FILL UNIT FOR A ROTARY PRESS AND A METHOD FOR PROVIDING AN OPTIMIZED ROTARY PRESS

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a filling unit for a rotary press with the features of the preamble of claim 1 and a method for providing an optimized rotary press with features of the dependent claim.

[0002] Rotary presses are used in the pharmaceutical, technical, chemical, or food industries to produce tablets or pellets in large quantities from powdered materials.

[0003] Rotary presses feature a rotating die disk with die bores arranged within it, which move along a circular path. Lower and upper punches are provided, which move along the circular path with the die disk and move up and down during rotation. The upper and lower punches are designed such that their upper and lower ends engage with the die bores arranged in the die disk, compressing the powder material into tablets.

[0004] The powder to be pressed is fed to the die bores via a hopper with an attached filling unit with rotating impellers. Such filling units are shown, for example, in EP 3 406 436 A1, which discloses the features of the preamble of claim 1, and DE 20 2007 002 707 U1.

[0005] DE 10 2016 110 556 a1 and DE 35 27 186 A1 each show filling units with features of claim 1.

[0006] The impeller wheels assist the flow of powder from the hopper into the die bores to achieve a consistent filling and thus a constant weight of each individual tablet.

[0007] Filling units with two impellers are typically used for free-flowing, non-sticky products in pharmaceutical applications. The powder is filled and metered directly from the hopper through the filling and metering wheels into the die cavities.

[0008] Filling units with three impellers are generally used for materials with poorer flow properties in order to achieve the most uniform flow possible.

[0009] Filling units with three impellers help to maintain constant pressure on the feed area, which is supported by the presence of a third impeller, the feed impeller. This is usually positioned above the other two impellers (filling impeller and metering impeller).

[0010] In this type of feeding, the powder is filled and metered from the hopper into the die bores via the feed wheel, the filling wheel and the metering wheel.

[0011] Depending on the flow behavior / properties of the powder, the filling unit can be equipped with appropriate impellers and therefore manually modified to obtain a customized dosing behavior.

[0012] The object of the present invention is to provide a filling unit for a rotary press and a method for providing an optimized rotary press that eliminates the above disadvantages.

[0013] This problem is solved by the filling unit according to the invention for a rotary press with the features of claim 1. The filling unit according to the invention comprises: A filling wheel, which is designed to fill a medium to be metered, in particular powder, into die bores of a die disk of the rotary press. The filling wheel is designed as a vane wheel. The filling wheel has vanes and is designed to convey the medium to be metered by means of a rotary motion by means of its vanes. In other words, the vanes of the filling wheel designed as a vane wheel move in a circular path around the center of the filling wheel.

[0014] The filling unit further includes a metering wheel designed to precisely dispense a quantity of medium into the respective die bores of the die disk. The metering wheel is a vane wheel. It has vanes and is designed to precisely dispense the quantity of medium by sweeping them across the die bores of the die disk with a rotating motion. Excess medium is removed by this sweeping motion. In other words, the vanes of the metering wheel move in a circular path around its center, sweeping across the die bores.

[0015] The filling wheel moves the powder into the die bores of the die disc. Typically, the underside of the die bore is closed by a corresponding lower plunger. Before the die bore reaches the metering wheel, the lower plunger can be raised slightly to a precisely defined position to establish a specific die bore size. The excess powder protruding from the die bore is then leveled off, or removed, by the metering wheel.

[0016] The filling unit has a feed wheel designed to supply the medium to be metered to the filling wheel. The feed wheel is designed as a paddle wheel. It has paddles and is designed to convey the medium to the filling wheel by means of a rotating motion. In other words, the paddles of the feed wheel move in a circular path around the center of the feed wheel, conveying the medium to be metered to the filling wheel.

[0017] The filling unit further comprises at least one media feed unit, which is designed to supply the medium to the filling wheel. Alternatively or additionally, the media feed unit can supply the medium to the feed wheel. The medium enters the filling unit via the media feed unit. The media feed unit can, for example, comprise a funnel, a pipe, or a hose.

[0018] The filling unit is designed such that the feed wheel can be switched into or out of the conveying path of the medium to be metered. This can be achieved, in particular, by a pivoting movement of the feed wheel. Specifically, the feed wheel can be pivoted about a rotational axis of the metering wheel, which is designed as a paddle wheel. A corresponding pivoting device can be provided for this purpose. The feed wheel can be bypassed or circumvented, in particular, by means of a second media feed unit. It is also conceivable that the media feed unit can be designed to be displaceable, so that by moving the media feed unit, it can be selected whether the conveying path of the medium to be metered passes through the feed wheel or not.

[0019] By switching the feed wheel out of or away from the conveying path of the medium to be dosed, or bypassing the feed wheel, the filling unit can be adapted to different media with different flow behavior / properties without having to replace the individual impellers.

[0020] In this context, the conveying path of the medium to be dosed refers to the path of the medium through the filling unit into the die bores.

[0021] The media feed unit can include a diverter valve. This diverter valve allows the medium to be selectively fed to either the feed wheel or the filling wheel. This enables a choice to be made as to whether the medium's path leads via the feed wheel or not, without requiring the feed wheel to be removed or disengaged from the conveying path.

[0022] The blades of the filling wheel, metering wheel and / or feed wheel, which are designed as impeller wheels, are designed in such a way that the shape of the conveying surface of the respective blades can be varied.

[0023] The conveying surface of the impeller blades is formed by the area of ​​the blades with which the respective impeller conveys the medium. The conveying surface is therefore the part of the blades that, during operation of the filling unit, is designed and configured to contact the medium and convey or meter it through the respective rotational movement. The shape of the conveying surface can be varied by rotating the blades of the impeller-designed filling wheel, metering wheel, and / or feed wheel around their respective axes of extension. The blades of the impeller-designed filling wheel, metering wheel, and / or feed wheel can be designed to rotate around their respective axes of extension. In this way, the blades can be rotated around their respective axes of extension into at least two rotational positions, in which the blades form conveying surfaces of different shapes.Depending on the rotational position of the vanes, the medium to be metered can be conveyed using differently shaped conveying surfaces.

[0024] By rotating the blades into different positions, conveying surfaces of various shapes can be created. This rotation can be achieved, for example, through a gear mechanism, a sliding mechanism, a crank drive, a cable pull, a piston drive, and / or cam control.

[0025] The blades can have a conveying surface in the form of a circular segment, particularly a semicircle, on one side, and a flat conveying surface can be provided on the opposite side. By simply rotating the blades 180 degrees, the conveying surface can be changed between the shape of a blade with a circular cross-section and a blade with, for example, a square cross-section.

[0026] The blades can have a triangular cross-section. In particular, the cross-section of the blades can correspond to an isosceles triangle, especially an equilateral triangle. The blades can be rotated so that one corner of the triangular cross-section points downwards, thus forming an angular underside. This allows for a "sharp-edged" underside. The blades can also be rotated so that one corner of the triangular cross-section points upwards. In this case, one of the sides of the triangle forms the underside of the blades. This allows for selection between different undersides of the blades and a desired setting. Naturally, the conveying area of ​​the blades with a triangular cross-section can also be varied by rotating the blades.Here too, a choice can be made between a conveyor surface that is flat and a conveyor surface that is angular.

[0027] The blades can have a rectangular, and especially a square, cross-section. With a rectangular cross-section, two opposite sides can be shorter and the other two opposite sides longer. The two longer sides of the rectangular cross-section thus form a larger surface area of ​​the blades compared to the two shorter sides. This allows the blades to be rotated to select between a conveying surface with a larger area and one with a smaller area.

[0028] The shape of the conveying surface can be changed by a variable inclination of the vanes with respect to a radial direction extending from the axis of rotation of the respective impeller.

[0029] In other words, the vanes of the impeller-type filling wheel, metering wheel, and / or feed wheel can be designed such that an angle defined by the respective axis of extension of the vanes (or their extension) and a radial direction of the impeller extending from the axis of rotation can be varied. The inclination of the vanes can also be achieved using a gear mechanism. A type of "cable pulley system" for changing the vane inclination is also conceivable.

[0030] The shape of the conveying surface can be modified by a variable curvature of the vanes of the filling wheel, metering wheel, and / or feed wheel, which is designed as a paddle wheel. For the purposes of this application, curvature refers to a deviation from a straight line, at least in sections, and in particular an arc. Specifically, the curvature can be a deviation from the radial direction extended from the axis of rotation of the respective paddle wheel, at least in sections, and in particular an arc. The vanes can have at least one section with a variable curvature.

[0031] Variable curvature of the wings can be achieved, for example, by a bimetallic strip, a cable pulley system, and / or a tension or compression element. It is also conceivable that the variable curvature can be implemented only along one or more sections of the wings. In particular, variable curvature can be implemented along the entire length of the wings.

[0032] By changing the shape of the impeller's conveying surface, the impeller-designed filling wheel, metering wheel, and / or feed wheel can be adapted to various media with different flow characteristics / properties without having to replace the individual impellers. This eliminates the need to remove the respective impellers. The shape of the impeller's conveying surface can be varied / changed while the impeller is mounted, without requiring its removal.

[0033] It is therefore conceivable that the shape of the conveying surface of the wings can be varied / adjusted during the operation of the rotary press.

[0034] It is conceivable that the shape of the conveying surfaces can be varied during the tablet manufacturing process, or while the respective impellers are conveying the medium to be dosed through the filling unit. Alternatively, the tablet manufacturing process, or the conveying of the medium through the filling unit, can be briefly paused, the shape of the conveying surfaces changed, and then the tablet manufacturing process, or the conveying of the medium through the filling unit, resumed. In both cases, disassembly of the respective impellers or the filling unit is not necessary.

[0035] The blades of the impeller-type filling wheel, metering wheel, and / or feed wheel can be designed to be displaceable parallel to the axis of rotation of the respective impeller. In other words, the blades are height-adjustable. This allows, for example, the lower edge of the blades to be kept at a constant height or level when rotating around their respective axis of extension, even if the blades have a non-circular cross-section. This ensures that no gaps form between the impeller and the filling unit element located below it. In other words, adjusting the height of the blades ensures that all of the medium is captured and conveyed by the impeller while it is being transported.

[0036] The blades of the filling wheel, metering wheel, and / or feed wheel, designed as a paddle wheel, can have a triangular, a quadrilateral, especially a square, or at least partially rounded cross-section. Of course, cross-sections with other geometric shapes are also conceivable.

[0037] The vanes of the filling wheel, metering wheel, and / or feed wheel, designed as a vane wheel, can have a constant cross-section along a portion of their respective axis of extension. In particular, the cross-section can be the same along the entire respective axis of extension. However, it is also conceivable that the cross-sectional area increases or decreases radially from the respective axis of rotation, or changes uniformly along the axis of extension.

[0038] The number of blades of the filling wheel, metering wheel and / or feed wheel designed as a paddle wheel can vary for each paddle wheel, and can be even and / or odd.

[0039] The blades of the impeller-type filling wheel, metering wheel, and / or feed wheel can be interchangeable. In particular, the blades can be designed as interchangeable elements for the individual impellers. This allows the blades to be quickly and easily replaced with other blades, especially those with a different cross-section. For example, if a blade is damaged, it can be replaced without having to replace the entire impeller. Furthermore, this interchangeability increases the number of different conveying surface shapes available.

[0040] The impeller-type filling wheel, metering wheel, and / or feed wheel can each have impellers with different cross-sections along their respective axes. In other words, the filling wheel, metering wheel, and / or feed wheel can each have differently shaped impellers. For example, the filling wheel can have impellers with a triangular cross-section, the metering wheel can have impellers with a circular cross-section, and the feed wheel can have impellers with a square cross-section.

[0041] The vanes of the impeller-type filling wheel, metering wheel, and / or feed wheel can be arranged such that an extension of the respective axis of extension runs at a distance from the axis of rotation of the respective impeller. The extension of the respective axis of extension thus forms a tangent to a circle centered on the axis of rotation, the circle having a non-zero radius. In other words, the vanes are inclined with respect to a radial direction emanating from the center of the respective impeller. In other words, the extension of the respective axis of extension and the radial direction emanating from the center of the respective impeller form an angle that is non-zero, in particular between zero and 90 degrees, in particular between zero and 45 degrees, and in particular between 0 and 20 degrees.

[0042] The filling unit can be designed such that the direction of rotation and / or the rotational speed of the impeller-type filling wheel, metering wheel, and / or feed wheel can be varied. The direction of rotation and / or the rotational speed can be preset before tablet production according to the specific medium (or powder). However, it is also conceivable that the direction of rotation and / or the rotational speed can be varied during tablet production, i.e., during the conveying of the medium (or during the rotation of the respective impellers). In particular, the direction of rotation can be varied independently of the rotational speed.

[0043] The filling unit can have at least one electric motor. This electric motor can drive the impeller (also called a filling wheel, metering wheel, or feed wheel) directly or indirectly, for example, via at least one gear and / or a toothed belt. It is also conceivable that several impellers are driven by the electric motor. Alternatively, each impeller can be driven by a separate electric motor.

[0044] Alternatively or additionally, the electric motor can directly or indirectly vary the rotational position of the blades and / or the inclination or angle defined by the respective axis of extension of the blades and a radial direction of the respective impeller extending from the axis of rotation, for example, via at least one gear and / or a toothed belt. It is conceivable that the rotational position of the blades and the inclination of the blades with respect to a radial direction extending from the axis of rotation of the respective impeller could be varied using the same electric motor. However, it is also conceivable that a separate electric motor could be provided for varying the rotational position and the inclination of the blades.

[0045] In particular, several electric motors can form an electric motor group and be designed as a single interchangeable element. This allows multiple electric motors to be quickly and easily replaced with another electric motor group (e.g., in case of damage). Similarly, it is conceivable that the gears transmitting torque from the electric motors to the impellers could be designed as a gear group, which could also be designed as an interchangeable element.

[0046] In particular, the electric motor can be designed as a servo motor or a pneumatic motor. Specifically, all electric motors can be designed as servo motors or pneumatic motors. It is also conceivable that a pneumatic and / or hydraulic drive can be provided as an alternative or in addition to the electric motor. Other drive types, as well as a manual drive ("by hand"), are also conceivable.

[0047] The above problem is also solved by the inventive method for providing an optimized rotary press with the features of the dependent claim. The inventive method comprises the following steps: providing a first rotary press with an adjustable filling unit. The adjustable filling unit has at least one element with at least one adjustable configuration parameter. For the purposes of this application, a configuration parameter is a quantity that influences the conveyance of the medium within the filling unit (or rotary press) and / or properties of the manufactured tablets (e.g., tablet quality).

[0048] Production of multiple tablets using the first rotary press, each with different configuration parameter settings. For example, batches of tablets can be produced, with each batch manufactured using a different configuration parameter setting.

[0049] Thus, using the first rotary press with the adjustable filling unit, various settings for a configuration parameter can be tested to find the optimal settings. Changing and / or replacing the corresponding elements relating to the configuration parameter is not necessary.

[0050] Analyzing the manufactured tablets for desired properties in order to identify a tablet (or batch of tablets) with preferred characteristics among the manufactured tablets. These can be, in particular, quality characteristics of the tablet (e.g., particularly good strength, weight, breaking strength, bridge height).

[0051] Identifying the configuration parameter setting at which the tablet (or batch) was produced with preferred properties.

[0052] Provision of at least one second rotary press with an optimized filling unit. The optimized filling unit has at least one element with a fixed configuration parameter, in which the tablet (or tablet batch) with preferred properties was produced.

[0053] In other words, once the optimal configuration parameter has been identified using the first rotary press with the adjustable filling unit, this configuration parameter is transferred to a second rotary press. This configuration parameter is then no longer adjustable on the second rotary press. It is also conceivable that the first rotary press is equipped with such an optimized filling unit. In other words, the first rotary press with an adjustable filling unit can be converted into a rotary press with an optimized filling unit.

[0054] Because the components of the second rotary press already have optimal configuration parameters and do not require further adjustment, these components can be designed more simply. Additional components / parts required for adjustability can be omitted. This makes the corresponding components less expensive to manufacture. The second rotary press can therefore be made smaller and less expensive. Furthermore, the components of the second rotary press can be designed to be more robust and durable.

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

[0056] It is therefore conceivable that, in order to identify the optimal configuration parameter, the first tablets of a batch are not considered in the analysis of the manufactured tablets. However, it is also conceivable that the batch contains such a large number of tablets that the deviation in tablet properties between the first tablets and the remaining tablets of a batch is negligible due to the sheer number of tablets in the batch.

[0057] The adjustable filling unit of the first rotary press is a filling unit according to the above descriptions.

[0058] The adjustable configuration parameter can be the direction of rotation or the rotational speed of the filling wheel, metering wheel / or feed wheel designed as a paddle wheel.

[0059] It is also conceivable that the adjustable configuration parameter could be speed, pre-pressure, main pressure, weight dosage, immersion depth or position of the pellet in the die.

[0060] Switching the feed wheel in or out of the conveying path of the medium being dosed can also be a configuration parameter. In other words, a configuration parameter can define the position of the feed wheel inside or outside the conveying path of the medium being dosed.

[0061] The adjustable configuration parameter can be the shape of the blade surfaces or the blade pitch. The shape of the blade surfaces can be changed by rotating the blades around their respective axes of extension. The blade pitch refers to the angle formed by the respective axis of extension (or its extension) of the blades and a radial direction of the respective impeller extending from the axis of rotation.

[0062] During the tablet manufacturing step using the first rotary press, several configuration parameters can be changed simultaneously. It is conceivable that these multiple configuration parameters can be set on the same element. However, it is equally conceivable that the multiple configuration parameters can be set on multiple elements, with each element potentially allowing one configuration parameter to be set at a time.

[0063] Further features, details, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the wording of the claims and from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings. They show: Fig. 1 a side view of a rotary press with a filling unit; Fig. 2 a top view of the filling unit with a die disk according to Fig. 1 Fig. 3 a perspective view of another embodiment of the filling unit; Fig. 4 a perspective view of another embodiment of the filling unit; Fig. 5 a perspective view of another embodiment of the filling unit; Fig. 6 a detail of a perspective view of the filling unit according to Fig. 5 from another perspective; Fig. 7 a perspective view of a filling wheel designed as a paddle wheel, metering wheel and feed wheel together with gears; Fig. 8 a perspective view of a paddle wheel according to Fig. 7Fig. 9 a perspective view of another embodiment of the impeller; Fig. 10 a perspective view of another embodiment of the impeller; Fig. 11 a perspective view of another embodiment of the impeller; and Fig. 12 a flowchart of a method for providing an optimized rotary press.

[0064] In the following description and in the figures, corresponding components and elements bear the same reference symbols. For the sake of clarity, not all reference symbols are shown in every figure.

[0065] Figure 1 Figure 1 shows a side view of a rotary press 12 with a filling unit 10. In this case, the medium to be dosed, i.e. the powder to be compressed into tablets, enters the rotary press 12 via a funnel 13. After the tablets have been pressed, they are conveyed out of the rotary press 12 via the discharge chute 15.

[0066] Figure 2 shows a top view of the filling unit 10 with a die disk 18 according to Fig. 1 The die disk 18 has several die bores 16 arranged on a circular path, into which the medium to be compressed into tablets is dosed by means of the filling unit 10.

[0067] Figure 3 Figure 1 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the filling unit 10. The medium to be metered is fed to a filling wheel 14 via the media supply unit 36. In this case, the media supply unit 36 ​​is designed as a straight tube.

[0068] For the sake of clarity, a feed wheel 30 that can be switched into the conveyor path is shown. Figure 3 Not shown. The conveying path shown corresponds to a conveying path in which the feed wheel is switched out of the conveying path.

[0069] The filling wheel 14 is designed as a vane wheel 20 with vanes 22. The filling wheel 14 conveys the medium to be metered into the die bores 16 of the die disk 18. This is done by rotating the filling wheel 14 about its axis of rotation 42 (indicated by a dashed line).

[0070] The quantity of medium to be metered into the die bores 16 of the die disk 18 is precisely metered by means of a metering wheel 24. The metering wheel is designed as a vane wheel 26 with vanes 28. This is achieved by rotating the metering wheel 24 about its axis of rotation 42 (indicated by a dashed line). During this rotation, the vanes 28 of the metering wheel 24 sweep across the die bores 16, removing excess medium and leaving a precisely defined quantity of medium in the die bores 16.

[0071] The remaining medium in a die cavity 16 is then compressed into a tablet. This can be achieved, for example, by means of a lower and / or upper punch that are moved relative to each other (not shown).

[0072] Figure 4 Figure 1 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the filling unit 10. The filling unit 10 shown has, analogous to the one in Figure 10, the following features: Figure 3 The illustrated embodiment includes a filling wheel 14 and a metering wheel 24. The die disk 18 with the die bores 16 is not shown. The feed wheel 30 of the filling unit 10 is shown. This is arranged in the conveying path between the media supply unit 36 ​​and the filling wheel 14.

[0073] The media feed unit 36 ​​feeds the medium to be metered to the feed wheel 30. The feed wheel 30 is designed as a paddle wheel 32 with paddles 34. The medium to be metered is fed to a filling wheel 14 by means of the feed wheel 30. This occurs through a rotation of the feed wheel 30 about its axis of rotation 42 (indicated by a dashed line).

[0074] In this case, the feed wheel 30 is arranged on a pivoting device 33. The pivoting device 33, and thus also the feed wheel 30, can be pivoted about the pivot axis 35. In this case, the pivot axis 35 and the rotation axis 42 of the metering wheel 24 are identical. This allows the feed wheel 30 to be pivoted out of or into the conveying path of the medium.

[0075] The depicted conveying path of the medium runs via the media feed unit 36, which feeds the medium to the feed wheel 30. This wheel conveys the medium to the filling wheel 14 by rotating about its axis of rotation 42. The filling wheel 14 fills the die bores 16 (not shown) by rotating about its axis of rotation 42 (not shown). Subsequently, the medium filled into the die bores 16 is precisely metered by the wings 28 of the metering wheel 24 passing over them. This is also achieved by rotating the metering wheel 24 about its axis of rotation 42.

[0076] If the feed wheel 30 is pivoted out of the conveying path about the pivot axis 35, the conveying path of the medium then runs via the media feed unit 36, which feeds the medium directly to the filling wheel 14. Subsequently, the medium is filled into the die bores by the filling wheel and then precisely metered by the metering wheel 24 (see above).

[0077] Alternatively or additionally to the swiveling device 33, the media feed unit 36 ​​can have a diverter valve (not shown) that selectively feeds the medium either directly to the feed wheel 30 or to the filling wheel 14. This allows a choice between a conveying path with the feed wheel 30 and a conveying path without the feed wheel 30, without requiring the feed wheel 30 to be swiveled out of the conveying path.

[0078] Figure 5 Figure 1 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the filling unit 10. In this case, the filling wheel 14, the feed wheel 30 and the metering wheel 24 are not shown, as they are covered by a cover 51.

[0079] Six electric motors 50, designed as servomotors 52, are shown here. Two servomotors 52 are arranged opposite each other. Each servomotor 52 can be controlled and operated individually and independently of the other servomotors 52. The servomotors 52 can be configured as a servomotor group, which can be used as an interchangeable element. For example, the servomotors 52 in the Figure 5 three upper servomotors 52 form an exchange element and the in Figure 5 The three lower servomotors 52 form another replacement element. This allows, for example, the servomotors 52 to be replaced quickly and easily in case of a defect.

[0080] Figure 6 shows a section of a perspective view of filling unit 10 according to Fig. 5 from a different perspective. Cover 51 is not shown here, so that the in Figure 5The concealed filling wheel 14, the feed wheel 30 and the metering wheel 24 are recognizable.

[0081] The filling wheel 14, the feed wheel 30, and the metering wheel 24 are coupled to the servomotors 52 by means of gears 46 and 48. A torque can be transmitted from the respective servomotor 52 to the filling wheel 14, feed wheel 30, or metering wheel 24 via the gears 46 and 48. The transmitted torque can then be used to rotate the filling wheel 14, feed wheel 30, and / or metering wheel 24 (designed as impellers 20, 26, 32), and / or to adjust the rotational position, inclination, and / or curvature of the impellers 22, 28, 34 of the respective impeller 20, 26, 32.

[0082] Figure 7 Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a filling wheel 14, metering wheel 24, and feed wheel 30, along with gears 46 and 48. Six servomotors 52 are indicated by dashed lines. The torque of three servomotors is shown here. Figure 7The torque is transmitted by the servomotors 52 arranged above to a first gear 46. This gear meshes with a second gear 46, and the second gear 46 meshes with a third gear 46, which is located on the filling wheel 14, metering wheel 24, or feed wheel 30. The torque is then transmitted accordingly by the three remaining (in Figure 7 The torque of each servomotor 52 arranged below is transmitted to a first gear 48. This gear meshes with a second gear 48, and the second gear 48 meshes with a third gear 48, which is located on the filling wheel 14, metering wheel 24, or feed wheel 30. In this way, the torque of the respective servomotor 52 is transmitted to the filling wheel 14, the metering wheel 24, or the feed wheel 30.

[0083] Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a fan wheel 20, 26, 32 according to Fig. 7 The impeller 20, 26,32 shown can be a filling wheel 14, feed wheel 30 or a metering wheel 24.

[0084] The impeller 20, 26, 32 has an axis of rotation 42 about which the filling wheel 20, 26, 32 can rotate. The impeller 20, 26, 32 has ten blades 22, 28, 34. In this case, the blades 22, 28, 34 extend along a radial direction 45, which extends radially outwards from the axis of rotation 42 and perpendicular to the axis of rotation 42. The blades 22, 28, 34 have an axis of extension 38, which corresponds to the longitudinal axis of the blades 22, 28, 34.

[0085] The wings 22, 28, 34 have a triangular cross-section, with one corner of the triangle representing the lower edge of the respective wing 22, 28, 34 in the position shown.

[0086] The impeller 20, 26, 32 has an upper gear 46 and a lower gear 48, wherein the impeller 20, 26, 32 and the two gears 46, 48 each have the same axis of rotation 42, i.e., they are arranged coaxially with each other. The impeller 20, 26, 32 is designed to rotate via the lower gear 48. This can be achieved, for example, by coupling the lower gear 48 and the impeller 20, 26, 32 to each other in a rotationally fixed manner.

[0087] When the impeller 20, 26, 32 is rotated, it turns around the axis of rotation 42 and conveys the medium located between the individual blades 22, 28, 34 with a respective conveying surface 40.

[0088] The upper gear 46 allows the vanes 22, 28, 34 to be rotated about their respective axes of extension 38. It is also conceivable that the height (displacement parallel to the axis of rotation 42), the inclination, and / or the curvature of the vanes 22, 28, 34 can be changed via the gear 46. The elements required for this, for example, in the form of appropriate mechanics and / or electrical components, can be arranged in a housing 49 of the impeller 20, 26, 32.

[0089] The lower gear 48 is arranged between the upper gear 46 and the impeller 20, 26, 32. Of course, it is conceivable that the upper gear 46 is arranged between the lower gear 48 and the impeller 20, 26, 32, or that the functions of the upper and lower gears 46, 48 are reversed.

[0090] Figure 9Figure 1 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the impeller 20, 26, 32. In this case, the impeller 20, 26, 32 has straight blades 22, 28, 34 with a square cross-section.

[0091] Figure 10 Figure 1 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the impeller 20, 26, 32. Here, an impeller 20, 26, 32 with inclined blades 22, 28, 34 is depicted. The extension of the respective axis 38 of the blades 22, 28, 34 (indicated by dashed lines) does not intersect the center point of the impeller 20, 26, 32, marked "x" and designated with the reference numeral 47. The respective axis 38, or its extension, is therefore spaced apart from the center point 47.

[0092] In a fan wheel 20, 26, 32 with a variable inclination, the blades 22, 28, 34 can be adjusted such that the angle between the axis of extension 38 (or its extension) of the respective blade 22, 28, 34 and the radial direction 45 can be varied. For example, a blade 54 can be moved from its first arrangement 56, as shown in the sketch, to a second arrangement 58, indicated by a dashed line. As can be clearly seen, the angle between the blade 54 in the first arrangement 56 and the radial direction 45 is different (larger) than the angle between the blade 54 in the second arrangement 58 and the radial direction 45. The variation in inclination is indicated here by a double arrow.

[0093] Figure 11Figure 1 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the impeller 20, 26, 32. The present embodiment of the impeller 20, 26, 32 has blades 22, 28, 34 with a curvature. The blades 22, 28, 34 each have a first section 60 in which the blades 22, 28, 34 extend along the radial direction 45 (i.e., straight outwards). A second section 62, which is curved with respect to the radial direction 45, adjoins the first section 60. A third section 64, which is straight (analogous to the first section 60), adjoins the second section 62.

[0094] A possible variable curvature of the blades 22, 28, 34 of the impeller 20, 26, 32 is (analogous to the Figure 10The arrangement of the vane 70 is indicated by a double arrow and a first arrangement 66 and a second arrangement 68 (shown with dashed lines). In this case, varying the curvature also changes the outer diameter of the impeller 20, 26, 32. A greater curvature of the vanes 22, 28, 34 with respect to the radial direction 45 results in a smaller outer diameter of the impeller 20, 26, 32. A lesser curvature of the vanes 22, 28, 34 with respect to the radial direction 45 results in a larger outer diameter of the impeller 20, 26, 32.

[0095] Figure 12 shows a flowchart of a process for providing an optimized rotary press.

[0096] The process step of providing a first rotary press 12 with an adjustable filling unit 10, wherein the adjustable filling unit 10 has at least one element with at least one adjustable configuration parameter, is designated by the reference number 72.

[0097] The subsequent process step of producing several tablets with the first rotary press 12, each with different settings of the configuration parameter, is designated by the reference number 74.

[0098] This process step 74 can be performed any number of times with any number of different configuration parameters.

[0099] After the tablets have been manufactured, the next step involves analyzing them for desired properties, particularly quality characteristics, in order to identify a tablet with preferred properties among the manufactured tablets. This step is described in the Figure 12 designated with the reference number 76.

[0100] The process step of identifying the setting of the configuration parameter, in which the tablet with preferred properties was produced, is designated by the reference number 78.

[0101] The final process step of providing at least one second rotary press with an optimized filling unit, wherein the optimized filling unit has at least one element with a fixed configuration parameter, in which the tablet with preferred properties was produced, is designated by reference numeral 80. It is also conceivable that, alternatively or in addition to providing a second rotary press, the first rotary press can be converted into a rotary press with an optimized filling unit.

[0102] The in Figure 12 The flowchart shown is intended to illustrate the chronological sequence of the individual process steps 72, 74, 76, 78, and 80. The process steps 72, 74, 76, 78, and 80 are carried out sequentially in the order shown in the flowchart.

[0103] However, it is also conceivable that a process step is repeated any number of times before the next process step is carried out.

Claims

1. A filling unit (10) for a rotary press (12), the filling unit (10) comprising: a filling wheel (14) which is designed to fill a medium to be metered into die holes (16) of a die plate (18) of the rotary press (12); wherein the filling wheel (14) is designed as an impeller (20) and is designed to deliver the medium to be metered via a rotating movement by means of its vanes (22); a metering wheel (24) which is designed to meter a quantity of medium to be metered into the respective die holes (16) of the die plate (18), wherein the metering wheel (24) is designed as an impeller (26) and is designed to meter the amount of the medium to be metered and to remove excess medium by scraping over the die holes (16) of the die plate (18) with its vanes (28) via a rotating movement; a feeding wheel (30) which is designed to feed the medium to be metered to the filling wheel (14), wherein the feeding wheel (30) is designed as an impeller (32) and is designed to deliver the medium to be supplied to the filling wheel (14) via a rotating movement by means of its vanes (34); at least one medium supply unit (36) which is designed to supply the medium to the filling wheel (14) and / or the feeding wheel (30), wherein the vanes (22, 28, 34) or the filling wheel (14), the metering wheel (24) and / or the feeding wheel (30) designed as an impeller (20, 26, 32) each have a delivery surface (40) with which each of the impellers (20, 26, 32) delivers the medium, characterized in that the filling unit (10) is designed in such a manner that the feeding wheel (30) can be connected to and / or disconnected from a delivery path of the medium to be metered, in particular by a pivoting movement by means of a pivoting device (33), in particular about an axis of rotation (42) of the metering wheel (24) designed as an impeller (20, 26, 32).

2. The filling unit (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the filling unit (10) is designed such that the medium supply unit (36) comprises a shunt gate by means of which the medium to be metered can be supplied selectively to the feeding wheel (30) or to the filling wheel (14).

3. The filling unit (10) according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the vanes (22, 28, 34) of the filling wheel (14), the metering wheel (24) and / or the feeding wheel (30) designed as an impeller (20, 26, 32) are designed such that a delivery surface (40) of the respective vanes (22, 28, 34) can be varied in shape.

4. The filling unit (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the shape of the delivery surface (40) can be modified by a rotation of the vanes (22, 28, 34) of the filling wheel (14), the metering wheel (24) and / or the feeding wheel (30) designed as an impeller (20, 26, 32) about the respective axes of extension (38), or by a variable inclination of the vanes (22, 28, 34) of the filling wheel (14), metering wheel (24) and / or the feeding wheel (30) designed as an impeller (20, 26, 32) with respect to a radial direction (45) extending from the axis of rotation (42) of the respective impellers (20, 26, 32), or by a variable curvature of the vanes (22, 28, 34) of the filling wheel (14), the metering wheel (24) and / or the feeding wheel (30) designed as an impeller (20, 26, 32).

5. The filling unit (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the vanes (22, 28, 34) of the filling wheel (14), the metering wheel (24) and / or the feeding wheel (30) designed as an impeller (20, 26, 32) are designed to be displaceable parallel to the axis of rotation (42) of the given impeller (20, 26, 32).

6. The filling unit (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the vanes (22, 28, 34) of the filling wheel (14), the metering wheel (24) and / or the feeding wheel (30) designed as an impeller (20, 26, 32) have a triangular, rectangular, or at least partially rounded cross section.

7. The filling unit (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the vanes (22, 28, 34) of the filling wheel (14), the metering wheel (24) and / or the feeding wheel (30) designed as an impeller (20, 26, 32) have a consistent cross section along at least one region of their respective axes of extension (38), in particular along their entire respective axes of extension (38).

8. The filling unit (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the vanes (22, 28, 34) of the filling wheel (14), the metering wheel (24) and / or the feeding wheel (30) designed as an impeller (20, 26, 32) are designed to be exchangeable, and in particular are designed to be an exchangeable element between the individual impellers (20, 26, 32).

9. The filling unit (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filling wheel (14), the metering wheel (24) and / or the feeding wheel (30) designed as an impeller (20, 26, 32) each has / have vanes (22, 28, 34) with a different cross section along their respective axes of extension (38).

10. The filling unit (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the vanes (22, 28, 34) of the filling wheel (14), the metering wheel (24) and / or the feeding wheel (30) designed as an impeller (20, 26, 32) are arranged such that an extension of the respective axes of extension (38) runs at a distance from an axis of rotation (42) of the given impeller (20, 26, 32).

11. The filling unit (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filling unit (10) is designed such that the direction of rotation and / or the rotational speed of the filling wheel (14), the metering wheel (24) and / or the feeding wheel (30) can be varied.

12. The filling unit (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filling unit (10) has at least one electric motor (50), in particular a servomotor (52), and the filling wheel (14), the metering wheel (24), and / or the feeding wheel (30) designed as an impeller (20, 26, 32) is / are driven directly or via at least one gearwheel (48) by the electric motor (50), in particular servomotor (52), and / or the rotational position of the vanes (22, 28, 34) and / or the inclination of the vanes (22, 28, 34) is varied directly or via at least one gearwheel (46) by the electric motor (50), in particular servomotor (52), with respect to a radial direction (45) extending from the axis of rotation (42) of the respective impeller (20, 26, 32).

13. A method for providing an optimized rotary press, comprising the steps of: providing a first rotary press (12) having an adjustable filling unit (10), the adjustable filling unit (10) having at least one element with at least one adjustable configuration parameter; producing a plurality of tablets with the first rotary press (12) with different settings of the configuration parameter; analyzing the produced tablets for desired properties, in particular quality features, to identify a tablet with preferred properties among the produced tablets; identifying the setting of the configuration parameter in which the tablet with preferred properties was produced; providing at least one second rotary press having an optimized filling unit, wherein the optimized filling unit has at least one element with a fixed, prespecified configuration parameter with which the tablet with preferred properties was produced, wherein the adjustable filling unit is a filling unit (10) according to any of claims 1 to 12.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that the adjustable configuration parameter is the direction of rotation or the rotational speed of the filling wheel (14), the metering wheel (24), and / or the feeding wheel (30) designed as an impeller (20, 26, 32), or the shape of the delivery surfaces (40) of the vanes (22, 28, 34), wherein the shape of the delivery surfaces (40) is variable by a rotation of the vanes (22, 28, 34) about their respective axes of extension (38), or by an inclination of the vanes (22, 28, 34) with respect to a radial direction (45) extending from the axis of rotation (42) of the respective impeller (20, 26, 32), or by varying the curvature of the vanes (22, 28, 34), or connecting / disconnecting the feeding wheel (30) to or from the delivery path of the medium to be metered.

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that, in the step of producing tablets with the first rotary press (12), the settings for multiple configuration parameters are changed at the same time.