Rotary tablet press machine with a support assembly

Abstract

The present invention relates to a rotary tablet press with a support assembly. In a rotary tablet press (1) with a turret (10), the support assembly comprises a suspension device (60) positioned above an upper punch guide of the turret (10) in an axial view. The suspension device (60) comprises a carrier plate (65) and at least one connecting element (61, 62) which connects the carrier plate (65) to at least one non-rotating part of the turret (10). The support assembly is used to suspend a number of auxiliary elements (12) from the carrier plate (65). A housing (70) may be connected to the suspension device (60) so as to surround one or more of the elements of the turret (10).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a rotary tablet press, which includes a housing with a compression part and a turret. The turret includes a die disk, an upper punch guide, a bottom punch guide, and a plurality of punches. The turret defines an axial direction and a radial direction, and the punches are arranged on a predetermined radius that defines the pitch of the turret. When the turret is in the use position of the rotary tablet press, it is positioned within the compression part. The rotary tablet press further includes a plurality of auxiliary elements and a support assembly, and the support assembly is for providing support in the axial direction and / or the radial direction to at least one of the auxiliary elements of the rotary tablet press.

Background Art

[0002] In such a rotary tablet press, when the turret is in the use position of the rotary tablet press, that is, when the tablet press is in operation, it is positioned within the compression part. The turret includes a plurality of parts or elements including a die disk fixed between the upper punch guide and the bottom punch guide. Alternatively, in a one-piece turret, a two-piece turret, or a multi-piece turret, the die disk is integral with the upper punch guide and / or the bottom punch guide. During operation, the turret is driven to rotate by a spindle coupled to a driving means, so that the entire turret rotates. The powder material or granular material is supplied into the die holes of the rotary tablet press by a feeder connected to the housing of the press. That is, the above rotation includes the punches housed in the upper punch guide and the bottom punch guide reciprocating to compress the material and form tablets.

[0003] A manufacturing change, for example, a change from one material to another, or a change from one tablet size or shape to another size or shape, or a change from one press station to multiple press stations, or a change from single-layer to multi-layer (e.g., two-layer or several layers) manufacturing, and / or a change to and from dry-coated tablet manufacturing, conventionally involves removing the entire turret and auxiliary elements, cleaning the turret, or replacing the punches and dies within the turret, or attaching or removing various elements (e.g., changing from single-layer to two-layer). Thereafter, the turret and auxiliary elements are returned and positioned within the compression section and, optionally, adjusted.

[0004] However, this arrangement has several drawbacks. First, prior to enabling the removal of the turret, various auxiliary elements need to be removed from the press, which affects the subsequent changeover time. Second, the auxiliary elements can only be attached when the turret is returned and positioned within the press housing, and in particular, the elements must be accurately positioned with respect to the surface of the die plate.

[0005] To address this, a solution has been proposed to remove the auxiliary elements together with the turret. Examples of prior art in tablet presses are described in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, resulting in the creation of Patent Document 3 and leading to the commercially available tablet press MODUL® that utilizes the concept of an Exchangeable Compression Module (ECM). However, when the turret is transferred from one press to another, and thus readjustment may be required, the changeover time increases again. Moreover, even in the proposed solutions, the auxiliary elements are referenced to the press housing, particularly its frame, and the position of the elements can only be adjusted when the turret is installed inside the press.

[0006] In the prior art tablet press machine described in Patent Document 2, the casing and, correspondingly, the auxiliary elements are designed to be "floating" around the turret, i.e., having no fixed connection between the turret and itself.

[0007] Due to the limited accessibility within the press machine, the adjustment of the elements inside the press machine is not easy, especially in the case of a multi-layer configuration where there are multiple elements in the turret and the housing, and also in the case of a dry-coated tablet where the intake system needs to place a core inside the die hole. This is also the case in prior art devices where the cleaning of the press machine housing is made unnecessary, thus providing the possibility of cleaning the offline ECM while keeping the compression zone accommodated to facilitate high-speed switching. However, accessibility and cleanability are not necessarily made easier, especially when there are multiple elements in multi-layer manufacturing and the like.

[0008] In all of the above-described prior art tablet press machines, in order to ensure proper functioning, it is an issue to ensure that all parts of the rotary tablet press machine are accurately positioned. A recent example of the prior art that has addressed this issue is Patent Document 4. Here, a bearing assembly is connected to the turret and provides support to at least one auxiliary element of the rotary tablet press machine, and includes support means for the bearing and the at least one auxiliary element. The bearing is positioned radially outside the pitch of the turret. In this way, a reference point regarding the turret is provided. However, this makes the design somewhat complicated, and the bearing assembly needs to be able to handle a fairly high speed.

[0009] Therefore, although the above-described prior art tablet press machines provide well-functioning solutions, there is still room for improvement.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0010]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Patent Document 4

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0011] An object of the present invention is to address the above drawbacks, and in particular, to obtain a highly reliable support device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0012] This object and further objects are achieved by a rotary tablet press machine of the kind described at the beginning. The rotary tablet press machine further comprises a support assembly comprising a suspension device positioned axially above the upper punch guide of the turret, and the suspension device comprises a carrier plate and at least one connecting element, and at least one connecting element connects the carrier plate to at least one non-rotating part of the turret.

[0013] By providing a suspension device provided above the upper punch guide, the bottom side of the ECM is kept without a support device. This subsequently improves the cleanability and drainage. Thus, the carrier plate can be used to suspend auxiliary elements of a predetermined configuration from above and, by being connected to the non-rotating part of the turret via a connecting element, functions as a desired reference point for the positioning of such auxiliary elements.

[0014] In some embodiments, one or more of the die disk, the upper punch guide, the bottom punch guide, and the plurality of punches are rotatable parts, and at least one non-rotating part is configured to be stationary with respect to the rotatable part when the rotatable part rotates, and the plurality of auxiliary elements are suspended from the carrier plate of the suspension device.

[0015] The presently preferred embodiments and further advantageous points will become apparent from the following detailed description and the drawings.

[0016] The following description of embodiments of the present invention is made with reference to the drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10A

Figure 10B

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16

Figure 17

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings showing embodiments of the present invention. However, the present invention can be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided for thoroughness and completeness.

[0019] First, referring to the schematic overview of FIG. 1 showing a first embodiment of a rotary tablet press machine generally designated 1, the rotary tablet press machine 1 has a press housing 2 comprising a frame 3 and an outer lining 4. The press housing 2 consists of three parts which are arranged one on top of the other and separated by partition walls. Its lower part is called the drive part 5 and is separated from the central part called the compression part 6 by the bottom frame 7 of the press. And the compression part 6 is separated from the upper part called the accessory part 8 by the upper frame 9 of the press. FIG. 1 further shows the caps 21, 22, and 23 which exist to avoid excessive contamination of the mechanical parts, as well as the display 24.

[0020] The housing 2 accommodates the turret 10 in a manner known per se. The parts of the turret are shown in detail in FIGS. 3 to 5. During operation of the tablet press machine, the turret 10 is positioned within the compression part 6 of the housing 2 but can be removed from the compression part 6 as shown in FIG. 1, for example, to enable cleaning, part switching, etc.

[0021] The turret 10 comprises an upper punch guide 20, a bottom punch guide 30, and a die disk 40 between the upper punch guide 20 and the bottom punch guide 30. In the illustrated embodiment, the die disk 40 is substantially flat and has a plurality of holes 41. The plurality of holes 41 accommodate a corresponding number of dies (not shown) adapted to form tablets into the desired shape and size.

[0022] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, elements having the same or similar functions as those in the embodiment of FIG. 1 are given the same reference numerals. The main difference is that in the embodiment of FIG. 2, a housing 70 is provided and the turret 10 is located therein. Similarly, FIGS. 6 to 8 correspond to FIGS. 3 to 5.

[0023] It should be noted that only the parts related to the present invention are described in detail. For detailed information regarding the operation of the rotary tablet press, refer to Patent Document 2 and International Publication No. 2009 / 112886 (Courtoy) mentioned above. Further, refer to Patent Document 4, particularly the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 thereof.

[0024] Also, referring to FIG. 5, the holes 41 are arranged on a predetermined radius that defines the pitch p of the turret 10. The holes 41 are evenly arranged along a circumferential line near the outer peripheral edge of the die disk 40, and each of these holes 41 is arranged such that its axis is parallel to the axial direction α. This axial direction α is defined by the turret and coincides with the vertical rotation axis of the turret. The holes 41 can receive a die of a suitable configuration, as described above.

[0025] When the turret 10 is in the use position, the rotating part of the turret 10 is driven and rotates about a shaft 26 coupled to drive means disposed inside the drive unit 5. The upper punch 25 and the bottom punch 35 are moved within corresponding guide holes respectively formed within the upper punch guide 20 and the bottom punch guide 30. The punches 25, 35 are reciprocally accommodated within the turret 10, and the first end of each punch can enter a corresponding die or, in the absence of a die, the hole itself. Displacement of the associated punch within its guide hole enables compression of the material within the die or hole. The second end of each of the punches 25, 35 cooperates respectively with an upper cam and a bottom cam that are stationary with respect to the rotating part of the turret 10, and axial displacement of the punches is brought about by rotation of the turret. Those cams are stationary with respect to the rotating part of the turret 10 and extend only along a part of the circumference of the turret, i.e., only at the circumferential positions where filling of the material into the hole or die takes place. Outside the extent of the cams, a pre-compression upper roller and a pre-compression bottom roller, as well as a main compression upper roller and a main compression bottom roller, take over the displacement of the punches respectively. Alternatively, compression cams may be used instead of compression rollers for pre-compression and / or main compression.

[0026] In FIG. 4, the upper cam 27 is confirmed. FIG. 9 is provided for further reference of the rotating and non-rotating parts of the turret 10. Above the upper punch guide 20, a stationary disk 28 is positioned in proximity to the upper cam 27. Each of these parts is provided with a central hole or opening for receiving a through-type shaft 26.

[0027] In the foregoing and the following descriptions, the turret 10 may be described as rotating during use. As can be understood, this refers to the rotating parts of the turret 10, for example, the upper punch guide 20, the bottom punch guide 30, the punches 25, 35, the die disk 40, and / or the rotating parts of a further turret 10 rotating. Correspondingly, all non-rotating or stationary parts of the turret 10 will be understood to remain non-rotating or stationary respectively even in this case where the turret 10 is described as rotating.

[0028] In some embodiments, one or more of the die disk 40, the upper punch guide 20, the bottom punch guide 30, and the plurality of punches 25, 35, for example all of them, are rotatable parts. Alternatively or additionally, the die disk 40, the upper punch guide 20, the bottom punch guide 30, and / or the plurality of punches 25, 35 may be rotating parts. In some embodiments of a rotary tablet press, the rotatable parts are configured to rotate about a rotation axis that extends in the axial direction α.

[0029] In some embodiments, the turret further comprises a shaft configured to drive the rotatable parts to rotate. This shaft may be configured to rotate about the above-mentioned rotation axis. Alternatively or additionally, this shaft may have a shaft rotation axis parallel to the rotation axis.

[0030] A plurality of auxiliary elements are provided. A list of such auxiliary elements includes, but is not exclusive to, the tablet chute 11 protruding at an angle from the turret 10 for carrying out the compressed material in the form of tablets from the die holes, the feeder 12 extending between the die disk 40 and the upper punch guide 20 for supplying powder or granules therefrom to the die disk, the powder inlet tube 13 extending in the vertical direction of the turret, i.e., the axial direction, through which powder and granules enter the turret 10 and are supplied to the feeder 12. Further, a scraper 14a is shown which is adapted to scrape off excess powder, thereby ensuring that only the desired quantity of powder is present within the die disk. As additional auxiliary elements, an extraction nozzle connected to an extraction tube for extracting dust to a suction system, an ejection finger, a recuperation finger, and further cams may be included. Other elements may be present within the tablet press, and likewise, means for controlling the tablet press according to desired settings may be provided.

[0031] In the illustrated embodiment, the single-sided rotary tablet press 1 is adapted for the production of single-layer tablets. However, configurations having multiple compression stations, multi-layer configurations, and configurations for the production of dry-coated tablets are possible using several feeders, scrapers, compression rollers, discharge stations, core-intake elements, etc.

[0032] Figures 6 to 8 show perspective views of the turret 10 in combination with the housing 70 according to the embodiment shown in Figure 2. In other aspects, this embodiment corresponds to the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 3 to 5 in which no housing is present. In the following, a support assembly for providing support in the axial and / or radial directions to one or more of the auxiliary elements of the rotary tablet press will be described with reference to both of these embodiments.

[0033] As described above, the auxiliary elements of the rotary tablet press 1 may include a tablet chute 11, a feeder 12, etc., and include the illustrated parts, as well as further parts that exist in such a rotary tablet press 1 but are not illustrated. The support assembly includes a suspension device 60 that is positioned above the upper punch guide 20 of the turret 10 when viewed from the axial direction α. The suspension device 60 includes a carrier plate 65 and at least one connecting element, and here includes two connecting elements in the form of a first arm 61 and a second arm 62. These two connecting elements connect the carrier plate 65 to the non-rotating or stationary part of the turret 10. In the presently described embodiment, the stationary part includes a spacer in the form of a disk (not visible in the perspective view. See FIG. 9), but in principle, any non-rotating part of the turret 10 can constitute such a stationary fixed point. In this way, the auxiliary elements can be suspended from the carrier plate 65 that further functions as a reference point for the turret 10.

[0034] Each of the first arm 61 and the second arm 62 has a first end 61.1, 62.1 and a second end 61.2, 62.2. In the illustrated embodiment, the arms 61, 62 are positioned on opposite sides of each other in the radial direction when viewed from the axial direction. It is also possible to provide further arms, or in some cases only a single arm may be provided. The first arm 61 and the second arm 62 are connected to each other at a transition portion 63 that includes an opening 64. The opening 64 is coaxial with the axial direction α of the turret 10.

[0035] The outer connection portions 61.5 and 62.5 of the first arm 61 and the second arm 62 are provided such that the outer connection portions 61.5 and 62.5 are located at the second ends 61.2 and 62.2 respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, the connection portions 61.5 and 62.5 have an inclined shape such that the carrier plate 65 is located below the arms 61 and 62 when viewed axially. The carrier plate 65 is spaced from the lower surface of the intermediate portion of each arm, and an axial gap is formed between the upper surface of the carrier plate 65 and the lower surface of the intermediate portion of each arm. Here, the suspension device 60 further includes a clamp plate 66, and the clamp plate 66 is configured to cooperate with the carrier plate 65 and is accommodated within the provided gap. The connection between the carrier plate 65 and the first arm 61 and the second arm 62 is illustrated here as an integral connection, but in principle, any suitable mechanical connection may be used.

[0036] In the illustrated embodiment, the carrier plate 65 extends radially outwardly beyond each second end 61.2 and 62.2. This enables an auxiliary element located at the periphery of the turret 10 to be suspended from the carrier plate 65. Thus, for example, the tablet chute 11 is suspended from the carrier plate 65 at the second end 61.2 of the first arm 61, in the vicinity of the connection portion 61.5, via a bracket 65.1 that is dependent on the carrier plate 65. This can be seen not only in FIG. 4 but also in FIG. 7 where the bracket 65.1 even projects outside the housing when viewed radially. In embodiments including a housing, it is also contemplated to connect the tablet chute 11 or other auxiliary elements to the suspension device 60 via the housing 70 that is directly suspended from the suspension device 60.

[0037] Other auxiliary elements are suspended within the circumference of the carrier plate 65. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the feeder 12 is connected to a suspension plate 65.2, which is connected to the carrier plate 65 via a plurality of rods 66.1 that are subordinate to a clamp plate 66 cooperating with the carrier plate 65.

[0038] FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the tablet press 1 in a second embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 5 to 8. Here, the non-rotating part is constituted by a spacer in the form of a stationary disk 28, which has an outer diameter enclosed inside a pitch p in the radial direction r. The stationary disk 28 is interposed between the bearing assembly 50 and the first arm 61 and the second arm 62. The bearing assembly 50 includes a bearing 51 having a radially inner portion 51.1 and a radially outer portion 51.2. The radially inner portion 51.1 of the bearing 51 is connected to the stationary disk 28. The radially outer portion 51.2 is configured to cooperate with the upper punch guide 20.

[0039] The first ends 61.1, 62.1 of each of the arms 61, 62 are in direct contact with the stationary disk 28. Each of the first ends 61.1, 62.1 is also positioned substantially at the radial position of the bearing 51.

[0040] The bearing 51 may be configured to absorb radial and axial forces on the bearing 51, whereby the position of any auxiliary element suspended from the suspension device 60 can be maintained with respect to the reference provided by the turret 10 itself. Suitable types of bearings are well known to those skilled in the art and include, but are not limited to, four-point contact ball bearings that provide high accuracy and load capacity. Alternative suitable types of bearings include, but are not limited to, double-row angular ball bearings, axial roller bearings, cross roller bearings, and combined axial-radial bearings.

[0041] Figure 10A shows a cross-sectional view of the tablet press 1 in a further embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is different from the tablet presses 1 of the first and second embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 9 in that the non-rotating part includes a spacer 128 having an outer diameter surrounded inside the pitch p in the radial direction r, and the spacer 128 is further connected to the stationary part of the bearing assembly 150, that is, the radially outer part 151.2 which is the stationary part in this embodiment, while the radially inner part 151.1 is rotating. Accordingly, the first ends of the arms 161, 162, here represented by the first end 161.1 of the first arm 161, are connected to the spacer 128.

[0042] Figure 10B shows a cross-sectional view of the tablet press 1 in a further embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is different from the first and second embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 9 and the embodiment of FIG. 10A in that the first ends of the arms 161, 162, here represented by the first end 161.1 of the first arm 161, are directly connected to the stationary part of the bearing 151 of the bearing assembly 150, particularly the radially outer part 151.2. Similar to the embodiment of FIG. 10A, the radially outer part 151.2 is stationary. Contrary to the first and second embodiments and the embodiment of FIG. 10A, a separate stationary spacer is removed.

[0043] Figure 11 shows a cross-sectional view of the tablet press 1 in a further embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is different from the first and second embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 9 in that the carrier plate 65 and the connecting element form a single element. Here, the connecting element includes a stepped inner ring 267 which is connected to the upper cam 27 of the turret 10.

[0044] Providing a connection between the lowering device 60 and the non-rotating part inside the pitch p is accompanied by a decrease in the linear velocity at a further outer position in the radial direction. In this way, the heating of the components during operation is kept to a minimum, and subsequently the accuracy of the position of the auxiliary elements is maintained.

[0045] FIG. 12 shows a cross-sectional view of the tablet press 1 in a further embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is different from the first and second embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 9 in that the housing 370 connected to the lowering device 60 is a single element. FIG. 13 shows a perspective view from below of the tablet press in the embodiment of FIG. 12. This single-component embodiment makes it possible to improve the flexibility of the design of the housing 370. For example, the housing 370 may be formed with a rounded shape and a seamless structure inside, which greatly improves the cleanability. This embodiment can be made from a plastic material or, in some cases, from welded or glued steel with stainless steel sub-components.

[0046] Each of FIGS. 14 and 15 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the tablet press 1 in a further embodiment of the present invention as seen from the side. FIG. 16 shows a cross-sectional view of the tablet press 1 of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 14 and 15. FIG. 17 shows a cross-sectional view of the tablet press 1 of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 14 to 16. In FIG. 17, the non-rotating parts of the embodiment of the tablet press 1 are shown by dashed lines. This embodiment is different from the first, second, and third embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 13 in that the suspension device 460 includes a level adjustment device 468. The suspension device includes a first arm 461 and a second arm 462, similar to the suspension devices 60, 160, 260. Each of the first arm 461 and the second arm 462 includes respective first parts 461.1 and 462.1, and respective connection parts 461.5, 462.5. The first parts 461.1, 462.1 may be similar to or identical to the first parts 61.1, 161.1 and 62.1, 162.1, respectively, and / or may have any features described in relation to them. Correspondingly, the connection parts 461.5, 462.5 may be similar to or identical to the connection parts 61.5, 161.5 and the connection parts 62.5, 162.5, respectively, and / or may have any features described in relation to them.

[0047] The suspension device 460 may further include a second part, which may correspond to, be similar to, and / or be identical to the second parts 61.2, 161.2 and 62.2, 162.2, respectively.

[0048] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 14 to 17, the level adjustment device 468 is configured to adjust the position of at least one auxiliary element in the axial direction (α). Alternatively or additionally, this level adjustment device may be configured to adjust the position of at least one auxiliary element in the radial direction (r).

[0049] Alternatively or additionally, the level adjustment device 468 may be configured to adjust the position of at least one auxiliary element in the axial direction (α) and / or the radial direction (r).

[0050] The level adjustment device 468 may be capable of adjusting the position of the at least one auxiliary element with respect to the suspension device 460 and / or the first arm 461 or the second arm 462. Alternatively or additionally, the level adjustment device 468 may be capable of performing an adjustment with respect to one or more rotating elements of the turret 10.

[0051] Specifically, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 14 to 17, the level adjustment device 468 is configured to adjust the level of at least one auxiliary element with respect to the upper surface 42 of the die disk 40 of the turret 10. As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the axial level of the housing 470 and the tablet chute 11 suspended from the suspension device 460 can be adjusted by the level adjustment device 468. Thereby, it becomes possible to consider the upper surface 42 of the die disk 40 as a reference point for the auxiliary element. Alternatively or additionally, the level adjustment device 468 may be adapted to adjust the axial and / or radial level of at least one auxiliary device with respect to other rotating parts such as a rotating part rigidly connected to the die disk 40. Correspondingly, the level adjustment device 468 may be configured to perform an adjustment with respect to a rotating part such as the upper surface 42 of the die disk 40, with respect to a non-rotating part such as the suspension device 460, or, when the non-rotating part and the rotating part are connected by a bearing, with respect to both parts such as the upper surface 42 and the suspension device 460.

[0052] In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 14 to 17, the level adjustment device 468 includes one or more threaded portions, and the one or more threaded portions are configured to adjust the level in the axial direction α of at least one auxiliary element. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 14 to 17, each level adjustment device 468 includes a screw with a threaded portion to adjust the level of at least one auxiliary element. In other embodiments, each level adjustment device may include a threaded portion for adjusting the level of the at least one auxiliary element, and / or each level adjustment device may be or include a screw, nut, and / or bolt. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 14 to 17, the corresponding threaded portions are provided in the suspension device 460. However, in other embodiments, a nut may be provided with the screw to provide screwing engagement with the level adjustment device 468 in a well-known manner.

[0053] The level adjustment device 468 is disposed within the respective connection elements 461, 462 of the suspension device 460. Specifically, each level adjustment device 468 is respectively disposed within the respective adjustment portions 461.7, 462.7 of the first arm 461 and the second arm 462. The adjustment portions 461.7, 462.7 may be connected to the first arm 461 and the second arm 462, such as being rigidly connected or integrally formed, or may be removably connected to the first arm 461 and the second arm 462 by fixing means such as screws and / or bolts. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 14 to 17, the adjustment portions 461.7, 462.7 are respectively removably connected to the connection portions 461.5, 462.5.

[0054] In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 14 to 17, four level adjustment devices 468is provided. Two of these are disposed within respective adjustment portions 461.7 of the first arm 461, and the other two are disposed within respective adjustment portions 462.7 of the second arm 462. In this embodiment, the level adjustment device can perform adjustment in the axial direction α of the housing 470 and the tablet chute 11. Each of the level adjustment devices is configured to be able to perform adjustment in the axial direction α of the auxiliary elements including the housing and the tablet chute 11. Alternatively or additionally, each of the level adjustment devices 468 may be capable of performing adjustment in the radial direction.

[0055] In other embodiments capable of adjusting the housing 470 and / or any further auxiliary elements, it will be understood that a smaller number or a greater number of adjustment devices may be provided.

[0056] The housing 470, like the housing 70, includes a bottom 471 and an opening 471.1. The housing 470 may comprise any features disclosed or described in relation to the housings 70 and 370. Correspondingly, it is possible to use the housings 70, 370 together with the level adjustment device 468 of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 14 to 17. In addition, the present disclosure also includes the following aspects. 〔Aspect 1〕 A rotary tablet press (1), wherein the rotary tablet press (1) includes a housing (2) including a compression part (6) and a turret (10), the turret (10) includes a die disk (40), an upper punch guide (20), a bottom punch guide (30), and a plurality of punches (25, 35), and one or more of the die disk (40), the upper punch guide (20), the bottom punch guide (30), and the plurality of punches (25, 35) are rotatable parts, the turret (10) defines an axial direction (α) and a radial direction (r), the punches are arranged on a predetermined radius defining the pitch (p) of the turret, and the turret is positioned within the compression part when in the use position of the rotary tablet press, the rotary tablet press further includes a plurality of auxiliary elements, the rotary tablet press includes a support assembly for providing support to at least one of the auxiliary elements of the rotary tablet press in the axial direction and / or the radial direction, in the rotary tablet press (1), the support assembly includes a suspension device (60; 160; 260) positioned above the upper punch guide (20) of the turret (10) when viewed from the axial direction, the suspension device (60; 160; 260) includes a carrier plate (65) and at least one connecting element (61, 62; 161, 162; 267), the at least one connecting element (61, 62; 161, 162; 267) connects the carrier plate (65) to at least one non-rotating part (51.1; 28; 27) of the turret (10), and the at least one non-rotating part (51.1; 28; 27) is configured to be stationary with respect to the rotatable part when the rotatable part rotates, and, the plurality of auxiliary elements are suspended from the carrier plate (65) of the suspension device (60; 160; 260), characterized in that the rotary tablet press (1). 〔Aspect 2〕 The rotatable part is configured to rotate about a rotation axis, and the rotation axis extends in the axial direction (α). The rotary tablet press (1) according to aspect 1. 〔Aspect 3〕 The turret (10) further includes a shaft (26) configured to drive and rotate the rotatable part. The rotary tablet press (1) according to aspect 1 or 2. 〔Aspect 4〕 The at least one non-rotatable part includes a spacer (28). The outer diameter of the spacer (28) is enclosed inside the pitch (p) in the radial direction (r). The spacer (28) is interposed between the bearing assembly (50) and the at least one connecting element (61, 62) when viewed from the axial direction. The rotary tablet press (1) according to any one of aspects 1 to 3. 〔Aspect 5〕 The spacer (28) includes a stationary disk (28). The outer diameter of the stationary disk is enclosed inside the pitch (p) in the radial direction (r). The disk (28) is interposed between the bearing assembly (50) and the connecting element (60) when viewed from the axial direction. The rotary tablet press (1) according to aspect 4. 〔Aspect 6〕 The bearing assembly (50) includes a bearing (51) having a radially inner part (51.1) and a radially outer part (51.2). The radially inner part (51.1) of the bearing (51) is connected to the spacer or the stationary disk (28), and the radially outer part (51.2) is configured to cooperate with the upper punch guide (20). The rotary tablet press according to aspect 4 or 5. 〔Aspect 7〕 The at least one non-rotatable part of the turret (10) includes a non-rotatable part of a bearing assembly (150). The non-rotatable part of the bearing assembly (150) is positioned to interact with at least one rotatable part of the turret (10) inside the pitch (p) in the radial direction (r). The rotary tablet press (1) according to any one of aspects 1 to 3. 〔Aspect 8〕 The bearing assembly (150) comprises a bearing (151) having a radially inner portion (151.1) and a radially outer portion (151.2), and a non-rotating portion of the bearing assembly (150) includes the radially outer portion (151.2). The rotary tablet press according to aspect 6. 〔Aspect 9〕 The at least one connecting element (61, 62; 161, 162) includes at least one arm (61, 62; 161, 162), the at least one arm (61, 62; 161, 162) extends in the radial direction and has a first end (61.1, 62.1; 161.1, 162.1) and a second end (61.2, 62.2; 161.2, 162.2), and the first end (61.1, 61.2) of the at least one arm (61, 62; 161, 162) is positioned substantially at a radial position of the bearing assembly (50, 150). The rotary tablet press (1) according to any one of aspects 6 to 8. 〔Aspect 10〕 The first end (161.1, 162.1) of the at least one arm (161, 162) is connected to the radially outer portion (151.2) of the bearing (151) via a spacer (128) or directly. The rotary tablet press (1) according to aspects 8 and 9. 〔Aspect 11〕 The at least one arm (61, 62; 161, 162; 261, 262) includes a first arm (61; 161; 261) and a second arm (62; 162; 262), the first arm (61; 161; 261) and the second arm (62; 162; 262) are positioned opposite to each other in the radial direction, the first arm (61; 161; 261) and the second arm (62; 162; 262) are connected to each other at a transition portion (63) provided with an opening (64), and the opening (64) is coaxial with the axial direction (α) of the turret (10). The rotary tablet press (1) according to aspect 9 or 10. 〔Aspect 12〕 The carrier plate (65) extends to the outside of the second end (61.2, 62.2; 161.2, 162.2) of the at least one arm (61, 62; 161, 162). The rotary tablet press (1) according to any one of aspects 9 to 11. 〔Aspect 13〕 The carrier plate (65) is connected to the first arm (61) and the second arm (62) at the second ends (61.2, 62.2; 161.2, 162.2) of the first arm (61; 161) and the second arm (62; 162), respectively, of the rotary tablet press (1) according to any one of Aspects 9 to 12. 〔Aspect 14〕 The carrier plate (65) is integrally formed with the first arm (61; 161) and the second arm (62; 162) of the corresponding connecting element of the suspension device (60; 160), and the outer connecting portions (61.5, 62.5; 161.5, 162.5) are each provided such that the carrier plate (65) is located below the connecting element when viewed from the axial direction. The carrier plate (65) is preferably provided at a distance from the lower surface of the intermediate portion of each arm (61, 62; 161, 162) of the corresponding connecting element, and an axial gap is formed between the upper surface of the carrier plate and the lower surface of the intermediate portion of each arm. The rotary tablet press (1) according to any one of Aspects 9 to 13. 〔Aspect 15〕 The suspension device (60; 160) includes a clamp plate (66) configured to cooperate with the carrier plate (65). The rotary tablet press (1) according to any one of Aspects 1 to 14. 〔Aspect 16〕 The at least one non-rotating part includes the upper cam (27) of the turret (10). The rotary tablet press (1) according to any one of Aspects 1 to 15. 〔Aspect 17〕 The carrier plate (65) and the at least one connecting element (267), particularly the element (267) having a stepped inner ring (267), form a single element. The rotary tablet press (1) according to Aspect 16. 〔Aspect 18〕 The suspension device (60; 160; 260) includes one or more level adjustment devices configured to adjust the position of at least one of the auxiliary elements in the axial direction (α) and / or the radial direction (r). The rotary tablet press (1) according to any one of Aspects 1 to 17. 〔Aspect 19〕 The rotary tablet press (1) according to aspect 18, wherein the one or more level adjustment devices comprise one or more threaded portions, and the one or more threaded portions are configured to adjust the level in the axial direction of the at least one auxiliary element. [Aspect 20] The rotary tablet press (1) according to aspect 18 or 19, wherein the one or more level adjustment devices are arranged within at least one connecting element (61, 62; 161, 162; 267) of the suspension device (60; 160; 260). [Aspect 21] The plurality of auxiliary elements suspended from the suspension device (60; 160; 260) include any combination of elements such as a tablet chute (11), at least one feeder (12), a powder inlet tube (13), a scraper (14a), an extraction nozzle, a discharge finger (15), a recovery finger, and an upper cam (27), of the rotary tablet press according to any one of aspects 1 to 20. [Aspect 22] The rotary tablet press (1) according to any one of aspects 1 to 21, wherein a housing (70; 370) is connected to the suspension device (60; 160; 260), and the housing surrounds at least one of the elements of the upper punch guide (20), the die disk (40), and / or the bottom punch guide (30). [Aspect 23] The rotary tablet press (1) according to aspect 22, wherein the housing (370) connected to the suspension device (60; 160; 260) is a single element. [Aspect 24] The rotary tablet press (1) according to any one of aspects 1 to 23, wherein the housing comprises a bottom (71), and the bottom comprises an opening (71.1) surrounding the periphery of the bottom punch guide (30).

Explanation of Symbols

[0057] 1 Rotary tablet press machine 2 Press machine housing 3 Frame 4 Outer lining 5 Driving part 6 Compression part 7 Bottom frame 8 Accessories part 9 Upper frame 10 Turret 11 Tablet chute 12 Feeder 13 Powder inlet tube 14a Scraper 15 Discharge finger 20 Upper punch guide 21 Cap 22 Cap 23 Cap 24 Display 25 Upper punch 26 Shaft 27 Upper cam 28 Disk 30 Bottom punch guide 35 Bottom punch 40 Die disk 42 Upper surface of the die disk 41 Hole 45 Die 50 Bearing assembly 51 Bearing 51.1 Radial inner part 51.2 Radial outer part 60 Hoisting device 61 First arm (connecting element) 61.1 First end of the first arm 61.2 Second end of the first arm 61.5 Connecting part with inclination 62 Second arm (connecting element) 62.1 First end of the second arm 62.2 Second end of the second arm 62.5 Connecting portion with an inclination 63 Transition portion (between the first arm 61 and the second arm 62) 64 Opening 65 Carrier plate 65.1 Bracket 65.2 Hanging plate 66 Clamping portion 66.1 Rod 70 Housing 71 Bottom 71.1 Opening 128 Spacer 150 Bearing assembly 151 Bearing 151.1 Radial inner portion 151.2 Radial outer portion 160 Hanging device (further embodiment) 161 First arm (connecting element) 161.1 First end of the first arm 161.2 Second end of the first arm 161.5 Connecting portion 162 Second arm 162.5 Connecting portion 260 Hanging device (additional further embodiment) 267 Hanging connection 370 Housing (further embodiment) 460 Hanging device (additional further embodiment) 461 First arm (connecting element) 461.1 First end of the first arm 461.5 Connecting portion 461.7 Adjusting portion 462 Second arm (connecting element) 462.1 First end of the first arm 462.5 Connecting portion 462.7 Adjusting portion 468 Level adjusting device 470 Housing (additional further embodiment) 471 bottom 471.1 opening α-axis direction r radial direction p pitch

Claims

Claim 1 A rotary tablet press (1), wherein the rotary tablet press (1) comprises a housing (2) including a compression part (6) and a turret (10), the turret (10) including a die disk (40), an upper punch guide (20), a bottom punch guide (30), and a plurality of punches (25, 35), and one or more of the die disk (40), the upper punch guide (20), the bottom punch guide (30), and the plurality of punches (25, 35) being rotatable parts, the turret (10) defining an axial direction (α) and a radial direction (r), the punches being arranged on a predetermined radius defining the pitch (p) of the turret, and the turret being positioned within the compression part when the rotary tablet press is in its use position, the rotary tablet press further comprising a plurality of auxiliary elements, the rotary tablet press comprising a support assembly for providing support to at least one of the auxiliary elements of the rotary tablet press in the axial direction and / or the radial direction, in a rotary tablet press (1), the support assembly comprising a suspension device (60; 160; 260) positioned above the upper punch guide (20) of the turret (10) as seen in the axial direction and in the vertical direction, the suspension device (60; 160; 260) comprising a carrier plate (65) and at least one connecting element (61, 62; 161, 162; 267), the at least one connecting element (61, 62; 161, 162; 267) connecting the carrier plate (65) to at least one non-rotating part (51.1; 28; 27) of the turret (10), the at least one non-rotating part (51.1; 28; 27) being configured to remain stationary with respect to the rotatable part when the rotatable part rotates, and, A plurality of auxiliary elements are suspended from the carrier plate (65) of the suspension device (60; 160; 260), and the suspended plurality of auxiliary elements include one or more of a tablet chute (11), a feeder (12), a powder inlet tube (13), a scraper (14a), a discharge finger, a recovery finger, a further cam, and an extraction nozzle, and the carrier plate (65) functions as a reference point for the turret (10). A rotary tablet press (1) characterized by this.

2. The rotatable part is configured to rotate about a rotation axis, and the rotation axis extends in the axial direction (α). The rotary tablet press (1) according to claim 1.

3. The turret (10) further includes a shaft (26) configured to drive and rotate the rotatable part. The rotary tablet press (1) according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The at least one non-rotating part includes a spacer (28), the outer diameter of the spacer (28) is enclosed inside the pitch (p) in the radial direction (r), and the spacer (28) is viewed from the axial direction. The rotary tablet press (1) according to claim 1, which is interposed between the bearing assembly (50) and the at least one connecting element (61, 62).

5. The spacer (28) includes a stationary disk (28), the outer diameter of the stationary disk (28) is enclosed inside the pitch (p) in the radial direction (r), and the stationary disk (28) is viewed from the axial direction. The rotary tablet press (1) according to claim 4, which is interposed between the bearing assembly (50) and the connecting element (60).

6. The bearing assembly (50) includes a bearing (51) having a radially inner part (51.1) and a radially outer part (51.2), and the radially inner part (51.1) of the bearing (51) is connected to the spacer or the stationary disk (28), and the radially outer part (51.2) is configured to cooperate with the upper punch guide (20). The rotary tablet press (1) according to claim 5.

7. The at least one non-rotating part of the turret (10) includes a non-rotating part of a bearing assembly (150), and the non-rotating part of the bearing assembly (150) is positioned to interact with at least one rotating part of the turret (10) inside the pitch (p) in the radial direction (r). The rotary tablet press (1) according to claim 1 or 2.

8. The bearing assembly (150) comprises a bearing (151) having a radially inner part (151.1) and a radially outer part (151.2), and the non-rotating part of the bearing assembly (150) includes the radially outer part (151.2). The rotary tablet press (1) according to claim 6.

9. The at least one connecting element (61, 62; 161, 162) includes at least one arm (61, 62; 161, 162), and the at least one arm (61, 62; 161, 162) extends in the radial direction and has a first end (61.1, 62.1; 161.1, 162.1) and a second end (61.2, 62.2; 161.2, 162.2), and the first end (61.1, 62.1) of the at least one arm (61, 62; 161, 162) is substantially positioned at the radial position of the bearing assembly (50, 150). The rotary tablet press (1) according to claim 8.

10. The first ends (161.1, 162.1) of the at least one arm (161, 162) are connected to the radially outer part (151.2) of the bearing (151) via a spacer (128) or directly. The rotary tablet press (1) according to claim 9.

11. The at least one arm (61, 62; 161, 162; 261, 262) includes a first arm (61; 161; 261) and a second arm (62; 162; 262), the first arm (61; 161; 261) and the second arm (62; 162; 262) are positioned radially opposite to each other, the first arm (61; 161; 261) and the second arm (62; 162; 262) are connected to each other at a transition portion (63) having an opening (64), and the opening (64) is coaxial with the axial direction (α) of the turret (10), the rotary tablet press (1) according to claim 9 or 10.

12. The carrier plate (65) extends to the outside of the second ends (61.2, 62.2; 161.2, 162.2) of the at least one arm (61, 62; 161, 162), the rotary tablet press (1) according to claim 9 or 10.

13. The carrier plate (65) is connected to the first arm (61) and the second arm (62) at the second ends (61.2, 62.2; 161.2, 162.2) of the first arm (61; 161) and the second arm (62; 162), respectively, the rotary tablet press (1) according to claim 11.

14. The carrier plate (65) is integrally formed with the first arm (61; 161) and the second arm (62; 162) of the corresponding connection element of the suspension device (60; 160), and the outer connection portions (61.5, 62.5; 161.5, 162.5) are respectively provided such that the carrier plate (65) is located below the connection element when viewed from the axial direction, the rotary tablet press (1) according to claim 11.

15. The suspension device (60; 160) includes a clamp plate (66) configured to cooperate with the carrier plate (65), the rotary tablet press (1) according to any one of claims 1, 2, 4 to 6, and 8 to 10.

16. The at least one non-rotating part includes the upper cam (27) of the turret (10), the rotary tablet press (1) according to any one of claims 1, 2, 4 to 6, and 8 to 10.

17. The carrier plate (65) and the at least one connecting element (267), in particular the at least one connecting element (267) comprising a stepped inner ring (267), form a single element, the rotary tablet press (1) according to claim 16.

18. The suspension device (60; 160; 260) comprises one or more level adjustment devices, and the one or more level adjustment devices are configured to adjust the position of at least one of the auxiliary elements in the axial direction (α) and / or the radial direction (r), the rotary tablet press (1) according to any one of claims 1, 2, 4 to 6, and 8 to 10.

19. The one or more level adjustment devices comprise one or more threaded portions, and the one or more threaded portions are configured to adjust the level of the at least one auxiliary element in the axial direction, the rotary tablet press (1) according to claim 18.

20. The one or more level adjustment devices are arranged within at least one connecting element (61, 62; 161, 162; 267) of the suspension device (60; 160; 260), the rotary tablet press (1) according to claim 18.

21. The plurality of auxiliary elements suspended from the suspension device (60; 160; 260) include any combination of elements of a tablet chute (11), at least one feeder (12), a powder inlet tube (13), a scraper (14a), an extraction nozzle, a discharge finger (15), a recovery finger, and an upper cam (27), the rotary tablet press (1) according to any one of claims 1, 2, 4 to 6, and 8 to 10.

22. The housing (70; 370) is connected to the suspension device (60; 160; 260), and the housing surrounds at least one of the elements of the upper punch guide (20), the die disk (40), and / or the bottom punch guide (30), the rotary tablet press (1) according to any one of claims 1, 2, 4 to 6, and 8 to 10.

23. The housing (370) connected to the suspension device (60; 160; 260) is a single element, the rotary tablet press (1) according to claim 22.

24. The housing according to claim 22, wherein the housing includes a bottom (71), and the bottom includes an opening (71.1) surrounding the periphery of the bottom punch guide (30), of the rotary tablet press (1).

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