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, having the features of the preamble of claim 1 and a method for cleaning a rotary press, in particular a tablet rotary press, having the features of the independent claim.

[0002] Tablet presses can be wet cleaned at the end of a tablet batch. The success of wet cleaning depends on whether as many surfaces of the tablet press as possible can be directly wetted with a cleaning fluid. It is therefore desirable to minimize spray shadows between the spray nozzles for the cleaning agent and the surfaces to be cleaned.

[0003] To avoid spray shadows, the number of spray nozzles can be increased. 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 thus the tablet press itself, very complex, especially if the spray nozzles are arranged statically. 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] CN 216 139 479 U discloses a rotary press according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0006] 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.

[0007] The above object is achieved by a rotary press, in particular a tablet rotary press, having the features of claim 1 and a method having the features of claim 11.

[0008] The rotary press comprises a rotor that rotates around a rotational axis. The rotor can be designed as a rotor plate. The rotor can be mounted so that it can rotate around the rotational axis.

[0009] The rotary press also includes a cleaning device. The cleaning device serves to clean the rotary press. The cleaning device comprises at least one spray opening. The cleaning device particularly comprises several spray openings. The spray opening serves to spray a cleaning agent. The cleaning agent can be a liquid, a gas, and / or a mixture of liquid and gas. The cleaning agent can particularly be a cleaning liquid.

[0010] The cleaning device (or the spray opening) is coupled and configured to the rotor in such a way that the spray opening can be rotated about the rotational axis by rotating the rotor. The spray opening of the cleaning device can be designed to be rotatable about the rotational axis. The rotor can serve as a drive for the rotating movement of the spray opening. The rotor and the spray nozzle can be coupled to one another in such a way that, when the rotor is rotated, the spray opening is also rotated, in particular at the same angular velocity or rotational speed as the rotor. The rotor and the spray opening are designed to be rotatable about the rotational axis.

[0011] The rotary press can be suitable for wet cleaning using a cleaning fluid. The rotary press or cleaning device can include supply lines, a pump, and / or a suitable wastewater structure.

[0012] This allows the (rotary) movement of the rotor to be used to move the spray orifice. A separate drive for the (rotary) movement of the spray orifice is no longer required. This reduces the design effort for a cleaning device. Due to the rotation of the spray orifice, spray shadows can be avoided or at least reduced during the cleaning process. The cleaning process can be carried out optimally and the cleaning time reduced. This reduces the costs for the rotary press (low design effort) and for each cleaning process (due to the avoidance of spray shadows).

[0013] According to a further development of the rotary press, a static spray nozzle can be arranged at the spray opening.

[0014] This allows the cleaning agent to be sprayed in a targeted manner and at a desired pressure using simple means. The cleaning agent's spray pattern can be adjusted as desired.

[0015] 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 configured to rotate during the cleaning process, thus spraying the cleaning agent around its own axis of rotation. The rotating movement of the rotating spray nozzle can be caused by the discharge of the cleaning agent (recoil principle) (similar to a dishwasher).

[0016] This allows the cleaning agent to be distributed more effectively over as many surfaces as possible. The cleaning agent's spray pattern can be adjusted as desired.

[0017] According to a further development of the rotary press, the cleaning device can comprise at least one internal feed channel, in particular a plurality of internal feed channels, for guiding the cleaning agent to the spray opening. The internal feed channel can be arranged at least partially, in particular entirely, within the rotor. The internal feed channel can open into the spray opening.

[0018] In this way, the spray opening (or at least part of the cleaning device) 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 extensive cleaning after a batch process. By integrating the spray opening into the rotor (disk), this additional cleaning effort for these components is eliminated. In other words, by integrating the spray opening (or the cleaning technology) into the rotor, many externally arranged cleaning nozzles and their supply lines can be eliminated. This reduces cleaning time, increases the clarity of the machine, and saves costs.

[0019] According to a further development of the rotary press, the cleaning device can comprise at least one external feed channel, in particular a plurality of feed channels, for conveying the cleaning agent to the spray opening. The external feed channel can be arranged at least partially, in particular completely, outside the rotor. The external feed channel can open into the spray opening.

[0020] This allows for a simple implementation of a spray opening with a rotating rotor. No need to modify or replace the rotor. This allows a rotary press to be upgraded with a rotor that lacks internal feed channels for conveying the cleaning agent.

[0021] According to a further development of the rotary press, the rotary press can comprise at least one upper tabletting punch. Alternatively or additionally, the rotary press can comprise at least one lower tabletting punch. The upper and lower tabletting punches can be configured such that they cooperate to compress a powder, in particular to produce a tablet. The upper and / or lower tabletting punches can each be designed as a tabletting tool or as a stuffing punch. The cleaning device can comprise at least one cleaning punch. The cleaning punch can be designed to be interchangeable with the lower and / or upper tabletting punches. At least one channel for conducting the cleaning agent to the spray opening can be arranged within the cleaning punch. The channel can open into the spray opening.

[0022] This allows the cleaning agent to be sprayed directly onto otherwise difficult or inaccessible surfaces, such as the guide curve of the tableting punches or tamping punches. This further optimizes the cleaning process.

[0023] 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 designed so that it can be fixed (or fastened) to the rotor. The spray opening can be arranged in or on the guide element. At least one guide channel for guiding the cleaning agent to the spray opening can be arranged within the guide element. The guide channel can open into the spray opening.

[0024] This allows a spray opening to be easily relocated radially outward. The position of the spray opening (radial relative to the rotor) can be adjusted variably or precisely. The spraying of the cleaning agent can thus be precisely adjusted.

[0025] According to a further development of the rotary press, the cleaning device can comprise an inlet for conveying the cleaning agent into the rotor. The inlet can open into the rotor in the region of the rotation axis. The inlet can be fluidically coupled to the internal feed channel, the external feed channel, the channel of the cleaning ram, 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.

[0026] The internal feed channel, the external feed channel, the channel of the cleaning stamp and / or the guide channel of the guide element can each be fluidically coupled to one another.

[0027] In this case, a fluidic connection or a 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.

[0028] This allows the cleaning agent to be easily directed through the rotor to the spray opening.

[0029] According to a further development of the rotary press, the cleaning device can comprise a pump for pumping the cleaning agent through the spray opening.

[0030] This allows the cleaning agent to be conveyed using simple means and sprayed through the spray opening.

[0031] The above object is also achieved by a method for cleaning a rotary press, in particular a rotary tablet press, according to the above statements with the features of the independent claim.

[0032] The method comprises the steps of: rotating the spray opening around the axis of rotation by rotating the rotor.

[0033] Spraying the cleaning agent through the spray opening and / or through the static spray nozzle and / or through the rotary spray nozzle.

[0034] Regarding the advantages that can be achieved, please refer to the relevant information on the rotary press. The measures described in connection with the rotary press and / or those explained below can be used to further refine the process.

[0035] The method may include the step of pumping the cleaning agent in a circuit. The cleaning agent can be pumped in a circuit (particularly by means of a pump), thus being reused multiple times.

[0036] This allows the cleaning agent to be used multiple times, thus saving money. This can reduce cleaning agent costs.

[0037] The method may comprise 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.

[0038] This means the cleaning agent is only used once. This ensures that a fresh, uncontaminated cleaning agent is always available for the cleaning process. This can improve the cleaning effect.

[0039] The method may comprise the step of: passing the cleaning agent through the internal feed channel, the external feed channel, the channel of the cleaning stamp and / or the guide channel of the guide element.

[0040] The cleaning agent can be easily directed to the spray opening and sprayed through the spray opening.

[0041] The method may comprise the step of closing the spray opening and / or the internal feed channel. Closing may be accomplished using the upper and / or lower tabletting punch.

[0042] This allows the spray opening and / or the internal supply channel to be closed or opened again using simple (already existing) means. This allows the spraying of the cleaning agent from the spray opening to be controlled or adjusted as desired (the spray opening can be closed or opened).

[0043] 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 section of a perspective view of the rotor according to a third embodiment and Fig. 8 a section of a sectional view of the rotor according to Figure 7 .

[0044] 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 all figures.

[0045] Figures 1 and 2 show a perspective view and a side view of a rotary press 10 with a rotor 14. The rotary press 10 is designed here as a tablet rotary press.

[0046] 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.

[0047] The rotor 14 is designed to be rotatable about a rotational axis 12. In this case, the rotor 14 comprises a plurality of upper tabletting punches 30 and a plurality of lower tabletting punches 31. The upper and / or lower tabletting punches 30, 31 can be designed as stuffing punches.

[0048] The rotor 14 comprises a cleaning device 16 for cleaning the rotary press 10. The cleaning device 16 comprises at least one spray opening 18 for spraying a cleaning agent 20. In the present case, the cleaning device 16 comprises several spray openings 18.

[0049] In this case, the cleaning device 16 is coupled and configured to the rotor 14 in such a way that the spray openings 18 can be rotated about the rotation axis 12 by rotating the rotor 14. The cleaning device 16, and in particular the spray openings 18, are thus rotated along with the rotor 14. The cleaning device 16 is, in particular, integrated into the rotor 14.

[0050] 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 guiding 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.

[0051] The internal supply channels 26, 27, 29 are arranged entirely within the rotor 14. The internal supply channels 26, 27, 29 are each fluidically connected to the corresponding spray openings 18.

[0052] In the present case, the internal supply channels 26, 27, 29 are each formed as a bore within the rotor 14. In the present case, the internal supply channels 26, 27, 29 formed as bores are oriented perpendicular to the axis of rotation 12, thus running straight in the horizontal direction (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 supply channels 26, 27, 28, which are designed as bores in this case, have a slight gradient, i.e., run at an angle to the horizontal. This allows the internal supply channels 26, 27, 28 to drain automatically after the cleaning process.

[0053] In the present case, the cleaning device 16 has an inlet 40 for guiding the cleaning agent 20 into the rotor 14. The inlet 40 is indicated by a large arrow (in Figure 4 and 6 ) is only indicated schematically. The inlet 40 is arranged in the area of ​​the rotation axis 12. The inlet 40 therefore opens centrally into the rotor 14. The inlet 40 can, as in the Figures 4 and 6 As indicated, the inlet 40 can open into the rotor 14 from below with respect to the direction of gravity 15. It is also conceivable that the inlet 40 can open into the rotor 14 from above with respect to the direction of gravity 15.

[0054] The cleaning device 16 comprises a pump 42 for pumping the cleaning agent 20. The pump is (in Figure 4 and 6 ) is only indicated schematically. 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 passed on to the respective spray openings 18 by means of the internal feed channels 26, 27, 29.

[0055] The internal feed channels 26, 27, 29 can each be connected to their Figure 4 right end into the inlet 40. The internal supply channels 26, 27, 29 can be formed, at least in sections, as a common channel. A chamber 41 can be arranged between the internal supply channels 26, 27, 29 and the inlet 40, fluidically connecting the internal supply channels 26, 27, 29 and the inlet 40. The chamber 41 can function as a cleaning agent reservoir or buffer.

[0056] In this case, the lower internal feed channel 26 opens with its Figure 4 left end into a spray opening 18, which is blocked or closed by a lower tabletting punch 31. Thus, the lower tabletting punch 31 can be included in the cleaning process. The lower internal feed channel 26 and the corresponding spray opening 18 can be closed and released again by moving the corresponding lower tabletting punch 31 along the direction of gravity 15.

[0057] 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 guiding the cleaning agent 20 to the spray opening 18. The guide channel 38 opens on the one hand (with its Figure 4 left end) into the corresponding spray opening 18 and on the other hand (with its Figure 4 right end) into the middle internal feed channel 27.

[0058] In the present case, a static spray nozzle 22 is arranged at the spray opening 18, which is arranged on the guide element 36. It is also conceivable that a rotary spray nozzle 24 (cf. Figure 7 and 8 ) or another spray nozzle can be arranged. By selecting the spray nozzle, the type of spraying of the cleaning agent 20 (spray angle, spray direction, spray speed, spray pattern, etc.) can be adjusted as desired.

[0059] The cleaning device 16 comprises at least one cleaning punch 32. The cleaning punch 32 is designed to be interchangeable with an upper tabletting punch 30. The cleaning punch 32 can therefore be arranged or fixed to the rotor 14 instead of an upper tabletting punch 30. In this case, the cleaning punch 32 is exchanged for an upper tabletting punch 30 and arranged on the rotor 14.

[0060] Figure 5 shows a section of the sectional view according to Figure 4 , in which the cleaning stamp 32 is shown enlarged.

[0061] The cleaning punch 32 has four spray openings 18 for spraying the cleaning agent 20. The four spray openings 18 are arranged on the cleaning punch 32. Within the cleaning punch 32, four channels 34 are formed for directing the cleaning agent 20 to the respective spray openings 18 arranged on the cleaning punch 32. On the one hand, the four channels 34 each open into the corresponding spray opening 18. On the other hand, the four channels 34 converge and open into the upper internal feed channel 29 of the rotor 14. By means of the cleaning punch 32, the cleaning agent 20 can be sprayed, in particular in the region of the guide curve 35 of the upper tabletting punch 30.

[0062] Figure 6 shows a sectional view of the rotor 14 according to a second embodiment. The second embodiment differs from the first in the Figures 3 to 5shown embodiment by the following: The cleaning device 16 in the present case additionally has at least one external feed channel 28 for guiding the cleaning agent 20 to a spray opening 18. The external feed channel 28 is in the present case arranged at least in sections outside the rotor 14.

[0063] The external supply channel 28 opens, on the one hand, into the chamber 41 and / or the inlet 40, and, on the other hand, into the corresponding spray opening 18. 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 enables the cleaning agent 20 to be sprayed in as many spatial directions as possible.

[0064] The external feed channel 28, the spray opening 18 arranged on the feed channel 28, as well as the rotary spray nozzle 24 arranged on this spray opening 18 are (in Figure 6 ) is 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 exemplary embodiment. The third exemplary embodiment differs from the first and / or second exemplary embodiments in the following: At the spray opening 18, which is arranged on the guide element 36, a spherical, rotary spray nozzle 24 is arranged instead of the static spray nozzle 22. The spherical, rotary spray nozzle 24 enables the cleaning agent 20 to be sprayed in as many spatial directions as possible.

[0066] The method for cleaning the rotary press 10 according to the above statements is based on the Figures 1 to 8 explained below: The method comprises the steps: Rotating the spray openings 18 about 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] In this case, the 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 method may comprise 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 may be collected in a collecting container (not shown) after the single spraying.

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

[0071] The method in this case comprises the step of closing a spray opening 18 and / or the lower internal feed channel 26. This can be implemented, for example, using a lower tabletting punch 31. By moving the lower tabletting punch 31 along the direction of gravity 15, the lower internal feed channel 26 or the spray opening 18 arranged 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. A rotary press (10), in particular a rotary tablet press, comprising: - a rotor (14) rotatable around an axis of rotation (12) and - a cleaning apparatus (16) for cleaning the rotary press (10), wherein the cleaning apparatus (16) comprises at least one spray opening (18), in particular a plurality of spray openings (18), for spraying a cleaning means (20), characterized in that the cleaning apparatus (16) is coupled to the rotor (14) and set up in such a manner that the spray opening (18) can be rotated around the axis of rotation (12) by rotating the rotor (14).

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

3. The 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. The rotary press (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning apparatus (16) comprises at least one internal feed channel (26, 27, 29) for guiding the cleaning means (20) to the spray opening (18), wherein the internal feed channel (26, 27, 29) is arranged at least in portions, in particular completely, inside the rotor (14), in particular wherein the internal feed channel (26, 27, 29) opens into the spray opening (18).

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

6. The rotary press (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning apparatus (16) comprises at least one external feed channel (28) for guiding the cleaning means (20) to the spray opening (18), wherein the external feed channel (28) is arranged at least in portions, in particular completely, outside the rotor (14), in particular wherein the external feed channel (28) opens into the spray opening (18).

7. The rotary press (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rotary press (10) comprises at least one upper tableting punch (30) and / or at least one lower tableting punch (31), in particular a tamping punch, and the cleaning apparatus (16) comprises at least one cleaning punch (32), wherein the cleaning punch (32) is designed to be exchangeable with the lower and / or upper tableting 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 means (20) to the spray opening (18) is arranged inside the cleaning punch (32), in particular wherein the channel (34) opens into the spray opening (18).

8. The rotary press (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning apparatus (16) comprises at least one, in particular tubular, guide element (36), wherein the guide element (36) is designed to be fixable to 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 means (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. The rotary press (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning apparatus (16) comprises an inlet (40) for guiding the cleaning means (20) into the rotor (14), in particular wherein the inlet (40) opens into the rotor (14) in the area of the axis of rotation (12).

10. The rotary press (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning apparatus (16) comprises a pump (42) for pumping the cleaning means (20), in particular through the cleaning apparatus (16) and / or the spray opening (18).

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

12. The method according to claim 11 characterized by the step of: - pumping the cleaning means (20) in a circuit.

13. The method according to claim 11 characterized by the step of: - collecting and disposing of the sprayed cleaning means (20) after spraying the cleaning means (20) once through the spray opening (18) and / or through the static spray nozzle (22) and / or through the rotary spray nozzle (24).

14. The method according to any of claims 11 to 13, characterized by the step of: - guiding the cleaning means (20) through the internal feed channel (26, 27, 29), the external feed channel (28), the channel (34) of the cleaning punch (32) and / or the guide channel (38) of the guide element (36).

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

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