Discharging chute for tablet press, discharging system for tablet press, and tablet press comprising corresponding discharging chute or corresponding discharging system

Abstract

The invention relates to a discharge chute (2) for a tablet press (1), to a discharge system (27) for a tablet press (1), and to a tablet press (1) having a corresponding discharge chute (2) or a corresponding discharge system (27).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a discharge chute for a tablet press. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a discharge system for a tablet press. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a tablet press comprising a corresponding discharge chute or a corresponding discharge system. Background Art

[0002] Tablet presses are used, for example, in the pharmaceutical industry, the technology industry, the chemical industry or the food industry for mass-producing tablets or pills. Generally, tablet presses are divided into rotary tablet presses and eccentric tablet presses. Compared with eccentric tablet presses, rotary tablet presses usually have a greater production capacity. A rotary tablet press includes a rotatably mounted die plate having die openings formed therein. Each of the die openings is assigned an upper punch and a lower punch. The upper punch and the lower punch can rotate with the die plate. As the die plate rotates, the die openings are filled with a powder material. In at least one pressing device, the upper punch and the lower punch are pressed against each other in the die opening to compress the material into tablets. After compression, the tablets are usually discharged from the die opening by the lower punch and fed, for example, by a squeegee to a discharge chute of the tablet press.

[0003] In the simplest form, the discharge chute includes a chute passage having only one tablet outlet. The discharge chute extends obliquely downward from the top of the die plate out of the tablet press.

[0004] However, it is also known such a discharge chute, the chute passage of which includes at least a first tablet outlet and a second tablet outlet. For example, according to the measured values from the sensor system of the tablet press, the tablets supplied to the tablet inlet of the chute passage are guided to different tablet outlets. For example, good tablets are supplied to one of the tablet outlets, while bad tablets are supplied to the other tablet outlet. In order to guide the tablets to the desired tablet outlet, such a discharge chute usually has an actuating element that can pivot between a first end position and a second end position. In the first end position of the actuating element, the tablets supplied to the tablet inlet of the chute passage are supplied to at least the first tablet outlet. In the second end position of the actuating element, the tablets supplied to the tablet inlet are supplied to at least the second tablet outlet. When the actuating element pivots to the first end position, the actuating element pivots in the direction of the wall defining the chute passage, which wall is hereinafter referred to as the first wall. The known discharge chute has the problem that when the actuating element pivots to the first end position, the tablets may get stuck between the actuating element and the first wall. This "tablet blockage" results in a gap being left between the first wall and the actuating element, through which the tablets can slip. Then, such tablets are not guided to the first tablet outlet as desired, but are guided to the second tablet outlet. If the second tablet outlet is the tablet outlet for good tablets, this may, for example, result in bad tablets leaving the tablet outlet for good tablets incorrectly. In some cases, all the tablets collected in the collection container downstream of the second tablet outlet must be discarded.

[0005] For example, a common type of discharge chute is known from the published application DE 10 2018 116 143 A1. In this discharge chute, the actuating element abuts against the first wall in the first end position. The aforementioned tablet blockage is avoided by reducing the movement speed of the actuating element towards the first end position before reaching the first end position. This design of the discharge chute is complex to implement. For example, there must be a sensor system for detecting the current position of the actuating element. In addition, there must also be a drive device that can achieve the desired reduction in the movement speed of the actuating element with sufficient precision.

[0006] A discharge chute is known from KR 101 614 462B1, which includes a rotatable adjustment roller as the actuating element. The adjustment roller is integrated into the bottom of the discharge chute and can rotate about a rotation axis perpendicular to the sliding direction of the discharge chute. The adjustment roller includes two adjustment protrusions that protrude into the chute passage of the discharge chute to guide the tablets. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a possibility of preventing the above-mentioned tablet blockage with a simple structural device and safely guiding the supplied tablets to the desired tablet outlet.

[0008] According to the present invention, this object is achieved by means of a discharge chute according to claim 1, by means of a discharge system according to claim 13, and by means of a tablet press according to claim 16.

[0009] The corresponding dependent claims and the description indicate advantageous variants and embodiments.

[0010] According to the present invention, there is provided a discharge chute for a tablet press, wherein the tablet press is designed to produce tablets of a predetermined size. The size of the tablets is determined, for example, by the shape of the die openings in the die plate. The discharge chute includes a chute channel having at least one tablet inlet. In addition, the discharge chute includes an actuating element, in particular a switching blade, which can pivot between a first end position and a second end position. The first end position and the second end position together limit the pivoting path of the actuating element. In the first end position of the actuating element, the tablets supplied to the tablet inlet of the chute channel are supplied to at least a first tablet outlet of the chute channel. The sliding path leading to the second tablet outlet is preferably blocked by the actuating element in the first end position. However, in the second end position of the actuating element, the tablets supplied to the tablet inlet are supplied to at least a second tablet outlet of the chute channel. The sliding path leading to the first tablet outlet is preferably blocked by the actuating element in the second end position. In the first end position, the actuating element points in the direction of a first wall that bounds the chute channel. In particular, the first wall is a first side wall.

[0011] It is now stipulated that at each position of the actuating element, a channel is formed between the actuating element and the first wall that is larger than the maximum dimension of the tablets produced by the tablet press. The term "each position" includes the first end position, the second end position, and all intermediate positions of the actuating element. Since the channel is always larger than the maximum dimension of the produced tablets, tablet jams are reliably avoided. If the actuating element strikes a tablet when pivoting to the first end position, the tablet will at most be pushed by the actuating element in the direction of the first wall. However, the tablet cannot jam between the actuating element and the first wall because the channel is always larger than the maximum dimension of the tablet. Preferably, in addition to the first wall, the discharge chute includes a second wall or a second side wall opposite the first wall. If the actuating element pivots from the second end position to the first end position, the actuating element pivots in the direction of the first wall. If the actuating element pivots from the first end position to the second end position, the actuating element pivots in the direction of the second wall.

[0012] According to a preferred embodiment, it is provided that the actuating element at the first end position points in the direction of a lateral recess, in particular, of the first wall. The recess facilitates the formation of a channel having a desired size. Preferably, at the first end position, the actuating element projects into the recess of the first wall. This reliably prevents the tablet from hitting the free first end of the actuating element. Otherwise, this could cause the tablet to move through the channel between the actuating element and the first wall to the second tablet outlet after hitting the free end, which is undesirable. In addition, hitting the free end may damage the relevant tablet. This is of course undesirable in the case of good tablets. Both good and bad tablets may break, which may contaminate the chute channel. Alternatively, the actuating element extends up to the recess at the first end position. For example, this is the case if the free end of the actuating element at the first end position is arranged on the imaginary extension of the wall portion located in front of the recess. Preferably, the first wall is the first side wall of the discharge chute. The recess is then a lateral recess. A recess in the wall represents a wall indentation. The recess can be regarded as a notch when viewed from the chute channel. The wall portion of the first wall forming the recess is also referred to as the first wall portion below.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment, it is provided that the pivoting of the actuating element beyond the first end position is blocked by a first stop element, and / or the pivoting of the actuating element beyond the second end position is blocked by a second stop element. This ensures that the first end position or the second end position is reliably defined. In particular, the first stop element or the second stop element interacts directly with the actuating element at the first end position or the second end position. Alternatively, the first stop element or the second stop element at the first end position or the second end position cooperates with an element mechanically coupled to the actuating element.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment, it is provided that the channel between the actuating element and the first wall at the first end position is at most 30 mm. With a channel of this size, clogging of commercially available tablets can be safely avoided. Preferably, at the first end position, the channel is between 20 mm and 30 mm, preferably between 15 mm and 20 mm, preferably between 10 mm and 15 mm, preferably between 5 mm and 10 mm.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment, it is provided that the first wall portion is at least partially formed by an insertion member which is inserted into a cavity in the first wall and is detachably connected to the discharge chute. If the insertion member is inserted into the cavity, the insertion member or its outer contour also forms the first wall. Preferably, the first wall portion is only partially formed by the inserted insertion member. However, the entire first wall portion may also be formed by the inserted insertion member. The advantage provided by the insertion member is that, for example, by removing the insertion member and inserting another insertion member with a different outer contour, the passage between the actuating element and the first wall can be modified. It is not necessary to change the first end position for this purpose. For example, for tablets of a given first size, different insertion members are inserted into the cavity compared to tablets of a given second size. Preferably, the insertion member is connected to the discharge chute by a detachable form-fitting connection and / or by at least one detachable fastening element. It is preferred that there is the insertion member. Advantageous prevention of tablet jamming can also be achieved by means of a one-piece first wall with a corresponding contour.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment, it is provided that in the first end position of the actuating element, the first wall, in particular the inserted insertion member, extends in an arc along the free first end of the actuating element. The arc allows for advantageous tablet guidance. Preferably, the portion of the first wall that extends in an arc along the free end is formed by the insertion member. The arc portion is particularly relevant to the definition of the passage, such that the arc portion formed by the insertion member provides a particularly wide range of possibilities for the desired adaptation of the passage to different tablet sizes.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment, it is provided that a second wall portion of the first wall, which is arranged upstream of the first wall portion, extends in the sliding direction of the discharge chute, and / or a third wall portion of the first wall, which is arranged downstream of the first wall portion, extends in the sliding direction of the discharge chute. If one element is arranged upstream of another element, the element is arranged between the tablet inlet and the other element. If one element is arranged downstream of another element, the other element is arranged between the tablet inlet and the element. By means of the second wall portion or the third wall portion that extends in the sliding direction, advantageous guidance of the tablets in the region of the second wall portion or the third wall portion is achieved. Preferably, the second wall portion and the third wall portion are located in a common imaginary plane. However, the second wall portion and the third wall portion may also both extend in the sliding direction and be axially offset from each other with respect to an axis perpendicular to the orientation of the second wall portion and the third wall portion.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment, it is provided that the second wall part is at least partially formed by the insertion part. This allows for a particularly precise adjustment of the channel between the actuating element and the first wall part. Specifically, by lengthening or shortening the region of the second wall part formed by the insertion part, the channel between the actuating element and the transition part of the second wall part into the first wall part can be reduced or increased.

[0019] Preferably, the chute channel is divided by a partition wall downstream of the actuating element into a first chute channel part assigned to the first tablet outlet and a second chute channel part assigned to the second tablet outlet. This prevents the tablets from mixing in the region of the chute channel downstream of the actuating element. Preferably, at each position of the actuating element, the channel between the actuating element and the partition wall is smaller than the minimum size of the tablets produced by the tablet press. This is a particularly effective method of preventing the tablets from mixing. Preferably, at the second end position of the actuating element, the partition wall is aligned with the actuating element.

[0020] Preferably, the discharge chute includes a bottom that extends perpendicular to the first wall. If the bottom extends perpendicular to the first wall, a suitable actuating element can be easily implemented. For example, a rectangular actuating element is used. Preferably, the chute channel has a rectangular cross-section.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment, it is provided that the discharge chute includes a pneumatic drive device for pivoting the actuating element. Such a drive device is associated with a low manufacturing cost for the discharge chute. Sometimes, using a pneumatic drive device cannot precisely set the intermediate position of the actuating element between the two end positions. However, considering the function of the discharge chute according to the present invention, this is not necessary. Using the pneumatic drive device, the two end positions of the actuating element can be set reliably and quickly. Preferably, the pneumatic drive device includes a rotary cylinder having an output shaft, wherein the actuating element is arranged on the output shaft in a relatively rotatably fixed manner. As previously mentioned, the stop element can cooperate with the element to which the actuating element is mechanically coupled. In particular, the stop element limits the rotation of the pivot blade in the rotary cylinder.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment, it is provided that the chute channel includes a third tablet outlet, wherein, at the first end position, the tablets supplied to the tablet inlet are selectively supplied to the first tablet outlet or the third tablet outlet, and / or wherein, at the second end position, the tablets supplied to the tablet inlet are selectively supplied to the second tablet outlet or the third tablet outlet. The third tablet outlet can further enhance the function of the discharge chute. Specifically, the third tablet outlet can be used for, for example, sampling, that is, random sampling inspection of tablets. Preferably, the discharge chute includes another actuating element, in particular another switch blade, arranged downstream of the actuating element, and the other actuating element selectively guides the tablets to the first tablet outlet or the third tablet outlet, or to the second tablet outlet or the third tablet outlet according to its position. Particularly preferably, the discharge chute is designed such that the tablets supplied to the tablet inlet are selectively supplied to the first tablet outlet or the third tablet outlet at the first end position of the actuating element.

[0023] The object to be achieved is also achieved by a discharge system for a tablet press, in particular a rotary tablet press.

[0024] The discharge system according to the invention includes a chute channel having at least one tablet inlet and an actuating element, in particular a switch blade, which can pivot between a first end position and a second end position. At the first end position of the actuating element, the tablets supplied to the tablet inlet are supplied to at least a first tablet outlet of the chute channel. At the second end position of the actuating element, the tablets supplied to the tablet inlet are supplied to at least a second tablet outlet of the chute channel. The chute channel is locally bounded by a first wall of the discharge chute, wherein the first wall includes a cavity. Preferably, the first wall is a first side wall.

[0025] The discharge system further includes at least one insertion part that can be inserted into the cavity. If the insertion part is inserted into the cavity, the insertion part or its outer contour also forms the first wall.

[0026] In addition, it is stipulated that in the first end position, the actuating element points in the direction of the inserted insertion part, and when the insertion part is inserted, a channel is formed between the actuating element and the first wall at each position of the actuating element. Since there is a channel between the first wall and the actuating element at each position of the actuating element, tablet jamming can be effectively avoided, as already mentioned above. The insertion part also enables the channel between the actuating element and the first wall to be changed, for example by replacing the insertion part with another insertion part having a different outer contour. Preferably, the insertion part forms part of the first wall in such a way that the first wall includes a recess in the region of the insertion part. The actuating element in the first end position then points in the direction of the recess. Preferably, the actuating element extends into the recess or up to the recess. This can prevent the tablet from hitting the free first end of the actuating element. The wall part of the first wall forming the recess is also referred to as the first wall part below. Preferably, only a part of the first wall part is formed by the inserted insertion part. However, the first wall part can also be entirely formed by the inserted insertion part. Preferably, in the first end position of the actuating element, when the insertion part is inserted, the channel is at most 30 mm, preferably between 20 mm and 30 mm, preferably between 15 mm and 20 mm, preferably between 10 mm and 15 mm, preferably between 5 mm and 10 mm.

[0027] The advantages and possible developments of the discharge chute should be understood to be also described with respect to the discharge system, and conversely, the advantages and possible developments of the discharge system should be understood to be also described with respect to the discharge chute.

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment, it is stipulated that the discharge system includes at least one additional insertion part, wherein either the insertion part or the additional insertion part can be inserted into the cavity, and wherein the channel between the actuating element and the first wall is different when the insertion part is inserted and when the additional insertion part is inserted. This allows the discharge chute to advantageously adapt to the size of the produced tablets. Preferably, the discharge system includes a plurality of additional insertion parts, and the outer contours of each additional insertion part are different from each other.

[0029] Preferably, the discharge system includes an additional insertion member, which is designed such that when the additional insertion member is inserted, the actuating element at the first end position abuts against the inserted additional insertion member. In a conventional discharge chute, the actuating element at the first end position is typically positioned against the wall of the discharge chute. With such a discharge chute, it is not possible to reliably avoid tablet jams. However, the advantage of the additional corresponding insertion member is that, if desired, a discharge chute with conventional functions can still be retained. By adding such an additional insertion member, the application field of the discharge system is expanded.

[0030] The object to be achieved is also achieved by a tablet press, in particular a rotary tablet press, which is designed to produce tablets of a predetermined size. The tablet press includes a discharge chute having the above-described features or a discharge system having the above-described features.

[0031] Regarding the advantages that can be achieved by means of the tablet press, reference is made to the statements related to the discharge chute or the discharge system. The features described in connection with the discharge chute or the discharge system can be used for further development of the tablet press. Description of the Drawings

[0032] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings, where the same or functionally equivalent elements may be provided with reference numerals only once. This description is for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. In the figures:

[0033] Figure 1 a tablet press is shown;

[0034] Figure 2 a discharge chute with an insertion member is shown;

[0035] Figure 3 is Figure 2 another view of the shown discharge chute;

[0036] Figure 4 different insertion members for the discharge chute are shown;

[0037] Figure 5 a discharge chute with another insertion member is shown;

[0038] Figure 6 a discharge chute with another insertion member is shown; and

[0039] Figure 7 a discharge chute with another insertion member is shown. Detailed Description of the Embodiments

[0040] Figure 1A perspective view of the tablet press 1 is shown. In this case, the tablet press 1 is designed as a rotary tablet press 1. The tablet press 1 includes a discharge chute 2 for the tablets produced by the tablet press 1.

[0041] Hereinafter, with reference to Figure 2 and Figure 3 the implementation of the discharge chute 2 will be explained in more detail. For this purpose, Figure 2 a perspective view of the discharge chute 2 is shown. Figure 3 A top view of the discharge chute 2 is shown.

[0042] The discharge chute 2 includes a chute passage 3. The chute passage 3 is bounded by a first side wall 4, a second side wall 5 opposite the first side wall 4, and a bottom 6. In addition, the chute passage 3 is defined by Figure 2 and Figure 3 a cover not shown in

[0043] The bottom 6 extends perpendicular to the two side walls 4 and 5. In the present case, the chute passage 3 has a rectangular cross-section.

[0044] The chute passage 3 includes a tablet inlet 7. If the chute passage 3 is installed in the tablet press 1 as desired, the tablets produced by the tablet press 1 are fed into the chute passage 3 through the tablet inlet 7.

[0045] The discharge chute 2 includes an actuating element 11. The actuating element 11 can pivot between a first end position and a second end position. In this case, the pivot axis of the actuating element 11 extends perpendicular to the bottom 6. The first end position and the second end position limit the pivot path of the actuating element 11, thereby preventing the actuating element 11 from pivoting beyond the end positions.

[0046] Preferably, there is a first stop element (not shown in the figure) that prevents the actuating element 11 from pivoting beyond the first end position. Preferably, there is a second stop element (not shown in the figure) that prevents the actuating element 11 from pivoting beyond the second end position. Preferably, the actuating element 11 is mechanically coupled to the output shaft of a rotary cylinder of a pneumatic drive device, wherein the stop elements limit the rotation of the pivot vane in the rotary cylinder.

[0047] In Figure 2 and Figure 3In [the situation], the actuating element 11 assumes a first end position. In the first end position, the actuating element 11 extends obliquely with respect to the sliding direction of the cam groove passage 3. The sliding direction of the cam groove passage 3 is the inclined direction of the bottom 6. The second end position is indicated by Figure 3 the dashed line in [the figure]. In the second end position, the actuating element 11 extends along the sliding direction. If the actuating element 11 pivots from the first end position to the second end position, the actuating element 11 pivots in the direction of the second side wall 5. If the actuating element 11 pivots from the second end position to the first end position, the actuating element 11 pivots in the direction of the first side wall 4.

[0048] In the first end position of the actuating element 11, the tablets supplied to the tablet inlet 7 are supplied to the first tablet outlet 8 or the third tablet outlet 10. In the second end position of the actuating element 11, the tablets supplied to the tablet inlet 7 are supplied to the second tablet outlet 9.

[0049] In this example, the actuating element 11 is designed as a switch blade 11, that is, as a wing plate-shaped actuating element 11. The actuating element 11 includes a free first end 12. In addition, the actuating element 11 includes a second end 13 facing away from the first end 12. The pivot axis of the actuating element 11 extends through the actuating element 11 in the region of the second end 13.

[0050] A partition wall 14 is arranged in the cam groove passage 3. The partition wall 14 is arranged downstream of the actuating element 11 and extends along the sliding direction of the cam groove passage 3. In the second end position of the actuating element 11, the partition wall 14 is aligned with the actuating element 11. The cam groove passage 3 is divided by the partition wall 14 into a first cam groove passage portion 15 assigned to the first tablet outlet 8 and a second cam groove passage portion 16 assigned to the second tablet outlet 9.

[0051] In this example, another partition wall 32 is also arranged in front of the actuating element 11. The other partition wall 32 extends along the sliding direction of the sliding passage 3. In the second end position, the actuating element 11 is aligned with the other partition wall 32.

[0052] As previously mentioned, in the first end position of the actuating element 11, the tablets supplied to the tablet inlet 7 are selectively supplied to the first tablet outlet 8 or the third tablet outlet 10. In order to specifically supply the tablets to the first tablet outlet 8 or the third tablet outlet 10, another actuating element 31 is provided. The other actuating element 31 can also pivot between the first end position and the second end position. In Figure 2In the first end position shown, another actuating element 31 extends in the sliding direction of the sliding channel 3. Tablets are fed to the first tablet outlet 8. In the second end position, the other actuating element 31 extends obliquely with respect to the sliding direction of the sliding channel 3. The free first end of the other actuating element 31 abuts against the partition wall 14. Then, the tablets are fed to the third tablet outlet 10.

[0053] If the first side wall 4 extends continuously in the sliding direction of the sliding channel 3, when the actuating element 11 pivots to the first end position, the tablets may be stuck between the actuating element 11 and the first side wall 4. Then there will be a gap between the first side wall 4 and the actuating element 11, and the tablets may reach the second tablet outlet 9 erroneously through the gap. This "tablet jamming" is effectively avoided by the design of the first side wall 4 described below.

[0054] The first side wall 4, or the base body 22 of the first side wall 4, includes a cavity 17 at the height of the actuating element 11. An insertion part 18A is inserted into the cavity 17. The insertion part 18A is detachably connected to the discharge chute 2. In this example, the detachable connection is achieved by a fastening pin 19 inserted into a through hole of the insertion part 18A.

[0055] If the insertion part 18A is inserted into the cavity 17, the chute channel 3 is defined by the first outer contour 25 of the insertion part 18A in the area of the insertion part 18A. In this regard, the first side wall 4 is jointly formed by the base body 22 of the first side wall 4 and the inserted insertion part 18A. When the insertion part 18A is inserted, the first side wall 4 includes a lateral recess 20. The second outer contour 26 of the insertion part 18A is shaped complementary to the base body 22 and fits closely against the base body 22.

[0056] The wall part 21 of the first side wall 4 that forms the recess 20 is hereinafter referred to as the first wall part 21. In this example, the first wall part 21 is partly formed by the insertion part 18A and partly formed by the base body 22 of the side wall 4.

[0057] A second wall part 23 is arranged upstream of the first wall part 21. The second wall part 23 extends in the sliding direction of the chute channel 3. In this example, the second wall part 23 is partly formed by the insertion part 18A and partly formed by the base body 22 of the side wall 4.

[0058] In addition, a third wall part 24 is arranged downstream of the first wall part 21. The third wall part 24 extends in the sliding direction of the sliding channel 3. In this example, the second wall part 23 and the third wall part 24 are located in a common imaginary plane.

[0059] From Figure 2 and Figure 3As can be seen, the actuating element 11 at the first end position points in the direction of the recess 20. In this example, the actuating element 11 at the first end position extends into the recess 20. The free first end 12 of the actuating element 11 faces the part of the first wall portion 21 formed by the insertion member 18A. In this example, the insertion member 18A extends in an arc along the free end 12. From Figure 2 and Figure 3 As can be seen, at the first end position of the actuating element 11, a channel is formed between the first side wall 4 and the actuating element 11. This channel exists at each end position of the actuating element 11 and is larger than the maximum dimension of the tablets produced by the tablet press 1 at each end position of the actuating element 11.

[0060] Since the channel at each position of the actuating element 11 is larger than the maximum dimension of the produced tablets, a single tablet will not get stuck between the actuating element 11 and the first side wall 4. Since the free end 12 extends into the recess 20 at the first end position, at the first end position of the actuating element 11, the tablets supplied to the tablet inlet 7 do not strike the free end 12, but at most strike a part arranged between the free end 12 and the second end 13 of the actuating element 11.

[0061] In Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the discharge chute 2 and the insertion member 18A together form a discharge system 27. The advantage of the insertable insertion member 18A is that the orientation of the first side wall 4 can be adapted to the size of the produced tablets. However, the prevention of the above-mentioned tablet jamming can also be achieved by a one-piece first side wall 4. According to another embodiment of the discharge chute 2 (not shown), the first side wall 4 is formed in one piece. The orientation of the first side wall 4 corresponds to the orientation of the first side wall 4 composed of the base body 22 and the insertion member 18A, as previously referred to Figure 2 and Figure 3 explained.

[0062] As previously mentioned, the discharge system 27 with the insertable insertion member 18A has the advantage that the orientation of the first side wall 4 can be adapted to the size of the produced tablets. This is explained in more detail below with reference to Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 more detailedly.

[0063] Figure 4 Shows the insertion member 18A and four other insertion members 18B, 18C, 18D and 18E. Perspective views and plan views of each insertion member 18 are shown. Either the insertion member 18A or one of the other insertion members 18B, 18C, 18D and 18E can be selectively inserted into the cavity 17.

[0064] It can be seen from Figure 4 that the insertion part 18 is different especially in terms of its first outer contour 25. Depending on which of the insertion parts 18 is inserted into the cavity 17, a first side wall 4 with a different orientation is respectively obtained.

[0065] If one of the insertion parts 18A, 18B, 18C and 18D is inserted into the cavity 17, the following effects are achieved: at each position of the actuating element 11, a channel is formed between the actuating element 11 and the first side wall 4, and the actuating element 11 extends into the recess 20 at the first end position. The size of the channel is defined by the first outer contour 25 of the insertion part 18.

[0066] For example, the insertion parts 18A, 18B, 18C and 18D differ in the length of a first part 28 of the first outer contour 25, which helps to form a second wall part 23 of the first side wall 4 when the insertion part 18 is inserted. The first outer contour 25 also includes a second part 29 extending parallel to the first part 28. When the insertion part 18 is inserted, the second part 29 forms the bottom of the recess 20.

[0067] It can be seen from Figure 7 that the insertion parts 18A, 18B, 18C and 18D differ in the offset 30 between the first part 28 and the second part 29. The offset 30 between the first part 28 and the second part 29 defines the depth of the recess 20 of the first side wall 4. By shortening the first part 28 and increasing the offset 30, the size of the channel between the actuating element 11 and the first side wall 4 can be increased.

[0068] For example, it can be seen from Figure 5 that using another insertion part 18D results in a smaller channel than using the insertion part 18A. For example, it can be seen from Figure 6 that using another insertion part 18B results in a larger channel than using the insertion part 18A.

[0069] If another insertion part 18E is inserted into the cavity 17, the free end 12 of the actuating element 11 abuts against the other insertion part 18E at the first end position, as Figure 7 shown. When using the additional insertion part 18E, tablet jamming cannot be excluded. However, the additional insertion part 18E enables the function of a conventional discharge chute to be achieved by means of the discharge system 27.

Claims

1. A discharge chute (2) for a tablet press (1), in particular a rotary tablet press (1), the tablet press (1) being designed to produce tablets of a predetermined size, the discharge chute (2) having a chute channel (3) comprising at least one tablet inlet (7), and having an actuating element (11), in particular a switching blade (11), which is pivotable between a first end position and a second end position, wherein, in the first end position of the actuating element (11), tablets supplied to the tablet inlet (7) are supplied to at least a first tablet outlet (8) of the chute channel (3), wherein, in the second end position of the actuating element (11), tablets supplied to the tablet inlet (7) are supplied to at least a second tablet outlet (8) of the chute channel (3), and wherein, in the first end position, the actuating element (11) points in the direction of a first wall (4), in particular a first side wall (4), defining the chute channel (3) of the discharge chute (2), characterized in that, in each position of the actuating element (11), a channel is formed between the actuating element (11) and the first wall (4) which is larger than the maximum dimension of the tablets produced by the tablet press (1).

2. The discharge chute (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that, in the first end position, the actuating element (11) points in the direction of a lateral recess (20) of the first wall (4), in particular, wherein the recess (20) is formed by a first wall portion (21) of the first wall (4).

3. The discharge chute (2) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that, pivoting of the actuating element (11) beyond the first end position is prevented by a first stop element, and / or pivoting of the actuating element (11) beyond the second end position is prevented by a second stop element.

4. The discharge chute (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, in the first end position, the channel is at most 30 mm, preferably between 20 mm and 30 mm, preferably between 15 mm and 20 mm, preferably between 10 mm and 15 mm, preferably between 5 mm and 10 mm.

5. The discharge chute (2) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that, the first wall portion (21) is at least partially formed by an insert part (18A) which is inserted into a cavity (17) of the first wall (4) and is detachably connected to the discharge chute (2), in particular, wherein the insert part (18A) is connected to the discharge chute (2) by a detachable form-fit connection and / or by at least one detachable fastening element.

6. The discharge chute (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, In the first end position of the actuating element (11), the first wall (4), in particular the insertion part (18A), extends in an arc along the free first end (12) of the actuating element (11).

7. The discharge chute (2) according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that a second wall part (23) of the first wall (4) arranged upstream of the first wall part (21) extends in the sliding direction of the discharge chute (2), and / or a third wall part (24) of the first wall (4) arranged downstream of the first wall part (21) extends in the sliding direction of the discharge chute (2), in particular, wherein the second wall part (23) and the third wall part (24) are located in a common imaginary plane.

8. The discharge chute (2) according to claim 7, characterized in that the second wall part (23) is at least partially formed by the insertion part (18A).

9. The discharge chute (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the chute channel (3) is divided by a partition wall (14) downstream of the actuating element (11) into a first chute channel part (15) assigned to the first tablet outlet (8) and a second chute channel part (16) assigned to the second tablet outlet (9), in particular, wherein, at each position of the actuating element (11), the channel between the actuating element (11) and the partition wall (14) is smaller than the minimum size of the tablets produced by the tablet press (11).

10. The discharge chute (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the discharge chute includes a bottom (6) extending perpendicular to the first wall (4).

11. The discharge chute (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the discharge chute includes a pneumatic drive device for pivoting the actuating element (11).

12. The discharge chute (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the chute channel (3) includes a third tablet outlet (10), wherein, in the first end position, the tablets supplied to the tablet inlet (7) are selectively supplied to the first tablet outlet (8) or the third tablet outlet (10), and / or wherein, in the second end position, the tablets supplied to the tablet inlet (7) are selectively supplied to the second tablet outlet (9) or the third tablet outlet (10).

13. A discharge system (27) for a tablet press (1), in particular a rotary tablet press (1), having a discharge chute (2) which includes a chute channel (3) having at least one tablet inlet (7) and an actuating element (11), in particular a switching vane (11), which can pivot between a first end position and a second end position, wherein, In the first end position of the actuating element (11), the tablets supplied to the tablet inlet (7) are supplied to at least the first tablet outlet (8) of the chute channel (3), wherein, in the second end position of the actuating element (11), the tablets supplied to the tablet inlet (7) are supplied to at least the second tablet outlet (9) of the chute channel (3), and wherein the first wall (4), in particular the first side wall (4), of the discharge chute (2) defining the chute channel (3) comprises a cavity (17) and has at least one insertion part (18A) that can be inserted into the cavity (17), wherein the insertion part (18A) inserted into the cavity (17) also forms the first wall (4), wherein the actuating element (11) in the first end position points in the direction of the inserted insertion part (18A), and wherein, when the insertion part (18A) is inserted, a channel is formed between the actuating element (11) and the first wall (4) at each position of the actuating element (11), in particular, wherein, when the insertion part (18A) is inserted, in the first end position of the actuating element (11), the channel is at most 30 mm, preferably 20 mm to 30 mm, preferably 15 mm to 20 mm, preferably 10 mm to 15 mm, preferably 5 mm to 10 mm.

14. The discharge system (27) according to claim 13, characterized in that the discharge system comprises at least one further insertion part (18B, 18C, 18D, 18E), wherein either the insertion part (18A) or the further insertion parts (18B, 18C, 18D, 18E) can be inserted into the cavity (17), and wherein the channel between the actuating element (11) and the first wall (4) is different when the insertion part (18A) is inserted and when the further insertion parts (18B, 18C, 18D, 18E) are inserted.

15. The discharge system (27) according to claim 14, characterized in that the discharge system comprises a further insertion part (18E), the further insertion part (18E) being designed such that when the further insertion part (18E) is inserted, the actuating element (11) in the first end position abuts against the inserted further insertion part (18E).

16. A tablet press (1), in particular a rotary tablet press (1), which is designed to produce tablets of a predetermined size and comprises the discharge chute (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 or the discharge system (27) according to any one of claims 13 to 15.

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