Apparatus for inserting at least one object into at least one die of a tablet press

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus for inserting at least one object into at least one die of a tablet press, wherein the at least one die is arranged on a reference circle of a turret that is driven to rotate about a first axis of rotation. The apparatus comprises a second turret that can rotate about a second axis of rotation. The second turret also comprises a holder for at least one object, and the holder for at least one object 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 turret via the holder for the at least one object, such that the movement path of the at least one object can mimic the movement path of the at least one die over at least the angular range of rotation of the second turret.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for inserting at least one object (also referred to as an object body) into at least one die of a tablet press, wherein the at least one die is arranged on a reference circle of a turret (a small tower that can be rotated) driven to rotate about a first rotation axis. The apparatus comprises a second turret that can rotate about a second rotation axis. The second turret also comprises a holder for at least one object, and the holder for at least one object comprises holding means that enable it to pick up, transport, and release 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 turret via the holder of the at least one object, such that the movement path of the at least one object can mimic the movement path of the at least one die over at least the angular range of rotation of the second turret.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a system comprising a tablet press and the apparatus described above.

Background Art

[0003] The present invention belongs to the field of tablet presses, particularly rotary tablet presses, which are used in the pharmaceutical, technical or chemical industries, or the food industry to produce large quantities of tablets or pellets from powder materials.

[0004] Rotary tablet presses are known to have a turret carrying a plurality of pairs of punches, each pair of punches being formed by an upper punch and a lower punch that are adjustable relative to each other. The turret comprises a die table provided with die openings at regular intervals on a reference circle, having sleeve-shaped inserts known as dies. The material to be pressed is filled into these dies or die openings by means of a filling device.

[0005] As a result of the rotation of the turret, when a pair of punches enters the area of the die or die opening filled, the two punches are moved towards each other by a control cam and enter the area of the compression roller station. In the compression roller station, the punches are pressed against each other so that, for example, the material within the die opening is compressed into the form of a tablet. When the pressing process is completed, both punches are moved upwards and the tablet is discharged from the die opening or the die. The compression force is transmitted to the compression tool by means of the compression roller. The compression tool is also referred to as the upper punch and the lower punch.

[0006] It is also known to provide so-called inserts which produce single-layer or multi-layer tablets having a core or object. These cores or objects are individually supplied to the die and pressed into the medium to be pressed, in particular powder, or coated. In order to produce such tablets or pellets on a rotary tablet press, it is advantageous if the cores or objects can be individually supplied to the die in a defined manner and as a result be arranged in the desired position, which is preferably located in the center of the die.

[0007] In this regard, there is a solution regarding a rotary insertion device in which the circular path of the die and the insertion device partially overlap and thus intersect at exactly two points. With the aid of a complex (and error-prone) control system, the aim is to discharge the object to be inserted as quickly as possible at exactly one of the intersection points. For example, DE 10 2013 104 344 A1 and DE 10 2009 002 450 A1 disclose a rotary insertion device in which the core is picked up from a transfer wheel by gripper arms (holding arms) and inserted into the die.

[0008] Furthermore, a solution using a rotary insertion device is known, for example, from German Patent No. 38 19 821 C2, in which case the gripper arms are arranged to move radially on the turret of the insertion device and can thus follow the curved path of the die over a limited angle of rotation by means of cam control or engagement on the turret. However, this results in a difference in the path speeds of the inserter and the die, so that, despite the traced path of the gripper arm, actual synchronous running is not possible and the position of the inserted object is mainly determined by the discharge time.

[0009] DE 40 25 484 C1 also discloses an insertion device incorporated in the turret of a rotary tablet press. In particular, the radial arms are arranged directly on the drive turret of the rotary tablet press above the die table and rotate in synchronization with the assigned die. The radial arms can also be retracted (radially) and are telescopable within the turret and can pick up objects and transfer them to the die. Such an insertion device allows for a small structural capacity and an accurate and reproducible positioning of the objects within the die, but this relatively complex design results in malfunctions on a regular basis. Furthermore, conventional rotary tablet presses cannot be easily retrofitted with such an insertion device.

[0010] From DE 103 21 754 B4, it is also known to place cores or objects on a continuous conveyor, guide the continuous conveyor onto the reference circle of the turret of a tablet press, and push them into the die by means of the upper punch means of the tablet press. However, carrying the cores or objects on the reference circle of the turret is associated with complex measures for positioning the cores or objects and synchronizing the movement of the cores or objects and the die.

[0011] DE 38 19 821 A discloses a rotary tablet press including a rotationally driven die table and a transfer device. A plurality of head parts having transfer heads are attached to radial arms on the transfer device, and these radial arms are firmly screwed to a turret. The transfer head has a suction pipe and a vacuum device (also called a negative pressure device) for receiving and releasing the core. The radial arms consist of vertical and horizontal cylinder piston units that can operate independently of each other. The core is conveyed to the receiving stars of the transfer device via a supply device. The radial arm moves downward by means of the vertical cylinder piston, and the transfer head picks up the core by means of negative pressure. Then, the horizontal cylinder piston moves radially outward, and as soon as it reaches the die, the head part opens into the head receiving recess of the guide ring of the die table, and the head guide ring mechanically guides the transfer head in a force-controlled manner, so that the reference circles of the die table and the transfer device overlap. DE 38 19 821 A discloses, in particular, the radial controllability of the transfer head. Thereby, the core is placed in the die and pressed with powder. By pushing the core into the die, the core is inserted into the central position without moving radially. The synchronization of the movement path of the mold and the movement path of the transfer head is achieved, in particular, by the interlocking of the head receiving recess of the head guide ring of the die table with the head part or the transfer head. Due to the radial mobility and engagement on the turret, the head part or the transfer head should follow the curved path of the die over a limited rotation angle. However, there is room for improvement regarding the accuracy of the core positioning.

[0012] JP 2019-135062 A further discloses a compression device including a conveyor belt, a supply device, and a tableting machine. The conveyor belt preferably conveys electronic chips to a feeding device, which in turn conveys them to a tablet press. There, the chips are inserted into dies and pressed with powder. The supply device is designed as a closed loop, and its shape is adapted to the radius of the dies in the transfer area. A plurality of gripping devices are attached to a feeder, which has movable gripper (holding) fingers for picking up and releasing the chips. The closing and opening of the gripper (holding) fingers are mechanically force-controlled by means of corresponding guide cams. The supply device or the gripping device is driven by the rotational movement of a turret of the tableting machine. For this purpose, a gear transmission is provided, the teeth of which engage with an upper roller of the gripping device. Therefore, with regard to known solutions, improvements in positioning accuracy and performance (speed) are required, and at the same time, it is desirable to eliminate a complex control system and the possibility of being affected by failures.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0013]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Patent Document 4

Patent Document 5

Patent Document 6

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0014] The object of the present invention is to eliminate the drawbacks of the prior art and to provide an apparatus for inserting at least one object into at least one die of a tablet press, which makes it possible to accurately or precisely insert at least one object by using the continuous rotation turret of the tablet press, and to achieve a high level of reproducibility and reliability even at a high turret speed.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0015] The problem according to the present invention is solved by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the present invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to an apparatus for inserting at least one object into at least one die of a tablet press, wherein at least one die is arranged on a reference circle of a turret which is driven to rotate around a first axis of rotation; Here, - the apparatus comprises a second turret which is rotatable about a second axis of rotation; - the second turret comprises a holder for at least one object, and the holder for at least one object comprises holding means which enable at least one object to be picked up, transported and released; The movement path of at least one object can be controlled radially and tangentially with respect to the rotational movement of the second turret via the holder of at least one object, and the movement path of at least one object can imitate the movement path of at least one die over at least the angular range of the rotation of the second turret, which is characterized in that.

[0017] In particular, the device according to the invention enables the separation, picking up and accurate insertion of objects into the die of a rotary tablet press having a continuously rotating turret. In contrast to the prior art, the device according to the invention enables the movement path of the object to advantageously overlap with the movement path of the die over a large time range during the insertion process, and the object can in particular also move in synchronism with the die. In other words, the movement paths overlap over a longer distance, rather than mainly at two points as in the previous case. The fact that the object can advantageously be guided in synchronism with the die means that the object can be inserted into the die at any point along the overlapping path. Thus, the positioning accuracy is not very dependent on the time of insertion or release of the object. In particular, this leads to higher repeat accuracy and reliability at high speeds.

[0018] As described above, an insertion device is known that enables the radial movement of an object with respect to the rotational movement of a turret included in the insertion device. However, although it is possible for the movement paths of the object and the die to overlap over a certain distance, this results in a difference in the path speeds of the object and the die, and thus synchronous operation was not possible. It has been shown that this problem can be overcome by adding the controllability of the object in the tangential direction with respect to the rotational movement of the second turret to the controllability of the object in the radial direction. By controlling the object in the tangential direction, the path speed of the object can advantageously be continuously adjusted so that the object can be moved in synchronism with the die.

[0019] Advantageously, in particular, conventional rotary tablet presses configured to press single-layer or multi-layer tablets can be used in a simple manner with the device according to the invention, and as a result, they can press cores or objects into existing manufactured pellets. At least one die is arranged on the reference circle of a turret that is driven to rotate around a first axis of rotation within the rotary tablet press. On the other hand, the device according to the invention comprises a second turret that rotates around a second axis of rotation.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the axis of rotation of the first turret (i.e., the turret of the tablet press) is arranged substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the second turret (i.e., the turret of the device according to the invention). In this regard, the second turret can advantageously be arranged subsequently such that the device according to the invention can insert at least one object into at least one die. Thus, the device according to the invention can preferably be provided as an additional module for a rotary tablet press and preferably only needs to be adjusted once. For this purpose, the device according to the invention preferably moves radially on the turret of the tablet press until the object holder or the object is substantially aligned on the reference circle on which the die is arranged. The device according to the invention is advantageously robust with respect to tolerances in positioning. Furthermore, no additional device for separating the objects to be inserted is any longer necessary, this function being covered by the device according to the invention.

[0021] For the purposes of the present invention, the turret is preferably a rotating part that rotates around an axis of rotation, whereby the parts fixed to the turret move on a circular path. At least one die is preferably present on the reference circle of the turret that is driven to rotate about a first axis of rotation. Thus, the die rotates on a circular path around the axis of rotation of the first turret. Thus, the movement path of the die is preferably circular. On the other hand, the object is held by an object holder, and the object holder is attached to the second turret. Thus, the object rotates around the second axis of rotation and preferably moves on a circular path without radial and tangential controllability of the object holder or the object.

[0022] In prior art insertion devices that include a turret but do not include a holder for the object or the object's radial and tangential controllability, in order to "eject" the object onto the die, the intersection of both circular paths (object / die) is selected. In this context, the inventors recognized that this procedure does not allow the object to be accurately deposited. In contrast, in the present invention, the object can be controlled radially and tangentially with respect to the rotational movement of the second turret via the holder of the object, so that the movement path of the object can be adapted to match the movement path of the die, and the object can also be moved in synchronization with the die.

[0023] Preferably, the adaptation of the movement path by the object takes place within the range between the (virtual) intersections that occur when the object cannot be controlled radially and tangentially. This range can be described by the rotational angle of the second turret, i.e., the rotational angle range of the second turret.

[0024] Thus, the movement path of the object is adapted to the path of the die via the radial and tangential movement of the individual object holders with respect to the rotational movement of the second turret following a circular path. At the point where the object holder is connected to the second turret, the object holder thus preferably also moves on a circular path. However, due to the radial and tangential controllability of the individual object holders, this circular movement path can be adapted to the object held by the holding means, so that the object can also move in synchronization with the die.

[0025] From Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-135062 cited above, the adaptation of the movement of the object on the die path is also known. However, this is done via an insertion device equipped with a supply device that is set as a closed loop but a non-circular loop instead of the second turret. In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-135062, the supply device is also called a rounded triangle, and the lower side is adapted to the shape of the die table. Therefore, the gripping device of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-135062 installed on the supply device itself does not move on a circular path. However, providing such a supply device is more complex and requires a greater distance between the gripping devices provided on the supply device. Although the second turret is used, the solution according to the present invention, which can control the movement path of the object in the radial and tangential directions with respect to the rotational movement of the second turret via the individual object holders, has a simpler design and enables a higher density arrangement of the object holders. In addition to a more robust design of the device, the production efficiency can also be improved.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the rotation angle range of the second turret is preferably the movement section of the second turret, that is, the rotational movement that the turret performs over a specific rotation angle. The rotation angle range of the second turret, in which the movement path of the object can imitate the movement path of the die by means of the radial and tangential deflection of the object holder, is preferably in a rotation angle range of <180°. In this way, the movement path of the die is imitated by the object over up to half of the maximum rotation of the second turret.

[0027] For example, the movement path of the object runs on a circular path within the rotation angle range of the second turret of about 340°. As soon as the object encounters the movement path of the die, the movement path of the object changes radially and tangentially (with respect to the rotation of the second turret), adapts to the movement path of the die, and the object can move in synchronization with the die. In the described embodiment, the movement path of the object can follow the movement path of the die over a rotation angle range of about 20° of the second turret. (See Figure 1)

[0028] The imitation or adaptation of the movement path is preferably such that the movement paths of the object and the die overlap over a certain time and distance range and the object is configured to move in synchronization with the die. In this regard, the center and / or the center of gravity of the object is preferably at a certain height away from the die that is approximately located on the longitudinal axis of the die. It is understood that the height can change when the object is inserted. During this (relatively long) synchronous movement, the object can be inserted by lowering the holder of the object. There is no need to position the object by dropping it as quickly as possible to a specific point.

[0029] For the purposes of the present invention, the object is preferably a three-dimensional object having a size and a geometric configuration that allows the object to be embedded in a pellet, and the volume of the pellet depends on the die, the material, and the compression force. Accordingly, the object can be regarded as the core of the pellet. Preferably, the core is configured as a fixed component, and the core consists of, for example, a material or a material composition different from the remaining material of the pellet. The object or the core may be a pre-compressed powder material. Such a pellet having a core is also called a core tablet. In a further preferred embodiment, the object (such as it is) may be a liquid and / or gaseous medium surrounded by a solid shell. For example, with regard to a coated core tablet, this can be a liquid active ingredient encapsulated in a solid that is digestible by humans.

[0030] It can be inserted into the die of a tablet press, particularly a rotary tablet press, and can be compressed with a powder material, and there is no limitation on the configuration of the object as long as it can be compressed. In another preferred embodiment, the object can also be configured as a microchip. According to more recent technological developments, the microchip can be compressed into a tablet as a core and is useful as an aid for remote diagnosis after a patient takes the corresponding tablet. The device according to the present invention can advantageously insert a very small microchip as an object into the die of a tablet press, thereby manufacturing a "smart" tablet. In particular, a tablet having a microchip that can be, for example, less than 1 mm thick can transmit a confirmation signal to a receiver outside the patient's body regarding the ingestion of the tablet, including the ingestion time, thereby enabling monitoring.

[0031] Preferably, the object may have a volume that allows the object to be embedded in a pellet in a conventional rotary tablet press. The object preferably has a maximum dimension of about 1 mm to 30 mm and a minimum dimension of about 0.1 mm to 10 mm. The object is not limited to these dimension values.

[0032] Furthermore, the second turret preferably comprises at least one holder for the object. The holder for the object preferably rotates with the second turret and can pick up the object from the object reservoir. The holder for the object can then transport (transfer) the object over substantially half a rotation of the second turret and finally preferably release the object into at least one die. The holder of the object, at least one die, and the two turrets are adjusted such that the object can be inserted into the die at an exact position (in particular, through the controllability in the radial and tangential directions of the object or the holder of the object). The object reservoir can be configured as a container or can also include a supply system such as a conveyor belt and / or transfer wheels. With respect to the second turret, the object reservoir is preferably arranged substantially opposite to the position where the object is introduced into the at least one die, and the holder of the object holds or transports (transfers) the object over a rotation of approximately 180° of the second turret. The holder of the object is preferably configured to pick up the object individually and provide it to the at least one die.

[0033] In a further preferred embodiment, the holder of the object has holding means preferably configured to pick up (pick up), hold, and / or release the object. The holding means preferably holds the object for transportation over approximately half a rotation of the second turret and releases it into at least one die in the region where the movement path of the object intersects the movement path of the die. Preferably, the holding means can operate / control sufficiently quickly such that it can pick up the object at a fixed position even with a high-speed rotation of the second turret. Also, the holding means can apply or release the holding force, for example, within a few milliseconds, so that the object can be picked up from the object reservoir or released into the die without an inconvenient waiting time.

[0034] In a further preferred embodiment, the apparatus is characterized in that it includes a coupling element in which the second turret is configured as follows: - Initiate and / or ensure the rotational movement of the second turret through active contact with the first turret that drives it; - Mechanically and forcibly control the movement path of at least one object by means of the holder of at least one object over at least the rotational angle region of the second turret.

[0035] The presence of the coupling element is associated with certain advantages. The coupling element advantageously combines two functions in one component, namely, a) ensures or initiates the rotational movement of the second turret, and b) affects the movement path of the object. Preferably, the coupling element is in active contact with the drive of the first turret (which ensures the rotational movement of the second turret), which advantageously means that the device according to the invention does not require its own drive. Thus, in particular, complex synchronization of the drives of the device and the tablet press is not necessary. Also, dispensing with a separate drive device is particularly lightweight and can thus be used flexibly, especially in different tablet presses, resulting in a device that facilitates the transport of the object into the die. Furthermore, since the coupling element is simultaneously configured to mechanically force-control the movement path of the object via the holder of the object, a complex control configuration of the holder of the object can be omitted. Needless to say, the number of parts used is also reduced.

[0036] For the purposes of the present invention, the coupling element is a component or assembly that establishes a connection in the broadest sense between two components (here, for example, between the first turret and the second turret). The coupling element preferably (temporarily) makes mechanical contact with both components and can create a mechanical connection. Preferably, the connection may be non-contact, and only the effect is transmitted. For example, a magnet can affect another component without establishing a mechanical connection. In particular, it is preferably an active connection, and the coupling element preferably makes active contact with the component(s). Thus, the coupling element enables an interaction (mechanical or otherwise) between the two components. To ensure the rotational movement of the second turret, the coupling element preferably contacts the first turret actively. The first turret is included in the tablet press and represents the drive part. Active contact is achieved, for example, by mechanically engaging the coupling element with an element of the first turret. The coupling element can take the form of a transmission with elements such as, but not limited to, gears, cam elements, connecting rods, rod links, belts, chains, etc., and transmits the rotational movement of the first turret to the second turret.

[0037] As soon as the first turret begins to rotate, force is preferably transmitted to the coupling element, which in turn transmits force to the second turret. This advantageously ensures that the second turret also undergoes rotational movement. The coupling element is preferably configured such that little energy is lost due to friction or deformation. Thus, the second turret can be set in rotational movement via the coupling element and can maintain this rotational movement as long as the first turret of the tablet press is rotating.

[0038] Furthermore, the coupling element is preferably configured to forcibly control the movement path of at least one object via the object holder. In this regard, the coupling element preferably provides means for establishing a mechanical, hydraulic and / or electric link between the coupling element and the object holder. The coupling element can affect the object holder via this link and, in particular, can manipulate the movement path of at least one object.

[0039] In a further preferred embodiment, in the device of the present invention, at least one object holder is actively connected to a coupling element via a guide mechanism, where the coupling element can receive a coupling movement via active contact with a first turret, and the movement path of at least one object can be deflected radially and tangentially with respect to the rotational movement of a second turret in a predetermined spatial direction, i.e., in the manner of the coupling movement, via at least one object holder and the guide mechanism. Such a configuration makes it possible, in particular, to provide an effective and efficient device with few components that can control the movement path of the object via a guide mechanism. The movement of the coupling element, i.e., the coupling movement, directly affects the movement path of the object via the object holder via the guide mechanism. The guide mechanism establishes an interaction between a first turret on which at least one die is arranged and the movement path of the object via the coupling element.

[0040] Preferably, the coupling element can perform a coupling movement imposed on the coupling element by active contact such as engagement with the first turret. By means of the guide mechanism, the coupling movement preferably has a direct influence on the object holder and thus on the movement path of the object. In particular, the coupling element preferably determines the movement of the object holder and, correspondingly, the movement of the object associated with its movement. For example, the coupling element can undergo a tangential and / or radial deflection, and this deflection takes the form of a spatial direction that is transmitted directly, i.e., simultaneously, to the object holder.

[0041] For the purposes of the present invention, the guide mechanism is a component or assembly configured to transmit force and control an object or a holder of an object on a travel path. In particular, the guide mechanism can transmit the coupling movement of the coupling element to the holder of the object, thereby affecting the travel path of the object. The guide mechanism can preferably include, but is not limited to, hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, and / or mechanical components.

[0042] In a further preferred embodiment, the device comprises a rod-shaped coupling member having a coupling head, wherein the coupling member is attached to one side of the second turret, and wherein the coupling member is aligned such that the coupling head faces radially outward and is structurally adapted to the components of the first turret, whereby the coupling head can engage with the components of the first turret, thereby transmitting the rotational movement of the first turret. This configuration of the coupling element is particularly simple in its design. The device preferably comprises a plurality of coupling elements or coupling members that interact synergistically and can rotate the second turret by engaging with the components of the first turret. Each coupling element preferably makes temporary active contact with the first turret by mechanically picking up the components of the first turret, for example, over a rotational angle range of about 10° to 30°, during the rotation of the second turret. As a result of the engagement with the coupling element, force is transmitted to the second turret and the second turret rotates by a certain amount. The coupling element preferably makes active, successive contact with the components of the first turret such that each interaction between the component and the coupling element exerts a specific force on the second turret.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment, the coupling element comprises a rod-shaped coupling member. The rod-shaped coupling member is on the one hand very suitable for transmitting force with minimal losses and on the other hand is particularly advantageous to use as it enables a particularly uniform engagement when attached on one side in two degrees of freedom (tangentially pivotable and radially displaceable) as proposed. The coupling element has a relatively high rigidity and is preferably made of metal or fiber-reinforced plastic. Furthermore, it is preferable to use a rod-shaped coupling element with adjustable length. This adjustability enables the device according to the invention to be variably used for a plurality of different tablet presses, in particular turrets of different sizes, and to be adapted to the requirements specific to different machines. According to the invention, the coupling head is a component arranged as an end part on the coupling member.

[0044] 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 components with particularly high rigidity so that they can transmit force and torque without significant losses, and on the other hand are preferably sufficiently soft / elastic so that when the components of the turret are engaged, no significant wear occurs on the tablet press. Preferably, the coupling member and the coupling head are made of fiber-reinforced plastic.

[0045] In a further preferred embodiment, the coupling head may be removably connected to the coupling element so that it can be exchanged within the tablet press depending on the component to be gripped, and thus the device according to the invention can be used for different tablet presses. Furthermore, this also particularly facilitates the replacement of the worn coupling head without the need to replace the entire coupling element. In particular, the coupling head can be made of a different type of material than the coupling element. An appropriate material pairing between the coupling head and the components to be picked up in the tablet press enables, in particular, the provision of a particularly durable coupling element. For example, the coupling head can, in particular, comprise an elastic material which causes little wear when engaging with the components of the tablet press, while the coupling element is designed to be particularly rigid so that it can advantageously transmit movement and force.

[0046] Preferably, the component picked up by the coupling element is an element mounted on the turret of the tablet press. Thus, this component preferably rotates around the axis of the turret on a circular path.

[0047] In a further preferred embodiment, the apparatus is characterized in that the coupling head preferably comprises a fork that matches the diameter of the shank of the lower punch of the first turret, and the fork can accommodate the shank of the lower punch. The configuration of the coupling head as a fork is particularly advantageous for receiving and transmitting forces radially and tangentially (with respect to the rotation of the second turret). In particular, the force received tangentially acts on the second turret and advantageously generates the torque to drive it.

[0048] For the purposes of the present invention, the fork is preferably a component comprising a rod-shaped element with extensions at its ends. Preferably, the fork has two extensions spaced apart from each other so as to be able to accommodate the shank of the lower punch. In an exemplary sense, the fork can exhibit the configuration of a curving fork, and the extensions or protrusions are arranged at approximately the same spacing as the diameter of the shank of the lower punch. (See also Figure 2 or Figure 3)

[0049] In a further preferred embodiment, the apparatus comprises a gripper arm having a holding element to which an object holder is radially attached to a second turret, the holding element being preferably configured to hold the object in a secure connection and / or frictional connection. The use of the gripper arm can be combined with a plurality of other gripper arms and is thus particularly suitable for inserting an object into a die. In particular, sufficient degrees of freedom of movement for tangential deflection of the object or swiveling of the gripper arm can still be ensured by spacing the respective gripper arms apart.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment, the gripper arm is a substantially rod-shaped component, preferably radially attached to the second turret, at the end of which the holding element is arranged on the side opposite the turret. By means of the guide mechanism described above, the gripper arm is preferably affected by a coupling movement of a coupling element or coupling member, the coupling movement determining in particular the radial movement and swiveling ability of the gripper arm.

[0051] For the purposes of the present invention, the holding element can be regarded as a preferred embodiment of the holding means. The holding element is preferably configured to hold the object in a positive connection and / or frictional connection. In this context, the holding element preferably includes mechanical, pneumatic, electro-pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical and / or magnetic elements. Thus, the holding element can be configured, for example, to comprise pincers that hold the object in a frictionally connected manner. Alternatively, the holding element can comprise means for generating a negative pressure and thus holding the object in a frictionally connected manner. In this regard, the gripper arm is preferably configured such that the holding element, and in particular the gripper arm itself, can be adjusted in height such that the holding element can accurately pick up and / or position at least one object.

[0052] In a further preferred embodiment, the apparatus is characterized in that the gripper arm is mechanically connected to a coupling element, preferably a coupling member, such that radial and tangential flexure of the coupling element, preferably the coupling member, with respect to the rotational movement of the second turret can be directly transmitted to the gripper arm. In particular, the direct transmission of the flexure, i.e., the transmission without a waiting time, necessarily entails a particularly good synchronization between the movement path of the gripper arm or the object and at least one die or its movement path.

[0053] In a preferred embodiment, a mechanical connection of the gripper arm and the coupling element or the coupling member is preferred, and in this regard, it preferably comprises bolts that are horizontally aligned, radially attached to the second turret, and oriented substantially perpendicular to the gripper arm and the coupling member. The bolts are used in particular to transmit force from the coupling member to the gripper arm such that the movement of the coupling member can be adapted by the gripper arm. The bolts are preferably firmly connected to the gripper arm and the coupling element. (See Figure 5)

[0054] In a further preferred embodiment, the second turret is characterized in that it comprises guide cams configured to guide the holding means included in the object holder to a height position. The guide curve is preferably circumferentially arranged on the second turret such that the holding means (or preferably also the holding element) is force-controlled or guided along this guide cam. This type of guide cam is also known, for example, in rotary tablet presses for guiding upper and lower punches.

[0055] In a further preferred embodiment, the holding element included in the gripper arm can be guided to a height position by a guide cam on the second turret.

[0056] In a further preferred embodiment, the apparatus is such that the holder of the object and the coupling element are resiliently mounted on the second turret and are guided to a radial starting position (the radial starting position) that is radial with respect to the rotation of the second turret via a spring preload. On the other hand, the holder of the object and the coupling element can be swiveled tangentially with respect to the rotation of the second turret at the radial starting position, preferably by an angle of up to 2°. Preferably, the holder of the object and the coupling element are rod-shaped and are thus mounted on one side of the second turret. Starting from the center of the second turret, the rod-shaped element can be swiveled such that the end of the holder or coupling element of the object moves in a direction that is substantially tangential to the rotational movement of the second turret. The swiveling of the coupling element by up to about 2° is particularly advantageous in achieving a uniform engagement while maintaining a sufficiently efficient power transmission from the turret (the first turret) of the tablet press to the turret (the second turret) of the apparatus.

[0057] At the radial starting position (the radial starting position), the holder of the object and the coupling element are preferably pushed out radially as much as possible and remain guided to this starting position by the spring preload. Since the holder of the object and the coupling element can be swiveled tangentially at this position, advantageously, when receiving the component, the coupling element is preferably first swiveled by 2°, and then, by applying a force to the coupling element that drives the second turret, it is possible to evenly pick up the rotating component of the tablet press.

[0058] Furthermore, resilient mounting allows for smooth and imprecise movement of the object's holder and coupling element, which means, inter alia, that the object can be held firmly, in particular by holding means or holding elements.

[0059] In a further preferred embodiment, the device can transfer the object's holder and coupling element to a pick-up position when the coupling element is in active contact with the first turret, wherein the coupling member and the gripper arm have a maximum possible radial deflection and tangential mobility in the starting position, while the radial deflection and tangential mobility in the gripping position decrease continuously to a minimum over the angular range of rotation of the second turret and then can increase again to the radial starting position and the maximum possible tangential mobility, which is characterized in that.

[0060] The advantage of such an embodiment is, in particular, that the coupling element or coupling member can reach the pick-up position in a simplified manner. Due to the fact that the coupling element or coupling member has tangential mobility with respect to the rotation of the second turret in the starting position (where the tangential mobility is preferably related to the end piece of the coupling member), there is a certain amount of play so that the coupling element or coupling member does not have to be brought exactly to the component (e.g., the lower punch) to be picked up.

[0061] The gripper arms included in the holder of the object preferably perform the same radial and tangential movements simultaneously with the coupling member. This simplifies the design of the device in particular, in that on the one hand a simple mechanical guide mechanism enables this movement of the gripper arms, and on the other hand this exploits the fact that the component to be picked up, preferably the lower punch, already specifies the exact position of the die. As is known, the lower punch is arranged in the turret of the tablet press to be inserted into the die from below at the central position.

[0062] For the purposes of the present invention, the pick-up position is preferably defined as the position or position sequence of the object holder or coupling element assumed by both device elements during the phase in which the coupling member is in active contact with the first turret and preferably the coupling member or coupling head is in contact with the lower punch of the tablet press. Since the pick-up position can be continuously varied, the pick-up position can also be referred to as the pick-up phase, and the pick-up position preferably extends over the entire angular range of rotation in which the object synchronously crosses the movement path of the die. In the step of the pick-up position, the coupling element preferably contacts the rotating component of the tablet press. The turret (first turret) of the tablet press preferably rotates in a direction opposite to that of the turret (second turret) of the device according to the present invention.

[0063] The component, preferably the lower punch, as soon as it comes into contact with the coupling member or coupling head, entrains the coupling member, and during entrainment, the component or lower punch presses the coupling member radially with respect to the axis of rotation of the second turret until the coupling member reaches the minimum radial deflection. It is understood that the holder or gripper arm of the object moves in the same radial and tangential directions. The device of the present invention preferably exhibits a bearing for the coupling element that prevents or makes impossible the tangential movement at the minimum radial deflection. After the coupling member reaches the minimum radial deflection, the component of the tablet press, preferably the lower punch, continues to rotate and continues to guide the coupling member. On the other hand, preferably, the spring included in the bearing pushes the coupling element back from the minimum radial deflection towards the starting position, and the tangential mobility increases again.

[0064] In a further preferred embodiment, the device is characterized in that the difference between the initial radial position and the minimum radial deflection is about 1 mm to 30 mm, preferably about 5 mm to 20 mm. Advantageously, it has been found that the described difference value is sufficient to reproduce the movement path of the object with respect to at least one die of the tablet press. In particular, the value of the radial deflection enables not only a flexible possibility of radial change but also stable guidance.

[0065] The radial starting position and the minimum radial deflection are preferably referred to the holder or gripper arm (holding arm) of the object or the radial position of the object and / or the position of the coupling element or coupling head. The initial radial position represents the position of the above-described device element having the maximum possible outward displacement starting from the center of the second turret. On the other hand, the minimum deflection represents the minimum possible radial displacement starting from the center of the turret. In other words, the end piece of the above-described device element exhibits the maximum distance from the center of the turret in the initial position, while the end piece exhibits the minimum distance in the minimum radial deflection. Preferably, the difference between the two positions can be from about 1 mm to about 30 mm, more preferably from about 5 mm to about 20 mm.

[0066] In a further preferred embodiment, the device is characterized in that the coupling member, the gripper arm, and the mechanical connection are attached to the second turret via a first spring element and a second spring element, the first spring element preferably representing the radial starting position, while the second spring element defines the tangential mobility via rigidity. Accordingly, the first spring element can also be called a radial spring, while the second spring element is preferably a tangential spring. By providing the radial and tangential spring elements, it becomes possible to engage with the components of the tablet press, especially with a specific curve accuracy. Furthermore, due to the preload applied to the spring, the coupling element and the gripper arm can return to their starting positions, as a result of which further engagement can be repeated after each rotation.

[0067] In a preferred embodiment, the first spring element is configured as a coil spring. Preferably, the coil spring engages the mechanical connection such that the coupling element and the gripper arm are equally affected by this spring. The first spring is preferably preloaded so that a force acts on the coupling element, the gripper arm, and the mechanical connection in the direction of their initial positions. It is understood that the coil spring guides the coupling element, the gripper arm, and the mechanical connection in the initial position. During engagement, a force is applied radially to the coil spring via the coupling member, as a result of which the coupling member, the gripper arm, and the mechanical connection are compressed and displaced radially in the direction of the turret center. Other preferred embodiments are possible in which an air spring and / or a constant pressure system is used instead of the coil spring.

[0068] In another preferred embodiment, the second spring element is a bending rod or a bending beam that is mounted on one side in a sleeve element (a tubular case for fitting a rod or the like, a shaft sheath) with one degree of freedom and is successively mounted on the turret. The bending rod or the bending beam is guided by the sleeve element accordingly. Preferably, the bending rod or the bending beam is attached to the end of the coupling element facing the turret and can be (partially) pushed out of the sleeve element. The bending rod or the bending beam is pushed out of the sleeve element as much as possible so that it is bent as soon as a bending moment acts on the sleeve element at the radial starting position of the coupling element. During engagement, the coupling element preferably receives a tangential force from a component of the tablet press, preferably from the lower punch. This force generates a bending torque in the bending rod or the bending beam, causing bending, thereby allowing the coupling element to be pivoted tangentially. In addition, the coupling element is radially pressed into the sleeve element during the pickup process such that bending becomes more difficult, until the bending bar is fully inserted into the sleeve element and bending is no longer possible. If the bending rod or bending beam can no longer be bent, tangential movement of the coupling element is also impossible. The degree of tangential movement is determined, as appropriate, by the rigidity of the bending rod or bending beam. The more rigid the bending bar, the lower the degree of tangential movement at the starting position, or the more force must be applied to achieve the desired degree of movement.

[0069] In a further preferred embodiment, the second spring element is preferably a combination of a bending rod or bending beam and a sleeve element, and the sleeve element is preferably attached to the bending rod or bending beam with one degree of freedom. In contrast to the foregoing embodiments, the bending rod or bending beam is fixedly attached radially immovable on a turret of a suitable device, and the sleeve element is preferably fixed to a coupling member. Furthermore, the sleeve element can accommodate the bending rod or bending beam within itself, and is thus movably guided over the bending rod or bending beam, such that, as in the foregoing embodiments, when the sleeve element accommodates the entire bending bar within itself, bending of the bending rod or bending beam becomes more difficult (see FIG. 5).

[0070] In a further preferred embodiment, the device is characterized in that the angle range of rotation of a second turret is at least about 10°, preferably at least about 20°, such that the movement path of at least one object can be controlled radially and tangentially with respect to the rotational movement of the second turret via a holder for the at least one object. The angular range of rotation is preferably defined by the intersection of the die movement path and the object movement path. If this cannot be controlled tangentially or radially, the object rotates continuously at the starting position around the second axis of rotation. The above-described rotation angle range is sufficient to control the object so that it can be accurately positioned within at least one die.

[0071] The values and parameters described herein, as well as all other parameters, are preferably not exact parameters, but rather parameters that assume these values or parameters to be "approximate".

[0072] Terms such as "substantially", "approximately", "about" preferably represent a tolerance range of less than ±40%, preferably less than ±20%, particularly preferably less than ±10%, even more preferably less than ±5%, especially less than ±1%, and always include the exact value. "Similar" preferably represents "substantially equal" amounts. "Partial" preferably represents at least 5%, particularly preferably at least 10%, especially at least 20%, and in some cases at least 40%.

[0073] In a further preferred embodiment, the invention relates to a system comprising: a. A tablet press including at least one die disposed on a reference circle of a turret driven to rotate about a first axis of rotation, and b. An apparatus of the type described above for inserting at least one object into at least one die of the tablet press.

[0074] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the advantages, technical effects, and preferred embodiments described in the context of the apparatus according to the invention apply equally to the system according to the invention. Similarly, all advantages, technical effects, and preferred embodiments described in the context of the system apply equally to the apparatus.

[0075] As already explained in the context of the device according to the invention, the gripper arm is preferably arranged such that it can move not only vertically but also both radially and tangentially with respect to the rotational movement of the turret. The vertical movement is preferably force-controlled by a cam. On the other hand, the radial and tangential movement of the gripper arm is also force-controlled by mechanical engagement with the die or the lower punch. This ensures that during mechanical engagement between the die and the gripper arm, they move continuously and synchronously with each other and are forced to be guided. When not engaged with the turret, the gripper arm is held in a defined position by spring means. The same applies to the process of separating and picking up the object to be inserted. In this way, a longer distance or time span becomes available during which picking up or insertion can be performed.

[0076] In a further preferred embodiment, the system is characterized in that; a. The coupling element of the second turret is in active contact with the driving first turret in order to initiate and / or ensure the rotational movement of the second turret; b. The holder of at least one object comprises holding means that enable the picking up, transporting, and releasing of at least one object; c. The movement path of the object overlaps the movement path of the die, the movement path of at least one object can be controlled both radially and tangentially with respect to the rotational movement of the second turret, the movement path of at least one object imitates the movement path of at least one die over the angular range of the rotation of the second turret, and the holder of the object is configured to release at least one object into the die.

[0077] In a further preferred embodiment, the system comprises a rod-shaped coupling member having a fork-shaped coupling head as the coupling element, and the holder of the object comprises a gripper arm having a holding element. Here, the gripper arm and the coupling member are elastically attached to the second turret and can be guided to a radial starting position with respect to the rotation of the second turret via a spring preload. On the other hand, the gripper arm and the coupling member are freely movable tangentially with respect to the rotation of the second turret at the radial starting position. Here, when the coupling member is in active contact with the first turret, the gripper arm and the coupling member can move to a pickup position. Here, the coupling member and the gripper arm have the maximum possible radial deflection and tangential mobility at the starting position, while the radial deflection and tangential mobility at the pickup position continuously decrease to a minimum over the angular range of rotation of the second turret and then increase again to the radial starting position and to the maximum 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 tablet press. The use of a suitable device and a suitable system for inserting the object should be understood by those skilled in the art as a difference from the prior art, which is used as the main device and can only cause a radial change in the movement path of the object.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0079] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings, but is not limited thereto.

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0080] Figure 1 shows a schematic view of the interaction between a suitable apparatus 1 and a tableting machine 2. In particular, the suitable apparatus 1 is configured to insert at least one object 6 into at least one die 5 of the tableting machine 2. In the tableting machine 2, the die 5 is preferably arranged on a reference circle of a turret that is rotationally driven about a first rotation axis 8. On the other hand, the apparatus 1 has a second turret that can rotate about a second rotation axis 9. The second turret includes a holder 7 for at least one object having holding means, whereby it is possible to pick up, transport, and release at least one object 6. The holder 7 for the object having holding means preferably consists of a gripper arm 13 (shown in other figures) and a holding element 14 (shown in other figures). The gripper arm 13 is preferably radially attached to the second turret, and the holding element 14 is preferably configured to hold the object in a positively and / or frictionally connected manner.

[0081] The movement path 3 of at least one object 6 can be controlled radially (also called the radial direction) and tangentially with respect to the rotational movement of a second turret via a holder 7 for at least one object [the radial (also called the radial direction) and tangential movements of the object are indicated by double arrows], and as a result, the movement path 3 of at least one object 6 can imitate the movement path 4 of at least one die 5 over at least the angular range of rotation of the second turret (bold curve of the die movement path 4 in FIG. 1: additional note).

[0082] FIG. 2 shows a three-dimensional view of a preferred embodiment of the device 1 according to the present invention. In particular, the device 1 has a turret (second turret) provided with holders 7 for a plurality of objects. The holders 7 for the objects are preferably each actively connected to a coupling element 10. In addition, the holders 7 for the objects preferably comprise gripper arms 13 having holding elements 14. The gripper arms 13 are radially attached to the turret (note: second turret) of the suitable device 1, where the holding element 14 is preferably set to hold the object 6 (not shown in FIG. 2) in a positively and / or frictionally connected manner. On the other hand, the coupling element 10 comprises a rod-shaped coupling member 12 having a coupling head 11. The coupling member 12 is also radially attached on one side to the turret (note: second turret) of the suitable device 1. In this context, the coupling member 12 is aligned such that the coupling head 11 faces radially outward. The coupling head 11 is preferably structurally adapted to the configuration of the turret (first turret [not shown in FIG. 2]) of the tableting machine 2 (note: see FIG. 3). Thereby, the coupling head 11 can be engaged with the configuration of the turret (note: first turret) of the tableting machine 2, and the rotational movement of the turret (note: first turret) of the tableting machine 2 can be transmitted to the turret (note: second turret) of the device 1. Preferably, the coupling head 12 preferably has a fork shape that matches the diameter of the shank of the lower punch 15 of the tableting machine 2, and the fork can accommodate the shank of the lower punch 15 (note: see FIG. 3).

[0083] The active connection between the object holder 7 and the coupling element 10 is configured such that the gripper arm 13 is preferably connected to the coupling element 12 via a guide mechanism. This active connection (note: supplement) is such that the radial and tangential deflection (note: see FIG. 3) of the coupling element 12 with respect to the rotational movement of the turret (note: second turret) of the device 1 can be directly transmitted to the gripper arm 13, and (supplementary note: by a mechanical connection) is mechanically coupled. The coupling member 12, the gripper arm 13, and the mechanical connection are also preferably attached to the turret 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, installed in the device 1). The first spring element 17 preferably determines the radial starting position, and the second spring element 18 determines the tangential mobility via its stiffness.

[0084] Figure 3 shows a further schematic view of the interaction between a suitable device 1 and a suitable tablet press 2, in particular the interaction between a suitable coupling element 10 and the shanks of a suitable lower punch 15. Each suitable coupling element 10 comprises a rod-shaped coupling member 12 having a coupling head 11, and the coupling member 12 is preferably mounted radially on one side in a turret (note: the second turret) of the suitable device 1. The coupling member 12 is oriented such that the coupling head 11 faces radially outward. It is understood that the suitable tablet press 2 has at least one lower punch including a shank 15 for tablet production. The lower punch (or its shank 15) is preferably arranged in the turret (the first turret) of the tablet press 2 so that it can be inserted in a centered manner, rotating therewith and centered into the die 5 (not shown in Figure 3) from below. The turret (the first turret) of the tablet press 2 preferably rotates in a direction opposite to that of the turret (the second turret) of the device 1.

[0085] Preferably, the coupling head 11 preferably shows the shape of a fork that matches the diameter of the shank of the lower punch 15 of the tablet press 2, and the fork can accommodate the shank of the lower punch 15. As soon as the shank of the lower punch 15 comes into contact with the coupling head 11, the coupling member 12 is entrained, and during entrainment, the shank of the lower punch 15 presses against the coupling head 11, and the coupling member 12 is pressed radially against the axis of rotation 9 of the second turret until the coupling member 12 reaches a minimum radial deflection (note: the central coupling member in Figure 3 is being pressed). As described in connection with Fig. 2, the holder 7 or gripper arm 13 of the object and the coupling element 10 or coupling member 12 are connected to each other via a guide mechanism, and the holder 7 or gripper arm 13 of the object performs the same radial movement (not shown in Fig. 3) (note: thick curve in Fig. 1, reference).

[0086] In the present invention, the proposed device 1 also preferably has a bearing for the coupling member 12 that limits or prevents tangential movement at the minimum radial deflection. After the coupling member 12 has reached a minimum with respect to radial deflection, the lower punch continues to rotate and continues to guide the coupling head 11 or the coupling member 12, together with its shank 15, in a tangential direction. In the context of the present invention, this is also referred to as engagement and can transmit the rotational movement of the turret (first turret) of the tablet press 2 to the turret (second turret) of the device 1. The radial and tangential deflection of the coupling element 10 or coupling member 12 is also preferably regarded as a coupling movement. The tangential movement of the coupling element 10 or coupling member 12 is preferably transmitted to the holder 7 or gripper arm 13 of the object via the aforementioned guide mechanism.

[0087] Fig. 4 shows a three-dimensional view of a cross-section of a preferred embodiment of the device 1 according to the present invention and a suitable tablet press 2. Preferably, a conventional rotary tablet press can be used as the tablet press 2, and the tablet press is configured to compress single-layer or multi-layer tablets in particular. The rotary tablet press can advantageously be extended in a simple manner using a suitable device 1 so that a core or object can be pressed into the pellets to be manufactured. At least one die 5 (not visible in FIG. 4) is arranged on a reference circle of a turret that is driven to rotate about a first rotation axis 8 within a rotary tablet press, and it is understood that the preferred device 1 comprises a second turret that rotates about a second rotation axis 9. In a preferred embodiment, the rotation axis 8 of the first turret (i.e., the turret of the tablet press 2) is arranged substantially parallel to the rotation axis of the second turret 9 (i.e., the turret of the preferred device 1). In this regard, the second turret can then be advantageously arranged such that the preferred device 1 can insert at least one object 6 (not shown in FIG. 4) into at least one die 5. Thus, the device 1 can preferably be provided as an additional module for a rotary tablet press.

[0088] The turret (first turret) of the tablet press 2 preferably rotates in a direction opposite to that of the turret (second turret) of the device 1. Further, a coupling head 11, called a coupling element 10 together with a coupling member 12 respectively, grips the shank of the lower punch 15 of the tablet press 2. Thus, the rotational movement of the turret (first turret) of the tablet press 2 is preferably transmitted to the turret (second turret) of the device 1. In addition, the coupling member 12 is preferably mechanically connected to the gripper arm 13 via a guide mechanism such that a radial and / or tangential movement (coupling movement) of the coupling element 10 or the coupling member 12 is transmitted to the gripper arm 13 via the guide mechanism (details of the connection between the coupling member 12 and the gripper arm 13 are shown in FIG. 5).

[0089] FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the device 1 according to the present invention. In particular, a guide mechanism configured to actively connect the object holder 7 to the coupling element 10 is shown. The coupling element 10 takes in the coupling movement via contact (the contact process is preferably also called engagement) with the first turret (the turret of the tablet press 2), and via the holder 7 and the guide mechanism of the object, deflects the movement path 3 (not shown, see FIG. 1) of the object 6 (not shown, see FIG. 1) in a coupling movement manner in a predetermined spatial direction, that is, radially and tangentially with respect to the rotational movement of the second turret (the turret of the suitable device 1) (the thick curve in FIG. 1).

[0090] The coupling element 10 preferably consists of a coupling member 12 and a coupling head 11. On the other hand, the holder 7 of the object includes a gripper arm 13 and a holding element 14. The coupling element 10 is preferably attached to one side of the second turret, where the coupling element 12 is aligned such that the coupling head 11 points radially outwards and is structurally adapted to the components of the first turret. The gripper arm 13 is provided with a holding element 14 (together regarded as the holder 7 of the object), and is preferably attached radially in the second turret. Here, the holding element 14 is preferably configured to hold the object 6 in a positively and / or frictionally connected manner. The gripper arm 13 is preferably mechanically connected to the coupling member 12 (guide mechanism) such that the tangential and radial deflection of the coupling member 12 with respect to the rotational movement of the second turret can be directly transmitted to the gripper arm 13.

[0091] In this regard, for the mechanical connection between the gripper arm 13 and the coupling member 12, preferably, bolts 16 are included that are oriented orthogonally to the horizontally aligned gripper arm 13 and coupling member 12, which are radially attached to the second turret. The bolts 16 serve to transmit force from the coupling member 12 to the gripper arm 13 such that the movement of the coupling member 12 can be accommodated by the gripper arm 13. The bolts 16 are preferably rigidly connected to the gripper arm 13 and the coupling member 12.

[0092] The coupling member 12, the gripper arm 13, and the mechanical connection (in particular the bolts 16) are also preferably attached to the second turret via a first spring element 17 and a second spring element 18. In this context, the first spring element 17 preferably determines the starting position radially, while the second spring element 18 preferably determines the tangential mobility of the coupling element 12 and the gripper arm 13 via rigidity.

[0093] The first spring element 17 is preferably designed as a coil spring. Preferably, the coil spring engages the mechanical connection, in particular the bolts 16, such that the coupling member 12 and the gripper arm 13 are equally affected by this spring. The first spring 17 is preferably preloaded so that a force acts on the coupling element 12, the gripper arm 13, and the mechanical connection, in particular the bolts 16, in the direction of their radial starting position.

[0094] It is understood that the coil spring guides the coupling member 12, the gripper arm 13, and the mechanical connection (in particular, the bolt 16) in the initial position. During the engagement process, a force is applied to the coil spring in the radial direction via the coupling member 12, and as a result, the coupling member 12, the gripper arm 13, and the mechanical connection, in particular the bolt 16, are displaced radially in the direction of the center of the turret (the second turret) (see Fig. 3).

[0095] Furthermore, the second spring element 18 is preferably a combination of a bending rod or a bending beam 19 and a sleeve element 20, and the sleeve element 20 is preferably attached to the bending rod or the bending beam 19 with one degree of freedom. The bending rod or the bending beam 19 is radially attached on the turret (the second turret) of the suitable device 1, while the sleeve element 20 is preferably screwed into the coupling member 12 and accommodates the bending rod or the bending beam 19. The sleeve element 20 is correspondingly guided movably over the bending rod or the bending beam 19.

[0096] Preferably, the sleeve element 20 is attached to the end of the coupling member 12 facing the turret (the second turret), and the bending rod or the bending beam 19 can be (partially) pushed out from the sleeve element 20. At the radial starting position of the coupling element 12, the bending rod or the bending beam 19 is pushed out as much as possible from the sleeve element 20 within the range where it is bent as soon as a bending torque acts on it. During engagement, the coupling member 12 is subjected to a tangential force by a component of the tablet press 2, preferably by the shank of the lower punch 15. This force generates a bending torque in the bending rod or bending beam 19, causing bending and enabling the coupling member 12 to be rotated tangentially. In addition, the bending rod or bending beam 19 is radially pressed into the sleeve element 20 during the gripping process of the coupling element 12, which makes bending more difficult until the bending rod 19 is fully 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 movement of the coupling element 12 is also impossible. Therefore, the tangential mobility is determined by the rigidity of the bending rod or bending beam 19. The more rigid the bending bar 19, the lower the tangential mobility of the coupling element 12 at the starting position, or the more force must be applied to achieve the desired mobility.

[0097] Preferably, the holding element 14 should be regarded as an embodiment of the holding means. The holding element 14 is preferably configured to pick up, hold, and / or release the object 6. Further, the holding element 14 is preferably configured to hold the object 6 for conveyance over approximately half a rotation of the second turret and release it into the die 5 in the region where the movement path 3 of the object 6 intersects the movement path 4 of the die 5 (see also FIG. 1). Preferably, the holding element 14 can be actuated / controlled quickly enough to pick up (pick up) the object 6 in a fixed position even at the high rotational speed of the second turret. Accordingly, the holding element 14 can be configured to comprise pincers that hold the object 6 in a frictionally connected manner, for example. Alternatively, the holding element 14 can be provided with means for generating a negative pressure and holding the object 6 in a frictionally connected manner. In this context, the gripper arm 13 is preferably configured such that the gripper arm itself or in particular the holding element 14 can be adjusted to a certain height position so that the holding element 14 can accurately pick up and / or place the object 6. For example, the second turret has a guide cam 21. The holding element 14 is preferably connected to the guide cam 21 via a transmission element 22, and the transmission element 22 guides or force-controls the holding element 14 to a certain height position. The guide cam 21 is preferably arranged circumferentially on the second turret such that the holding element 14 is force-controlled or guided along these guide cams 21. Such guide cams 21 are also known, for example, in rotary tablet presses for guiding upper and lower punches.

[0098] FIG. 6 shows a further cross-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 turret (second turret) of the device 1 is achieved by the shanks of the lower punch 15 of the turret (first turret) of the tablet press 2. The coupling element 10 preferably includes a rod-shaped coupling member 12 having a coupling head 11. Preferably, the coupling head 12 preferably shows the shape of a fork that matches the diameter of the shank of the lower punch 15 of the tablet press 2, and the fork can accommodate the shank of the lower punch 15.

[0099] Furthermore, it is preferable that a gripper arm 13 is 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 tangential and radial deflection of the coupling member 12 with respect to the rotational movement of the turret (second turret) of the apparatus 1 can be directly transmitted to the gripper arm 13. The coupling member 12, the gripper arm 13, and the mechanical connection are attached to the second turret via a first spring element 17 and a second spring element 18 (not shown), and the first spring element 17 preferably determines the radial starting position of the coupling member 12 and the gripper arm 13. In addition, the turret (second turret) of the apparatus 1 preferably comprises a guide cam 21 that guides a holding element 14 attached to the gripper arm 13 at a certain height position. The holding element 14 is actively connected to the guide cam 21 via a transmission element 22, and the transmission element 22 guides or force-controls the holding element 14 to a height position. The guide cam 21 is preferably arranged circumferentially on the second turret

[0100] FIG. 7 shows a three-dimensional view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus 1 according to the present invention, in particular, the manner of picking up the object 6 by the holder 7 of the suitable object. In order to insert the object 6 into the die 5 of the tablet press 2, it is essential that the holder 7 of the suitable object first picks up the object 6 from the object reservoir.

[0101] For the purposes of the present invention, the object holder 7 is preferably radially attached to a turret (second turret) of a suitable apparatus 1 and can pick up the object 6 from an object reservoir. Subsequently, the object holder 7 can transport the object 6 over a substantially half rotation of the second turret and, finally, can deliver the object 6, preferably, into the die 5 of the tablet press 2. The object holder 7 and the die 5, and the two turrets (first turret, second turret) of the suitable apparatus 1 and the tablet press 2 are adjusted such that the object 6 can be introduced into the die 5 in an exact position [in particular, via the controllability of the radial and tangential directions of the object 6 or the object holder 7].

[0102] The object reservoir is preferably configured as a feeder, in particular as a conveyor belt. With respect to the second turret, the object reservoir is preferably located approximately on the opposite side of the position where the object 6 is introduced into at least one die 5, and the object holder 7 holds or transports the object 6 over approximately 180° rotation of the second turret. The object holder 7 is preferably configured to pick up the object 6 individually and provide it to the die 5.

[0103] The coupling element 10 preferably does not have the function of picking up the object 6. However, there may be an alternative embodiment in which the coupling element 10 picks up the object 6, such as picking up components from a feed unit such as a transfer wheel. Further, as already described in the above description, the object holder 7 includes a gripper arm 13 having a holding element 14, and the holding element 14 is preferably guided in height via a transmission element 22 and a guide cam 21.

Explanation of Signs

[0104] 1 Suitable device 2 Tablet press 3 Movement path of at least one object 4 Movement path of at least one die 5 Die 6 Object 7 Object holder 8 Rotation axis of the first turret 9 Rotation axis of the second turret 10 Coupling element 11 Coupling head 12 Coupling member 13 Gripper arm 14 Holding element 15 Shank of a lower punch 16 Bolt 17 First spring element 18 Second spring element 19 Bending bar or bending beam 20 sleeve elements (a sleeve element is a cylindrical case for fitting a rod shaft or the like, a shaft sheath) 21 control cam (also called a guide cam) for guiding the height position 22 transmission element (also called a guide transmission element) for guiding the height position

Claims

1. An apparatus (1) for inserting at least one object (6) into at least one die (5) of a tablet press (2), wherein the at least one die (5) is arranged on a reference circle in a turret driven to rotate about a first axis of rotation (8), the apparatus (1) comprising: - wherein the apparatus (1) comprises a second turret rotatable about a second axis of rotation (9); - wherein the second turret comprises a holder (7) for at least one object, the holder (7) for at least one object comprising holding means enabling it to pick up, transport and release the at least one object (6); and 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 turret via the holder (7) for the at least one object, and the movement path (3) of the at least one object (6) can imitate the movement path (4) of the at least one die at least over the angular range of rotation of the second turret, characterized in that apparatus (1).

2. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the second turret comprises a coupling element (10) configured as follows: - starting and / or ensuring the rotational movement of the second turret via active contact with the driving first turret; - mechanically force-controlling the movement path (3) of the at least one object (6) at least over the rotational angle range of the second turret by means of the holder (7) for the at least one object.

3. The holder (7) for the at least one object is actively connected to the coupling element (10) via a guiding mechanism, wherein the coupling element (10) can perform a coupling movement via the active contact with the first turret, and the movement path (3) of the at least one object (6) can be deflected radially and tangentially with respect to the rotational movement of the second turret via the holder (7) for the at least one object and the guiding mechanism in a predetermined spatial direction, i.e. in the manner of the coupling movement, characterized in that

4. The coupling element (10) comprises a rod-shaped coupling member (12) having a coupling head (11), wherein the coupling member (12) is attached to one side of the second turret, wherein the coupling member (12) is aligned such that the coupling head (11) faces radially outwards and is structurally adapted to the components of the first turret, wherein the coupling head (11) can engage with the components of the first turret and transmit the rotational movement of the first turret, The device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that.

5. The coupling head (11) preferably comprises a fork that matches the diameter of the shank of the lower punch (15) of the first turret, and the fork can accommodate the shank of the lower punch (15). The device (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that.

6. The object holder (7) comprises a gripper arm (13) having a holding element (14) radially attached to the second turret, wherein the holding element (14) is preferably configured to hold the object in a securely and / or frictionally connected manner. The device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that.

7. The gripper arm (13) is preferably mechanically connected to the coupling element (10), preferably to the coupling member (12), such that the radial and tangential deflection of the coupling element (10) can be directly transmitted to the gripper arm (13) in relation to the rotational movement of the second turret. The device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that.

8. The second turret comprises a guide cam (21) configured to guide the holding means included in the object holder (7) to a certain height position. The device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that.

9. The object holder (7) and the coupling element (10) are elastically attached to the second turret and can be guided to a radial starting position with respect to the rotation of the second turret via a spring preload, while The holder (7) of the object and the coupling element (10) can be pivoted tangentially with respect to the rotation of the second turret in the radial starting position, preferably by an angle of up to 2°, the device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that.

10. The holder (7) of the object and the coupling element (10) can be moved to the pick-up position when the coupling element (12) is in active contact with the first turret, where the coupling member (12) and the gripper arm (13) have a maximum radial deflection (bending) and tangential mobility in the starting position, while the radial deflection (bending) and the tangential mobility at the pick-up position continuously decrease to a minimum over the rotation angle range of the second turret and can then increase again to the radial starting position and the maximum possible tangential mobility, where the difference between the initial radial position and the minimum radial deflection (bending) is preferably from 1 mm to 30 mm, preferably from 5 mm to 20 mm, the device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that.

11. The coupling member (12), the gripper arm (13) and the mechanical connection are attached to the second turret via a first spring element (17) and a second spring element (18), where preferably the first spring element (17) determines the radial starting position, while the second spring element determines the tangential mobility via stiffness, the device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that.

12. 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 turret via the holder (7) of the at least one object, the angle range of the rotation of the second turret being at least 10°, preferably at least 20°, the device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that.

13. A system comprising: a. A tablet press (2) comprising at least one die (5) arranged on a reference circle of a turret (also referred to as the first turret) driven to rotate about a first axis of rotation, and b. The device (1) according to claim 1 for inserting at least one object (6) into the at least one die (5) of the tablet press (2).

14. The system according to claim 13, characterized in that: a. The coupling element (10) of the second turret is in active contact with the driven first turret in order to initiate and / or ensure the rotational movement of the second turret; b. The holder (7) of the at least one object comprises holding means enabling the at least one object (6) to be picked up, transported and released; c. The movement path (3) of the object (6) intersects the movement path (4) of the die (5); wherein the movement path (3) of the at least one object (6) is such that the movement path (3) of the at least one object (6) mimics the movement path (4) of the at least one die (5) over at least the angular range of rotation of the second turret, and the object holder (7) is configured to release the at least one object (6) into the die (5), and can be controlled radially and tangentially with respect to the rotational movement of the second turret. **Claim 15** Use of the device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, or of the system according to claim 13 or 14, for inserting at least one object (6) into at least one die (5) of a tablet press (2).

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