Filling unit for rotary press and method for providing an optimized rotary press

Abstract

A filling unit (10) for a rotary press (12) is disclosed, comprising a filling wheel (14), a dosing wheel (24), an optional feed wheel (30) and a media feed unit (36), the filling unit (10) being designed in such a way that the feed wheel (30) can be moved into or out of the delivery path of the media to be dosed, in particular by means of a pivoting movement by means of a pivoting device (33), in particular about the axis of rotation (42) of the dosing wheel (24) designed as an impeller (20, 26, 32). A method for providing an optimized rotary press is also disclosed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a filling unit of a rotary press having the general terminology features of claim 1 and a method for providing an optimized rotary press having the features of the independent claim. Background Technology

[0002] Rotary presses are used in the pharmaceutical, technical, chemical, or food industries to mass-produce tablets or granules from powdered materials.

[0003] A rotary press has a rotary-driven die disk with die holes arranged therein, which move along a circular path. Typically, lower and upper pressing ends are provided; these pressing ends move along the circular path with the die disk and move up and down during rotation. The lower and upper pressing ends are designed to engage with the die holes arranged on the die disk to compress powdered material introduced therein into sheets.

[0004] The powder to be pressed is fed into the die orifice through a hopper of an auxiliary filling unit with a rotating impeller. Such a filling unit is shown, for example, in EP3406436A1 and DE202007002707U1.

[0005] DE2016110556A1 and DE3527186A1 respectively disclose filling units having the features in the preamble of claim 1.

[0006] With the help of the impeller, the process of powder flowing from the hopper to the die orifice is supported to achieve constant filling, thereby achieving a constant weight for each tablet.

[0007] Filling units with two impellers are typically used for free-flowing, non-sticky products in pharmaceutical applications. Powder is dispensed directly from the hopper and filled into the die orifice via a filling wheel and a dispensing wheel.

[0008] A packing unit with three impellers is typically used for materials with poor flowability to achieve the most uniform flow possible.

[0009] A filling unit with three impellers helps maintain a consistent pressure in the supply zone, which is supported by the presence of the third impeller (the supply impeller). This is typically positioned above the other two impellers (the filling impeller and the dispensing impeller).

[0010] Depending on the flow behavior / characteristics of the powder, the filling unit can be equipped with an appropriate impeller and can be manually switched to obtain suitable dosing behavior. Summary of the Invention

[0011] The objective of this invention is to provide a filling unit for a rotary press and a method for providing an optimized rotary press that eliminates the aforementioned disadvantages.

[0012] This task is solved by a filling unit for a rotary press according to the invention, the filling unit having the features of claim 1. The filling unit according to the invention comprises:

[0013] A filling wheel is designed to fill the die cavity of a rotary press with the required amount of medium, particularly powder. The filling wheel is designed as an impeller. It has blades and is designed to convey the required amount of medium through the rotational movement of its blades. In other words, the blades of the filling wheel, designed as an impeller, move in a circular path around the center of the filling wheel.

[0014] The dispensing wheel is designed to accurately dispense a specific amount of medium into each orifice of the die disk. The dispensing wheel is designed as an impeller. It has blades that are designed to sweep across the orifices of the die disk through rotational motion, thus accurately dispensing the medium. In this process, excess medium is removed as the blades sweep across the orifices. In other words, the blades of the impeller-shaped dispensing wheel move in a circular path around the center of the wheel, sweeping across the orifices. The dispensing wheel thus moves powder into the orifices of the die disk. Normally, the lower side of the orifice is closed by a corresponding pressure end. Before the orifice reaches the dispensing wheel, the pressure end can be slightly raised to a precise predetermined position to accurately define the orifice size. Subsequently, any powder protruding upwards from the orifice is "skimmed off," i.e., removed by the dispensing wheel.

[0015] The supply wheel is designed to feed the medium to be dispensed into the filling wheel. The supply wheel is designed as an impeller. The supply wheel has blades and is designed to convey the medium to be dispensed to the filling wheel through the rotational motion of its blades. In other words, the blades of the impeller-shaped supply wheel move in a circular path around the center of the supply wheel. In doing so, they convey the medium to be dispensed to the filling wheel;

[0016] At least one media supply unit is designed to supply media to the filling wheel. Alternatively or additionally, the media supply unit may also supply media to the supply wheel. The media enters the filling unit through the media supply unit. The media supply unit may include, for example, a hopper, a pipe, or a hose.

[0017] The filling unit is designed so that the supply wheel can move into or out of the delivery path of the medium to be dispensed. This can be achieved, in particular, by the pivoting motion of the supply wheel. Specifically, the supply wheel can pivot about the axis of rotation of the dispensing wheel, which is designed as an impeller. For this purpose, a corresponding pivoting device can be provided. The supply wheel can be bridged or bypassed, in particular, by a second medium supply unit. It is also conceivable that the medium supply unit can be designed to be movable, by which the delivery path of the medium to be dispensed can be selected whether it passes through the supply wheel.

[0018] By moving the feed wheel into or out of the delivery path of the medium to be dispensed, or by bypassing the feed wheel, the filling unit can adapt to different media with different flow characteristics / properties without replacing individual impellers.

[0019] In this context, the delivery path of the medium to be dispensed refers to the path through which the medium enters the die cavity via the filling unit.

[0020] The media supply unit may include a delivery switch. This delivery switch allows the media to be dispensed to be delivered to either the supply wheel or the filling wheel. In this way, it is possible to select whether the media delivery path passes through the supply wheel without removing the supply wheel or switching it out of / out of the delivery path.

[0021] The blades of the filling wheel, dispensing wheel, and / or supply wheel, designed as impellers, are designed to change the shape of the conveying surface of each blade.

[0022] The conveying surface of the blade is formed by the blade surface of the corresponding impeller conveying the medium. Therefore, the conveying surface is part of the blade, which is designed and configured to contact the medium during the operation of the filling unit and to convey or dispense the medium through corresponding rotational motion.

[0023] The shape of the conveying surface can be changed by rotating the blades of the filling wheel, dispensing wheel, and / or supply wheel, which are designed as impellers, about their respective extended axes. For this purpose, the blades of the filling wheel, dispensing wheel, and / or supply wheel, designed as impellers, can be designed to rotate about their respective extended axes. The blades can enter at least two rotational positions by rotating about their respective extended axes, in which the blades form conveying surfaces of different shapes. Depending on the rotational position of the blades, different shaped conveying surfaces can be used to convey the medium to be dispensed.

[0024] By rotating / turning the blades to different rotational positions, conveying surfaces of various shapes can be achieved. The rotation / turning of the blades can be achieved through, for example, gear mechanisms, sliding mechanisms, crank drives, cable traction, piston drives, and / or cam control.

[0025] In particular, the blade can have a circular cross-section, especially a semi-circular conveying surface, on the first side; and a flat conveying surface can be provided on the other side. By simply rotating 180 degrees, the conveying surface can change shape back and forth between a blade with a circular cross-section and a blade with, for example, a square cross-section.

[0026] In particular, the blade can have a triangular cross-section. Specifically, the blade's cross-section can correspond to an isosceles triangle, and more specifically, an equilateral triangle. In this case, the blade can be rotated to a position where one angle of the triangular cross-section points downwards, thus forming an angled base of the blade. Therefore, a base with a "sharp edge" can be achieved. The blade can also be rotated so that one angle of the triangular cross-section points upwards. In this case, one side of the triangle in the cross-section becomes the base of the blade. Therefore, it is possible to select between different blade bases and the desired settings. Of course, the conveying surface of the blade with a triangular cross-section can also be changed by rotating the blade. Here, it is also possible to select between a flat conveying surface and an angled conveying surface.

[0027] In particular, the blades can have rectangular, especially square, cross-sections. In the case of a rectangular cross-section, two opposite sides can be shorter, and the other two opposite sides can be longer. Compared to the two shorter sides of a rectangular cross-section, the two longer sides form a larger blade side surface area. Therefore, by rotating the blade, a choice can be made between a larger and a smaller conveying surface area.

[0028] The shape of the conveying surface can be changed by the variable tilt of the blades relative to the radial direction extending from the rotation axis of the respective impeller.

[0029] In other words, the blades of the filling wheel, dispensing wheel, and / or supply wheel, designed as impellers, can be designed such that the angle spanned by the respective extension axis (or its extension direction) of the blade relative to the radial direction extending from the rotation axis of the corresponding impeller can be changed. The change in blade tilt can also be achieved through a gear mechanism. A "wire" scheme for changing the blade tilt is also conceivable.

[0030] The shape of the conveying surface can be changed by the variable curvature of the blades of the filling wheel, dispensing wheel, and / or supply wheel of the impeller. In the sense of this application, curvature refers to a deviation from a straight line, at least in sections, particularly in an arcuate manner. Specifically, the curvature can be a deviation from a radial direction extending from the axis of rotation of the respective impeller, at least in sections, particularly in an arcuate manner. The blades may include at least a portion having variable curvature.

[0031] For example, variable curvature of the blade can be implemented using bimetallic, wire, and / or traction or pressure elements. It is also conceivable that variable curvature can be implemented along only one or more segments of the blade. In particular, variable curvature can be implemented along the entire length of the blade.

[0032] By altering the shape of the impeller's conveying surface, the filling, dispensing, and / or supply impellers can be designed to adapt to different media with varying flow behaviors / properties without requiring the replacement of individual impellers. Therefore, removing the corresponding impeller is unnecessary. The shape of the impeller's conveying surface can be changed / altered while the impeller is installed, without requiring the removal of the impeller itself.

[0033] Therefore, it is conceivable that the shape of the conveying surface of the blades can be changed / adjusted during the operation of the rotary press.

[0034] It is conceivable that the shape of the conveying surface can be changed during tablet manufacturing, or as the corresponding impeller conveys the medium to be dispensed through the filling unit. However, it is also possible to pause (interrupt) the tablet manufacturing process or the process of conveying the medium to be dispensed through the filling unit for a short period, then change the shape of the conveying surface, and subsequently resume the tablet manufacturing process or the process of conveying the medium to be dispensed through the filling unit. In both cases, it is not necessary to remove the corresponding impeller or filling unit.

[0035] The blades of the filling wheel, dispensing wheel, and / or supply wheel, designed as impellers, can be configured to displace parallel to the rotational axis of the respective impeller. In other words, these blades are designed to be height-adjustable. Thus, for example, when blades with a non-circular cross-section rotate about their respective extension axes, the lower edge of the blades can remain at a constant height or horizontal. This ensures that there are no gaps between the impeller and the components of the filling unit arranged below it. In other words, by adjusting the blade height, it is ensured that all the medium to be conveyed is gripped and conveyed by the blades when conveying the medium through the respective impeller.

[0036] The blades of the filling wheel, dispensing wheel, and / or supply wheel, designed as impellers, have a triangular or at least partially rounded cross-section. Of course, other cross-sectional geometries are also conceivable. For example, square, and especially square, cross-sections are conceivable.

[0037] The blades of the filling wheel, dispensing wheel, and / or supply wheel, designed as impellers, can have a constant cross-section within their respective extended axes. In particular, the cross-section can be the same along their entire extended axis. However, it is also conceivable that the cross-sectional area along the respective extended axis increases or decreases in the radial direction extending from the corresponding axis of rotation, or changes along the extended axis, particularly uniformly.

[0038] The number of blades in the filling wheel, dispensing wheel, and / or supply wheel, which are designed as impellers, can be varied on the respective impellers and can be even and / or odd.

[0039] The blades of the filling wheel, dispensing wheel, and / or supply wheel, designed as impellers, can be interchangeable. In particular, the blades can be designed as replacement elements for the corresponding impellers. In this way, blades can be quickly and easily replaced with other blades, especially blades with different cross-sections. For example, if a blade is damaged, the corresponding blade can be replaced without replacing the entire impeller. Furthermore, this interchangeability expands the number of different shapes of the conveying surface.

[0040] The filling wheel, dispensing wheel, and / or supply wheel, designed as impellers, can each include blades with different cross-sections along their respective extension axes. In other words, the filling wheel, dispensing wheel, and / or supply wheel can each include blades of different shapes. For example, the filling wheel can have blades with triangular cross-sections, the dispensing wheel can have blades with rounded cross-sections, and the supply wheel can have blades with square cross-sections.

[0041] The blades of the filling wheel, dispensing wheel, and / or supply wheel, designed as impellers, can be arranged such that the extension direction of their respective extension axes is at a certain distance from the rotation axis of the corresponding impeller. Therefore, the extension direction of each extension axis forms a tangent to a circle about the rotation axis, which has a non-zero radius. In other words, the blades are arranged at an angle relative to the radial direction originating from the center of the corresponding impeller. In other words, the extension direction of each extension axis and the radial direction originating from the center of the corresponding impeller span an angle other than zero, particularly between 0 and 90 degrees, particularly between 0 and 45 degrees, and particularly between 0 and 20 degrees.

[0042] The filling unit can be designed such that the rotation direction and / or rotation speed of the filling wheel, dispensing wheel, and / or supply wheel, which are designed as impellers, can be changed. The rotation direction and / or rotation speed can be preset according to the corresponding medium (or powder) before tablet production. However, it is also conceivable that the rotation direction and / or rotation speed can be changed during tablet production, i.e., during medium delivery (or while the corresponding impeller is rotating). In particular, the rotation direction can be changed independently of the rotation speed.

[0043] The filling unit may have at least one motor. The motor may directly or indirectly drive the filling wheel, metering wheel, or supply wheel, which is designed as an impeller, for example, via at least one gear and / or timing belt. It is also conceivable that multiple impellers are driven by a single motor. However, it is also conceivable that each impeller is driven by a separate motor.

[0044] Alternatively or additionally, the motor can directly or indirectly, for example, via at least one gear and / or a timing belt, change the rotational position of the blades and / or the angle or inclination of the respective blade's extended axis relative to the radial direction extending from the rotational axis of the corresponding impeller. It is conceivable that the rotational position of the blades and the angle of inclination of the blades relative to the radial direction extending from the rotational axis of the corresponding impeller are changed by the same motor. However, it is also conceivable that separate motors could be provided to change both the rotational position and the angle of inclination of the blades.

[0045] In particular, multiple motors can be combined into a motor unit and designed as replacement components. In this way, multiple motors can be quickly and easily replaced as a single component in another motor unit (e.g., in the event of damage). Similarly, it is conceivable that gears transmitting torque from the motor to the impeller can be formed into gear sets, which can also be designed as replacement components.

[0046] In particular, the motor can be in the form of a servo motor or a compressed air motor. Specifically, all electric motors can be in the form of a servo motor or a compressed air motor. It is also conceivable that pneumatic and / or hydraulic drives could be provided as alternatives to or supplements to the motor. Other types of drives and manual drives (“by hand”) are also conceivable.

[0047] The method according to the invention also solves the above-mentioned problems, and is used to provide an optimized rotary press having the features of the independent claims. The method according to the invention includes the following steps:

[0048] A first rotary press with an adjustable filling unit is provided. The adjustable filling unit thus includes at least one element having at least one adjustable configuration parameter. In the context of this application, the configuration parameter refers to a variable affecting the delivery of the medium within the filling unit (or rotary press) and / or the characteristics (e.g., tablet quality) of the produced tablets.

[0049] Multiple tablets are produced using a first rotary press with different configuration parameter settings. For example, batches of tablets can be produced, each batch produced with different configuration parameter settings. Therefore, by using a first rotary press with an adjustable filling unit, various configuration parameter settings can be tried to find the optimal setting. It is not necessary to change and / or replace the corresponding components related to the configuration parameters.

[0050] Analyze the desired characteristics of the produced tablets to identify tablets (or tablet batches) with preferred characteristics. These characteristics may be, in particular, quality characteristics of the tablets (e.g., exceptionally good strength, weight, breaking strength, and belly height);

[0051] Identify the settings of the configuration parameters and produce tablets (or batches) with preferred characteristics under those settings;

[0052] At least one second rotary press is provided, having an optimized filling unit. In this case, the optimized filling unit includes at least one element having fixed predetermined configuration parameters, under which tablets (or tablet batches) produced have preferred characteristics.

[0053] In other words, after the optimal configuration parameters are identified by a first rotary press with an adjustable filling unit, these parameters are transferred to a second rotary press. Then, these configuration parameters are no longer adjustable on the second rotary press. Similarly, it is conceivable that the first rotary press is designed with such an optimized filling unit. In other words, a first rotary press with an adjustable filling unit can be converted into a rotary press with an optimized filling unit.

[0054] Because the components of the second rotary press already have optimal configuration parameters and no further adjustments are needed, their design can be simplified. The additional components / assemblies required for adjustability can be omitted. This reduces the manufacturing cost of the corresponding components. Therefore, the second rotary press can be designed to be cheaper and smaller. Furthermore, the components of the second rotary press can be designed to be more robust and durable.

[0055] When using a rotary tablet press to produce tablets, a certain start-up time is required. For example, it takes time for the medium to be dispensed to be evenly distributed along the entire conveyor path. This means that the first batch of tablets in a batch may have different properties than other tablets in the same batch.

[0056] Therefore, it's conceivable that, in order to identify the optimal configuration parameters, the first batch of tablets in a production batch would be disregarded when analyzing the manufactured tablets. However, it's also conceivable that the batch contains a large number of tablets, and due to this large quantity, the deviation in tablet characteristics between the first batch and the remaining tablets is negligible.

[0057] The adjustable filling unit of the first rotary press is the filling unit described above.

[0058] Adjustable configuration parameters can be the direction or speed of rotation of the filling wheel, dispensing wheel and / or supply wheel designed as impellers.

[0059] Similarly, it is conceivable that adjustable configuration parameters could be speed, upstream pressure, main pressure, feed weight, immersion depth or position of the billet in the mold.

[0060] The movement of the supply wheel into or out of the transport path of the medium to be dispensed can also represent a configuration parameter. In other words, a configuration parameter can represent the arrangement of the supply wheel within or outside the transport path of the medium to be dispensed.

[0061] Adjustable configuration parameters can be the shape of the blade's conveying surface or the blade's tilt angle. The shape of the blade's conveying surface can be changed by rotating it about its respective extension axis. The blade tilt angle refers to the angle formed by the respective extension axis (or its extension direction) of the blade relative to the radial direction extending from the rotation axis of the corresponding impeller.

[0062] In the tablet production process using the first rotary press, multiple configuration parameters can be changed simultaneously. It is conceivable that multiple configuration parameters can be set on the same element. However, it is also conceivable that multiple configuration parameters can be set on multiple elements, and specifically, one configuration parameter can be set on each element. Attached Figure Description

[0063] Other features, details, and advantages of the invention will be readily apparent from the wording of the claims and the following description of embodiments based on the accompanying drawings. (See the drawings:)

[0064] Figure 1 This is a side view of a rotary press with filling units;

[0065] Figure 2 It is based on Figure 1 A top view of the filled unit with a mold plate;

[0066] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of another embodiment of the filling unit;

[0067] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of another embodiment of the filling unit;

[0068] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of another embodiment of the filling unit;

[0069] Figure 6 It is based on Figure 5 The filled cell is part of a perspective view from another angle;

[0070] Figure 7 It is a perspective view of the filling wheel, dispensing wheel, and supply wheel designed as impellers, along with gears;

[0071] Figure 8 It is based on Figure 7 A perspective view of an impeller;

[0072] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of another embodiment of the impeller;

[0073] Figure 10 This is a perspective view of another embodiment of the impeller;

[0074] Figure 11 This is a perspective view of another embodiment of the impeller; and

[0075] Figure 12 This is a flowchart of a method for providing an optimized rotary press.

[0076] In the accompanying drawings and the following description, corresponding components and elements have the same reference numerals. For clarity, not all reference numerals are shown in all figures. Detailed Implementation

[0077] Figure 1 A side view of a rotary press 12 with a filling unit 10 is shown. The medium to be dispensed, i.e., the powder to be compressed into tablets, enters the rotary press 12 via a hopper 13. After being compressed, the tablets are conveyed out of the rotary press 12 via a discharge chute 15.

[0078] Figure 2 It shows that according to Figure 1 A top view of a filling unit 10 having a mold plate 18. The mold plate 18 has a plurality of die holes 16 arranged on a circular path, into which the medium to be compressed into tablets is dispensed by the filling unit 10.

[0079] Figure 3 A perspective view of another embodiment of the filling unit 10 is shown. The medium to be dispensed is supplied to the filling wheel 14 via a medium supply unit 36. In this example, the medium supply unit 36 ​​is designed as a straight tube.

[0080] For clarity, Figure 3 The feed wheel 30, which can be moved into the conveying path, is not shown. The conveying path shown corresponds to a conveying path where the feed wheel is disconnected from the conveying path.

[0081] The filling wheel 14 is designed as an impeller 20 with blades 22. The filling wheel 14 delivers the medium to be dispensed into the die holes 16 of the metering disc 18. This is accomplished by rotating the filling wheel 14 about its axis of rotation 42 (indicated by dashed lines).

[0082] The amount of medium to be dispensed into the die 16 of the metering disc 18 is precisely dispensed by the dispensing wheel 24. The dispensing wheel is designed as an impeller 26 with blades 28. This is achieved by rotating the dispensing wheel 24 about its axis of rotation 42 (indicated by dashed lines). In this process, the die 16 is swept by the blades 28 of the dispensing wheel 24, thus removing excess medium and leaving the precisely measured amount of medium in the die 16.

[0083] The medium remaining in the die 16 is then compressed into tablets. This can be achieved, for example, by relatively moving lower and / or upper pressure ends (not shown).

[0084] Figure 4 A perspective view of another embodiment of the filling unit 10 is shown. Figure 3 Similar to the illustrated embodiment, the filling unit 10 shown has a filling wheel 14 and a dispensing wheel 24. In this embodiment, the mold plate 18 with the mold hole 16 is not shown. In this embodiment, the filling unit 10 also has a supply wheel 30, which is disposed in the conveying path between the media supply unit 36 ​​and the filling wheel 14.

[0085] The media supply unit 36 ​​feeds the media to be dispensed into the supply wheel 30. The supply wheel 30 is designed as an impeller 32 with blades 34. The media to be dispensed is fed into the filling wheel 14 via the supply wheel 30. This is achieved by rotating the supply wheel 30 about its axis of rotation 42 (indicated by dashed lines).

[0086] In this example, the feed wheel 30 is arranged on the pivoting device 33. Both the pivoting device 33 and the feed wheel 30 can rotate about the pivot 35. In this example, the pivot 35 and the axis of rotation 42 of the dispensing wheel 24 are the same. Therefore, the feed wheel 30 can pivot out of or into the medium delivery path.

[0087] The media delivery path shown begins via media supply unit 36, which delivers the media to supply wheel 30. The supply wheel delivers the media to filling wheel 14 by rotating about its axis of rotation 42. Filling wheel 14 fills die orifices 16 (not shown) by rotating about its axis of rotation 42 (not shown). Subsequently, the blades 28 of metering wheel 24 sweep across the media filled in die orifices 16 to precisely meter it. This is also accomplished by rotating metering wheel 24 about its axis of rotation 42.

[0088] If the supply wheel 30 pivots out of the delivery path around the pivot 35, the delivery path of the medium will pass through the medium supply unit 36, which feeds the medium directly into the filling wheel 14. Then, the medium is filled into the die cavity by the filling wheel and precisely dispensed by the dispensing wheel 24 (see above).

[0089] As an alternative to or addition to the pivot device 33, the media supply unit 36 ​​may have a transport switch (not shown) that can select to directly supply the media to the supply wheel 30 or the filling wheel 14. In this way, it is possible to select between a transport path with and without the supply wheel 30 without having to pivot the supply wheel 30 out of the transport path.

[0090] Figure 5A perspective view of another embodiment of the filling unit 10 is shown. In this case, the filling wheel 14, the supply wheel 30, and the dispensing wheel 24 are covered by the cover 51 and are not shown.

[0091] Six motors 50 are shown here, in the form of servo motors 52. Every two servo motors 52 are arranged opposite each other. Thus, each servo motor 52 can be controlled or operated individually, independently of the others. The servo motors 52 can be configured as a servo motor group, which is formed as replaceable components. For example, Figure 5 The three upper servo motors 52 in the middle can form a replacement component. Figure 5 The three lower servo motors 52 can form another replacement component. For example, in the event of a failure, the servo motors 52 can be quickly and easily replaced.

[0092] Figure 6 This shows, from another perspective, that according to Figure 5 A portion of the perspective view of the filling unit 10. The lid 51 is not shown here, so it can be seen that... Figure 5 The filling wheel 14, supply wheel 30 and dispensing wheel 24 are hidden in the middle.

[0093] The filling wheel 14, supply wheel 30, and metering wheel 24 are coupled to the servo motor 52 via gears 46 and 48. Torque can be transmitted from the corresponding servo motor 52 to the filling wheel 14, supply wheel 30, or metering wheel 24 via gears 46 and 48. The transmitted torque can then be used to rotate the filling wheel 14, supply wheel 30, and / or metering wheel 24, which are designed as impellers 20, 26, and 32, and / or to adjust the rotational position, tilt, and / or curvature of the blades 22, 28, and 34 of the corresponding impellers 20, 26, and 32.

[0094] Figure 7 A perspective view of the filling wheel 14, the dispensing wheel 24, the supply wheel 30, and gears 46 and 48 is shown. Six servo motors 52 are indicated by dashed lines. Here, Figure 7 The torque of the three servo motors 52 arranged at the top is transmitted to the first gear 46. The first gear meshes with the second gear 46, the second gear 46 meshes with the third gear 46, and the third gear is arranged on the filling wheel 14, the dispensing wheel 24, or the supply wheel 30. Correspondingly, the torque from the other three servo motors 52 ( Figure 7 The torque of the servo motor 52 located at the bottom is transmitted to the first gear 48. The first gear meshes with the second gear 48, and the second gear 48 meshes with the third gear 48. The third gear is respectively arranged on the filling wheel 14, the metering wheel 24, and the supply wheel 30. Therefore, the torque of the corresponding servo motor 52 is transmitted to the filling wheel 14, the metering wheel 24, and the supply wheel 30, respectively.

[0095] Figure 8 It shows according to Figure 7 Perspective view of impellers 20, 26, and 32. The impellers 20, 26, and 32 shown can be filling impeller 14, supply impeller 30, or dispensing impeller 24.

[0096] Impellers 20, 26, and 32 have a rotation axis 42 about which they can rotate. Each impeller has ten blades 22, 28, and 34. Currently, blades 22, 28, and 34 extend radially outward from and perpendicular to the rotation axis 42. Blades 22, 28, and 34 have an extension axis 38 corresponding to the longitudinal axis of blades 22, 28, and 34.

[0097] In this example, blades 22, 28, and 34 have triangular cross-sections, with one corner of the triangle representing the lower edge of the corresponding blade 22, 28, or 34 at the indicated position.

[0098] Impellers 20, 26, and 32 have an upper gear 46 and a lower gear 48, wherein the impellers 20, 26, and 32 and the two gears 46 and 48 share the same axis of rotation 42, i.e., they are arranged coaxially with each other. Impellers 20, 26, and 32 are designed to rotate via the lower gear 48. For example, this can be achieved by coupling the lower gear 48 and the impellers 20, 26, and 32 in a rotationally fixed manner.

[0099] When the impellers 20, 26, and 32 rotate, they rotate around the axis of rotation 42 and convey the medium located between the blades 22, 28, and 34 through their respective conveying surfaces 40.

[0100] Via gear 46, blades 22, 28, and 34 can rotate about their respective extended axes 38. It is also conceivable that gear 46 can be used to change the height (displacement parallel to the axis of rotation 42), tilt, and / or curvature of blades 22, 28, and 34. The necessary components for this purpose, such as those in the corresponding mechanical and / or electrical form, can be arranged within the body 49 of impellers 20, 26, and 32.

[0101] The lower gear 48 is positioned between the upper gear 46 and the impellers 20, 26, and 32. Of course, it is conceivable that the upper gear 46 is positioned between the lower gear 48 and the impellers 20, 26, and 32, or that the functions of the upper and lower gears 46 and 48 are interchanged.

[0102] Figure 9 A perspective view of another embodiment of impellers 20, 26, and 32 is shown. In this case, impellers 20, 26, and 32 have straight blades 22, 28, and 34 with a square cross-section.

[0103] Figure 10 A perspective view of another embodiment of impellers 20, 26, and 32 is shown. Here, impellers 20, 26, and 32 with inclined blades 22, 28, and 34 are shown. The extension direction (indicated by dashed lines) of the extension axis 38 of each blade 22, 28, and 34 does not intersect the center point of impellers 20, 26, and 32, which is marked "x" and specified by reference numeral 47. Therefore, the corresponding extension axis 38 or its extension direction is arranged at a distance from the center point 47.

[0104] In the impellers 20, 26, and 32 with variable tilt angles, blades 22, 28, and 34 can be adjusted so that the angle between the extension axis 38 (or its extension direction) of each blade 22, 28, and 34 and the radial direction 45 can be changed. For example, blade 54 can be moved from the first arrangement 56 in the figure to the second arrangement 58, indicated by the dashed line. It can be clearly seen that the angle between blade 54 and the radial direction 45 in the first arrangement 56 is different (larger) than the angle between blade 54 and the radial direction 45 in the second arrangement 58. The change in tilt angle is indicated here by double arrows.

[0105] Figure 11 A perspective view of another embodiment of impellers 20, 26, and 32 is shown. The impellers 20, 26, and 32 of this embodiment include blades 22, 28, and 34 with curvature. Each blade 22, 28, and 34 has a first segment 60 in which it extends radially in a radial direction 45 (i.e., radially outward in a straight line). Adjacent to the first segment 60 is a second segment 62, which is curved relative to the radial direction 45. Following the second segment 62 is a third segment 64, which is also straight (similar to the first segment 60).

[0106] The possible variable curvatures of the blades 22, 28, and 34 of impellers 20, 26, and 32 are indicated by double arrows and the first arrangement 66 and the second arrangement 68 of blades 70 (represented by dashed lines). Figure 10 (Similarly). In this example, the outer diameters of impellers 20, 26, and 32 are also changed by altering their curvature. The greater the curvature of blades 22, 28, and 34 relative to the radial direction 45, the smaller the outer diameter of impellers 20, 26, and 32. Conversely, the smaller the curvature of blades 22, 28, and 34 relative to the radial direction 45, the larger the outer diameter of impellers 20, 26, and 32.

[0107] Figure 12 A flowchart is shown to provide a method for optimizing a rotary press.

[0108] Here, in the method step of providing a first rotary press 12 with an adjustable filling unit 10, the adjustable filling unit 10 includes at least one element having at least one adjustable configuration parameter, this step is indicated by reference numeral 72.

[0109] The subsequent method step involves producing multiple tablets using a first rotary press 12 with different configuration parameter settings, a step indicated by reference numeral 74 in the accompanying drawings.

[0110] Step 74 of this method can be executed any number of times with any number of different configuration parameters.

[0111] After tablet production is completed, the next step is to analyze the desired characteristics, particularly the quality characteristics, of the produced tablets in order to identify tablets with preferred characteristics among the produced tablets. This method comprises... Figure 12 The figure is marked with reference numeral 76.

[0112] The method steps for identifying the setting of configuration parameters for producing tablets with preferred properties are indicated by reference numeral 78 in the accompanying drawings.

[0113] The final method step is to provide at least a second rotary press with an optimized filling unit, wherein the optimized filling unit includes at least one element having fixed predetermined configuration parameters, under which tablets with preferred characteristics are produced, the method step being indicated by reference numerals in the accompanying drawings. It is also conceivable that, as an alternative or supplement to providing the second rotary press, a first rotary press can be modified into a rotary press with the optimized filling unit.

[0114] Figure 12 The flowchart shown is specifically intended to illustrate the temporal sequence of the various method steps 72, 74, 76, 78, and 80. Method steps 72, 74, 76, 78, and 80 are performed one after another in the order shown in the flowchart.

[0115] However, it is also conceivable that a method step may be repeated any number of times before proceeding to the next method step.

Claims

1. A filling unit (10) for a rotary press (12), the filling unit (10) comprising: A filling wheel (14) is configured to fill the medium to be dispensed into the die hole (16) of the die plate (18) of the rotary press (12), wherein the filling wheel (14) is designed as an impeller (20) and is designed to convey the medium to be dispensed by the rotational motion of its blades (22); The dispensing wheel (24) is designed to dispense a certain amount of medium to be dispensed into the corresponding die hole (16) of the die disk (18). The dispensing wheel (24) is designed as an impeller (26) and is designed to dispense the amount of medium to be dispensed by sweeping the die hole (16) of the die disk (18) through the rotational motion of its blades (28), and remove excess medium. A supply wheel (30) is designed to supply the medium to be dispensed to the filling wheel (14), wherein the supply wheel (30) is designed as an impeller (32) and is designed to supply the medium to be conveyed to the filling wheel (14) by the rotational motion of its blades (34). At least one media supply unit (36) is configured to supply media to the filling wheel (14) and / or the supply wheel (30); The blades (22, 28, 34) of the filling wheel (14), dispensing wheel (24), and / or supply wheel (30), which are designed as impellers (20, 26, 32), all have a conveying surface (40), and the corresponding impellers (20, 26, 32) convey the medium through the conveying surface. Its features are, The filling unit (10) is designed such that the supply wheel (30) can be moved into or out of the delivery path of the medium to be dispensed by means of the pivoting motion of the pivoting device (33).

2. The filling unit (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The filling unit (10) is designed such that the media supply unit (36) includes a delivery switch, by which the media to be dispensed can be selectively supplied to the supply wheel (30) or the filling wheel (14); and / or The filling unit (10) is designed such that the supply wheel (30) can move into or out of the delivery path of the medium to be dispensed by means of the pivoting motion of the pivoting device (33) around the rotation axis (42) of the dispensing wheel (24) which is designed as an impeller (20, 26, 32).

3. The filling unit (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The blades (22, 28, 34) of the filling wheel (14), dispensing wheel (24) and / or supply wheel (30) designed as impellers (20, 26, 32) are designed such that the conveying surface of the respective blades (22, 28, 34) can change shape.

4. The filling unit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The shape of the conveying surface (40) can be: The rotation of the blades (22, 28, 34) of the filling wheel (14), dispensing wheel (24) and / or supply wheel (30) designed as impellers (20, 26, 32) about their respective extended axes (38) is altered. Or it can be changed by the variable tilt of the blades (22, 28, 34) of the filling wheel (14), dispensing wheel (24) and / or supply wheel (30) of the impellers (20, 26, 32) relative to the radial direction (45) extending from the axis of rotation (42) of the respective impellers (20, 26, 32); Alternatively, the curvature can be changed by the variable curvature of the blades (22, 28, 34) of the filling wheel (14), dispensing wheel (24), and / or supply wheel (30) designed as impellers (20, 26, 32).

5. The filling unit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The blades (22, 28, 34) of the filling wheel (14), dispensing wheel (24) and / or supply wheel (30) of the impellers (20, 26, 32) are designed to be able to be displaced parallel to the rotation axis (42) of the respective impellers (20, 26, 32).

6. The filling unit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The blades (22, 28, 34) of the filling wheel (14), dispensing wheel (24) and / or supply wheel (30) designed as impellers (20, 26, 32) have triangular, rectangular or partially rounded cross sections.

7. The filling unit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The blades (22, 28, 34) of the filling wheel (14), dispensing wheel (24) and / or supply wheel (30) designed as impellers (20, 26, 32) have a constant cross section in at least one region along their respective extension axes (38).

8. The filling unit (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The blades (22, 28, 34) of the filling wheel (14), dispensing wheel (24) and / or supply wheel (30) designed as impellers (20, 26, 32) have a constant cross-section along their respective entire extension axis (38).

9. The filling unit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The blades (22, 28, 34) of the filling wheel (14), dispensing wheel (24) and / or supply wheel (30) designed as impellers (20, 26, 32) are designed to be replaceable.

10. The filling unit (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that, The blades (22, 28, 34) of the filling wheel (14), dispensing wheel (24) and / or supply wheel (30) of the impellers (20, 26, 32) are designed as replacement elements between the individual impellers (20, 26, 32).

11. The filling unit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The filling wheel (14), dispensing wheel (24), and / or supply wheel (30), designed as impellers (20, 26, 32), each include blades (22, 28, 34) with different cross sections along their respective extension axes (38).

12. The filling unit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The blades (22, 28, 34) of the filling wheel (14), dispensing wheel (24) and / or supply wheel (30) of the impellers (20, 26, 32) are arranged such that the extension direction of their respective extension axes (38) extends spaced apart from the rotation axis (42) of the respective impellers (20, 26, 32).

13. The filling unit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The filling unit (10) is designed such that the rotation direction and / or rotation speed of the filling wheel (14), dispensing wheel (24) and / or supply wheel (30) can be changed.

14. The filling unit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The filling unit (10) has at least one motor (50), wherein the filling wheel (14), dispensing wheel (24) and / or supply wheel (30) designed as impellers (20, 26, 32) are driven directly by the motor (50) or via at least one gear (48), and / or the rotational position of the blades (22, 28, 34) and / or the inclination of the blades (22, 28, 34) relative to the radial direction (45) extending from the rotation axis (42) of the respective impellers (20, 26, 32) are changed directly by the motor (50) or via at least one gear (46).

15. The filling unit (10) according to claim 14, characterized in that, The at least one motor (50) is a servo motor (52).

16. A method for providing an optimized rotary press, comprising the steps of: A first rotary press (12) is provided with an adjustable filling unit (10), the adjustable filling unit (10) comprising at least one element having at least one adjustable configuration parameter; Multiple tablets are produced using the first rotary press (12) under different settings of the configuration parameters; Analyze the desired characteristics of the produced tablets in order to identify tablets with preferred characteristics among the produced tablets; The settings of the configuration parameters are identified, and tablets with preferred characteristics are produced under the settings. A second rotary press is provided with an optimized filling unit comprising at least one element having at least one fixed predetermined configuration parameter, which produces tablets with preferred characteristics under said at least one fixed predetermined configuration parameter. The adjustable filling unit is the filling unit (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The desired characteristics of the produced tablets are quality characteristics.

18. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The adjustable configuration parameters are: The direction or speed of rotation of the filling wheel (14), dispensing wheel (24) and / or supply wheel (30) designed as impellers (20, 26, 32); Or the shape of the conveying surface (40) of the blades (22, 28, 34), the shape of the conveying surface (40) can be changed by the rotation of the blades (22, 28, 34) about their respective extension axes (38), or by the inclination of the blades (22, 28, 34) relative to the radial direction (45) extending from the rotation axis (42) of the respective impellers (20, 26, 32), or by changing the curvature of the blades (22, 28, 34); Or the movement of the supply wheel (30) into / out of the transport path of the medium to be dispensed.

19. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 18, characterized in that, The method further includes the following steps: When tablets are produced using the first rotary press (12), the settings of multiple configuration parameters are changed simultaneously.

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