Rotary tablet press comprising loading device and support assembly

Abstract

A rotary tablet press includes a charging device and a support assembly. The rotary tablet press (1) comprises a housing (2), a turntable (10) positioned in a compression section in an operating position, at least one charging device (12) associated with the turntable (10). A support assembly (160) is provided to support a feeder (15) of a charging device (12) of the rotary tablet press (1), the support assembly being configured such that the line of sight to the second portion and through the gap is substantially unobstructed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a rotary tablet press comprising a turret comprising a die disc, an upper punch guide, a lower punch guide and a plurality of punches, wherein the rotary tablet press comprises at least one charging device having a feeder positioned between the die disc and the upper punch guide. Background Art

[0002] In such rotary tablet presses, at least one charging device typically delivers input material to be processed by the rotary table of the tablet press. The input material may be in the form of a powder or granules. Usually, the at least one charging device typically must be located at a specific predetermined position relative to the die disc so that the charging device can deliver the input material to the die disc. The at least one charging device may be arranged at the predetermined position by an operator visually checking the distance between the die disc and the side of the at least one charging device or by measuring the distance.

[0003] Due to different operating conditions of a rotary tablet press, for example the temperature of parts of the rotary tablet press and the turret and / or wear of certain parts, the die plate and the at least one charging device may conventionally move relative to each other. As a result, the at least one charging device may move away from a specific predetermined position relative to the die plate. This in turn leads to material losses.

[0004] The existing solution to this problem is to arrange the feeder from below on a support structure when viewed in the vertical direction (i.e. the axial direction of the turret) in the operating state of the rotary tablet press. The support structure can then be moved in the vertical direction to adjust the vertical position of the feeder relative to the die plate.

[0005] However, such known and existing solutions are typically large and bulky, taking up space around the feeder. This again makes adjustment of the position of the charging device relative to the mold plate difficult and cumbersome due to poor accessibility and / or visibility.

[0006] Document US 2004 / 207107 A1 discloses an example of a rotary tablet press in which the feeder is supported by a relatively complex support structure which also takes up space below the feeder.

[0007] It is therefore desirable to provide a rotary tablet press which allows the position of the charging device relative to the die plate to be adjusted in an easy and improved manner.

[0008] Furthermore, there is a general desire to improve the cleanability and facilitate cleaning of the parts of rotary tablet presses. Summary of the invention

[0009] It is an object of the present invention to provide a rotary tablet press which overcomes at least some of the above-mentioned disadvantages.

[0010] This object and other objects are achieved by a rotary tablet press according to the present invention, the rotary tablet press comprising:

[0011] a turret including a die plate, an upper punch guide, a lower punch guide, and a plurality of punches; and

[0012] at least one charging device associated with the turntable, said charging device comprising a feeder positioned between the die disc and the upper punch guide and comprising a bottom side facing the top side of the die disc,

[0013] The turntable defines an axial direction, a radial direction and a tangential direction.

[0014] The rotary tablet press comprises a support assembly for providing support to the charging device.

[0015] And it is further characterized in that

[0016] The bottom side of the feeder includes a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion overlaps with the top side of the mold tray, and the support assembly includes at least one support post, the at least one support post being configured to set a predetermined gap between the bottom side of the feeder and the top side of the mold tray along the axial direction in the overlapping first portion, and the at least one support post being configured to allow a substantially unobstructed view to the second portion and through the gap.

[0017] By providing a support assembly comprising at least one support configured to set a predetermined gap between the first part and the mould disc, the distance can be easily adjusted. Furthermore, since the line of sight through the gap is substantially unobstructed, the gap can be visually checked or instrumentally checked by a ruler or gauge, further allowing easy and accurate adjustment. In particular, where the adjustment means for adjusting the gap by means of the support is arranged outside the turntable housing, in such a case the adjustment can be performed without removing the housing.

[0018] By configuring the at least one support to provide an unobstructed view of the second portion, the second portion may include a removable cover that may allow access to the interior of the feeder for improved cleaning of the feeder. Additionally, by providing an unobstructed view of the second portion, more space is available for the user to hold and / or manipulate the instrument, thereby also providing instrument inspection of the gap.

[0019] Substantially unimpeded sight of the second portion and through the gap may be understood herein as the user being able to view substantially all or a major portion of the second portion (e.g., a surface of the second portion). Substantially unimpeded sight through the gap may be understood herein as the user being able to view substantially the entire gap or a major portion of the gap, for example, when looking at the gap in a radial direction within at least a selected range of angles. The term "unimpeded" should be understood in its ordinary sense, i.e., there are substantially no obstacles or obstructions to the sight of the second portion and through the gap that may block the user's sight.

[0020] The first portion overlapping the top side of the mold disk may be understood here as the first portion overlapping the top side of the mold disk when viewed in the axial direction. Alternatively or additionally, the first portion may overlap the top side of the mold disk in the radial direction and / or in the tangential direction, for example such that one or more points of the first portion and one or more points of the mold disk may have the same radial coordinates. The first portion may overlap a portion or some of the top side of the mold disk. The gap may extend in the axial direction and / or have a predetermined height.

[0021] Throughout this specification, it should be understood that a pillar may refer to any support structure that is suitable for and / or configured to support a feeder. In particular, the terms "pillar" and "support structure" may be used interchangeably throughout this document. Such a pillar or support structure may be elongated or generally cylindrical or columnar, or may have different shapes, such as generally cylindrical, cylindrical, generally cuboid, cuboid, generally pyramidal, pyramidal, generally conical, conical or any combination thereof. A pillar or support structure may be configured to provide support in any direction, such as a vertical direction, a horizontal direction or a direction angled relative to a vertical and / or horizontal direction.

[0022] Furthermore, it should be understood that when the term "radial direction" is used throughout this application, it may refer to any radial direction. In particular, throughout this document, any direction having a direction vector parallel to the radial unit vector may be denoted as a radial direction. A radial direction may alternatively or additionally be any direction having a direction vector perpendicular to the axial direction, or any direction in a plane that is perpendicular to the direction vector of the axial direction and / or orthogonal to the axial direction.

[0023] A radial direction may alternatively or additionally be a substantially horizontal plane or any direction in a horizontal plane.

[0024] In some embodiments, the second portion includes a bottom surface, and the at least one support can be configured so that the line of sight to the bottom surface of the second portion is substantially unobstructed. The bottom surface of the second portion can be substantially parallel to the surface of the first portion and / or the top surface of the top side of the mold disc. Alternatively or additionally, the bottom surface of the second portion can extend in a plane that is substantially orthogonal to the axial direction and / or a plane in which a unit vector in the axial direction is a normal vector.

[0025] The at least one support may be in physical contact, such as joined, physically connected and / or integrally formed with a portion of the second portion or a portion of the bottom surface of the bottom side of the feeder or a portion of the top or side of the feeder. The portion of the second portion or bottom surface may be less than 25%, preferably less than 20%, preferably less than 15%, preferably less than 10%, such as less than 5%, of the second portion or bottom surface, respectively.

[0026] Under operating conditions of the rotary tablet press, the axial direction may be a substantially vertical direction. The unobstructed view of the second portion may be an unobstructed view from the underside in a vertical direction. Alternatively or additionally, the unobstructed view of the gap may be in a radial direction and / or in a substantially horizontal direction perpendicular to the axial direction.

[0027] Throughout this disclosure, it should be understood that any feature described with respect to the bottom side of the feeder may also apply to the top side of the feeder.

[0028] The at least one support is configured to set a predetermined gap in the axial direction between the bottom side of the feeder and the top side of the mold tray in the first portion of the overlap. It can be understood that the support can be configured to allow adjustment of the gap in the axial direction between the bottom side of the feeder and the top side of the mold tray in the overlapping portion. In particular, the at least one support can be configured to physically move the feeder, potentially by moving the feeding device.

[0029] The support assembly may include any number of adjustment devices operably connected to the at least one strut to set the predetermined gap.

[0030] The rotary tablet press may comprise at least one turret, such as one or more turrets.

[0031] In some embodiments, the at least one support is configured to be arranged so that an air gap in the axial direction between the surface of the second part and another part of the rotary tablet press, such as the bottom surface of the rotary tablet press or the bottom wall of the housing, extends over at least 50% of the surface of the second part, such as at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90% or at least 95% of the surface of the second part.

[0032] The surface of the second part may be the surface of the second part facing another part of the rotary tablet press. Alternatively, the surface may be the entire surface of the second part.

[0033] Alternatively or additionally, the struts may be arranged such that, potentially when viewed in the axial direction, there is an air gap over at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90% or at least 95% of the surface of the second portion.

[0034] In some embodiments, the feeder is supported in the axial direction and / or radial direction by one or more struts.

[0035] In some embodiments, at least one of the at least one pillar extends between the bottom surface of the rotary tablet press and the bottom side of the feeder, preferably one, two or three pillars.

[0036] A stable support for the feeder may thus be provided by the at least one support.

[0037] At least one of the at least one support may be connected (e.g. rigidly or adjustably connected) to the bottom surface and connected (e.g. rigidly or adjustably connected) to the bottom side of the feeder. Alternatively or additionally, at least one of the at least one support is rigidly fixed to the bottom surface and / or mounted on the bottom surface.

[0038] The adjustable connection may include one or more of rollers, bearings, etc., allowing movement in one or more of the axial direction, the radial direction, and the tangential direction.

[0039] At least one of the at least one pillar may include an adjustment device for allowing a portion of at least one of the at least one pillar to be adjusted in at least an axial direction to adjust the position of the feeder. The adjustment device may be provided by a thread, for example, provided in the pillar, in a part rigidly connected to the pillar, and / or in a nut including one or more turns and a corresponding threaded connector (such as a screw, bolt, etc.). In this example, the position of the feeder can be adjusted in the corresponding direction by rotating the threaded connector. Alternatively or additionally, at least one of the at least one pillar may include a locking device configured to lock the position of the feeder.

[0040] In some embodiments, at least one of the at least one pillar extends between the bottom surface of the rotary tablet press and the second portion of the bottom side of the feeder, preferably one, two or three pillars.

[0041] Alternatively or additionally, at least one of the at least one pillar may extend between the bottom surface of the rotary tablet press and the first portion of the bottom side of the feeder, preferably one, two or three pillars.At least one of the at least one pillar may be substantially L-shaped.

[0042] In some embodiments, at least one of the at least one strut extends between a top surface of the rotary tablet press or a housing thereof and a top side of the feeder.

[0043] Thus, a stable support for the feeder may be provided by the at least one support. By having at least one of the at least one support extend between the top surface of the rotary tablet press or its housing and the top side of the feeder, the support of the feeder may be assisted by at least one of the at least one support without interfacing with the bottom side, thereby reducing the number of supports or structures that potentially obstruct the view to the second part of the bottom side.

[0044] The top surface may be a surface positioned above the die disc, such as above the upper punch guide. Under operating conditions of the rotary tablet press, the top surface may be positioned vertically above the die disc and / or the upper punch guide.

[0045] The top side of the feeder may be the side opposite to the bottom side of the feeder. Under operating conditions of the rotary tablet press, the top side of the feeder may be arranged above the bottom side in a vertical direction.

[0046] At least one of the at least one support may be connected (e.g. rigidly or adjustably connected) to the top surface and connected (e.g. rigidly or adjustably connected) to the top side of the feeder. Alternatively or additionally, at least one of the at least one support is rigidly fixed to the top surface and / or mounted on the top surface.

[0047] In some embodiments, the feeder is suspended from the at least one support, preferably only from the at least one support, to allow adjustment of the bottom side of the feeder relative to the top side of the mould tray.

[0048] Therefore, the number of components located at or around the second portion of the bottom side can be reduced, potentially making it possible to eliminate components arranged at or around the second portion of the bottom side that support the component. In addition, any adjustment means for adjusting the position of the feeder in the axial direction can be arranged on the top side and / or above the feeder, thereby allowing the position of the feeder to be easily adjusted.

[0049] Feeder suspension is understood in this context to mean that, under operating conditions of the rotary tablet press, the feeder is suspended and / or hung from above in the vertical direction.

[0050] Any adjustment means may comprise one or more of a thread and a threaded arrangement such as a screw, a bolt etc. The adjustment means may be arranged such that adjustment by the adjustment means may be configured to physically move the feeder.

[0051] In some embodiments, at least one of the at least one strut extends between a side surface of the rotary tablet press or a housing thereof and the feeder.

[0052] Thus, further support may be provided to the feeder.

[0053] The side surface may be arranged between the bottom surface and the top surface of the rotary tablet press and / or extend between the bottom surface and the top surface. The side surface may be substantially orthogonal to at least a portion of the top surface and / or at least a portion of the bottom surface. In some embodiments, the side surface may be a first side surface that faces away from the axis of rotation of the die disc, the lower punch guide, and / or the upper punch guide under the operating conditions of the rotary tablet press.

[0054] At least one of the at least one support may be connected (e.g. rigidly or adjustably connected) to the side surface and connected (e.g. rigidly or adjustably connected) to the top side of the feeder. Alternatively or additionally, at least one of the at least one support is rigidly fixed to the top surface and / or mounted on the top surface.

[0055] At least one of the at least one strut may be configured to allow adjustment of the feeder in radial and / or tangential direction.

[0056] In some embodiments, the rotary tablet press includes a housing that, in its operative position, encloses the turret in a compression section of the rotary tablet press.

[0057] The housing may enclose a volume in which the lower punch guide, the die disc and the upper punch guide are arranged.

[0058] The housing may provide an enclosed volume within the housing.

[0059] The term "enclosed volume" is to be understood herein as a volume that meets certain requirements for closure, i.e. the volume of the housing is at least dust-proof. Accordingly, the enclosed volume may be a volume that is configured to prevent a large amount (e.g. a detectable amount and / or an amount exceeding a certain threshold) of the input components processed by the turntable of the rotary tablet press from being discharged from the enclosed volume into the surrounding environment (e.g. into the room in which the enclosed volume is arranged or into the housing surrounding at least a part of the turntable). The "enclosed volume" may be understood herein as a volume that has a dust holding capacity of at most 10 μg per cubic meter. Accordingly, the enclosed volume may be a volume that is configured to have a dust holding capacity of at most 10 μg per cubic meter when installed.

[0060] In some embodiments, the housing is suspended from a suspension device that is positioned above the upper punch guide.

[0061] The suspension means may be arranged to suspend the housing such that rotation of the die plate, the lower punch guide and the upper punch guide does not cause rotation of the upper punch guide.

[0062] In some embodiments, the at least one support column is suspended from the housing.

[0063] Thus, the housing and the at least one support can have the same reference point relative to the rotating die disc, the lower punch guide and the upper punch guide, i.e. via the suspension device, thereby allowing a more accurate adjustment. Furthermore, this can allow adjustments to be made during operation of the rotary tablet press and / or without destroying the enclosure, e.g. in the case where the housing provides an enclosed volume within the housing.

[0064] In some embodiments, adjustment of the housing may result in adjustment of the feeder via at least one strut.

[0065] At least one of the at least one struts may be configured to extend between a top surface of the housing (such as an inner side of the top surface) and a top surface of the feeder. Potential adjustment means for adjusting at least one of the at least one struts may be disposed on an outer side of the housing. The inner side may be a side facing the volume enclosed by the housing. The outer side may be a side facing the exterior of the housing.

[0066] In some embodiments, the bottom surface and the side surfaces are disposed on the housing.

[0067] In some embodiments, the bottom side of the feeder is substantially planar.

[0068] In some embodiments, the second portion of the bottom side is freely suspended such that a view to the second portion and through the gap is unobstructed.

[0069] The second part may be freely suspended by at least one strut extending only between a top side of the feeder and a top surface of the rotary tablet press, such as a top surface of its housing, and / or between a side surface of the feeder and a side surface of the rotary tablet press, such as a side surface of its housing.

[0070] In some embodiments, the at least one pillar extends from the bottom surface of the rotary tablet press or the housing thereof to the feeder, and wherein the geometric extension of the at least one pillar when projected onto the second portion of the bottom surface is lower than 10%, preferably lower than 5% of the second portion of the bottom surface; and is located on the projected area when projected onto a vertical plane parallel to the axial direction.

[0071] Thus, any strut extending between the bottom side (such as the second portion thereof) and the bottom surface may be arranged such that it does not obstruct the view to the second portion and preferably to the gap.

[0072] The maximum cross-section of the at least one pillar in a plane perpendicular to the axial direction (i.e., a plane to which the unit vector extending in the axial direction is the normal vector) may be lower than 20% of the surface area of ​​the surface of the second part, preferably lower than 15% of the surface area of ​​the surface of the second part, preferably lower than 10% of the surface area of ​​the surface of the second part, and preferably lower than 5% of the surface area of ​​the surface of the second part.

[0073] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the second portion is openable, preferably by a hinged connection.

[0074] Thus, improved cleaning may be provided, since the interior of the feeder may be accessed by opening the second part. For example, this allows suction to be applied to the feeder via the openable second part, such as a vacuum cleaner. Alternatively or additionally, this allows a cleaning fluid or liquid (such as sprayed in water) to be applied to the interior of the feeder and discharged through the openable second part.

[0075] The at least one openable portion of the second portion may be substantially the entire second portion, and / or greater than 30% of the second portion or the surface of the second portion, such as greater than 40% of the second portion or the surface of the second portion, greater than 50% of the second portion or the surface of the second portion, greater than 60% of the second portion or the surface of the second portion, greater than 70% of the second portion or the surface of the second portion, such as greater than 80% of the second portion or the surface of the second portion. Alternatively, the openable portion of the second portion may be a discharge portion of the second portion, potentially less than 30% of the second portion.

[0076] The second part may be openable from below when viewed in a vertical direction.

[0077] Part of the second part can be opened by one or more hinges, which are potentially at least partially arranged on the non-openable part of the second part. Alternatively, the second part can be opened by one or more of magnets, screws, bolts, etc.

[0078] In some embodiments, the at least one support comprises a clamping device for locking the charging device in a predetermined position.

[0079] Thus, for example, a predetermined position of the charging device or feeder can be maintained during operation.

[0080] In case a housing is provided, the clamping device can be arranged on the outer side of the housing.

[0081] In some embodiments, at least one strut of the support assembly comprises one or more adjustment devices configured to allow adjustment of the position of the charging device in an axial direction, a radial direction and a tangential direction.

[0082] Thus, six degrees of freedom of movement can be provided for the feeder, thereby allowing the positioning accuracy of the feeder at a predetermined position to be further improved.

[0083] One or more adjustment devices may be arranged on respective ones of the at least one support, potentially such that each one of the at least one support comprises a respective adjustment device.

[0084] The adjustment means may be provided by means of a thread and a bolt or screw or the like of each of the at least one strut.

[0085] The currently preferred embodiments and other advantages will become clear from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings.It will be understood by those skilled in the art that any one or more of the above aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure may be combined with any one or more of the other aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0086] In the following description, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0087] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the rotary tablet press in the first embodiment of the present invention when viewed from the front side of the rotary tablet press;

[0088] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A view of an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the openable portion of the bottom side of the feeder is shown in an open position;

[0089] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a rotary tablet press in a second embodiment of the present invention when viewed from the front side of the rotary tablet press;

[0090] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A view of an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the openable portion of the bottom side of the feeder is shown in an open position;

[0091] Figure 5 is a perspective view of details of a rotary tablet press in a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0092] Figure 6 Shown from different angles Figure 5 A view of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0093] Figure 7 yes Figure 5A front view of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0094] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of details of a rotary tablet press in a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

[0095] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of details of a rotary tablet press in a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

[0096] Fig.10 Shown from different angles Fig. 9 Detailed view of

[0097] Fig.11 yes Fig. 9 A view of an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the openable portion of the bottom side of the feeder is shown in an open position;

[0098] Fig.12 yes Fig. 9 A front view of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0099] Fig.13 is a sixth embodiment of the present invention corresponding to Fig.11 's view;

[0100] Fig.14 is a perspective view of details of a rotary tablet press in a seventh embodiment of the present invention;

[0101] Fig.15 is a perspective view of details of a rotary tablet press in an eighth embodiment of the present invention; and

[0102] Fig.16 is the eighth embodiment of the present invention corresponding to Fig.15 of the view. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0103] The present invention will now be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the present invention are shown. However, the present invention may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; on the contrary, these embodiments are provided for thoroughness and completeness.

[0104] Figure 1 and Figure 2A rotary tablet press 1, generally indicated by 1, is shown as seen from the front side of the rotary tablet press in a first embodiment of the invention. The rotary tablet press 1 has a housing 2, which comprises a frame 3 and an outer lining 4. The housing 2 consists of three sections, which are positioned one above the other and separated by partition walls. The lower section, indicated as the drive section 5, is separated from the central section, indicated as the compression section 6, by a bottom frame 7 of the rotary tablet press 1, and the compression section 6 is separated from the upper section, indicated as the attachment section 8, by a top frame 9 of the rotary tablet press 1. The wall elements 2a, 2b are openable, as shown in the illustrated position; during operation, the wall elements 2a, 2b close the compression section 6. Other parts, not shown, may also be present, including a cover for preventing excessive contamination of mechanical parts in the compression section 6.

[0105] The housing 2 houses a turntable 10 in a manner known per se. During operation of the tablet press, the turntable 10 is positioned in an operating position of the compression section 6 of the housing 2, but can be removed from the compression section 6 to allow cleaning, replacement of parts, etc. The turntable 10 comprises a plurality of rotating parts, of which only a die disc 40 is shown. The die disc 40 is generally plate-shaped, has a die disc surface, and has a plurality of holes, which typically accommodate a corresponding number of dies suitable for forming tablets into the desired shape and size. Other parts include upper and lower punch guides with guide holes, which are reciprocally accommodated in the guide holes so that the first end of each punch can enter the corresponding die or hole itself (if no die is present) by displacement of the associated punch in its guide hole, so as to compress the material in the die or hole.

[0106] A charging device 12 is associated with the turntable 10. More than one charging device 12 may be provided. The charging device 12 comprises a feeder 15, which is positioned between the die disc 40 and the upper punch guide 20. The feeder 15 is connected to a powder feed pipe 13 and a powder distribution device (also indicated as a charging shoe 14). The feeder 15 comprises a bottom side facing the top side 42 of the die disc 40, see Figure 8 .

[0107] The turntable 10 defines an axial direction z, a radial direction r, and a tangential direction θ.

[0108] Figure 1 Other details indicated in FIG. 1 include a tablet slot 11 that protrudes from the turntable 10 at an angle for guiding the compressed material in tablet form out of the die hole. The tablet slot 11 is one of a plurality of auxiliary components associated with the turntable 10 .

[0109] Other details not shown may include: a scraper adapted to scrape off excess powder to ensure that only the desired amount of powder is present in the die disc; ejector fingers; recovery fingers; and other cams. Other elements may be present in the rotary tablet press 1, and means for controlling the tablet press according to the desired settings may also be provided.

[0110] The rotary tablet press includes a support assembly 160 for providing support to the charging device 12 .

[0111] Again briefly refer to Figure 8 To indicate relevant details of the feeder 15 and the mould tray 40 , the bottom side of the feeder 15 comprises a first portion 15 . 1 and a second portion 15 . 2 which is defined such that the first portion 15 . 1 is the portion overlapping the top side 42 of the mould tray 40 .

[0112] As will be described in further detail below for each of the six illustrated embodiments of the rotary tablet press 1, the support assembly comprises at least one strut configured to set a predetermined gap in the overlapping first portion 15.1 in the axial direction z between the bottom side of the feeder 15 and the top side 42 of the die disc 40. The at least one strut is configured such that a view to the second portion 15.2 and through the gap is substantially unobstructed.

[0113] Throughout the embodiments, the feeder 15 and the die tray 40 are shown as having a consistent configuration; however, variations are contemplated.

[0114] In the first embodiment, the support assembly 160 includes five pillars 161, 162, 163, 164, 165 extending between the top surface of the rotary tablet press and the top side of the feeder. This is achieved by connecting two pillars 161, 162, which make up the lower group of pillars, to the top side of the feeder 15 at one end and to the plate 169 at the opposite end. Correspondingly, the three pillars 163, 164 and 165, which make up the upper group of pillars, are connected to the plate 169 at one end and are connected to the top surface of the rotary tablet press 1, as shown in the top frame 9.

[0115] As schematically indicated, adjustment means 167 are provided on the upper set of struts to adjust the position of the feeder. In the overall embodiment, at least one strut of the support assembly may include one or more adjustment devices configured to allow adjustment of the position of the charging device 12 in the axial direction z, the radial direction r and the tangential direction θ.

[0116] Thus, in a first embodiment, the feeder 15 is suspended by struts. However, it is conceivable that support may also be provided from below, but here the feeder 15 is only suspended by at least one strut to allow adjustment of the bottom side of the feeder 15 relative to the top side of the mould plate.

[0117] Figure 2 A feature of the first embodiment is shown, namely that in the embodiment shown a portion 15.3 of the second part 15.2 can be opened by means of an articulated connection 15.4.

[0118] The bottom side of the feeder is substantially planar, ie all areas of the first portion 15.1 and the second portion 15.2 lie in a continuous plane.

[0119] Due to the configuration of the support assembly 160 of the first embodiment, the second portion 15.2 of the underside of the feeder 15 is freely suspended so that the view to the second portion 15.2 and through the gap formed between the overlapping first portion 15.1 and the top surface 42 of the mold plate 40 is unobstructed.

[0120] Reference now Figure 3 and Figure 4 , a second embodiment will be described. Elements having the same or similar functions as in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals plus 100. Only the differences will be described in detail.

[0121] In the second embodiment, the pillars 261, 262, 263, 264, 265 extend between the bottom surface of the rotary tablet press (here the bottom frame 7) and the second part 15.2 of the bottom side of the feeder 15. It is also conceivable to have the pillars extend from the bottom surface of the rotary tablet press to the top or side of the feeder. As in the first embodiment, the pillars are divided into an upper group and a lower group.

[0122] Since the pillars of the support assembly 260 of the second embodiment extend from the bottom surface of the rotary tablet press, here the bottom frame 7, to the feeder 15, the pillars necessarily slightly obstruct the view of the second portion 15.2 and the gap between the first portion 15.1 and the top surface 42 of the die disc 40. Preferably, the obstruction is minimized and preferably the geometrical extension of the at least one pillar is lower than 10%, preferably lower than 5% of the second portion of the bottom surface when projected onto the second portion of the bottom surface; and is located on the projected area when projected onto a vertical plane parallel to the axial direction z.

[0123] Now go to Figures 5 to 7 , a third embodiment is shown. Elements having the same or similar functions as in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals plus 200. Only the differences will be described in detail.

[0124] The rotary tablet press 1 comprises a housing 70 which, in its operating position, surrounds the turret 10 in the compression section 6 of the rotary tablet press. The housing 70 comprises a top wall 72, a bottom wall 71 and side walls 73,74.

[0125] The housing 70 is suspended from a suspension 60, which is positioned above the upper punch guide 20. A support assembly 360 for the feeder 15 may be connected to this suspension 60, possibly via a top wall 72 of the housing 70. In the embodiment shown, the support assembly 360 includes one strut 361 suspended from the housing.

[0126] The support column 361 includes a clamping device 368 for locking the charging device in a predetermined position.

[0127] The support assemblies 460 , 560 , 660 of the fourth, fifth and sixth embodiments represent variations of the configuration of at least one strut supporting the feeder and will not be described in further detail.

[0128] Fig.14 A perspective view showing details of a rotary tablet press in a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

[0129] In this embodiment, a support assembly 760 is provided to support the feeder 15. The support assembly 760 includes two pillars 761, 762, by which the support assembly 760 supports the feeder 15. The feeder 15 is thus supported from below in the axial direction. The pillars 761, 762 are arranged between the bottom wall 71 of the housing 70 and the feeder 15. In this embodiment, both the pillars 761, 762 are arranged between the bottom wall 71 of the housing 70 and the bottom side of the feeder 15 and are connected to the bottom wall and the bottom side. Fig.14 As shown, the view to the second portion and through the gap is substantially unobstructed because the struts 761, 762 are connected to the feeder 15 at a portion covering less than 10% of the surface area of ​​the second portion of the bottom side. In addition, the air gap between the surfaces of the second portion extends over at least 90% of the surface, which faces the bottom wall 71 of the housing 70.

[0130] Fig.15 is a perspective view of details of a rotary tablet press in an eighth embodiment of the present invention, and Fig.16 is the eighth embodiment of the present invention corresponding to Fig.15 of the view.

[0131] In the eighth embodiment, a support assembly 860 is provided to support the feeder 15. The support assembly 860 comprises pillars 861, 862. The pillars 861, 862 are arranged to support the feeder 15 in a radial direction. The pillars 861, 862 are connected to the respective side surfaces 74, 73 of the housing 70 and the feeder 70 and extend between the respective side surfaces of the housing and the feeder. Similar to the seventh embodiment, the line of sight to the gap is substantially unobstructed, and the pillars 861, 862 are only connected to a relatively small portion (less than 10%) of the surface area of ​​the second portion of the feeder 15, whereby the air gap between the surface of the second portion facing the bottom wall 71 and the bottom wall 71 extends over a relatively large portion (more than 90%) of the surface of the second portion.

[0132] In other embodiments, support assemblies may be provided that are configured to provide support in both the axial and radial directions. For example, a support assembly including any combination of struts 361, 761, 762, 861, 862 (such as all five struts 361, 761, 762, 861, 862; struts 762 and 861; or struts 761 and 862 with or without strut 361) may be provided. In addition, it should be understood that the air gap may extend over greater than 90% of the surface of the second portion or less than 90% of the surface of the second portion. Similarly, in these and other embodiments, the struts may be connected to an area greater than 10% of the surface area of ​​the second portion of the feeder or less than 10% of the surface area of ​​the second portion of the feeder.

[0133] List of Reference Numerals

[0134] 1 Rotary tablet press

[0135] 2 Housing

[0136] 2a Wall element

[0137] 2b Wall element

[0138] 3 Framework

[0139] 4 Outer lining

[0140] 5 Drive Sections

[0141] 6 Compression Section

[0142] 7 Bottom frame

[0143] 8 Attachments section

[0144] 9 Top frame

[0145] 10 Turntable

[0146] 11 Tablet slot

[0147] 12. Loading device

[0148] 13 Powder inlet pipe

[0149] 14 Powder dispensing device / loading shoe

[0150] 15 Feeder

[0151] 15.1 First part of the bottom side of the feeder

[0152] 15.2 Second part of the bottom side of the feeder

[0153] 15.3 Openable Sections

[0154] 15.4 Articulated connections

[0155] 20 Upper punch guide

[0156] 25 Upper punch

[0157] 30 Lower punch guide

[0158] 35 Lower Punch

[0159] 40 mold tray

[0160] 42 Die plate top side

[0161] 60 Support assembly / suspension device

[0162] 160 Support assembly of the first embodiment

[0163] 161 Pillar

[0164] 162 Pillar

[0165] 163 Pillar

[0166] 164 Pillar

[0167] 165 Pillar

[0168] 167 Adjustment device

[0169] 169 Board

[0170] 260 Support assembly of the second embodiment

[0171] 261 Pillar

[0172] 262 Pillar

[0173] 263 Pillar

[0174] 264 Pillar

[0175] 265 Pillar

[0176] 269 ​​Board

[0177] 360 Support assembly of the third embodiment

[0178] 361 Pillar

[0179] 368 Clamping device

[0180] 460 Support assembly of the fourth embodiment

[0181] 560 Support assembly of the fifth embodiment

[0182] 660 Support assembly of the sixth embodiment

[0183] 760 Support assembly of the seventh embodiment

[0184] 761 Pillar

[0185] 762 Pillar

[0186] 860 Support assembly of the eighth embodiment

[0187] 861 Pillar

[0188] 862 Pillar

[0189] 70 Housing

[0190] 71 bottom wall

[0191] 72 Top wall

[0192] 73 Sidewall

[0193] 74 Sidewall

Claims

1. A rotary tablet press (1), comprising: A turret (10) comprising a die plate (40), an upper punch guide (20), a lower punch guide (30), and a plurality of punches (25, 35); and at least one charging device (12) associated with the turntable (10), said charging device (12) comprising a feeder (15) positioned between the die plate (40) and the upper punch guide (20) and comprising a bottom side facing the top side (42) of the die plate (40), The turntable (10) defines an axial direction (z), a radial direction (r) and a tangential direction (θ), The rotary tablet press comprises a support assembly for providing support to the feeder (15). It is characterized in that The bottom side of the feeder (15) comprises a first portion (15.1) and a second portion (15.2), wherein the first portion (15.1) overlaps with the top side (42) of the mold disc (40), and the support assembly comprises at least one support post, the at least one support post being configured to set a predetermined gap between the bottom side of the feeder (15) and the top side of the mold disc (40) along the axial direction (z) in the overlapping first portion, and the at least one support post being configured to allow a substantially unobstructed view of the second portion and through the gap.

2. The rotary tablet press according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one support is configured to be arranged so that an air gap in the axial direction (z) between the surface of the second part (15.2) and another part of the rotary tablet press, such as the bottom surface (7) of the rotary tablet press or the bottom wall (71) of the housing (70), extends over at least 50% of the surface of the second part (15.2), such as at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90% or at least 95% of the surface of the second part (15.2).

3. The rotary tablet press according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The feeder (15) is supported in the axial direction (z) and / or in the radial direction (r) by the one or more struts.

4. The rotary tablet press according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: At least one of the at least one pillar extends between the bottom surface (7) of the rotary tablet press (1) and the feeder (15), such as the second part (15.2) of the bottom surface of the feeder (15), preferably one, two or three pillars.

5. A rotary tablet press according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: At least one of the at least one support (161, 162, 163, 164) extends between a top surface (9; 72) of the rotary tablet press or a housing (70) thereof and a top side of the feeder.

6. The rotary tablet press according to claim 5, wherein: The feeder (15) is suspended from the at least one support, preferably only from the at least one support, to allow adjustment of the bottom side of the feeder (15) relative to the top side of the mould tray.

7. A rotary tablet press according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: At least one of the at least one strut extends between a side surface of the rotary tablet press or a housing thereof and the feeder.

8. A rotary tablet press according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The rotary tablet press (1) comprises a housing (70) which encloses the turret (10) in its operating position in the compression section (6) of the rotary tablet press.

9. The rotary tablet press according to claim 8, wherein: The housing (70) is suspended from a suspension device (60) which is positioned above the upper punch guide.

10. The rotary tablet press according to claim 6 and 8 or 9, wherein: The at least one support post (361) is suspended from the housing.

11. A rotary tablet press according to any one of claims 8 to 10 when dependent on claim 7, wherein The bottom surface and the side surface are disposed on the housing.

12. A rotary tablet press according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The bottom side (15.1, 15.2) of the feeder (15) is substantially planar.

13. A rotary tablet press according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The second portion (15.2) of the bottom side is freely suspended so that the view to the second portion and through the gap is unobstructed.

14. The rotary tablet press according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein: The at least one support extends from the bottom surface (7) of the rotary tablet press (1) or its housing (70) to the feeder (15), and wherein the geometric extension of the at least one support when projected onto the second part of the bottom surface is lower than 10%, preferably lower than 5% of the second part of the bottom surface; and is located on the projection area when projected onto a vertical plane parallel to the axial direction (z).

15. A rotary tablet press according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: At least a portion of the second part can be opened, preferably by means of an articulated connection (15.4).

16. A rotary tablet press according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The at least one support comprises a clamping device (368) for locking the feeder in a predetermined position.

17. A rotary tablet press according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: At least one support column of the support assembly includes one or more adjustment devices (167) configured to allow adjustment of the position of the charging device (12) in the axial direction (z), the radial direction (r) and the tangential direction (θ).

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