Rotary press and method for cleaning a rotary press

Abstract

The invention relates to a rotary press (10), in particular a tablet rotary press, comprising a rotor (14) rotatable about an axis of rotation (12) and a cleaning device (16) for cleaning the rotary press (10), wherein the cleaning device (16) comprises at least one spray opening (18), in particular several spray openings (18), for spraying a cleaning agent (20), wherein the cleaning device (16) is coupled to the rotor (14) and configured such that the spray opening (18) can be rotated about the axis of rotation (12) by rotating the rotor (14). The invention also relates to a method for cleaning such a rotary press (10).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a rotary press, in particular a tablet rotary press, with the features of the preamble of claim 1 and a method for cleaning a rotary press, in particular a tablet rotary press, with features of the dependent claim.

[0002] Tablet presses can be wet-cleaned at the end of a tablet batch. The success of wet cleaning depends on ensuring that as many surfaces of the tablet press as possible are directly wetted with the cleaning fluid. Therefore, it is desirable that there are as few spray shadows as possible between the cleaning agent nozzles and the surfaces to be cleaned.

[0003] To avoid spray shadows, the number of spray nozzles can be increased. However, the spray nozzles themselves and / or their supply lines can create their own spray shadows. This can make the arrangement of the spray nozzles, and therefore the tablet press itself, very complex, especially if the spray nozzles are statically arranged. To reduce spray shadows, the spray nozzles can be moved during the cleaning process.

[0004] WO 2009 / 021 776 A2 discloses a cleaning device for cleaning a capsule filling machine with a rotating cleaning unit, wherein the cleaning device has spray openings for spraying a cleaning agent.

[0005] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a rotary press, in particular a tablet rotary press, and a method for cleaning a rotary press, in particular a tablet rotary press, wherein spray shadows are avoided or at least reduced and the design effort is kept low.

[0006] The above problem is solved by a rotary press, in particular a tablet rotary press, with the features of claim 1.

[0007] The rotary press comprises a rotor that can be rotated around a pivot axis. The rotor can be designed as a rotor plate. The rotor can be mounted on bearings that allow it to rotate around the pivot axis.

[0008] The rotary press also includes a cleaning device. The cleaning device is used to clean the rotary press. The cleaning device includes at least one spray opening. In particular, the cleaning device includes several spray openings. The spray opening is used to spray a cleaning agent. The cleaning agent can be a liquid, a gas, and / or a mixture of liquid and gas. In particular, the cleaning agent can be a cleaning fluid.

[0009] The cleaning device (or spray nozzle) is coupled to the rotor and configured such that the spray nozzle can be rotated around the axis of rotation by turning the rotor. The spray nozzle of the cleaning device can be designed to rotate around the axis of rotation. The rotor can serve as the drive for the rotating movement of the spray nozzle. The rotor and the spray nozzle can be coupled to each other such that when the rotor is turned, the spray nozzle also rotates, in particular at the same angular velocity or rotational speed as the rotor. The rotor and the spray nozzle are designed to rotate around the axis of rotation.

[0010] The rotary press may be suitable for wet cleaning using a cleaning fluid. The rotary press or cleaning system may include supply lines, a pump, and / or a suitable wastewater system.

[0011] This allows the rotor's rotation to be used to move the spray nozzle. A separate drive for this rotation is no longer necessary. This reduces the design complexity of the cleaning system. Because the spray nozzle rotates, spray shadows can be avoided or at least minimized during the cleaning process. The cleaning process can be optimized, and cleaning time can be reduced. This, in turn, reduces the costs for the rotary press (due to the reduced design complexity) and for each individual cleaning cycle (due to the elimination of spray shadows).

[0012] According to a further development of the rotary press, a static spray nozzle can be arranged at the spray opening.

[0013] This allows the cleaning agent to be sprayed precisely and at a desired pressure using simple means. The spray pattern of the cleaning agent can be adjusted as needed.

[0014] According to a further development of the rotary press, a rotating spray nozzle can be arranged at the spray opening. The rotating spray nozzle can be spherical. The rotating spray nozzle can be designed to rotate during the cleaning process, thus spraying the cleaning agent around its own axis of rotation. The rotational movement of the spray nozzle can be caused by the exiting cleaning agent (recoil principle), similar to a dishwasher.

[0015] This allows the cleaning agent to be distributed more effectively over as many surfaces as possible. The spray pattern of the cleaning agent can be adjusted as desired.

[0016] According to a further development of the rotary press, the cleaning device can include at least one internal feed channel, and in particular several internal feed channels, for directing the cleaning agent to the spray opening. The internal feed channel can be arranged at least partially, and in particular completely, within the rotor. The internal feed channel can open into the spray opening.

[0017] In this way, the spray opening (or at least part of the cleaning system) can be integrated into the rotor. This eliminates the need for external components, such as cleaning agent supply lines and static cleaning nozzles. These would also require time-consuming cleaning after a batch process. By integrating the spray opening into the rotor (disc), this additional cleaning effort for these components is eliminated. In other words, integrating the spray opening (or the cleaning system) into the rotor allows for the elimination of many externally located cleaning nozzles and their supply lines, especially static ones. This reduces cleaning time, improves the machine's clarity, and saves costs.

[0018] According to a further development of the rotary press, the cleaning device can include at least one external feed channel, and in particular several feed channels, for directing the cleaning agent to the spray opening. The external feed channel can be located at least partially, and in particular completely, outside the rotor. The external feed channel can open into the spray opening.

[0019] This allows for the simple implementation of a rotating spray nozzle via the rotor. No modification or replacement of the rotor is necessary. In this way, a rotary press with a rotor that lacks internal feed channels for conveying the cleaning agent can be "upgraded."

[0020] According to a further development of the rotary press, the rotary press can include at least one upper tableting punch. Alternatively or additionally, the rotary press can include at least one lower tableting punch. The upper and lower tableting punches can be configured to work together to compress a powder, in particular to produce a tablet. The upper and / or the lower tableting punch can each be designed as a tableting tool or as a tamping punch. The cleaning device can include at least one cleaning punch. The cleaning punch can be interchangeable with the lower and / or the upper tableting punch. At least one channel for directing the cleaning agent to the spray opening can be arranged within the cleaning punch. The channel can open into the spray opening.

[0021] This allows the cleaning agent to be sprayed precisely onto areas that are otherwise difficult or impossible to reach, such as the guide curve of the tableting die or packing die. The cleaning process can thus be further optimized.

[0022] According to a further development of the rotary press, the cleaning device can comprise at least one guide element. The guide element can be tubular. The guide element can be designed as a tube. The guide element can be fixed (or attachable) to the rotor. The spray opening can be arranged in or on the guide element. At least one guide channel for directing the cleaning agent to the spray opening can be arranged within the guide element. The guide channel can open into the spray opening.

[0023] This allows the spray opening to be moved radially outwards using simple means. The arrangement of the spray opening (radial in relation to the rotor) can thus be adjusted variably or precisely. The spraying of the cleaning agent can therefore be controlled in a targeted manner.

[0024] According to a further development of the rotary press, the cleaning device can include an inlet for directing the cleaning agent into the rotor. The inlet can open into the rotor in the region of the axis of rotation. The inlet can be fluidically coupled to the internal feed channel, the external feed channel, the channel of the cleaning piston, and / or the guide channel of the guide element. The inlet can be sealed to the rotor via a sliding seal. The inlet can be designed as a separate rotary union.

[0025] The internal feed channel, the external feed channel, the cleaning piston channel and / or the guide channel of the guide element can each be fluidically coupled to one another.

[0026] In this context, a fluidic connection or fluidic coupling means that a gas and / or a liquid (fluid) can flow between two fluidically coupled elements or between two elements in fluidic connection.

[0027] This allows the cleaning agent to be guided through the rotor to the spray opening using simple means.

[0028] According to a further development of the rotary press, the cleaning device can include a pump for pumping the cleaning agent through the spray opening.

[0029] This allows the cleaning agent to be conveyed using simple means and thus sprayed through the spray opening.

[0030] The above problem is also solved by a method for cleaning a rotary press, in particular a tablet rotary press, according to the above descriptions with the features of the dependent claim.

[0031] The process includes the following steps: rotating the spray opening around the axis of rotation by turning the rotor.

[0032] Spraying the cleaning agent through the spray opening and / or through the static spray nozzle and / or through the rotating spray nozzle.

[0033] Regarding the advantages that can be achieved, reference is made to the relevant explanations concerning the rotary press. The measures described in connection with the rotary press and / or those explained below can be used to further develop the process.

[0034] The process can include the step of pumping the cleaning agent in a closed loop. The cleaning agent can be pumped in a closed loop (especially using a pump), meaning it can be used multiple times.

[0035] This allows the cleaning agent to be used multiple times, thus saving money. This reduces the cost of the cleaning agent.

[0036] The procedure may include the step of collecting and disposing of the sprayed cleaning agent after the cleaning agent has been sprayed once through the spray opening and / or through the static spray nozzle and / or through the rotary spray nozzle.

[0037] This means the cleaning agent is only used once. Therefore, a fresh and uncontaminated cleaning agent is always available for the cleaning process. This can improve the cleaning effect.

[0038] The procedure may include the step of guiding the cleaning agent through the internal feed channel, the external feed channel, the cleaning plunger channel and / or the guide channel of the guide element.

[0039] The cleaning agent can thus be easily directed to the spray opening and sprayed via the spray opening.

[0040] The procedure may include the step of closing the spray opening and / or the internal feed channel. This closing can be achieved using the upper and / or lower tableting plunger.

[0041] This allows the spray opening and / or the internal feed channel to be closed or reopened using simple (existing) means. This allows the spraying of the cleaning agent from the spray opening to be controlled or adjusted as desired (the spray opening closed or reopened).

[0042] 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 perspective view of a rotary press with a rotor; Fig. 2 a side view of the rotary press according to Figure 1 Fig. 3 a perspective view of the rotor of the rotary press according to a first embodiment; Fig. 4 a sectional view of the rotor according to Figure 3 ; Fig. 5 a section of the sectional view according to Figure 4 Fig. 6 a sectional view of the rotor according to a second embodiment; Fig. 7 a detail of a perspective view of the rotor according to a third embodiment; and Fig. 8 a detail of a sectional view of the rotor according to Figure 7 .

[0043] 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.

[0044] Figure 1 and 2 Figure 1 shows a perspective view and a side view of a rotary press 10 with a rotor 14. The rotary press 10 is designed as a tablet rotary press.

[0045] Figure 3 shows a perspective view and Figure 4 a sectional view of the rotor 14 of the rotary press 10 according to a first embodiment.

[0046] The rotor 14 is designed to rotate about a rotational axis 12. The rotor 14 comprises several upper tableting dies 30 and several lower tableting dies 31. The upper and / or lower tableting dies 30, 31 can be configured as tamping dies.

[0047] The rotor 14 includes a cleaning device 16 for cleaning the rotary press 10. The cleaning device 16 includes at least one spray opening 18 for spraying a cleaning agent 20. In this case, the cleaning device 16 includes several spray openings 18.

[0048] The cleaning device 16 is coupled to the rotor 14 and configured such that the spray openings 18 can be rotated about the axis of rotation 12 by rotating the rotor 14. The cleaning device 16, and in particular the spray openings 18, are thus rotated with the rotor 14. The cleaning device 16 is specifically integrated into the rotor 14.

[0049] The cleaning device 16 comprises a lower internal feed channel 26, a middle internal feed channel 27 and an upper internal feed channel 29 for directing the cleaning agent 20 to the respective spray openings 18. The three internal feed channels 26, 27, 29 are arranged one above the other with respect to the direction of gravity 15.

[0050] The internal feed channels 26, 27, 29 are arranged entirely within the rotor 14. The internal feed channels 26, 27, 29 are each fluidically connected to the corresponding spray openings 18.

[0051] In this case, the internal feed channels 26, 27, 29 are each designed as a bore within the rotor 14. These internal feed channels 26, 27, 29, designed as bores, are oriented perpendicular to the axis of rotation 12, i.e., they run in a straight horizontal line (perpendicular to the direction of gravity 15). The direction of gravity 15 is in the Figures 4 to 8indicated by an arrow. It is also conceivable that the internal feed channels 26, 27, 28, which are designed as bores in this case, have a slight gradient, i.e., run inclined to the horizontal. In this way, the internal feed channels 26, 27, 28 can empty automatically after the cleaning process.

[0052] The cleaning device 16 has an inlet 40 for directing the cleaning agent 20 into the rotor 14. The inlet 40 is indicated by a large arrow (in Figure 4 and 6 ) only schematically indicated. The inlet 40 is located in the area of ​​the axis of rotation 12. The inlet 40 thus opens centrally into the rotor 14. The inlet 40 can, as shown in the Figures 4 and 6 As indicated, the inlet 40 could enter the rotor 14 from below with respect to the direction of gravity 15. It is also conceivable that the inlet 40 could enter the rotor 14 from above with respect to the direction of gravity 15.

[0053] The cleaning device 16 includes a pump 42 for pumping the cleaning agent 20. The pump is (in Figure 4 and 6 (only schematically indicated). The cleaning agent 20 is conveyed by the pump 42 through the inlet 40 into the rotor 14. In the rotor 14, the cleaning agent 20 pumped in through the inlet 40 is conveyed to the respective spray openings 18 via the internal feed channels 26, 27, 29.

[0054] The internal feed channels 26, 27, 29 can each be connected to their respective in Figure 4 The internal feed channels 26, 27, 29 open into the inlet 40 at their right end. The internal feed channels 26, 27, 29 can be configured, at least partially, as a common channel. A chamber 41 can be arranged between the internal feed channels 26, 27, 29 and the inlet 40, fluidically connecting the internal feed channels 26, 27, 29 and the inlet 40. The chamber 41 can function as a cleaning agent reservoir or buffer.

[0055] In this case, the lower internal feed channel 26 opens into Figure 4 The left end leads into a spray opening 18, which is blocked or closed by means of a lower tableting plunger 31. This allows the lower tableting plungers 31 to be included in the cleaning process. The lower internal feed channel 26 and the corresponding spray opening 18 can be closed and reopened by moving the corresponding lower tableting plunger 31 along the direction of gravity 15.

[0056] The cleaning device 16 comprises at least one guide element 36. The guide element 36 is designed in the form of a straight tube. The guide element 36 can be fixed to the rotor 14 (in Figure 4 (shown). At one, in Figure 4A spray opening 18 is arranged at the left end of the guide element 36. Within the guide element 36, a guide channel 38 is arranged for directing the cleaning agent 20 to the spray opening 18. The guide channel 38 opens on one side (with its in Figure 4 left end) into the corresponding spray opening 18 and on the other hand (with its in Figure 4 right end) into the middle internal feed channel 27.

[0057] A static spray nozzle 22 is arranged at the spray opening 18, which is located on the guide element 36. It is also conceivable that a rotary spray nozzle 24 (cf. Figure 7 and 8 ) or another spray nozzle may be arranged. By selecting the spray nozzle, the way the cleaning agent 20 is sprayed (spray angle, spray direction, spray speed, spray pattern, etc.) can be adjusted as desired.

[0058] The cleaning device 16 comprises at least one cleaning stamp 32. The cleaning stamp 32 is designed to be interchangeable with an upper tableting stamp 30. The cleaning stamp 32 can therefore be arranged or fixed to the rotor 14 in place of an upper tableting stamp 30. In this case, the cleaning stamp 32 has been replaced with an upper tableting stamp 30 and is arranged on the rotor 14.

[0059] Figure 5 shows a section of the sectional view according to Figure 4 , in which the cleaning stamp 32 is shown enlarged.

[0060] The cleaning plunger 32 has four spray openings 18 for spraying the cleaning agent 20. These four spray openings 18 are arranged on the cleaning plunger 32. Within the cleaning plunger 32, four channels 34 are formed to guide the cleaning agent 20 to the respective spray openings 18. On one side, the four channels 34 each open into the corresponding spray opening 18. On the other side, the four channels 34 converge and open into the upper internal feed channel 29 of the rotor 14. The cleaning plunger 32 can be used to spray the cleaning agent 20, particularly in the area of ​​the guide cam 35 of the upper tableting plunger 30.

[0061] Figure 6 Figure 1 shows a sectional view of rotor 14 according to a second embodiment. The second embodiment differs from the first in the Figures 3 to 5 The illustrated embodiment is modified by the following:

[0062] The cleaning device 16 additionally has at least one external supply channel 28 for directing the cleaning agent 20 to a spray opening 18. The external supply channel 28 is arranged at least partially outside the rotor 14.

[0063] The external supply channel 28 opens into chamber 41 and / or inlet 40 on one side and into the corresponding spray opening 18 on the other. A spherical, rotating spray nozzle 24 is arranged at the spray opening 18 into which the external supply channel 28 opens. The rotating spray nozzle 24 allows the cleaning agent 20 to be sprayed in as many directions as possible.

[0064] The external feed channel 28, the spray opening 18 arranged on the feed channel 28, and the rotary spray nozzle 24 arranged on this spray opening 18 are (in Figure 6 ) only shown schematically.

[0065] Figure 7shows a section of a perspective view and Figure 8 A section of a sectional view of the rotor 14 according to a third embodiment. The third embodiment differs from the first and / or the second embodiment in the following way: At the spray opening 18, which is arranged on the guide element 36, a spherical, rotating spray nozzle 24 is arranged instead of the static spray nozzle 22. By means of the spherical, rotating spray nozzle 24, it is possible to spray the cleaning agent 20 in as many directions as possible.

[0066] The procedure for cleaning the rotary press 10 according to the above descriptions is explained using the Figures 1 to 8 The following is explained below: The procedure comprises the following steps: Rotating the spray openings 18 around the axis of rotation 12 by rotating the rotor 14. Since the spray openings 18 are integrated into the rotor 14 and / or coupled to the rotor 14, they rotate with the rotor 14.

[0067] Spraying the cleaning agent 20 through the spray openings 18 and / or through the static spray nozzle 22 and / or the rotary spray nozzle(s) 24.

[0068] The present method comprises the step of pumping the cleaning agent 20 in a circuit. For this purpose, the cleaning agent 20 can be pumped in a circuit by means of the pump 42, through the rotor 14 and / or the cleaning device 16. The cleaning agent 20 can thus be reused several times.

[0069] Alternatively, the procedure can include the step of collecting and disposing of the sprayed cleaning agent 20 after a single spraying of the cleaning agent 20 through the spray openings 18 and / or through the static spray nozzle 22 and / or through the rotary spray nozzle(s) 24. The cleaning agent 20 can be collected in a collection container (not shown) after the single spraying.

[0070] The method comprises the following step: guiding the cleaning agent 20 through the internal supply channels 26, 27, 29, the external supply channel 28, the channels 34 of the cleaning piston 32 and / or the guide channel 38 of the guide element 36. In this way, all channels and / or spray openings 18, especially those fluidically connected, are supplied with the cleaning agent 20.

[0071] The method comprises the following step: closing a spray opening 18 and / or the lower internal feed channel 26. This can be implemented, for example, by means of a lower tableting plunger 31. By moving the lower tableting plunger 31 along the direction of gravity 15, the lower internal feed channel 26 or the spray opening 18 located on the lower internal feed channel 26 can be closed or opened again. This allows the spray pattern of the cleaning agent 20 to be influenced and adjusted as desired.

Claims

1. Rotary press (10), in particular a tablet rotary press, comprising: - a rotor (14) rotatable about a rotational axis (12) and - a cleaning device (16) for cleaning the rotary press (10), wherein the cleaning device (16) comprises at least one spray opening (18), in particular a plurality of spray openings (18), for spraying a cleaning agent (20), characterized by that the cleaning device (16) is coupled to the rotor (14) and is arranged such that the spray opening (18) can be rotated about the axis of rotation (12) by rotating the rotor (14).

2. Rotary press (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that a static spray nozzle (22) is arranged at the spray opening (18).

3. Rotary press (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that a, in particular spherical, rotary spray nozzle (24) is arranged at the spray opening (18).

4. Rotary press (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe cleaning device (16) comprises at least one internal feed channel (26, 27, 29) for guiding the cleaning agent (20) to the spray opening (18), wherein the internal feed channel (26, 27, 29) is arranged at least in sections, in particular completely, within the rotor (14), in particular wherein the internal feed channel (26, 27, 29) opens into the spray opening (18).

5. Rotary press (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the internal feed channel (26, 27, 29) is formed at least in sections, in particular completely, as a bore within the rotor (14).

6. Rotary press (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe cleaning device (16) comprises at least one external feed channel (28) for guiding the cleaning agent (20) to the spray opening (18), wherein the external feed channel (28) is arranged at least partially, in particular completely, outside the rotor (14), in particular wherein the external feed channel (28) opens into the spray opening (18).

7. Rotary press (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe rotary press (10) comprises at least one upper tabletting punch (30) and / or at least one lower tabletting punch (31), in particular a stuffing punch, and the cleaning device (16) comprises at least one cleaning punch (32), wherein the cleaning punch (32) is designed to be interchangeable with the lower and / or upper tabletting punch (30, 31), wherein the spray opening (18) is arranged in or on the cleaning punch (32), wherein at least one channel (34) for guiding the cleaning agent (20) to the spray opening (18) is arranged within the cleaning punch (32), in particular wherein the channel (34) opens into the spray opening (18).

8. Rotary press (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe cleaning device (16) comprises at least one, in particular tubular, guide element (36), wherein the guide element (36) is designed to be fixable on the rotor (14), wherein the spray opening (18) is arranged in or on the guide element (36), wherein at least one guide channel (38) for guiding the cleaning agent (20) to the spray opening (18) is arranged within the guide element (36), in particular wherein the guide channel (38) opens into the spray opening (18).

9. Rotary press (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning device (16) comprises an inlet (40) for guiding the cleaning agent (20) into the rotor (14), in particular wherein the inlet (40) opens into the rotor (14) in the region of the axis of rotation (12).

10. Rotary press (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe cleaning device (16) comprises a pump (42) for pumping the cleaning agent (20), in particular through the cleaning device (16) and / or the spray opening (18).

11. A method for cleaning a rotary press (10), in particular a rotary tablet press, according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the steps: - rotating the spray opening (18) about the rotation axis (12) by rotating the rotor (14); - spraying the cleaning agent (20) through the spray opening (18) and / or through the static spray nozzle (22) and / or through the rotary spray nozzle (24).

12. Method according to claim 11 characterized by the step: - Pumping the cleaning agent (20) in a circuit.

13. Method according to claim 11 characterized by the step: - Collecting and disposing of the sprayed cleaning agent (20) after a single spraying of the cleaning agent (20) through the spray opening (18) and / or throughthe static spray nozzle (22) and / or through the rotary spray nozzle (24).

14. Method according to one of claims 11 to 13 characterized by the step: - Directing the cleaning agent (20) through the internal feed channel (26, 27, 29), the external feed channel (28), the channel (34) of the cleaning stamp (32) and / or the guide channel (38) of the guide element (36).

15. Method according to one of claims 11 to 14 characterized by the step: - closing the spray opening (18) and / or the internal feed channel (26, 27, 29), in particular by means of the upper and / or lower tabletting punch (30, 31).

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