Device for inserting at least one object into at least one mold of a tablet machine

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for inserting at least one object into at least one mould of a tablet press, wherein the at least one mould is arranged on a pitch circle in a rotating body driven in rotation about a first axis of rotation. The apparatus includes a second rotating body rotatable about a second axis of rotation. The second rotating body also has at least one object pickup device, the at least one object pickup device comprising a holding device capable of picking up, transporting and transferring at least one object. The movement path of the at least one object can be controlled radially and tangentially via a rotational movement of the at least one object pick-up device relative to the second rotating body such that the movement path of the at least one object can mimic the movement path of the at least one mold at least within a rotational angle range of the second rotating body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for inserting at least one object into at least one mold of a tablet press, wherein the at least one mold is arranged on a reference circle in a turntable driven to rotate around a first rotation axis. The device comprises a second turntable that can rotate around a second rotation axis. The second turntable also has at least one object holder, wherein the at least one object holder comprises a holding device that enables at least one object to be picked up, conveyed and released. The movement path of the at least one object can be controlled radially and tangentially via the rotational movement of the at least one object holder relative to the second turntable, so that the movement path of the at least one object can mimic the movement path of the at least one mold at least within the rotation angle range of the second turntable.

[0002] The invention also relates to a system comprising a tablet press and the above device. Background Art

[0003] The invention belongs to the field of tablet presses, in particular rotary tablet presses, used in the pharmaceutical, technical or chemical industry or in the food industry for producing large quantities of tablets or pills from powdered material.

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

[0005] When a pair of punches enters the area of ​​the die or die opening to be filled due to the rotation of the turntable, the two punches are moved towards each other by the control cam and enter the area of ​​the roller station. In the roller station, the punches are pressed against each other, for example, so that the material in the die opening is compacted into a tablet. Once the pressing process is completed, both punches move upwards and the tablet is ejected from the die opening or die. The pressure is transmitted to the pressing tool with the help of the rollers. The pressing tool is also called the upper punch and the lower punch.

[0006] It is also known to provide single-layer or multi-layer tablets with cores or objects, so-called inserts. These cores or objects are fed individually to the die and pressed into or coated with the medium to be compressed, in particular a powder. The key to producing such tablets or pills on a rotary tablet press is to feed the cores or objects individually and in a defined manner to the die so that they can be placed in the desired position, which is advantageously centered in the die.

[0007] In this regard, there are solutions that employ rotary insertion devices, in which the circular paths of the mold and the insertion device partially overlap and thus intersect at exactly two points. With the help of a complex (and error-prone) control system, the goal is to eject the object to be inserted at exactly one intersection point as quickly as possible. For example, publications DE 10 2013 104 344 A1 and DE 10 2009 002 450 A1 disclose such rotary insertion devices, in which the cores are picked up from a transfer wheel by a gripper arm and inserted into the mold.

[0008] Furthermore, solutions with rotating insertion devices are known from the prior art, for example from DE 38 19 821 C2, in which the gripper arms are arranged to move radially on a turntable of the insertion device and are thus able to follow the curved path of the mold over a limited rotation angle by means of cam control or engagement on the turntable. However, this leads to differences in the path speeds of the insert and the mold, so that although the path of the gripper arms is followed, actual synchronous operation is not possible, and the position of the inserted object is mainly determined by the ejection time.

[0009] DE4025484C1 also discloses an insertion device integrated into the turntable of a rotary tablet press. In particular, radial arms are arranged directly on the drive turntable of the rotary tablet press above the die table and rotate synchronously with the die assigned to them. The radial arms can also be retracted and extended (radially) in the turntable and can pick up objects and transfer them to the die. Although this insertion device enables a small construction volume and accurate and reproducible positioning of objects in the die, this relatively complex design often leads to malfunctions. In addition, traditional rotary tablet presses cannot be easily converted with this insertion device.

[0010] It is also known from DE 103 21 754 B4 to position the cores or objects on a continuous conveyor and to guide the continuous conveyor on the reference circle of the turret of the tablet press and to push them into the mold with the help of the upper punch of the tablet press. However, transporting the cores or objects on the reference circle of the turret disadvantageously requires complex measures for positioning the cores or objects and synchronizing the cores or objects with the movement of the mold.

[0011] DE3819821A discloses a rotary tablet press, which includes a die table and a conveyor driven to rotate. A plurality of heads with a conveyor head are mounted on a radial arm on the conveyor, and the radial arm is firmly screwed to the turntable. The conveyor head has a suction pipe and a vacuum device for receiving and releasing the core. The radial arm consists of vertical and horizontal cylinder-piston units that can be actuated independently of each other. The core is transferred to the receiving star-shaped portion of the conveyor via a feeding device. The radial arm moves downward by means of a vertical cylinder piston, and the conveyor head picks up the core by means of negative pressure. Then, the horizontal cylinder piston moves radially outward, and once it reaches the die, the head passes into the head receiving recess of the guide ring of the die table, so that the head guide ring mechanically guides the conveyor head in a forced control manner, so that the reference circle of the die table and the conveyor overlap. DE3819821A particularly discloses the radial controllability of the conveyor head. The core is thereby placed in the die and pressed with powder. By pressing the core into the die, the core is inserted into the center position without radial movement. The synchronization of the movement path of the mold with the movement path of the transfer head is achieved in particular by interlocking the head receiving recess of the head guide ring of the mold table with the head or transfer head. Due to the radial mobility and the engagement on the turntable, the head or transfer head should follow the curved path of the mold over a limited rotation angle. However, there is room for improvement with regard to the positioning accuracy of the core.

[0012] JP2019135062A also discloses a pressing device, which includes a conveyor belt, a feeding device and a tablet press. The conveyor belt preferably conveys the electronic chip to the feeding device, and the feeding device conveys the electronic chip to the tablet press. There, the chip is inserted into the mold and pressed with powder. The feeding device is designed as a closed loop, and its shape adapts to the radius of the mold in the conveying area. A plurality of clamping devices are attached to the feeder, and these clamping devices have movable clamping fingers for picking up and releasing the chip. The closing and opening of the clamping fingers are mechanically forced to be controlled by means of corresponding guide cams. The feeding device or the clamping device is driven by the rotational movement of the turntable of the tablet press. For this purpose, a gear transmission device is provided, and the teeth of the gear transmission device are engaged in the upper roller of the clamping device.

[0013] Therefore, there is a need for improvements in positioning accuracy and performance (speed) with respect to the known solutions, while at the same time it is desirable to dispense with complex control systems and reduce susceptibility to failures. Purpose of the Invention

[0014] The object of the present invention is therefore to eliminate the disadvantages of the prior art and to provide a device for inserting at least one object into at least one mold of a tablet press, which device enables accurate or precise insertion of the at least one object for a continuously rotating turret of the tablet press, wherein a high level of repeatability and reliability is achieved even at high turret speeds. Summary of the invention

[0015] The object is achieved according to the invention by the features of the independent claim. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the invention relates to a device 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 in a turntable driven in rotation about a first axis of rotation;

[0017] - wherein the apparatus comprises a second turntable rotatable about a second axis of rotation;

[0018] - wherein the second turntable comprises at least one object holder, wherein the at least one object holder comprises holding means enabling the at least one object to be picked up, conveyed and released;

[0019] It is characterized in that the movement path of the at least one object can be radially and tangentially controlled via the rotational movement of the at least one object holder relative to the second turntable, so that the movement path of the at least one object can imitate the movement path of the at least one mold at least within the rotation angle range of the second turntable.

[0020] In particular, the device according to the invention enables objects to be separated, picked up and accurately inserted into the mold of a rotary tablet press with a continuously rotating turntable. In contrast to the prior art, the proposed device enables the movement path of the object to overlap with the movement path of the mold over a large time range during the insertion process, wherein the object can also move synchronously with the mold in particular. In other words, the movement paths overlap over a long distance, rather than overlapping mainly at two points as was previously the case. The fact that the object can be advantageously guided synchronously with the mold means that the object can be inserted into the mold at any point along the overlapping path. Therefore, the positioning accuracy is less dependent on the insertion or release time of the object. This leads, among other things, to a higher degree of repeatability and reliability at high speeds.

[0021] As mentioned above, although the known insertion devices allow a radial movement of the object relative to the rotational movement of a turntable included in the insertion device, whereby the movement paths of the object and the mold can also overlap over a certain distance, this leads to a difference in the path speeds of the object and the mold. Therefore, synchronous operation is not possible. It has been shown that in addition to the radial controllability of the object, a tangential controllability of the rotational movement of the object relative to the second turntable can also overcome this problem. By controlling the object tangentially, the path speed of the object can advantageously be continuously adjusted so that the object can move synchronously with the mold.

[0022] Advantageously, conventional rotary tablet presses, which are configured in particular for pressing single-layer or multi-layer tablets, can be expanded in a simple manner with the device according to the invention so that these rotary tablet presses can press cores or objects into the pellets to be produced. It will be understood that at least one die is arranged on a reference circle in a turret driven in rotation about a first axis of rotation in a rotary tablet press, while the device comprises a second turret rotating about a second axis of rotation.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the axis of rotation of the first turntable (i.e. the turntable of the tablet press) is arranged substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the second turntable (i.e. the turntable of the device according to the invention). In this respect, the second turntable can advantageously be subsequently positioned so that the device according to the invention can insert at least one object into at least one mold. Therefore, 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 is preferably moved radially onto the turntable of the tablet press until the object holder or the object is roughly aligned on the reference circle on which the mold is arranged. With regard to positioning tolerances, the device according to the invention is advantageously "robust". In addition, additional means for separating the objects to be inserted are no longer required; this function is covered by the proposed device.

[0024] For the purposes of the present invention, the turntable is preferably a rotating component that rotates around an axis of rotation so that the component fixed to the turntable moves on a circular path. The at least one mold is preferably present on a reference circle in a turntable driven to rotate around a first axis of rotation. Therefore, the mold rotates on a circular path around the axis of rotation of the first turntable. Therefore, the movement path of the mold is preferably circular. On the other hand, the object is held by an object holder, which is in turn mounted on a second turntable. Therefore, the object rotates around the second axis of rotation and will also preferably move on a circular path without radial and tangential controllability of the object holder or the object.

[0025] In prior art insertion devices that include a turntable but without an object holder or radial and tangential controllability of the object, the intersection point of the two circular paths (object / mold) would now be selected in order to "eject" the object into the mold. In this case, the inventors have realized that this process does not allow for accurate placement of the object. In contrast, since the object can be controlled radially and tangentially via the rotational movement of the object holder relative to the second turntable, the object's movement path can be adjusted so that it matches the movement path of the mold, wherein the object can also move synchronously with the mold.

[0026] Preferably, the adjustment of the object's motion path occurs within a range between (hypothetical) intersection points that would occur if the object could not be radially and tangentially controlled. This range can be described by the rotation angle of the second turntable, ie, the rotation angle range of the second turntable.

[0027] Thus, the motion path of the object is adapted to the path of the mould via the tangential and radial motion of the individual object holders relative to the rotational motion of the second turntable following a circular path. Thus, at the point where the object holders are connected to the second turntable, they preferably also move on a circular path. However, due to the radial and tangential controllability of the individual object holders, this circular motion path can be adapted to the object held by the holding device so that the object can also move synchronously with the mould.

[0028] The adaptation of the object movement to the mold path is also known from JP2019135062A cited above. However, this is carried out via an insertion device, which includes a feed device instead of a second turntable, and the feed device is set as a closed but non-circular ring. In JP2019135062, the feed device is also called a rounded triangle, and its lower side adapts to the shape of the mold table. Therefore, the clamping device of JP2019135062 mounted on the feed device does not move on a circular path itself. However, it is more complicated to provide such a feed device, and the distance between the clamping devices required to be set on the feed device is larger. According to the present invention, a solution in which a second turntable is used but the motion path of the object can be controlled radially and tangentially via a separate object holder relative to the rotational movement of the second turntable is simpler in design and allows a denser arrangement of object holders. In addition to the more robust design of the equipment, production efficiency can also be improved.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the rotation angle range of the second turntable is preferably a movement segment of the second turntable, i.e. a rotational movement of the turntable over a certain rotation angle. The rotation angle range of the second turntable is preferably within a rotation angle range of <180°, within which the movement path of the object can imitate the movement path of the mold by means of the tangential and radial deflection of the object holder. In this way, the object imitates the movement path of the mold over at most half a rotation of the second turntable.

[0030] For example, the movement path of the object is on a circular path within a rotation angle range of about 340° of the second turntable. Once the object encounters the movement path of the mold, the movement path of the object is radially and tangentially changed (relative to the rotation of the second turntable) and adapted to the movement path of the mold, wherein the object can move synchronously with the mold. In the example described, the movement path of the object can now follow the movement path of the mold within a rotation angle range of about 20° of the second turntable (see also Figure 1 ).

[0031] The imitation or adjustment of the motion path is preferably configured so that the motion paths of the object and the mold overlap within a specific time and distance range, wherein the object moves synchronously with the mold. In this case, the center and / or center of gravity of the object is preferably spaced apart from the mold at a height roughly located on the longitudinal axis of the mold. It should be understood that the height can vary when the object is inserted. During this (relatively long) synchronous motion, the object can be inserted by lowering the object holder. It is not necessary to position the object by dropping it as quickly as possible at a specific point.

[0032] For purposes of the present invention, the object is preferably a three-dimensional object, which has a size and geometric configuration that enables the object to be embedded in a pill, and the volume of the pill depends on mold, material and pressure. Therefore, the object can be regarded as the core of a pill. Preferably, the core is configured as a fixed component, wherein the core is composed of a material or material composition that is different from the material of the rest of the pill, for example. The object or core can also be a pre-compacted powdered material. This pill with a core is also referred to as a core tablet. In a further preferred embodiment, the object (itself) has a liquid and / or gaseous medium surrounded by a solid shell. For example, with respect to a coated core tablet, it can be a liquid active ingredient encapsulated in a human digestible solid.

[0033] There is no restriction on the construction of the object, as long as it can be inserted into the mold of a tablet press (in particular a rotary tablet press) and can be pressed with a powdered material. In another preferred embodiment, the object can also be configured as a microchip. According to recent technological developments, a microchip can be pressed into a tablet as a core and used as an auxiliary device for remote diagnosis after the patient takes the corresponding tablet. The device according to the present invention is advantageously capable of inserting a very small microchip as an object into the mold of a tablet press, thereby producing a "smart" tablet. In particular, a tablet having a microchip therein (for example, a thickness of less than 1 mm) can transmit a confirmation signal about the intake of the tablet (including the intake time) to a receiver outside the patient's body, thereby enabling monitoring.

[0034] Preferably, the object has a volume that allows the object to be embedded in a pill in a conventional rotary tablet press. The maximum dimension of the object is preferably about 1 mm-30 mm, and the minimum dimension is preferably about 0.1 mm-10 mm. The object is not limited to these size values.

[0035] In addition, the second turntable preferably includes at least one object holder. The object holder preferably rotates with the second turntable and is capable of picking up objects from the object reservoir. The object holder can then convey the object within the range of a substantially half-turn of the second turntable, and preferably releases the object into at least one mold in the end. The object holder and at least one mold and two turntables are coordinated in a manner that enables the object to be inserted into the precise position in the mold (particularly via the radial and tangential controllability of the object or object holder). The object reservoir may be configured as a container or also include a feeding system, such as a conveyor belt and / or a conveyor wheel. Relative to the second turntable, the object reservoir is preferably located roughly on the opposite side of the position where the object is introduced into at least one mold, so that the object holder holds or conveys the object within the range of approximately 180° of the rotation of the second turntable. The object holder is preferably configured to pick up the object individually and provide it to at least one mold.

[0036] In a further preferred embodiment, the object holder has a holding device, which is preferably configured to pick up, hold and / or release the object. The holding device is preferably configured to hold the object for transport within a range of approximately half a rotation of the second turntable and release it into at least one mold in an area where the movement path of the object intersects the movement path of the mold. Preferably, even at a high rotation speed of the second turntable, the holding device can be enabled / controlled quickly enough to be able to pick up an object in a fixed position. It is also preferred that the holding device can apply or release a holding force, for example, within a few milliseconds, so that the object can be picked up from the object reservoir or released into the mold without any disadvantageous delay.

[0037] In a further preferred embodiment, the device is characterized in that the second turntable comprises a coupling element which is configured as follows:

[0038] - initiating and / or ensuring the rotational movement of the second turntable via active contact with the driven first turntable;

[0039] - Mechanically forcing the movement path of at least one object at least within a rotation angle range of the second turntable by means of at least one object holder.

[0040] The presence of the coupling element brings specific advantages. The coupling element advantageously combines two functions in one component, namely a) ensuring or starting the rotational movement of the second turntable and b) influencing the movement path of the object. The fact that the coupling element is preferably in active contact with the driven first turntable (which ensures the rotational movement of the second turntable) means that the device according to the invention advantageously does not require its own drive. Therefore, among other things, a complex synchronization of the drive of the device and the drive of the tablet press is not necessary. The omission of a separate drive also results in a particularly light and therefore easy-to-transport device for inserting the object into the mold, which can be used flexibly, in particular in different tablet presses. In addition, since the coupling element is simultaneously configured to mechanically force the control of the movement path of the object via the object holder, a complex control arrangement of the object holder can be omitted. Needless to say, the number of components used is also reduced.

[0041] 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 the first turntable and the second turntable). The coupling element may preferably be in (temporary) mechanical contact with the two components and form a mechanical connection. Preferably, the connection may also be contactless, wherein only an action is transmitted, such as a magnet can affect another component without establishing a mechanical connection. In particular, it is preferably an active connection in which the coupling element is preferably in active contact with the component. Thus, the coupling element realizes an interaction (mechanical or other) between the two components. In order to ensure the rotational movement of the second turntable, the coupling element is preferably in active contact with the first turntable, wherein the first turntable is included in the tablet press and represents a drive. Active contact is achieved, for example, by mechanically engaging the coupling element with an element of the first turntable. The coupling element may also, for example, take the form of a transmission device having elements such as gears, cam elements, connecting rods, rod connectors, belts, chains, etc. (not limited to these), which transmits the rotational movement of the first turntable to the second turntable.

[0042] Once the first turntable starts to rotate, the force is preferably transmitted to the coupling element, which in turn transmits the force to the second turntable. This advantageously ensures that the second turntable also performs a rotational motion. The coupling element is preferably configured so that little energy is lost through friction or deformation. Therefore, as long as the first turntable of the tablet press is rotating, the second turntable can perform a rotational motion via the coupling element and also maintain the rotational motion.

[0043] In addition, the coupling element is preferably configured to forcibly control the motion path of at least one object via the object holder. In this regard, the coupling element has a device that preferably establishes a mechanical, hydraulic and / or electrical connection between the coupling element and the object holder. The coupling element can affect the object holder via this connection and particularly manipulate the motion path of at least one object.

[0044] In another preferred embodiment, the device is characterized in that at least one object holder is actively connected to a coupling element via a guiding mechanism, wherein the coupling element can receive a coupling motion by active contact with the first turntable, and the motion path of the at least one object can be deflected radially and tangentially relative to the rotational motion of the second turntable in a predetermined spatial direction, i.e., in the form of a coupled motion, via the at least one object holder and the guiding mechanism. This configuration, in particular via a guiding mechanism, makes it possible to provide an effective and efficient device with a small number of components, which can control the motion path of the object. Through the guiding mechanism, the movement of the coupling element (i.e., the coupling motion) directly affects the motion path of the object via the object holder. The guiding mechanism establishes an interaction between the first turntable on which at least one mold is arranged and the motion path of the object via the coupling element.

[0045] Preferably, the coupling element can adopt a coupling movement, which is applied to the coupling element by active contact (such as engagement) with the first turntable. Due to the guiding mechanism, the coupling movement preferably has a direct influence on the object holder and thus on the movement path of the object. In particular, the coupling element preferably determines the movement of the object holder and correspondingly determines the object and its movement. For example, the coupling element can undergo a tangential and / or radial deflection, wherein the deflection adopts a spatial direction that is directly (i.e., simultaneously) transmitted to the object holder.

[0046] For the purposes of the present invention, a guiding mechanism is a component or assembly that is configured to transmit forces and control an object holder or an object on a motion path. In particular, the guiding mechanism can transmit the coupling motion of the coupling element to the object holder, thereby influencing the motion path of the object. The guiding mechanism can preferably include hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical and / or mechanical components (without being limited thereto).

[0047] In a further preferred embodiment, the device is characterized in that the coupling element comprises a rod-shaped coupling member with a coupling head, wherein the coupling member is mounted on one side of the second turntable, wherein the coupling member is aligned so that the coupling head points radially outward and is structurally adapted to a component of the first turntable, whereby the coupling head can engage with a component of the first turntable so that a rotational movement of the first turntable can be transmitted. Such a configuration of the coupling element is particularly simple in its design. The device preferably has a plurality of coupling elements or coupling members, which interact cooperatively and can rotate the second turntable by engaging with a component of the first turntable. Each coupling element preferably temporarily actively contacts the first turntable by mechanically picking up a component of the first turntable during the rotation of the second turntable within a rotation angle range of, for example, about 10° to 30°. As a result of the engagement with the coupling element, a force is transmitted to the second turntable, which force rotates the second turntable by a certain amount. The coupling elements preferably actively contact the components of the first turntable one after another, so that each interaction between the component and the coupling element exerts a certain force on the second turntable.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment, the coupling element comprises a rod-shaped coupling member. The use of a rod-shaped coupling member is particularly advantageous because, on the one hand, it is very suitable for transmitting forces with as little loss as possible and, on the other hand, it enables a particularly uniform engagement if it is mounted on one side with the proposed two degrees of freedom (tangentially pivotable and radially displaceable). The coupling element has a relatively high rigidity and is preferably made of metal or fiber-reinforced plastic. It is also preferred to use a rod-shaped coupling element with adjustable length. The adjustability allows the device according to the invention to be used variably for a plurality of different tablet presses, in particular with turntables of different sizes, and to be adapted to different machine-specific requirements.

[0049] According to the invention, the coupling head is a component which is arranged as an end piece on the coupling member.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment, the coupling member and the coupling head are preferably manufactured as a unit that is inseparable from a single component. In this case, the coupling member and the coupling head are made of a material that has a particularly high rigidity on the one hand, so that forces and torques can be transmitted without major losses, and on the other hand, preferably at least the surface is soft / elastic enough so that no major wear occurs to the tablet press when engaging with parts of the turntable. Preferably, the coupling member and the coupling head are made of fiber-reinforced plastic.

[0051] In a further preferred embodiment, the coupling head can also be detachably connected to the coupling element so that it can be replaced in the tablet press according to the parts to be clamped, and therefore the device according to the invention can be used for different tablet presses. In addition, this also makes it particularly easy to replace a worn coupling head without having to replace the entire coupling element. In particular, the coupling head can have a material of a different type from the coupling element. The pairing of suitable materials between the coupling head and the parts to be picked up in the tablet press makes it possible to provide a particularly durable coupling element. For example, the coupling head can include a particularly elastic material, which results in little wear when engaging with the parts of the tablet press, while on the other hand, the coupling element is designed to be particularly hard so that motion and force can be advantageously transmitted.

[0052] Preferably, the component picked up by the coupling element is a component mounted on a turret of a tablet press. Therefore, the component preferably rotates around the axis of the turret on a circular path.

[0053] In a further preferred embodiment, the device is characterized in that the coupling head comprises a fork, which preferably matches the diameter of the shank of the lower punch of the first turntable so that the fork can accommodate the shank of the lower punch. The configuration of the coupling head as a fork makes it particularly advantageous to receive and transmit forces in the radial direction and in the tangential direction (relative to the rotation of the second turntable). In particular, the forces received in the tangential direction generate a torque that acts on the second turntable and advantageously drives the second turntable.

[0054] For the purposes of the present invention, the fork is preferably a component comprising a rod-shaped element having an extension at one end. Preferably, the fork has two extensions which are spaced apart from each other in such a way as to accommodate the shank of the lower punch. In a symbolic sense, the fork may have the configuration of a carving fork, wherein the extensions or prongs are spaced apart approximately as far as the diameter of the shank of the lower punch (see also Figure 2 or Figure 3 ).

[0055] In a further preferred embodiment, the device is characterized in that the object holder comprises a clamping arm with a holding element, which is radially mounted in the second turntable, the holding element preferably being configured to hold the object in a positive and / or frictional connection. The use of a clamping arm is particularly suitable for inserting the object into a mold, since this can be used in combination with a plurality of other clamping arms, wherein sufficient freedom of movement can still be ensured by spacing the respective clamping arms apart, in particular for a tangential deflection of the object or a pivoting of the clamping arm.

[0056] In a preferred embodiment, the clamping arm is a substantially rod-shaped component which is preferably radially mounted in the second turntable and at the end of the component facing away from the turntable a retaining element is arranged. By means of the above-mentioned guide mechanism, the clamping arm is preferably influenced by a coupling movement of the coupling element or coupling member, wherein the coupling movement in particular determines the radial displacement and the pivotability of the clamping arm.

[0057] For the purposes of the present invention, the holding element can be regarded as a preferred embodiment of the holding device. The holding element is preferably configured to hold the object in a rigidly connected and / or frictionally connected manner. In this case, the holding element preferably includes a mechanical component, a pneumatic component, an electropneumatic component, a hydraulic component, an electrical component and / or a magnetic component. Therefore, the holding element can, for example, be configured so that it has a clamp that holds the object in a frictionally connected manner. Alternatively, the holding element can have a device that generates negative pressure and therefore holds the object in a frictionally connected manner. In this case, the clamping arm is preferably configured so that itself or in particular the holding element can be adjusted in height position, so that the holding element can accurately pick up and / or place at least one object.

[0058] In a further preferred embodiment, the device is characterized in that the gripper arm is mechanically connected to the coupling element, preferably to the coupling member, so that tangential and radial deflections of the coupling element, preferably the coupling member, relative to the rotational movement of the second turntable can be directly transmitted to the gripper arm. In particular, the direct transmission of the deflection - i.e. without delay - leads to a particularly good synchronization of the movement path of the gripper arm or the object with the at least one mold or its movement path.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment, the mechanical connection of the clamping arm and the coupling element or coupling member in this respect preferably comprises a bolt which is oriented substantially orthogonally to the clamping arm and the coupling member which are preferably aligned horizontally and mounted radially in the second turntable. The bolt serves in particular to transfer forces from the coupling member to the clamping arm so that movements of the coupling member can be accommodated by the clamping arm. The bolt is preferably rigidly connected to the clamping arm and the coupling element (see Figure 5 ).

[0060] In a further preferred embodiment, the device is characterized in that the second turntable comprises a guide cam configured to guide the holding device included in the object holder in a height position. The guide curve is preferably arranged circumferentially on the second turntable so that the holding device (or preferably also the holding element) is forcibly 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.

[0061] In a further preferred embodiment, the holding element comprised in the clamping arm can be guided in height position by a guide cam on the second turntable.

[0062] In a further preferred embodiment, the device is characterized in that the object holder and the coupling element are elastically mounted in the second turntable and can be guided to a radial starting position relative to the rotation of the second turntable via a spring preload, while the object holder and the coupling element can be pivoted tangentially relative to the rotation of the second turntable in the radial starting position, preferably at an angle of up to 2°. Preferably, the object holder and the coupling element are rod-shaped and are correspondingly mounted on one side of the second turntable. Starting from the center of the second turntable, the rod-shaped element can now pivot so that the end of the object holder or the coupling element performs an approximately tangential movement relative to the rotational movement of the second turntable. Pivoting the coupling element by about 2° is particularly advantageous in maintaining a sufficiently effective power transmission from the turntable of the tablet press (first turntable) to the turntable of the device (second turntable) while uniformly engaging.

[0063] In the radial starting position, the object holder and the coupling element are preferably pushed out radially as far as possible and remain guided by the spring preload in this starting position. Since the object holder and the coupling element can be pivoted tangentially in this position, it is advantageously possible to pick up the rotating parts of the tablet press uniformly by first pivoting the coupling element, preferably by 2°, when receiving the parts and then applying force only to the coupling element driving the second turntable.

[0064] Furthermore, the resilient mounting enables in particular a smooth and non-jittery movement of the object holder and the coupling element, which means in particular that the object can be held particularly securely by the holding device or the holding element.

[0065] In a further preferred embodiment, the device is characterized in that the object holder and the coupling element can be transferred to the pick-up position when the coupling element is in active contact with the first turntable,

[0066] - wherein the coupling member and the clamping arm have the greatest possible radial deflection and tangential mobility in the starting position, while the radial deflection and tangential mobility in the clamping position can be continuously reduced to a minimum value within the rotation angle range of the second turntable and then increased again to the radial starting position and the greatest possible tangential mobility.

[0067] The advantage of this embodiment is that, in particular, the coupling element or coupling member can be brought from the starting position to the pick-up position in a simplified manner. Due to the fact that the coupling element or coupling member has a tangential mobility relative to the rotation of the second turntable in the starting position, wherein the tangential mobility preferably involves the end piece of the coupling member, there is a certain amount of play, so that it is not necessary to bring the coupling element or coupling member exactly to the component to be picked up (e.g. the lower punch).

[0068] The gripping arm included in the object holder preferably performs the same radial and tangential movements as the coupling member simultaneously. This particularly simplifies the design of the present device, since on the one hand a simple mechanical guide mechanism enables the gripping arm to perform such a movement, and on the other hand at the same time this exploits the fact that the component to be picked up (preferably the lower punch) already specifies the exact position of the die. As is known, the lower punch is arranged in the turntable of the tablet press in such a way that it is inserted into the die from below in a centered position.

[0069] For the purposes of the present invention, the pick-up position is defined as the position or position sequence of the object holder or coupling element that is taken by both device elements when the coupling member is actively in contact with the first turntable, preferably during the phase in which the coupling member or coupling head contacts the lower punch of the tablet press. The pick-up position can also be referred to as a pick-up phase, because the pick-up position can be continuously changed, wherein the pick-up position preferably occurs frequently over the entire rotation angle range, within which the object passes synchronously through the motion path of the die. During the pick-up position, the coupling element is preferably in contact with the rotating part of the tablet press. The turntable (first turntable) of the tablet press preferably rotates in the opposite direction to the turntable (second turntable) of the device according to the present invention. Once the component (preferably the lower punch) contacts the coupling member or coupling head, the coupling member is dragged, wherein during the dragging period, the component or the lower punch radially presses the coupling member relative to the rotation axis of the second turntable until the coupling member reaches a minimum radial deflection. It should be understood that the object holder or clamping arm performs the same tangential and radial movements. The proposed device preferably has a bearing for the coupling element, which prevents or makes impossible a tangential movement in the minimum radial deflection. After the coupling member has reached the minimum radial deflection, a component of the tablet press, preferably the lower punch, continues to rotate and continues to guide the coupling member. At the same time, a spring, preferably included in the bearing, pushes the coupling element back from the minimum radial deflection toward the starting position, in which the tangential mobility increases again.

[0070] In a further preferred embodiment, the device is characterized in that the difference between the initial radial position and the minimum radial deflection is between about 1 mm and 30 mm, preferably between about 5 mm and 20 mm. Advantageously, it has been found that the described difference is sufficient to reproduce the movement path of the object relative to at least one die of the tablet press. In particular, the value of the radial deflection allows not only a flexible radial variation possibility, but also a stable guidance.

[0071] The radial starting position and the minimum radial deflection preferably refer to the radial position of the object holder or the clamping arm or the object and / or the position of the coupling element or the coupling member or the coupling head. The initial radial position describes the position at which the aforementioned device element has the maximum possible outward displacement starting from the center of the second turntable. On the other hand, the minimum deflection describes the minimum possible radial displacement starting from the center of the turntable. In other words, the end piece of the aforementioned device element has the maximum distance from the center of the turntable in the initial position, while the end piece has the minimum distance in the minimum radial deflection. Preferably, the difference between these two positions can be between about 1 mm and about 30 mm, more preferably between about 5 mm and about 20 mm.

[0072] In a further preferred embodiment, the device is characterized in that the coupling member, the clamping arm and the mechanical connection are mounted in the second turntable via a first spring element and a second spring element, wherein the first spring element preferably represents a radial starting position, and the second spring element defines a tangential mobility via rigidity. Therefore, the first spring element may also be referred to as a radial spring, and the second spring element is preferably a tangential spring. Providing radial and tangential spring elements in particular enables engagement with components of a tablet press with a specific bending accuracy. In addition, the spring allows the coupling member and the clamping arm to return to their starting position due to the applied preload, so that additional engagement can be repeated after each rotation.

[0073] In a preferred embodiment, the first spring element is configured as a spiral spring. Preferably, the spiral spring is engaged in the mechanical connector so that the coupling element and the clamping arm are subject to the same influence of the spring. When the first spring is preferably preloaded, the force acts on the coupling element, the clamping arm and the mechanical connector in the direction of its initial position. It should be understood that the spiral spring guides the coupling element, the clamping arm and the mechanical connector in the initial position. During engagement, the force is applied to the spiral spring in a radial direction via the coupling member so that it is compressed and the coupling member, the clamping arm and the mechanical connector are radially displaced in the direction of the turntable center. Other preferred embodiments are also possible in which pneumatic springs and / or constant pressure systems are used instead of the spiral springs.

[0074] In another preferred embodiment, the second spring element is a bending rod or a bending beam, which is installed in a sleeve element with one degree of freedom on one side, and the sleeve element is attached to the turntable. The bending rod or the bending beam is guided by the sleeve element accordingly. Preferably, the bending rod or the bending beam is attached to the end of the coupling element facing the turntable and can be (partially) pushed out of the sleeve element. In the radial starting position of the coupling element, the bending rod or the bending beam is pushed out of the sleeve element as far as possible, so that once the bending torque acts on the bending rod or the bending beam, the bending rod or the bending beam is bent. During the engagement, the coupling element is subjected to a tangential force by a component of the tablet press (preferably by a lower punch). This force produces a bending torque on the bending rod or the bending beam and causes bending, so that the coupling element can pivot tangentially. In addition, the coupling element is radially pressed into the sleeve element during the picking process (which makes bending more difficult), to the extent that the bending rod is fully inserted into the sleeve element and it is no longer possible to bend. If the bending rod or the bending beam can no longer bend, the tangential movement of the coupling element is also impossible. The tangential mobility is therefore determined by the stiffness of the bending rod or bending beam. The stiffer the bending rod, the lower the tangential mobility in the starting position, or the greater the force that must be applied in order to achieve the desired mobility.

[0075] In a further preferred embodiment, the second spring element is preferably a combination of a bending rod or a bending beam and a sleeve element, wherein the sleeve element is preferably mounted on the bending rod or the bending beam with one degree of freedom. In contrast to the previous embodiment, the bending rod or the bending beam is immovably radially mounted on the turntable of the preferred device, while the sleeve element is preferably fixed to the coupling member. Furthermore, the sleeve element can accommodate the bending rod or the bending beam within itself and can thus be movably guided on the bending rod or the bending beam, so that, as in the previous embodiment, bending of the bending rod or the bending beam becomes more difficult if the sleeve element accommodates the entire bending rod within itself (see Figure 5 ).

[0076] In a further preferred embodiment, the device is characterized in that the rotation angle range of the second turntable is at least about 10°, preferably at least about 20°, within which the movement path of the at least one object can be controlled radially and tangentially via the rotational movement of the at least one object holder relative to the second turntable. The rotation angle range is preferably defined by the intersection of the movement path of the mold and the movement path of the object. If this cannot be controlled tangentially or radially, the object will rotate continuously around the second rotation axis in the starting position. The rotation angle range is sufficient to control the object so that it can be accurately positioned in at least one mold.

[0077] The values ​​and parameters described, as well as all other parameters in this document, are preferably not exact parameters, but rather parameters that are assumed to be "approximately" these values ​​or parameters.

[0078] Terms such as "substantially", "around", "about", "approximately" etc. preferably describe a tolerance range of less than ±40%, preferably less than ±20%, particularly preferably less than ±10%, even more preferably less than ±5%, in particular less than ±1%, and always include the exact value. "Similar" preferably describes "approximately equal" quantities. "Part" preferably describes at least 5%, particularly preferably at least 10%, in particular at least 20%, in some cases at least 40%.

[0079] In another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a system comprising:

[0080] a. a tablet press comprising at least one die arranged on a reference circle in a turret driven in rotation about a first axis of rotation, and

[0081] b. A device of the above type for inserting at least one object into at least one die of a tablet press.

[0082] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the advantages, technical effects and preferred embodiments discussed in the context of the device according to the present invention are similarly applied to the system according to the present invention. Likewise, all advantages, technical effects and preferred embodiments described in the context of the system can be transferred to the device.

[0083] As already described in the context of the device according to the invention, the clamping arms are preferably arranged so that they can not only move up and down, but also move radially and tangentially relative to the rotational movement of the turntable. The upward and downward movements are preferably forcibly controlled by cams. On the other hand, the radial and tangential movements of the clamping arms are also forcibly controlled by mechanical engagement with the die or the lower punch. This ensures that the die and the clamping arms move uninterruptedly and synchronously with each other in a forcibly guided manner during the mechanical engagement. When not engaged with the turntable, the clamping arms are held in a defined position by means of a spring. This can be applied similarly to the process of separating and picking up the object to be inserted. In this way, a longer distance or time span can be obtained, during which a pick-up or insertion can be performed.

[0084] In another preferred embodiment, the system is characterized in that:

[0085] a. The coupling element of the second turntable actively contacts the driven first turntable in order to start and / or ensure the rotational movement of the second turntable;

[0086] b. at least one object holder comprises a holding device, the holding device enables at least one object to be picked up, transported and released;

[0087] c. The motion paths of the objects overlap with the motion paths of the molds, wherein the motion path of at least one object can be controlled radially and tangentially relative to the rotational movement of the second turntable so that the motion path of the at least one object mimics the motion path of at least one mold at least within the rotational angle range of the second turntable, and the object holder is configured to release the at least one object into the mold.

[0088] In a further preferred embodiment, the system is characterized in that the coupling element comprises a rod-shaped coupling member with a fork-shaped coupling head, and the object holder comprises a clamping arm with a holding element,

[0089] wherein the clamping arm and the coupling member are resiliently mounted in the second turntable and can be guided via a spring preload into a radial starting position relative to the rotation of the second turntable, while in the radial starting position the clamping arm and the coupling member are freely movable tangentially relative to the rotation of the second turntable,

[0090] wherein, when the coupling member actively contacts the first turntable, the clamping arm and the coupling member can move to the picking position,

[0091] - wherein the coupling member and the gripping arm have the greatest possible radial deflection and tangential mobility in the starting position, while the radial deflection and tangential mobility in the pick-up position can be continuously reduced to a minimum value within the rotation angle range of the second turntable and then increased again to the radial starting position and the greatest possible tangential mobility.

[0092] In a further preferred embodiment, the invention relates to the use of an apparatus of the type described above or a system according to the type described above for inserting at least one object into at least one die of a tablet press. The use of the preferred apparatus and the preferred system for inserting objects is considered by the person skilled in the art to be a departure from the prior art, in which mainly devices are used that can only produce radial changes in the movement path of the object. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0093] In the following the invention will be explained in more detail with the aid of the drawings, without being limited to these drawings.

[0094] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0095] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the interaction between a preferred apparatus and a preferred tablet press.

[0096] Figure 2 is a three-dimensional view of a preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention.

[0097] Figure 3is a further schematic illustration of the interaction between a preferred device and a tablet press, in particular a representation of the interaction between a preferred coupling element and a preferred shank of a lower punch.

[0098] Figure 4 is a three-dimensional view of a part of a preferred embodiment of the device and preferably a tablet press according to the invention.

[0099] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the device according to the present invention.

[0100] Figure 6 are further cross-sectional views of preferred embodiments of the device according to the invention.

[0101] Figure 7 is a three-dimensional view of a preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention, in particular a representation of picking up an object by a preferred object holder. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0102] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the interaction between a preferred device 1 and a tablet press 2 is shown. In particular, the preferred device 1 is configured to insert at least one object 6 into at least one mold 5 of the tablet press 2. Within the tablet press 2, the mold 5 is preferably arranged on a reference circle in a turntable that is driven rotationally around a first rotation axis 8. On the other hand, the device 1 has a second turntable that can rotate around a second rotation axis 9. The second turntable includes at least one object holder 7 with a holding device, so that at least one object 6 can be picked up, conveyed and released. The object holder 7 with the holding device preferably consists of a clamping arm 13 (shown in other figures) and a holding element 14 (shown in other figures). The clamping arm 13 is preferably radially mounted in the second turntable, wherein the holding element 14 is preferably configured to hold the object in a rigid and / or frictionally connected manner.

[0103] The motion path 3 of at least one object 6 can be radially and tangentially controlled via the rotational movement of at least one object holder 7 relative to the second turntable (the radial and tangential movements of the object are shown by double arrows), so that the motion path 3 of at least one object 6 can imitate the motion path 4 of at least one mold 5 at least within the rotation angle range of the second turntable.

[0104] Figure 2A three-dimensional view of a preferred embodiment of a device 1 according to the invention is shown. In particular, the device 1 has a turntable (second turntable) comprising 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 preferably comprise a clamping arm 13 with a holding element 14. The clamping arm 13 is radially mounted in the turntable of the preferred device 1, wherein the holding element 14 is preferably arranged to hold an object 6 (not in contact) in a rigid and / or frictionally connected manner. Figure 2 ). On the other hand, the coupling element 10 comprises a rod-shaped coupling member 12 having a coupling head 11. The coupling member 12 is also radially mounted on one side of the turntable of the preferred apparatus 1. In this case, the coupling member 12 is aligned so that the coupling head 11 points radially outwards. The coupling head 11 is preferably structurally adapted to a component of the turntable of the tablet press 2 (the first turntable [not shown in FIG. 1 ]). Figure 2 1). This enables the coupling head 11 to engage with a part of the turret of the tablet press 2 so that the rotational movement of the turret of the tablet press 2 can be transmitted to the turret of the device 1. Preferably, the coupling head 12 is in the shape of a fork, which preferably matches the diameter of the shank of the lower punch 15 of the tablet press 2 so that the fork can accommodate the shank of the lower punch 15.

[0105] The active connection between the object holder 7 and the coupling element 10 is configured such that the clamping arm 13 is preferably connected to the coupling element 12 via a guide mechanism. The clamping arm 13 and the coupling element 12 are mechanically connected such that tangential and radial deflections of the rotational movement of the coupling element 12 relative to the turntable of the device 1 can be directly transmitted to the clamping arm 13. The coupling member 12, the clamping arm 13 and the mechanical connection are connected via a first spring element 17 and a second spring element 18 (see in particular Figure 5 ) is also preferably installed in a turntable of the device 1 according to the invention, wherein the first spring element 17 preferably determines the radial starting position and the second spring element 18 determines the tangential mobility via the rigidity.

[0106] Figure 3 A further schematic diagram of the interaction between the preferred apparatus 1 and the preferred tablet press 2 is shown, in particular a schematic diagram of the interaction between the preferred coupling element 10 and the preferred handle of the lower punch 15. Each preferred coupling element 10 comprises a rod-shaped coupling member 12 with a coupling head 11, wherein the coupling member 12 is preferably mounted radially on one side of the turntable of the preferred apparatus 1. The coupling member 12 is oriented so that the coupling head 11 points radially outwards. It will be appreciated that the preferred tablet press 2 has at least one lower punch comprising a handle 15 for producing tablets. The lower punch (or its handle 15) is preferably arranged in the turntable of the tablet press 2 so that it rotates with the turntable and can be inserted into the die 5 (not in the mold 5) in a centered manner from the bottom side. Figure 3The turret of the tablet press 2 (first turret) preferably rotates in the opposite direction to the turret of the device 1 (second turret).

[0107] Preferably, the coupling head 11 is in the shape of a fork, which preferably matches the diameter of the shank of the lower punch 15 of the tablet press 2 so that the fork can accommodate the shank of the lower punch 15. Once the shank of the lower punch 15 is in contact with the coupling head 11, the coupling member 12 is dragged, wherein during the dragging, the shank of the lower punch 15 radially presses the coupling head 11 and the coupling member 12 relative to the rotation axis 9 of the second turret until the coupling member 12 reaches a minimum radial deflection. Figure 2 As described above, the object holder 7 or the clamping arm 13 and the coupling element 10 or the coupling member 12 are connected to each other via a guide mechanism so that the object holder 7 or the clamping arm 13 performs the same radial movement (not shown). Figure 3 ).

[0108] The proposed device 1 also preferably has a bearing for the coupling member 12, which limits or prevents tangential movement with a minimum radial deflection. After the coupling member 12 has reached the minimum value with respect to the radial deflection, the lower punch continues to rotate and continues to guide the coupling head 11 or the coupling member 12 in the tangential direction through its handle 15. In the context of the present invention, this is also referred to as engagement, wherein the rotational movement of the turntable of the tablet press 2 can be transmitted to the turntable of the device 1. The radial and tangential deflections of the coupling element 10 or the coupling member 12 are also preferably regarded as coupling movements. The tangential movement of the coupling element 10 or the coupling member 12 is also preferably transmitted to the object holder 7 or the clamping arm 13 via the above-mentioned guide mechanism.

[0109] Figure 4 A three-dimensional view of a part of a preferred embodiment of an apparatus 1 and a preferred tablet press 2 according to the invention is shown. Preferably, a conventional rotary tablet press can be used as tablet press 2, which is particularly configured to press single-layer or multi-layer tablets. This rotary tablet press can be extended with the preferred apparatus 1 in an advantageously simple manner so that it can press cores or objects into the pellets to be produced. It will be appreciated that at least one die 5 (in Figure 4 The preferred device 1 is arranged on a reference circle in a turret driven in a rotary tablet press to rotate about a first rotation axis 8, while the preferred device 1 comprises a second turret rotating about 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 arranged substantially parallel to the rotation axis of the second turret 9 (i.e. the turret of the preferred device 1). In this respect, the second turret can advantageously be subsequently positioned so that the preferred device 1 is able to place at least one object 6 (not in the Figure 4 ) is inserted into at least one die 5. Thus, the device 1 can preferably be provided as an additional module for a rotary tablet press.

[0110] The turret of the tablet press 2 preferably rotates in the opposite direction to the turret of the device 1. Furthermore, the coupling head 11, each together with the coupling member 12, referred to as the coupling element 10, clamps the shank of the lower punch 15 of the tablet press 2. The rotational movement of the turret of the tablet press 2 is thus preferably transmitted to the turret of the device 1. In addition, the coupling member 12 is preferably mechanically connected to the clamping 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 clamping arm 13 via the guide mechanism (the details of the connection of the coupling member 12 and the clamping arm 13 are described in Figure 5 ).

[0111] Figure 5 1 shows a sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the device 1 according to the invention. In particular, a guide mechanism is shown, which is configured to actively connect the object holder 7 with the coupling element 10. The coupling element 10 can adopt a coupling movement by contacting (the contact process is preferably also referred to as engagement) with the first turntable (the turntable of the tablet press 2) and can move the object 6 (not shown, see FIG. 1 ) in a predetermined spatial direction via the object holder 7 and the guide mechanism, i.e. in the form of a coupling movement. Figure 1 ) of the movement path 3 (not shown, see Figure 1 ) is deflected radially and tangentially relative to the rotational movement of the second turntable (preferably the turntable of the device 1).

[0112] The coupling element 10 preferably consists of a coupling member 12 and a coupling head 11, while the object holder 7 comprises a clamping arm 13 and a holding element 14. The coupling element 10 is preferably mounted on one side of the second turntable, wherein the coupling element 12 is aligned so that the coupling head 11 points radially outwards and is structurally adapted to the components of the first turntable. The clamping arm 13 is provided with a holding element 14 (together regarded as the object holder 7) and is preferably also mounted radially in the second turntable, wherein the holding element 14 is preferably configured to hold the object 6 in a rigidly connected and / or frictionally connected manner. The clamping arm 13 is preferably mechanically connected to the coupling member 12 (guiding mechanism) so that tangential and radial deflections of the rotational movement of the coupling member 12 relative to the second turntable can be directly transmitted to the clamping arm 13.

[0113] In this regard, the mechanical connection of the clamping arm 13 and the coupling member 12 preferably comprises a bolt 16, which is oriented substantially orthogonal to the horizontally aligned clamping arm 13 and the coupling member 12 radially mounted in the second turntable. The bolt 16 is particularly used to transfer forces from the coupling member 12 to the clamping arm 13, so that the movement of the coupling member 12 can be accommodated by the clamping arm 13. The bolt 16 is preferably rigidly connected to the clamping arm 13 and the coupling member 12.

[0114] The coupling member 12, the clamping arm 13 and the mechanical connection, in particular the bolt 16, are preferably also mounted in the second turntable via a first spring element 17 and a second spring element 18. In this case, the first spring element 17 preferably determines the radial starting position, while the second spring element 18 preferably determines the tangential mobility of the coupling member 12 and the clamping arm 13 via a rigidity.

[0115] The first spring element 17 is preferably designed as a helical spring. Preferably, the helical spring engages in the mechanical connection, in particular on the bolt 16, so that the coupling member 12 and the clamping arm 13 are subject to the same influence of the spring. Since the first spring 17 is preferably preloaded, a force acts on the coupling element 12, the clamping arm 13 and the mechanical connection, in particular on the bolt 16, in the direction of its radial starting position.

[0116] It should be understood that the helical spring guides the coupling member 12, the clamping arm 13 and the mechanical connection (particularly the bolt 16) in the initial position. During the joining process, a force is applied to the helical spring via the coupling member 12 in the radial direction, so that it is compressed and the coupling member 12, the clamping arm 13 and the mechanical connection (particularly the bolt 16) are radially displaced in the direction of the center of the turntable.

[0117] Furthermore, the second spring element 18 is preferably a combination of a bending rod or bending beam 19 and a sleeve element 20, wherein the sleeve element 20 is preferably mounted with one degree of freedom on the bending rod or bending beam 19. The bending rod or bending beam 19 is radially mounted on a turntable of the preferred device 1, while the sleeve element 20 is preferably screwed onto the coupling member 12 and accommodates the bending rod or bending beam 19. The sleeve element 20 is guided on the bending rod or bending beam 19 in a correspondingly movable manner.

[0118] Preferably, a sleeve element 20 is attached to the end of the coupling member 12 facing the turntable, and the bending rod or bending beam 19 can be (partially) pushed out of the sleeve element 20. In the radial starting position of the coupling element 12, the bending rod or bending beam 19 is pushed out of the sleeve element 20 as far as possible, so that the bending rod or bending beam 19 is bent as soon as a bending torque acts on the bending rod or bending beam 19. During the engagement, the coupling member 12 is subjected to tangential forces by parts of the tablet press 2 (preferably by the handle of the lower punch 15). This force generates a bending torque on the bending rod or bending beam 19 and causes bending, wherein the coupling member 12 can pivot tangentially. In addition, during the clamping process of the coupling element 12, the bending rod or bending beam 19 is radially pressed into the sleeve element 20 (which makes bending more difficult) until the bending rod 19 is completely inserted into the sleeve element 20 and bending is no longer possible. If the bending rod or bending beam 19 can no longer bend, the tangential movement of the coupling element 12 is also impossible. The tangential mobility is therefore determined by the stiffness of the curved rod or curved beam 19. The stiffer the curved rod 19, the lower the tangential mobility of the coupling element 12 in the starting position, or the greater the force that must be applied in order to achieve the desired mobility.

[0119] Preferably, the holding element 14 is regarded as an embodiment of a holding device. 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 within approximately half a rotation of the second turntable and to release it into the mold 5 in the area where the movement path 3 of the object 6 intersects the movement path 4 of the mold 5 (see also Figure 1 ). Preferably, even at a high rotation speed of the second turntable, the holding element 14 can be enabled / controlled quickly enough to be able to pick up the object 6 in a fixed position. Therefore, the holding element 14 can be configured, for example, so that it has a clamp that holds the object 6 in a frictional connection. Alternatively, the holding element 14 may have a device that generates negative pressure and holds the object 6 in a frictional connection. In this case, the clamping arm 13 is preferably configured so that it itself or in particular the holding element 14 can be adjusted in height position, so that the holding element 14 can accurately pick up and / or place the object 6. For example, the second turntable has a guide cam 21. The holding element 14 is preferably connected to the guide cam 21 via a transmission element 22, wherein the transmission element 22 guides or forcibly controls the holding element 14 to the height position. The guide cams 21 are preferably arranged circumferentially on the second turntable so that the holding element 14 is forcibly controlled or guided along these guide cams 21. Such guide cams 21 are also known, for example, for guiding upper punches and lower punches in rotary tablet presses.

[0120] Figure 6A further sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the device 1 according to the invention is shown. In particular, the engagement of the coupling element 10 of the turret of the device 1 is shown by the shank of the lower punch 15 of the turret of the tablet press 2. The coupling element 10 preferably comprises a rod-shaped coupling member 12 having a coupling head 11. Preferably, the coupling head 12 presents the shape of a fork, which preferably matches the diameter of the shank of the lower punch 15 of the tablet press 2 so that the fork can accommodate the shank of the lower punch 15.

[0121] Furthermore, the clamping arm 13 is preferably connected to the coupling member 12 via a guide mechanism. The clamping arm 13 and the coupling member 12 are preferably mechanically connected so that tangential and radial deflections of the coupling member 12 relative to the rotational movement of the turntable of the device 1 can be directly transferred to the clamping arm 13. The coupling member 12, the clamping arm 13 and the mechanical connection are mounted in the second turntable via a first spring element 17 and a second spring element 18 (not shown), wherein the first spring element 17 preferably determines the radial starting position of the coupling member 12 and the clamping arm 13. In addition, the turntable of the device 1 preferably has a guide cam 21, which guides the holding element 14 attached to the clamping arm 13 in the height position. The holding element 14 is actively connected to the guide cam 21 via a transmission element 22, wherein the transmission element 22 guides or forcibly controls the holding element 14 to the height position. The guide cam 21 is preferably arranged circumferentially on the second turntable.

[0122] Figure 7 A three-dimensional view of a preferred embodiment of the device 1 according to the invention is shown, in particular a representation of picking up an object 6 by a 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.

[0123] For the purposes of the present invention, the object holder 7 is preferably radially mounted in a turntable of the preferred apparatus 1 and is able to pick up an object 6 from an object reservoir. Subsequently, the object holder 7 can transport the object 6 within essentially a half-turn of a second turntable and finally preferably deliver the object 6 into the die 5 of the tablet press 2. The object holder 7 and the die 5 and the two turntables of the preferred apparatus 1 and tablet press 2 are coordinated in such a way that the object 6 can be introduced into a precise position in the die 5 (in particular via radial and tangential controllability of the object 6 or the object holder 7).

[0124] The object reservoir is preferably configured as a feeder, in particular a conveyor belt. With respect to the second turntable, the object reservoir is preferably present approximately on the opposite side of the position where the objects 6 are introduced into the at least one mold 5, so that the object holder 7 holds or conveys the objects 6 within a rotation range of approximately 180° of the second turntable. The object holder 7 is preferably configured to pick up the objects 6 individually and provide them to the mold 5.

[0125] The coupling element 10 preferably has no function for picking up the object 6. However, there may be an alternative in which the coupling element 10 also picks up a component from a feed unit such as a transfer wheel to pick up the object 6. Furthermore, as described in the above description, the object holder 7 preferably comprises a clamping arm 13 having a holding element 14, wherein the holding element 14 is guided in height via a transmission element 22 and a guide cam 21.

[0126] Reference numerals list 1Preferred equipment 2Tablet Press 3The motion path of at least one object 4 Movement path of at least one mold 5. Mould 6 Objects 7 Object Holder 8 The rotation axis of the first rotary drive turntable 9 Rotation axis of the rotatable second turntable 10 Coupling element 11 Coupling head 12 Coupling components 13 Clamping arm 14. Retaining element 15. Shank of lower punch 16 Bolts 17 First spring element 18 Second spring element 19 Bent rod or bent beam 20 Sleeve element 21 Control cam for guiding the height position 22 Transmission element for guiding the height position

Claims

1. A device (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 arranged on a reference circle in a turntable which is driven to rotate about a first axis of rotation (8); The device (1) comprises a second turntable rotatable about a second rotation axis (9); wherein the second turntable comprises at least one object holder (7), wherein the at least one object holder (7) comprises a holding device, the holding device enabling the at least one object (6) to be picked up, conveyed and released; It is characterized in that The movement path (3) of the at least one object (6) can be controlled radially and tangentially via the rotational movement of the at least one object holder (7) relative to the second turntable, so that the movement path (3) of the at least one object (6) can imitate the movement path (4) of the at least one mold (5) at least within the rotation angle range of the second turntable.

2. The device (1) according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The second turntable comprises a coupling element (10), wherein the coupling element (10) is configured as follows: Initiating and / or ensuring the rotational movement of the second turntable via active contact with the driven first turntable; The movement path (3) of the at least one object (6) is mechanically forced to be controlled at least within the rotation angle range of the second turntable by means of the at least one object holder (7).

3. The device (1) according to claim 2, It is characterized in that The at least one object holder (7) is actively connected to the coupling element (10) via a guiding mechanism, wherein the coupling element (10) is capable of performing a coupled movement by active contact with the first turntable, and the movement path (3) of the at least one object (6) can be deflected radially and tangentially in a predetermined spatial direction, i.e. in the form of a coupled movement, relative to the rotational movement of the second turntable via the at least one object holder (7) and the guiding mechanism.

4. The device (1) according to one or both of the preceding claims 2 and 3, It is characterized in that The coupling element (10) comprises a rod-shaped coupling member (12) having a coupling head (11), wherein the coupling member (12) is mounted on one side of the second turntable, wherein the coupling member (12) is aligned so that the coupling head (11) points radially outward and is structurally adapted to a component of the first turntable, wherein the coupling head (11) can engage with the component of the first turntable so that the rotational movement of the first turntable can be transmitted.

5. The device (1) according to claim 4, It is characterized in that The coupling head (11) comprises a fork, which is preferably matched to the diameter of the shank of the lower punch (15) of the first turret, so that the fork can accommodate the shank of the lower punch (15).

6. Device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The object holder (7) comprises a clamping arm (13) with a holding element (14), which is radially mounted in the second turntable, wherein the holding element (14) is preferably configured to hold the object in a rigid and / or frictionally connected manner.

7. Device (1) according to one or more of claims 2 to 6, It is characterized in that The clamping arm (13) is mechanically connected to the coupling element (10), preferably to the coupling member (12), so that tangential and radial deflections of the rotational movement of the coupling element (10), preferably the coupling member (12) relative to the second turntable can be directly transmitted to the clamping arm (13).

8. Device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The second turntable comprises a guide cam (21) configured to guide a holding device included in the object holder (7) at a height position.

9. Device (1) according to one or more of claims 2 to 8, It is characterized in that The object holder (7) and the coupling element (10) are elastically mounted in the second turntable and can be guided via a spring preload into a radial starting position relative to the rotation of the second turntable, while the object holder (7) and the coupling element (10) can be pivoted tangentially relative to the rotation of the second turntable in the radial starting position, preferably by an angle of up to 2°.

10. The device (1) according to claim 9, It is characterized in that When the coupling element (12) is in active contact with the first turntable, the object holder (7) and the coupling element (10) can be transferred to a pick-up position, wherein the coupling member (12) and the clamping arm (13) have the maximum possible radial deflection and tangential mobility in the starting position, and the radial deflection and tangential mobility in the pick-up position can be continuously reduced to a minimum value within the rotation angle range of the second turntable and then increased again to the radial starting position and the maximum possible tangential mobility, The difference between the initial radial position and the minimum radial deflection is preferably between 1 mm and 30 mm, preferably between 5 mm and 20 mm.

11. Device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The coupling member (12), the clamping arm (13) and the mechanical connection are mounted in the second turntable via a first spring element (17) and a second spring element (18), wherein preferably, The first spring element (17) determines the radial starting position, while the second spring element determines the tangential mobility via the stiffness.

12. Device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The second turntable has a rotation angle range of at least 10°, preferably at least 20°, within which the movement path (3) of the at least one object (6) can be controlled radially and tangentially via the rotational movement of the at least one object holder (7) relative to the second turntable.

13. A system comprising: a. a tablet press (2) comprising at least one die (5), the at least one die (5) being arranged on a reference circle in a turret driven in rotation about a first axis of rotation, and b. Device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, for inserting at least one object (6) into the at least one mould (5) of the tablet press (2).

14. The system according to claim 13, It is characterized in that a. the coupling element (10) of the second turntable actively contacts the driven first turntable in order to start and / or ensure the rotational movement of the second turntable; b. The at least one object holder (7) comprises a holding device, which enables 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 mold (5), wherein the movement path (3) of the at least one object (6) can be controlled radially and tangentially relative to the rotational movement of the second turntable, so that the movement path (3) of the at least one object (6) imitates the movement path (4) of the at least one mold (5) at least within the rotation angle range of the second turntable, and the object holder (7) is configured to release the at least one object (6) into the mold (5).

15. Use of a device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims 1 to 12 or a system according to one or more of the preceding claims 13 or 14 for inserting at least one object (6) into at least one mold (5) of a tablet press (2).

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