EP2105291B1 - Device and method for measuring the vertical position of top and bottom punches of a rotary tablet press - Google Patents

Device and method for measuring the vertical position of top and bottom punches of a rotary tablet press Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2105291B1
EP2105291B1 EP09003349.9A EP09003349A EP2105291B1 EP 2105291 B1 EP2105291 B1 EP 2105291B1 EP 09003349 A EP09003349 A EP 09003349A EP 2105291 B1 EP2105291 B1 EP 2105291B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
rotor
scale
measured
lower punch
vertical
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EP09003349.9A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2105291A2 (en
EP2105291A3 (en
Inventor
Ingo Schmidt
Keno Freyer
Werner Seifert
Wolfram Lämmerhirt
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Fette GmbH
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Fette GmbH
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B30—PRESSES
    • B30B—PRESSES IN GENERAL
    • B30B11/00—Presses specially adapted for forming shaped articles from material in particulate or plastic state, e.g. briquetting presses, tabletting presses
    • B30B11/02—Presses specially adapted for forming shaped articles from material in particulate or plastic state, e.g. briquetting presses, tabletting presses using a ram exerting pressure on the material in a moulding space
    • B30B11/08—Presses specially adapted for forming shaped articles from material in particulate or plastic state, e.g. briquetting presses, tabletting presses using a ram exerting pressure on the material in a moulding space co-operating with moulds carried by a turntable
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B30—PRESSES
    • B30B—PRESSES IN GENERAL
    • B30B11/00—Presses specially adapted for forming shaped articles from material in particulate or plastic state, e.g. briquetting presses, tabletting presses
    • B30B11/005—Control arrangements

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a device and a method according to claim 1 and 9 for measuring the vertical position of a rotatably driven rotor of a rotary tablet press paired and synchronously with the rotor rotating upper and lower punches during a rotor rotation in certain areas along the circumference perform a vertical movement of their rotary motion.
  • Rotary tablet presses have long been known.
  • the rotor of such presses usually has a die plate with a plurality of circumferentially spaced dies.
  • the rotor is equipped with a number of press punches of the press forming upper and lower punches, each die a lower punch and a punch are assigned.
  • each ram is subject at certain positions of the circumference, in particular at the pressing stations of the press, to a vertical movement which results in a corresponding force on material to be pressed filled in the dies.
  • an ejector station In addition to a pre-press and a main press station, an ejector station must also be considered.
  • the vertical movement of the ram is usually performed by guide curves. For example, by stationary pressure rollers in the pressing stations, a pressing force is applied to the heads of the ram and thus on the material to be pressed. Depending on the composition of the tablets to be compressed while a predetermined pressing force is observed.
  • Press force measuring devices have been used in rotary tablet presses for many years to monitor and control the pressing process to ensure the desired tablet quality. However, it is not always sufficient, in particular in the pharmaceutical laboratory and development sector, to assess the compression process via the press force measurement. Therefore, additional measures must be used. Of outstanding importance for determining the compression characteristics of molding compounds is the force-displacement diagram. Physically, it describes the energy expenditure during the compression phase. From this conclusions can be drawn on the compressibility and properties of the substances to be seized.
  • An incremental position measuring system comprising a ruler and a sensor, which is arranged in a housing and is located in a stationary die table.
  • a boom attached to the punch of the press actuates a ram of the incremental measuring system, as soon as the stamp moves down. For a displacement measurement, therefore, a mechanical contact between the boom and position measuring system is required.
  • an incremental measuring system is known, which comprises a arranged on a base plate dividing section.
  • the present invention seeks to provide a device and a method of the type mentioned, with which in a simple manner, a reliable and accurate measurement of the vertical position of the ram at each circumferential position of the stamp is possible.
  • At least one, preferably more, and more preferably all, of the upper and / or lower punches is a scale, in particular a linear scale, for measuring lengths in the manner of a Scale or ruler.
  • the reading device co-rotating with the rotor and the punches can read the scale and in this way measure the vertical position of the respective press ram.
  • the vertical position of at least one upper and / or lower punch along the entire circumference of its rotational movement by reading the scale can be measured with the device according to the invention during at least one rotor rotation by means of the reading device. According to the invention, a precise and reliable measurement of the vertical position or movement of the punches is possible in a simple manner.
  • the scale allows an absolute measurement of the vertical position or movement.
  • the measurement can be carried out in the inventive method at regular intervals over the scope of the rotational movement of the stamp. It is only decisive that measurement data is collected over the entire circumference and not only in the compression phase in the pressing stations of the press, as in the prior art ( DE 10 2005 051 567 A1 ) is provided.
  • vertical punch paths can also be measured in the up and pull-down curves or in the filling area of the press in which the material to be pressed is filled into the matrices. In this way, even unpredictable vertical stamp movements can be detected and analyzed.
  • the reading device comprises a sensor for reading the scale.
  • At least one evaluation device for determining the vertical position from the read-out scale data may be associated with the reading device (s).
  • all the rams can have a scale, so that their vertical position can be determined. This can be a corresponding number of the scales be assigned to each associated reading devices.
  • Each reading device can be assigned its own evaluation device. However, it can also be provided a common evaluation device for several or all reading devices.
  • the device according to the invention is particularly suitable for carrying out the method according to the invention.
  • the inventive method can be carried out with a device according to the invention, wherein the vertical positions of the at least one upper and / or lower punch are measured by means of the reading device by reading the scale.
  • a rotary tablet press with a rotatably driven rotor and the rotor paired and synchronously rotating with the rotor upper and lower punches, which during a rotation of the rotor in certain areas along the circumference of its rotational movement a vertical Execute movement, wherein the rotary tablet press has a device according to the invention.
  • the rotor in a conventional manner have a die plate with a plurality of matrices, which in turn is associated with a plurality of upper and lower punches in pairs.
  • each of the punches undergoes vertical movement at certain positions of the circumference, resulting in a force on material to be pressed inserted in the dies.
  • the leadership of the stamp can be done in a conventional manner via guide curves.
  • a main pressing station is also to be considered, in particular, an ejection station, on each of which a vertical movement of the stamp takes place.
  • the pressing force for pressing the tablet material can for example be applied by stationary pressure rollers on the heads of the ram.
  • the scale can be an incremental scale, ie a line measure, which represents a length by the distance of graduation markings.
  • the scale may also be an absolute scale, in particular an absolute coded scale, e.g. Has numerical values at which the vertical position of the respective stamp is absolutely readable.
  • the reading device can be designed to read the scale optically, magnetically, capacitively and / or inductively. Accordingly, the scale may be optically, magnetically, capacitively and / or inductively readable.
  • the reading device can for this purpose have an optical, magnetic, capacitive and / or inductive sensor.
  • the scale can be arranged on a circumferential surface of the respective upper and / or lower punch, in particular be introduced into the peripheral surface.
  • the reading device can also be arranged in a structurally particularly simple manner on a receptacle of the respective upper and / or lower punch.
  • the scale may be arranged on or in the stamp such that its readable section faces outwards in the circumferential direction.
  • the reading device can be attached to the stamp holder at a small distance from the scale. In particular, it may be arranged so that the in the stamp integrated scale with rotating rotor and a vertical movement of the respective stamp also vertically past the reader device and in particular the measuring window of the reading device.
  • a transmitting device which also rotates synchronously with the rotor and a receiving device arranged stationarily outside the rotor can be provided, wherein position data measured by the reading device by means of the transmitting device can be transmitted wirelessly to the receiving device.
  • the reading device can read out the incremental pulses or the absolutely coded position of the respective stamp at any time and supply this information to the transmitter attached to the rotor.
  • the wireless data transmission between the transmitting device and the receiving device can take place, for example, by radio.
  • the data received by the receiving device can be routed to a control and / or operating device, for example, also stationarily arranged outside the rotor, for further processing.
  • the evaluation of the data read out to position data can be done in the reading device or in the transmitting device or in the receiving device or in the control and / or operating device.
  • the reading and transmitting device can also form a combined device.
  • a wireless transmission of the position data to the external receiving device can take place in a direct manner.
  • the external receiving device or the control device or the operating device can then from the received position data on the condition and operation of the system close and, if necessary, countermeasures, such as a stop of the plant cause.
  • the device has a rotary encoder, with which the circumferential positions of at least one upper and / or lower punch taken during a rotor rotation can be measured, wherein the vertical positions of the at least one upper and / or lower punch measured by the reading device correspond to the one with the Rotary encoder measured circumferential positions of the respective upper and / or lower punch can be assigned.
  • the rotary encoder can be, for example, a so-called angle encoder. It is then an incremental or absolute measurement of the rotational movement of the stamp, in particular the angular positions along the scope of their rotational movement possible. Subsequently, the evaluating device assigns the measured vertical positions to the circumferential positions.
  • the circumferential positions of all stamps can be measured and assigned to the respective vertical positions.
  • the evaluation device carries out the assignment between vertical and circumferential movements.
  • the evaluation device can be the same device which also performs the determination of the vertical position data from the data measured by the reading device. Such an evaluation device can be integrated in the reading device.
  • it can also be arranged separately and, for example, also rotate synchronously with the rotor or be integrated into other devices of the device, such as a rotary encoder or a transmitting device.
  • it can also be arranged in a stationary manner outside the rotor, for example integrated in a receiving device or a control or operating device.
  • Fig. 1 a rotary tablet press. Such presses are known per se to the person skilled in the art.
  • the press has a by means of a drive device, not shown, for example, an electric motor, rotatably driven rotor 12.
  • the rotor 12 has a die plate 14 with a plurality of die holes 16.
  • Each die 16 are associated in pairs with a punch 18 and a lower punch 20.
  • the upper and lower punches 18, 20 are respectively held on an upper punch holder 22 and a lower punch holder 24 and rotate upon rotation of the rotor 12 in synchronism therewith, as shown for the upper punch holder 22 by the arrow 26 illustrating the direction of rotation.
  • the upper and lower punches 18, 20 are also guided in a conventional manner by guide curves.
  • Fig. 1 A filling curve 28, a metering curve 30 and an ejection curve 32 for the lower punches 20 are shown by way of example.
  • a pull-down curve 34 and an elevation curve 36 are shown.
  • tablet material to be tabletted in powder form is filled into the dies 16 of the die plate 14.
  • an upper pre-pressure roller 40 and a lower pre-pressure roller 42 of a pre-pressing station the powdery material is pre-pressed in the dies 16.
  • upper and lower main pressure rollers 44, 46 in a conventional manner, the final compression in the main press station.
  • the compressed tablets 48 are then on the surface of the die plate 14 and routed in a stripping device 50 into an exit channel 52 for further use.
  • a stamp pair is in Fig. 1 exemplified a device according to the invention for measuring the vertical position of a punch 20 and a lower punch 20 shown.
  • a parallel to the vertical direction of movement of the respective upper and lower punch 18, 20 extending scale 54, in particular length scale, are arranged on a top punch 18 and a lower punch 20 respectively.
  • the superconstäbe 54 are introduced into the peripheral surface of the respective upper punch 18 and lower punch 20.
  • the scales 54 may be, for example, incremental scales or absolutely coded scales.
  • two measuring devices 54 assigned to the scales 54 are provided.
  • the reading devices 56 in the illustrated example magnetic reading devices, are arranged on the upper punch holder 22 and the lower punch holder 24 and thus also rotate synchronously with the rotor 12.
  • the scales 54 and their associated reading devices 56 do not move horizontally relative to each other ,
  • FIG Fig. 4 The arrangement of the readers 56 with respect to the scales 54 is shown in FIG Fig. 4 shown enlarged.
  • the reading devices 56 are attached at a small distance from the scales 54 on the respective punch holder 22, 24.
  • the scales 54 are so inserted into the peripheral surface of the punch 18, 20 that they are in the circumferential direction of the rotational movement of the Stamp 18, 20 point outward.
  • the scales 54 integrated into the punches 18, 20 move in the vertical direction past the measuring window of the reading devices 56.
  • the reading devices 56 read the incremental pulses or the absolutely coded positions of the punches 18, 20 at each point in time of the rotary movement.
  • An evaluation device respectively integrated into the reading devices 56 determines therefrom the vertical positions or movements of the punches 18, 20 along the entire circumference of their rotary movements.
  • the evaluation devices can also be provided separately from the reading devices 56.
  • a common evaluation device for several, in particular all reading devices is possible.
  • an angle encoder not shown, is provided, with which the circumferential positions of the punches 18, 20 taken during a rotor rotation can be measured.
  • the vertical positions of the punches 18, 20 measured with the reading devices 56 can be assigned to the circumferential positions of the punches 18, 20 measured with the angle encoder. In this way, a complete monitoring of the punch movements in both the vertical and in the direction of rotation is possible.
  • the position data determined by the reading device 56 are subsequently sent to a transmitting device 58 which is likewise arranged on the rotor and rotates with the rotor 12, as illustrated by the arrow 57.
  • the measured position data becomes wireless, For example, by radio, sent to a stationary outside of the rotor 12 receiving device 60, as illustrated by the arrow 62.
  • the position data can be sent to a control device 64, which is likewise arranged stationarily outside the rotor, as illustrated by the arrow 66.
  • the data may be sent by the control device 64 to a control device 68 by means of corresponding control commands for controlling the tablet press, as illustrated by the arrow 70.
  • the control device 64 can influence it by means of suitable control commands, provided that the determined position data deviate from desired position data, so that the desired tablet quality is reliably guaranteed at all times.
  • On the operating device 68 corresponding instructions for an operator can be output or appropriate inputs of the operator to be received.
  • the position data received by the receiving device 60 are sent directly to the operating device 68 without passing through the control device, as indicated by the arrow 72 in FIG Fig. 5 illustrated. In this case, the operator of the system can manually compare the determined position data with target data and, for example, also manually initiate appropriate countermeasures.
  • press dies of the press may have a device according to the invention with corresponding associated reading devices.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Presses And Accessory Devices Thereof (AREA)
  • Processing And Handling Of Plastics And Other Materials For Molding In General (AREA)
  • Transmission And Conversion Of Sensor Element Output (AREA)
  • Medical Preparation Storing Or Oral Administration Devices (AREA)

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Vorrichtung und ein Verfahren gemäß Anspruch 1 und 9 zur Messung der vertikalen Position von einem drehbar angetriebenen Rotor einer Rundläufer-Tablettenpresse paarweise zugeordneten und synchron mit dem Rotor rotierenden Ober- und Unterstempeln, die während einer Rotorumdrehung in bestimmten Bereichen entlang des Umfangs ihrer Drehbewegung eine vertikale Bewegung ausführen. Rundläufer-Tablettenpressen sind seit langem bekannt. Der Rotor solcher Pressen besitzt üblicherweise eine Matrizenscheibe mit einer Vielzahl von über seinen Umfang beabstandeten Matrizen. Dabei ist der Rotor mit einer Anzahl von Pressstempel der Presse bildenden Ober- und Unterstempeln bestückt, wobei jeder Matrize ein Unterstempel und ein Oberstempel zugeordnet sind. Während einer Rotorumdrehung unterliegt jeder Stempel an bestimmten Positionen des Umfangs, insbesondere an den Pressstationen der Presse, einer vertikalen Bewegung, die zu einer entsprechenden Krafteinwirkung auf in die Matrizen gefülltes zu verpressendes Material führt. Neben einer Vorpress- und einer Hauptpressstation ist hierbei auch eine Auswerferstation in Betracht zu ziehen. Die vertikale Bewegung der Pressstempel wird üblicherweise durch Führungskurven geführt. Durch beispielsweise stationäre Druckrollen wird in den Pressstationen eine Presskraft auf die Köpfe der Pressstempel und damit auf das zu verpressende Material aufgebracht. Je nach Zusammensetzung der zu verpressenden Tabletten ist dabei eine vorgegebene Presskraft einzuhalten.The invention relates to a device and a method according to claim 1 and 9 for measuring the vertical position of a rotatably driven rotor of a rotary tablet press paired and synchronously with the rotor rotating upper and lower punches during a rotor rotation in certain areas along the circumference perform a vertical movement of their rotary motion. Rotary tablet presses have long been known. The rotor of such presses usually has a die plate with a plurality of circumferentially spaced dies. The rotor is equipped with a number of press punches of the press forming upper and lower punches, each die a lower punch and a punch are assigned. During one revolution of the rotor, each ram is subject at certain positions of the circumference, in particular at the pressing stations of the press, to a vertical movement which results in a corresponding force on material to be pressed filled in the dies. In addition to a pre-press and a main press station, an ejector station must also be considered. The vertical movement of the ram is usually performed by guide curves. For example, by stationary pressure rollers in the pressing stations, a pressing force is applied to the heads of the ram and thus on the material to be pressed. Depending on the composition of the tablets to be compressed while a predetermined pressing force is observed.

Presskraftmesseinrichtungen werden in Rundläufer-Tablettenpressen seit vielen Jahren zur Überwachung und Regelung des Pressvorgangs eingesetzt, um die gewünschte Tablettenqualität sicherzustellen. Allerdings ist es insbesondere im pharmazeutischen Labor- und Entwicklungsbereich nicht immer ausreichend, den Kompressionsvorgang über die Presskraftmessung zu beurteilen. Daher müssen weitere Messgrößen herangezogen werden. Eine herausragende Bedeutung zur Ermittlung der Kompressionscharakteristik von Pressmassen hat das Kraft-Weg-Diagramm. Physikalisch betrachtet beschreibt es den Energieaufwand während der Kompressionsphase. Daraus lassen sich Schlüsse auf die Verpressbarkeit und Eigenschaften der zu verpessenden Substanzen ziehen.Press force measuring devices have been used in rotary tablet presses for many years to monitor and control the pressing process to ensure the desired tablet quality. However, it is not always sufficient, in particular in the pharmaceutical laboratory and development sector, to assess the compression process via the press force measurement. Therefore, additional measures must be used. Of outstanding importance for determining the compression characteristics of molding compounds is the force-displacement diagram. Physically, it describes the energy expenditure during the compression phase. From this conclusions can be drawn on the compressibility and properties of the substances to be seized.

Es sind verschiedene Einrichtungen zur Messung und Ermittlung des Stempelweges bekannt geworden. So wird in DE 19502596 C2 vorgeschlagen, den Stempelweg theoretisch auf Basis der geometrischen Gegebenheiten der Presse zu berechnen. Ein messtechnischer Ansatz ist in der DE 102005051567 A1 beschrieben. Dabei wird während der Kompressionsphase mit einem vorzugsweise ortsfest angeordneten und berührungslos arbeitenden Sensor die Distanz zu einem Marker in Form einer an dem Stempel befestigten horizontalen Platte gemessen. Über die Distanzmessung kann die Kompressionsphase der Stempel, also die vertikale Bewegung in den Pressstationen, überwacht werden. Allerdings können auch erwünschte oder unerwünschte vertikale Bewegungen der Pressstempel außerhalb der Pressphase auftreten, deren Messung ebenfalls erforderlich sein kann. Aus US 6 442 859 A ist ein inkrementales Wegmesssystem bekannt, umfassend ein Lineal und einen Sensor, welches in einem Gehäuse angeordnet ist und sich in einem feststehenden Matrizentisch befindet. Ein Ausleger, der am Stempel der Presse befestigt ist, betätigt einen Stößel des inkrementalen Messsystems, sobald der Stempel nach unten fährt. Für eine Wegmessung ist mithin ein mechanischer Kontakt zwischen Ausleger und Wegmesssystem erforderlich. Darüber hinaus ist aus US 5 760 392 A allgemein ein inkrementales Messsystem bekannt, welches einen auf einer Grundplatte angeordneten Teilungsabschnitt umfasst.Various devices for measuring and determining the punch path have become known. So will in DE 19502596 C2 proposed to calculate the stamp path theoretically based on the geometric conditions of the press. A metrological approach is in the DE 102005051567 A1 described. In this case, the distance to a marker in the form of a horizontal plate attached to the stamp is measured during the compression phase with a preferably stationary and non-contact sensor. The distance measurement can be used to monitor the compression phase of the punches, ie the vertical movement in the pressing stations. However, desired or undesired vertical movements of the pressing dies outside of the pressing phase may also occur, the measurement of which may also be necessary. Out US 6,442,859 A An incremental position measuring system is known, comprising a ruler and a sensor, which is arranged in a housing and is located in a stationary die table. A boom attached to the punch of the press actuates a ram of the incremental measuring system, as soon as the stamp moves down. For a displacement measurement, therefore, a mechanical contact between the boom and position measuring system is required. In addition, is off US 5,760,392 A. In general, an incremental measuring system is known, which comprises a arranged on a base plate dividing section.

Es sind auch Einrichtungen bekannt geworden, bei denen vor und nach dem zu messenden Stempel induktive oder ohmsche Wegmessaufnehmer angebracht sind. Diese Einrichtungen sind allerdings in der Praxis aufwendig. Ausgehend von dem erläuterten Stand der Technik liegt der Erfindung die Aufgabe zugrunde, eine Vorrichtung und ein Verfahren der eingangs genannten Art bereitzustellen, mit denen in einfacher Weise eine zuverlässige und präzise Messung der vertikalen Position der Pressstempel an jeder Umfangsposition der Stempel möglich ist.There are also known devices in which inductive or ohmic Wegmessaufnehmer are mounted before and after the measured stamp. However, these devices are expensive in practice. Based on the explained prior art, the present invention seeks to provide a device and a method of the type mentioned, with which in a simple manner, a reliable and accurate measurement of the vertical position of the ram at each circumferential position of the stamp is possible.

Für eine Vorrichtung der eingangs genanten Art wird die Aufgabe gemäß Anspruch 1 gelöst.For a device of the type mentioned, the object is achieved according to claim 1.

Für ein Verfahren der eingangs genannten Art wird das Problem gemäß Anspruch 9 gelöst.For a method of the type mentioned, the problem is solved according to claim 9.

Erfindungsgemäß ist also an mindestens einem, bevorzugt mehreren und weiter bevorzugt sämtlichen der Ober- und/oder Unterstempel ein Maßstab, insbesondere ein Linearmaßstab, zum Messen von Längen nach Art einer Skala oder eines Lineals vorgesehen. Die mit dem Rotor und den Stempeln mitrotierende Leseeinrichtung kann den Maßstab auslesen und auf diese Weise die vertikale Position des jeweiligen Pressstempels messen. Dabei kann mit der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung während mindestens einer Rotorumdrehung mittels der Leseeinrichtung die vertikale Position mindestens eines Ober- und/oder Unterstempels entlang des gesamten Umfangs seiner Drehbewegung durch Auslesen des Maßstabs gemessen werden. Erfindungsgemäß ist in einfacher Weise eine präzise und zuverlässige Messung der vertikalen Position bzw. Bewegung der Stempel möglich. Dabei ermöglicht der Maßstab eine absolute Messung der vertikalen Position bzw. Bewegung. Die Messung kann bei dem erfindungsgemäßen Verfahren in regelmäßigen Abständen über den Umfang der Drehbewegung der Stempel erfolgen. Entscheidend ist lediglich, dass über den gesamten Umfang Messdaten erhoben werden und nicht nur etwa in der Kommpressionsphase in den Pressstationen der Presse, wie dies beim Stand der Technik ( DE 10 2005 051 567 A1 ) vorgesehen ist. So können vertikale Stempelwege auch in den Auf- und Niederzugskurven oder im Füllbereich der Presse, in dem das zu verpressende Material in die Matrizen gefüllt wird, gemessen werden. Auf diese Weise können auch nicht vorhersehbare vertikale Stempelbewegungen erfasst und analysiert werden.According to the invention, at least one, preferably more, and more preferably all, of the upper and / or lower punches is a scale, in particular a linear scale, for measuring lengths in the manner of a Scale or ruler. The reading device co-rotating with the rotor and the punches can read the scale and in this way measure the vertical position of the respective press ram. In this case, the vertical position of at least one upper and / or lower punch along the entire circumference of its rotational movement by reading the scale can be measured with the device according to the invention during at least one rotor rotation by means of the reading device. According to the invention, a precise and reliable measurement of the vertical position or movement of the punches is possible in a simple manner. The scale allows an absolute measurement of the vertical position or movement. The measurement can be carried out in the inventive method at regular intervals over the scope of the rotational movement of the stamp. It is only decisive that measurement data is collected over the entire circumference and not only in the compression phase in the pressing stations of the press, as in the prior art ( DE 10 2005 051 567 A1 ) is provided. Thus, vertical punch paths can also be measured in the up and pull-down curves or in the filling area of the press in which the material to be pressed is filled into the matrices. In this way, even unpredictable vertical stamp movements can be detected and analyzed.

Die erfindungsgemäße Leseeinrichtung umfasst dabei einen Sensor zum Auslesen des Maßstabs. Der bzw. den Leseeinrichtungen kann mindestens eine Auswerteeinrichtung zur Bestimmung der vertikalen Position aus den ausgelesenen Maßstabsdaten zugeordnet sein. Es können insbesondere sämtliche Pressstempel einen Maßstab aufweisen, so dass ihre vertikale Position bestimmbar ist. Dazu kann eine entsprechende Zahl von den Maßstäben jeweils zugeordneten Leseeinrichtungen vorgesehen sein. Jeder Leseeinrichtung kann eine eigene Auswerteeinrichtung zugeordnet sein. Es kann jedoch auch eine gemeinsame Auswerteeinrichtung für mehrere oder sämtliche Leseeinrichtungen vorgesehen sein.The reading device according to the invention comprises a sensor for reading the scale. At least one evaluation device for determining the vertical position from the read-out scale data may be associated with the reading device (s). In particular, all the rams can have a scale, so that their vertical position can be determined. This can be a corresponding number of the scales be assigned to each associated reading devices. Each reading device can be assigned its own evaluation device. However, it can also be provided a common evaluation device for several or all reading devices.

Die erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung ist insbesondere geeignet zur Durchführung des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens. So kann das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren mit einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung durchgeführt werden, wobei die vertikalen Positionen des mindestens einen Ober- und/oder Unterstempels mittels der Leseeinrichtung durch Auslesen des Maßstabs gemessen werden.The device according to the invention is particularly suitable for carrying out the method according to the invention. Thus, the inventive method can be carried out with a device according to the invention, wherein the vertical positions of the at least one upper and / or lower punch are measured by means of the reading device by reading the scale.

Das der Erfindung zu Grunde liegende Problem wird auch durch eine Rundläufer-Tablettenpresse mit einem drehbar angetriebenen Rotor und dem Rotor paarweise zugeordneten und synchron mit dem Rotor rotierenden Ober- und Unterstempeln gelöst, die während einer Rotorumdrehung in bestimmten Bereichen entlang des Umfangs ihrer Drehbewegung eine vertikale Bewegung ausführen, wobei die Rundläufer-Tablettenpresse eine erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung aufweist. Dabei kann der Rotor in an sich bekannter Weise eine Matrizenscheibe mit einer Vielzahl von Matrizen aufweisen, denen wiederum eine Vielzahl von Ober- und Unterstempeln jeweils paarweise zugeordnet ist. Während einer Rotorumdrehung unterliegt jeder der Stempel an bestimmten Positionen des Umfangs einer vertikalen Bewegung und führt damit zu einer Krafteinwirkung auf in die Matrizen eingefülltes zu verpressendes Material. Die Führung der Stempel kann in ebenfalls an sich bekannter Weise über Führungskurven erfolgen. Neben einer Vorpress- und einer Hauptpressstation ist hierbei insbesondere auch eine Auswerferstation in Betracht zu ziehen, an denen jeweils eine vertikale Bewegung der Stempel stattfindet. Die Presskraft zum Verpressen des Tablettenmaterials kann beispielsweise von stationären Druckrollen auf die Köpfe der Pressstempel aufgebracht werden.The problem underlying the invention is also solved by a rotary tablet press with a rotatably driven rotor and the rotor paired and synchronously rotating with the rotor upper and lower punches, which during a rotation of the rotor in certain areas along the circumference of its rotational movement a vertical Execute movement, wherein the rotary tablet press has a device according to the invention. In this case, the rotor in a conventional manner have a die plate with a plurality of matrices, which in turn is associated with a plurality of upper and lower punches in pairs. During one revolution of the rotor, each of the punches undergoes vertical movement at certain positions of the circumference, resulting in a force on material to be pressed inserted in the dies. The leadership of the stamp can be done in a conventional manner via guide curves. In addition to a pre-press and In this case, a main pressing station is also to be considered, in particular, an ejection station, on each of which a vertical movement of the stamp takes place. The pressing force for pressing the tablet material can for example be applied by stationary pressure rollers on the heads of the ram.

Der Maßstab kann ein Inkrementalmaßstab, also ein Strichmaß sein, das durch den Abstand von Teilungsmarkierungen eine Länge verkörpert. Der Maßstab kann jedoch auch ein absoluter Maßstab, insbesondere ein absolut codierter Maßstab sein, der z.B. Zahlenwerte aufweist, an denen die vertikale Position der jeweiligen Stempel absolut ablesbar ist. Die Leseeinrichtung kann dazu ausgebildet sein, den Maßstab optisch, magnetisch, kapazitiv und/oder induktiv auszulesen. Entsprechend kann der Maßstab optisch, magnetisch, kapazitiv und/oder induktiv auslesbar sein. Die Leseeinrichtung kann dazu einen optischen, magnetischen, kapazitiven und/oder induktiven Sensor aufweisen.The scale can be an incremental scale, ie a line measure, which represents a length by the distance of graduation markings. However, the scale may also be an absolute scale, in particular an absolute coded scale, e.g. Has numerical values at which the vertical position of the respective stamp is absolutely readable. The reading device can be designed to read the scale optically, magnetically, capacitively and / or inductively. Accordingly, the scale may be optically, magnetically, capacitively and / or inductively readable. The reading device can for this purpose have an optical, magnetic, capacitive and / or inductive sensor.

In konstruktiv besonders einfacher Weise kann der Maßstab an einer Umfangsfläche des jeweiligen Ober- und/oder Unterstempels angeordnet sein, insbesondere in die Umfangsfläche eingebracht sein. Die Leseeinrichung kann ebenfalls in konstruktiv besonders einfacher Weise an einer Aufnahme des jeweiligen Ober- und/oder Unterstempels angeordnet sein. Dabei kann der Maßstab derart an oder in dem Stempel angeordnet sein, dass sein auslesbarer Abschnitt in Umfangsrichtung nach außen weist. Die Leseeinrichtung kann in geringem Abstand zum Maßstab an der Stempelaufnahme befestigt werden. Insbesondere kann sie so angeordnet sein, dass sich der in den Stempel integrierte Maßstab bei sich drehendem Rotor und einer vertikalen Bewegung des jeweiligen Stempels ebenfalls vertikal an der Lesereinrichtung und insbesondere dem Messfenster der Leseeinrichtung vorbeibewegt.In a structurally particularly simple manner, the scale can be arranged on a circumferential surface of the respective upper and / or lower punch, in particular be introduced into the peripheral surface. The reading device can also be arranged in a structurally particularly simple manner on a receptacle of the respective upper and / or lower punch. In this case, the scale may be arranged on or in the stamp such that its readable section faces outwards in the circumferential direction. The reading device can be attached to the stamp holder at a small distance from the scale. In particular, it may be arranged so that the in the stamp integrated scale with rotating rotor and a vertical movement of the respective stamp also vertically past the reader device and in particular the measuring window of the reading device.

Gemäß einer weiteren besonders praxisgemäßen Ausgestaltung kann eine ebenfalls synchron mit dem Rotor rotierende Sendeeinrichtung und eine außerhalb des Rotors ortsfest angeordnete Empfangseinrichtung vorgesehen sein, wobei mittels der Sendeeinrichtung von der Leseeinrichtung gemessene Positionsdaten drahtlos an die Empfangseinrichtung gesendet werden können. Mittels einer solchen Drahtlosübertragung können in besonders einfacher und zuverlässiger Weise Daten von der sich drehenden Anlage auf eine ortsfest angeordnete Empfangseinrichtung übertragen werden. Die Leseeinrichtung kann dabei die inkrementalen Impulse oder die absolut codierte Position des jeweiligen Stempels zu jedem Zeitpunkt auslesen und diese Information der an dem Rotor angebrachten Sendeeinrichtung zuführen. Die drahtlose Datenübertragung zwischen der Sendeeinrichtung und der Empfangseinrichtung kann beispielsweise per Funk erfolgen. Anschließend können die von der Empfangseinrichtung empfangenen Daten an eine beispielsweise ebenfalls ortsfest außerhalb des Rotors angeordnete Steuer- und/oder Bedieneinrichtung zur weiteren Verarbeitung geleitet werden. Die Auswertung der ausgelesenen Daten zu Positionsdaten kann in der Leseeinrichtung oder in der Sendeeinrichtung oder in der Empfangseinrichtung oder in der Steuer- und/oder Bedieneinrichtung erfolgen. Die Lese- und Sendeeinrichtung können auch eine kombinierte Einrichtung bilden. Dann kann in direkter Weise ein drahtloses Senden der Positionsdaten an die externe Empfangseinrichtung erfolgen. Die externe Empfangseinrichtung bzw. die Steuereinrichtung oder die Bedieneinrichtung können dann aus den empfangenen Positionsdaten auf den Zustand und Betrieb der Anlage schließen und gegebenenfalls Gegenmaßnahmen, wie einen Stop der Anlage, herbeiführen.According to a further embodiment which is particularly practical, a transmitting device which also rotates synchronously with the rotor and a receiving device arranged stationarily outside the rotor can be provided, wherein position data measured by the reading device by means of the transmitting device can be transmitted wirelessly to the receiving device. By means of such a wireless transmission, data can be transmitted from the rotating system to a stationarily arranged receiving device in a particularly simple and reliable manner. The reading device can read out the incremental pulses or the absolutely coded position of the respective stamp at any time and supply this information to the transmitter attached to the rotor. The wireless data transmission between the transmitting device and the receiving device can take place, for example, by radio. Subsequently, the data received by the receiving device can be routed to a control and / or operating device, for example, also stationarily arranged outside the rotor, for further processing. The evaluation of the data read out to position data can be done in the reading device or in the transmitting device or in the receiving device or in the control and / or operating device. The reading and transmitting device can also form a combined device. Then, a wireless transmission of the position data to the external receiving device can take place in a direct manner. The external receiving device or the control device or the operating device can then from the received position data on the condition and operation of the system close and, if necessary, countermeasures, such as a stop of the plant cause.

Die Vorrichtung weist einen Drehgeber auf, mit dem die während einer Rotorumdrehung eingenommenen Umfangspositionen mindestens eines Ober- und/oder Unterstempels gemessen werden können, wobei die mit der Leseeinrichtung gemessenen vertikalen Positionen des mindestens einen Ober- und/oder Unterstempels mittels einer Auswerteeinrichtung den mit dem Drehgeber gemessenen Umfangspositionen des jeweiligen Ober- und/oder Unterstempels zugeordnet werden können. Der Drehgeber kann dabei beispielsweise ein sogenannter Winkelencoder sein. Es ist dann eine inkrementale oder absolute Messung der Drehbewegung der Stempel, insbesondere der Winkelpositionen, entlang des Umfangs ihrer Drehbewegung möglich. Anschließend erfolgt durch die Auswerteeinrichtung eine Zuordnung der gemessenen vertikalen Positionen zu den Umfangspositionen. Dadurch kann in besonders einfacher Weise für den gesamten Umfang der Drehbewegung der Stempel ein vollständiger Bewegungsverlauf in vertikaler und in Drehrichtung ermittelt werden. Auf dieser Basis ist dann eine Auswertung möglich, ob die gemessene vertikale Bewegung in den gewünschten Bereichen des Umfangs erfolgt. Gegebenenfalls können Gegenmaßnahmen eingeleitet werden. Es sind dabei insbesondere die Umfangspositionen sämtlicher Stempel messbar und den jeweiligen vertikalen Positionen zuordenbar. Die Auswerteeinrichtung führt die Zuordnung zwischen vertikalen und Umfangsbewegungen durch. Die Auswerteeinrichtung kann dieselbe Einrichtung sein, die auch die Ermittlung der vertikalen Positionsdaten aus den von der Leseeinrichtung gemessenen Daten vornimmt. Eine solche Auswerteeinrichtung kann in die Leseeinrichtung integriert sein. Sie kann aber auch separat angeordnet sein und beispielsweise ebenfalls synchron mit dem Rotor rotieren oder in andere Einrichtungen der Vorrichtung integriert sein, beispielsweise einen Drehgeber oder eine Sendeeinrichtung. Insbesondere kann sie auch außerhalb des Rotors ortsfest angeordnet sein, beispielsweise in eine Empfangseinrichtung oder eine Steuer- bzw. Bedieneinrichtung integriert sein.The device has a rotary encoder, with which the circumferential positions of at least one upper and / or lower punch taken during a rotor rotation can be measured, wherein the vertical positions of the at least one upper and / or lower punch measured by the reading device correspond to the one with the Rotary encoder measured circumferential positions of the respective upper and / or lower punch can be assigned. The rotary encoder can be, for example, a so-called angle encoder. It is then an incremental or absolute measurement of the rotational movement of the stamp, in particular the angular positions along the scope of their rotational movement possible. Subsequently, the evaluating device assigns the measured vertical positions to the circumferential positions. This can be determined in a particularly simple manner for the entire circumference of the rotational movement of the punch a complete course of movement in the vertical and in the direction of rotation. On this basis, an evaluation is then possible as to whether the measured vertical movement takes place in the desired areas of the circumference. If necessary, countermeasures can be initiated. In particular, the circumferential positions of all stamps can be measured and assigned to the respective vertical positions. The evaluation device carries out the assignment between vertical and circumferential movements. The evaluation device can be the same device which also performs the determination of the vertical position data from the data measured by the reading device. Such an evaluation device can be integrated in the reading device. But it can also be arranged separately and, for example, also rotate synchronously with the rotor or be integrated into other devices of the device, such as a rotary encoder or a transmitting device. In particular, it can also be arranged in a stationary manner outside the rotor, for example integrated in a receiving device or a control or operating device.

Ein Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung wird nachfolgend anhand einer Zeichnung näher erläutert. Es zeigen schematisch:

Fig. 1
einen Ausschnitt einer erfindungsgemäßen Rundläufer-Tablettenpresse mit einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung in einer Abwicklung,
Fig. 2
einen erfindungsgemäßen Pressstempel in einer seitlichen Ansicht,
Fig. 3
den Pressstempel aus Fig. 2 in einem Querschnitt,
Fig. 4
einen teilweisen Querschnitt eines Rotors einer RundläuferTablettenpresse mit einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung, und
Fig. 5
ein Blockdiagramm zur Veranschaulichung des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens.
An embodiment of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to a drawing. They show schematically:
Fig. 1
a detail of a rotary tablet press according to the invention with a device according to the invention in a development,
Fig. 2
a press ram according to the invention in a side view,
Fig. 3
the press stamp Fig. 2 in a cross section,
Fig. 4
a partial cross section of a rotor of a rotary tablet press with a device according to the invention, and
Fig. 5
a block diagram illustrating the inventive method.

In den Figuren bezeichnen gleiche Bezugszeichen gleiche Gegenstände. In Fig. 1 ist eine Rundläufer-Tablettenpresse gezeigt. Solche Pressen sind dem Fachmann an sich bekannt. Die Presse weist einen mittels einer nicht näher dargestellten Antriebseinrichtung, beispielsweise einem Elektromotor, drehend angetriebenen Rotor 12 auf. Der Rotor 12 besitzt eine Matrizenscheibe 14 mit einer Vielzahl von Matrizenlöchern 16. Jeder Matrize 16 sind paarweise ein Oberstempel 18 und ein Unterstempel 20 zugeordnet. Die Ober- und Unterstempel 18, 20 sind jeweils an einer oberen Stempelaufnahme 22 und einer unteren Stempelaufnahme 24 gehalten und rotieren bei einer Drehung des Rotors 12 synchron mit diesem, wie für die obere Stempelaufnahme 22 durch den die Drehrichtung veranschaulichenden Pfeil 26 gezeigt. Die Ober- und Unterstempel 18, 20 werden ebenfalls in an sich bekannter Weise durch Führungskurven geführt. In Fig. 1 beispielhaft dargestellt ist eine Füllkurve 28, eine Dosierkurve 30 und eine Ausstoßkurve 32 für die Unterstempel 20. Für die Oberstempel ist beispielhaft eine Niederzugskurve 34 und eine Aufzugskurve 36 gezeigt. Mit einer Fülleinrichtung 38 wird zu verpressendes Tablettenmaterial in Pulverform in die Matrizen 16 der Matrizenscheibe 14 gefüllt. Mittels einer oberen Vordruckrolle 40 und einer unteren Vordruckrolle 42 einer Vorpressstation wird das pulverförmige Material in den Matrizen 16 vorgepresst. Anschließend erfolgt durch obere und untere Hauptdruckrollen 44, 46 in an sich bekannter Weise die endgültige Verpressung in der Hauptpressstation. Selbstverständlich können mehrere solcher Press- und Füllstationen vorgesehen sein, beispielsweise zur Herstellung von Mehrschichttabletten. Mittels der Ausstoßkurve 32 werden die verpressten Tabletten 48 anschließend auf die Oberfläche der Matrizenscheibe 14 befördert und in einer Abstreifeinrichtung 50 in einen Ausgangskanal 52 zur weiteren Verwendung geleitet.In the figures, like reference numerals designate like objects. In Fig. 1 is shown a rotary tablet press. Such presses are known per se to the person skilled in the art. The press has a by means of a drive device, not shown, for example, an electric motor, rotatably driven rotor 12. The rotor 12 has a die plate 14 with a plurality of die holes 16. Each die 16 are associated in pairs with a punch 18 and a lower punch 20. The upper and lower punches 18, 20 are respectively held on an upper punch holder 22 and a lower punch holder 24 and rotate upon rotation of the rotor 12 in synchronism therewith, as shown for the upper punch holder 22 by the arrow 26 illustrating the direction of rotation. The upper and lower punches 18, 20 are also guided in a conventional manner by guide curves. In Fig. 1 A filling curve 28, a metering curve 30 and an ejection curve 32 for the lower punches 20 are shown by way of example. For the upper punches, for example, a pull-down curve 34 and an elevation curve 36 are shown. With a filling device 38 tablet material to be tabletted in powder form is filled into the dies 16 of the die plate 14. By means of an upper pre-pressure roller 40 and a lower pre-pressure roller 42 of a pre-pressing station, the powdery material is pre-pressed in the dies 16. Subsequently, by upper and lower main pressure rollers 44, 46 in a conventional manner, the final compression in the main press station. Of course, several such pressing and filling stations may be provided, for example for the production of multilayer tablets. By means of the Ausstoßkurve 32, the compressed tablets 48 are then on the surface of the die plate 14 and routed in a stripping device 50 into an exit channel 52 for further use.

An einem Stempelpaar ist in Fig. 1 beispielhaft eine erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung zur Messung der vertikalen Position eines Oberstempels 18 und eines Unterstempels 20 dargestellt. Insbesondere sind an einem Oberstempel 18 und einem Unterstempel 20 jeweils ein parallel zur vertikalen Bewegungsrichtung des jeweiligen Ober- und Unterstempels 18, 20 verlaufender Maßstab 54, insbesondere Längenmaßstab, angeordnet. Die Längemaßstäbe 54 sind dabei in die Umfangsfläche der jeweiligen Oberstempel 18 und Unterstempel 20 eingebracht. Dies ist in den Darstellungen in Fig. 2 und Fig. 3 beispielhaft für den Oberstempel 18 vergrößert dargestellt. Es kann sich bei den Maßstäben 54 beispielsweise um Inkrementalmaßstäbe oder absolut codierte Maßstäbe handeln. Weiterhin sind zwei den Maßstäben 54 jeweils zugeordnete Leseeinrichtungen 56 vorgesehen. Die Leseeinrichtungen 56, in dem dargestellten Beispiel magnetische Leseeinrichtungen, sind an der oberen Stempelaufnahme 22 bzw. der unteren Stempelaufnahme 24 angeordnet und rotieren somit ebenfalls synchron mit dem Rotor 12. Die Maßstäbe 54 und die ihnen jeweils zugeordneten Leseeinrichtungen 56 bewegen sich horizontal relativ zueinander nicht.At a stamp pair is in Fig. 1 exemplified a device according to the invention for measuring the vertical position of a punch 20 and a lower punch 20 shown. In particular, a parallel to the vertical direction of movement of the respective upper and lower punch 18, 20 extending scale 54, in particular length scale, are arranged on a top punch 18 and a lower punch 20 respectively. The Längemaßstäbe 54 are introduced into the peripheral surface of the respective upper punch 18 and lower punch 20. This is in the illustrations in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 exemplified enlarged for the upper punch 18. The scales 54 may be, for example, incremental scales or absolutely coded scales. Furthermore, two measuring devices 54 assigned to the scales 54 are provided. The reading devices 56, in the illustrated example magnetic reading devices, are arranged on the upper punch holder 22 and the lower punch holder 24 and thus also rotate synchronously with the rotor 12. The scales 54 and their associated reading devices 56 do not move horizontally relative to each other ,

Die Anordnung der Leseeinrichtungen 56 in Bezug auf die Maßstäbe 54 ist in Fig. 4 vergrößert gezeigt. Dabei sind die Leseeinrichtungen 56 in geringem Abstand zu den Maßstäben 54 an der jeweiligen Stempelaufnahme 22, 24 befestigt. Die Maßstäbe 54 sind dabei so in die Umfangsfläche der Stempel 18, 20 eingebracht, dass sie in Umfangsrichtung der Drehbewegung der Stempel 18, 20 nach außen weisen. Bei sich drehendem Rotor 12 und damit sich mitdrehenden Stempeln 18, 20 sowie mitdrehenden Leseeinrichtungen 56 bewegen sich die in die Stempel 18, 20 integrierten Maßstäbe 54 in vertikaler Richtung an dem Messfenster der Leseeinrichtungen 56 vorbei. Dabei lesen die Leseeinrichtungen 56 zu jedem Zeitpunkt der Drehbewegung die inkrementalen Impulse oder die absolut codierten Positionen der Stempel 18, 20 aus. Eine in die Leseeinrichtungen 56 jeweils integrierte Auswerteeinrichtung ermittelt daraus die vertikalen Positionen bzw. Bewegungen der Stempel 18, 20 entlang des gesamten Umfangs ihrer Drehbewegungen. Die Auswerteeinrichtungen können selbstverständlich auch separat von den Leseeinrichtungen 56 vorgesehen sein. Insbesondere ist eine gemeinsame Auswerteeinrichtung für mehrere, insbesondere sämtliche Leseeinrichtungen möglich. Weiterhin ist ein nicht näher dargestellter Winkelencoder vorgesehen, mit dem die während einer Rotorumdrehung eingenommenen Umfangspositionen der Stempel 18, 20 gemessen werden können. Mittels der Auswerteeinrichtungen können die mit den Leseeinrichtungen 56 gemessenen vertikalen Positionen der Stempel 18, 20 den mit dem Winkelencoder gemessenen Umfangspositionen der Stempel 18, 20 zugeordnet werden. Auf diese Weise ist eine vollständige Überwachung der Stempelbewegungen sowohl in vertikaler als auch in Drehrichtung möglich.The arrangement of the readers 56 with respect to the scales 54 is shown in FIG Fig. 4 shown enlarged. In this case, the reading devices 56 are attached at a small distance from the scales 54 on the respective punch holder 22, 24. The scales 54 are so inserted into the peripheral surface of the punch 18, 20 that they are in the circumferential direction of the rotational movement of the Stamp 18, 20 point outward. When the rotor 12 rotates and stamps 18, 20 rotate with it as well as with rotating reading devices 56, the scales 54 integrated into the punches 18, 20 move in the vertical direction past the measuring window of the reading devices 56. The reading devices 56 read the incremental pulses or the absolutely coded positions of the punches 18, 20 at each point in time of the rotary movement. An evaluation device respectively integrated into the reading devices 56 determines therefrom the vertical positions or movements of the punches 18, 20 along the entire circumference of their rotary movements. Of course, the evaluation devices can also be provided separately from the reading devices 56. In particular, a common evaluation device for several, in particular all reading devices is possible. Furthermore, an angle encoder, not shown, is provided, with which the circumferential positions of the punches 18, 20 taken during a rotor rotation can be measured. By means of the evaluation devices, the vertical positions of the punches 18, 20 measured with the reading devices 56 can be assigned to the circumferential positions of the punches 18, 20 measured with the angle encoder. In this way, a complete monitoring of the punch movements in both the vertical and in the direction of rotation is possible.

Wie in Fig. 5 beispielhaft für den Oberstempel 18 dargestellt, werden die von der Leseeinrichtung 56 ermittelten Positionsdaten anschließend an eine ebenfalls an dem Rotor angeordnete und mit dem Rotor 12 rotierende Sendeeinrichtung 58 gesendet, wie durch den Pfeil 57 veranschaulicht. Von der Sendeeinrichtung 58 werden die gemessenen Positionsdaten drahtlos, beispielsweise per Funk, an eine außerhalb des Rotors 12 ortsfest angeordnete Empfangseinrichtung 60 gesendet, wie durch den Pfeil 62 veranschaulicht. Von der Empfangseinrichtung 60 können die Positionsdaten an eine ebenfalls ortsfest außerhalb des Rotors angeordnete Steuereinrichtung 64 gesendet werden, wie durch den Pfeil 66 veranschaulicht. Von der Steuereinrichtung 64 können die Daten gegebenenfalls ergänzt durch entsprechende Steuerbefehle zur Steuerung der Tablettenpresse an eine Bedieneinrichtung 68 gesendet werden, wie durch den Pfeil 70 veranschaulicht. Insbesondere kann durch die Steuereinrichtung 64 mittels geeigneter Steuerbefehle Einfluss genommen werden, sofern die ermittelten Positionsdaten von Soll-Positionsdaten abweichen, so dass die gewünschte Tablettenqualität jederzeit zuverlässig gewährleistet ist. Auf der Bedieneinrichtung 68 können entsprechende Hinweise für einen Bediener ausgegeben bzw. entsprechende Eingaben des Bedieners entgegengenommen werden. Es ist auch möglich, dass die von der Empfangseinrichtung 60 empfangenen Positionsdaten direkt an die Bedieneinrichtung 68 gesendet werden, ohne die Steuereinrichtung zu durchlaufen, wie durch den Pfeil 72 in Fig. 5 veranschaulicht. In diesem Fall kann der Bediener der Anlage manuell die ermittelten Positionsdaten mit Soll-Daten vergleichen und beispielsweise ebenfalls manuell entsprechende Gegenmaßnahmen einleiten.As in Fig. 5 by way of example for the upper punch 18, the position data determined by the reading device 56 are subsequently sent to a transmitting device 58 which is likewise arranged on the rotor and rotates with the rotor 12, as illustrated by the arrow 57. From the transmitting device 58, the measured position data becomes wireless, For example, by radio, sent to a stationary outside of the rotor 12 receiving device 60, as illustrated by the arrow 62. From the receiving device 60, the position data can be sent to a control device 64, which is likewise arranged stationarily outside the rotor, as illustrated by the arrow 66. If necessary, the data may be sent by the control device 64 to a control device 68 by means of corresponding control commands for controlling the tablet press, as illustrated by the arrow 70. In particular, the control device 64 can influence it by means of suitable control commands, provided that the determined position data deviate from desired position data, so that the desired tablet quality is reliably guaranteed at all times. On the operating device 68 corresponding instructions for an operator can be output or appropriate inputs of the operator to be received. It is also possible that the position data received by the receiving device 60 are sent directly to the operating device 68 without passing through the control device, as indicated by the arrow 72 in FIG Fig. 5 illustrated. In this case, the operator of the system can manually compare the determined position data with target data and, for example, also manually initiate appropriate countermeasures.

Selbstverständlich können mehrere, insbesondere sämtliche der Pressstempel der Presse eine erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung mit entsprechenden zugeordneten Leseeinrichtungen aufweisen.Of course, several, in particular all of the press dies of the press may have a device according to the invention with corresponding associated reading devices.

Mit der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung bzw. dem erfindungsgemäßen Verfahren können in konstruktiv einfacher und zuverlässiger Weise auch nicht vorhersehbare vertikale Stempelbewegungen erfasst und analysiert werden. Daraus wiederum können präzise Schlüsse auf die Verpressbarkeit und die Eigenschaften der jeweils zu verpressenden Substanzen gezogen werden.With the device according to the invention or the method according to the invention, unpredictable vertical stamp movements can be recorded and analyzed in a structurally simple and reliable manner. In turn, precise conclusions can be drawn on the compressibility and the properties of the substances to be pressed in each case.

Claims (12)

  1. Device for the measurement of the vertical position of upper and lower punches, pairwisely associated to a rotatably driven rotor of a rotary tablet press and rotating synchronously with the rotor, which perform a vertical movement in certain regions along the circumference of their rotational movement during a rotation of the rotor, wherein at least one scale (54) arranged on at least one of the upper and/or lower punches (18, 20), running in parallel to the vertical movement direction of the respective upper and/or lower punch (18, 20), and
    at least one reading device (56) associated to the scale (54), also rotating synchronously with the rotor (12), by means of which a vertical position of the respective upper and/or lower punch (18, 20) can be measured by reading out the scale (54),
    wherein the device has an angular sensor, by which the circumferential positions of at least one upper and/or lower punch (18, 20) occupied during a rotation of the rotor can be measured, wherein the vertical positions of the at least one upper and/or lower punch (18, 20) measured by the reading device (56) can be assigned to the circumferential positions of the respective upper and/or lower punch (18, 20) measured by the angular sensor by means of an analysing device.
  2. Device according to claim 1, characterised in that the scale (54) is an incremental scale.
  3. Device according to claim 1, characterised in that the scale (54) is an absolute scale.
  4. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the reading device (56) is adapted to read out the scale (54) optically, magnetically, capacitively and/or inductively.
  5. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the scale (54) is arranged on a circumferential surface of the respective upper and/or lower punch (18, 20), being incorporated into the circumferential surface in particular.
  6. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the reading device (56) is arranged on an accommodation element (22, 24) of the respective upper and/or lower punch (18, 20).
  7. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a sending device (58), also synchronously rotating with the rotor (12), and a receiving device (60) arranged stationarily outside of the rotor (12) are provided, wherein position data measured by the reading device (56) can be sent to the receiving device (60) by means of the sending device (58) via a wireless transmission.
  8. Rotary tablet press with a rotatably driven rotor and upper and lower punches, pairwisely associated to the rotor and rotating synchronously with the rotor, which perform a vertical movement in certain regions along the circumference of their rotational movement during a rotation of the rotor, characterised by a device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.
  9. Method for the measurement of the vertical position of upper and lower compression punches, pairwisely associated to a rotatably driven rotor of a rotary tablet press and rotating synchronously with the rotor, which perform a vertical movement in certain regions along the circumference of their rotational movement during a rotation of the rotor,
    wherein vertical positions of at least one upper and/or lower punch (18, 20) are measured along the complete circumference of its rotational movement during at least one rotation of the rotor,
    wherein the circumferential positions of at least one upper and/or lower punch (18, 20) occupied during a rotation of the rotor are measured, wherein the measured vertical positions of the at least one upper and/or lower punch (18, 20) are assigned to the measured circumferential positions of the respective upper and/or lower punch (18, 20).
  10. Method according to claim 9, characterised in that it is performed with a device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the vertical positions of the at least one upper and/or lower punch (18, 20) are measured by means of the reading device (56) by reading out the scale (54).
  11. Method according to any one of claims 9 or 10, characterised in that the scale (54) is read out optically, magnetically, capacitively and/or inductively by the reading device (56).
  12. Method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterised in that by means of a sending device (58) also synchronously rotating with the rotor (12), position data measured by the reading device (56) can be sent to a receiving device (60) arranged stationarily outside of the rotor (12) via a wireless transmission.
EP09003349.9A 2008-03-27 2009-03-07 Device and method for measuring the vertical position of top and bottom punches of a rotary tablet press Active EP2105291B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102008015820A DE102008015820B4 (en) 2008-03-27 2008-03-27 Apparatus and method for measuring the vertical position of upper and lower punches of a rotary tablet press

Publications (3)

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EP2105291A2 EP2105291A2 (en) 2009-09-30
EP2105291A3 EP2105291A3 (en) 2012-12-05
EP2105291B1 true EP2105291B1 (en) 2017-05-03

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EP09003349.9A Active EP2105291B1 (en) 2008-03-27 2009-03-07 Device and method for measuring the vertical position of top and bottom punches of a rotary tablet press

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US (1) US7988440B2 (en)
EP (1) EP2105291B1 (en)
DE (1) DE102008015820B4 (en)

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DE202010003848U1 (en) 2010-03-17 2010-07-15 Luxner, Peter, Dipl.-Ing. Device for pressing powder and granules
DE102010011995A1 (en) 2010-03-17 2011-09-22 Peter Luxner Method for operating pressing device, involves pressing powder and granulates in die plate of press with die, where radial warping of mold against wall of die plate set during pressing of powder and granulates is measured
DE102011101287B4 (en) * 2011-05-10 2013-11-14 Fette Compacting Gmbh Wiper device for a rotary press, rotary press and method for operating a rotary press
FR2984798B1 (en) * 2011-12-22 2014-01-31 Centre Nat Rech Scient HIGH PRESSURE PRESS COMPRISING MEANS FOR TRANSLATING AND ROTATING IN RELATION TO THE OTHER ENCLUENTS BETWEEN WHICH HIGH PRESSURE IS APPLIED AND ASSOCIATED CONTROL DEVICE.
EP3308944B1 (en) * 2016-10-17 2021-04-14 Gabler Thermoform GmbH & Co. KG Method and apparatus for thermoforming
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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP2105291A2 (en) 2009-09-30
EP2105291A3 (en) 2012-12-05
DE102008015820A1 (en) 2009-10-01
US20090243132A1 (en) 2009-10-01
DE102008015820B4 (en) 2013-02-28
US7988440B2 (en) 2011-08-02

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