Device for inserting at least one object into at least one die of a tabletting machine

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for inserting at least one object into at least one die of a tabletting machine, in which the at least one die is arranged on a pitch circle in a rotor driven in rotation about a first axis of rotation. The device comprises a second rotor rotatable about a second axis of rotation. The second rotor also has at least one object pick-up device, wherein the at least one object pick-up device comprises holding means, which enable pick-up, transport and delivery of the at least one object. The movement path of the at least one object can be controlled radially and tangentially with respect to the rotational movement of the second rotor via the at least one object pick-up device, such that the movement path of the at least one object can mimic the movement path of the at least one die, at least over a rotational angle range of the second rotor.

Description

[0001] Device for inserting at least one object into at least one die of a tabletting machine

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] The invention relates to a device for inserting at least one object into at least one die of a tabletting machine, in which the at least one die is arranged on a pitch circle in a rotor driven to rotate about a first axis of rotation. The device comprises a second rotor rotatable about a second axis of rotation. The second rotor also has at least one object holder, wherein the at least one object holder comprises holding means that enable the at least one object to be picked up, transported, and released. The movement path of the at least one object can be controlled radially and tangentially with respect to the rotational movement of the second rotor via the at least one object holder, such that the movement path of the at least one object can mimic the movement path of the at least one die, at least over a rotational angle range of the second rotor.

[0004] Furthermore, the invention relates to a system comprising a tabletting machine and the device described above.

[0005] Background and state of the art

[0006] The invention lies in the field of tabletting machines, in particular rotary presses, which are used in the pharmaceutical, technical or chemical industry or in the food industry to produce tablets or pellets in large quantities from powdered materials.

[0007] Rotary presses are known to have a rotor supporting a plurality of pairs of punches, each pair consisting of an upper punch and a lower punch that are adjustable relative to each other. The rotor comprises a die plate in which die openings are provided at regular intervals along a pitch circle. These openings have sleeve-shaped inserts called dies. The material to be pressed is filled into these dies or die openings by means of a filling device.

[0008] When a pair of punches reaches the area of ​​the filled die or die opening due to the rotation of the rotor, the two punches are moved toward each other by control cams and enter the area of ​​a pressure roller station. In the pressure roller station, the punches are pressed against each other, compacting the material in the die opening, for example, into a tablet. After the pressing process is completed, both press punches are moved upward, and the tablet is ejected from the die opening or die. The pressing force is transferred to the pressing tools via pressure rollers. The pressing tools are also referred to as upper and lower punches.

[0009] It is also known to provide single- or multi-layer tablets with a core or an object, called an insert. These cores or objects are individually fed into the dies and pressed into a medium to be pressed, especially powder, or encased in them. Crucial to the production of such tablets or pellets on a rotary press is that the cores or objects are individually and precisely fed into a die so that they can be inserted into a desired position, which is advantageously centered within the die.

[0010] In this regard, solutions exist with rotating insertion devices in which the circular trajectories of the dies and the insertion device partially overlap and thus intersect at exactly two points. With the help of a complex (and error-prone) control system, the aim is to eject the object to be inserted as suddenly as possible at exactly one of the intersection points. For example, the documents DE 10 2013 104 344 A1 and DE 10 2009 002 450 A1 disclose such rotating insertion devices, in which cores are picked up by gripping arms from a transfer wheel and inserted into the dies.

[0011] Furthermore, solutions with rotating insertion devices are known from the prior art, for example from DE 38 19 821 C2, in which gripper arms are arranged radially movable on the rotor of the insertion device and are thus able to follow the trajectory of the dies over a limited angle of rotation by means of a cam control or a tap on the rotor. However, a difference in the path speeds of the inserter and dies occurs, so that true synchronization is not achieved despite the tracking of the trajectory of the gripper arm; instead, the position of the inserted object is largely determined by the time of release.

[0012] DE 40 25 484 C1 further discloses an insertion device integrated into the rotor of the rotary press. In particular, radial arms are arranged directly on the driving rotor of the rotary press above the die table and rotate synchronously with the dies assigned to them. The radial arms are also mounted in the rotor so they can be retracted and extended (radially) and can pick up objects and transfer them into the dies. While such an insertion device allows for a small construction volume and precise and reproducible positioning of the objects within the die, this comparatively complex design regularly leads to malfunctions. Furthermore, conventional rotary presses cannot easily be retrofitted with such an insertion device.

[0013] Furthermore, DE 103 21 754 B4 discloses positioning cores or objects on an endless conveyor, guiding the endless conveyor along a pitch circle of the tablet press rotor, and pushing them into the dies via the tablet press's upper punches. However, conveying the cores or objects along a pitch circle of the rotor disadvantageously results in complex measures for positioning the cores or objects and synchronizing the movement of the cores or objects and the dies.

[0014] DE 38 19 821 A discloses a rotary tablet press comprising a rotary-driven die table and a transfer device. A plurality of head sections with transfer heads are mounted on the transfer device on radial arms that are firmly screwed to the rotor. The transfer heads have suction pipes and vacuum devices for receiving and dispensing the cores. The radial arms consist of vertical and horizontal cylinder-piston units that can be operated independently of one another. The cores are conveyed to the receiving star wheels of the transfer device via a feed device. The radial arm moves downwards using the vertical cylinder pistons, and the transfer head receives the core under vacuum.The horizontal cylinder pistons then move radially outwards and as soon as the die is reached, the head section opens into head receiving recesses on a guide ring on the die table so that the head guide ring mechanically and forcibly moves the transfer head along and the pitch circles of the die table and the transfer device overlap. DE 38 19 821 A discloses in particular a radial controllability of the transfer heads. The core is placed in the die and pressed with powder. By pressing the core into the die, the core is inserted centrally without radial displacement. Synchronization of the movement paths of the dies with the movement path of the transfer heads is achieved in particular by the head receiving recesses on a head guide ring on the die table engaging with head sections or the transfer heads. Radial mobility and a tap on the rotor are intended to allow the head sections orTransfer heads follow the trajectory of the dies over a limited angle of rotation. However, there is room for improvement in terms of core positioning precision.

[0015] JP 2019 135062 A further discloses a pressing device comprising a conveyor belt, a feed device, and a tabletting machine. The conveyor belt preferably conveys electronic chips to the feed device, which transports them to the tablet press. There, the chips are inserted into dies and compressed with powder. The feed device is designed as a closed loop, the shape of which is adapted to the radius of the dies in a transfer area. A plurality of gripping devices are mounted on the feed device, which have movable gripping fingers for receiving and dispensing the chips. The closing and opening of the gripping fingers is mechanically controlled by means of corresponding guide curves. The feed device or gripping devices are driven by the rotational movement of the tablet press rotor. For this purpose, a gear transmission is provided, the teeth of which engage with the upper rollers of the gripping device.

[0016] With regard to the known solutions, there is therefore a need for improvement in terms of positioning accuracy and performance (speed), while at the same time the possibility of dispensing with complex control and reducing susceptibility to failure would be desirable.

[0017] Object of the invention

[0018] The object of the invention is therefore to eliminate the disadvantages of the prior art and to provide a device for inserting at least one object into at least one die of a tabletting machine, which device enables a targeted or precise insertion of the at least one object with a continuously rotating rotor of the tabletting machine, whereby a high level of repeatability and reliability is achieved even at high speeds of the rotor.

[0019] Summary of the Invention The object of the invention is achieved by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the invention relates to a device for inserting at least one object into at least one die of a tabletting machine, in which the at least one die is arranged on a pitch circle in a rotor driven to rotate about a first axis of rotation; wherein the device comprises a second rotor rotatable about a second axis of rotation; wherein the second rotor comprises at least one object holder, wherein the at least one object holder comprises holding means that enable the at least one object to be picked up, transported, and released; characterized in that the movement path of the at least one object can be controlled radially and tangentially with respect to the rotational movement of the second rotor via the at least one object holder, so that the movement path of the at least one object can imitate the movement path of the at least one die, at least over a rotational angle range of the second rotor.

[0021] The device according to the invention enables, in particular, the separation, picking up, and precise insertion of objects into the dies of a rotary press with a continuously rotating rotor. Contrary to the prior art, the proposed device enables the movement path of an object to advantageously overlap the movement path of a die over a large period of time during the insertion process, whereby the object can in particular also be moved synchronously with the die. In other words, the movement paths intersect over a longer distance - instead of mainly at two points, as was previously the case. Because the object can advantageously be guided concurrently or synchronously with the die, the object can be inserted into the die at any time along the overlapped path. The positioning accuracy is therefore less dependent on the time of insertion or removal.the release of the object. This leads, among other things, to greater repeatability and reliability at high speeds.

[0022] Although, as described above, insertion devices are known that allow radial movement of the object with respect to the rotational movement of the rotor incorporated in the insertion device, whereby the movement paths of an object and a die can overlap even over a distance, this leads to a difference in the path speeds of the object and die. Synchronous operation is therefore not possible. It has been shown that the tangential controllability of the object with respect to the rotational movement of the second rotor, in addition to the radial controllability of the object, can overcome this problem. Through the tangential control of the object, the path speed of the object can advantageously be continuously adjusted so that the object can be moved synchronously or concurrently with the die.Advantageously, conventional rotary presses, which are particularly designed to press single- or multi-layer tablets, can be easily expanded with the device according to the invention, so that they can press a core or an object into the pellets to be produced. It is understood that at least one die is arranged on a pitch circle in a rotor driven to rotate about a first axis of rotation within the rotary press, while the device comprises a second rotor that rotates about a second axis of rotation.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the axis of rotation of the first rotor (i.e. the rotor of the tabletting machine) is arranged substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the second rotor (i.e. the rotor of the device according to the invention). The second rotor can therefore advantageously be subsequently positioned such that the device according to the invention is capable of introducing the at least one object into the at least one die. The device according to the invention can thus preferably be provided as an additional module for rotary presses and preferably only requires adjustment once. For this purpose, the device according to the invention is preferably moved radially onto the rotor of the tabletting machine until the object holder or the object is approximately aligned on the pitch circle on which the dies are arranged. The device according to the invention is advantageously "robust" with regard to positioning tolerances.Furthermore, an additional device for separating the objects to be inserted is no longer required; this function is covered by the proposed device.

[0024] For the purposes of the invention, a rotor is preferably a rotating component that rotates about an axis of rotation, such that components fixed to the rotor move on a circular path. The at least one die is preferably located on a partial circle in a rotor driven to rotate about a first axis of rotation. Accordingly, the die rotates on a circular path around the axis of rotation of the first rotor. The path of movement of the die is therefore preferably circular. The object, however, is held by the object holder, which in turn is attached to the second rotor. Accordingly, the object rotates about the second axis of rotation and would also preferably move on a circular path without radial and tangential controllability of the object holder or object.

[0025] In prior art insertion devices that include a rotor but lack radial and tangential control of the object holder or object, the intersection points of both circular paths (object / die) would be selected to "drop" the object into the die. The inventors recognized in this context that this approach does not allow for precise placement of the objects. In contrast, because the object holder allows the object to be controlled radially and tangentially in relation to the rotational movement of the second rotor, the object's trajectory can be adjusted to match the trajectory of the dies, and the object can also be moved synchronously with the die.

[0026] Preferably, the adaptation of the object's trajectory path occurs in a range between the (hypothetical) intersection points that would occur if the object were not radially and tangentially controllable. This range can be described by a rotation angle of the second rotor, i.e., a rotation angle range of the second rotor. The adaptation of the object's trajectory path to the path of the matrices is thus achieved via tangential and radial mobility of the individual object holders relative to the rotational movement of the second rotor, which follows a circular path. At the points where the object holders are connected to the second rotor, they therefore preferably also move on a circular path.However, due to the radial and tangential controllability of the individual object holders, this circular movement path can be adapted for the objects held by the holding means, so that the object can also move synchronously with the die.

[0027] From the above-cited JP 2019 135062 A, an adjustment of the movement of objects along a die path is also known. However, this is done via an insertion device which, instead of a second rotor, comprises a feed device configured as a closed, but not circular, loop. In JP 2019 135062, the feed device is also referred to as a rounded triangle, with a lower side adapted to the shape of the die table. The gripping devices of JP 2019 135062, which are installed on the feed device, therefore do not move on a circular path themselves. However, the provision of such a feed device is more complex and requires a greater distance between the gripping devices provided on the feed device.The inventive solution, which uses a second rotor, but where the movement path of the objects can be controlled radially and tangentially via the individual object holders with respect to the rotational movement of the second rotor, is structurally simpler and allows for a denser arrangement of object holders. In addition to a more robust design of the device, this also increases production efficiency.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the rotation angle range of the second rotor is preferably a movement segment of the second rotor, i.e., a rotational movement that the rotor performs over a specific rotation angle. The rotation angle range of the second rotor, in which the object's trajectory can mimic the trajectory of the die based on a tangential and radial deflection of the object holder, is preferably within a rotation angle range of < 180°. Thus, the trajectory of the die is mimicked by the object over a maximum of half a rotation of the second rotor.

[0029] For example, the object's trajectory follows a circular path within a rotation angle range of the second rotor of approximately 340°. As soon as the object encounters the trajectory of the die, the object's trajectory changes radially and tangentially (with respect to the rotation of the second rotor) and adapts to the trajectory of the die, allowing the object to be moved synchronously with the die. In the example described, the object's trajectory can now follow the trajectory of the die over a rotation angle range of approximately 20° of the second rotor (see also Fig. 1).

[0030] The mimicking or adaptation of the movement path is preferably designed such that the movement paths of the object and the die overlap over a specific time and distance range, with the object moving synchronously with the die. In this context, the center and / or center of gravity of the object is preferably located at a height spaced from the die approximately on the longitudinal axis of the die. It is understood that the height can vary during insertion of the object. During this (relatively long) synchronous movement, the object can be inserted by lowering the object holder. It is not necessary to position the object by dropping it as suddenly as possible at a precise point.

[0031] For the purposes of the invention, an object is preferably a three-dimensional object that has a size and geometric configuration that allows the object or the object to be embedded in a compact, wherein the volume of the compact depends on the die, the material, and the pressing force. An object can accordingly be regarded as a core of the compact. The core is preferably configured as a solid component, wherein the core consists, for example, of a different material or material composition than the material of the rest of the compact. The object or the core can also be pre-compacted powdered material. Such compacts provided with a core are also understood to be so-called shell-core tablets. In a further preferred embodiment, the object (as such) comprises a liquid and / or gaseous medium that is enclosed by a solid shell.For example, in the case of coated core tablets, the active ingredient may be a liquid that is coated with a solid that is digestible by humans.

[0032] There are no limits to the design of the object, as long as it can be inserted into the die of a tabletting machine, in particular a rotary press, and compressed with powdered material. In another preferred embodiment, the object can also be designed as a microchip. According to recent technical developments, microchips can be pressed into tablets as cores and, after the patient has taken the corresponding tablet, serve as an aid for remote diagnosis. The device according to the invention is advantageously capable of inserting very small microchips as objects into the dies of a tabletting machine, thereby enabling the production of "smart" tablets.In particular, tablets containing microchips, which may, for example, be less than 1 mm thick, can transmit a confirmation signal about the ingestion of the tablet, including the time of ingestion, to a receiver outside the patient's body, thereby enabling monitoring.

[0033] Preferably, the object has a volume that allows it to be embedded in a compact using a conventional rotary press. The object is preferably approximately 1 mm - 30 mm in its largest dimension and approximately 0.1 mm - 10 mm in its smallest dimension. The object is not limited to these dimensions.

[0034] Furthermore, the second rotor preferably comprises at least one object holder. The object holder preferably rotates with the second rotor and is capable of receiving an object from an object reservoir. The object holder can then transport the object via essentially half a rotation of the second rotor and finally release the object, preferably into the at least one die. The object holder and the at least one die, as well as the two rotors, are coordinated in such a way (in particular via the radial and tangential controllability of the object or object holder) that the object can be introduced into the die with precise positioning. The object reservoir can be designed as a container, or else comprise a feeder, such as a conveyor belt and / or a transfer wheel.With respect to the second rotor, the object reservoir is preferably located approximately on the opposite side of the location where the object is introduced into the at least one die, so that the object holder holds or transports the object approximately over a 180° rotation of the second rotor. The object holder is preferably configured to receive an individual object and present it to the at least one die.

[0035] In a further preferred embodiment, the object receiver has a holding means, which is preferably configured to receive, hold, and / or release the object. The holding means is preferably configured to hold the object for transport over approximately half a rotation of the second rotor and to release it into the at least one die in a region in which the movement path of the object overlaps the movement path of the die. The holding means can preferably be responded to / controlled sufficiently quickly to be able to receive a positionally fixed object even at high speeds of the second rotor. Furthermore, the holding means can preferably, for example, apply or release a holding force within a few milliseconds, so that the object can be received from the object reservoir or released into the die without disadvantageous latency.

[0036] In a further preferred embodiment, the device is characterized in that the second rotor comprises a coupling element configured to initiate and / or ensure a rotational movement of the second rotor via an operative contact with the driving first rotor; to mechanically force-control the movement path of the at least one object by means of the at least one object receiver at least over a rotational angle range of the second rotor.

[0037] The inclusion of a coupling element leads to particular advantages. The coupling element advantageously combines two functions in one component, namely a) ensuring or initiating a rotational movement of the second rotor and b) influencing the movement path of the object. Because the coupling element is preferably in operative contact with the driving first rotor (thereby ensuring a rotational movement of the second rotor), the device according to the invention can advantageously be dispensed with a separate drive. Among other things, this eliminates the need for complex synchronization of the drives of the device and the tabletting machine. Eliminating a separate drive also results in a particularly lightweight and therefore easy-to-transport device for inserting objects into a die, which can be used flexibly, particularly in various tabletting machines.Since the coupling element is also simultaneously designed to mechanically control the movement path of the object via the object holder, a complex control arrangement for the object holder can be dispensed with. It goes without saying that the number of components to be used is also reduced. For the purposes of the invention, a coupling element is a component or assembly which establishes a connection in the broadest sense between two components (here: e.g. between the first and second rotor). The coupling element can preferably be in (temporary) mechanical contact with both components and bring about a mechanical connection. Preferably, the connection can also be contactless, wherein only an effect is transmitted; for example, a magnet can influence another component without a mechanical connection existing.Accordingly, it is particularly preferably an operative connection, wherein the coupling element is preferably in operative contact with the components. The coupling element thus enables interaction between two components (mechanical or otherwise). In order to ensure a rotary movement of the second rotor, the coupling element is preferably in operative contact with the first rotor, wherein the first rotor is included in the tabletting machine and represents a drive. The operative contact is formed, for example, by the coupling element mechanically tapping elements of the first rotor. The coupling element can also be represented, for example, as a gear with elements such as gears, cam elements, connecting rods, rod links, belts, chains, etc. (without being limited thereto), which transmits the rotary movement of the first rotor to the second rotor.

[0038] As soon as the first rotor begins to rotate, a force is preferably transferred to the coupling element, which in turn transfers the force to the second rotor. This advantageously ensures that the second rotor also begins to rotate. The coupling element is preferably designed so that little energy is lost through friction or deformation. The second rotor can thus be set into a rotary motion via the coupling element and can maintain this rotary motion as long as the first rotor of the tabletting machine is rotating.

[0039] Furthermore, the coupling element is preferably configured to positively control the movement path of the at least one object via the object receiver. For this purpose, the coupling element comprises means that preferably establish a mechanical, hydraulic, and / or electrical connection between the coupling element and the object receiver. The coupling element can influence the object receiver via this connection and, in particular, manipulate the movement path of the at least one object.

[0040] In a further preferred embodiment, the device is characterized in that the at least one object holder is operatively connected to the coupling element via a guide mechanism, wherein the coupling element can accommodate a coupling movement through the operative contact with the first rotor, and the movement path of the at least one object can be deflected via the at least one object holder and the guide mechanism in a predetermined spatial direction, namely in the form of the coupling movement, radially and tangentially with respect to the rotational movement of the second rotor. Such a configuration, in particular via a guide mechanism, makes it possible to provide an effective and efficient device with few components that can control the movement path of the object. Due to the guide mechanism, a movement of the coupling element, namely a coupling movement, directly influences the movement path of the object via the object holder.The guide mechanism establishes an interaction between the first rotor on which the at least one die is arranged and the movement path of the object via the coupling element.

[0041] Preferably, the coupling element can assume a coupling movement, which is imposed on the coupling element by the active contact, such as a tap, with the first rotor. Due to the guide mechanism, the coupling movement preferably directly influences the object holder and thus the movement path of the object. Particularly preferably, the coupling element, with its movement, determines the movement of the object holder and, accordingly, the object. For example, the coupling element can experience a tangential and / or radial deflection, whereby this deflection assumes a spatial direction that is directly—i.e., simultaneously—transferred to the object holder.

[0042] For the purposes of the invention, a guide mechanism is a component or assembly designed to transmit forces and control the object holder or the object along a movement path. In particular, the guide mechanism can transmit the coupling movement of the coupling element to the object holder, thereby influencing the movement path of the object. The guide mechanism can preferably comprise (but is not limited to) hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, and / or mechanical components.

[0043] In a further preferred embodiment, the device is characterized in that the coupling element comprises a rod-shaped coupling member with a coupling head, wherein the coupling member is mounted on one side in the second rotor, wherein the coupling member is oriented such that the coupling head points radially outward and is structurally adapted to a component of the first rotor, whereby the coupling head can tap the component of the first rotor, so that a rotational movement of the first rotor can be transmitted. This embodiment of the coupling element is particularly simple in its construction. The device preferably has a plurality of coupling elements or coupling members that interact synergistically and can set the second rotor in rotation by respectively tapping components of the first rotor.Each coupling element is preferably temporarily in operative contact with the first rotor by mechanically tapping a component of the first rotor during the rotation of the second rotor over a rotation angle range, e.g., approximately 10° to 30°. Tapping a coupling element transmits a force to the second rotor, which rotates the second rotor by a certain amount. The coupling elements preferably come into operative contact with components of the first rotor one after the other, so that each interaction between the component and the coupling element exerts a specific force on the second rotor.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment, the coupling element comprises a rod-shaped coupling member. A rod-shaped coupling member is particularly advantageous because, on the one hand, it is very well suited to transmitting forces with as little loss as possible and, on the other hand, if it is mounted on one side in two degrees of freedom (tangentially pivotable and radially displaceable), as proposed, it enables particularly uniform tapping. The coupling member has a relatively high degree of rigidity and is preferably made of a metal or a fiber-reinforced plastic. Rod-shaped coupling members whose length is adjustable can also preferably be used. This adjustability allows the device according to the invention to be used variably for a multitude of different tabletting machines, in particular with rotors of different sizes, and to be adapted to different machine-specific requirements.

[0045] According to the invention, a coupling head is a component which is arranged as an end piece on the coupling link.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment, the coupling member and the coupling head are preferably manufactured as an inseparable unit from a single component. In this context, the coupling member and the coupling head are, on the one hand, made of a material with particularly high rigidity in order to be able to transmit forces and torques without significant losses. On the other hand, at least the surface is preferably soft / elastic enough to prevent significant wear when the rotor component is tapped off the tabletting machine. The coupling member and the coupling head are preferably made of a fiber-reinforced plastic.

[0047] In a further preferred embodiment, the coupling head can also be detachably connected to the coupling element, so that the coupling element can be exchanged in the tabletting machine depending on the component to be gripped, and the device according to the invention can thus be used for different tabletting machines. Furthermore, this makes it particularly easy to replace worn coupling heads without having to replace the entire coupling element. In particular, the coupling head can be made of a different material than the coupling element. A suitable material pairing between the coupling head and the component to be gripped in the tabletting machine makes it possible to provide particularly durable coupling elements.For example, the coupling head can comprise a particularly elastic material, which results in little wear when engaging the component of the tabletting machine, while the coupling link, on the other hand, is designed to be particularly rigid in order to be able to transmit movements and forces advantageously.

[0048] Preferably, the component to be picked up by the coupling element is an element mounted on the rotor of the tabletting machine. Accordingly, the component preferably rotates around the axis of the rotor on a circular path.

[0049] In a further preferred embodiment, the device is characterized in that the coupling head comprises a fork, which is preferably matched to the diameter of a shaft of a lower punch of the first rotor, so that the fork can accommodate the shaft of the lower punch. The design of the coupling head as a fork particularly advantageously enables forces to be absorbed and transmitted in both the radial and tangential directions (with respect to the rotation of the second rotor). In particular, the absorbed forces in the tangential direction lead to a torque that acts on the second rotor and advantageously drives it.

[0050] In the context of the invention, the fork is preferably a component comprising a rod-shaped element with extensions at one end. The fork preferably has two extensions spaced apart from each other so that a shaft of a lower punch can be accommodated. In a figurative sense, the fork can have the design of a carving fork, with the extensions or prongs spaced apart approximately as far as the diameter of a shaft of the lower punch (see also Fig. 2 or Fig. 3).

[0051] In a further preferred embodiment, the device is characterized in that the object holder comprises a gripper arm with a holding element, which is mounted radially in the second rotor, wherein the holding element is preferably configured to hold the object in a force-fitting and / or form-fitting manner. The use of one gripper arm is particularly well suited for inserting an object into a die, as it can be used in combination with a plurality of additional gripper arms. Spacing the respective gripper arms apart can ensure sufficient freedom of movement, in particular for tangential deflection of the object or pivotability of the gripper arm.

[0052] In a preferred embodiment, the gripper arm is a substantially rod-shaped component, which is preferably mounted radially in the second rotor and at whose end facing away from the rotor the retaining element is arranged. By means of the above-mentioned guide mechanism, the gripper arm is preferably influenced by a coupling movement of the coupling element or coupling member, wherein the coupling movement determines, in particular, the radial displacement and the pivotability of the gripper arm.

[0053] For the purposes of the invention, the holding element can be regarded as a preferred embodiment of the holding means. The holding element is preferably designed to hold the object force-fitting and / or form-fitting. In this context, the holding element preferably comprises mechanical, pneumatic, electro-pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical and / or magnetic components. The holding element can accordingly be designed, for example, such that it has a pair of clamps that hold the object force-fitting. Alternatively, the holding element can have means that generate negative pressure and thereby hold the object force-fitting. In this context, the gripper arm is preferably designed such that it itself, or in particular the holding element, can be adjusted in a height position so that the holding element can precisely pick up and / or place the at least one object.

[0054] In a further preferred embodiment, the device is characterized in that the gripper arm is mechanically connected to the coupling element, preferably a coupling member, such that a tangential and radial deflection of the coupling element, preferably the coupling member, with respect to a rotational movement of the second rotor can be directly transmitted to the gripper arm. In particular, the direct transmission of the deflection—i.e., without latency—leads to particularly good synchronization of the gripper arm or the movement path of the object and the at least one die or its movement path.

[0055] In a preferred embodiment, the mechanical connection between the gripper arm and the coupling element or coupling member preferably comprises a bolt that is oriented substantially orthogonally to the gripper arm and coupling member, which are preferably horizontally aligned and radially mounted in the second rotor. The bolt serves, in particular, to transmit forces from the coupling member to the gripper arm, so that the movement of the coupling member can be adapted by the gripper arm. The bolt is preferably rigidly connected to the gripper arm and the coupling member (see Fig. 5).

[0056] In a further preferred embodiment, the device is characterized in that the second rotor comprises guide curves configured to guide the holding means included in the object holder in a vertical position. The guide curves are preferably arranged circumferentially on the second rotor, so that the holding means (or preferably also the holding element) is positively controlled or guided along this guide curve. Such guide curves are also known, for example, in rotary presses for guiding upper and lower punches.

[0057] In a further preferred embodiment, in particular the holding element included in the gripping arm can be guided in a height position by guide curves on the second rotor.

[0058] In a further preferred embodiment, the device is characterized in that the object holder and the coupling element are spring-mounted in the second rotor and can be guided into a radial starting position with respect to the rotation of the second rotor via a spring preload, while the object holder and the coupling element can be pivoted tangentially with respect to the rotation of the second rotor in the radial starting position, preferably pivotable at an angle of up to 2°. Preferably, the object holder and the coupling element are rod-shaped and are mounted accordingly on one side in the second rotor. Starting from the center of the second rotor, the rod-shaped element can now be pivoted so that the ends of the object holder or of the coupling element execute an approximately tangential movement with respect to the rotational movement of the second rotor.A pivotability of the coupling element by up to approximately 2° is particularly advantageous with regard to uniform tapping and sufficiently efficient power transmission from the rotor of the tableting machine (first rotor) to the rotor of the device (second rotor).

[0059] In the radial starting position, the object holder and the coupling element are preferably radially extended to their maximum radial position and remain guided in this starting position by the spring preload. Since the object holder and the coupling element have tangential pivoting capability in this position, it is advantageously possible to evenly pick up a rotating component of the tableting machine by first pivoting the coupling element when picking up the component, preferably by 2°, and only then does the force acting on the coupling element drive the second rotor.

[0060] Furthermore, the spring-loaded mounting enables a uniform and non-jerky movement of the object holder and the coupling element, which, among other things, means that the object can be held particularly securely by the holding means or holding element.

[0061] In a further preferred embodiment, the device is characterized in that the object holder and the coupling element can be transferred into a tapping position when the coupling member is in operative contact with the first rotor, wherein the coupling member and the gripping arm have the greatest possible radial deflection and tangential mobility in the starting position, whereas the radial deflection and the tangential mobility in the tapping position can continuously decrease to a minimum over a rotation angle range of the second rotor and then increase again to the radial starting position and the greatest possible tangential mobility.

[0062] The advantage of such an embodiment is that, in particular, the coupling element or coupling member can reach a pick-up position from its starting position in a simplified manner. Due to the fact that the coupling element or coupling member has tangential mobility relative to the rotation of the second rotor in the starting position, with the tangential mobility preferably relating to the end piece of the coupling member, a certain amount of play is created, so that the coupling element or coupling member does not have to be precisely guided to the component to be picked up (e.g., the lower punch).

[0063] The gripper arm enclosed in the object holder preferably performs the same radial and tangential movement simultaneously as the coupling element. This particularly simplifies the design of the present device, since, on the one hand, a simple mechanical guide mechanism enables this movement of the gripper arm and, on the other hand, simultaneously exploits the fact that the component to be picked up, preferably the lower punch, already determines the exact position of the die. The lower punch is arranged in the rotor of the tabletting machine in such a way that it is inserted centrally into the die from below.

[0064] For the purposes of the invention, a tapping position is defined as the position or position sequence of the object receiver or the coupling element that is assumed by both device elements when the coupling member is in operative contact with the first rotor, preferably during the phase when the coupling member or the coupling head contacts the lower punch of the tabletting machine. The tapping position can also be referred to, among other things, as the tapping phase, because the tapping position is continuously variable, with the tapping position preferably prevailing over the entire rotational angle range in which the object synchronously intersects the movement path of the die. During the tapping position, the coupling member preferably comes into contact with a rotating component of the tabletting machine. The rotor of the tabletting machine (first rotor) preferably rotates in the opposite direction to the rotor of the device according to the invention (second rotor).As soon as the component, preferably the lower punch, comes into contact with the coupling element or the coupling head, the coupling element is carried along, whereby during the carrying along the component or the lower punch presses the coupling element radially against the axis of rotation of the second rotor until the coupling element reaches a minimum radial deflection. It is understood that the object holder or the gripper arm performs the same tangential and radial movement. The proposed device preferably has a bearing for the coupling element, which prevents or makes impossible tangential mobility in the minimum radial deflection. After the coupling element has reached the minimum in terms of radial deflection, the component of the tabletting machine, preferably the lower punch, continues to rotate and carries the coupling element along.Meanwhile, the spring preferably enclosed in the bearing pushes the coupling element back from the minimal radial deflection towards the starting position, whereby the tangential mobility increases again.

[0065] In a further preferred embodiment, the device is characterized in that the difference between the radial starting position and the minimum radial deflection is between approximately 1 mm and 30 mm, preferably approximately 5 mm and 20 mm. Advantageously, the described difference values ​​have proven sufficient to reproduce the movement path of the object relative to the at least one die of the tabletting machine. In particular, the values ​​of the radial deflection allow not only flexible radial variation but also stable guidance.

[0066] The radial starting position and the minimum radial deflection preferably relate to the radial position of the object holder or the gripper arm or the object and / or to the position of the coupling element or the coupling link or the coupling head. The radial starting position describes the position of the device elements mentioned with the greatest possible outward displacement, starting from the center of the second rotor. The minimum deflection, on the other hand, describes the smallest possible radial displacement, starting from the center of the rotor. In other words, the end pieces of the device elements mentioned have a maximum distance from the center of the rotor in the starting position, while at the minimum radial deflection the end pieces have a minimum distance. The difference between the two positions can preferably be between approximately 1 mm and approximately 30 mm, more preferably between approximately 5 mm and approximately 20.

[0067] In a further preferred embodiment, the device is characterized in that the coupling member, the gripper arm, and the mechanical connection are mounted in the second rotor via a first spring element and a second spring element, wherein the first spring element preferably represents the radial starting position, while the second spring element determines tangential mobility via rigidity. The first spring element can therefore also be referred to as a radial spring, while the second spring element is preferably a tangential spring. The provision of radial and tangential spring elements enables, above all, particularly precise gripping of a component of the tabletting machine along curves. Furthermore, the springs, due to the applied preload, enable the coupling member and gripper arm to return to their starting position, so that further gripping is repeatedly possible after each rotation.

[0068] In a preferred embodiment, the first spring element is designed as a helical spring. The helical spring preferably engages the mechanical connection, so that the coupling member and the gripping arm are equally influenced by this spring. Since the first spring is preferably preloaded, a force acts on the coupling member, the gripping arm, and the mechanical connection in the direction of their initial positions. It is understood that the helical spring guides the coupling member, the gripping arm, and the mechanical connection in an initial position. During gripping, a force is applied in particular in the radial direction via the coupling member to the helical spring, so that it is compressed and the coupling member, the gripping arm, and the mechanical connection are displaced radially toward the rotor center.Furthermore, further preferred embodiments are possible in which a pneumatic spring and / or a constant pressure system is used instead of a helical spring.

[0069] In a further preferred embodiment, the second spring element is a bending rod or beam, which is mounted on one side in a sleeve element, which in turn is attached to the rotor, with one degree of freedom. The bending rod or beam is guided accordingly by the sleeve element. Preferably, the bending rod or beam is attached to the end of the coupling element facing the rotor and can be (partially) extended from the sleeve element. In the radial starting position of the coupling element, the bending rod or beam is extended as far as possible from the sleeve element, so that it is bent as soon as a bending moment acts on it. During tapping, the coupling element experiences a tangential force from the component of the tabletting machine, preferably from the lower punch. This force generates a bending moment on the bending rod or beam and leads to a bend, whereby the coupling element can be pivoted tangentially.In addition, the coupling link is pressed radially into the sleeve element during the tapping process, making bending difficult, to the point where the bending rod is completely inserted into the sleeve element and bending is no longer possible. If the bending rod or beam can no longer be bent, tangential mobility of the coupling link is also impossible. The tangential mobility is determined by the stiffness of the bending rod or beam. The stiffer the bending rod, the lower the tangential mobility in the starting position, and the more force must preferably be applied to achieve the desired mobility.

[0070] In a further preferred embodiment, the second spring element is preferably a combination of a bending rod or beam and a sleeve element, wherein the sleeve element is preferably mounted on the bending rod or beam with one degree of freedom. Contrary to the aforementioned embodiment, the bending rod or beam is immovably mounted radially on the rotor of the preferred device, while the sleeve element is preferably attached to the coupling member. The sleeve element can also accommodate the bending rod or beam and is guided accordingly movably over the bending rod or beam, so that, analogous to the aforementioned embodiment, bending of the bending rod or beam is made more difficult if the sleeve element accommodates the entire bending rod (see Fig. 5).

[0071] In a further preferred embodiment, the device is characterized in that a rotation angle range of the second rotor, in which the movement path of the at least one object can be controlled radially and tangentially with respect to the rotational movement of the second rotor via the at least one object holder, is at least approximately 10°, preferably at least approximately 20°. The rotation angle range is preferably defined by the points of intersection of the movement path of the die with the movement path of the object. If this could not be controlled tangentially or radially, the object would rotate continuously in the starting position about the second axis of rotation. The rotation angle ranges listed are accordingly already sufficient to control the object in such a way that it can be introduced into the at least one die with precise positioning. With the described values ​​orParameters and all other parameters in this document are preferably not exact parameters, but rather those that “approximately” assume these values ​​or parameters.

[0072] Terms such as "substantially," "approximately," "about," "approximately," etc., preferably describe a tolerance range of less than ± 40%, preferably less than ± 20%, more preferably less than ± 10%, even more preferably less than ± 5%, and especially less than ± 1%, and always include the exact value. "Similar" preferably describes quantities that are "approximately the same." "Partially" preferably describes at least 5%, more preferably at least 10%, and especially at least 20%, in some cases at least 40%.

[0073] In a further preferred embodiment, the invention relates to a system comprising a. a tabletting machine comprising at least one die arranged on a pitch circle in a rotor driven to rotate about a first axis of rotation, and b. a device of the type described above for inserting at least one object into the at least one die of the tabletting machine.

[0074] A person skilled in the art will recognize that the advantages, technical effects, and preferred embodiments discussed in connection with the device according to the invention apply analogously to the system according to the invention. Likewise, all advantages, technical effects, and preferred embodiments described in the context of the system are transferable to the device.

[0075] As already described in the context of the device according to the invention, the gripper arms are preferably arranged in such a way that they can move not only up and down, but also both radially and tangentially to the rotational movement of the rotor. The up and down movement is preferably positively controlled by curves. The radial and tangential movement of the gripper arm, on the other hand, is also positively controlled by mechanically tapping the die or the lower punch. In this way, it is ensured that the die and the gripper arm move continuously and synchronously with one another during the mechanical engagement. When not in engagement with the rotor, the gripper arms are held in a defined position by means of springs. The same can apply analogously to the process of separating and picking up the objects to be inserted. In this way, a longer distance orA period of time is provided during which recording or insertion can take place.

[0076] In a further preferred embodiment, the system is characterized in that a. a coupling element of the second rotor is in operative contact with the driving first rotor in order to initiate and / or ensure a rotational movement of the second rotor; b. the at least one object receiver comprises holding means that enable the receiving, transport, and release of the at least one object; c. the movement path of the object overlaps with the movement path of the die, wherein the movement path of the at least one object is controllable radially and tangentially with respect to the rotational movement of the second rotor, so that the movement path of the at least one object mimics the movement path of the at least one die at least over a rotational angle range of the second rotor, and the object receiver is configured to release the at least one object into the die.

[0077] In a further preferred embodiment, the system is characterized in that the coupling element comprises a rod-shaped coupling member with a fork-shaped coupling head, and the object holder comprises a gripping arm with a holding element, wherein the gripping arm and the coupling member are resiliently mounted in the second rotor and can be guided into a radial starting position with respect to the rotation of the second rotor via a spring preload, while the gripping arm and the coupling member are freely movable tangentially with respect to the rotation of the second rotor in the radial starting position, wherein the gripping arm and the coupling member can be transferred into a tapping position when the coupling member is in operative contact with the first rotor, wherein the coupling member and the gripping arm have the greatest possible radial deflection and tangential mobility in the starting position,whereas the radial deflection and the tangential mobility in the pick-up position can continuously decrease to a minimum over a rotation angle range of the second rotor and then increase again to the radial starting position and the greatest possible tangential mobility.

[0078] In a further preferred embodiment, the invention relates to the use of a device of the type described above or a system according to the type described above for inserting at least one object into at least one die of a tabletting machine. The use of the preferred device and the preferred system for inserting objects is to be viewed by a person skilled in the art as a departure from the prior art, in which devices are primarily used that can only produce a radial change in the movement path of an object.

[0079] FIGURES

[0080] In the following, the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to figures, without being limited to these.

[0081] Short description of the characters

[0082] Fig. 1 Schematic representation of the interaction between a preferred device and a preferred tabletting machine

[0083] Fig. 2 Three-dimensional view of a preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention Fig. 3 Further schematic representation of the interaction between a preferred device and a tabletting machine, in particular the representation of the interaction between preferred coupling elements and preferred shafts of lower punches

[0084] Fig. 4 Three-dimensional view of a section of a preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention and of a preferred tableting machine

[0085] Fig. 5 Sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention

[0086] Fig. 6 Further sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention

[0087] Fig. 7 Three-dimensional view of a preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention, in particular a representation of the recording of objects by preferred object recorders

[0088] Detailed description of the characters

[0089] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of the interaction between the preferred device 1 and a tabletting machine 2. The preferred device 1 is particularly designed to insert at least one object 6 into at least one die 5 of the tabletting machine 2. Within the tabletting machine 2, the dies 5 are preferably arranged on a partial circle in a rotor driven to rotate about a first axis of rotation 8. The device 1, on the other hand, has a second rotor rotatable about a second axis of rotation 9. The second rotor comprises at least one object receiver 7 with a holding means, so that the receiving, transport, and dispensing of the at least one object 6 is enabled. The object receiver 7 with the holding means is preferably designed from a gripping arm 13 (shown in the other figures) and a holding element 14 (shown in the other figures).The gripping arm 13 is preferably mounted radially in the second rotor, wherein the holding element 14 is preferably designed to hold the object in a force-fitting and / or form-fitting manner.

[0090] The movement path 3 of the at least one object 6 can be controlled radially and tangentially with respect to the rotational movement of the second rotor via the at least one object holder 7 (radial and tangential movement of the object are represented by double arrows), so that the movement path 3 of the at least one object 6 can imitate the movement path 4 of the at least one die 5, at least over a rotation angle range of the second rotor.

[0091] Fig. 2 illustrates a three-dimensional view of a preferred embodiment of the device 1 according to the invention. The device 1 has, in particular, a rotor (second rotor) which comprises a plurality of object holders 7. The object holders 7 are preferably each operatively connected to a coupling element 10. In addition, an object holder 7 preferably comprises a gripper arm 13 with a holding element 14. The gripper arm 13 is mounted radially in the rotor of the preferred device 1, wherein the holding element 14 is preferably configured to hold the object 6 (not shown in Fig. 2) in a force-fitting and / or form-fitting manner. A coupling element 10, on the other hand, comprises a rod-shaped coupling member 12 with a coupling head 11. The coupling member 12 is also mounted radially on one side in the rotor of the preferred device 1. In this context, the coupling member 12 is oriented such that the coupling head 11 points radially outwards.The coupling head 11 is preferably structurally adapted to a component of the rotor of the tabletting machine 2 (first rotor [not shown in Fig. 2]). This enables the coupling head 11 to engage the component of the rotor of the tabletting machine 2, so that a rotational movement of the rotor of the tabletting machine 2 can be transferred to the rotor of the device 1. The coupling head 12 preferably has the shape of a fork, which is preferably matched to the diameter of a shaft of a lower punch 15 of the tabletting machine 2, so that the fork can accommodate the shaft of the lower punch 15.

[0092] The operative connection between the object holder 7 and the coupling element 10 is designed such that the gripper arm 13 is preferably connected to the coupling member 12 via a guide mechanism. The gripper arm 13 and the coupling member 12 are mechanically connected such that a tangential and radial deflection of the coupling member 12 with respect to a rotational movement of the rotor of the device 1 can be transmitted directly to the gripper arm 13. The coupling member 12, the gripper arm 13, and the mechanical connection are also preferably mounted in the rotor of the device 1 according to the invention via a first spring element 17 and a second spring element 18 (see in particular Fig. 5), wherein the first spring element 17 preferably determines the radial starting position and the second spring element 18 determines the tangential mobility via the rigidity.

[0093] Fig. 3 shows a further schematic representation of the interaction between a preferred device 1 and a preferred tabletting machine 2, in particular the representation of the interaction between preferred coupling elements 10 and preferred shafts of lower punches 15. Each preferred coupling element 10 comprises a rod-shaped coupling member 12 with a coupling head 11, wherein the coupling member 12 is preferably mounted radially on one side in the rotor of the preferred device 1. The coupling member 12 is aligned such that the coupling head 11 points radially outwards. It is understood that a preferred tabletting machine 2 has at least one lower punch, comprising a shaft 15, for the production of tablets. A lower punch (or also its shaft 15) is preferably arranged in the rotor of the tabletting machine 2 such that it rotates with the device and can be inserted centrally from the underside into a die 5 (not shown in Fig. 3).The rotor of the tabletting machine 2 (first rotor) preferably rotates in the opposite direction to the rotor of the device 1 (second rotor).

[0094] The coupling head 11 preferably has the shape of a fork, which is preferably matched to the diameter of a shaft of a lower punch 15 of the tabletting machine 2, so that the fork can accommodate the shaft of the lower punch 15. As soon as the shaft of a lower punch 15 comes into contact with the coupling head 11, the coupling member 12 is carried along, whereby during the carrying process, the shaft of the lower punch 15 presses the coupling head 11 and the coupling member 12 radially against the rotational axis 9 of the second rotor until the coupling member 12 reaches a minimal radial deflection. As described in connection with Fig. 2, the object holder 7 or the gripper arm 13 and the coupling element 10 or coupling member 12 are connected to one another via a guide mechanism, so that the object holder 7 or the gripper arm 13 performs the same radial movement (not shown in Fig. 3).

[0095] The proposed device 1 further preferably has a bearing for the coupling member 12, which limits or prevents the tangential mobility during the minimum radial deflection. After the coupling member 12 has reached the minimum with respect to the radial deflection, the lower punch continues to rotate and guides the coupling head 11 or the coupling member 12 with its shaft 15 in the tangential direction. This is also referred to as tapping within the meaning of the invention, whereby a rotary movement of the rotor of the tabletting machine 2 can be transmitted to the rotor of the device 1. The radial and tangential deflection of the coupling element 10 or coupling member 12 is further preferably regarded as a coupling movement. The tangential movement of the coupling element 10 or coupling member 12 is also preferably transmitted to the object holder 7 or the gripper arm 13 via the aforementioned guide mechanism.

[0096] Fig. 4 shows a three-dimensional view of a section of a preferred embodiment of the device 1 according to the invention and of a preferred tabletting machine 2. A conventional rotary press, which is particularly designed to press single-layer or multi-layer tablets, can preferably be used as a tabletting machine 2. The rotary press can be expanded in an advantageously simple manner with the preferred device 1, so that it can press a core or an object into the pellets to be produced. It is understood that at least one die 5 (not visible in Fig. 4) is arranged on a pitch circle in a rotor driven to rotate about a first axis of rotation 8 within the rotary press, while the preferred device 1 comprises a second rotor which rotates about a second axis of rotation 9.In the preferred embodiment, the rotational axis 8 of the first rotor (i.e., the rotor of the tabletting machine 2) is arranged substantially parallel to the rotational axis of the second rotor 9 (i.e., the rotor of the preferred device 1). The second rotor can thus advantageously be subsequently positioned such that the preferred device 1 is capable of introducing at least one object 6 (not shown in Fig. 4) into the at least one die 5. The device 1 can thus preferably be provided as an additional module for rotary presses.

[0097] The rotor of the tabletting machine 2 preferably rotates in the opposite direction to the rotor of the device 1. Furthermore, the coupling heads 11, which together with a coupling link 12 are each referred to as a coupling element 10, engage the shafts of the lower punches 15 of the tabletting machine 2. The rotational movement of the rotor of the tabletting machine 2 is thereby preferably transmitted to the rotor of the device 1. Furthermore, the coupling links 12 are preferably mechanically connected to the gripping arms 13 via a guide mechanism, so that the radial and / or tangential movement of the coupling element 10 or coupling link 12 (coupling movement) is transmitted to the gripping arm 13 via the guide mechanism (details regarding the connection of the coupling link 12 and the gripping arm 13 are shown in Fig. 5). Fig. 5 shows a sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the device 1 according to the invention.In particular, a guide mechanism is shown which is designed to bring an object receiver 7 into operative connection with a coupling element 10. The coupling element 10 can record a coupling movement through contact (the contact process is preferably also referred to as tapping) with the first rotor (rotor of the tabletting machine 2) and deflect the movement path 3 (not shown, see Fig. 1) of an object 6 (not shown, see Fig. 1) via the object receiver 7 and the guide mechanism in a predetermined spatial direction, namely in the form of the coupling movement, radially and tangentially with respect to the rotational movement of the second rotor (rotor of the preferred device 1).

[0098] The coupling element 10 preferably consists of a coupling member 12 and a coupling head 11, while the object receiver 7 comprises a gripper arm 13 and a holding element 14. The coupling element 10 is preferably mounted on one side in the second rotor, wherein the coupling member 12 is oriented such that the coupling head 11 points radially outward and is structurally adapted to a component of the first rotor. The gripper arm 13 is provided with the holding element 14 (together regarded as the object receiver 7) and is preferably also mounted radially in the second rotor, wherein the holding element 14 is preferably configured to hold the object 6 in a force-fitting and / or form-fitting manner. The gripper arm 13 is preferably mechanically connected to the coupling member 12 (guide mechanism) such that a tangential and radial deflection of the coupling member 12 with respect to a rotational movement of the second rotor can be directly transmitted to the gripper arm 13.

[0099] In this regard, the mechanical connection between gripper arm 13 and coupling member 12 preferably comprises a bolt 16, which is oriented substantially orthogonally to the gripper arm 13 and coupling member 12, which are horizontally aligned and radially mounted in the second rotor. The bolt 16 serves, in particular, to transmit forces from the coupling member 12 to the gripper arm 13, so that the movement of the coupling member 12 can be adapted by the gripper arm 13. The bolt 16 is preferably rigidly connected to the gripper arm 13 and the coupling member 12.

[0100] The coupling member 12, the gripper arm 13, and the mechanical connection (in particular the bolt 16) are also preferably mounted in the second rotor via a first spring element 17 and a second spring element 18. In this context, the first spring element 17 preferably determines the radial starting position, while the second spring element 18 preferably determines the tangential mobility of the coupling member 12 and the gripper arm 13 via the stiffness.

[0101] The first spring element 17 is preferably designed as a helical spring. The helical spring preferably engages the mechanical connection, in particular on the bolt 16, so that the coupling member 12 and the gripping arm 13 are equally influenced by this spring. Since the first spring 17 is preferably preloaded, a force acts on the coupling member 12, the gripping arm 13, and the mechanical connection, in particular on the bolt 16, in the direction of their radial starting position. It is understood that the helical spring guides the coupling member 12, the gripping arm 13, and the mechanical connection (in particular bolt 16) in an initial position. During tapping, a force is applied, in particular, in the radial direction via the coupling member 12 to the helical spring, so that it is compressed and the coupling member 12, the gripping arm 13, and the mechanical connection, in particular the bolt 16, are displaced radially toward the rotor center.

[0102] Furthermore, the second spring element 18 is preferably a combination of a bending rod or beam 19 and a sleeve element 20, wherein the sleeve element 20 is preferably mounted in one degree of freedom on the bending rod or beam 19. The bending rod or beam 19 is fixedly mounted radially on the rotor of the preferred device 1, while the sleeve element 20 is preferably screwed to the coupling member 12 and accommodates the bending rod or beam 19. The sleeve element 20 is guided accordingly movably over the bending rod or beam 19.

[0103] Preferably, the sleeve element 20 is fastened to the end of the coupling member 12 facing the rotor, and the bending rod or bending beam 19 can be (partially) pushed out of the sleeve element 20. In the radial starting position of the coupling member 12, the bending rod or bending beam 19 is pushed out of the sleeve element 20 as far as possible, so that it is bent as soon as a bending moment acts on it. When picked up, the coupling member 12 experiences a tangential force from the component of the tabletting machine 2, preferably from the shaft of a lower punch 15. This force generates a bending moment on the bending rod or bending beam 19 and leads to a bend, whereby the coupling member 12 can be pivoted tangentially. In addition, the bending rod orBending beam 19 is pressed radially into the sleeve element 20 during the tapping process of the coupling link 12, whereby bending is made more difficult, to the point where the bending rod 19 is completely inserted into the sleeve element 20 and bending is no longer possible. If the bending rod or bending beam 19 can no longer be bent, tangential mobility of the coupling link 12 is also not possible. The tangential mobility is accordingly determined by the stiffness of the bending rod or bending beam 19. The stiffer the bending rod 19, the lower the tangential mobility of the coupling link 12 in the starting position, or the more force must preferably be applied to achieve the desired mobility.

[0104] The holding element 14 is preferably considered an embodiment of a holding means. The holding element 14 is preferably configured to receive, hold, and / or release the object 6. The holding element 14 is further preferably configured to hold the object 6 for transport over approximately half a rotation of the second rotor and to release it into the die 5 in a region in which the movement path 3 of the object 6 overlaps the movement path 4 of a die 5 (see also Fig. 1). The holding element 14 is preferably sufficiently quickly responsive / controllable to be able to receive a positionally fixed object 6 even at high speeds of the second rotor. The holding element 14 can accordingly be designed, for example, such that it has a pair of clamps that hold the object 6 in a force-fitting manner. Alternatively, the holding element 14 can have means that generate negative pressure and thereby hold the object 6 in a force-fitting manner.In this context, the gripper arm 13 is preferably configured such that it itself, or in particular the holding element 14, can be adjusted in a height position so that the holding element 14 can precisely pick up and / or place the object 6. For example, the second rotor has guide curves 21. The holding element 14 is preferably connected to the guide curves 21 via gear members 22, wherein the gear members 22 guide or force the holding element 14 to a height position. The guide curves 21 are preferably arranged circumferentially on the second rotor so that the holding element 14 is positively controlled or guided along these guide curves 21. Such guide curves 21 are also known, for example, in rotary presses for guiding upper and lower punches.

[0105] Fig. 6 illustrates a further sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the device 1 according to the invention. In particular, the engagement of the coupling element 10 of the rotor of the device 1 with the shafts of the lower punches 15 of the rotor of the tabletting machine 2 is depicted. A coupling element 10 preferably comprises a rod-shaped coupling member 12 with a coupling head 11. The coupling head 12 preferably has the shape of a fork, which is preferably matched to the diameter of a shaft of a lower punch 15 of the tabletting machine 2, so that the fork can accommodate the shaft of the lower punch 15.

[0106] Furthermore, a gripper arm 13 is preferably connected to the coupling member 12 via a guide mechanism. The gripper arm 13 and the coupling member 12 are preferably mechanically connected such that a tangential and radial deflection of the coupling member 12 with respect to a rotational movement of the rotor of the device 1 can be transmitted directly to the gripper arm 13. The coupling member 12, the gripper arm 13, and the mechanical connection are mounted in the second rotor via a first spring element 17 and a second spring element 18 (not shown), wherein the first spring element 17 preferably determines the radial starting position of the coupling member 12 and the gripper arm 13. In addition, the rotor of the device 1 preferably has guide curves 21, which guide a holding element 14 fastened to the gripper arm 13 in a height position.The holding element 14 is operatively connected to the guide curves 21 via gear members 22, whereby the gear members 22 guide or force the holding element 14 to a certain height position. The guide curves 21 are preferably arranged circumferentially on the second rotor.

[0107] Fig. 7 shows a three-dimensional view of a preferred embodiment of the device 1 according to the invention, in particular a representation of the reception of objects 6 by preferred object receivers 7. For the insertion of objects 6 into matrices 5 of a tabletting machine 2, it is essential that a preferred object receiver 7 first receives an object 6 from an object reservoir.

[0108] According to the invention, the object receiver 7 is preferably mounted radially in the rotor of the preferred device 1 and is capable of receiving an object 6 from an object reservoir. The object receiver 7 can then transport the object 6 via essentially half a rotation of the second rotor and finally deliver the object 6, preferably into a die 5 of the tabletting machine 2. The object receiver 7 and the die 5, as well as the two rotors of the preferred device 1 and the tabletting machine 2, are coordinated (in particular via the radial and tangential controllability of the object 6 or object receiver 7) so that the object 6 can be introduced into the die 5 with precise positioning.

[0109] The object reservoir is preferably designed as a feeder, in particular a conveyor belt. With respect to the second rotor, the object reservoir is preferably located approximately on the opposite side of the location at which the object 6 is introduced into the at least one die 5, so that the object receiver 7 holds or transports the object 6 approximately over a 180° rotation of the second rotor. The object receiver 7 is preferably configured to individually receive an object 6 and present it to the die 5. The coupling element 10 preferably has no function for receiving the object 6. However, there may be alternatives in which the coupling element 10 also picks up components from a feed unit, such as a transfer wheel, for receiving an object 6.Furthermore, as already explained in the above descriptions, the object holder 7 preferably comprises a gripping arm 13 with a holding element 14, wherein the holding element 14 is guided in height via gear members 22 and guide curves 21.

[0110] LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0111] 1 Preferred device

[0112] 2 tabletting machines

[0113] 3 Movement path of at least one object

[0114] 4 Movement path of at least one die

[0115] 5 die

[0116] 6 Object

[0117] 7 object sensors

[0118] 8 Axis of rotation of the first rotating rotor

[0119] 9 Axis of rotation of the rotatable second rotor

[0120] 10 coupling element

[0121] 11 coupling head

[0122] 12 coupling link

[0123] 13 Gripper arm

[0124] 14 Holding element

[0125] 15 Shaft of a lower punch

[0126] 16 bolts

[0127] 17 First spring element

[0128] 18 Second spring element

[0129] 19 Bending bar or bending beam

[0130] 20 sleeve element

[0131] 21 Control curve for guiding a height position

[0132] 22 gear links to guide a height position

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS 1. Device (1) for inserting at least one object (6) into at least one die (5) of a tableting machine (2), in which the at least one die (5) is arranged on a pitched circle in a rotor driven to rotate about a first axis of rotation (8); wherein the device (1) comprises a second rotor rotatable about a second axis of rotation (9); wherein the second rotor comprises at least one object receiver (7), wherein the at least one object receiver (7) comprises holding means that enable the receiving, transport and discharge of the at least one object (6);characterized in that the path of movement (3) of the at least one object (6) can be controlled radially and tangentially with respect to the rotational movement of the second rotor via the at least one object receiver (7), so that the path of movement (3) of the at least one object (6) can mimic the path of movement (4) of the at least one die (5), at least over a rotational angular range of the second rotor.

2. Device (1) according to claim 1 characterized in that the second rotor comprises a coupling element (10) which is configured to initiate and / or ensure a rotational movement of the second rotor via an operative contact with the driving first rotor; to mechanically force the movement path (3) of the at least one object (6) by means of the at least one object receiver (7) at least over a rotational angular range of the second rotor.

3. Device (1) according to claim 2 characterized in that the at least one object receiver (7) is operatively connected to the coupling element (10) via a guide mechanism, wherein the coupling element (10) can receive a coupling movement through the operative contact with the first rotor and the path of movement (3) of the at least one object (6) can be deflected radially and tangentially with respect to the rotational movement of the second rotor via the at least one object receiver (7) and the guide mechanism in a predetermined spatial direction, namely in the form of the coupling movement. A device (1) according to one or both of the preceding claims 2 and 3, characterized in that the coupling element (10) comprises a rod-shaped coupling member (12) with a coupling head (11), wherein the coupling member (12) is mounted on one side in the second rotor, the coupling member (12) being oriented such that the coupling head (11) points radially outwards and is structurally adapted to a component of the first rotor, whereby the coupling head (11) can engage the component of the first rotor, so that a rotational movement of the first rotor can be transmitted. A device (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the coupling head (11) comprises a fork which is preferably adapted to the diameter of a shaft of a lower punch (15) of the first rotor, so that the fork can receive the shaft of the lower punch (15) within itself.Device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the object receiver (7) comprises a gripping arm (13) with a holding element (14) which is radially mounted in the second rotor, wherein the holding element (14) is preferably configured to hold the object by force and / or form locking. Device (1) according to one or more of claims 2-6, characterized in that the gripping arm (13) is mechanically connected to the coupling element (10), preferably a coupling member (12), such that a tangential and radial deflection of the coupling element (10), preferably of the coupling member (12), with respect to a rotational movement of the second rotor, can be directly transmitted to the gripping arm (13).Device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second rotor comprises guide cams (21) which are configured to guide the holding element included in the object receiver (7) in a vertical position. Device (1) according to one or more of claims 2-8, characterized in that the object receiver (7) and the coupling element (10) are resiliently mounted in the second rotor and can be guided into a radial initial position with respect to the rotation of the second rotor by means of a spring preload, while the object receiver (7) and the... The coupling element (10) in the radial starting position can be pivoted tangentially with respect to the rotation of the second rotor, preferably pivotable at an angle of up to 2°.The device (1) according to the preceding claim is characterized in that the object receiver (7) and the coupling element (10) can be moved into a gripping position when the coupling member (12) is in operative contact with the first rotor, wherein the coupling member (12) and the gripping arm (13) have the greatest possible radial deflection and tangential mobility in the initial position, whereas the radial deflection and the tangential mobility in the gripping position can decrease continuously to a minimum over a rotation angle range of the second rotor and then increase again to the radial initial position and greatest possible tangential mobility, wherein the difference between the radial initial position and the minimum radial deflection is preferably between 1 mm and 30 mm, preferably between 5 mm and 20 mm.Device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coupling element (12), the gripping arm (13), and the mechanical connection are mounted in the second rotor via a first spring element (17) and a second spring element (18), wherein preferably the first spring element (17) determines the radial starting position, while the second spring element determines the tangential mobility via its stiffness. Device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that a rotational angular range of the second rotor, in which the path of movement (3) of the at least one object (6) can be controlled radially and tangentially with respect to the rotational movement of the second rotor via the at least one object receiver (7), is at least 10°, preferably at least 20°. System comprising a.a tableting machine (2) comprising at least one die (5) which is arranged on a pitch circle in a rotor driven to rotate about a first axis of rotation and b. a device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims for inserting at least one object (6) into the at least one die (5) of the tableting machine (2). The system according to claim 13 is characterized in that a. a coupling element (10) of the second rotor is in operative contact with the driving first rotor in order to initiate and / or ensure a rotational movement of the second rotor; b. the at least one object receiver (7) comprises holding means that enable the reception, transport, and release of the at least one object (6); c. the path of movement (3) of the object (6) overlaps with the path of movement (4) of the die (5), wherein the path of movement (3) of the at least one object (6) is radially and tangentially controllable with respect to the rotational movement of the second rotor, such that the path of movement (3) of the at least one object (6) mimics the path of movement (4) of the at least one die (5) at least over a rotational angular range of the second rotor, and the object receiver (7) is configured to release the at least one object (6) into the die (5).Use of a device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims 1 - 12 or of a system according to one or more of the preceding claims 13 or 14 for inserting at least one object (6) into at least one die (5) of a tableting machine (2).

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