Press ram for compressing powdered or granular materials, as well as a press ram assembly and a rotary press

Abstract

Pressing die (10) for compressing powdered or granular substances into a pressing body, comprising a base body (11) and a pressing head (12) adjoining the base body (11), characterized by the fact that the press head (12) comprises a receiving element (13) and a press element (14) provided for detachable arrangement with the receiving element (13), wherein the press element (14) comprises a top surface (16) designed as a pressing surface (15) and a bottom surface (17) provided for locking with the receiving element (13), wherein the pressing surface (15) of the pressing element (14) is essentially designed and configured for contact with the powder- or granular-shaped substances.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a press ram for compressing powder- or granular-shaped substances into a press body, comprising a base body and a press head adjacent to the base body.

[0002] Furthermore, the invention relates to a press die arrangement comprising an upper die, a lower die and a die.

[0003] Furthermore, the invention relates to a rotary press.

[0004] Pressing dies have been known for many years as part of the state of the art and are used, among other things, for compressing powdered or granular substances. Such pressing dies are regularly used to manufacture tablets or other compressed bodies, the end products of which are primarily used in the medical, hygiene, or food sectors. The applications of such tablets or compressed bodies are diverse and include both medical and household uses, e.g., as active ingredient tablets in washing machines or as dishwasher tablets in dishwashers. Furthermore, such tablets are known from the field of dietary supplements, for example, by compressing effervescent tablets or sugar-containing powders or granules together.

[0005] The familiar press dies generally consist of a base body and an adjoining press head. The common method for tablet production is the use of press devices that have a die with an upper and a lower punch. The lower punch projects into the die, creating a dosing chamber open on one side. This chamber is filled with the powder or granules to be compressed. The upper punch is inserted through the open side and pressed against the lower punch, forming the material into a compressed tablet or the corresponding tablet body. When using such components, various production-related difficulties repeatedly arise, which are related to the material selection of the components used or the products to be compressed. For example, it can happen that...This can lead to undesirable adhesion of press components to the press head or press head parts, which can cause structural problems or damage to the press bodies being manufactured.

[0006] For this reason, it is known from the prior art to equip press dies for the production of tablets from powdered or granular materials with inserts or coatings. The aim is to reduce the adhesion of the material to a part of the press die, particularly to the surface of the press head, during the pressing process, so that the tablets retain their shape and assume their intended properties. Nevertheless, adhesion can still be problematic in production using known solutions, as, depending on the choice of insert, coating, or the granular or powdered material, adhesion to the pressing surfaces of the die can be observed.Particularly with dishwashing detergents or food products made from powdered or granulated substances, especially bouillon cubes, the fats they contain cause an undesirably strong adhesion to the pressing surfaces. This can lead to parts of the tablet or pressing body remaining stuck to the dies or breaking off when they are removed. This not only affects the appearance of the tablet or pressing body, but also the dosing accuracy and quality. Furthermore, it results in significant machine contamination.

[0007] During tableting, the punches are subjected to high pressing and frictional forces. Depending on the material properties of the punches used, this can lead to abrasive wear of the punch surfaces. Therefore, the pressing surfaces of single- or multi-part punches are typically made of metal. These surfaces can be reinforced by hardening or coating with metals or ceramics such as Cr, CrN, TiAlN, TiN, etc. However, such coatings do not always satisfactorily solve the adhesion problem described above.

[0008] Furthermore, dies are known that have a recess in the center of their pressing surface to accommodate an insert made of a durable elastomer. This elastomeric component is surrounded by a circumferential surface of the recess, which is intended to hold it laterally. However, the elastomeric component is subject to high wear, necessitating regular and costly replacement of the die or the elastomeric component. This configuration proves unsatisfactory from an economic standpoint. Since the dies are made entirely of hard steel, the interaction of these different materials is prone to failure and is often only possible through the use of highly active adhesives, which, however, carries the risk of contamination and the introduction of potentially hazardous substances into the production process.

[0009] A persistent problem with existing solutions for preventing raw materials from adhering to the die bodies is the potential for these inserts or coatings to penetrate the final product. This can occur due to an unsuitable selection or design of the non-stick coating or irregular maintenance. Therefore, it is essential to ensure a sufficiently strong bond between the inserts or coatings and the die body, and to consistently adhere to maintenance / replacement intervals.

[0010] Another disadvantage of the available press dies is that, due to wear and tear on the pressing surfaces or the respective adhesion-reducing materials or designs, the press dies, or at least the pressing surfaces or the adhesion-reducing surface, need to be replaced. The press dies are intended to largely prevent the material being pressed from sticking, but their effectiveness diminishes with regular use, making regular maintenance, inspection, and replacement unavoidable. Regular renewal or replacement of the press dies or their pressing surfaces involves considerable costs and time. With known press dies, for example, entire components are replaced, which incurs very high costs but keeps setup times short. Furthermore, there is the option of renewing individual coatings applied to the corresponding press heads at regular intervals.To minimize the risk of damage, etc., replacement is necessary. Since the coatings are typically applied directly to the press head using adhesives, replacement or renewal is particularly time-consuming. Such a replacement or renewal requires several steps, such as preparation, disassembly, cleaning, bonding, etc., which complicates the process and makes it prone to errors and injuries. Furthermore, the lack of standardization and the intricate nature of the work necessitate a high degree of manual effort, making the process particularly costly and resource-intensive. Because the devices used to manufacture the pressed parts usually have a large number of dies, corresponding surface renewal or treatment must be carried out continuously and periodically.

[0011] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a press die that is on the one hand reliable yet easy to handle and on the other hand delivers desired pressing results for the production of desired press bodies, exhibiting high reliability as well as being cost-efficient and intuitive to handle.

[0012] This task is solved by the aforementioned press die in that the press head comprises a receiving element and a pressing element designed for detachable arrangement with the receiving element, wherein the pressing element comprises a top surface designed as a pressing surface and a bottom surface designed for locking with the receiving element, wherein the pressing surface of the pressing element is essentially designed and configured for contact with the powdered or granular substances.

[0013] The press ram according to the invention ensures that the receiving element and the pressing element can be precisely and reliably aligned with each other during the pressing process. The appropriately designed pressing surface of the pressing element enables uniform contact with the material to be pressed, resulting in uniform and consistent compaction. Furthermore, the detachable arrangement between the receiving element and the pressing element allows for easy handling and maintenance of the press ram. This detachable arrangement enables quick and easy assembly and disassembly of the corresponding pressing element on the press head. This significantly simplifies the handling of the press ram, which in turn saves time and labor. The locking mechanism between the receiving element and the pressing element ensures a stable and secure connection during the pressing process.Furthermore, the locking mechanism offers high resistance to the forces occurring during the pressing process and prevents the pressing element from unintentionally detaching from the press head. The underside of the pressing element, specifically designed for locking with the receiving element, ensures an optimal fit and secure engagement. This contributes to the stability and reliability of the entire press die, which in turn improves the quality and uniformity of the produced pressed parts. Overall, this press die offers an efficient solution for pressing powdered or granular materials by combining precision, ease of use, and performance. The features of this press die not only simplify the manufacturing process but also guarantee the quality and consistency of the produced pressed parts.

[0014] For the purposes of this invention, "powder- or granular-shaped substances" refers to all starting materials or raw materials suitable for the production of pressed bodies. These "pressed bodies" can be, in particular, tablet-shaped items, commonly known as "tablets," but also by specific names such as "effervescent tablets," "dishwasher tablets," "washing machine tablets," "stock cubes," etc. The pressed bodies / tablets can have various shapes and sizes; however, the pressed bodies produced by the press dies are preferably cuboid in shape.

[0015] In a further embodiment, the receiving element and / or the pressing element comprises at least one correspondingly arranged adhesive element, which is designed and configured to support the fixing or alignment of the receiving element and / or the pressing element relative to each other. This at least one adhesive element is, in particular, a double-sided adhesive tape, which is preferably arranged over a surface area on the receiving element and / or on the underside of the pressing element in order to form and establish a fixing with the respective counterpart, at least in certain areas, upon contact.

[0016] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the receiving element comprises at least one locking element designed and configured to engage with the pressing element, particularly with the underside of the pressing element, in order to form and establish a substantially positive-locking connection between the pressing head and the pressing element. This positive-locking connection ensures a secure and stable attachment of the pressing head to the pressing element. This stable connection helps to prevent unwanted movement or loosening during the pressing process, thereby ensuring the quality and consistency of the resulting pressed parts. In this way, the risk of damage to the device components is reduced. Furthermore, the service life of the corresponding pressing elements can be increased, and damage to them can be prevented or reduced.The positive-locking connection also enables precise alignment and positioning of the press head on the pressing element. This is crucial for even pressure distribution during the pressing process and contributes to achieving an optimally compacted pressing body. Furthermore, the positive-locking connection facilitates the assembly and disassembly of the press head, simplifying maintenance and cleaning of the press ram and optimizing operating times. Overall, the use of a locking element offers a reliable, efficient, and user-friendly solution for attaching the pressing element to the press head. This design increases the performance and reliability of the press ram and ensures high-quality production of pressing bodies.

[0017] An advantageous further development is characterized by the fact that the pressing element, in particular its underside, includes at least one counter-locking element designed and configured to engage with the receiving element. In this way, the counter-locking element, especially in combination with the locking element, enables a secure and simple connection between the pressing element and the receiving element. The resulting locking action creates a stable and reliable connection that prevents any unwanted movement during the pressing process. The use of a counter-locking element allows for precise alignment of the pressing element with the receiving element. This alignment promotes a uniform pressure distribution during the pressing process, which in turn increases the quality and homogeneity of the resulting pressed parts.Furthermore, the counter-locking element facilitates the assembly and disassembly of the pressing element, simplifying maintenance and cleaning of the press ram and optimizing operating times. Overall, the implementation of a counter-locking element leads to improved performance and reliability of the press ram. This solution enables high-quality production of pressed parts and offers an efficient way to connect the pressing element to the receiving element.

[0018] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the at least one locking element and the at least one counter-locking element are designed and configured to correspond essentially to each other. Thus, the locking element and the counter-locking element fit together very precisely and without gaps. This ensures a secure and stable connection between the pressing element and the receiving element for optimal results during the pressing process. The precise fit ensures uniform pressure distribution and consistent pressing body quality.

[0019] Furthermore, the corresponding design significantly simplifies the assembly and disassembly of the press die and reduces potential fit issues. No modification of the individual press die components is required for maintenance or replacement. The precisely fitting design of the elements makes handling the press die straightforward and user-friendly. This improves workflow efficiency and maximizes the press die's service life.

[0020] A preferred embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the at least one locking element and the at least one counter-locking element are designed and configured as at least one snap connection. The at least one snap connection offers a quick and simplified method for mounting the press die. A secure and stable connection between the press element and the receiving element is created simply by snapping the locking element and the counter-locking element into place. This saves time and reduces the effort required for mounting the press die. Furthermore, it prevents user errors during assembly and disassembly. By connecting the press element to the receiving element via a snap connection, additional aids such as adhesives can be dispensed with, thus preventing the introduction of unwanted substances into the production process.Furthermore, the snap connection facilitates the disassembly of the press die for maintenance and cleaning. By simply releasing the snap connection, the pressing element can be easily removed from the mounting element. Such snap connections can also be referred to as click connections, etc.

[0021] Preferably, the press die for forming the snap connection comprises at least one snap element and / or at least one snap-receiving element. In a preferred embodiment, the at least one snap element is, for example, designed and configured as at least one detent hook, while in a preferred embodiment, the at least one snap-receiving element is, for example, designed and configured as at least one detent hook recess. In this way, a tool-free, reliable, and short-term connection of the corresponding components by means of the snap connection is particularly preferred. More preferably, the press element comprises the at least one detent hook, and the receiving element comprises the at least one detent hook recess, or vice versa.In further preferred embodiments, the at least one snap element can be designed and configured as a tab that is intended for insertion into a corresponding recess or receptacle.

[0022] According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one locking element and / or the at least one counter-locking element is essentially cylindrical or cuboid in shape. The cylindrical or cuboid design of the locking elements and / or counter-locking elements facilitates easy handling and assembly. This shape makes it easier to insert and align the corresponding elements, thus simplifying and optimizing the assembly process. The cylindrical or cuboid design ensures a stable and reliable connection between the pressing element and the receiving element. The geometric properties of the elements ensure a uniform pressure distribution during the pressing process, thereby guaranteeing high quality in the manufactured pressings.Furthermore, unintentional and unwanted spontaneous disassembly and wear are avoided. In addition, the cylindrical or cuboid design allows for optimal fit and alignment of the individual components, which increases the overall stability and reliability of the press die. The clear geometric form also facilitates maintenance and cleaning of the die, as the components are easily accessible and standardized.

[0023] A further advantageous embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the material of the pressing element, in particular the material of the underside of the pressing element, has a higher elasticity than the material of the receiving element. Here, the upper side essentially represents the area intended for contact with the powdered or granular materials to be pressed. Preferably, the entire material consists of a more elastic material than the material of the receiving element. The higher elasticity of the pressing element material reduces the adhesion of the materials to the pressing surface of the pressing element. This enables low-contact and low-friction material guidance during the pressing process and minimizes the risk of adhesion to the pressing elements, thus preventing clumping or blockages in the pressing tool. Furthermore, the reduced adhesion facilitates the removal or...The reduced material adhesion after pressing facilitates the discharge of the pressed material, thus contributing to the overall process efficiency. Furthermore, the lower adhesion of substances promotes the cleanliness and hygiene of the press ram and its surrounding environment. Fewer residues and deposits improve the device's cleaning capabilities and significantly reduce cleaning and maintenance requirements. Overall, the increased elasticity of the press element's material effectively reduces material adhesion and simplifies the locking mechanism between the holding element and the pressing element. This not only optimizes the pressing process but also improves operational efficiency and the cleanliness of the press ram, ultimately leading to higher product quality and trouble-free operation.

[0024] A preferred embodiment of the invention is characterized by the fact that the base body and the press head are essentially formed and configured as a single piece. This increases the structural integrity and stability of the press ram. Manufacturing the components as a single unit eliminates potential weak points or defects that can occur with separate parts. This increases the reliability and service life of the press ram. Furthermore, the one-piece design allows for precise and targeted alignment of the press head, ensuring uniform pressure distribution during the pressing process. Integrating the base body and press head into a single-piece design also simplifies the manufacture and assembly of the press ram. Fewer individual parts mean less assembly effort and simpler manufacturing, ultimately reducing production costs.

[0025] A preferred embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the pressing element is essentially formed and configured as a single piece. The one-piece construction of the pressing element ensures, among other things, increased stability and strength during the pressing process. By reducing the number of joints or individual components, the risk of breakage or weak points is minimized, resulting in more reliable operation of the press ram. The one-piece design also reduces manufacturing costs and simplifies the production process. The elimination of complex assembly methods or connecting elements allows for shorter production times and a reduction in overall manufacturing costs. Furthermore, the one-piece design offers better control over the material composition and structure of the pressing element.This allows for targeted adaptation of physical properties such as elasticity and strength to the specific requirements of the press die.

[0026] An advantageous further development is characterized by the fact that the pressing surface of the pressing element is formed, at least partially, and in particular essentially entirely, from at least one type of plastic and / or coated with a plastic coating. The use of at least one type of plastic and / or a plastic coating for the pressing surface makes it possible, among other things, to selectively create adhesive properties between the pressing surface and the materials to be pressed. In particular, this allows for the provision of a non-stick property, which makes the adhesion of the materials to be pressed during the pressing process adjustable, and in particular, reducible. This non-stick property not only facilitates the removal of the pressed parts to be produced, but also reduces the risk of contamination and residues on the pressing surface.This simplifies the cleaning and maintenance of the press die, which in turn increases its service life and improves the efficiency of the production process. Using at least one type of plastic and / or a plastic coating for the pressing surface also allows for better interchangeability of the pressing element. If necessary, the pressing element can be easily removed and replaced with a new one, minimizing maintenance time and reducing overall operating costs. This contributes to operational efficiency and ensures continuous production without extended downtime. Furthermore, the plastic material and / or plastic coating of the pressing surface provides a durable and resistant finish that retains its properties, particularly its non-stick characteristics, even with regular use. This extends the service life of the pressing element and helps maintain product quality.Overall, the integration of at least one plastic material and / or a plastic coating into the pressing surface of the press element enables optimization of the press die's operational performance, ease of maintenance, and interchangeability. These properties contribute to increased productivity and reduced production process costs.

[0027] Preferably, the thickness of the pressing surface of the at least one plastic or the plastic coating is in the range of 0.5 mm to 5 mm, particularly preferably in the range of 1 mm to 3 mm. The thickness of the at least one plastic or the plastic coating has a direct influence on the deformability of the pressing element and thus directly on the resulting adhesion properties or the release properties of the materials to be pressed.

[0028] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the pressing surface is designed and configured as a pressing surface having a non-stick coating or non-stick structure. This effectively minimizes the adhesion of the material being pressed during the pressing process. This non-stick property reduces the risk of product defects due to the desired formation of the pressed parts and minimizes clumping, blockages, and material loss. It also facilitates the removal of the pressed parts. Furthermore, the non-stick coating or non-stick structure enables significantly easier cleaning and maintenance of the press die. Residues and contaminants are easier to remove, thereby optimizing the operating time of the press die and minimizing downtime. In addition, simplified replacement of the corresponding components is possible, which also contributes to improved setup times.The non-stick coating or non-stick structure also contributes to extending the service life of the pressing element by providing a robust and durable surface that retains its non-stick properties even with repeated use. This ensures consistent quality of the manufactured pressing bodies and optimizes the overall efficiency of the pressing process.

[0029] The problem is further solved with a press die assembly as described above, wherein the upper die and / or the lower die is a press die according to the invention. Using the press die according to the invention as the upper die and / or lower die ensures optimal adaptation to the requirements of the pressing process and, in particular, facilitates the corresponding maintenance and replacement of the respective pressing surfaces. By integrating the innovative features of the press die into the die assembly, improved pressing quality and production output are achieved, combined with the advantages of maintenance and replacement of the respective components. The advantages associated with the press die according to the invention, such as the non-stick properties of the pressing surface and the improved ease of maintenance, are thus directly transferred to the entire press die assembly.This increases the reliability of the pressing process and further optimizes the quality of the manufactured press bodies.

[0030] To avoid repetition, particular reference is made in connection with the press die arrangement according to the invention to the advantages already described in detail in connection with the press die according to the invention.

[0031] These also apply analogously to the press die arrangement according to the invention.

[0032] Furthermore, the problem is solved by a rotary press mentioned at the outset, comprising a multiple or plurality of the press ram arrangement according to the invention. This enables the uniform and efficient processing of large quantities of powdered or granular materials, with the corresponding advantages of the press ram arrangement according to the invention. The specific features and advantages of the press ram arrangements according to the invention, such as the non-stick properties of the pressing surface and the improved ease of maintenance, are applied to all pressing operations within the rotary press. This ensures consistent pressing quality and production output across all processing stages.

[0033] To avoid repetition, particular reference is made in connection with the rotary press according to the invention to the advantages already described in detail in connection with the press ram arrangement according to the invention and in connection with the press ram according to the invention. These also apply analogously to the rotary press according to the invention.

[0034] In further preferred embodiments, additional presses for producing corresponding press bodies can be provided, each comprising at least one of the press dies and / or at least one of the press die arrangements according to the invention. Such additional presses can, in particular, be eccentric presses.

[0035] Further advantageous features and developments, as well as preferred apparatus components, are described in the dependent claims and the description. Particularly preferred embodiments of the press ram, the press ram assembly, and the rotary press are explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings show: Fig. 1a a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a press die according to the invention in a perspective view from an oblique angle above, Fig. 1b a schematic representation of the in Fig. 1a shown press die in a perspective view from a low angle, Fig. 2a a schematic representation of a second embodiment of a press die according to the invention in a perspective view from an oblique angle above, Fig. 2b a schematic representation of the in Fig. 2a shown press die in a perspective view from a low angle, Fig. 3a a schematic representation of a third embodiment of a press die according to the invention in a perspective view from an oblique angle above, Fig. 3b a schematic representation of the in Fig. 3a shown press die in a perspective view from a low angle and Fig. 4 A schematic representation of a press die arrangement according to the invention in perspective view.

[0036] The press punch, press punch arrangement and rotary press according to the invention are described in more detail with reference to the aforementioned figures.

[0037] The press die 10 shown in the drawings is an example designed for compressing powdered or granular substances into compressed bodies, particularly tablets (not shown in detail in the figures). Such press dies 10 are also known, among other names, as tableting dies or tablet presses. The invention relates similarly to comparable press dies 10 designed and configured for compressing other compressed bodies, for example, in the food industry (bouillon cubes, etc.) or in the field of dietary supplements (effervescent tablets, etc.).

[0038] Fig. 1a, Fig. 1b, Fig. 2a, Fig. 2b, Fig. 3a and Fig. Figure 3b each schematically shows an embodiment of a press ram 10 for compressing powdered or granular material into a press body, comprising a base body 11 and a press head 12 adjoining the base body 11. Fig. 1a, Fig. 1b, Fig. 2a, Fig. 2b, Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b The scale and dimensions of the individual components of the press ram 10 according to the invention are not necessarily shown to scale or to reality, but may deviate from them. In particular, the longitudinal extent of the press head 12 and / or the base body 11 may deviate from them. Furthermore, the press ram 10 may have additional components or features to enable the compression of powdered or granular materials into a pressed body. Typically, the press head 12 represents the area that penetrates an opening containing the powdered or granular materials in order to make contact with them for compression.

[0039] According to the invention, this press die 10 is characterized in that the press head 12 comprises a receiving element 13 and a pressing element 14 provided for detachable arrangement with the receiving element 13, wherein the pressing element 14 comprises a top surface 16 designed as a pressing surface 15 and a bottom surface 17 designed for locking with the receiving element 13, wherein the pressing surface 15 of the pressing element 14 is designed and configured essentially for contact with the powdered or granular materials. Preferably, the pressing element 14 can be arranged in the receiving element 13 with a substantially precise fit in order to form and configure a substantially flat pressing surface 15 with the top surface 16 of the pressing element 14.

[0040] In the Fig. 1a, Fig. 1b, Fig. 2a, Fig. 2b, Fig. 3a and Fig. In the different embodiments of the press die 10 according to the invention shown in Figure 3b, the pressing element 14 is depicted in its unassembled state with the receiving element 13. In its intended use, the pressing element 14 is connected to the receiving element 13 to provide the pressing surface 15 and to form and configure the press die 10 according to the invention. However, it may be preferable to provide the corresponding pressing element 14 separately, for example as a spare part, and then connect it to the receiving element 13 to form and configure the corresponding press die 10 according to the invention. In further preferred embodiments, depending on the design of the press die 10 or the pressing body to be produced, the pressing element 14 or the receiving element 13 may consist of several components or be divided into several individual elements.Preferably, a single press punch 10 can comprise several press elements 14 and / or receiving elements 13 in order to produce several press bodies essentially simultaneously.

[0041] The receiving element 13 is preferably profiled and integrated into the press head 12, and has at least one recess 18, at least partially, to receive the pressing element 14, at least partially. The design of the at least one recess 18 can vary depending on the material selection, intended use, or dimensions of the press die 10, as is particularly evident in the following. Fig. 1a, Fig. 2a and Fig. Figure 3a shows that the pressing element 14 preferably has at least one pressing recess 19, particularly on its underside 17, to accommodate the receiving element 13, at least partially. The design of the at least one pressing recess 19 can vary depending on the material selection, intended use, or dimensions of the pressing die 10, as is particularly evident in the following figures. Fig. 1b, Fig. 2b and Fig. 3b is shown.

[0042] Preferably, the receiving element 13 has at least one projection 20, at least partially, in order to arrange it, at least partially, in the pressing element 14. The design of the at least one projection 20 can vary depending on the material selection, intended use, or dimensions of the press die 10, as is particularly evident in the following. Fig. 1a, Fig. 2a and Fig. Figure 3a shows that the pressing element 14 preferably has at least one pressing projection 21, particularly on its underside 17, in order to position it at least partially within the receiving element 13. The design of the at least one pressing projection 21 can vary depending on the material selection, intended use, or dimensions of the pressing die 10, as is particularly evident in the following figures. Fig. 1b, Fig. 2b and Fig. 3b is shown.

[0043] An advantageous embodiment is characterized in that the receiving element 13 comprises at least one locking element 22, which is designed and configured to lock with the pressing element 14, in particular with the underside 17 of the pressing element 14, in order to form and establish a substantially positive-locking connection between the pressing head 12 and the pressing element 14. Fig. 1a A locking element 22 is provided, which is designed and configured as a circumferential locking element 22. Fig. 2a and Fig. Figures 3a show further embodiments of the press die 10, wherein in the second embodiment four locking elements 22 are provided which are circularly formed, while the locking elements 22 in the Fig. 3a extend in a longitudinal direction.

[0044] Another advantageous embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the pressing element 14, in particular the underside 17 of the pressing element 14, comprises at least one counter-locking element 23 which is designed and configured to lock with the receiving element 13. In the Fig. 1b a counter-locking element 23 is provided, which is designed and configured as a circumferential counter-locking element 23. Fig. 2b and Fig. Figure 3b shows further embodiments of the press punch 10, wherein in the second embodiment four counter-locking elements 23 are provided, which are formed in a circumferential circular shape, while the counter-locking elements 23 in the Fig. 3b extend in a longitudinal direction.

[0045] Preferably, the at least one locking element 22 and the at least one counter-locking element 23 are designed and configured to correspond substantially to each other, as can be seen from the Fig. 1a, Fig. 1b, Fig. 2a, Fig. 2b, Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b. In an advantageous embodiment, the pressing element 14 and the receiving element 14 can be connected to each other by applying force. In particular, the two elements can be connected to each other by corresponding contact of the pressing element 14 with the receiving element 13 and by applying force from the upper surface 16 of the pressing element 14, whereby the at least one locking element 22 and the at least one counter-locking element 23 lock together. In the Fig. 1b, Fig. 2b and Fig. 3b shows the underside 17 of the pressing elements 14 in detail, from which the corresponding design for the arrangement with the respective receiving element 13, as in the Fig. 1a, Fig. 2a and Fig. 3a shows, as can be seen.

[0046] Preferably, the at least one locking element 22 and the at least one counter-locking element 23 are designed and configured as at least one snap connection 24. To form the snap connection 24, the at least one locking element 22 preferably engages the at least counter-locking element 23, or vice versa, at least partially. The corresponding components are selected with regard to material selection, material thickness, and / or material elasticity, in particular such that they are suitable for the intended pressing processes in conjunction with the respective powdered or granular materials to be pressed, in order to prevent unintentional loosening. The snap connection 24 is further preferably reversible and designed at least in such a way as to provide at least a substantially tool-free assembly.

[0047] In a further advantageous embodiment, the at least one locking element 22 and / or the at least one counter-locking element 23 is essentially cylindrical or cuboid in shape and configuration. Fig. 1a, Fig. 1b, Fig. 2a, Fig. 2b, Fig. 3a and Fig. Section 3b shows examples of corresponding designs, but the designs are not exhaustive.

[0048] Preferably, the material of the pressing element 14, in particular the material of the underside 17 of the pressing element 14, has a higher elasticity than the material of the receiving element 13. Particularly preferably, the entire material of the pressing element 14 has a higher elasticity than the material of the receiving element 13. Further preferably, the pressing element 14 is formed and configured essentially as a single piece. Preferably, the pressing surface 15 of the pressing element 14 is formed at least partially, and in particular essentially completely, from at least one plastic and / or coated with a plastic coating. Particularly preferably, the pressing surface 15 is designed and configured as a pressing surface 15 having a non-stick coating or a non-stick structure.

[0049] In a further preferred embodiment, the base body 11 and the press head 12 are essentially formed and configured as a single piece. Fig. 1a, Fig. 1b, Fig. 2a, Fig. 2b, Fig. 3a and Fig. Figure 3b shows preferred embodiments of the press die 10 according to the invention, which are produced from a single piece of material. The material is preferably a metal, in particular a material selected from the group of hard metals.

[0050] The press die assembly 25 according to the invention, comprising an upper die 26, a lower die 27, and a die 28, is described in more detail below. The press die assembly 25 according to the invention is characterized in that the upper die 26 and / or the lower die 27 is designed and configured as a press die 10 according to the invention. It is particularly preferred that both the upper die 26 and the lower die 27 are designed and configured as a press die 10 according to the invention. In particularly preferred embodiments, a press die assembly 25 may comprise a plurality of upper dies 26 and / or lower dies 27 in order to simultaneously produce a plurality of pressed bodies. For this purpose, a plurality of dies 28 or die recesses 29 may also be provided in the die.

[0051] As from the Fig.As shown in Figure 4, the die 28 of the press ram assembly 25 according to the invention has a die recess 29 into which the upper ram 26 and / or the lower ram 27 are designed to be movable. During pressing, the powder- or granular-shaped materials are provided within the die recess 29 and pressed into the respective press bodies by means of the upper ram 26 and / or the lower ram 27.

[0052] To avoid repetition, reference is made to the detailed description of the figures already presented in connection with the press die 10 according to the invention, which applies analogously to the press die arrangement 25 according to the invention.

Claims

[1] Pressing die (10) for compressing powdered or granular substances into a pressing body, comprising a base body (11) and a pressing head (12) adjoining the base body (11), characterized by , that the press head (12) comprises a receiving element (13) and a press element (14) provided for detachable arrangement with the receiving element (13), wherein the press element (14) comprises a top surface (16) designed as a pressing surface (15) and a bottom surface (17) provided for locking with the receiving element (13), wherein the pressing surface (15) of the pressing element (14) is essentially designed and configured for contact with the powder- or granular-shaped substances. [2] Press die (10) according to claim 1, characterized by, that the receiving element (13) comprises at least one locking element (22) which is designed and configured to lock with the pressing element (14), in particular with the underside (17) of the pressing element (14), in order to form and establish a substantially positive-locking connection between the pressing head (12) and the pressing element (14). [3] Press die (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the pressing element (14), in particular the underside (17) of the pressing element (14), comprises at least one counter-locking element (23) which is designed and configured to lock with the receiving element (13). [4] Press die (10) according to claim 3, characterized by , that the at least one locking element (22) and the at least one counter-locking element (23) are designed and configured to correspond substantially to each other. [5] Press die (10) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized by, that the at least one locking element (22) and the at least one counter-locking element (23) are designed and configured as at least one snap connection (24). [6] Press die (10) according to one or more of claims 2 to 5, characterized by , that the at least one locking element (22) and / or the at least one counter-locking element (23) is essentially cylindrical or cuboid in shape and configuration. [7] Press die (10) according to one or more of claims 1 to 6, characterized by , that the material of the pressing element (14), in particular the material of the underside (17) of the pressing element (14), has a higher elasticity than the material of the receiving element (13). [8] Press die (10) according to one or more of claims 1 to 7, characterized by that the base body (11) and the press head (12) are essentially formed and configured as a single piece. [9] Press die (10) according to one or more of claims 1 to 8, characterized by , that the pressing element (14) is essentially formed and set up in one piece. [10] Press die (10) according to one or more of claims 1 to 9, characterized by , that the pressing surface (15) of the pressing element (14) is formed at least partially, in particular substantially completely, from at least one plastic and / or is coated with a plastic coating. [11] Press die (10) according to one or more of claims 1 to 9, characterized by that the pressing surface (15) is designed and configured as a pressing surface (15) having a non-stick coating or a non-stick structure. [12] Press die arrangement (25) comprising an upper die (26), a lower die (27) and a die (28), wherein the upper die (26) and / or the lower die (27) is a press die (10) according to one or more of claims 1 to 11. [13] Rotary press with a plurality or multiple of press punch arrangements (25) according to claim 12.

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