Apparatus for inserting at least one object into at least one die of a tablet press.

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus for inserting at least one object into at least one die of a tablet press, wherein the at least one die is arranged on a reference circle of a turret that is driven to rotate about a first axis of rotation. The apparatus comprises a second turret that can rotate about a second axis of rotation. The second turret also comprises a holder for at least one object, and the holder for at least one object comprises holding means that enable the at least one object to be picked up, transported, and released. The movement path of the at least one object can be controlled radially and tangentially with respect to the rotational movement of the second turret via the holder for the at least one object, such that the movement path of the at least one object can mimic the movement path of the at least one die over at least the angular range of rotation of the second turret.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for inserting at least one object (also referred to as an object body) into at least one die of a tablet press, wherein the at least one die is arranged on a reference circle of a turret (a small tower that can be rotated) driven to rotate about a first rotation axis. The device comprises a second turret that can rotate about a second rotation axis. The second turret also comprises a holder for at least one object, and the holder for at least one object comprises holding means that enable picking up, transporting, and releasing at least one object. The movement path of the at least one object can be controlled radially and tangentially with respect to the rotational movement of the second turret via the holder for the at least one object, such that the movement path of the at least one object can mimic the movement path of the at least one die over at least the angular range of rotation of the second turret.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a system comprising a tablet press and the above-described device.

Background Art

[0003] The present invention belongs to the field of tablet presses, particularly rotary tablet presses, which are used in the pharmaceutical, technical or chemical industries, or the food industry for manufacturing large quantities of tablets or pellets from powder materials.

[0004] A rotary tablet press is known to have a turret carrying a plurality of pairs of punches, each pair of punches being formed by an upper punch and a lower punch that are adjustable relative to each other.The turret comprises a die table provided with die openings at regular intervals on a reference circle, having sleeve-shaped inserts known as dies.The material to be pressed is filled into these dies or die openings by means of a filling device.

[0005] As a result of the turret's rotation, when a pair of punches enter the area of ​​a filled die or die opening, the two punches are moved toward each other by a control cam and enter the area of ​​the compression roller station. In the compression roller station, the punches are pressed against each other, for example, so that the material in the die opening is compressed into the form of a tablet. When the pressing process is complete, both punches are moved upward, and the tablet is ejected from the die opening or die. The compressive force is transmitted to the compression tool by means of the compression rollers. The compression tool is also called the upper punch and the lower punch.

[0006] It is also known as insert manufacturing, which provides single-layer or multi-layer tablets having a core or object. These cores or objects are individually fed into a die and pressed into or coated with a medium, particularly a powder. To manufacture such tablets or pellets on a rotary tablet press, the cores or objects can be individually fed into the die in a prescribed manner, and as a result, positioned in a desired location, which is advantageously located in the center of the die.

[0007] In this regard, there are solutions for rotary inserters in which the circular path of the die and the inserter partially overlap and thus intersect at exactly two points. With the help of a complex (and error-prone) control system, the objective is to eject the object to be inserted as quickly as possible at one of the precise intersections. For example, DE 10 2013 104 344 A1 and DE 10 2009 002 450 A1 disclose rotary inserters in which a core is picked up from a transfer wheel by a gripper arm and inserted into the die.

[0008] Furthermore, solutions using rotary inserters are known, for example, from German Patent No. 38 19 821 C2, in which the gripper arm is arranged to move radially on the turret of the inserter, and thus can follow the curved path of the die over a limited rotation angle by means of cam control or engagement on the turret. However, this results in a difference in path speed between the inserter and the die, and as a result, despite the tracked path of the gripper arm, actual synchronous movement is impossible, and the position of the inserted object is determined mainly by the time of ejection.

[0009] DE 40 25 484 C1 also discloses an insertion device incorporated into the turret of a rotary tablet press. In particular, radial arms are positioned directly on the drive turret of the rotary tablet press above the die table and rotate in sync with the assigned die. The radial arms are also retractable (radially) and extendable within the turret, capable of picking up objects and transferring them to the die. While such an insertion device allows for a small structural volume and accurate and repeatable positioning of objects within the die, this relatively complex design is prone to periodic malfunctions. Furthermore, conventional rotary tablet presses cannot be easily modified with such an insertion device.

[0010] From the DE 103 21 754 B4 specification, it is also known that cores or objects are placed on a continuous conveyor, the continuous conveyor is guided on a reference circle of a tablet press turret, and they are pressed into the die by means of the upper punch of the tablet press. However, transporting cores or objects on the reference circle of the turret is disadvantageous because it involves complex measures for positioning the cores or objects and for synchronizing the movement of the cores or objects and the die.

[0011] DE 38 19 821 A discloses a rotary tablet press including a rotary-driven die table and a transfer device. Multiple head parts, each having a transfer head, are mounted on radial arms on the transfer device, which are securely screwed to a turret. The transfer heads have suction pipes and vacuum devices (also called negative pressure devices) for receiving and releasing cores. The radial arms consist of vertical and horizontal cylinder piston units that can act independently of each other. Cores are transported to the receiving stars of the transfer device via a feed device. The radial arms move downward by means of the vertical cylinder pistons, and the transfer heads pick up the cores by means of negative pressure. The horizontal cylinder pistons then move radially outward, and as soon as they reach the die, the head parts open into the head receiving recesses of the guide rings of the die table, and the head guide rings mechanically guide the transfer heads in a force-controlled manner, so that the reference circles of the die table and the transfer device overlap. DE 38 19 821 A specifically discloses the radial controllability of the transfer head. This allows the core to be positioned within the die and pressed with powder. By pushing the core into the die, the core is inserted into its central position without radial movement. Synchronization of the die's movement path and the transfer head's movement path is achieved, in particular, by an interlock between the head receiving recess of the die table's head guide ring and the head unit or transfer head. For radial mobility and engagement on the turret, the head unit or transfer head should follow the curved path of the die over a limited rotation angle. However, there is room for improvement regarding the accuracy of core positioning.

[0012] JP 2019-135062 A further discloses a compression apparatus comprising a conveyor belt, a feeding device, and a tablet press. The conveyor belt preferably transports electronic chips to the feeding device, which transports them to a tablet press where the chips are inserted into a die and pressed with powder. The feeding device is designed as a closed loop, and its shape is adapted to the radius of the die in the transport area. Multiple gripping devices are attached to the feeder, which has movable gripper fingers for picking up and releasing chips. The closing and opening of the gripper fingers are mechanically force-controlled by means of corresponding guide cams. The feeding device or gripping device is driven by the rotational movement of the tablet press turret. For this purpose, a gear drive is provided, the teeth of which engage with the upper roller of the gripping device. Therefore, improvements are needed in positioning accuracy and performance (speed) of known solutions, while simultaneously eliminating complex control systems and reducing the potential for susceptibility to failures. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0013] [Patent Document 1] DE 10 2013 104 344 A1 [Patent Document 2] DE 10 2009 002 450 A1 [Patent Document 3] DE 38 19 821 No. C2 [Patent Document 4] DE 40 25 484 C1 [Patent Document 5] DE 103 21 754 B4 [Patent Document 6] JP 2019-135062 A [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0014] The object of the present invention is to eliminate the drawbacks of the prior art and to provide a device for inserting at least one object into at least one die of a tablet press, enabling accurate or precise insertion of at least one object using the continuously rotating turret of the tablet press, and achieving a high level of repeatability and reliability even at high turret speeds. [Means for solving the problem]

[0015] The problems of the present invention are solved by the features of the independent claim. Advantageous embodiments of the present invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to an apparatus for inserting at least one object into at least one die of a tablet press, wherein the at least one die is positioned on a reference circle of a turret driven to rotate around a first pivot axis; Here, -This device includes a second turret that is rotatable around a second axis of rotation; - The second turret comprises at least one object holder, the at least one object holder comprising holding means that enables picking up, transporting, and releasing at least one object; The movement path of at least one object can be controlled radially and tangentially with respect to the rotational movement of the second turret via a holder for at least one object, and the movement path of at least one object can mimic the movement path of at least one die over at least an angular range of rotation of the second turret.

[0017] In particular, the device according to the invention enables separation, picking up and accurate insertion of objects into the die of a rotary tablet press having a continuously rotating turret. In contrast to the prior art, the device according to the invention enables the movement path of the object to advantageously overlap with the movement path of the die over a large time range during the insertion process, and the object can in particular also move in synchronization with the die. In other words, the movement paths overlap over a longer distance rather than mainly at two points as in previous cases. The fact that the object can advantageously be guided in synchronization with the die means that the object can be inserted into the die at any point along the overlapping paths. Thus, the positioning accuracy is not very dependent on the time of insertion or release of the object. In particular, this leads to higher repeat accuracy and reliability at high speeds.

[0018] As described above, insertion devices are known that enable the radial movement of an object with respect to the rotational movement of a turret included in the insertion device. However, although it is possible for the movement paths of the object and the die to overlap over a certain distance, this results in a difference in the path speeds of the object and the die, and thus synchronous operation was not possible. It has been shown that this problem can be overcome by adding the tangential controllability of the object with respect to the rotational movement of the second turret to the radial controllability of the object. By controlling the object in the tangential direction, the path speed of the object can advantageously be continuously adjusted so that the object can be moved in synchronization with the die.

[0019] Advantageously, in particular, conventional rotary tablet presses configured to press single-layer or multi-layer tablets can be used in a simple manner with the device according to the invention, and as a result, they can press a core or an object into existing manufactured pellets. At least one die is arranged on the reference circle of a turret that is driven to rotate around a first rotation axis within the rotary tablet press. On the other hand, the device according to the invention comprises a second turret that rotates around a second rotation axis.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the axis of rotation of the first turret (i.e., the turret of the tablet press) is arranged substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the second turret (i.e., the turret of the device according to the invention). In this regard, the second turret can advantageously be arranged subsequently such that the device according to the invention can insert at least one object into at least one die. Thus, the device according to the invention can preferably be provided as an additional module for a rotary tablet press and preferably only needs to be adjusted once. For this purpose, the device according to the invention preferably moves radially on the turret of the tablet press until the object holder or the object is substantially aligned on the reference circle on which the die is arranged. The device according to the invention is advantageously robust with respect to tolerances in positioning. Furthermore, no additional device for separating the objects to be inserted is any longer necessary, this function being covered by the device according to the invention.

[0021] For the purposes of the present invention, the turret is preferably a rotating part that rotates around an axis of rotation, whereby the parts fixed to the turret move on a circular path. At least one die is preferably present on the reference circle of the turret that is driven to rotate about a first axis of rotation. Thus, the die rotates on a circular path around the axis of rotation of the first turret. Thus, the movement path of the die is preferably circular. On the other hand, the object is held by an object holder, and the object holder is attached to the second turret. Thus, the object rotates around the second axis of rotation and preferably moves on a circular path without radial and tangential controllability of the object holder or the object.

[0022] In conventional insertion devices, which include a turret but do not include a holder for the object or radial and tangential control of the object, the intersection of both circular paths (object / die) is selected to "eject" the object into the die. In this context, the inventors have recognized that this procedure does not allow for the object to be precisely deposited. In contrast, in the present invention, the object can be controlled radially and tangentially with respect to the rotational movement of the second turret via the object holder, so that the object's movement path can be adapted so that the object coincides with the die's movement path, and the object can also be moved in sync with the die.

[0023] Preferably, the adaptation of the object's movement path is performed within a range between (virtual) intersections that occur when the object cannot be controlled in the radial and tangential directions. This range can be described by the rotation angle of the second turret, i.e., the range of rotation angles of the second turret.

[0024] Accordingly, the object's movement path is adapted to the die's path through the radial and tangential movement of the individual object holders relative to the rotational movement of the second turret, which follows a circular path. At the point where the object holders are connected to the second turret, the object holders also preferably move along a circular path. However, due to the radial and tangential controllability of the holders for individual objects, this circular movement path can be adapted to the objects held by the holding means, and as a result, the objects can also move in synchronization with the die.

[0025] From Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-135062 cited above, adaptation of the movement of an object along the die path is also known. However, this is done via an insertion device equipped with a feeding device that is a closed-loop but non-circular loop, instead of a second turret. In Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-135062, the feeding device is also called a rounded triangle, and its lower side conforms to the shape of the die table. Therefore, the gripping device of Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-135062, which is installed on the feeding device, does not move along the circular path itself. However, providing such a feeding device is more complex and requires a larger distance between the gripping devices installed on the feeding device. A second turret is used, but the solution according to the present invention allows for control of the object's movement path in both radial and tangential directions relative to the rotational movement of the second turret via the individual object holders. This makes the design simpler and allows for a higher density arrangement of object holders. In addition to a more robust design of the device, production efficiency can also be improved.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the rotation angle range of the second turret is preferably the movement section of the second turret, i.e., the rotational movement performed by the turret over a specific rotation angle. The rotation angle range of the second turret is preferably a rotation angle range of <180°, such that the movement path of the object can mimic the movement path of the die by means of radial and tangential deflection of the object holder. In this way, the movement path of the die is mimicked by the object over up to half of the rotation of the second turret.

[0027] For example, the object's movement path follows a circular path within a rotation angle range of approximately 340° of the second turret. As soon as the object encounters the die's movement path, the object's movement path changes radially and tangentially (with respect to the rotation of the second turret) to conform to the die's movement path, allowing the object to move in sync with the die. In the described embodiment, the object's movement path can follow the die's movement path over a rotation angle range of approximately 20° of the second turret. (See Figure 1)

[0028] The imitation or adaptation of the movement path is preferably configured such that the movement paths of the object and the die overlap over a certain time and distance range, and the object moves synchronously with the die. In this regard, the center and / or center of gravity of the object is preferably located at a certain height away from the die, substantially on the longitudinal axis of the die. It is understood that the height may change when the object is inserted. During this (relatively long) synchronous movement, the object can be inserted by lowering the object holder. It is not necessary to position the object by dropping it to a specific point as quickly as possible.

[0029] For the purposes of the present invention, the object is preferably a three-dimensional object having a size and geometric configuration that allows the object to be embedded in a pellet, and the volume of the pellet depends on the die, material, and compressive force. Thus, the object can be considered as the core of the pellet. Preferably, the core is configured as a fixed component and consists of a different material or material composition from, for example, the rest of the pellet. The object or core may be a pre-compressed powder material. Such a pellet having a core is also called a core tablet. In a more preferred embodiment, the object (such as) may be a liquid and / or gaseous medium surrounded by a solid shell. For example, with respect to a coated core tablet, this may be a liquid active ingredient encapsulated in a solid that is digestible by humans.

[0030] There are no limitations on the composition of the object, as long as it can be inserted into the die of a tablet press, particularly a rotary tablet press, and compressed with powder material. In another preferred embodiment, the object can also be configured as a microchip. According to more recent technological developments, a microchip can be compressed into a tablet as a core and can serve as an aid in remote diagnosis after a patient has taken the corresponding tablet. The apparatus according to the present invention is advantageous in that a very small microchip as the object can be inserted into the die of a tablet press, thereby enabling the manufacture of "smart" tablets. In particular, a tablet having a microchip, which may be less than 1 mm thick, for example, can transmit confirmation signals to an external receiver in the patient's body regarding tablet intake, including the time of ingestion, thereby enabling monitoring.

[0031] Preferably, the object may have a volume that allows it to be embedded in the pellet in a conventional rotary tablet press. Preferably, the object has a maximum dimension of about 1 mm to 30 mm and a minimum dimension of about 0.1 mm to 10 mm. The object is not limited to these dimensional values.

[0032] Furthermore, the second turret preferably comprises at least one object holder. The object holder preferably rotates with the second turret and can pick up objects from the object reservoir. The object holder can then transport (transfer) the object over substantially half a rotation of the second turret and finally, preferably, release the object into at least one die. The object holder and at least one die, as well as the two turrets, are adjusted so that the object can be inserted into the die at a precise position (particularly through radial and tangential controllability of the object or the object holder). The object reservoir can be configured as a container, or it may also include a supply system such as a conveyor belt and / or transfer wheels. With respect to the second turret, the object reservoir is preferably located approximately opposite the position where the object is introduced into at least one die, and the object holder holds or transports (transfers) the object over approximately 180° rotation of the second turret. The object holder is preferably configured to pick up objects individually and provide them to at least one die.

[0033] In a more preferred embodiment, the object holder preferably has holding means configured to pick up, hold, and / or release the object. The holding means is preferably configured to hold the object for transport over approximately half a rotation of the second turret and to release it into at least one die in the region where the object's movement path intersects with the die's movement path. Preferably, the holding means can be operated / controlled quickly enough to pick up a fixed-position object even at high-speed rotation of the second turret. Furthermore, it is preferable that the holding means can apply or release holding force within, for example, a few milliseconds, so that the object can be picked up from the object reservoir or released into the die without undesirable waiting time.

[0034] In a more preferred embodiment, the device is characterized in that the second turret includes a coupling element configured as follows: - To initiate and / or ensure the rotational movement of the second turret through active contact with the driven first turret; - The movement path of at least one object is mechanically forced to be controlled by means of the holder of at least one object, across at least the rotation angle range of the second turret.

[0035] The presence of coupling elements offers certain advantages. Coupling elements advantageously combine two functions into one component, namely, a) ensuring or initiating the rotational movement of a second turret, and b) influencing the movement path of an object. Preferably, the coupling element is actively in contact with the first drive turret (which ensures the rotational movement of the second turret), which advantageously means that the device according to the present invention does not require its own drive. Therefore, in particular, complex synchronization of the device and the tablet press's drive mechanism is not required. Furthermore, dispensing with a separate drive mechanism is particularly lightweight and therefore can be used flexibly in different tablet presses, resulting in a device that facilitates the transport of materials for inserting them into the die. Furthermore, since the coupling element is simultaneously configured to mechanically force-control the movement path of the object via the object's holder, the complex control configuration of the object's holder can be eliminated. Needless to say, the number of parts used is also reduced.

[0036] For the purposes of the present invention, a coupling element is a component or assembly that establishes a connection in the broadest sense between two components (here, for example, between a first turret and a second turret). The coupling element can preferably make (temporary) mechanical contact with both components and create a mechanical connection. Preferably, the connection may be non-contact, and only the effect is transmitted, for example, a magnet can affect another component without establishing a mechanical connection. In particular, it is preferably an active connection, and the coupling element preferably makes active contact with the component(s). Thus, the coupling element enables interaction (mechanical or otherwise) between the two components. To ensure rotational movement of the second turret, the coupling element preferably actively contacts the first turret, which is included in the tablet press and represents the drive unit. Active contact is achieved, for example, by mechanically engaging the coupling element with an element of the first turret. The coupling element may also take the form of a transmission comprising, for example, gears, cam elements, connecting rods, rod links, belts, chains, etc., to transmit the rotational movement of the first turret to the second turret.

[0037] As soon as the first turret begins to rotate, force is suitably transmitted to the coupling element, which then sequentially transmits force to the second turret. This advantageously ensures that the second turret also performs rotational movement. The coupling element is preferably configured such that little energy is lost due to friction or deformation. Thus, the second turret can be set to rotational movement via the coupling element, and this rotational movement can be maintained as long as the first turret of the tablet press is rotating.

[0038] Furthermore, the coupling element is preferably configured to forcibly control the movement path of at least one object via the object holder. In this regard, the coupling element preferably provides means for establishing a mechanical, hydraulic, and / or electric link between the coupling element and the object holder. Through this link, the coupling element can influence the object holder and, in particular, manipulate the movement path of at least one object.

[0039] In a further preferred embodiment, the apparatus of the present invention is characterized in that a holder for at least one object is actively connected to a coupling element via a guide mechanism, the coupling element is capable of undergoing coupling movement via active contact with a first turret, and the movement path for at least one object is capable of being deflected radially and tangentially with respect to the rotational movement of a second turret in a predetermined spatial direction, i.e., in the manner of coupling movement, via the holder for at least one object and the guide mechanism. Such a configuration makes it possible to provide an effective and efficient device with fewer components, in particular, that can control the movement path of an object via a guide mechanism. Through the guide mechanism, the movement of the coupling element, i.e., coupling movement, directly affects the movement path of the object via the object holder. The guide mechanism establishes an interaction between a first turret on which at least one die is positioned and the movement path of the object via the coupling element.

[0040] Preferably, the coupling element can undergo coupling movement imposed on it by active contact, such as engagement with the first turret. The guiding mechanism preferably causes the coupling movement to directly affect the holder of the object and, consequently, the movement path of the object. In particular, the coupling element preferably determines the movement of the holder of the object and, in turn, the movement of the object accompanied by that movement. For example, the coupling element can be subjected to tangential and / or radial deflection, which takes a spatial direction that is directly, i.e., simultaneously transmitted to the holder of the object.

[0041] For the purposes of the present invention, a guide mechanism is a component or assembly configured to transmit force and control a holder or object of an object along its path of movement. In particular, a guide mechanism can transmit the coupling movement of a coupling element to a holder of an object, thereby influencing the path of movement of the object. The guide mechanism may preferably include (but not limited to) hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical and / or mechanical components.

[0042] In a further preferred embodiment, the apparatus is characterized in that the coupling element comprises a rod-shaped coupling member having a coupling head, wherein the coupling member is attached to one side of the second turret, and the coupling member is positioned such that the coupling head faces radially outward and is structurally adapted to the components of the first turret, thereby enabling the coupling head to engage with the components of the first turret and thereby transmit rotational movement of the first turret. This configuration of the coupling element is particularly simple in its design. The apparatus preferably comprises a plurality of coupling elements or coupling members that interact synergistically and can rotate the second turret by engaging with components of the first turret. Each coupling element preferably temporarily and actively contacts the first turret by mechanically picking up components of the first turret over a rotational angle range of, for example, about 10° to 30° during the rotation of the second turret. As a result of engagement with the coupling element, force is transmitted to the second turret, causing the second turret to rotate by a certain amount. Preferably, the coupling element actively and successively contacts the components of the first turret such that each interaction between the components and the coupling element exerts a specific force on the second turret.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment, the coupling element comprises a rod-shaped coupling member. The rod-shaped coupling member is, on the one hand, very well suited for transmitting force with minimal loss, and on the other hand, is particularly advantageous to use because it allows for particularly uniform engagement, especially when mounted on one side with two degrees of freedom (tangentially pivotable and radially displaceable) as proposed. The coupling element has relatively high rigidity and is preferably made of metal or fiber-reinforced plastic. Furthermore, it is preferable to use a rod-shaped coupling element with adjustable length. This adjustability allows the apparatus according to the present invention to be variably used for multiple different tablet presses, particularly turrets of different sizes, and to be adapted to the specific requirements of different machines. According to the present invention, the coupling head is a component that is positioned on the coupling member as an end component.

[0044] In preferred embodiments, the coupling member and coupling head are preferably manufactured as an inseparable unit from a single component. In this context, the coupling member and coupling head are, on the one hand, made from a component having particularly high rigidity so that force and torque can be transmitted without significant loss, and on the other hand, preferably at least the surface is sufficiently soft / elastic so that significant wear does not occur in the tablet press when the turret components are engaged. Preferably, the coupling member and coupling head are made from fiber-reinforced plastic.

[0045] In a more preferred embodiment, the coupling head may be detachably connected to the coupling element so that it can be replaced within the tablet press depending on the component to be gripped, and thus the apparatus according to the present invention can be used in different tablet presses. Furthermore, this also eliminates the need to replace the entire coupling element and makes it particularly easy to replace a worn coupling head. In particular, the coupling head can be made of a different type of material than the coupling element. Appropriate material pairing between the coupling head and the component to be picked up in the tablet press makes it possible to provide a particularly durable coupling element. For example, the coupling head may include an elastic material, which causes little wear when engaging with the tablet press component, while the coupling element is designed to be particularly rigid so that it can favorably transmit motion and force.

[0046] Preferably, the component picked up by the coupling element is a mounted element on the tablet press turret. Thus, preferably, this component rotates around the axis of the turret on a circular path.

[0047] In a further preferred embodiment, the device is characterized in that the coupling head comprises a fork, preferably matching the diameter of the shank of the lower punch of the first turret, and the fork is capable of accommodating the shank of the lower punch. The configuration of the coupling head as a fork is particularly advantageous for receiving and transmitting forces radially and tangentially (with respect to the rotation of the second turret). In particular, the tangentially received force acts on the second turret and advantageously generates a torque that drives it.

[0048] For the purposes of the present invention, the fork is preferably a component comprising a rod-shaped element having an extension at its end. Preferably, the fork has two extensions spaced apart from each other so as to be able to accommodate the shank of a lower punch. In an exemplary sense, the fork may represent the configuration of a carving fork, where the extensions or projections are spaced approximately the same as the diameter of the shank of the lower punch. (See also Figure 2 or Figure 3)

[0049] In a further preferred embodiment, the apparatus comprises a gripper arm having a holding element radially mounted on a second turret, wherein the holder of the object is configured to hold the object in a secure and / or frictional connection. The use of the gripper arm is particularly suitable for inserting objects into a die, as it can be used in combination with several other gripper arms, and in particular, sufficient freedom of movement for tangential deflection of the object or pivoting of the gripper arm can still be ensured by spacing the respective gripper arms apart.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment, the gripper arm is a substantially rod-shaped component, preferably radially mounted to a second turret, with a retaining element positioned at its end opposite to the turret. By means of the guiding mechanism described above, the gripper arm is preferably affected by the coupling movement of a coupling element or coupling member, the coupling movement in particular determining the radial movement and pivotability of the gripper arm.

[0051] For the purposes of the present invention, a retaining element can be considered a preferred embodiment of a retaining means. The retaining element is preferably configured to hold an object in a positive (clear) connection and / or frictional connection manner. In this context, the retaining element preferably includes mechanical, pneumatic, electropneumatic, hydraulic, electrical and / or magnetic elements. Thus, the retaining element may be configured to include, for example, a pincer (scissors, pliers, etc.) that holds an object in a frictionally connected manner. Alternatively, the retaining element may include means that generate negative pressure and thus hold an object in a frictionally connected manner. In this regard, the gripper arm is preferably configured to allow the gripper arm itself or the retaining element in particular to be adjusted to a height position so that the retaining element can accurately pick up and / or position at least one object.

[0052] In a further preferred embodiment, the apparatus is characterized in that the gripper arm is mechanically connected to a coupling element, preferably a coupling member, such that radial and tangential deflection of the coupling element, preferably a coupling member, with respect to the rotational movement of the second turret can be directly transmitted to the gripper arm. In particular, direct transmission of deflection, i.e., transmission without delay, is necessarily accompanied by particularly good synchronization (entail) between the movement path of the gripper arm or object and at least one die or its movement path.

[0053] In a preferred embodiment, the mechanical connection of the gripper arm and the coupling element or coupling member is preferred, and in this regard, preferably comprises bolts that are horizontally aligned, radially mounted to the second turret, and oriented substantially perpendicular to the gripper arm and coupling member. The bolts are used, in particular, to transmit force from the coupling member to the gripper arm so that the movement of the coupling member can be adapted by the gripper arm. The bolts are preferably firmly connected to the gripper arm and the coupling element. (See Figure 5)

[0054] In a more preferred embodiment, the second turret is characterized by comprising guide cams configured to guide the retaining means contained in the holder of the object to a height position. The guide curve is preferably circumferentially arranged on the second turret so that the retaining means (or preferably the retaining element as well) is force-controlled or guided along the guide cam. This type of guide cam is also known, for example, in rotary tablet presses for guiding upper and lower punches.

[0055] In a more preferred embodiment, the retaining element included in the gripper arm can be guided to a height position by a guide cam on a second turret.

[0056] In a further preferred embodiment, the apparatus may be resiliently mounted to a second turret and guided via a spring preload to a radial starting position with respect to the rotation of the second turret. On the other hand, the object holder and coupling element may be tangentially pivoted with respect to the rotation of the second turret at the radial starting position, preferably by an angle of up to 2°. Preferably, the object holder and coupling element are rod-shaped and therefore mounted on one side of the second turret. Starting from the center of the second turret, the rod-shaped element can be pivoted such that the end of the object holder or coupling element moves substantially tangentially to the rotational movement of the second turret. Pivoting of the coupling element up to about 2° is particularly advantageous in achieving uniform engagement while maintaining sufficiently efficient power transmission from the tablet press turret (first turret) to the device turret (second turret).

[0057] At the radial starting position, the object holder and coupling element are preferably pushed out as radially as possible and remain guided to this starting position by a spring preload. Since the object holder and coupling element can pivot tangentially at this position, it is advantageous that, when receiving the component, the coupling element is first pivoted by preferably 2°, and then force is applied to the coupling element that drives the second turret, thereby evenly picking up the rotating component of the tablet press.

[0058] Furthermore, resilient mounting allows for smooth and precise movement of the holder and coupling elements of the object, which means, among other things, that the object can be held particularly firmly by the retaining means or retaining elements.

[0059] In a further preferred embodiment, the device can move the object holder and coupling element to the pickup position when the coupling element is actively in contact with the first turret. Herein, the coupling member and gripper arm have the maximum possible radial deflection and tangential mobility at the starting position, while the radial deflection and tangential mobility at the gripping position continuously decrease to a minimum over the angular range of rotation of the second turret, and can then increase again to the radial starting position and the maximum possible tangential mobility.

[0060] An advantage of such an embodiment is that the coupling element or coupling member can reach the pickup position from the starting position in a simplified manner. Due to the fact that the coupling element or coupling member has tangential mobility with respect to the rotation of the second turret at the starting position (where the tangential mobility is preferably related to the end piece of the coupling member), there is a certain amount of play so that the coupling element or coupling member does not need to be brought precisely to the component (e.g., the lower punch) to be picked up.

[0061] The gripper arm included in the holder of the object preferably moves simultaneously with the coupling member in the same radial and tangential directions. This simplifies the design of the apparatus, on the one hand, because a simple mechanical guide mechanism enables this movement of the gripper arm, and on the other hand, it takes advantage of the fact that the component to be picked up, preferably the lower punch, already specifies the precise position of the die. As is known, the lower punch is positioned in the tablet press turret so as to be inserted into the die from below, at its central position.

[0062] For the purposes of the present invention, the pickup position is defined as the position or position sequence of the object holder or coupling element assumed by both device elements during the phase in which the coupling member or coupling head is in contact with the lower punch of the tablet press, when the coupling member is actively in contact with the first turret. The pickup position can be continuously varied, and therefore may also be called the pickup phase, and the pickup position preferably spans the entire angular range of rotation in which the object synchronously crosses the die's movement path. In the pickup positioning process, the coupling element preferably comes into contact with the rotating component of the tablet press. The tablet press turret (first turret) preferably rotates in the opposite direction to the turret (second turret) of the apparatus according to the present invention.

[0063] As soon as the component, preferably the lower punch, contacts the coupling member or coupling head, the coupling member is entrained, and during entrainment, the component or lower punch radially presses the coupling member against the axis of rotation of the second turret until the coupling member reaches the minimum radial deflection. It is understood that the holder or gripper arm of the object makes the same radial and tangential movements. The apparatus of the present invention preferably comprises a bearing for a coupling element that prevents or makes impossible tangential movement at the minimum radial deflection. After the coupling member reaches the minimum radial deflection, the tablet press component, preferably the lower punch, continues to rotate and guide the coupling member. Alternatively, preferably, a spring included in the bearing pushes the coupling element back from the minimum radial deflection toward its starting position, and the tangential mobility increases again.

[0064] In a further preferred embodiment, the apparatus is characterized in that the difference between the initial radial position and the minimum radial deflection is about 1 mm to 30 mm, preferably about 5 mm to 20 mm. Advantageously, it has been found that the described difference values ​​are sufficient to reproduce the movement path of the object relative to at least one die of the tablet press. In particular, the radial deflection value allows for not only flexible possibilities for radial variation but also stable guidance.

[0065] The radial starting position and minimum radial deflection preferably refer to the holder or gripper arm of the object or the radial position of the object, and / or the position of the coupling element or coupling head. The initial radial position represents the position of the aforementioned device element, starting from the center of the second turret, with the maximum possible outward displacement. On the other hand, minimum deflection represents the smallest possible radial displacement starting from the center of the turret. In other words, the end piece of the device element exhibits the maximum distance from the center of the turret in the initial position, while the end piece exhibits the minimum distance at minimum radial deflection. Preferably, the difference between the two positions can be about 1 mm to about 30 mm, more preferably about 5 mm to about 20 mm.

[0066] In a more preferred embodiment, the device is characterized in that a coupling member, a gripper arm, and a mechanical connection are attached to a second turret via a first spring element and a second spring element, the first spring element preferably representing a radial starting position, while the second spring element defines the tangential movement via rigidity. Therefore, the first spring element can also be called a radial spring, while the second spring element is preferably a tangential spring. By providing radial and tangential spring elements, it becomes possible to engage with the components of the tablet press with a particular curve accuracy. Furthermore, the springs allow the coupling element and gripper arm to return to their starting positions due to the applied preload, and as a result, further engagement can be repeated after each rotation.

[0067] In a preferred embodiment, the first spring element is configured as a coil spring. Preferably, the coil spring engages with the mechanical connection such that the coupling element and the gripper arm are equally affected by the spring. The first spring is preferably preloaded so that a force acts on the coupling element, the gripper arm, and the mechanical connection in the direction of their initial positions. It is understood that the coil spring guides the coupling element, gripper arm, and mechanical connection in its initial position. During engagement, a radial force is applied to the coil spring through the coupling member, resulting in compression and radial displacement of the coupling member, gripper arm, and mechanical connection towards the turret center. Other preferred embodiments are also possible in which an air spring and / or a constant-pressure system is used instead of the coil spring.

[0068] In another preferred embodiment, the second spring element is a bent rod or bent beam, which is attached to one side of a sleeve element (a cylindrical case for fitting a rod or shaft, or shaft sheath) with one degree of freedom, and is successively attached to the turret. The bent rod or bent beam is accordingly guided by the sleeve element. Preferably, the bending rod or bending beam is attached to the end of the coupling element facing the turret and can be (partially) pushed out from the sleeve element. At the radial starting position of the coupling element, the bending rod or bending beam is pushed out as far as possible from the sleeve element so that it bends as soon as a bending moment acts on the sleeve element. During engagement, the coupling element receives a tangential force from the components of the tablet press, preferably from the lower punch. This force generates a bending torque in the bending rod or bending beam, causing it to bend and thereby pivot the coupling element tangentially. In addition, the coupling element is radially pressed into the sleeve element during the pickup process, until the bending bar is fully inserted into the sleeve element and bending is no longer possible, making bending more difficult. If the bending rod or beam can no longer be bent, then tangential movement of the coupling element is also impossible. The degree of tangential movement is appropriately determined by the stiffness of the bending rod or beam. The stiffer the bending bar, the lower the tangential movement at the starting position, or the more force must be applied to achieve the desired movement.

[0069] In a more preferred embodiment, the second spring element is preferably a combination of a bending rod or bending beam and a sleeve element, the sleeve element preferably attached to the bending rod or bending beam with one degree of freedom. In contrast to the above embodiments, the bending rod or bending beam is fixedly mounted radially on a turret of a preferred device, and the sleeve element is preferably fixed to a coupling member. Furthermore, the sleeve element can accommodate the bending rod or bending beam within itself and is therefore guided to move along the bending rod or bending beam. As a result, when the sleeve element accommodates the entire bending bar within itself, as in the embodiment described above, bending the bending rod or bending beam becomes more difficult (see Figure 5).

[0070] In a further preferred embodiment, the apparatus is characterized in that the movement path of at least one object can be controlled radially and tangentially with respect to the rotational movement of the second turret via a holder for at least one object, and the angular range of rotation of the second turret is at least about 10°, preferably at least about 20°. The rotational angle range is preferably defined by the intersection of the die's movement path and the object's movement path. If this cannot be controlled tangentially or radially, the object rotates continuously around a second axis of rotation at its starting position. The rotational angle range described above is sufficient to control the object so that it can be precisely positioned within at least one die.

[0071] The values ​​and parameters described herein, as well as all other parameters, are preferably not exact parameters, but rather parameters that are assumed to be "approximate."

[0072] Terms such as “substantially,” “approximately,” and “about” represent an acceptable range of preferably less than ±40%, preferably less than ±20%, particularly preferably less than ±10%, even more preferably less than ±5%, and particularly less than ±1%, and always include the exact value. “Similar” preferably represents an amount that is “approximately equal.” “Partial” preferably represents at least 5%, particularly preferably at least 10%, particularly at least 20%, and possibly at least 40%.

[0073] In a more preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a system including: a. A tablet press including at least one die positioned on a reference circle of a turret driven to rotate around a first axis of rotation, and b. An apparatus of the type described above for inserting at least one object into at least one die of the tablet press.

[0074] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the advantages, technical effects, and preferred embodiments described in the context of the apparatus according to the present invention are equally applicable to the system according to the present invention. Similarly, all the advantages, technical effects, and preferred embodiments described in the context of the system are also applicable to the apparatus.

[0075] As already described in the context of the apparatus according to the present invention, the gripper arm is preferably arranged to move not only vertically but also radially and tangentially with respect to the rotational movement of the turret. The vertical movement is preferably force-controlled by a cam. Meanwhile, the radial and tangential movement of the gripper arm is also force-controlled by mechanical engagement with the die or lower punch. This ensures that the die and the gripper arm are forcibly guided and move in continuous synchronization with each other during mechanical engagement. When not engaged with the turret, the gripper arm is held in a predetermined position by spring means. The same applies to the process of separating and picking up objects to be inserted. In this way, longer distances or time spans become available during which pickup or insertion can occur.

[0076] In a more preferred embodiment, the system is characterized by the following: a. In order to initiate and / or ensure the rotational movement of the second turret, the coupling element of the second turret is in active contact with the driving first turret; b. The holder of at least one object comprises holding means that enable the picking up, transporting, and releasing at least one object; c. The object's movement path overlaps with the die's movement path, and the movement path of at least one object can be controlled radially and tangentially with respect to the rotational movement of the second turret, and the movement path of at least one object imitates the movement path of at least one die over the angular range of the second turret's rotation, and the object holder is configured to release at least one object into the die.

[0077] In a further preferred embodiment, the system comprises a rod-shaped coupling member having a fork-shaped coupling head as a coupling element, and a holder for the object comprising a gripper arm having a holding element. Here, the gripper arm and coupling member are elastically attached to the second turret and can be guided to a radial starting position relative to the rotation of the second turret via a spring preload, while the gripper arm and coupling member are freely movable in the tangential direction relative to the rotation of the second turret at the radial starting position. Here, when the coupling member is actively in contact with the first turret, the gripper arm and the coupling member can move to the pickup position. Here, the coupling member and gripper arm have the maximum possible radial deflection and tangential mobility at the starting position, whereas the radial deflection and tangential mobility at the pickup position continuously decrease to a minimum over the angular range of rotation of the second turret, and can then increase again to the radial starting position and to the largest possible tangential mobility.

[0078] In a more preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to the use of the above-described apparatus or system for inserting at least one object into at least one die of a tablet press. The use of preferred apparatus and systems for inserting objects should be understood by those skilled in the art as a difference from the prior art, which is used as a primary apparatus that can only produce radial changes in the movement path of the object. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0079] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings, but is not limited thereto. [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the interaction between a suitable device and a suitable tablet press. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a three-dimensional view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a further schematic diagram of the interaction between the preferred apparatus and the tablet press, in particular, the interaction between the preferred coupling element and the preferred shank of the lower punch. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a three-dimensional cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus and a preferred tablet press according to the present invention. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a further cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a three-dimensional view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention, particularly a disclosure of object pickup by a preferred object holder. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0080] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of the interaction between a preferred apparatus 1 and a tablet press 2. In particular, the preferred apparatus 1 is configured to insert at least one object 6 into at least one die 5 of the tablet press 2. Within the tablet press 2, the die 5 is positioned on a reference circle of a turret which is preferably driven to rotate around a first pivot axis 8. On the other hand, the device 1 has a second turret that can rotate around a second rotation axis 9. The second turret is equipped with a holder 7 for at least one object having a holding means, thereby enabling the device to pick up, transport, and release at least one object 6. The holder 7 of the object having a holding means preferably comprises a gripper arm 13 (shown in other figures) and a holding element 14 (shown in other figures). The gripper arm 13 is preferably mounted radially to a second turret, and the holding element 14 is preferably configured to hold the object in a manner that is positively and / or frictionally connected.

[0081] The movement path 3 of at least one object 6 can be controlled radially and tangentially with respect to the rotational movement of the second turret via the holder 7 of at least one object (the radial and tangential movement of the object is indicated by double arrows), and as a result, the movement path 3 of at least one object 6 can imitate the movement path 4 of at least one die 5 over at least the angular range of rotation of the second turret (bold curve of die movement path 4 in Figure 1: additional note).

[0082] Figure 2 shows a three-dimensional view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus 1 according to the present invention. In particular, the apparatus 1 has a turret (second turret) equipped with a plurality of object holders 7. The object holders 7 are preferably each actively connected to a coupling element 10. In addition, the object holders 7 are preferably equipped with gripper arms 13 having retaining elements 14. The gripper arm 13 is radially mounted to a turret (note: second turret) of the preferred device 1, where the holding element 14 is preferably configured to hold the object 6 (not shown in Figure 2) in a positively and / or frictionally connected manner. The coupling element 10, on the other hand, comprises a rod-shaped coupling member 12 having a coupling head 11. The coupling member 12 is also radially mounted on one side to the turret (note: second turret) of the preferred device 1. In this context, the coupling member 12 is aligned such that the coupling head 11 faces radially outward. The coupling head 11 is preferably structurally adapted to the components of the turret (first turret [not shown in Figure 2]) of the tablet press 2 (Note: see Figure 3). This allows the coupling head 11 to engage with the components of the turret (note: first turret) of the tablet press 2, and to transmit the rotational movement of the turret (note: first turret) of the tablet press 2 to the turret (note: second turret) of the device 1. Preferably, the coupling head 12 has a fork shape that matches the diameter of the shank of the lower punch 15 of the tablet press 2, and the fork can accommodate the shank of the lower punch 15 (Note: see Figure 3).

[0083] The active connection between the object holder 7 and the coupling element 10 is configured such that the gripper arm 13 is connected to the coupling element 12, preferably via a guide mechanism. This active connection is mechanically coupled (by a mechanical connection) such that the gripper arm 13 and the coupling element 12 are mechanically coupled (by a mechanical connection) so that the radial and tangential deflection (see Figure 3) of the coupling element 12 in response to the rotational movement of the turret (see Figure 3) of the device 1 can be directly transmitted to the gripper arm 13. The coupling member 12, gripper arm 13, and mechanical connection are also preferably attached to the turret of the apparatus 1 according to the present invention via a first spring element 17 and a second spring element 18 (see Figure 5 in particular) (Note: installed in apparatus 1). The first spring element 17 preferably determines the radial starting position, and the second spring element 18 determines the tangential mobility via its rigidity.

[0084] Figure 3 shows a further schematic diagram of the interaction between the preferred device 1 and the preferred tablet press 2, in particular the interaction between the preferred coupling element 10 and the shanks of the preferred lower punch 15. Each preferred coupling element 10 comprises a rod-shaped coupling member 12 having a coupling head 11, the coupling member 12 preferably mounted radially on one side in the turret (note: second turret) of the preferred device 1. The coupling member 12 is oriented such that the coupling head 11 faces radially outward. A preferred tablet press 2 is understood to have at least one lower punch including a shank 15 for manufacturing tablets. The lower punch (or its shank 15) is preferably positioned in the turret (first turret) of the tablet press 2 so as to rotate with it and be inserted into the die 5 (not shown in Figure 3) from below in a centered manner. The turret (first turret) of the tablet press 2 preferably rotates in the opposite direction to the turret (second turret) of the device 1.

[0085] Preferably, the coupling head 11 has a fork shape that matches the diameter of the shank of the lower punch 15 of the tablet press 2, and the fork can accommodate the shank of the lower punch 15. As soon as the shank of the lower punch 15 contacts the coupling head 11, the coupling member 12 is entrained, and during entrainment, the shank of the lower punch 15 presses against the coupling head 11, and the coupling member 12 presses radially against the rotation axis 9 of the second turret until the coupling member 12 reaches its minimum radial deflection (Note: The central coupling member in Figure 3 is being pressed). As explained in relation to Figure 2, the holder 7 or gripper arm 13 of the object and the coupling element 10 or coupling member 12 are connected to each other via a guide mechanism, and the holder 7 or gripper arm 13 of the object perform the same radial movement (not shown in Figure 3) (Note: see the bold curve in Figure 1).

[0086] In the present invention, the proposed apparatus 1 also preferably has a bearing for the coupling member 12 that limits or prevents tangential movement at the minimum radial deflection. After the coupling member 12 has reached its minimum radial deflection, the lower punch continues to rotate, continuing to guide the coupling head 11 or coupling member 12, together with its shank 15, in a tangential direction. In the context of the present invention, this is also called engagement and can transmit the rotational movement of the turret (first turret) of the tablet press 2 to the turret (second turret) of the apparatus 1. Radial and tangential deflection of the coupling element 10 or coupling member 12 is also preferably considered as coupling movement. Tangential movement of the coupling element 10 or coupling member 12 is preferably transmitted to the object holder 7 or gripper arm 13 via the aforementioned guide mechanism.

[0087] Figure 4 shows a three-dimensional cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus 1 and a preferred tablet press 2 according to the present invention. Preferably, a conventional rotary tablet press can be used as the tablet press 2, and the tablet press is configured in particular to compress single-layer or multi-layer tablets. A rotary tablet press can be extended in a simple manner, preferably using a suitable apparatus 1, so that it can press a core or object into the pellets being manufactured. At least one die 5 (not visible in Figure 4) is positioned in the reference circle of a turret driven to rotate around a first rotation axis 8 within the rotary tablet press, and a preferred apparatus 1 is understood to include a second turret that rotates around a second rotation axis 9. In a preferred embodiment, the rotation axis 8 of the first turret (i.e., the turret of the tablet press 2) is positioned substantially parallel to the rotation axis of the second turret 9 (i.e., the turret of the preferred device 1). In this regard, the second turret can then be advantageously positioned so that the preferred device 1 can insert at least one object 6 (not shown in Figure 4) into at least one die 5. Thus, the device 1 can preferably be provided as an additional module for a rotary tablet press.

[0088] The turret of the tablet press 2 (first turret) preferably rotates in the opposite direction to the turret of the device 1 (second turret). Furthermore, the coupling head 11, called the coupling element 10 together with the coupling member 12, grips the shank of the lower punch 15 of the tablet press 2. Thus, the rotational movement of the turret of the tablet press 2 (first turret) is preferably transmitted to the turret of the device 1 (second turret). In addition, the coupling member 12 is preferably mechanically connected to the gripper arm 13 via a guide mechanism so that the radial and / or tangential movement (coupling movement) of the coupling element 10 or the coupling member 12 is transmitted to the gripper arm 13 via the guide mechanism (details of the connection between the coupling member 12 and the gripper arm 13 are shown in Figure 5).

[0089] Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus 1 according to the present invention. In particular, a guide mechanism configured to actively connect the object holder 7 to the coupling element 10 is shown. The coupling element 10 captures coupling movement through contact (the contact process is preferably also called engagement) with the first turret (the turret of the tablet press 2), and through the object holder 7 and guide mechanism, the movement path 3 (not shown, see Figure 1) of the object 6 (not shown, see Figure 1) can be deflected in a predetermined spatial direction, i.e., radially and tangentially with respect to the rotational movement of the second turret (the turret of the preferred device 1), in the manner of coupling movement (bold curve in Figure 1).

[0090] The coupling element 10 preferably consists of a coupling member 12 and a coupling head 11, while the object holder 7 includes a gripper arm 13 and a holding element 14. The coupling element 10 is preferably mounted on one side of the second turret, where the coupling element 12 is aligned such that the coupling head 11 points radially outward and is structurally adapted to the components of the first turret. The gripper arm 13 comprises a retaining element 14 (together considered as a holder 7 of the object) and is preferably mounted radially on the second turret, where the retaining element 14 is preferably configured to hold the object 6 in a positively and / or frictionally connected manner. The gripper arm 13 is preferably mechanically connected to the coupling member 12 (guide mechanism) so that the tangential and radial deflection of the coupling member 12 with respect to the rotational movement of the second turret can be directly transmitted to the gripper arm 13.

[0091] In this regard, for the mechanical connection between the gripper arm 13 and the coupling member 12, preferably, bolts 16 are oriented substantially orthogonally to the horizontally aligned gripper arm 13 and coupling member 12, which are radially mounted on the second turret. The bolts 16 work, in particular, to transmit force from the coupling member 12 to the gripper arm 13 so that the movement of the coupling member 12 can be adapted by the gripper arm 13. The bolts 16 are preferably rigidly connected to the gripper arm 13 and coupling member 12.

[0092] The coupling member 12, gripper arm 13, and mechanical connection parts (particularly bolts 16) are also preferably attached to the second turret via a first spring element 17 and a second spring element 18. In this context, the first spring element 17 preferably determines the radial starting position, while the second spring element 18 preferably determines the tangential movement of the coupling element 12 and gripper arm 13 via rigidity.

[0093] The first spring element 17 is preferably designed as a coil spring. Preferably, the coil spring engages with the mechanical connection, particularly the bolt 16, so that the coupling member 12 and the gripper arm 13 are equally affected by this spring. The first spring 17 is preferably preloaded so that a force acts on the coupling element 12, the gripper arm 13, and the mechanical connection, particularly the bolt 16, in the direction of their radial starting position.

[0094] It is understood that the coil spring guides the coupling member 12, the gripper arm 13, and the mechanical connection (particularly the bolt 16) in its initial position. During the engagement process, a force is applied to the coil spring via the coupling member 12 in the radial direction, and as a result, the coupling member 12, the gripper arm 13, and the mechanical connection, particularly the bolt 16, are displaced radially toward the center of the turret (second turret) (see Figure 3).

[0095] Furthermore, the second spring element 18 is preferably a combination of a bending rod or bending beam 19 and a sleeve element (a cylindrical case for fitting a rod or shaft, a shaft sheath) 20, and the sleeve element 20 is preferably attached to the bending rod or bending beam 19 with one degree of freedom. The bending rod or bending beam 19 is mounted radially on a turret (second turret) of a suitable device 1, while the sleeve element 20 is preferably screwed into a coupling member 12 to accommodate the bending rod or bending beam 19. The sleeve element 20 is guided to move over the bending rod or bending beam 19 in correspondence.

[0096] Preferably, the sleeve element 20 is attached to the end of the coupling member 12 facing the turret (second turret), and the bending rod or bending beam 19 can be (partially) pushed out from the sleeve element 20. At the radial starting position of the coupling element 12, the bending rod or bending beam 19 is pushed out as far as possible from the sleeve element 20 to the extent that it will be bent as soon as a bending torque is applied to it. During engagement, the coupling member 12 receives a tangential force from the components of the tablet press 2, preferably from the shank of the lower punch 15. This force generates a bending torque in the bending rod or bending beam 19, causing it to bend and rotating the coupling member 12 tangentially. In addition, the bending rod or bending beam 19 is radially pressed into the sleeve element 20 during the gripping process of the coupling element 12, which makes bending more difficult until the bending rod 19 is fully inserted into the sleeve element 20 and bending is no longer possible. If the bending rod or bending beam 19 can no longer be bent, then tangential movement of the coupling element 12 is also impossible. Therefore, the tangential mobility is determined by the stiffness of the bending rod or bending beam 19. The stiffer the bending bar 19, the lower the tangential mobility of the coupling element 12 at the starting position, or the more force must be applied to achieve the desired mobility.

[0097] Preferably, the holding element 14 should be considered an embodiment of the holding means. The holding element 14 is preferably configured to pick up, hold, and / or release the object 6. Furthermore, the holding element 14 is preferably configured to hold the object 6 for transport over about half a turn of the second turret and release it into the die 5 in the region where the movement path 3 of the object 6 intersects with the movement path 4 of the die 5 (see also Figure 1). Preferably, the holding element 14 can be operated / controlled quickly enough to pick up the object 6 at a fixed position even at the high rotational speed of the second turret. Therefore, the holding element 14 may be configured to include, for example, a pincer (claw-like object) for holding the object 6, which is connected by friction. Alternatively, the holding element 14 may be equipped with means for generating negative pressure and holding the object 6 in a frictionally connected manner. In this context, it is preferable that the gripper arm 13 be configured such that the gripper arm itself, or in particular the gripping element 14, can be adjusted to a certain height position so that the gripping element 14 can accurately pick up and / or place the object 6. For example, the second turret has a guide cam 21. The retaining element 14 is preferably connected to the guide cam 21 via a transmission element 22, which guides or force-controls the retaining element 14 to a certain height position. The guide cam 21 is preferably arranged circumferentially on the second turret so that the retaining element 14 is force-controlled or guided along these guide cams 21. Such guide cams 21 are also known, for example, in rotary tablet presses that guide upper and lower punches.

[0098] Figure 6 shows a further cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus 1 according to the present invention. In particular, engagement of the coupling element 10 of the turret (second turret) of the apparatus 1 is achieved by the shanks of the lower punch 15 of the turret (first turret) of the tablet press 2. The coupling element 10 preferably includes a rod-shaped coupling member 12 having a coupling head 11. Preferably, the coupling head 12 has a fork shape that matches the diameter of the shanks of the lower punch 15 of the tablet press 2, and the fork can accommodate the shanks of the lower punch 15.

[0099] Furthermore, it is preferable that the gripper arm 13 is connected to the coupling member 12 via a guide mechanism. Preferably, the gripper arm 13 and the coupling member 12 are mechanically connected so that the tangential and radial deflection of the coupling member 12 in response to the rotational movement of the turret (second turret) of the device 1 can be directly transmitted to the gripper arm 13. The coupling member 12, the gripper arm 13, and the mechanical connection are attached to the second turret via a first spring element 17 and a second spring element 18 (not shown), and the first spring element 17 preferably determines the radial starting position of the coupling member 12 and the gripper arm 13. In addition, the turret (second turret) of the device 1 preferably includes a guide cam 21 that guides a retaining element 14 attached to the gripper arm 13 at a certain height position. The retaining element 14 is actively connected to the guide cam 21 via a transmission element 22, which guides or forces the retaining element 14 to the height position. The guide cam 21 is preferably circumferentially arranged on the second turret.

[0100] Figure 7 is a three-dimensional view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus 1 according to the present invention, and in particular, shows the manner in which the object 6 is picked up by the preferred object holder 7. In order to insert the object 6 into the die 5 of the tablet press 2, it is essential that the preferred object holder 7 first picks up the object 6 from the object reservoir.

[0101] For the purposes of the present invention, the object holder 7 is preferably radially mounted on a turret (second turret) of a preferred apparatus 1, and can pick up the object 6 from the object reservoir. Subsequently, the object holder 7 can transport the object 6 over a substantially half rotation of the second turret, and finally, the object 6 can be delivered, preferably into the die 5 of the tablet press 2. The object holder 7 and the die 5, as well as the two turrets (first turret, second turret) of the preferred apparatus 1 and the tablet press 2, are adjusted so that the object 6 can be introduced into the die 5 in a precise position [particularly through the radial and tangential controllability of the object 6 or the object holder 7].

[0102] The object reservoir is preferably configured as a feeder, particularly a conveyor belt. With respect to the second turret, the object reservoir is preferably located approximately on the opposite side of where the object 6 is introduced into at least one die 5, and the object holder 7 holds or transports the object 6 over approximately 180° of rotation of the second turret. The object holder 7 is preferably configured to individually pick up the object 6 and provide it to the die 5.

[0103] Preferably, the coupling element 10 does not have the function of picking up the object 6. However, there may be alternative configurations in which the coupling element 10 picks up the object 6, such as picking up components from a feed unit such as a transfer wheel. Furthermore, as already mentioned in the above description, the object holder 7 preferably comprises a gripper arm 13 having a holding element 14, and the holding element 14 is preferably guided in height via a transmission element 22 and a guide cam 21. [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] 1. Suitable apparatus 2 Tablet press 3. The movement path of at least one object. 4. Movement path of at least one die 5. Die (casting mold) 6. Object 7. Object holder 8. Rotation axis of the first turret 9. Rotation axis of the second turret 10. Coupling elements 11. Coupling head 12. Coupling member 13. Gripper arm (also called a gripping arm) 14 holding element 15. Shank of a lower punch (also called the handle) 16 Bolt 17. First spring element 18. Second spring element 19. Bending bar, bending rod, or bending beam 20. Sleeve element (a cylindrical case into which a rod or shaft is inserted; shaft sheath) 21. A control cam (also called a guide cam) that guides the height position. 22. A communication element for guiding (or directing) the height position (also called a guide communication element).

Claims

1. Apparatus (1) for inserting at least one object (6) into at least one die (5) of a tablet press (2), wherein the at least one die (5) is positioned on a reference circle in a turret driven to rotate around a first pivot axis (8), the apparatus (1) includes: - Here, the device (1) comprises a second turret rotatable around a second rotation axis (9); - Herein, the second turret comprises a holder (7) for at least one object, the holder (7) comprising a holding means that enables the at least one object (6) to be picked up, transported, and released; And, The movement path (3) of the at least one object (6) can be controlled radially and tangentially with respect to the rotational movement of the second turret via the holder (7) of the at least one object, and the movement path (3) of the at least one object (6) can mimic the movement path (4) of the at least one die (5) at least over the angular range of the rotation of the second turret. Equipment (1).

2. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1 is characterized in that the second turret comprises a coupling element (10) configured as follows: - To initiate and / or ensure rotational movement of the second turret through active contact with the first turret being driven; - The means of the holder (7) of the at least one object mechanically force-controls the movement path (3) of the at least one object (6) at least over the rotation angle range of the second turret.

3. The apparatus (1) according to claim 2, wherein the holder (7) of the at least one object is actively connected to the coupling element (10) via a guide mechanism, the coupling element (10) is capable of coupling movement via the active contact with the first turret, and the movement path (3) of the at least one object (6) is capable of deflecting radially and tangentially with respect to the rotational movement of the second turret via the holder (7) of the at least one object and the guide mechanism in a predetermined spatial direction, i.e., in the manner of the coupling movement.

4. The coupling element (10) comprises a rod-shaped coupling member (12) having a coupling head (11), Here, the coupling member (12) is attached to one side of the second turret, Here, the coupling member (12) is aligned such that the coupling head (11) faces radially outward and structurally fits the components of the first turret. Here, the coupling head (11) engages with the components of the first turret and can transmit the rotational movement of the first turret. The apparatus (1) according to feature 2.

5. The apparatus (1) according to claim 4, wherein the coupling head (11) preferably comprises a fork that matches the diameter of the shank of the lower punch (15) of the first turret, and the fork is capable of accommodating the shank of the lower punch (15).

6. The holder (7) of the object comprises gripper arms (13) having holding elements (14) that are radially attached to the second turret. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1, wherein the retaining element (14) is preferably configured to hold the object in a manner that is securely and / or frictionally connected.

7. The apparatus (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the gripper arm (13) is mechanically connected to the coupling element (10) such that the radial and tangential deflection of the coupling element (10) in relation to the rotational movement of the second turret can be directly transmitted to the gripper arm (13).

8. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1, wherein the second turret comprises a guide cam (21) configured to guide the holding means included in the holder (7) of the object to a certain height position.

9. The holder (7) and coupling element (10) of the object are elastically attached to the second turret and can be guided to a radial starting position with respect to the rotation of the second turret via a spring preload, on the other hand, The apparatus (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the holder (7) of the object and the coupling element (10) can be pivoted tangentially with respect to the rotation of the second turret at the radial starting position.

10. The holder (7) and coupling element (10) of the object can be moved to the pickup position when the coupling element (10) is actively in contact with the first turret, The coupling member (12) and the gripper arm (13) have the maximum radial deflection and tangential movement at the starting position, while, The radial deflection and tangential movement at the pickup position can be continuously reduced to a minimum over the rotation angle range of the second turret, and then increased again to the radial starting position and the maximum possible tangential movement. The apparatus (1) according to feature 1.

11. The coupling member (12), the gripper arm (13), and the mechanical connection are attached to the second turret via a first spring element (17) and a second spring element (18). Here, the first spring element (17) determines the radial starting position, On the other hand, the apparatus (1) according to claim 1 is characterized in that the second spring element determines the tangential mobility through its rigidity.

12. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the movement path (3) of the at least one object (6) can be controlled radially and tangentially with respect to the rotational movement of the second turret via the holder (7) of the at least one object, and the angular range of rotation of the second turret is at least 10°.

13. Systems including the following: a. A tablet press (2) comprising at least one die (5) positioned on the reference circle of a turret (also called the first turret) that is driven to rotate around a first axis of rotation, and b. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1 for inserting at least one object (6) into the at least one die (5) of the tablet press (2).

14. The system according to claim 13, characterized by the following: a. The coupling element (10) of the second turret is in active contact with the driven first turret in order to initiate and / or ensure the rotational movement of the second turret; b. The holder (7) for at least one object comprises holding means that enable the at least one object (6) to be picked up, transported, and released; c. The movement path (3) of the object (6) intersects with the movement path (4) of the die (5). Here, the movement path (3) of the at least one object (6) is, The movement path (3) of the at least one object (6) can be controlled radially and tangentially with respect to the rotational movement of the second turret, such that the movement path (4) of the at least one die (5) mimics, at least over the angular range of the rotation of the second turret, and the object holder (7) is configured to release the at least one object (6) into the die (5).

15. Use of the apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, or the system according to claim 13 or 14, for inserting at least one object (6) into at least one die (5) of a tablet press (2).

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