a and 51b are added. That is, for example, when four-color seamless capsules are formed, four partition walls and four coating liquid supply holes are provided, and different coating liquids are appropriately supplied to each. In addition, including the case of two colors, the width of the pattern formed on the capsule can be changed by appropriately changing the interval between the partition walls. As a result, it is possible to form various patterns on the capsule, such as seamless capsules that are color-coded in different colors, and a stripe-shaped stripe pattern. In the case of producing seamless capsules of three or more colors, it is preferable to use the apparatus of Example 2, particularly Example 3, in order to obtain a clear color-coded pattern.

  In the above-described embodiment, the liquid supply pipe to the nozzle 3 is provided with two liquids for the core liquid and the coating liquid. However, a double pipe for circulating the core liquid on the inside and the coating liquid on the outside is used. May be. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the seamless capsule in which the core liquid 1 is enclosed in the outer film 2 has been described. However, the present invention is applied to a multiple seamless capsule having an intermediate film between the outer film and the core liquid. It is also possible to do. In this case, the nozzles 3 and 31 are further multiplexed, and accordingly, an intermediate film forming liquid or the like is further supplied to the nozzles.

It is explanatory drawing which shows the external appearance of the multicolor seamless capsule which is one Example of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the seamless capsule manufacturing apparatus which is Example 1 of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the outline | summary of the seamless capsule manufacturing apparatus which is Example 2 of this invention. It is a sectional side view which shows the structure of the nozzle used for the seamless capsule manufacturing apparatus which is Example 3 of this invention. It is a sectional side view which shows the structure of the outer nozzle in the nozzle of FIG. It is a sectional side view which shows the structure of the inner nozzle in the nozzle of FIG. It is a sectional side view which shows the structure of the outer side nozzle base in the nozzle of FIG. It is a sectional side view which shows the structure of the inner nozzle base in the nozzle of FIG. (A) is a perspective view showing a configuration of an inner nozzle attached to the inner nozzle base, and (b) is a configuration of an outer nozzle attached to the outer nozzle base.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Core liquid 2 Outer film | membrane 2a Transparent part 2b Opaque part 3 Nozzle 4 Film liquid 4a, 4b Film liquid 5 Core liquid tank 6 Core liquid supply pipe 7 Core liquid pump 8a, 8b Film liquid tank 9a, 9b Film liquid supply pipe 11a, 11b Film liquid pump (film liquid feeding means)
12 Coating liquid joining pipe 13 Curing liquid 14 Flow pipe 15A Inflow part 15B Outflow part 15C Fitting part 16 Separator 17 Mesh 18 Separation tank 19 Exciting device 21 Pump 22 Pipe line 23 Cooling tank 24 Cooler 25 Pump 26 Pipe Channel 27 Inlet portion 28 Multi-layer droplet 31 Nozzle 32 Outer nozzle 33 Inner nozzle 34 Outer nozzle base 35 Inner nozzle base 36 Straight pipe portion 37 Tip portion 38 Taper portion 39 Discharge port 41 Female screw portion 42 Expanded portion 43 Step portion 44 Large Diameter portion 45 Tip portion 46 Tapered portion 47 Discharge port 48 Termination portion 49 Ring-shaped convex portion 50 Groove 51a, 51b Channel chamber 52 Large diameter portion 53 Small diameter portion 54 Tip portion 55 Through hole 56a, 56b Coating liquid supply hole 57 Bolt insertion Hole 58 Large diameter part 59 Small diameter part 61 Through hole 62 Core liquid supply hole 63 Nut hole 64 Fitting recess 65 Partition 65 O-ring 67 O-ring SC Seamless capsule X Core liquid supply system Y Coating liquid supply system Y1, Y2 Coating liquid supply system

Claims (9)

A capsule manufacturing method for manufacturing a seamless capsule in which a core liquid is enclosed in an outer film by discharging a multi-layer droplet from a nozzle into a curable liquid and curing at least a surface portion of the droplet,
While supplying the core liquid to the nozzle, as the outer film forming liquid for forming the outer film, supplying a plurality of types of liquids having different colors or tones,
A method for producing a multicolor seamless capsule, wherein a plurality of portions having different colors or color tones are formed on the outside of the droplet by the plurality of types of liquids.   2. The multicolor seamless capsule manufacturing method according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of types of outer film forming solutions are supplied to the nozzle after being merged at a front stage of the nozzle. 3. Production method.   2. The method for producing a multicolor seamless capsule according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of types of outer film forming liquids are merged in the nozzle. 3.   4. The method for producing a multicolor seamless capsule according to claim 3, wherein the plurality of types of outer film forming liquids are merged at a tip portion of the nozzle in the nozzle. A capsule manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing a seamless capsule in which a core liquid is enclosed in an outer film by discharging a multi-layer droplet from a nozzle into a curable liquid and curing at least a surface portion of the droplet,
A core liquid supply system for supplying the core liquid to the nozzle; and a coating liquid supply system for supplying an outer film forming liquid for forming the outer film to the nozzle;
The coating liquid supply system is connected to a plurality of coating liquid tanks that separately store a plurality of types of the outer film forming liquids having different colors or tones, respectively, and the inside thereof is connected to the coating liquid tank. A plurality of coating liquid supply pipes through which the outer coating forming liquid flows, a plurality of coating liquid supply means interposed respectively in the coating liquid supply pipe, and between the coating liquid supply means and the nozzle An apparatus for producing a multicolor seamless capsule, comprising: a coating liquid joining pipe formed and formed by joining the plurality of coating liquid supply pipes. A capsule manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing a seamless capsule in which a core liquid is enclosed in an outer film by discharging a multi-layer droplet from a nozzle into a curable liquid and curing at least a surface portion of the droplet,
A core liquid supply system for supplying the core liquid to the nozzle; and a coating liquid supply system for supplying an outer film forming liquid for forming the outer film to the nozzle;
The coating liquid supply system includes a plurality of coating liquid tanks that separately store a plurality of types of outer film forming liquids having different colors or tones, and a space between the coating liquid tank and the nozzle individually. And a plurality of coating liquid supply pipes through which the outer film forming liquid flows, and a plurality of coating liquid supply means respectively interposed in the coating liquid supply pipes. Multicolor seamless capsule manufacturing equipment.   The multicolor seamless capsule manufacturing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the plurality of types of outer film forming liquids are merged in the nozzle.   The multicolor seamless capsule manufacturing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the plurality of types of outer film forming liquids are merged at a tip portion of the nozzle in the nozzle.   9. The multicolor seamless capsule manufacturing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the nozzle is a multiple nozzle having an outer nozzle and an inner nozzle, and the outer film forming liquid flows in a gap between the outer nozzle and the inner nozzle. The flow path is separated into a plurality of flow path chambers by partition walls formed on the outer periphery of the inner nozzle, and each of the plurality of coating liquid supply pipes is individually provided in each flow path chamber. An apparatus for producing a multicolor seamless capsule, wherein

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