KR102836616B1 - Apparatus for filling capsule - Google Patents

Abstract

A capsule filling device is disclosed. The capsule filling device includes an upper structure having a through-hole formed on a first surface into which a drug is introduced, a hopper formed protrudingly on a second surface opposite to the first surface and communicating with the through-hole; and a lower structure including a first protruding portion formed protrudingly on a third surface, and a second protruding portion formed protrudingly on a fourth surface opposite to the third surface; wherein a first groove configured to at least partially accommodate a first capsule of a first size is formed on the first protruding portion, a second groove configured to at least partially accommodate a second capsule of a second size different from the first size is formed on the second protruding portion, and an end of the hopper is configured to be inserted into the first capsule or the second capsule. In addition to these, various embodiments are possible as can be understood from the specification.

Description

{Apparatus for filling capsule}

Embodiments disclosed in this document relate to a capsule filling device.

A capsule filling device is used to fill empty capsules with powder or granular material. The material to be filled into the empty capsules may include medicines for humans, pets, and livestock. For example, the capsule filling device is configured to fill empty capsules with specific types of medicines, such as antibiotics, anti-inflammatory agents, and nutritional supplements. In particular, with regard to medicine filling, since the filled medicine may threaten the health of humans or animals if it is under or over the dosage, the capsule filling device is required to fill in a quantity according to the dosage.

Existing capsule filling devices have the problem that they are dedicated to capsules of a certain size and cannot accommodate capsules of various sizes. In addition, in the case of existing capsule filling devices, although drug filling is possible, the measurement of the drug is dependent on the operator's visual inspection and experience, so there is a problem that the filled drug exceeds or falls short of the specified amount.

According to embodiments disclosed in this document, it is an object to provide a capsule filling device capable of handling capsules of various sizes and capable of quantitative metering.

According to one embodiment disclosed in the present document, a capsule filling device is disclosed. The capsule filling device includes an upper structure including a hopper having a through-hole formed on a first surface into which a drug is introduced, a second surface opposite to the first surface and protrudingly formed and communicating with the through-hole; and a lower structure including a first protruding portion formed on a third surface, and a second protruding portion formed on a fourth surface opposite to the third surface, wherein a first groove configured to at least partially accommodate a first capsule of a first size is formed on the first protruding portion, a second groove configured to at least partially accommodate a second capsule of a second size different from the first size is formed on the second protruding portion, and an end of the hopper is configured to be inserted into the first capsule or the second capsule.

The capsule filling device according to the embodiments disclosed in this document provides the advantageous effects of being able to measure the amount of drug to be filled before capsule filling and being able to cope with capsules of various sizes and dosage amounts.

The capsule filling device according to the embodiments disclosed in this document is configured such that the tip of the hopper is inserted into the inside of the capsule, so that the powdered drug or the like does not leak.

In addition, the bend of the tip includes a part with a gentle slope, which prevents the tip of the hopper from being excessively inserted into the capsule when the capsule and hopper are in close contact during capsule filling. As a result, the capsule filling device can fill more drugs than existing products.

In addition, various effects may be provided that are directly or indirectly identified through this document.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a capsule filling device according to one embodiment.
Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a capsule filling device according to one embodiment.
FIGS. 3A and 3B are cross-sectional views of a capsule filling device according to one embodiment.
FIGS. 4A and 4B are cross-sectional views of a hopper of a capsule filling device according to one embodiment.
FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C are drawings illustrating the lower structure of a capsule filling device according to one embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating a capsule filling device according to one embodiment being applied to capsules of various sizes.
Figure 7 is a perspective view of a capsule filling device according to another embodiment.
Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of a capsule filling device according to another embodiment.
FIGS. 9A and 9B are cross-sectional views of a capsule filling device according to another embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a drawing illustrating an example of use of a capsule filling device according to another embodiment.
In connection with the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for identical or similar components.

Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to specific embodiments, but should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, and/or alternatives of the embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a capsule filling device (100) according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a capsule filling device (100) according to one embodiment. FIGS. 3a and 3b are cross-sectional views of a capsule filling device (100) according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 3a and 3b, the capsule filling device (100) may include an upper structure (110) and a lower structure (130).

In one embodiment, the upper structure (110) may include a first surface (111), a second surface (112) opposite to the first surface (111), a side surface (113) formed along an edge of the first surface (111), a hopper (120) formed on the second surface (112), and a fastening member (118) formed on the second surface (112). The first surface (111) may face the +Z-axis direction and the second surface (112) may face the -Z-axis direction. The side surface (113) may extend along the edge to surround at least a portion of the first surface (111). In various embodiments, the first surface (111) and the second surface (112) may be formed substantially as a plane, and the side surface (113) may include a partially curved surface.

In one embodiment, the side surface (113) may include an inclined surface (113a) connected to an edge of the first surface (111). At this time, the inclined surfaces (113a) may be formed as a pair facing each other. For example, the inclined surfaces (113a) may extend from each of the +Y-axis direction edge and the -Y-axis direction edge of the first surface (111). At this time, the inclined surfaces (113a) may be inclined so that the distance between them increases as they go in the +Z-axis direction. In one embodiment, the inclined surfaces (113a) may include a curved surface.

In one embodiment, the inclined surface (113a) may be formed on each of the inner and outer surfaces as illustrated in the drawing, but may be formed only on the inner surface. Through the inclined surface (113a) formed on a part of the side surface (113), a worker can easily inject a drug into the through hole (119). For example, a worker can sweep a drug placed on the first surface (111) into the through hole (119) using a thin plate-shaped sweeping tool. At this time, the inclined surface (113a) formed on the side surface may be provided so that the worker can easily sweep a drug located at the edge of the first surface (111) and inject it into the through hole.

In one embodiment, a through hole (119) penetrating the first surface (111) and the second surface (112) may be formed in the upper structure (110). The through hole (119) may form a passage through which a drug is injected. The through hole (119) may penetrate the upper structure (110) in the Z-axis direction. For example, the central axis of the through hole (119) may be parallel to the Z-axis. Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the through hole (119) may be in communication with the internal space of the hopper (120). For example, the upper surface of the hopper (120) may be connected to the periphery of the through hole (119). For example, the drug injected through the through hole (119) may move downward (e.g., -Z-axis) through the hopper (120). In one embodiment, the through hole (119) may be arranged so that its central axis coincides with the central axis of the hopper (120). In various embodiments, the through hole (119) may be formed to have a circular cross-section. In one embodiment, the through hole (119) may be formed in multiples. In various embodiments, the through hole (119) may be formed in various shapes such as circular, oval, and polygonal.

In one embodiment, the cross-section of the hopper (120) may be formed substantially circularly. The hopper (120) may be formed to become narrower toward the bottom. For example, the inclined surface of the hopper (120) may include a curved surface and/or a flat surface. In various embodiments, the hopper (120) may be formed to have a cross-section of various shapes, such as circular, oval, and polygonal.

The hopper (120) may be formed to protrude downward from the second surface (112). The hopper (120) may be formed such that one end (e.g., the upper end) surrounds the periphery of the through hole (119) and the other end (e.g., the lower end) may be configured to be inserted into the first groove (133a) of the lower structure (130) or the first capsule (C1), or the second groove (134a) or the second capsule (C2). In one embodiment, the internal space (129) of the hopper (120) may be communicated with the through hole (119). For example, the hopper (120) may be formed at a position corresponding to the through hole (119), the first groove (133a) of the lower structure (130), and the second groove (134a). For example, the central axis (C) of the hopper (120) may be the same axis as the central axis of the through hole (119), the central axis of the first groove (133a), and the central axis of the second groove (134a). The central axis mentioned in this document may be parallel to the Z-axis. The opening of one end (e.g., the upper end) of the hopper (120) may be substantially the same as or larger than the diameter of the through hole (119). Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the hopper (120) may be formed so that the outer surface and/or the inner surface are inclined.

In one embodiment, the fastening member (118) is formed on the second surface (112) of the upper structure (110) and may be formed to protrude downward from the second surface (112). For example, the fastening member (118) may be formed in a cylindrical or cylindrical shape having a circular cross-section. However, the shape of the fastening member (118) is not limited to that shown in the drawing, and may be formed in various shapes. In one embodiment, the fastening member (118) may be configured to be inserted into a fastening hole (139) formed in the lower structure (130). In one embodiment, the fastening member (118) may align the upper structure (110) and the lower structure (130) together with the fastening hole (139) of the lower structure (130) or a corresponding fastening member (138). That is, the fastening member (118) can align the upper structure (110) and the lower structure (130) such that the hopper (120) is partially inserted into the first groove (133a) or the first capsule (C1) or the second groove (134a) or the second capsule (C2) of the lower structure (130). In one embodiment, the fastening member (118) can be formed adjacent to the hopper (120). For example, the fastening member (118) can be formed in an area between four adjacent hoppers (120) when viewing the first surface (111) or the second surface (112) from above. In one embodiment, the fastening member (118) can extend downwardly (e.g., in the -Z axis) from the second surface (112) longer than the hopper (120). In this case, the extension length can be a length measured in the -Z axis direction from the second surface (112).

FIGS. 4A and 4B are cross-sectional views of a hopper (120) of a capsule filling device (100) according to one embodiment. Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the structure of the hopper (120) will be described in detail.

In one embodiment, the hopper (120) has a circular cross-section when viewed in a cross-section parallel to the X-Y plane, and a central axis (C) connecting the centers of each circular cross-section may be defined in the hopper (120).

In one embodiment, the hopper (120) may include inclined surfaces that are inclined in a direction that becomes closer to each other as they go in the -Z-axis direction (e.g., FIG. 4a) when viewed in cross-section including the central axis (C).

In one embodiment, the hopper (120) may include a straight portion (121) extending from the second surface (112) of the upper structure (110) and having an inclined surface formed as a straight line, and a curved portion (122) extending from the straight portion (121) and having an inclined surface formed as a curve. The straight portion (121) may have a constant slope, and the curved portion (122) may have a varying slope.

In one embodiment, the curved portion (122) may form an end portion of the hopper (120). In one embodiment, the curved portion (122) may include a first portion (P1) that extends from the straight portion (121) and includes a first inclined surface (123a) whose slope size decreases, and a second portion (P2) that includes a second inclined surface (123b) whose slope size increases. At this time, the second portion (P2) may form an end portion of the hopper (120). At this time, the first portion (P1) and the second portion (P2) may be defined by an inflection point (I). For example, based on a point where the amount of change in the slope among the inclined surfaces becomes 0, a second portion (P2) whose slope becomes steeper toward the lower side may be defined, and a first portion (P1) whose slope becomes gentler toward the upper side may be defined.

Referring to FIG. 4b, in one embodiment, the first part (P1) of the curved portion (122) may be formed with a first height (H1), and the second part (P2) of the curved portion (122) may be formed with a second height (H2) that is less than or equal to the first height (H1). At this time, the first height (H1) and the second height (H2) may be measured along the central axis (C) of the hopper (120) (e.g., in the Z-axis direction). That is, the curved portion (122) of the hopper (120) may be formed such that a part with a gentle slope is long, and a part with a steep slope is short.

Through the structure of the hopper (120) as described above, the capsule filling device (100) can cope with capsules of various sizes. For example, when the hopper (120) is inserted into a relatively large capsule (C1, C2), the entrance of the capsule (C1, C2) contacts the inclined surface of the curved portion (e.g., the first inclined surface (123a)), thereby preventing the hopper (120) from being excessively inserted into the interior of the capsule (C1, C2). As a result, it is possible to prevent the drug being filled into the capsule (C1, C2) from being less than the prescribed amount. For example, when the hopper (120) is inserted into a relatively small capsule (C1, C2), the entrance of the capsule (C1, C2) contacts the inclined surface (e.g., the second inclined surface (123b)) of the curved portion (122), and at least a part of the second portion (P2) of the hopper (120) can be inserted into the interior of the capsule (C1, C2). This can prevent the drug from being lost to the outside of the capsule (C1, C2).

In the illustrated embodiment, the end of the hopper (120) may include a curved portion (122) whose slope is formed into a curve when viewed in cross section including the central axis (C) of the hopper (120).

In various embodiments, the curved portion (122) may include a first portion (P1) in which the size of the slope of the inclined surface (123a) decreases, and a second portion (P2) in which the size of the slope of the inclined surface (123b) increases.

In various embodiments, the first portion (P1) is formed with a first height (H1), the second portion (P2) is formed with a second height (H2) that is less than or equal to the first height (H1), and the first height (H1) and the second height (H2) can be heights measured along the central axis (C) of the hopper (120).

Referring to FIGS. 2, 3a, and 3b, the lower structure (130) may be arranged on the lower side of the upper structure (110). The lower structure (130) may be positioned in the -Z-axis direction of the upper structure (110). For example, the lower structure (130) may be arranged such that the third surface (131) or the fourth surface (132) at least partially faces the second surface (112) of the upper structure (110). In one embodiment, the lower structure (130) may be configured to support empty capsules of different sizes (e.g., a first capsule (C1), a second capsule (C2)).

Referring to FIG. 3a and FIG. 6(a), the lower structure (130) can fill the inside of the first capsule (C1) with a drug by inserting a part of the hopper (120) (e.g., the curved part (122)) into the first groove (133a) or the inside of the first capsule (C1). Referring to FIG. 6(b), the lower structure (130) can fill the inside of the second capsule (C2) with a drug by inserting a part of the hopper (120) (e.g., the curved part (122)) into the second groove (134a) or the inside of the second capsule (C2). That is, the lower structure (130) can be arranged such that the third surface (131) faces the +Z-axis direction and the fourth surface (132) faces the -Z-axis direction, or the fourth surface (132) faces the +Z-axis direction and the third surface (131) faces the -Z-axis direction.

FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C are drawings illustrating a lower structure (130) of a capsule filling device (100) according to one embodiment. Hereinafter, the lower structure (130) will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C.

In one embodiment, the substructure (130) may include a third face (131) configured to mount a first capsule (C1), and a fourth face (132) configured to mount a second capsule (C2). The third face (131) and the fourth face (132) may be provided as substantially flat planes.

In one embodiment, a first groove (133a) may be formed on the third surface (131) into which a first capsule (C1) is at least partially inserted. Referring to FIG. 6, the first capsule (C1) may be completely inserted into the first groove (133a), but is not necessarily limited thereto, and a part of the first capsule (C1) may be located outside the first groove (133a). In this case, the hopper (120) of the upper structure (110) may be partially inserted into the inside of the first capsule (C1). Referring to the drawing, a first protruding portion (133) may be formed on the third surface (131), and the first groove (133a) may be recessed into an upper surface of the first protruding portion (133). At this time, the first protruding portion (133) may protrude in an opposite direction to the second protruding portion (134). Referring to FIG. 5a, the first groove (133a) may further include a recessed portion formed on the third surface (131) by being recessed deeper than the protrusion height of the first protruding portion (133). In various embodiments (not shown), the first groove (133a) may be defined by a first side wall surrounding a portion of the third surface (131). In this case, the first groove (133a) may be defined by the first side wall and a flat bottom surface.

Referring to FIG. 3a and FIG. 6(a), the hopper (120) of the upper structure (110) can be at least partially inserted into the interior of the first groove (133a). For example, an end portion (e.g., a curved portion (122)) of the hopper (120) can be inserted into the interior of the first groove (133a). Through this, the drug passing through the hopper (120) can be filled into the first capsule (C1) placed inside the first groove (133a).

In one embodiment, at least a portion of the first capsule (C1) may be placed inside the first groove (133a). For example, FIG. 6 illustrates a case where the first capsule (C1) is completely inserted into the first groove (133a), but the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto. For example, the first capsule (C1) may be partially inserted into the first groove (133a) and a portion of the first capsule (C1) may be located outside the first groove (133a). In this case, the hopper (120) may be inserted into the inside of the first capsule (C1).

In one embodiment, a second groove (134a) may be formed on the fourth surface (132) into which a second capsule (C2) is at least partially inserted. Referring to FIG. 6, the second capsule (C2) may be completely inserted into the second groove (134a), but is not necessarily limited thereto, and a part of the second capsule (C2) may be located outside the second groove (134a). In this case, the hopper (120) of the upper structure (110) may be partially inserted into the inside of the second capsule (C2). Referring to the drawing, a second protruding portion (134) may be formed on the fourth surface (132), and the second groove (134a) may be recessed into an upper surface of the second protruding portion (134). At this time, the second protruding portion (134) may protrude in an opposite direction to the first protruding portion (133). Referring to FIG. 5a, the second groove (134a) may further include a recessed portion formed on the fourth surface (132) by being recessed deeper than the protrusion height of the second protruding portion (134). In various embodiments (not shown), the second groove (134a) may be defined by a second side wall surrounding a portion of the fourth surface (132). In this case, the second groove (134a) may be defined by the second side wall and a flat bottom surface.

Referring to Fig. 6(b), the hopper (120) of the upper structure (110) can be at least partially inserted into the interior of the second groove (134a). For example, an end portion (e.g., a curved portion (122)) of the hopper (120) can be inserted into the interior of the second groove (134a). Through this, the drug passing through the hopper (120) can be filled into the second capsule (C2) placed inside the second groove (134a).

In one embodiment, at least a portion of the second capsule (C2) may be placed inside the second groove (134a). For example, FIG. 6 illustrates a case where the second capsule (C2) is completely inserted into the second groove (134a), but the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto. For example, the second capsule (C2) may be partially inserted into the second groove (134a) and a portion of the second capsule (C2) may be located outside the second groove (134a). In this case, the hopper (120) may be inserted into the inside of the second capsule (C2).

In one embodiment, the first groove (133a) and the second groove (134a) may be formed at positions corresponding to each other. For example, the central axis of the first groove (133a) and the central axis of the second groove (134a) may be the same axis. In one embodiment, the size of the first groove (133a) may be larger than the size of the second groove (134a). For example, the first groove (133a) may be formed with a first diameter (D1) that is larger than the second diameter (D2) of the second groove (134a). At this time, the size may mean the diameter when the third surface (131) or the fourth surface (132) is viewed from above (e.g., when viewed in the +Z/-Z axis direction), or may mean the distance between two side walls facing each other based on the cross-section of FIG. 5a. As shown in Fig. 5a, the first protruding portion (133) may be formed larger than the second protruding portion (134). However, this is not necessarily limited to this, and the first protruding portion (133) and the second protruding portion (134) may be formed to have the same size, and the first groove (133a) may be formed larger than the second groove (134a).

Referring to FIG. 3b, a fastening hole (139) may be formed in the lower structure (130) so that a fastening member (118) is at least partially inserted therein. The fastening hole (139) may be formed so as to penetrate the third surface (131) and the fourth surface (132) of the lower structure (130). The fastening hole (139) may penetrate in the Z-axis direction. The fastening hole (139) may align the upper structure (110) and the lower structure (130) together with the fastening member (118). For example, the fastening hole may align the upper structure (110) and the lower structure (130) so that the hopper (120) is partially inserted into the first groove (133a) or the first capsule (C1) of the lower structure (130), or the second groove (134a) or the second capsule (C2).

In one embodiment, the substructure (130) may further include a corresponding fastening member (138). The corresponding fastening member (138) may more firmly fasten the fastening member (118) inserted into the fastening hole (139). For example, referring to FIG. 3b, the corresponding fastening member (138) may be formed on each of the third side (131) and the fourth side (132) of the substructure (130) so as to surround at least a portion of the fastening member (118). The corresponding fastening member (138) may be formed along the periphery of the fastening hole (139). Referring to FIGS. 5b and 5c, the corresponding fastening member (138) may be formed adjacent to each of the first protruding portion (133) and the second protruding portion (134). For example, the first protruding portion (133) and the second protruding portion (134) may be provided in multiples. At this time, the corresponding fastening member (138) may be formed in an area between four adjacent first protruding portions (133). The corresponding fastening member (138) may be formed in an area between four adjacent second protruding portions (134).

In various embodiments, the through-holes (119) and hoppers (120) of the upper structure (110) may be provided in multiples, respectively. The first protruding portion (133), the first groove (133a), the second protruding portion (134), and the second groove (134a) of the lower structure (130) may be provided in multiples, respectively. At this time, the through-holes (119), the hopper (120), the first groove (133a), and the second groove (134a) form a path through which the drug is injected and may be at least partially aligned in the Z-axis direction.

FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating a capsule filling device (100) according to one embodiment being applied to capsules of various sizes.

Referring to FIG. 6(a), a first groove (133a) configured to at least partially accommodate a first capsule (C1) of a first size (S1) may be formed in a first protruding portion (133) of the lower structure (130). At this time, the lower structure (130) may be arranged such that a third surface (131) faces a second surface (112) of the upper structure (110). When a fastening member (118) of the upper structure (110) is inserted into a fastening hole (139) through the third surface (131) of the lower structure (130), the upper structure (110) and the lower structure (130) may be aligned. At this time, an end of the hopper (120) of the upper structure (110) may be inserted into the first capsule (C1) or the first groove (133a). At this time, the entrance of the first capsule (C1) or the periphery of the first groove (133a) may come into contact with the upper side (e.g., in the +Z-axis direction) of the hopper (120) compared to the entrance of the second capsule (C2) or the periphery of the second groove (134a).

Referring to FIG. 6(b), a second groove (134a) configured to at least partially accommodate a second capsule (C2) of a second size (S2) may be formed in a second protruding portion (134) of the lower structure (130). At this time, the lower structure (130) may be arranged such that the fourth surface (132) faces the second surface (112) of the upper structure (110). When the fastening member (118) of the upper structure (110) is inserted into the fastening hole (139) through the fourth surface (132) of the lower structure (130), the upper structure (110) and the lower structure (130) may be aligned. At this time, an end of the hopper (120) of the upper structure (110) may be inserted into the second capsule (C2) or the second groove (134a). At this time, the entrance of the second capsule (C2) or the periphery of the second groove (134a) may come into contact with the lower side (e.g., in the -Z-axis direction) of the hopper (120) compared to the entrance of the first capsule (C1) or the periphery of the first groove (133a).

In this way, the capsule filling device (100) according to one embodiment has the advantageous effect of being able to fill a drug into capsules (C1, C2) of different sizes.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a capsule filling device (200) according to another embodiment. FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a capsule filling device (200) according to another embodiment. FIGS. 9a and 9b are cross-sectional views of a capsule filling device (200) according to another embodiment. FIG. 10 is a drawing illustrating an example of use of a capsule filling device (200) according to another embodiment.

A capsule filling device (200) according to another embodiment may include a metering structure (210), an upper structure (230), a lower structure (130), and a sliding plate (240). Here, the hopper (220) included in the lower structure (130) and the upper structure (230) is substantially the same as the lower structure (130) and the hopper (120) described in FIGS. 1 to 6, and therefore, a description thereof is omitted.

In one embodiment, the metering structure (210) may be coupled to the upper side of the upper structure (230) and configured to meter a drug (e.g., a drug (M) of FIG. 10) injected into a through hole (239) of the upper structure (230). For example, the metering structure (210) may be formed with a metering hole (219) that receives the drug (M). In one embodiment, the metering hole (219) may be formed in various shapes, such as a circle, a polygon, and an oval.

In one embodiment, the metering structure (210) may include a sixth surface (212) (e.g., a lower surface) facing the first surface (231) of the upper structure (230), a fifth surface (211) (e.g., an upper surface) opposite the sixth surface (212), and a second side surface (213) surrounding the fifth surface (211). At this time, the metering hole (219) of the metering structure (210) may be formed to penetrate the fifth surface (211) and the sixth surface (212). The penetrating direction of the metering hole (219) may be the Z-axis direction. Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the second side surface (213) of the metering structure (210) may include a curved surface. For example, a portion of the second side surface (213) connected from the fifth surface (211) in the Y-axis direction may be formed as a curved surface. However, the shape of the second side (213) is not limited to that shown in the drawing, and the portion connected in the X-axis direction from the fifth side (211) may also be formed as a curved surface.

In one embodiment, through the second side (213) including the curved surface, the operator can sweep the drug placed on the fifth side (211) into the metering hole (219) using a thin plate-shaped sweeping tool.

Referring to FIGS. 8, 9a, and 9b, the metering hole (219) may be formed in the third protruding portion (216). The third protruding portion (216) may protrude from the sixth surface (212) toward the first surface (231) of the upper structure (230). The third protruding portion (216) may be formed to be substantially aligned with each of the through hole (239) and the hopper (220) of the upper structure (230) in the Z-axis direction. The third protruding portion (216) may be in contact with the sliding plate (240). The metering hole (219) may be blocked by the sliding plate (240). Although the drawing illustrates that the metering hole (219) is formed in the third protruding portion (216), it is not necessarily limited thereto, and the metering hole (219) may be formed as an opening formed in the metering structure (210).

In various embodiments, the third protruding portion (216) may be provided in various shapes other than the cylindrical shape illustrated in the drawing. For example, the third protruding portion (216) may be provided in a funnel shape whose cross-sectional area narrows as it goes in the -Z-axis direction.

In one embodiment, the metering hole (219) can be formed to have a specified volume. The amount of the drug (M) can vary depending on the size of the metering hole (219). That is, the operator can manufacture capsules of various capacities by attaching metering structures (210) having metering holes (219) of different volumes to the upper structure (230).

In one embodiment, the second side (213) of the metering structure (210) may be formed along an edge of the fifth side (211). The second side (213) may include a partially curved surface. In one embodiment, the second side (213) may include an inclined surface connected to an edge of the fifth side (211). At this time, the inclined surfaces may be formed as a pair so as to face each other. For example, the inclined surfaces may extend from each of a +Y-axis direction edge and a -Y-axis direction edge of the fifth side (211). At this time, the inclined surfaces may be inclined so as to become farther apart from each other as they go in the +Z-axis direction.

In one embodiment, the inclined surface may be formed on the inner side as illustrated in the drawing, but may also be formed on each of the inner side and the outer side. Through the inclined surface formed on a portion of the second side (213), the worker can easily inject the drug (M) into the metering hole (219). For example, the worker can sweep the drug (M) placed on the fifth side (211) of the metering structure (210) into the metering hole (219) using a thin plate-shaped sweeping tool. At this time, the inclined surface formed on the second side (213) may be provided so that the worker can easily sweep the drug (M) located at the edge of the fifth side (211) and inject it into the metering hole (219).

In one embodiment, the upper structure (230) may include a first surface (231) facing the metering structure (210), a second surface (232) facing the lower structure (130), a side wall (233) surrounding the first surface (231), a fastening member (236) formed on the second surface (232), and a hopper (220) formed on the second surface (232). At this time, a through hole (239) may be formed in the upper structure (230) that penetrates the first surface (231) and the second surface (232) and communicates with the internal space of the hopper (220). The through hole (239) may be formed at a position aligned with the metering hole (219) of the metering structure (230). The through hole (239), hopper (220), and fastening member (236) of the upper structure (230) are the same as the through hole (119), hopper (120), and fastening member (118) described in FIGS. 1 to 6, and therefore, their description is omitted.

In one embodiment, the upper structure (230) may be formed in a form in which one side (e.g., in the +Y-axis direction) is open. That is, the side wall (233) of the upper structure (230) may be formed only on the -Y-axis direction edge, the +X-axis direction edge, and the -X-axis direction edge. The open one side of the upper structure (230) may be formed as a passage through which the sliding plate (240) is inserted or withdrawn.

In one embodiment, the sliding plate (240) can be inserted or withdrawn through an open side of the upper structure (230) to cover the first side (231) of the upper structure (230) or expose the first side (231). The inserted sliding plate (240) can contact the third protruding portion (216) and form a bottom surface of the metering hole (219). For example, referring to FIG. 9A and FIG. 10, the sliding plate (240) can cover the first side (231) and block the metering hole (219) and the through hole (239) from communicating with each other.

For example, referring to FIG. 9b and FIG. 10, the sliding plate (240) can be withdrawn through an open side of the upper structure (230) to connect the metering hole (219) and the through hole (239). At this time, the metering hole (219) contains a drug (M) that has been metered, and as the sliding plate (240) is withdrawn, the drug (M) contained in the metering hole (219) can be fed into a capsule (e.g., a first capsule (C1), a second capsule (C2)) mounted on the lower structure (130) through the through hole (239) and the internal space of the hopper (220).

In one embodiment, the capsule filling device (200) may include a second fastening member (238) formed on the upper structure (230) and a second corresponding fastening member (218) formed on the metering structure (210) to couple the upper structure (230) and the metering structure (210).

For example, referring to FIG. 8, the second fastening member (238) may be formed on a step portion (234) formed on the edge of the first surface (231) of the upper structure (230). The step portion (234) may be formed with a thickness corresponding to the thickness of the sliding plate (240) so as to form a plane with the sliding plate (240) when the sliding plate (240) is inserted.

For example, referring to FIG. 8, the second corresponding fastening member (218) may be formed on the sixth surface (212) of the weighing structure.

In one embodiment, the second fastening member (238) may be formed in a shape that is fastenable to the second corresponding fastening member (218). For example, the second fastening member (238) may be provided in an 'L' shape, and the second corresponding fastening member (218) may be provided in an 'L' shape.

The second fastening member (238) and the second corresponding fastening member (218) may each be formed in multiples. For example, the second fastening members (238) may each be formed in two at each of the step portions (234) located in the -X-axis and +X-axis directions of the first surface (231). However, the number of the second fastening members (238) is not limited to that shown in the drawing.

In one embodiment, the second fastening member (238) is fastened to the second corresponding fastening member (218), so that the upper structure (230) and the metering structure (210) can be accurately coupled. In this case, accurate coupling may mean that the through hole (239) of the upper structure (230) and the hopper (220) and the metering hole (219) of the metering structure (210) are aligned.

In various embodiments, the second fastening member (238) and the second counter fastening member (218) may be provided in various shapes.

Referring to FIG. 10, the metering hole (219) of the metering structure (210) may be formed to have a third diameter (D3), and the through hole (239) of the upper structure (230) may be formed to have a fourth diameter (D4) that is greater than or equal to the third diameter (D3). At this time, the central axis of the through hole (239) and the central axis of the metering hole (219) may be formed to be the same, thereby preventing the drug (M) from being lost during the process of being fed into the through hole (239) and the hopper (220). That is, when the first surface (231) of the upper structure (230) or the fifth surface (211) of the metering structure (210) is viewed from above (e.g., when viewed in the +Z-axis direction), the metering hole (219) may be provided to completely overlap the through hole (239).

The various embodiments of this document and the terminology used herein are not intended to limit the technology described in this document to the specific embodiments, but should be understood to encompass various modifications, equivalents, and/or substitutes of the embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar components. The singular expressions may include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, expressions such as "A or B", "at least one of A and/or B", "A, B, or C" or "at least one of A, B and/or C" can include all possible combinations of the items listed together. Expressions such as "first," "second," "first," or "second" can modify the corresponding components, regardless of order or importance, and are only used to distinguish one component from another and do not limit the corresponding components. When it is said that a certain (e.g., a first) component is "(functionally or communicatively) connected" or "connected" to another (e.g., a second) component, said certain component may be directly connected to said other component, or may be connected through another component (e.g., a third component).

The term "module" as used in this document includes a unit composed of hardware, software or firmware, and can be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A "module" can be an integrally composed component or a minimum unit or a part thereof that performs one or more functions. A "module" can be implemented mechanically or electronically, and can include, for example, application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) chips, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or programmable logic devices, known or to be developed in the future, that perform certain operations.

Each of the components (e.g., modules or program modules) according to various embodiments may be composed of a single or multiple entities, and some of the sub-components described above may be omitted, or may further include other sub-components. Alternatively or additionally, some of the components (e.g., modules or program modules) may be integrated into a single entity, which may perform the same or similar functions performed by each of the corresponding components prior to integration. Operations performed by modules, program modules or other components according to various embodiments may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively or heuristically, or at least some of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or other operations may be added.

100: Capsule filling device 110: Superstructure
111: Page 1 112: Page 2
113: Side 118: Absence of fastener
119: Through hole 120: Hopper
121: Straight part 122: Curved part
129: Interior space 130: Substructure
133: First protrusion part 134: Second protrusion part
138: Absence of corresponding fastening 139: Fastening hole
200: Capsule filling device 210: Metering structure
216: Third protrusion 218: Second corresponding fastening member
219: Weighing hole 220: Hopper
230: Superstructure 234: Stepped section
236: Fastening member 238: Second fastening member
239: Through hole 240: Sliding plate
C1: 1st capsule C2: 2nd capsule

Claims (15)

In a capsule filling device,
An upper structure including a through hole formed on a first surface into which a drug is injected, and a hopper formed protruding on a second surface opposite to the first surface and communicating with the through hole; and
A substructure including a first protruding portion formed protrudingly on a third surface, and a second protruding portion formed protrudingly on a fourth surface opposite to the third surface;
A first groove is formed in the first protruding portion so as to at least partially accommodate a first capsule of a first size,
A second groove is formed in the second protruding portion so as to at least partially accommodate a second capsule of a second size different from the first size,
The end of the above hopper is,
When the first capsule is filled, it is inserted into the first capsule,
A capsule filling device configured to be inserted into the second capsule when the second capsule is filled. In claim 1,
The above through hole includes a plurality of through holes spaced apart from each other,
A capsule filling device wherein the upper structure includes a side wall formed along an edge of the first surface to surround the plurality of through holes. In claim 2,
The above side wall includes an inclined surface that is connected obliquely to the first surface,
The above-mentioned inclined surface is a capsule filling device including a curved surface. In claim 1,
The above upper structure is formed protrudingly on the second surface and includes a fastening member adjacent to the hopper,
A capsule filling device in which a fastening hole is formed in the lower structure into which at least a part of the fastening member is inserted. In claim 4,
A capsule filling device wherein the lower structure is formed on the periphery of the fastening hole so as to surround at least a portion of the fastening member, and further includes a corresponding fastening member protrudingly formed on each of the third surface and the fourth surface. In claim 5,
The above fastening member is extended longer than the above hopper,
A capsule filling device wherein the corresponding fastening member is extended shorter than the first protruding portion or the second protruding portion. In claim 1,
A capsule filling device wherein each of the above through-hole, the hopper, the first protruding portion, and the second protruding portion is provided in multiples. In claim 1,
The end of the above hopper is,
A capsule filling device comprising a curved portion having an inclined surface formed into a curve when viewed in cross section including the central axis of the hopper. In claim 8,
A capsule filling device wherein the curved portion includes a first portion in which the size of the slope of the inclined surface decreases, and a second portion in which the size of the slope of the inclined surface increases. In claim 9,
The above first part is formed with a first height,
The second portion is formed with a second height that is less than or equal to the first height,
A capsule filling device wherein the first height and the second height are heights measured along the central axis of the hopper. In a capsule filling device,
An upper structure including a through hole formed on a first surface into which a drug is injected, and a hopper protrudingly formed on a second surface opposite to the first surface and communicating with the through hole;
A substructure including a first protruding portion formed protrudingly on a third surface, and a second protruding portion formed protrudingly on a fourth surface opposite to the third surface;
A sliding plate configured to be slidable on the first surface of the upper structure so that the through hole is covered or exposed; and
A weighing structure configured to at least partially face the first surface of the upper structure or the sliding plate;
A first groove is formed in the first protruding portion so as to at least partially accommodate a first capsule of a first size,
A second groove is formed in the second protruding portion so as to at least partially accommodate a second capsule of a second size different from the first size,
The above metering structure has a metering hole formed so as to be at least partially aligned with the through hole,
A capsule filling device wherein the above-mentioned measuring hole and the above-mentioned through hole are configured to be connected by the sliding plate being separated from the upper structure. In claim 11,
A capsule filling device wherein the metering structure includes a third protruding portion protruding toward the first surface of the upper structure, and the metering hole is formed in the third protruding portion. In claim 11,
A capsule filling device wherein the above-mentioned metering structure includes a second corresponding fastening member provided to be fastened to a second fastening member formed on the above-mentioned upper structure. In claim 11,
The above-mentioned measuring hole is formed on the fifth surface of the above-mentioned measuring structure,
A capsule filling device wherein, when the first side or the fifth side is viewed from above, the size of the measuring hole is smaller than or equal to the size of the through hole. In a capsule filling device,
An upper structure in which a through hole for injecting a drug is formed on the first side, and a hopper is formed on the second side opposite to the first side and is formed protruding and communicates with the through hole; and
A lower structure including a protruding portion formed at a position aligned with the above hopper and facing the upper structure;
A groove is formed in the protruding portion of the above lower structure in which a capsule is at least partially received,
The end of the above hopper is inserted inside the capsule,
The end of the above hopper includes a curved portion in which the inclined surface is formed as a curve when viewed in cross section including the central axis of the above hopper,
A capsule filling device wherein the curved portion includes a first portion in which the size of the slope of the inclined surface decreases, and a second portion in which the size of the slope of the inclined surface increases.